A New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns (Rescue Me #1)
Released: July 4, 2017
Contemporary Romance
Sourcebooks
Reviewed by Mandi
Hey – new author alert! I love trying new authors. Also, being an owner of two rescue chihuahuas, I had to try this book that has a big focus on rescue dogs. I will say upfront, there is a lot of focus on the dogs in this one. I could have used a little more physical romance, but let’s get into the set-up.
Craig has a lot going on in his life. A very successful businessman, he is signing divorce papers and watching his ex sell away the family home. Even more devastating, he is still getting over the death of his son, who died of heart complications before the age of ten. His teenager daughter and other son have had a rough road and Craig is ready for some peace. But peace is not in the picture when the lab puppy his daughter got for Christmas, is just too much to handle. After two months, his daughter tearfully decides to give away the dog. Not in the best of moods, Craig takes the puppy to the local shelter, not realizing, he is going to meet a woman in an even worse mood.
Megan has taken over managing the shelter after her boss had a heart attack. She has found her passion in this place, even though it’s never ending work. The day Craig comes in, there is very bad weather, so getting the dogs outside is a big hurdle. The shelter is also very full, as people who have bought dogs as Christmas presents, are trickling in realizing the dog is too much for them. This really irks Megan – so when Craig shows up with the lab puppy, she is not having it. She makes him feel guilty for dropping the dog off, and not trying harder, and Craig takes her bad attitude and throws it right back in her face. Grumpiness galore! After tempers settle, both feel bad and they meet again when Craig’s daughter decides to volunteer at the shelter. Craig and Megan turn their grumpiness into romantic chemistry and they start to fall for each other.
I liked that there is so much time spent at the shelter – the author does a nice job really setting the scene and really giving us nice details. I loved the other people who work at the shelter – they added a lot to the story. The atmosphere gets a thumbs up from me.
I don’t really like romance books where a character has lost a child. I didn’t know that coming into this one so that is not my favorite subject but Craig and his family are at a point where they are moving forward and their grief isn’t as present so it was a little easier to read.
My biggest complaint is that I wanted a little more actual, on-page romance between Megan and Craig. They have such good chemistry, but not enough page time in love. The sex scenes are there but very rushed and almost off page. I think Craig could have been super growly in bed and I wanted to see that, darn it! There is some drama towards the end that I could have lived without.
Otherwise this one was fun.
Grade: B-
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