Tag Archives: Debbie Burns

Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

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Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

 

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Description:
Love means learning to trust again.

Jake Stiles has no idea what he’s signing up for when he dashes into the rain to help a stranger and her dog who have been in a car accident, but fate has stepped in. Jenna Dunning was on her way to return her sister’s high-energy border collie to a shelter after another failed attempt at a forever home for him when a distracted driver ran into them. Jenna is being taken to the hospital and must rely on a caring stranger to take charge of the terrified canine. 

When Jake and Jenna reconnect, Jenna’s delighted to learn Jake has taken on fostering the poorly trained border collie, who they name Seven because this will be his seventh chance at being adopted. Jake’s not looking for a relationship—he just ended a disastrous one—but he realizes Jenna may be the key to making Seven’s fostering successful. The timing might be all wrong, but as they grow close, he has to admit that he’s falling in love.

 

 

Review:

Home Is Where the Bark Is by Debbie Burns is a sweet romance, and wonderful dog. We meet Jenna Dunning, who is on her way to return a dog to the animal shelter, as her sister/husband/kids, due to possible issues, can no longer take care of the dog.  The dog (later named Seven) is a high energy dog (Border Collie) who keeps getting returned to animal shelters.  Seven has endured a tough life in his young age, and when Jenna heads to the shelter, she gets injured in a car accident.  Jake Stiles, quickly runs out of his car to help rescue Jenna, as the other person did not stop. With the ambulance coming, Jake tries to calm Jenna, and she begs him to take the dog to the shelter.

Jake agrees to stop at the shelter, but they were closed, so he takes the dog to his condo, planning to take the dog back to the shelter the following morning.  After learning some of the dog’s history, Jake decides to foster Seven; who now uses his new name, especially since 6 times Seven was returned. Jake is determined to train Seven, teaching him to trust others who have not abused him.  When Jenna gets out of the hospital, she offers her place with her big yard to help train Seven. Jenna loves that Jake has taken to fostering Seven, and together they both do everything they can to give Seven a chance to find a forever home.

In a short time, both Jake and Jenna begin to have feelings for each other; with them also bonding with Seven.  I loved both Jake and Jenna, as they were perfect for each other; he was kind and caring, and Jenna was always so sweet.  Seven mostly steals the story, as he needed to trust humans again; as he slowly began to overcome his fears, becoming happy with Jake and Jenna.

Home is Where the Bark Is was a heartwarming, uplifting and emotional sweet story, that tugged my heartstrings.  Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another sweet wonderful story, which was very well written. I loved their growing relationship, as well as their love for Seven. Wonderful epilogue.  If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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You’re My Home by Debbie Burns – a Review

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You’re My Home by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Coming home will always give you a second chance… When Riley Leighton and Levi Duncan finally meet again, the chemistry between them is as hot as ever. But as much as Levi has missed Riley all these years, he still remembers the heartbreak when she left him the first time… Riley has spent a lifetime running from love. Now that she’s home again, starting her dream job at the local pet rescue, she also has another chance to get it right with Levi. Everything Riley’s wanted but thought she couldn’t have is almost within reach.

 

 

Review:

You’re My Home by Debbie Burns is the 7th book in her wonderful Rescue Me series. Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful sweet story as we return to the High Grove Animal Shelter, where we also get to see many of the people we got to know in the previous books.

Riley Leighton (our heroine) has returned home to support her mom during her cancer treatment; it has been 12 years since she left home.  To her surprise, Riley runs into her ex-boyfriend from school, when she left town and broke his heart.

Levi Duncan (our hero), suffered a terrible accident during his deep-sea diver job, and has been warned that he cannot continue to do that job because of his severe concussion.  Taking time off to decide on his career, he receives a message from his friend Marcus to help out at his dog training camp. When Levi runs into Riley, he still feels the chemistry between them, even after all those years.  There friendship between them resumes, as Riley keeps their feelings as friends only, since knows she will eventually be leaving again.

When she discovers a Great Dane, who seems to be lost, she brings him to High Grove Animal Shelter, where she meets some of those she knew, such as Meghan, the director, Tess, Kelsey and Patrick.  Riley offers to help work at the shelter, and begins to love her job walking the dogs, as well as taking control of the social media for the shelter.  She realizes that she has fallen in love with Arlo, the Great Dane, which in time, she will adopt.

Riley and Levi spend a lot of time together, with both helping to promote the plans for Marcus’s training camp, and the fundraiser for the Shelter; not to mention their love of the dogs they help.    Slowly, their feelings bring them back together, and will need to decide what the future holds for them.

You’re My Home is a charming second chance romance that is delightful, heartwarming and fun story of two people trying to get beyond their past, and move forward. It was great to see some of the past characters who lead the previous books, but most of all, I adored the dogs and the adorable & lovable, Arlo.

Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful addition to her Rescue Me series, which was a delightful, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end.  You’re My Home was well written by Debbie Burns.  If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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To Be Loved by You by Debbie Burns – a Review

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To Be Loved by You by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Jeremy Washington couldn’t be happier running his own therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn’t have time to date–which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be. The only thing he needs now is a new project for the kids in his program, and the High Grove Animal Shelter has the perfect opportunity–a group of dogs and puppies needing foster care.

At the rescue site, Jeremy meets Ava Graham, a yoga teacher looking to expand her practice. Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava’s the perfect person to help–maybe too perfect. Ava’s beautiful, talented, and funny–and she has the biggest heart Jeremy has seen in a long time. But can Ava convince him that mixing business and pleasure could be the key to rescuing his heart?

 

 

Review:

To Be Loved by You by Debbie Burns is part of her wonderful Rescue Me series.  Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful sweet story as we return to the High Grove Animal Shelter, where we also get to see many of the people we got to know in the previous books.

Ava Graham, our heroine, not only works in real estate, but is also a yoga instructor; she is Olivia’s sister (heroine in previous book).  When Ava goes to help Olivia at the shelter, she meets Jeremy, who is Gabe’s (Vet and Olivia’s significant other) friend, as he arrives with his adorable dog, Rolo.  

Jeremy Washington, our hero, has his own therapy program for teens, who need support. He decides that perhaps Ava’s yoga class would be a good benefit for them, especially since the shelter dogs would participate. Jeremy finds himself in awe of Ava, as she is not only beautiful, but very sweet, friendly, talented and savvy for his kids, and is great with the dogs. 

In a short time, as they begin to work together often, they both begin to have feelings for each other.  Though Ava is determined to win Jeremy over, he hesitates, as he has had a difficult childhood, and later marriage that still haunts him.  Can Ava convince Jeremy to open up his heart and move forward with her?

To Be Loved by You is a charming, delightful, heartwarming, fun story of two people trying to get beyond their past, and learn to trust each other.  I loved seeing some of the past characters who lead the previous books, but most of all, I adored the puppies, kittens and the adorable & lovable, Rolo.

What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Jeremy and Ava, with a fun animal shelter background. Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful addition to her Rescue Me series, which was a delightful, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end.  To Be Loved by You was well written by Debbie Burns.  If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Summer by the River by Debbie Burns – a Review

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Summer by the River by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Making a fresh start in a new part of the country is challenging, but fate and good fortune lead young single mother Josie Waterhill and her six-year-old daughter to a cozy Midwestern town right on the river. There, Josie can raise Zoe away from the violence of the life she once knew, and make a new home in the historic tea house where they’ve been invited to stay.

The tea house seems too good to be true, until Josie’s elderly landlord Myra welcomes more guests—journalist Carter O’Brien and his giant rescue dog, Buttercup. Carter is charming, compassionate…and way too curious. Carter’s interest in Josie deepens and he inadvertently stirs up trouble when he uncovers things that Josie would rather not have known. Ready or not, Josie has to let go of her painful past so she can create a glorious future.

 

 

Review:

Summer by the River by Debbie Burns is a standalone novel.  I have read a number of books by Debbie Burns, but Summer by the River was totally different, and I loved every moment.  Very well done.

Josie Waterhill, our heroine, lives in a midwestern (Galena, Ill) town with her 6-year-old daughter, Zoe.  Josie, who arrived 5 years before totally broke and, on the run, but had the fortune of meeting Myra, who owned a mansion, and offered her a job.  Now all these years later, Josie runs the historic tea house that she helped build for Myra, who is getting up in age. Josie is happy with her life, especially loving her daughter Zoe, and Myra; until she meets a journalist, who makes her nervous.

 Carter O’Brien, our hero, is a journalist, who comes to Galena to interview Myra, in helping him find information from many years ago about his grandfather & and their possible history.  Myra is thrilled to be able to investigate the past and work with Carter, offering him to stay a lot longer to write the story.  But Josie, having run from a violent life as a young girl, wants nothing to do with him, even if they both begin to feel an attraction to each other.  Josie also worries about Zoe, who is becoming too attached to Carter, as a father figure.

What follows is a wonderful story that has romance, mystery, suspense, intrigue, as we learn more about the past memories of Josie, Myrna and Carter’s fact-finding information.  I loved the addition of thecute dogs and a cat, especially Buttercup, who was a big rescue dog, as well as Myrna’s long time dog, Tidbit; later on there will be a cute rescue cat.  Though they were the backdrop of the story, it was fun, as well as Zoe’s antics.

As we reach the last third of the book, Carter and Josie allow themselves to act on their feelings, but she is afraid he will eventually leave them; especially since she is still not comfortable about revealing her past life.  Myrna knows everything, but Carter needs to find out for himself.  Which he does, and the past comes flooding back.  What will Carter find? Is Josie’s life in danger?

Summer by the River was so well written by Debbie Burns, with a couple we wanted to root for, a friend so great like Myrna, the fun times with Zoe and the dogs, as well as learning all about Josie’s life years before.  It was such great story that kept my attention from start to finish. Summer by the River was a story of family, love and trust, as well as a captivating read. I suggest you read this wonderful book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns – a Review

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Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Olivia Graham has signed on as a volunteer rescue driver for the High Grove Animal Shelter. Her first task is to transport dogs and cats that’ve been misplaced by flooding, but her aging car breaks down on the way to get them.

She’s picked up by veterinarian Gabe Wentworth, former EMT and firefighter, who’s also heading to the rescue site. After a bad breakup, Gabe’s embraced the hermit life. When he picks up Olivia, he can’t deny their irresistible mutual attraction, and his first thought is to run the other direction. But the more animals they help, the harder they fall for each other…

 

 

Review:

Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns is the 5th book in her wonderful Rescue Me series. Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful sweet story as we return to the High Grove Animal Shelter, where we also get to see many of the people we got to know in the previous books. 

Olivia Graham, our heroine, is traveling in a rain storm to try to get to the Animal Shelter to help transport dogs and cats to the shelter because of the flooding.  When her car breaks down, she meets Gabe Wentworth, our hero and local veterinarian, who picks her up, on the way to the shelter.  Gabe had his dog, Samson with him, who immediately fell all over Olivia; of course, Gabe himself was also attracted to the beautiful redheaded woman in the car with him.  The feeling is mutual, as the sparks flew between them very fast; and since both are animal lovers, it was a match made in heaven.

There was an amazing rescue attempt of a dog in danger of drowning during the flood, that Gabe and Olivia desperately worked to save him.  There were many hold your breath moments when we worried about Gabe, as well as the dog.   In a short time, Olivia found herself falling hard for Gabe, as well as the rescued dog, Morgan, whom she wanted to adopt. Olivia is a teacher, and though she was falling in love with Gabe, she wasn’t sure she would stay in town, since she needed a teaching job.   I loved them together, as they made a great couple, and also enjoyed the occasional POV of Morgan.  Cute.  Will Gabe convince Olivia to stay?

What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Gabe and Olivia, with added the element of Samson and Morgan; and meeting Olivia’s sister Ava, as well as the characters we already knew from the shelter. Head Over Paws is a heartwarming, delightful, sweet romance with two very relatable people, involving an animal shelter and two adorable dogs.

Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful, delightful, sweet, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end.  Head Over Paws was well written by Debbie Burns.  If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns – Review,Excerpt & Giveaway

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Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she’s newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn’t know how to tell her what’s in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she’ll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul.

When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis’ biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals…and new beginnings…?

Rescue Me Series:
A New Leash on Love (Book 1)
Sit, Stay, Love (Book 2)
My Forever Home (Book 3)
Love at First Bark (Book 4)

 

 

Review:

Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns is the 4th book in her Rescue Me series. We return to High Grove Animal Shelter, revisiting many people we met in the previous books.   Mia Chambers, our heroine, works at the shelter and also paints animal pictures.  Mia is recently widowed (though she was in the middle of a divorce) and has an adorable 7 year old son, Ollie.

Ben Thomas, our hero, has always been in love with Mia, but she was married to his best friend.   Ben does everything he can to help Mia and her son, as well as participate in events for the shelter; but he awaits the right moment to let Mia know about his true feelings. 

I was great to see Megan, Patrick, Tess and all the others from the shelter, as well as all the cats and dogs, especially those that we know.  Mia’s mother makes a surprise visit, and she pushes Mia to open her eyes to Ben’s love for her.  Mia also must deal with her in-laws, who are not keen on Mia becoming involved with anyone.   But Mia will stand up to them, noting that she was in the middle of finalizing a divorce. 

When someone dumps a dozen border collies in a park, everyone bands together to rescue them. I really enjoyed Ben, Mia and Ollie bringing two dogs (mother and puppy) home to foster and eventually adopt them.  Very cute.   The hunt to find and place the border collies, brings Ben and Mia closer, with both acknowledging their feelings for each other.

What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Ben and Mia, with added the  element of Ollie.  I love this series, which spends much of the time with the shelter and the wonderful dogs and cats.  Love at First Bark is a wonderful delightful, heartwarming read, with some great characters, sweet dogs and cats, and wonderful romance.  

In Love at First Bark, Debbie Burns gives us another well written, sweet heartwarming story that kept us entertained from beginning to end. If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Mia stepped out from Ollie’s room to find the main cabin empty. A single lamp was on, and the dwindling fire still glowed in the fireplace. Neither Ben nor Turbo around, and Mia wondered if Ben was done for the night too. A rush of disappointment swept over her at the thought of not getting to say good night to him.
Swallowing it down, she headed to the door with the dogs. The snow boots were all lined up beside the door on two long, thick rugs that were wet from the clumps of ice and snow that had been clinging to the boots when they’d come inside. The cold, wet patches stung Mia’s bare feet as she slipped into hers. She grabbed her coat from the closet and snaked it up one arm, transferred the puppy, then snaked it up the other.
When Mia moved to open the door and realized it was unlocked, she looked closer at the row of boots. Ben’s were missing. Her heart skittered in her chest. She opened the door with bated breath, but he was nowhere in sight.
Feeling the rush of cold air, Sam gave a determined shake of his head. His muscles tensed against her as if he was getting ready to leap. Sadie trotted backward several feet from the door as if to say “No thanks.”
Holding it open wider, Mia encouraged her. “Come on, girl. It’ll be a quick one, promise.”
Sadie whined but reluctantly followed Mia outside to the porch. Blue-white moonlight poured over the yard, bright enough to create shadows from the trees on the snow, and thousands of stars dotted the sky. The puppy squirmed in her arms as she stepped out deeper into the yard, crunching snow under her boots, until she set him down and zipped her coat.
Ben and Turbo were nowhere to be seen. She headed out into the yard, unable to entice Sadie off the snow-cleared porch. Sam trotted along, creating his own path, diving underneath windswept mounds, burying himself completely, then popping up and shaking himself off.
Mia was laughing at his antics when Sadie tore off the porch at something she’d spotted, barking and racing away into the darkness at the side of the cabin. Mia tensed, waiting, squinting to make out something in the darkness while trying to will Sadie back. “Ben?”
“Thank God,” she said when he called out into the night that it was him. She felt a rush of hesitation as he neared. “I thought the dogs might need to get outside another time before I put them in their crates.”
“Ollie’s asleep already?”
“As soon as his head hit the pillow.”
“Fresh air will do that to you.” Ben fell into step beside her as they headed toward the house.
Mia’s throat grew tight, and there was no denying why. They needed to talk. For hours into the night. There was so much to discuss. The only problem was Mia didn’t want to waste another minute of it not kissing him.
She swallowed hard. “Thanks for everything. For coming and all. For being so good to him.”
“I love him.”
She did her best to snip through the strings of connection drawing her to him. She was at a loss for words again, and Ben wasn’t helping them come any easier. She sat a squirmy and excited Sam back onto the ground. They were both quiet as they watched Sam leap and jump in a patch of untampered snow.
“Are you ready to go in? It’s freezing.”
“Mia, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the baby.”
They’d each spoken at exactly the same time. Mia bit her lip. “I can see why you didn’t, I guess. Would you have? Eventually.”
“Yeah, definitely. I was trying to find the right time.”
She nodded, conscious of her beating heart and the deep breaths she was taking. “I forgive you. Today’s a day for forgiveness, it seems.”
He shifted Turbo’s leash from one hand to the other. “About the other night…do you remember what you meant by ‘Et tu, Brute’? You texted that.”
Sam trotted off from them and up to the porch, snuggling against his mom, ready to go inside and get warm. Turbo looked off into the woods, not seeming to notice the cold.
Somehow, Mia knew if she told the truth, nothing was going to be the same. A tiny, nearly incoherent fear-filled voice inside her was screaming that she needed to stop this. But even if she couldn’t put it into words, she knew what she was doing. Suddenly her throat loosened, and the words spilled out. “The night Ollie was born, after the accident, you were there. You held my hand because Brad couldn’t. And not just that night. So many other times too. Sometimes I swear you’re the only person in the world who really sees me. When I figured out it was you Stacey was talking about in the letter, it wasn’t just that you knew and didn’t tell me, learning that made me doubt… I don’t know…everything.”
She could see the pain her words caused, and that more than anything was why she let herself step in and press her lips against his. He was four or five inches taller, but on the tips of her toes, she could just reach his lips. And just like before, she liked it. She liked everything about it.
She closed her bare, cold hands over the sides of his face and opened her mouth fully to his. He had strong lips, and she could feel the stubble from one day’s growth of beard against her skin.
He smelled like the Minnesota woods, cedar and pine, and he tasted like the s’mores they’d had in front of the fire. She could taste the sugar and chocolate on his lips and tongue. Her head began to swim, and she wondered if it was a flashback to drunkenly kissing him, or if she wasn’t breathing. Light-headed or not, she couldn’t pull away. She needed his kiss like she needed air, and he was going to have to be the one to stop it.
Only he didn’t. His hands slipped into her hair, and he lowered his face to hers so that she didn’t have to stand on her tiptoes. His tongue met hers, and he pulled closer as if he needed her the same way she needed him.
If he never pulled away, if he’d stand out here kissing her till they froze, Mia wouldn’t complain. Kissing Ben felt more than just good. It felt right. Like she’d been traveling a long time and had finally landed exactly where she should have been all along. It was as if she could feel broken pieces of herself mending together, halves becoming whole.
And somehow, even though she couldn’t explain it, she knew he felt the same way.

***
Excerpted from Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns. © 2019 by Debbie Burns. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 


Debbie Burns’ writing commendations include a Booklist Top 10 Romance Debut of 2017, a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly, and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews, as well as first-place awards for short stories, flash fiction, and longer selections. She lives in St. Louis with her family, two phenomenal rescue dogs, and a somewhat tetchy Maine coon cat who everyone loves anyway. Visit her online at her website: www.authordebbieburns.com/

 

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A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns – Review & Spotlight

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A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns – Review & Spotlight

 

A New Leash on LoveAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When Craig Williams draws the short straw and has to take his daughter’s adorable new puppy to a shelter after the holidays, it’s just another painful episode in the fall-out of a miserable divorce. He needs to pick up the pieces of his life, and, after a fiery confrontation with Megan Anderson, the young woman running the shelter, he wants to put the whole episode behind him. However, when he keeps finding new ways to reconnect with her, he realizes Megan’s compassionate and caring nature just might be the perfect salve for his broken heart.

 

Review:

A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns is the first book in her new Rescue Me series.  This was a wonderful sweet romance, with a family and animals as a major part of the story.  Having never read anything before by Burns,  I loved every moment of A New Leash on Love,  and I plan on reading more of her books; especially the rest of this series. 

Megan Anderson, our heroine, who runs an animal shelter, loves her job and her dog/cats.  When Craig Williams, our hero, stops at the shelter to drop off a puppy that was a Christmas gift to his children,  he meets Megan.  Both Megan and Craig are both in bad moods when they come face to face.  He is sad to have to bring the puppy back, since his house was going to be sold, his divorce finalized and they were not prepared to handle the puppy.  Megan, who is very passionate about her work, was already upset that the shelter is at the max of animals, and she had to rescue a German shepherd, Sledge.  At that moment Craig and the cute puppy arrive, which was all Megan needed to be curt and sarcastic to Craig.  The two of them went at each other in a fiery confrontation, with Craig slamming the door on the way out. 

Both of them felt bad after they calmed down, and couldn’t forget about it.  When the following day, Craig goes back to the shelter with his daughter to get the puppy back, but unfortunately Megan had already placed the puppy at a home of someone local who recently lost their dog.   Despite this, Craig and Megan start apologizing, and they both can feel the attraction, which neither will act on at this time.  Megan will get Craig’s daughter to help become a volunteer at the shelter, which will keep them running into each other, often.

What follows is a wonderful sweet slow build romance between Megan and Craig. The setting with the animal shelter, the wonderful dogs and cats, and Craig’s daughter Sophie & son Reese becoming involved in the shelter and close to Megan made this story even more delightful.  There is also the background story of Craig s amicable divorce caused by the death of Reese’s twin brother, which affected his ex and children; as well as Megan also had her own insecurities about trusting love.

Craig, despite his not wanting another relationship, turned out to be such a great guy, and was so supportive and sweet to Megan.  Megan was a great heroine, who cared about her animals and friends, and watching her bond with Sophie  was wonderful.  I also fell in love with Sledge, Megan’s rescue dog.

This was a wonderful delightful, heartwarming read, with some great characters, sweet dogs and cats, and wonderful romance.   There was also a nice twist near the end.  What more can you ask for?  A New Leash on Life was written so well by Debbie Burns.  I wholly recommend that you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

About the author

Debbie BurnsDebbie Burn resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Shelter is her first contemporary romance and has finaled in multiple contests. Her writing commendations include first place awards for short stories, flash fiction, and longer selections from the Missouri RWA and the Missouri Writers’ Guild. You can find her on Twitter @_debbieburns and at debbiecausevic.com.

 

A Letter from Debbie Burns:

Dear Reader,

Chances are you’ve been drawn to this book because you enjoy second chance love stories, whether they’re about animals, people, or both. It’s my hope you fall in love with the dynamic characters, both two and four footed, in A New Leash on Love as much as I have.

Writing this book enabled me to blend together two of my favorite things, a love of animals and a good romance. I’ve been an animal lover ever since I can remember. When I was 13, I began volunteering with a friend at a local rescue shelter. I’ve never forgotten the remarkable dedication of the people working and volunteering at shelters, helping to ensure surrendered animals get care and comfort while waiting for forever homes.

As I mentioned, I’m also a sucker for a good love story. I soak them up in both film and literature. I’m an eclectic reader and read a blend of romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction. I get the most enjoyment from books with love stories that are powerful enough I become convinced the world would be a sorrier place if the main characters hadn’t gotten together.  I’ve read Pride and Prejudice three times, and most other Jane Austen novels at least once. I am awed by her accomplishments. Jane Austen wrote stories that have survived over two centuries and are still among so many people’s favorite novels. And of course, I enjoy reading the contemporary masters of romance as well. I’m also drawn to unique and quirky love stories like the one portrayed in The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that leave me thinking about them for a long time afterwards. The love story featured in A New Leash on Love is one I hope you’ll cheer for, laugh with, and walk away from reading believing all is just as it should be.

To tell you a bit more about me personally, I’m a Saint Louis resident and native who has also lived in Georgia and Michigan. I’m the mom of two amazing teenagers. Being an integral part of their life journeys has been a profound experience. I try not to pass a single day without giving thanks for all the blessings in my world, and these remarkable young adults always top that list. Coming in a close second are my family’s two rescue dogs and willful Maine Coon cat. I’ve posted pictures and shared my dogs’ rescue stories on my website, authordebbieburns.com.

Like their human counterparts, the animals we share our homes with have personalities of their own. Our family’s trio of pets are no exception. To paraphrase Roger Caras, dogs (and cats) aren’t our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. There are times when I’m not excited to wake up before dawn to make sure the dogs have a good walk before I head out for the day, and times when I cringe at vet bill statements. However, when you strip away the investment of training, time, and money, you’re left with a companion who thinks you’re more awesome than a bowlful of gravy. And if you let it in, you’ll feel that same kind of unmasked adoration right back. If you ask me, that’s what it’s all about.

Happy reading,

Debbie

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A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns – Promotion Excerpt & Giveaway

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A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns – Promotion Excerpt & Giveaway

 

A New Leash on Love STARRED review(1)

 

 

Title:A New Leash on Love
Series:Rescue Me #1
Author: Debbie Burns
Pub Date:July 4, 2017

A New Leash on Love

First in a fresh contemporary romance series from award-winning debut author Debbie Burns.

Every heart has a forever home.

Megan Anderson loves the animals at her no-kill shelter. She’ll do anything for them—even go toe-to-toe with a handsome man who’s in way over his head. She’ll help him sort out his troubles, but getting too close to an adorable puppy’s human counterpart? Been there, done that, got burned.

When Craig Williams arrived at the local shelter for help, he didn’t expect a fiery young woman to blaze into his life. But the more time they spend together, the more he realizes it’s not just animals Megan is adept at saving—she could be the one to rescue his heart.

Soon, Craig and Megan find that the magic of unconditional love can do anything…even lead to their forever home.

Amazon
Books-A-Million
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
Chapters
Indiebound

NOTE: The review for A New Leash on Love will post on July 4th.

 

excerpt

 

[Craig] stood in Megan’s kitchen, watching her twist a mass of wavy hair up into a knot, leaving lone strands clinging to her neck, and he felt it again. His world was full of women who would be less complicated. Women who wouldn’t tie up his core and make him ache until his lungs seemed to scrape against his ribs.
What was he doing? He’d sworn to himself he’d stay away, but he’d driven here as if on autopilot rather than waiting for another time to give her the silly little present. Being with her was a mistake, even under the pretense of friendship, when he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He’d make a bigger mess of a disaster.

She was unpacking groceries and making small talk he couldn’t process. Pulling out a colander, she filled it with fruit and washed it in the sink. When she turned off the water, she looked his way for the first time since he’d followed her inside carrying her packed-full reusable shopping bags.

“You okay?” She wiped her wet hands on her hips. “You look, I don’t know, confused.” She grinned suddenly and made air quotes as she continued. “Is it your lack of domesticity? Did I blunder by bringing you into my kitchen?”
Craig shook his head, surprised by the laugh that erupted from his chest. “No, you didn’t blunder.”
“Good, because I’m going to let you put together a plate of cheese and fruit while I take a shower. And don’t think that’s anything special because I always shower after I work in the kennels. I hate smelling like bleach and God knows what else.”
He felt his tension easing away as she spoke. He could do this. He could handle being with her. Tonight at least. A salve for wounds so raw he couldn’t ignore them any longer.
Megan pointed to one of the bags. “There’s fresh bread in that one. And crackers in the cupboard if you prefer.” She walked over to a cabinet beside the fridge and made a ta-da gesture as she opened it to reveal a latticed assortment of wines. “You can choose the wine, if there’s any you can stomach. I’m sure you don’t know any of the brands because they’re all under eight bucks a bottle.”
“Funny,” he said, “but most likely true.”
She shrugged, clearly unoffended. “Make yourself at home. I won’t be long.”
Under the watchful gaze of the cat that had scratched him, Craig pulled the rest of the contents from the bags after she left, then searched through cabinets and drawers to find a cutting board, a plate, and a knife.
By the time he’d chosen the wine, opened it, and laid out a decent-looking arrangement of cheese, fruit, and crackers, Megan was back, filling the small room with the scent of shea and lavender. She was dressed in a long-sleeved Henley and lounge pants, her hair still dry but free again. It was full, wavy, and beautiful, and made him want to lose his hands in it.
“Impressive.” She eyed his plate and cocked an eyebrow. “So there’s more to Craig Williams than marketer and entrepreneur extraordinaire.”
“You forgot abandoner of dogs.” He leaned back against the counter, trying not to focus on the small patch of skin between the rim of her shirt and the elastic-waisted pants that would be very easy to slide off.
“I didn’t forget. I’m officially forgiving you for that. And excuse the pants,” she said, noticing the direction of his gaze. “But your little slate came with the call for friendship, and there’s nothing like a pair of look-I’ve-added-ten-pounds cozy pants to meet that call, if you want my opinion. That and they’re comfortable.”
He passed her a glass of the wine. “As long as they’re comfortable.”
“Ha, are they that bad? On second thought, don’t answer that.”
“I won’t, but for the opposite reason of what you’re thinking. After asking for friendship, I don’t want to come across as if I’m hitting on you.”
A blush lit her cheeks as she sipped the wine. “Okay then. So, since you made the first course, I’ll get busy with the pizza. I’ve been told I make a killer pizza. In fact, it’s one of my best dishes.” She gave an exaggerated toss of her hair. “All it takes is one slice to become a true believer.”
Craig refilled his glass, noting the buzz washing over him. A buzz he realized he desperately wanted. Letting the halfway decent Syrah roll across his tongue, he sank to a chair at her table and watched her move about her kitchen with the confidence of someone who not only had committed everything about it to memory, but enjoyed it.
“I didn’t know you liked to cook.”
“You mean in my shoe filled with dogs?” Megan wrinkled her nose at him, remembering a joke he’d made about his thoughts on her home life during his and Sophie’s tour. “I do actually. I love it.”
“What’s your favorite dish?”
“To bake or cook?”
“Is there a difference?”
“A huge one. My favorite thing to bake is an in-season pie from fruit I’ve actually picked. To cook… That’s a hard one. I like to mix it up.”
“I’m sold on the pie.” He ran his fingertips over the smooth top of her table. “Let me know if I can help with anything.”
“You’re good for a bit. I’m going to teach you how to toss a crust. Everyone should learn to toss a crust.”
Craig chuckled. “Like they do in Italian kitchens? Don’t tell me some of those Europeans you mentioned at the coffee shop were Italian. You don’t look it.”
“I’m like an eighth or something. My dad worked his way through college in a pizzeria. I think I could toss a crust before my training wheels were off.”
He sank back in his chair and shook his head. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was her. Most likely it was her.
The cuts and scrapes and bruises that filled his insides had fallen silent for the first time in a long while. Finishing off his wine, he savored the peace washing over him.




About the Author

Debbie Burns
Debbie Burn resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Shelter is her first contemporary romance and has finaled in multiple contests. Her writing commendations include first place awards for short stories, flash fiction, and longer selections from the Missouri RWA and the Missouri Writers’ Guild.

You can find her on Twitter  and at debbiecausevic.com.

 

Giveaway

Debbie’s publisher is offering a paper copy of A NEW LEASH ON LOVE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from June 29 to July 2, 2017

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