Love at First Bark by Michelle Major – a Review

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Description:
Sometimes love happens in the most re-bark-able way.

Cassie Raebourn’s love life has gone to the dogs—literally. A childhood trauma inspired her career as a veterinarian where she indulges her special fondness for dogs. Then, Aiden Riley unexpectedly walks into her clinic and steals her heart. The reckless rodeo star was at the center of the trauma all those years ago. Cassie knows Aiden feels the attraction too. Can they bury the past and find the courage to let each other in?

Review:

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major is the 12^th book in her Crimson, Colorado series.   I have not read the earlier books of this series, not really knowing about it.  I have become a fan of Michelle Major having loved her Carolina Girls, Magnolia Sisters series. 

We meet Cassie Raebourn and Aiden Riley at the start, when they were young teenagers; in a heartbreaking scene where Aiden’s dog was brought to the veterinarian clinic in hope to save his dog, who was brutally beaten by Aiden’s abusive father.  Cassie worked part time to help at the clinic.  The dog died, and Aiden left Crimson, with his mother and sister, getting away from the terrible father/husband.

Twenty years later, Cassie also returns to Crimson to be near her mother, and fills in at the same veterinarian clinic where she volunteered as a youngster. Cassie has always been an animal lover, is hoping to become a partner at the clinic; with one vet she was close to and the other vet, very unlikeable.  Residents who come to the clinic love Cassie, with her sunny personality and wonderful care and compassion of the animals. Cassie is surprised to see Aiden again, after all the years, as he arrives at the clinic with his nephew, George, who is carrying an injured puppy.

Aiden came back to his home town to help out his sister and nephew, as his sister Lila recently lost her husband.  He is surprised when he sees Cassie, who is now a veterinarian, come out to look at the dog, Spud. He was happy to see her again, but because of his terrible past, Aiden comes across as difficult, telling his nephew that they will not take care of the dog. Other then his sister and nephew, Aiden has closed any feelings for anyone.  He doesn’t plan on staying long, especially remembering all those bad memories. Cassie having witnessed the horrible time years ago, understands how Aiden has shut himself down, with the exception of his sister and nephew.  

It is Cassie’s mother and Lila (Aiden’s sister) who work toward pushing Aiden to open himself up, as well as Cassie to try to get Aiden to allow for Spud to be adopted.  Cassie is wonderful vet, so caring, and a few times, she gets Aiden to help injured animals, and eventually he will adopt another dog, who lost his leg in an accident.  Though at the start, Aiden and Cassie do feel some sparks, but both are not in the best situation in their lives.  In a short time, we can see a romance forming between them, but Cassie who finds herself eventually falling for Aiden, recognizes the difficulty of getting Aiden to open his heart. Will Cassie succeed in winning Aiden over and staying in Crimson?

Cassie is also dealing with Dr. Smith, who is mean, heartless and not a caring vet, and he is determined to fire her, since everyone likes her.  His constant demeaning attitude against Cassie was terrible. Aiden will come forward a few times to defend Cassie. Lila, to her happiness, receives an offer to sell the land, as she could not handle it.

Love at First Bark was a wonderful story, revolving around family, animals and love. It was nice to see Cassie and Aiden slowly finding love along the way.  I loved all the dogs, especially Spud and Rosie, who were so great to watch. The epilogue at the end was great.   I really enjoyed the book, which is no surprise, as I enjoy Michelle Major’s books.  If you like a slow burn romance, great secondary characters and wonderful dogs, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher