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Reluctant Romance
Risa Kennedy will stop at nothing to save her company. Connor Dunn is a ruthless corporate executive who only cares about the profits. When the two are pitted against each other in a corporate buy out, sparks fly… and not just sparks of anger.
Connor has everything most women find attractive: he’s wealthy, astonishingly handsome, successful, charming and he loves his dog Picasso.
But the last thing Risa wants is to be attracted to Connor, especially since he’s trying to buy her pet-food company and shut down the low-cost vet clinic that she loves so dearly.
As their worlds collide a spark of attraction turns into a burning desire. But both of them are hiding secrets that could jeopardize everything.
Will Risa and Connor satisfy their desire or will the secrets between them extinguish their reluctant romance?
Connor has everything most women find attractive: he’s wealthy, astonishingly handsome, successful, charming and he loves his dog Picasso.
But the last thing Risa wants is to be attracted to Connor, especially since he’s trying to buy her pet-food company and shut down the low-cost vet clinic that she loves so dearly.
As their worlds collide a spark of attraction turns into a burning desire. But both of them are hiding secrets that could jeopardize everything.
Will Risa and Connor satisfy their desire or will the secrets between them extinguish their reluctant romance?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2013
371 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
135 books1,862 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 30, 2019
Meh - about 100 pages too long!
I get that the author wanted to create tension and mystery but the method dragged out a story that wasn't th a t compelling. The characters were not complex the background and development was inconsistent more details on the male, less on the female. There were greater descriptions of the dogs than the people. This town is described as small and family oriented yet when emergencies occur no one goes to anyone's home to ensure all is okay. There was so much superfluous information and details provided about auxiliary characters that in the end had no bearing on the overall storyline. Female lead is strong, bright, warm but in the end the author robs her of her strength and intelligence to satisfy her need to make this a romance. As if the female lead cannot emote beyond love and passion and her anger is dangerous to her need for a man. Disappointing.
I get that the author wanted to create tension and mystery but the method dragged out a story that wasn't th a t compelling. The characters were not complex the background and development was inconsistent more details on the male, less on the female. There were greater descriptions of the dogs than the people. This town is described as small and family oriented yet when emergencies occur no one goes to anyone's home to ensure all is okay. There was so much superfluous information and details provided about auxiliary characters that in the end had no bearing on the overall storyline. Female lead is strong, bright, warm but in the end the author robs her of her strength and intelligence to satisfy her need to make this a romance. As if the female lead cannot emote beyond love and passion and her anger is dangerous to her need for a man. Disappointing.
January 30, 2019
Sorry didn't care for it.
Risa was to me wishy washy. If my father had pulled what hers let happen to her I would have not put up with him and told him about it and told both him and his buddy where to stick her job. Picking money over his own daughter. She forgave and forgot the horrible things they did to her and acused her of in an instant. It was an unbelievable story and made women look weak and bow down to men.
Risa was to me wishy washy. If my father had pulled what hers let happen to her I would have not put up with him and told him about it and told both him and his buddy where to stick her job. Picking money over his own daughter. She forgave and forgot the horrible things they did to her and acused her of in an instant. It was an unbelievable story and made women look weak and bow down to men.
April 29, 2018
Fast, sweet, lovely dogs, with a few ridiculous reactions, but those are unfortunately part of this kind of romance recipe.
It was a fun read - and I enjoyed it more than the Lexy Barker cozies. Better written, too.
It was a fun read - and I enjoyed it more than the Lexy Barker cozies. Better written, too.
May 26, 2020
Cute, quick and safe romance read. A lot of miscommunication/assuming which is the bases for the whole plot (which I did find slightly irritating as we could've avoided all the problems!) but loved the jobs (pet food company and clinic potentially getting bought out my a big corp) and the situations they were put in (mainly by the dogs which was cute). I was a little thrown off by the dogs have a convo near the end? Can't quite decided whether it was cute or not 😂
April 12, 2013
Pretty average tale of miscommunication between the high flying tycoon and the stay in hometown vet, although I thought the situation became a little far fetched.
August 24, 2019
A fairly standard romance with misunderstandings along the way before the inevitable conclusion. Easy enough for a read in the summer sun. The dogs were a fun addition!
April 17, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles.
The Notch Cozy Mystery Series {5 out as of this writing} and the Blackbore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are not on Kindle Unlimited which as said before about 1 & 7 {the only ones given free, sure would not have bought them} and ditto for Ghostly Paws which is 1 of 5 at this time but did get others free over time.
While some of her other books are Kindle Unlimited none of the Blackmoore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are which doesn't matter to me as read #1 and #7 and was way underwhelmed. Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles. By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Yet another goodreads won't hide it don't want to see the badly proofed badly plotted poor excuse for bad soft core porn crap. The 'historical' ones are like that and so are the some of the non cozy mysteries and some of the sorta but not really mysteries because can't write, etc ad nauseum. The most any of them got was 2 changed to 1 for crap cozy, some get a 1 which means basically crappy soft porn 'romance' etc.
3 in Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series so far which are on kindle unlimited, 3 in the Moosamuck Island Mysteries , 5 in the Mystic Notch Cozy Mysteries so far {not ku}, Blackmore Sisters has 7 {not ku}, Hazel Martin Mysteries only has 1 so far, Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery series 12 so far is on ku. Others.including Scandals and Spies Book series so far 4 which are basically romance soft core porn dreck but hey you can get them on ku. Witches of Hawthorne Grove 1 so far,Cevonne Bride of Oklahoma, Unexpected Series 4 so far ku.
The Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Copy/paste fill in the blank seems to be pretty much what she is doing in her books, which wouldn't be half as bad if the plots and ploys and actions were believable at all.Just change the name for a book and maybe change the series list under, and you are right back to copy paste same old same old.
NOTE: I specifically mentioned certain of the 'books'/series were achieving soft core crap status, and specifically said which ones those were, reference AGAIN the above quoted review, and did not specifically mention the blackmore ones as that, BUT and had not mentioned that had went back and rated all no talent no plot cardboard charactered 'stories' listed above as 1 as well. I will change the original review to reflect that, but it is still a 1, and MY review of the crap stands.
The Notch Cozy Mystery Series {5 out as of this writing} and the Blackbore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are not on Kindle Unlimited which as said before about 1 & 7 {the only ones given free, sure would not have bought them} and ditto for Ghostly Paws which is 1 of 5 at this time but did get others free over time.
While some of her other books are Kindle Unlimited none of the Blackmoore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are which doesn't matter to me as read #1 and #7 and was way underwhelmed. Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles. By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Yet another goodreads won't hide it don't want to see the badly proofed badly plotted poor excuse for bad soft core porn crap. The 'historical' ones are like that and so are the some of the non cozy mysteries and some of the sorta but not really mysteries because can't write, etc ad nauseum. The most any of them got was 2 changed to 1 for crap cozy, some get a 1 which means basically crappy soft porn 'romance' etc.
3 in Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series so far which are on kindle unlimited, 3 in the Moosamuck Island Mysteries , 5 in the Mystic Notch Cozy Mysteries so far {not ku}, Blackmore Sisters has 7 {not ku}, Hazel Martin Mysteries only has 1 so far, Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery series 12 so far is on ku. Others.including Scandals and Spies Book series so far 4 which are basically romance soft core porn dreck but hey you can get them on ku. Witches of Hawthorne Grove 1 so far,Cevonne Bride of Oklahoma, Unexpected Series 4 so far ku.
The Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Copy/paste fill in the blank seems to be pretty much what she is doing in her books, which wouldn't be half as bad if the plots and ploys and actions were believable at all.Just change the name for a book and maybe change the series list under, and you are right back to copy paste same old same old.
NOTE: I specifically mentioned certain of the 'books'/series were achieving soft core crap status, and specifically said which ones those were, reference AGAIN the above quoted review, and did not specifically mention the blackmore ones as that, BUT and had not mentioned that had went back and rated all no talent no plot cardboard charactered 'stories' listed above as 1 as well. I will change the original review to reflect that, but it is still a 1, and MY review of the crap stands.
March 22, 2019
Such a Good Story!
I'm an animal lover, so this book was a perfect story for me. Risa Kennedy is worried over the possible plans for a larger international company's acquisition of her father's company, Healthy Pet. Her company is all about the well-being of animals and the comfort of the employees. She feels certain the new larger company won't have the same feelings. Connor Dunn, the CEO's son, practically confirms that. Wil the acquisition go through? Great story, good characters, and terrific dogs. Loved it.
I'm an animal lover, so this book was a perfect story for me. Risa Kennedy is worried over the possible plans for a larger international company's acquisition of her father's company, Healthy Pet. Her company is all about the well-being of animals and the comfort of the employees. She feels certain the new larger company won't have the same feelings. Connor Dunn, the CEO's son, practically confirms that. Wil the acquisition go through? Great story, good characters, and terrific dogs. Loved it.
November 5, 2020
Great reconnection of kids as adults
This is a great story of two people who grew up together as friends then one, Connor moved away. Years later they meet again in a business acquisition by Connor’s father of the company that Risa’s father is trying to sell. Risa is the CEO of the pet food producer. She has a dog in her office all the time and Connor has a Great Dane who travels with him. Things get interesting and love the ending with the dogs.
This is a great story of two people who grew up together as friends then one, Connor moved away. Years later they meet again in a business acquisition by Connor’s father of the company that Risa’s father is trying to sell. Risa is the CEO of the pet food producer. She has a dog in her office all the time and Connor has a Great Dane who travels with him. Things get interesting and love the ending with the dogs.
October 3, 2020
Couldn't put it down.
I'm not much of a review writer. But I loved the book. I was headed to bed but decided to read a few pages. Well the book is done. The characters caught my interest right away. I could tell they should end up together. My, my the array of things they went through!!! Just had to keep reading.
I'm not much of a review writer. But I loved the book. I was headed to bed but decided to read a few pages. Well the book is done. The characters caught my interest right away. I could tell they should end up together. My, my the array of things they went through!!! Just had to keep reading.
July 20, 2017
Well done!
Bravo! I simply love this book. The characters are fresh and real. The addition of pets in the story made for a funny and loving side of Conner and Rosa. I especially liked the ending.
Bravo! I simply love this book. The characters are fresh and real. The addition of pets in the story made for a funny and loving side of Conner and Rosa. I especially liked the ending.
March 9, 2018
Cute story
The dogs stole the show in this book. Old friends reunited during a company buyout with plenty of angst and miscommunication. Risa goes out of the way to create chaos while dreams of romance with her old friend. This was a quick read with a bit of fun. I liked it!
The dogs stole the show in this book. Old friends reunited during a company buyout with plenty of angst and miscommunication. Risa goes out of the way to create chaos while dreams of romance with her old friend. This was a quick read with a bit of fun. I liked it!
January 14, 2019
Reluctant Romance
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is an enjoyable book to read with romance and a mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Leighton Dobbs.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is an enjoyable book to read with romance and a mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Leighton Dobbs.
July 13, 2020
Like all of the books you have written this was is great.
Wow you are great author and I don't ever get bored of tired of reading them.You have a wonderful way of storytelling .Thanks for sharing your stories with me keep them coming.
Wow you are great author and I don't ever get bored of tired of reading them.You have a wonderful way of storytelling .Thanks for sharing your stories with me keep them coming.
August 17, 2020
Gone to the dogs
REVIEW:
Short and sweet; neatly tied with a bow. An easy read with heart-warming, frolicking dogs thrown in.
Only one minor content error found.
Four stars outta five
VS
11AUG20
REVIEW:
Short and sweet; neatly tied with a bow. An easy read with heart-warming, frolicking dogs thrown in.
Only one minor content error found.
Four stars outta five
VS
11AUG20
August 10, 2022
The first book I have read by Leighann Dobbs because it is her first? Copyrighted in 2018 but I have purchased 9 of her other ones. I hope I enjoy the other 9 as much as I enjoyed this one—a cute love story about Risa and Connor.
April 1, 2018
Easy fun read
Cute fast read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages until you have finished reading the book.
Cute fast read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages until you have finished reading the book.
May 10, 2018
Enjoyable
I enjoyed reading this book. It was humorous, intriguing, and fun to read. If you love romance and animals i recommend this
I enjoyed reading this book. It was humorous, intriguing, and fun to read. If you love romance and animals i recommend this
February 5, 2019
What a fun, uplifting romance story. It was a quick, one day read that got me through a cold, snowy afternoon.
October 15, 2019
Cute, quick read.
May 24, 2020
Nice light story. Not really for me.
August 4, 2020
Sweet romance
This is a light hearted story. Get your favorite beverage & put up your feet n enjoy the ride! I will look for more of her books.
This is a light hearted story. Get your favorite beverage & put up your feet n enjoy the ride! I will look for more of her books.
February 2, 2021
It was a nice dog-based light romance. (Too many stories are cat-based. haha)
You knew the secrets would be uncovered and that they wouldn't matter.
You knew the secrets would be uncovered and that they wouldn't matter.
Read
March 9, 2021Loved it till the last page
It would have been 4, but thought the last paragraphs ruined the story, not sure what the reason for including them was, sorry
It would have been 4, but thought the last paragraphs ruined the story, not sure what the reason for including them was, sorry
November 23, 2022
Lovely evening read very entertaining
Fun and enjoyed the characters , great story, I can recommend for a cosy book night ,and hot chocolate.
Thanks
Fun and enjoyed the characters , great story, I can recommend for a cosy book night ,and hot chocolate.
Thanks
May 18, 2025
Fun quick read
June 8, 2025
Kinda reminds me of early Wattpad books, not the best read but got the job done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews