In The Dog House by Traci Hall – a Review

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Description:
Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he’s called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again. Or to still have those same feelings. But Jackson isn’t looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that.

Review:

In the Dog House begins with Emma Mercer at a local school doing a presentation to the kids about the service dogs she trains.   The last person she ever expected to see was Jackson Hardy, her first love, who left town ten years earlier and left her heartbroken.  When one particular child shows interest in her dogs, she is taken aback by Jackson’s gruff reaction.  When she realizes the little boy is his nephew, she learns that his mom (Jackson’s sister) was in a bad accident and is in a medically induced coma to help her heal.  Which is why Jackson is on leave from the marines and in town to take care of the little guy.  To top it all off, Jackson didn’t even recognize Emma……until later.

Emma has a lot on her plate.  She wants to expand her kennel and she’s trying to get her doctorate in psychology.  When her professor calls her in, she discovers that he is not happy that she is still working on her thesis and gives her a hard deadline to get it finalized.  She then heads home and finds that someone has broken into her kennels and is trying to nab one of her dogs.  With adrenaline pumping, she approaches the masked bandit, only to discover that it is none other than Jackson’s nephew.  Emma knows that Jackson will be furious so when he arrives to pick his nephew up, she tries to ‘pad’ the truth as much as possible, without actually lying.  The nephew’s motives were honest, but he went about it the wrong way.  She and Jackson strike a deal where the little boy will work at the kennel a few days a week to make up for his  little indiscretion.  Little do any involved realize how much that little discretion will change everyone’s life

In the Dog House is a wonderfully written story of second chances, acknowledgement and acceptance.  Both Emma and Jackson were very well written.  The matters dealt with by both of them are real life issues that draw you in.  Emma’s upbringing, even though it was loving, has affected everything she’s ever done.  Jackson’s time in the military, however, is what draws you in and breaks your heart.  His PTSD is so prevalent that his ten year old nephew recognizes it right away.  As they all try to navigate new relationships and curves life keeps throwing, the way they all (human and furry) come together is just amazing.  You may shed a tear or two………. The secondary characters were engaging as well.  I love stories with animals, and the dogs in this story will melt your heart.  If you’re a fan of romance, you’ll enjoy this story.  This is the first I’ve read by this author, but hopefully not the last.  Well done, Traci Hall!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher