Author Archives: Barb

The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber -a Review

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The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber -a Review

 

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Description:
A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington, is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school.

Despite having settled quickly into the community, something is still missing for Hope. That is, until her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. But true to her name, Hope believes he’s worth saving.

Like Shadow, shelter volunteer Cade Lincoln Jr., is suffering with injuries most can’t see. A wounded ex-marine, Cade identifies with Shadow, assuming they are both beyond help. Hope senses that what they each need is someone to believe in them, and she has a lot of love to give. As she gains Shadow’s trust, Hope notices Cade begins to open up as well. Finding the courage to be vulnerable again, Cade and Hope take steps toward a relationship, and Hope finally begins to feel at peace in her new home.

But Hope’s new happiness is put to the test when Cade’s past conflicts resurface, and Hope becomes embroiled in the escalating situation at the high school. Love and compassion are supposed to heal all wounds. But are they enough to help Hope and Cade overcome the pain of their past and the obstacles in the way of a better future?

 

 

Review:

The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a heartwarming standalone novel. We meet Hope Godwin, our heroine, who recently moved to Oceanside, Washington, and is a teacher at the local high school.  Hope lost her twin brother, and both of her parents, and hopes that this small town will take away the grief and build a new life; though she still feels like something is missing.  Her landlord asks her to help out as a volunteer at his Animal shelter; soon she meets Shadow, a rescue dog, who is aggressive to anyone who approaches him.  She decides to spend more time with Shadow, determined to get him to know her, and bring him out of his shell. To everyone’s surprise, Shadow slowly begins to change, learning to love Hope, with her adopting Shadow.

We also meet, Cade Lincoln, our hero, a former marine, who is in court, being sentenced in a bar fight.  Cade lost his best friends during the war, which continues his despondent and angry behavior.  The judge sees that he is a shell of his former self, and knows he was awarded the purple heart.  She decides to give him choices; do volunteer work and therapy or go to jail for a year; Cade accepts the volunteer work, which also include counseling and therapy.   Cade decides to work at the Animal shelter as part of his community service, where he will eventually meet Hope. 

Cade watches how great Hope is patiently handling, Shadow, and in a short time he will open up to befriending Hope.  In a short time, their friendship, helps find the courage to move toward a relationship and slowly happiness, peace and romance. 

There is another storyline with Hope’s students, that she will get involved to help; but the issues are intense, with high school drama, attacks, kidnapping, as well as drugs. I really loved Hope, as she was a terrific heroine. I did like Cade, but he would jump to conclusions at times.  I loved loved Shadow, who turned into an amazing and wonderful dog. 

The Best is Yet to Come is a wonderful heartwarming story line, so very well written by Debbie Macomber.  The story covered many issues, dealing with family, tragedy, obstacles, school issues, drugs and PDST; but Macomber gave us a great couple in a pure clean romance. I wholly suggest you read The Best is Yet to Come.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin – a Review

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A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin – a Review

 

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Description:
Kitty Talbot needs a fortune. Or rather, she needs a husband who has a fortune. Left with her father’s massive debts, she has only twelve weeks to save her family from ruin.

Kitty has never been one to back down from a challenge, so she leaves home and heads toward the most dangerous battleground in all of England: the London season.

Kitty may be neither accomplished nor especially genteel—but she is utterly single-minded; imbued with cunning and ingenuity, she knows that risk is just part of the game.

The only thing she doesn’t anticipate is Lord Radcliffe. The worldly Radcliffe sees Kitty for the mercenary fortune-hunter that she really is and is determined to scotch her plans at all costs, until their parrying takes a completely different turn…

This is a frothy pleasure, full of brilliant repartee and enticing wit—one that readers will find an irresistible delight.

 

 

Review:

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin is her debut romantic novel. We meet our heroine, Kitty Talbot, at the start, when she is jilted by her fiancée.  Kitty is not only shocked, since they planned to marry soon, and now she is in a bind.  Kitty is the oldest of 5 sisters, with her parents gone; she knows she is responsible to find a way to come up with money to save their home.  She only has few months to find a wealthy husband, who can pay off their debts, as well as fix their decaying cottage; she decides to go to England, as the London season is open to find a rich man.

Kitty brings her sister, Cecily with her to stay in London with their aunt Dorothy.  She is determined to push herself upon the London wealthy families, using her own ingenuity, pretending to have money.  At first, she meets young Archie de Lay, who becomes enamored with her, and Kitty uses her wiles to get his mother and sister into a friendship; that is until the older brother comes home, and can see she is a fortune hunter. 

Lord Radcliffe has been away from London and his family for a couple of years, but when his mother writes him to come home, and talk to Archie from getting married.  When Kitty meets James (Lord Radcliffe), they immediately get off on the wrong foot, but her friendship with the mother and sister continues, as she begins her conquest of finding a rich man, who once married, would help pay off the family debits, and help her sisters future.  The continued banter/arguments between Kitty and James were amusing, as Kitty changed her tune, and put pressure on James to help her in finding the right man.  The only thought I had throughout the story, was they the eventual slow burn romance was just about nonexistent; even though we found it fun and charming.  With all the possible conquests, James does help, but as we get closer to the end, he fights off his own attraction to Kitty.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting was a fun story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did find Kitty a bit annoying early one, but she was an amazing and strong heroine, who put her sisters first, in her desperation to marry, even if not for love.  I also enjoyed the aunt and Cecily. To say too much more would spoil the fun.  A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting was a regency era romance, that was very well written by Sophie Irwin.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Remember Love by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Remember Love by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The handsome and charismatic Earl of Stratton, Caleb Ware, has been exposed to the ton for his clandestine affairs—by his own son.

As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor.

So be it. He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn’t look back for six years. But now his father is dead, the Ware family is broken, and as the heir he is being called home. It’s only when Gwyneth Rhys—the woman he loved and then lost after his family banished him—holds out her hand to help him that he is able make the difficult journey and try to piece together his fractured family.

It is Gwyneth’s loyalty, patience, and love that he needs. But is Devlin’s war-hardened heart even capable of offering her love in return?

 

 

Review:

Remember Love by Mary Balogh is the first book in her new Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series.  Remember Love was a bit slow at the start, which is normal in historical or fantasy, as we get introduced to all the main characters and the lands. 

Ravenswood is the family home, where Caleb Ware is the Earl of Stratton; with the entire family living in a happy environment on their country estate, always kind and gracious, as well as helping everyone in the countryside, including lavish parties.  Devlin Ware is the oldest son, and the heir, with his father teaching him everything, to prepare him for when he would assume the title of Earl.

Devlin finds himself attracted to Gwyneth Rhys, and to his surprise, he learns she has always had a crush on him, even though his brother Nicholas was best friends with Gwyn.  He asks Gwyn to marry him, and at one of the lavish parties, Devlin is walking with Gwyn, and discovers his father with another woman.  All hell breaks loose, with Devlin causing a ruckus and the family being torn apart, with his family banishing him; he leaves the next morning to join the army, along with Ben, his step brother.  Poor Gwyneth is shocked, as Devlin does not say goodbye to his mother nor Gwyn.

With the death of his father, Devlin will return home 6 years later, a changed man, who was a highly respected officer in the wars.  Devlin struggles with his emotions, as he tries to resume his broken relationships with his mother and siblings.  After 6 years, Devlin runs into Gwyn, surprised she is not married, though she is close to someone; Devlin is nice to Gwyn, but cold and unemotional; tells her to not count on him, as he is incapable of love. Will Gwyn, once she realizes she still loves Devlin, be able to open his heart again?

Remember Love was another great start to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Gwyn and Devlin, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, just to name a few.  Remember Love was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of REMEMBER LOVE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 12th to July 16th, 2022

 

 

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Megan White should’ve died twenty-five years ago.

Now she appears to have it all—a solid career, a trendy apartment—but she feels like a fraud. A firefighter, Megan has an edge she doesn’t deserve. She doesn’t burn. Torn between her duty and her dreams, Megan is about to escape to the life she always wanted when a handsome soldier marches into her life.

After his dad barely escapes a house fire, Troy Chapman is forced to return home from the army. He finds the life he left behind buried in ashes with a beautiful red-haired firefighter at the center of it all.

Troy has six weeks to set everything straight before he returns to base, but time at home isn’t easy. Haunted by painful childhood memories, he is now fighting to reclaim the little peace he had before Iraq. A dedicated soldier, Troy is committed to returning to the army, but something about Megan makes him want to put down roots in the very place he’s been trying to escape for years.

Megan and Troy burn for each other, but time is ticking until they must go back to their separate lives. With a new danger on the horizon, Megan and Troy must decide what they really want before they lose their chance at love—and possibly their lives.

A steamy contemporary romance, A Touch of Fire is the second book in the Sisters in Sirens series. If you like strong women with secret superpowers and the men who love them, you’ll love Kathryn K. Murphy’s newest page-turning romance. Get your copy today!

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy is the second book in this series. And it’s being added as a favourite series to read again. I loved it, couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Ordinary women with powers they have to hide. 

Megan is fireproof, there is no better way to describe it. She’s never been able to get burnt, so being a firefighter seemed the obvious choice of career. She’s also a lover of animals, she has cats and birds, and a turtle. In fact she gets on better with animals that with people. That’s probably why she offers a temporary home to the dog she rescued from the fire she attended. (Can’t keep pets in hospitals).  I liked Megan, a kind hearted soul who only wants to help. 

Laura is the paramedic with healing hands (Laura/Carter are MC’s in book one A Touch of Healing) Laura and Megan became friends after Megan discovered Laura’s secret, they are now secret sisters (sworn to keep one another’s secret safe from the world) she gave a boost to the old man who suffered in the fire. 

Troy is a bit of an enigma at first. We meet him at his work of place with is the army, he’s informed by phone that his father had suffered a heart attack after a fire. He’s being asked to visit and arrange care for his father. Reading between the lines I get the feeling he’s seeing a therapist for the loss of family members. Troy seems like a nice nice, but can he actually help his father and give him the care he needs? 

When Megan and Troy meet for the first time, Troy is mesmerised by the mysterious woman. He wants to know more about her, but before he can talk to her, she’s off…..They soon bond over the love of Troy’s father. They become close, but Troy is hiding something. And that will come back and test the bond Megan and Troy have for one another…..

They want to be together, with him about to return to barracks can they really form a lasting relationship? 

It’s not necessary to read the previous book as it stands on its own quiet happily, but yet there is a mystery that needs solving! And that’s where Ash Comes in ?

A highly recommended read from me. ?

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied for review

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In Her Boots by KJ Dell’Antonia – a Review

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In Her Boots by Dell’Antonia – a Review

 

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Description:
Filling these boots is harder than it looks.

Rhett Gallagher’s adventurous life is imploding. Just as she turns the big 4-0, her long-term relationship collapses, and news of a tragedy forces her to return to the family farm. The only silver lining is that Rhett’s inspirational book, The Modern Pioneer Girl—written under a pseudonym—has become a wild success, so much so that in a moment of panic, self-doubting Rhett persuades her best friend Jasmine to step into the limelight as the famed author.

But their prank turns into something more when the controlling mother Rhett hasn’t seen in two decades announces her intent to sell the farm Rhett loves and expected to make her own. To Rhett’s dismay, her mother is far more impressed by the fake author than she’s ever been by Rhett. To save her inheritance—and her identity—Rhett must concoct a scheme that will save the farm, and prove to her mother, and to herself, that she can stand on her own two feet.

 

 

Review:

In Her Boots by KJ Dell’Antonia is a standalone romance novel. We meet Rhett Gallagher, our heroine, at the start when she returns from Argentina to go back home, as death of her grandmother, sends her to take control of their farm, and bring it back to its glory days.  When she arrives, Rhett is surprised to learn that her mother, whom she has not seen in 20 years, controls half of the farm; and plans to tear it down and offer it to the local college.  Rhett is determined to fight to keep the farm, despite her mother’s wishes.

Before returning to the farm, Rhett was asked to appear on the Today Show, as she is a well known author with her successful book, Modern Pioneer Girl; which is under the p pseudonym of Maggie Strong.  Rhett arrives at the studio with her bff Jasmine, and overhears a voice from the past; her professor mother; she panics and begs Jas to step in and pretend to be Maggie Strong. Jas does a great job posing as Maggie, humiliating the mother, and becomes the face of the Modern Pioneer Girl, as well as amassing a large internet fan base. 

Besides her mother’s attempt to sell the farm, Rhett runs into her ex-college boyfriend, Mike, who is an architect, working with the mother to sell the farm.  Mike also has a daughter, Louise, from his previous marriage, who loves helping at the farm, a big fan of Maggie Strong (as the whole town thinks Jas is her).  In a short time, Mike and local neighbors will help Rhett out to fix up the farm, and their friendship rekindles.  Though the relationship between Mike and Rhett was very slow build, I did like him, especially as he was willing to help her.  It was not an easy task to run and fix up the farm, but both Rhett and Jas worked hard (she baked all the wonderful pastries, bringing people to buy them); their was horses, Ilama, chickens, etc. 

What follows is Rhett determined to make the farm a success, and find a way to get past the strained relationship with her mother to save her inheritance.  The best part of this story was the wonderful friendship between Rhett and Jas; who was always pushing Rhett to step up and reclaim Maggie Strong identity.

In Her Boots is a light enjoyable story about forgiveness, second chances, friendship, and love.  This was a fast read, and very well written by KJ Dell’Antonia.  I really enjoyed this book, and suggest you read In Her Boots.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

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Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

 

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Description:
It will take the frosty terrain of the Arctic to show these rival scientists that their chemistry burns hot.

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn…

Hannah’s got a bad feeling about this. Not only has the NASA aerospace engineer found herself injured and stranded at a remote Arctic research station—but the one person willing to undertake the hazardous rescue mission is her longtime rival.

Ian has been many things to Hannah: the villain who tried to veto her expedition and ruin her career, the man who stars in her most deliciously lurid dreams…but he’s never played the hero. So why is he risking everything to be here? And why does his presence seem just as dangerous to her heart as the coming snowstorm?

 

 

Review:

Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood is the 3rd book in her The STEMinist Novellas series. Mara, Sadie and Hannah were best friends, with each being scientists in different fields; in Below Zero, Hannah is the lead. In the first two books, Hannah was sweet, but I did find her somewhat annoying early on in the book.

Hannah is an aerospace engineer for NASA, and she loves her job.  She met Ian, early on, discovering how hot he was; but all she wanted was sex, no dating, and Ian just stepped away; since he was interested in dating and getting to know Hannah.  Over the years, she runs into Ian a couple of times, and in her sexy dreams: but when she learns that he denied her major project, she is angrier than ever, meeting up with him to tell him off.  But her boss managed to get people to support her project, despite Ian’s claim that it was too dangerous.

There is no question that Ian was attracted to Hannah, but she wasn’t really nice to him, and because of that I did not feel the chemistry between them; at least until closer to the end.  When Hannah starts her project, she becomes injured during a storm at her remote station, unable to get out.  To her shock, the person who will come to rescue her is Ian; Hannah doesn’t understand why he would put his own life in danger for her.

What follows is a quick story line, that was a bit funny, somewhat zany, and at times fun.  I have enjoyed Ali Hazelwood’s previous full novels, but thus far I am not a fan of these novellas. Love on the Brain is the next full-length novel. If you like novellas, that are zany and fun, you should read Ali Hazelwood.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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The Lost by Jeffrey B. Burton – a Review

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The Lost by Jeffrey B. Burton – a Review

 

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Description:
Glencoe, Illinois: A home invasion turned kidnapping at the mansion of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman brings Mason “Mace” Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira, to this wealthy northern suburb of Chicago. Druckman was assaulted, left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom.

Brought to the scene by the FBI, Reid specializes in human remains detection, and Vira is the star of his pack of cadaver dogs he’s dubbed The Finders. After Vira finds the dead body of the mother, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, everyone is on high alert to find Druckman’s missing daughter before the five-year-old disappears forever. But the trail Vira finds on the property’s dense woodlands leads right back to Druckman himself.

With the help of Detective Kippy Gimm, Reid and Vira must race against the clock. Nothing is as it appears to be . . . and the red herrings could be lethal.

 

Review:

The Lost by Jeffrey B Burton is the 3rd book in his Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Refresher:  Mace Reid, our hero, trains dogs (cadaver dogs) that can hunt for dead bodies. He works with the police, and Vira, one of his amazing dogs (Sue, Maggie, Delta and Bill), has unique abilities to sense things besides dead bodies, such as a slight paranormal element of sensing the murderer.

Mace receives a call from Special Agent Len Squires to bring Vira to the home of Billionaire Financier Kenneth Druckman, who was assaulted and his wife and daughter have been kidnapped.  A ransom has been demanded, with Mace and Vira assigned to trek on the extensive grounds around the mansion.  Vira finds the dead body of the wife, but the daughter is still missing; however, Vira finds the trail leads back to the Druckman’s estate.  Unable to prove to Squires, Mace now suspects the husband had a hand in killing his wife.

Kippy Grimm, our heroine and Mace’s girlfriend, is a homicide detective, and starts to work close with Mace and Vira to investigate Druckman and his Russian mob connections.  What follows is a wonderful exciting, tense thriller, with non-stop action, edge of your seat suspense, and a few twists along the way, Things will escalate when Mace and Kippy searching for the daughter and Vira (who is protecting the girl), find themselves in intense danger. 

The Lost was intriguing and tense, with a complex tale of kidnapping, murder, and the Russian mob. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and this is the kind of book you need to read to understand.  Mace continues to be a wonderful hero, as well as Kippy, who is tough,savvy and strong. Not to mention Vira, who remains the star of this series, being an amazing dog.

The Lost was another great addition to this series, and very well written by Jeffrey B. Burton.  If you enjoy murder mystery thrillers, with great characters and wonderful specialized cadaver dogs, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade – a Review

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Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade – a Review

 

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Description:
A burned-out veterinarian takes a much-needed beach vacation, where a charming surfer makes waves in her love life, and a unique foster pup renews her passion for her work.

Exhausted veterinarian Morgan Pearce is feeling overworked and under-thanked, so when two favorite clients ask her to watch their special needs senior dog in their Nantucket home, she jumps at the chance for a summer break. She hopes her time on the island will be a reset from the stress of her everyday life, but her chill vacation vibe takes a hit when she gets roped into fostering a challenging, anxious dog and helping plan the local rescue group’s glittery annual fundraiser.

Her trip starts to feel more like a vacation when Morgan begins falling for Nathan Keating, an irresistible entrepreneur who thinks every problem can be solved on a surfboard. Just as the summer is shaping up to be the magical refresh she needs, thanks to a fling that feels like the beginning of something real and Hudson, the foster dog who reminds her how much she loves her job, a visit from her estranged brother and the discovery of who Nathan really is changes everything. Morgan finds herself at a crossroads, trying to determine if mistakes from the past must define the future, or if she should forgive, forget, and grab hold of a chance to finally rescue herself.

 

Review:

Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade is a cute fun romance, with adorable dogs.  Morgan Pearce, our heroine, is a veterinarian, who is overworked and somewhat burned out, and when she faints on the job, she knows she needs to take a break.  I was surprised to learn that many Veterinarians have a high rate of suicide, due to the stress and pressor that takes a mental toll. 

Morgan loves dogs, and when one of her customers offer her a chance to spend a few months at Nantucket, while they are away, to watch over their dog, Bernadette; she accepts. Other then the people offered her the chance to get a good vacation, Morgan hides that she is a veterinarian, and claims only to babysitting the dog.  Bernadette was a sweet lovable dog, which was easy for Morgan. But she is asked to foster a challenging and anxious dog, as well as help with the local rescue group’s annual fundraiser. Morgan is happy and content in beautiful Nantucket, allowing herself to relax and enjoy the friends she has met, as well as both dogs she is taking care of; and now she finds herself meeting hot hunk.

Nathan Keating, our hero, has been pushing his new flavored drinks, which he hopes will escalate into a successful business; he is also very friendly with everyone in town.   is the gorgeous guy who is friendly to all. He meets Morgan, and in a short time a slow build romance begins, with them spending a lot of time together, as well as him training Morgan how to surf. 

What follows is a lighthearted, fun, enjoyable story, which also deals with stress, burnout & mental health. This book does give us a look at the harshness of the veterinary profession.  I really liked Morgan and Nathan, and hoped they could get past some personal issues to stay together.  I will say I absolutely loved the dogs, especially Bernadette and Hudson, who Morgan slowly trained her to overcome his fears.  

Dog Friendly was a very good story line, with a great couple, wonderful fun dogs, and so very well written by Victoria Schade.  This was a charming read, that kept me unable to put the book down.  I suggest you read Dog Friendly.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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