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Man of the Month #1
A Little Christmas Jingle
Women, men, stray dogs—everyone's looking for love this holiday season. Sometimes all it takes is a LITTLE CHRISTMAS JINGLE to get into the spirit. . .Kat Saunders doesn't believe in miracles—though she sure could use one. She's devoted to her veterinarian business, and all she wants for Christmas is for her practice to include a no-kill shelter. But amidst all the holiday hoopla she forgot about getting the required permits...and time is running out. Just when Kat fears her dream career is DOA, a to-die-for handsome detective shows up at the vet with a desperate puppy. Could it be that Jack Donovan—otherwise known as Mr. December on the Sexy Public Servants Charity Calendar—is the answer to her prayers? He agrees to help Kat with her legal needs, and she will do whatever it takes to express her appreciation. But could this Man of the Month also end up being Kat's true love for all days? A kiss beneath the mistletoe may be all it takes to find out. . .
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Michele Dunaway
108 books65 followersEver since she was in first grade, Michele Dunaway wanted to be a writer. Even later in life, she found herself writing, and served on Kirkwood High School's newspaper staff, her college paper, and a local music newspaper (which led to Michele's five-second appearance on MTV's "The Week in Rock").
"I've always wanted to write fiction and I published my first stories using my sister's manual typewriter," she said. "I wrote love stories, and married myself and my sister to the cutest boys in the neighborhood. My sister wrote westerns and killed everyone. We had a great time and I guess you can say that those first stories hooked me into wanting to write more."
Michele concentrated on her writing, even while getting her teaching degree.
"While I earned my undergraduate degree in education, my master's degree is in media communication. In my spare time, apart from studying and teaching, my hobby has always been writing. I still have romance novels in the basement from when I was in high school and college. They're scrawled out in my handwriting, and written long before I knew anything about weaving plot, setting, and character. A teaching colleague Ed Washington read a Highlander fan fiction novel I wrote and told me I should try to seriously get published. So instead of it just being a dream, I set about trying to make it reality," she said.
In 1988, Michele set a goal at her five-year high school reunion to be published by the year 2000. While she authored three professional journal articles, and compiled the Journalism Education Association Middle/Junior High Curriculum Guide, it wasn't until August of 1999 that Michele learned she had sold her first novel to Harlequin American Romance.
"I'm thrilled that I accomplished this. Writing for Harlequin has always been a dream of mine, and words can't express the elation I felt when I heard they were buying my novel. I found out in the school office and the school nurse came running out because I was screaming with joy after I put down the phone," she said.
Since then Michele has sold over 15 novels to Harlequin and her works have been translated into French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Japanese among others. Describing herself as a woman who does too much but doesn't know how to stop, Michele also teaches high school English, advises the school yearbook, and raises two daughters and five spoiled housecats.
"I've always wanted to write fiction and I published my first stories using my sister's manual typewriter," she said. "I wrote love stories, and married myself and my sister to the cutest boys in the neighborhood. My sister wrote westerns and killed everyone. We had a great time and I guess you can say that those first stories hooked me into wanting to write more."
Michele concentrated on her writing, even while getting her teaching degree.
"While I earned my undergraduate degree in education, my master's degree is in media communication. In my spare time, apart from studying and teaching, my hobby has always been writing. I still have romance novels in the basement from when I was in high school and college. They're scrawled out in my handwriting, and written long before I knew anything about weaving plot, setting, and character. A teaching colleague Ed Washington read a Highlander fan fiction novel I wrote and told me I should try to seriously get published. So instead of it just being a dream, I set about trying to make it reality," she said.
In 1988, Michele set a goal at her five-year high school reunion to be published by the year 2000. While she authored three professional journal articles, and compiled the Journalism Education Association Middle/Junior High Curriculum Guide, it wasn't until August of 1999 that Michele learned she had sold her first novel to Harlequin American Romance.
"I'm thrilled that I accomplished this. Writing for Harlequin has always been a dream of mine, and words can't express the elation I felt when I heard they were buying my novel. I found out in the school office and the school nurse came running out because I was screaming with joy after I put down the phone," she said.
Since then Michele has sold over 15 novels to Harlequin and her works have been translated into French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Japanese among others. Describing herself as a woman who does too much but doesn't know how to stop, Michele also teaches high school English, advises the school yearbook, and raises two daughters and five spoiled housecats.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 26, 2014
Looking for a warm and magically sweet holiday romance, the kind that makes you smile almost non-stop from start to finish? What could be better than two people who find each other, while NOT looking for love? How about adding a tough little puppy that fights for his life and gives a veterinarian and a cop a reason to hope for miracles? An unusual agreement between Dr. Katherine Saunders and Detective Jack Donovan to feign being a loving couple to get his meddling family from playing matchmakers and get Kat the legal help she needs bring these two together for the Holidays. Is it the magic of the season? A puppy named Jingle or fate? Can Kat out “Christmas” the Scrooge in Jack? Delightful reading any time of year, but especially for the Holiday season!
A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway is all kinds of romantic magic from start to finish! Ms. Dunaway has sprinkled quirky characters, a small town attitude and two amazing characters together over a sugar cookie sweet tale of romance, togetherness and love, while sharing the plight of a young puppy and all animals in need of their perfect forever home. Not your cookie cutter Holiday read, this author understands the spirit of the Holidays!
I received this ARC edition from St. Martin's Paperback in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN: 9781466867581
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Print Length: 174 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway is all kinds of romantic magic from start to finish! Ms. Dunaway has sprinkled quirky characters, a small town attitude and two amazing characters together over a sugar cookie sweet tale of romance, togetherness and love, while sharing the plight of a young puppy and all animals in need of their perfect forever home. Not your cookie cutter Holiday read, this author understands the spirit of the Holidays!
I received this ARC edition from St. Martin's Paperback in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN: 9781466867581
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Print Length: 174 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
October 3, 2014
Kat opened a ‘no kill’ shelter- but when her neighbours complain she could run into trouble because she didn’t get the necessary paperwork put through.
This is a lovely Christmassy read. When a detective brings an abused puppy to her which is in need of help- they find that they can both help each other out- and will that Christmas magic sprinkle some fairy dust over them and give a happy ever after?
The perfect book to curl up with on a wintery evening with a large cup of cocoa with the obligatory marshmallow topping!
I would highly recommend this book as a way of losing yourself into the oncoming festive season.
Many thanks to the publisher via Net Galley for a copy of this book to review.
This is a lovely Christmassy read. When a detective brings an abused puppy to her which is in need of help- they find that they can both help each other out- and will that Christmas magic sprinkle some fairy dust over them and give a happy ever after?
The perfect book to curl up with on a wintery evening with a large cup of cocoa with the obligatory marshmallow topping!
I would highly recommend this book as a way of losing yourself into the oncoming festive season.
Many thanks to the publisher via Net Galley for a copy of this book to review.
September 11, 2014
To cute. Just like a hallmark movie. If you need or want to read a romance holiday book this one is for you. It is an easy quick read that will take a couple hours to finish. Doesn’t go in depth around the sexual scenes. Jack and Kat are perfect for each other. You can see it from the first time they meet. Jack just has to work the somethings and get his stuff together before he realises what he has with Kat. Kat has some legal issues that are being dealt with while she gets to know Jack. But it all works out in the end.
November 5, 2014
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
So there are three things in life I can't live without baseball, animals (dogs specifically, hey I have six of them at the moment), and Christmas. So while this book doesn't have any baseball in it, two out of three ain't bad, and let me tell you the combination of animals and Christmas with a couple of people who fight to help save animals, with some romance thrown in for good measure of course, well if that isn't the makings of a great book, then I don't know what is.
Fair warning this is one of those romances that really belong on like ABC family or the Hallmark channel or something, it's very sugar cookie sweet, but hey it's well written and has my favorite things, so I'm all for it. So it all kind of starts out with Kat, who runs a veterinary practice started taking in some stray or abandoned animals, and when it became more than just the occasional one or two, she saw a need and decided to fill it. Or course, the local busybody looked into her paperwork, filled a complaint and now she's due in court and under investigation. Jack is an awesome animal cop who is looking for make humans pay for the horrible things that some of them to do to animals. He's a little concerned about what he has heard about Kat, but when he comes across an animal in serious danger of losing his life, well he brings him right in and Kat gets to work.
The whole story kind of follows the two of them working to get justice for this poor puppy, who is in for weeks of surgeries and rehab, as well as to clear Kat's good name and work towards getting the right kind of PR she needs for her practice. I really liked how dedicated the two of them were to their jobs, and how they both respected that in each other, I honestly think it's what attracted the two of them to each other. Jack has a family who are always budding into his life, so Jack and Kat strike a deal, she accompanies him a couple of times to get his family off his back and he goes above and beyond on the publicity for her no-kill shelter. Of course, things don't stay strictly business, but then do they ever in romances?
I thought this was such a sweet and heartwarming Christmas romance. I loved the incorporation of animals into the book and the storyline. I thought the chemistry between Jack and Kat was great. This book is much more storyline/character driven then hot and steamy, but I thought it worked out perfectly. If you love animals like I do, you should totally check out this book.
So there are three things in life I can't live without baseball, animals (dogs specifically, hey I have six of them at the moment), and Christmas. So while this book doesn't have any baseball in it, two out of three ain't bad, and let me tell you the combination of animals and Christmas with a couple of people who fight to help save animals, with some romance thrown in for good measure of course, well if that isn't the makings of a great book, then I don't know what is.
Fair warning this is one of those romances that really belong on like ABC family or the Hallmark channel or something, it's very sugar cookie sweet, but hey it's well written and has my favorite things, so I'm all for it. So it all kind of starts out with Kat, who runs a veterinary practice started taking in some stray or abandoned animals, and when it became more than just the occasional one or two, she saw a need and decided to fill it. Or course, the local busybody looked into her paperwork, filled a complaint and now she's due in court and under investigation. Jack is an awesome animal cop who is looking for make humans pay for the horrible things that some of them to do to animals. He's a little concerned about what he has heard about Kat, but when he comes across an animal in serious danger of losing his life, well he brings him right in and Kat gets to work.
The whole story kind of follows the two of them working to get justice for this poor puppy, who is in for weeks of surgeries and rehab, as well as to clear Kat's good name and work towards getting the right kind of PR she needs for her practice. I really liked how dedicated the two of them were to their jobs, and how they both respected that in each other, I honestly think it's what attracted the two of them to each other. Jack has a family who are always budding into his life, so Jack and Kat strike a deal, she accompanies him a couple of times to get his family off his back and he goes above and beyond on the publicity for her no-kill shelter. Of course, things don't stay strictly business, but then do they ever in romances?
I thought this was such a sweet and heartwarming Christmas romance. I loved the incorporation of animals into the book and the storyline. I thought the chemistry between Jack and Kat was great. This book is much more storyline/character driven then hot and steamy, but I thought it worked out perfectly. If you love animals like I do, you should totally check out this book.
September 10, 2014
I was gifted a copy of “A Little Christmas Jingle” via NetGalley. This is no way changes my opinion or review of this book.
I absolutely love Christmas books! A healthy addiction- just add hot cocoa and it’s a perfect way to spend an evening. The two main characters, Kat and Jack, are very likeable and relatable. Kat is a Veterinarian with not only a vet clinic, but is housing stray and abandoned animals until they can be adopted to the right family. However, she does not have the proper permits to run such an operation, the neighborhood her clinic is in does not like her being there, and someone has been filing false claims against her shelter- stating that the animals are being neglected. She has her hands full, and can definitely use a Christmas miracle before her dreams are taken away from her.
Jack is on the Animal Cruelty Task Force, and responds to the scene of a badly abused and burned pit bull. Since Kat’s clinic is nearby, he takes the pit bull there for care. Jack catches Kat’s attention, and uses Mr. December’s notoriety to her advantage. They work out an arrangement that works for them. Kat will accompany Jack to his sister’s wedding so his family leaves him alone, and he will help draw in the crowd to her clinic for the holiday adopt-a-thon.
Keeping an arrangement like that strictly professional without letting emotions and sexual desire get in the way may not be as easy as either of them thought it would be. Can the arrangement keep Jack’s family off his back, and help Kat’s legal trouble at the same time? And can the horrible incident with the pit bull bring two people together during the season that is meant to be magical?
I absolutely love Christmas books! A healthy addiction- just add hot cocoa and it’s a perfect way to spend an evening. The two main characters, Kat and Jack, are very likeable and relatable. Kat is a Veterinarian with not only a vet clinic, but is housing stray and abandoned animals until they can be adopted to the right family. However, she does not have the proper permits to run such an operation, the neighborhood her clinic is in does not like her being there, and someone has been filing false claims against her shelter- stating that the animals are being neglected. She has her hands full, and can definitely use a Christmas miracle before her dreams are taken away from her.
Jack is on the Animal Cruelty Task Force, and responds to the scene of a badly abused and burned pit bull. Since Kat’s clinic is nearby, he takes the pit bull there for care. Jack catches Kat’s attention, and uses Mr. December’s notoriety to her advantage. They work out an arrangement that works for them. Kat will accompany Jack to his sister’s wedding so his family leaves him alone, and he will help draw in the crowd to her clinic for the holiday adopt-a-thon.
Keeping an arrangement like that strictly professional without letting emotions and sexual desire get in the way may not be as easy as either of them thought it would be. Can the arrangement keep Jack’s family off his back, and help Kat’s legal trouble at the same time? And can the horrible incident with the pit bull bring two people together during the season that is meant to be magical?
September 11, 2014
3.25 stars. could have been 4 but it became a bit clichéd near the end ... full review coming to blog soon
December 27, 2018
Cute little holiday romance.
September 8, 2014
Oh, this was a sweet, cute story with happy endings all around. It was a little sappy at times and it had some annoying misunderstandings but I really enjoyed this story. The animal factor definitely helped. :) I'm a sucker for stories with animals in them and we have several.
Kat is a veterinarian with her own business and also runs a rescue shelter. Her neighbors aren't happy about the latter and keep filing complaints. Jack is a police officer in charge of the police department's animal cruelty task force. He takes that work seriously. The two first meet at a Christmas party fund raiser that he's required to attend. He recently posed for a Sexy Public Servants calendar and he's hiding in a corner at the party, trying to avoid attention, and worse, groupies. He meets an alluring woman who later disappears on him. They meet again when he rescues a dog who was set on fire and Kat's vet office is closest.
Kat and Jack are fun together. They understand each other, they challenge each other, they both love animals, and have devoted their lives to animals. Jack's mother keeps trying to fix him up and Kat needs legal help for her shelter. They agree to pretend to be involved and go on dates together. Of course, his family, who are quirky and interesting, love her and Kat feels bad about deceiving them. Then she thinks that Jack has deceived her about his motivations concerning her rescue shelter. The misunderstanding! The horror! The drama! Yes, Dunaway goes there, but she doesn't drag out it too long.
There's a second misunderstanding concerning Jack's reluctance to get involved for real and that could have easily been resolved but instead we get a break up, Jack groveling, and a heck of a reconciliation. His efforts to win her back were over the top but sweet as could be and heart-warming. Frankly, I think Kat could have done some groveling of her own, she's the one who pulled away and didn't give Jack a chance to clarify his feelings for her. But, Dunaway has a nice flair for drama and Jack goes all out to win Kat back. He, with help from his family, knew exactly how to appeal to Kat; he got her, truly understood her. It was romantic.
I loved the animal aspect and Jingle, the dog who was burnt, gets a happy ending. Dunaway weaves in details about animal abuse and rescue without hitting us over the head. It's an important aspect of the story, not just window dressing, and I actually learned something which is always a bonus.
If you want a sweet, heart-warming story with quirky characters and a blend of sweet and gritty that gives you hope, "A Little Christmas Jingle" is just what you need.
I liked this quote:
Her mouth parted to his feather-light ministrations, the light pressure more erotically tantalizing than a deep, sensual kiss. His delicate kisses skirted the edges of what each wanted, providing delicious hints of what could be, what might happen next should each choose to take the next step, choose to make fake dating truly real.
Her fingers wove into his hair, memorizing the silky texture. She longed to know more, so she slid her tongue along his roughened top lip before he pared and allowed her inside. He tasted of pizza, chocolate, and the promise of more.
Soft, came the thought, as most kisses she'd experienced had been hard and fast-as if they were on a race to the finish line. A prelude to sex. A foreplay necessity.
Kissing Jack was an impressive stand-alone act all by itself. The main event. Its own highlight.
Kat is a veterinarian with her own business and also runs a rescue shelter. Her neighbors aren't happy about the latter and keep filing complaints. Jack is a police officer in charge of the police department's animal cruelty task force. He takes that work seriously. The two first meet at a Christmas party fund raiser that he's required to attend. He recently posed for a Sexy Public Servants calendar and he's hiding in a corner at the party, trying to avoid attention, and worse, groupies. He meets an alluring woman who later disappears on him. They meet again when he rescues a dog who was set on fire and Kat's vet office is closest.
Kat and Jack are fun together. They understand each other, they challenge each other, they both love animals, and have devoted their lives to animals. Jack's mother keeps trying to fix him up and Kat needs legal help for her shelter. They agree to pretend to be involved and go on dates together. Of course, his family, who are quirky and interesting, love her and Kat feels bad about deceiving them. Then she thinks that Jack has deceived her about his motivations concerning her rescue shelter. The misunderstanding! The horror! The drama! Yes, Dunaway goes there, but she doesn't drag out it too long.
There's a second misunderstanding concerning Jack's reluctance to get involved for real and that could have easily been resolved but instead we get a break up, Jack groveling, and a heck of a reconciliation. His efforts to win her back were over the top but sweet as could be and heart-warming. Frankly, I think Kat could have done some groveling of her own, she's the one who pulled away and didn't give Jack a chance to clarify his feelings for her. But, Dunaway has a nice flair for drama and Jack goes all out to win Kat back. He, with help from his family, knew exactly how to appeal to Kat; he got her, truly understood her. It was romantic.
I loved the animal aspect and Jingle, the dog who was burnt, gets a happy ending. Dunaway weaves in details about animal abuse and rescue without hitting us over the head. It's an important aspect of the story, not just window dressing, and I actually learned something which is always a bonus.
If you want a sweet, heart-warming story with quirky characters and a blend of sweet and gritty that gives you hope, "A Little Christmas Jingle" is just what you need.
I liked this quote:
Her mouth parted to his feather-light ministrations, the light pressure more erotically tantalizing than a deep, sensual kiss. His delicate kisses skirted the edges of what each wanted, providing delicious hints of what could be, what might happen next should each choose to take the next step, choose to make fake dating truly real.
Her fingers wove into his hair, memorizing the silky texture. She longed to know more, so she slid her tongue along his roughened top lip before he pared and allowed her inside. He tasted of pizza, chocolate, and the promise of more.
Soft, came the thought, as most kisses she'd experienced had been hard and fast-as if they were on a race to the finish line. A prelude to sex. A foreplay necessity.
Kissing Jack was an impressive stand-alone act all by itself. The main event. Its own highlight.
October 9, 2014
Kat Saunders is a vet who runs a clinic and a no-kill shelter. She forgot to get the required permits and now she is worried that the shelter will be taken away. She loves all her animals and cannot imagine her dream being destroyed. She also has violations against the clinic/shelter that claims she is being cruel to the animals and the conditions are filthy. None of these accusations are true but Kat does not know how to remedy the situation.
Jack Donovan is the only member of the city’s Animal Cruelty Task Force. When he is called to the scene of a vicious attack on a pit-bull puppy, he takes the injured puppy to Kat’s clinic. He sees how caring and loving Kat is with the puppy, which she has named Jingles. He wants to get to know Kat better and he wants to make sure that Jingles survives. he plans on finding out who the abuser is and make sure they are punished.
He knows about the alleged violations and when he checks the conditions out for himself, he sees that they are totally false. He is willing to help Kat out and help her resolve her legal issues. But he asks for a favor in return, that Kat pretends to be his girlfriend for his step-sisters wedding and for family outings during the holidays.
Jack and Kat have feelings for each other right from the start but both think that a “real” relationship will not work out. Kat loves Christmas time and Jack really dislikes Christmas. Jack does not want any long term commitment and Kat does not want to just have a fling. But the more time they spend together the more their feelings grow. Will they be able to figure things out and live happily ever after?
The animal abuse aspect of the book is realistic and touching. It brings attention to the real problem of animal cruelty and the need for stricter laws against abusers. I think this made the book special. The love and caring that Jack and Kat show for Jingles is very heartwarming and made me like them as people. I would be happy to have them as friends.
The romance part of the book was good and I enjoyed reading about the relationship that Jack and Kat were building. But after a while I got tired of reading about how turned on Jack and Kat were for each. I did not need to read about their sexual feelings every couple of pages. I got the idea after reading about it in the first few pages and did not need to be reminded so often. That is just my opinion but that is the way I felt.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted holiday romance. If you are an animal lover then you will enjoy this book, but remember, it does deal with animal cruelty.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jack Donovan is the only member of the city’s Animal Cruelty Task Force. When he is called to the scene of a vicious attack on a pit-bull puppy, he takes the injured puppy to Kat’s clinic. He sees how caring and loving Kat is with the puppy, which she has named Jingles. He wants to get to know Kat better and he wants to make sure that Jingles survives. he plans on finding out who the abuser is and make sure they are punished.
He knows about the alleged violations and when he checks the conditions out for himself, he sees that they are totally false. He is willing to help Kat out and help her resolve her legal issues. But he asks for a favor in return, that Kat pretends to be his girlfriend for his step-sisters wedding and for family outings during the holidays.
Jack and Kat have feelings for each other right from the start but both think that a “real” relationship will not work out. Kat loves Christmas time and Jack really dislikes Christmas. Jack does not want any long term commitment and Kat does not want to just have a fling. But the more time they spend together the more their feelings grow. Will they be able to figure things out and live happily ever after?
The animal abuse aspect of the book is realistic and touching. It brings attention to the real problem of animal cruelty and the need for stricter laws against abusers. I think this made the book special. The love and caring that Jack and Kat show for Jingles is very heartwarming and made me like them as people. I would be happy to have them as friends.
The romance part of the book was good and I enjoyed reading about the relationship that Jack and Kat were building. But after a while I got tired of reading about how turned on Jack and Kat were for each. I did not need to read about their sexual feelings every couple of pages. I got the idea after reading about it in the first few pages and did not need to be reminded so often. That is just my opinion but that is the way I felt.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted holiday romance. If you are an animal lover then you will enjoy this book, but remember, it does deal with animal cruelty.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 28, 2014
3.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway is more of an animal advocacy book than anything else. Don't get me wrong its set during the holiday season and all of the things that make Christmas the special time of year that it is is referenced throughout the book. I just feel like animal advocacy was more of the message in this book even over the romance. Which is why this book received 3.5 Stars versus 4. I love animals and have my own rescue animal that I couldn't live without. I just think the character development and the romance shouldn't have taken a backseat to the message. I never felt the connection between the couple even when reading their most romantic scenes.
Kat Saunders has spent her life taking care of animals. As a vet she decided her life's work would best be served by opening her own pet rescue/vet practice. Unfortunately, she didn't file the right paperwork at the right time and now the fate of her practice is in the hands of the legal system. In the meantime, her annual holiday pet adoption event is coming up and this year more than any other year it's imperative to find homes for her 4 legged kids.
Jack Donovan is the face and head detective of the new animal welfare division and what better way to gain publicity for this new division than by posing for Mr. December in a charity calendar. Sure he's all kinds of sexy, but no part of the whole mess makes Jack feel less than over-exposed. He just wants to do his job and protect the animals that aren't able to defend themselves. Which brings us to his current rescue. Finding a puppy tied up and brutally abused is heartbreaking, but Jack has a job to do and that's to get the puppy to the nearest Vet and then find the monsters that did this. Enter the beautiful Dr. Saunders. She's driven and shares the same passion for saving animals that Jack does, but they have very different philosophies and approaches in doing this.
I enjoyed the book overall. It was a nice, sweet read that made you want to hug your pet.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. This loan has in no way formed my or changed my opinion.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway is more of an animal advocacy book than anything else. Don't get me wrong its set during the holiday season and all of the things that make Christmas the special time of year that it is is referenced throughout the book. I just feel like animal advocacy was more of the message in this book even over the romance. Which is why this book received 3.5 Stars versus 4. I love animals and have my own rescue animal that I couldn't live without. I just think the character development and the romance shouldn't have taken a backseat to the message. I never felt the connection between the couple even when reading their most romantic scenes.
Kat Saunders has spent her life taking care of animals. As a vet she decided her life's work would best be served by opening her own pet rescue/vet practice. Unfortunately, she didn't file the right paperwork at the right time and now the fate of her practice is in the hands of the legal system. In the meantime, her annual holiday pet adoption event is coming up and this year more than any other year it's imperative to find homes for her 4 legged kids.
Jack Donovan is the face and head detective of the new animal welfare division and what better way to gain publicity for this new division than by posing for Mr. December in a charity calendar. Sure he's all kinds of sexy, but no part of the whole mess makes Jack feel less than over-exposed. He just wants to do his job and protect the animals that aren't able to defend themselves. Which brings us to his current rescue. Finding a puppy tied up and brutally abused is heartbreaking, but Jack has a job to do and that's to get the puppy to the nearest Vet and then find the monsters that did this. Enter the beautiful Dr. Saunders. She's driven and shares the same passion for saving animals that Jack does, but they have very different philosophies and approaches in doing this.
I enjoyed the book overall. It was a nice, sweet read that made you want to hug your pet.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. This loan has in no way formed my or changed my opinion.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
September 19, 2014
My Review:
When I started this book I was a little worried that it was going to be a insta-love kind of book and it actually was BUT even with the insta-love I thought this book was adorable and it took me a couple chapters to realize just how much I really love this book and the characters.
Jake and Kat are just to cute together. With a sort of arrangement to help him get his mom off his back and for him to help her save her shelter they work together but next expected to fall completely in love. Now I am not a fan of insta-love but I really like how it was done in this one. It was instant but it took sometime to build up and not that annoying type of build up for me it actually worked. For most of the book I just wanted them to have sex already the tension was there but it wasn't overly steamy.
This had all the elements that make a great romance novel with a nice touch of Christmas Magic. I adored his family however I was hoping for a bit more Jingle the Dog. I understand he is what brings them together but he is sort of the background. However I still enjoyed this book immensely, really great read for the holidays or any day really :)
This book honestly started at a 3 star when I noticed the insta-love but as I kept reading I realized how much I really loved this book and the characters and by the time this was over it was a solid 4.5 for me
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
When I started this book I was a little worried that it was going to be a insta-love kind of book and it actually was BUT even with the insta-love I thought this book was adorable and it took me a couple chapters to realize just how much I really love this book and the characters.
Jake and Kat are just to cute together. With a sort of arrangement to help him get his mom off his back and for him to help her save her shelter they work together but next expected to fall completely in love. Now I am not a fan of insta-love but I really like how it was done in this one. It was instant but it took sometime to build up and not that annoying type of build up for me it actually worked. For most of the book I just wanted them to have sex already the tension was there but it wasn't overly steamy.
This had all the elements that make a great romance novel with a nice touch of Christmas Magic. I adored his family however I was hoping for a bit more Jingle the Dog. I understand he is what brings them together but he is sort of the background. However I still enjoyed this book immensely, really great read for the holidays or any day really :)
This book honestly started at a 3 star when I noticed the insta-love but as I kept reading I realized how much I really loved this book and the characters and by the time this was over it was a solid 4.5 for me
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my review
Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
September 30, 2014
Kat Saunders has a problem. Along with her successful veterinary practice, she has been operating a No Kill animal shelter at her clinic. Unfortunately, she dropped the ball on the paperwork and doesn't at the moment have a permit for the shelter. And the head of the local neighborhood association wants the shelter shut down.
Jack Donovan, police detective and head of the city's animal cruelty task force, has his own problems, most notably being the very sexy Mr. December in the local humane society's fundraising calendar, and an upcoming family wedding for which his loving family really wants him to have a date with potential to be his happily ever after.
What brings them together is an abused pit bull puppy, burned over much of his body. Kat's is the closest veterinary clinic that has agreed to take animals from the task force for treatment. She names the puppy Jingle, and puts everything into saving him.
And of course, Kat and Jack begin their own dance of fighting their attraction to each other.
Kat and Jack are both easy to like, and have issues from their past experiences that are easy to relate to. With a light touch that never lets it interfere with enjoying the story, Dunaway works in some of the issues and progress in humane animal sheltering and adoption, which is a bonus extra for me. And it all builds toward a wonderful Christmas climax.
Fun and heartwarming. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Jack Donovan, police detective and head of the city's animal cruelty task force, has his own problems, most notably being the very sexy Mr. December in the local humane society's fundraising calendar, and an upcoming family wedding for which his loving family really wants him to have a date with potential to be his happily ever after.
What brings them together is an abused pit bull puppy, burned over much of his body. Kat's is the closest veterinary clinic that has agreed to take animals from the task force for treatment. She names the puppy Jingle, and puts everything into saving him.
And of course, Kat and Jack begin their own dance of fighting their attraction to each other.
Kat and Jack are both easy to like, and have issues from their past experiences that are easy to relate to. With a light touch that never lets it interfere with enjoying the story, Dunaway works in some of the issues and progress in humane animal sheltering and adoption, which is a bonus extra for me. And it all builds toward a wonderful Christmas climax.
Fun and heartwarming. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 12, 2015
I love Christmas stories, romances, and books with dogs, so A Little Christmas Jingle hit all my buttons and did not disappoint. This is the story of two people finding love when they aren't looking for it. Jack is a cop who has taken on the responsibility of protecting animals who have been abused and stopping the abusers. Kat is a vet who has bought a veterinary practice in an upscale neighborhood and added a no-kill shelter to her facilities. Some of the neighbors don't like the shelter aspect and wage a campaign of lies and legalities to force Kat to close it down.
When Jack meets Kat at a fundraiser where he is Mr. December on the fundraiser's calendar, there is an attraction, but they part ways without doing anything about it. When they meet again they decide to do a little false advertising about their relationship to keep their mothers from pushing them to "finally" find someone.
The catalyst for their second meeting is a horrible crime perpetrated on a little puppy. Someone set him on fire. Jack brings the puppy to the nearest vet, which happens to be Kat. Now they both have jobs to do that relate to Jingle, the puppy. Kat has to try to save Jingle's life and Jack has to bring the abusers to justice.
This is a very sweet Christmas season story, despite the damage to the little dog, and has a happy ending. How they get to that HEA is a roller coaster of emotions and family interference. I loved this story and recommend it.
When Jack meets Kat at a fundraiser where he is Mr. December on the fundraiser's calendar, there is an attraction, but they part ways without doing anything about it. When they meet again they decide to do a little false advertising about their relationship to keep their mothers from pushing them to "finally" find someone.
The catalyst for their second meeting is a horrible crime perpetrated on a little puppy. Someone set him on fire. Jack brings the puppy to the nearest vet, which happens to be Kat. Now they both have jobs to do that relate to Jingle, the puppy. Kat has to try to save Jingle's life and Jack has to bring the abusers to justice.
This is a very sweet Christmas season story, despite the damage to the little dog, and has a happy ending. How they get to that HEA is a roller coaster of emotions and family interference. I loved this story and recommend it.
October 5, 2014
A Little Christmas Jingle adds another book to the feel good romances that come out around Christmas. This one features a dog but in a very different way. Jingle has been abused and is in danger of dying when Jack Donovan gets him to Kat Saunders vet practice. This is not cute dog story; in fact it is just the opposite. There is a very strong message about how much pet abuse there is in the world.
Dunaway does a great job of getting that message across without it getting in the way of the romance that is also at the heart of the story. Both Kat and Jack are easy characters to like. Both are devoted to their jobs and the jobs are what bring them together. While they have that in common their views on Christmas are very different. Kat loves it and Jack really hates it especially this year when he is Mr. December on a charity calendar.
One of the fun parts of the story occurs when Jack really messes up the relationship between he and Kat and has to prove he can get into the Christmas Spirit. There are other problems as well but in the end Jack and Kat get to their HEA.
Dunaway does a great job of getting that message across without it getting in the way of the romance that is also at the heart of the story. Both Kat and Jack are easy characters to like. Both are devoted to their jobs and the jobs are what bring them together. While they have that in common their views on Christmas are very different. Kat loves it and Jack really hates it especially this year when he is Mr. December on a charity calendar.
One of the fun parts of the story occurs when Jack really messes up the relationship between he and Kat and has to prove he can get into the Christmas Spirit. There are other problems as well but in the end Jack and Kat get to their HEA.
October 6, 2014
"4.5 out of 5 stars! Jack meets Katherine (Kat) at a ball they both attend, while there they share a mistletoe kiss and loose each other in the middle of everything going on. A while later they meet up again after Jack bring an terribly abused puppy (Jingle) to Kat's clinic for help, from there a relationship begins that will shake up their lives for the better.
Kat and Jack's romance is one that would put a good Hallmark Christmas movie a run for its money."
Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/feasted-on-little-christmas-jingle-by.html
Kat and Jack's romance is one that would put a good Hallmark Christmas movie a run for its money."
Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/feasted-on-little-christmas-jingle-by.html
October 6, 2014
This is a cute Christmas love story and I really enjoyed reading it. Kat is a vet who also finds herself running a shelter without a permit. Jack is the sole member of the city’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce. They are brought together by little Jingle, an abused pit-bull puppy that Jack brings to Kat for treatment. In spite of the sometimes heavy subject matter (animal abuse, legal issues and such) this is a fun (mostly) light read. I really enjoyed the characters. Kat is so full of love and joy and compassion, she never wants to see anyone hurting or sad. Jack is a bit jaded, he’s commitment phobic and has seen a lot of the worst in people because of his job but when he falls for Kat he falls hard and it was fun to watch. Add in some meddling family members and coworkers and you get a really fun Christmas read I highly recommend. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2014
Who doesn't want Mr. December, A hunky cop who helps rescue animals? A vet named Kat, that's who. She' has no time for romance, until she lands under the mistletoe and snags a quick kiss. The kiss became memorable for both but it was a rescue puppy named Jingle that brings them together.
I love how the characters acknowledge their relationship sounds like a hallmark movie that will end happily. I appreciated how the author recognized the storyline of two overworked individuals who unexpectedly find time to fall in love or fake relationship ending in love has been done before. What's key is how the story is executed and this was done so well. I loved how Jacks family steps in to help him out. I think it's great how their passion for their causes unites them. I think it would be sweet if the author did a story for each month of the calendar. I definitely would read them.
I love how the characters acknowledge their relationship sounds like a hallmark movie that will end happily. I appreciated how the author recognized the storyline of two overworked individuals who unexpectedly find time to fall in love or fake relationship ending in love has been done before. What's key is how the story is executed and this was done so well. I loved how Jacks family steps in to help him out. I think it's great how their passion for their causes unites them. I think it would be sweet if the author did a story for each month of the calendar. I definitely would read them.
September 8, 2014
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Cute, Christmasy, with a major focus on animals and finding them homes and keeping them safe since Kat is a vet with a clinic and shelter and Jack is an animal rescue officer. The sparks fly as soon as they meet, but they don't really get to know each other until a dog needs to be saved. We really get to know Jack and his family quite well, which makes him a well-rounded character. But Kat seems a little sketchy, and I never really warmed up to her. For me, there's a little too much animal rescue rah-rah, and the matchmaking scheme was a little strange--loving but oddly impersonal. But overall, the story was pleasant and a nice read.
Cute, Christmasy, with a major focus on animals and finding them homes and keeping them safe since Kat is a vet with a clinic and shelter and Jack is an animal rescue officer. The sparks fly as soon as they meet, but they don't really get to know each other until a dog needs to be saved. We really get to know Jack and his family quite well, which makes him a well-rounded character. But Kat seems a little sketchy, and I never really warmed up to her. For me, there's a little too much animal rescue rah-rah, and the matchmaking scheme was a little strange--loving but oddly impersonal. But overall, the story was pleasant and a nice read.
October 25, 2014
A Christmas story to melt your heart.
A lovely but lonely vet is struggling to make her animal hospital and shelter work despite the barriers she is up against. A gorgeous and caring animal rescue officer/calendar pin-up isn’t looking for any entanglements, but when both have to work together to try to rescue a badly abused puppy during the holiday season they find that love comes in many forms, especially at Christmas. Maybe the timing was wrong, but the heat and heart of their love won’t be denied. The power of Christmas and romance overcome all obstacles in this story of love, kindness, passion, and hope.
A lovely but lonely vet is struggling to make her animal hospital and shelter work despite the barriers she is up against. A gorgeous and caring animal rescue officer/calendar pin-up isn’t looking for any entanglements, but when both have to work together to try to rescue a badly abused puppy during the holiday season they find that love comes in many forms, especially at Christmas. Maybe the timing was wrong, but the heat and heart of their love won’t be denied. The power of Christmas and romance overcome all obstacles in this story of love, kindness, passion, and hope.
November 17, 2014
A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway is a wonderful heartwarming Christmas story. Dr. Katherine Saunders is a veterinarian trying to get her practice and shelter started but facing some opposition from the neighbors. Detective Jack Donovan brings an abused puppy to her and sees the caring person she is. It is touch and go with the puppy but that brings Kat and Jack closer together. They make a deal. She goes with him to his parents house to put a stop to their nagging and he agrees to help with the publicity for the shelter. The three fall in love in the sweetest Christmas story ever. Thank You NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2014
The book has all the necessary elements for a quick, warm read: two people slowly falling in love; quirky characters; a small-town attitude; a young puppy; and festivity at Christmas. Even the animal abuse part in the book is dealt with in a comforting way. It delivers what it says in the title: a little Christmas jingle!
I received this book from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. I thank them for that.
Read the full review at My Two Pennies' Worth
I received this book from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. I thank them for that.
Read the full review at My Two Pennies' Worth
October 11, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This one was adorable. While it felt like I was missing some details, I loved the overall story. The parts where I felt I was missing information - his family (I wanted more from the family conversation), her previous boyfriend (he was mentioned briefly, but I felt like he had a bigger role). Jack was adorable, as was Jingle and I loved the way the two of them came together.
This one was adorable. While it felt like I was missing some details, I loved the overall story. The parts where I felt I was missing information - his family (I wanted more from the family conversation), her previous boyfriend (he was mentioned briefly, but I felt like he had a bigger role). Jack was adorable, as was Jingle and I loved the way the two of them came together.
October 12, 2014
I really liked this book. The story was great, I loved the characters and their journey through romance. The story was written really well the dialogue and story flowed so well that it was a really easy read. The only negative for me was that this story included some animal abuse and it was a little too graphic for me. The hero, Jack is a police officer that investigates animal cruelty and neglect and the heroine is a Vet.
October 22, 2014
I liked this book and the message and budding romance were genuine and engaging! There were a lot of point-of-view shifts which I found very distracting and several places where repeated words and phrases should have been edited, but the book was enjoyable and I'd read more from this author!
December 22, 2014
5stars for the perfect Christmas story
5stars for the perfect Christmas story,
Sweet and sexy romance ~vet and animal cruelty police officer meet because of a badly abused pitbull puppy, Christmas magic, with a great ending leaving you wishing for more!
5stars for the perfect Christmas story,
Sweet and sexy romance ~vet and animal cruelty police officer meet because of a badly abused pitbull puppy, Christmas magic, with a great ending leaving you wishing for more!
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July 16, 2014One of my favorites.
July 3, 2015
This was a fun story. I liked both characters and their journey to find love.
June 6, 2016
Sweet...Cute...holiday romance.
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
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