[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Caleb Donovan was the only one among his brothers who stood by their dad until the end of the trial. At first he took pride in his loyalty. But in the end, he knew what everyone else knew before him. His dad was guilty, and the business empire was finished. But Caleb’s grandfather has a property – the Dorothy. If Caleb can convince his brothers to work with him on it, they could develop the property and start the Donovan real estate business over again.
Riley had built her career at Donovan properties until she was laid off after the trial. She’s been working at her grandmother’s building – the Dorothy – as the building manager, just trying to get her feet under her again.
At least, Riley thought her grandmother owned the Dorothy. But now Caleb Donovan is there, looking all too handsome for her own good, saying he’s turning the Dorothy and the adjacent empty lot the residents call a “dog park,” into his next development deal. Riley’s dog might love Caleb, but Riley is not about to let another Donovan destroy her life again. And the rest of the neighborhood dog owners aren’t letting their dog park, such as it is, go without a fight.
Review
I love romance books with great animal characters, and this is a fun one. The complexity of the housing development situation and the history between Caleb’s and Riley’s families was perfect, creating several moments where everything teetered on the edge of disaster.
I especially liked Caleb. I wanted more for him – a better family situation, more with his brothers, and for him to have all the things in life he always craved. Riley was a great blend of strength and self-sufficiency alongside her own neediness. She lost everything and was still grieving her job and her dreams when Caleb showed up. Caleb was only one piece of her journey to community and connection.
I have to wonder about the cover art chosen for the book as it doesn’t match the main dog. There is a black Lab in the story, but it belongs to a secondary character. The choice to put that dog on the cover of this story was odd. It should have been a toy poodle like LouLou.
This is the first book in the Fur Haven Dog Park series. Book 2, Tail for Two, which will focus on one of Caleb’s brothers, will release this summer. I can’t wait to see what role Riley and Caleb might have in future stories, and I am thrilled to get more information on Caleb’s brothers. If you enjoy romance stories, and stories with great animal characters, don’t miss out on this one. (Sex)