In the Dog House Paperback – Import, 2 February 2019

Original take on second chance romance and PTSD by mixing assistance dogs in the mix. This is a cute story, but it lacks depth. Dog lovers will enjoy, and someone looking for just nice clean reading.

As heartbreaking as it is when choices and circumstances keep two soul mates apart, a second chance with the other half of your heart is a precious gift. When his sister is in a devastating auto accident, Jackson takes leave from the Marines and returns home to care for his nephew, Matthew. Home, where he broke Emma's heart right after high school and enlisted. But Emma had big plans, so Jackson is surprised to find her still living in Kingston. He knowns he doesn’t deserve her and plans to keep his distance, although he's impressed with the work she does training emotional support dogs.But you know what they say about best laid plans. Jackson isn’t even aware of the nightmares he has, but when they frighten Matty enough that Matty tries to “buy" a service dog from the lady that brought her dogs to his middle school, well, Jackson and Emma are right back in each other’s orbits. Still, Jackson is determined to deal with his issues on his own and plans to return to his unit just as soon as his sister is out of a coma and comes home.This sweet, touching romance is my first by this author, and she had no trouble ticking all the boxes for me. Second chance romance, awesome dogs, a kid I wanted to wrap my arms around, a military hottie, a strong but generous and compassionate heroine, and an older adult, Aunt Pip, who offered equal parts comic relief and wisdom. I loved every second of this one and hated to see it end! This book actually has a wide audience appeal, because it’s so much more than a simple romance. As both Jackson and Emma sort out a few things individually, their experience offers lessons in making life choices, learning to accept help, and sacrificing to benefit others. With inspiring messages and a tame rating, readers age 13 to 103 will find a lot to love in this heartwarming read.*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

I loved the aspect of the therapy dogs, and showing just how much they can work. I've got a great-grandson who is very high on the Autism Spectrum. He was gifted one these amazing dogs, and we've seen such wonderful results in just a very short time, so it does work. I loved Emma's passion and her tenacity for taking on this project and staying with it when things were looking bleak. It's people like her that make a huge difference in so many lives. I also think that by getting Mattie involved, it helped him get through his own fears. IMO- Drs. who have closed their minds to this kind of therapy aren't worth my time. It's a proven fact that pets have a way of soothing the human soul. I've had pets that I've sworn knows everything that people are saying, or thinking at any given time. They can even feel your emotions, too.I believe that with all my heart.Emma & Jackson were made for each other, you could feel it from the beginning, even when they tried to fight those feelings. I felt so bad for Mattie, he was in a very bad place worrying over both his Uncle and his Mothers health. He was one of the sweetest, most passionate little boys I've known. I am so glad that he finally found something to help him get through the rough times.I was a bit disappointed with the ending, though. It seemed a bit of a rushed and abrupt, leaving us with so many unanswered questions, but otherwise this was a very good read.

I love military heroes and was smitten with Jackson. The portrayal of his nightmares and PTSD, his reluctance to admit to the problem and his resistance to solutions (very realistic!) and then his realization that he had to deal with them to be there for his sister and his nephew… his whole journey was so well done. I loved Matthew, an 11yo dealing with the potential loss of not just his mother but fear for his uncle as well. A lot of times portrayal of kids is not very realistic but this author got it right. Emma was a little too nice and understanding, I wanted her to be more forceful with Jackson at times. I was wondering how these characters were going to reach an HEA when the obstacles were still there at 92%. I was ready for Emma’s realization but Jackson’s change of heart was a little quick but satisfying nonetheless. The description and cover give the impression this is a "light" read but it deals with the serious issue of PTSD (and has some loveable canine characters as well!). It was also refreshing to read strong desire for each other without crossing the line to sex (it didn’t need it).

As a Service Dog trainer and handler I hate the wrong information being written. Emotional Support Animals are not Service Dogs or Therapy Dogs and have No rights of public access. A Therapy Dog can be invited into nursing home or hospitals only, an Emotional Support animal can not go into non dog allowed places. They are pets for housing and flying only. A Service Dog is well obedience trained and tasked trained.