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Mountain Man #1
The Mountain Man's Dog
In the small town of Clarkesville, in the heart of the Oregon Cascade Mountains, a humble forester stumbles into the complex world of crooked cops and power-hungry politicians… all because he rescues a stray, injured dog on the highway.
Lehigh Carter never really meant to adopt the dog. But his ex-fiancée, Stacy McBride, convinces him to do it, with a promise to help. Their rekindled romance angers her father, state Senator George McBride, who sees her backwoods suitor as a blemish on his carefully created political image. It also sets off a chain of events that entangle Lehigh in a life-or-death conflict with the senator’s hardnosed campaign treasurer, Paul van Paten, who had his own plans for Stacy’s future.
The Mountain Man’s Dog is a briskly told crime thriller loaded with equal parts suspense, romance, and light-hearted humor, pitting honor and loyalty against ruthless ambition and runaway greed in a town too small for anyone to get away with anything.
Lehigh Carter never really meant to adopt the dog. But his ex-fiancée, Stacy McBride, convinces him to do it, with a promise to help. Their rekindled romance angers her father, state Senator George McBride, who sees her backwoods suitor as a blemish on his carefully created political image. It also sets off a chain of events that entangle Lehigh in a life-or-death conflict with the senator’s hardnosed campaign treasurer, Paul van Paten, who had his own plans for Stacy’s future.
The Mountain Man’s Dog is a briskly told crime thriller loaded with equal parts suspense, romance, and light-hearted humor, pitting honor and loyalty against ruthless ambition and runaway greed in a town too small for anyone to get away with anything.
- GenresThriller
260 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2016
68 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Gary Corbin
12 books64 followersGary Corbin is a writer, actor, and playwright in Camas, WA, a suburb of Portland, OR.
In his character-driven police procedural, A Woman of Valor, rookie policewoman Valorie Dawes has a mission: take serial child molesters like Richard Harkins off the streets of her small hometown of Clayton, CT—for good. But can Valorie overcome the trauma she suffered as a child and stop Harkins from hurting others—or will her bottled-up anger lead her to take reckless risks that put the people she loves in greater danger?
Gary's debut novel, Lying in Judgment, was released in March, 2016. Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about Peter Robertson, who serves on the jury of a murder trial for the crime he committed. Lying in Judgment was selected as Bookworks.com "Book of the Week" for July 11-18, 2016, and was the feature novel on Literary Lightbox’s “Indie Spotlight” in February 2017. In the sequel, Lying in Vengeance, Peter is blackmailed by a former fellow juror, who demands that he kill her stalker - or she'll reveal his secret murderous past.
His Mountain Man Mysteries series includes Gary's second novel, The Mountain Man's Dog, The Mountain Man's Bride, and The Mountain Man's Badge.
All are available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook forms. Lying in Judgment, Lying in Vengeance, and The Mountain Man's Dog are also available on audio.
An award-winning playwright, several of his plays have been produced in the Portland, OR area, some of them multiple times. In addition to his own scripts, Gary writes, ghost-writes, and edits scripts. He specializes in tight, realistic dialogue involving sharply drawn, interesting characters in complex relationships.
Gary is a member of PDX Playwrights, the Portland Area Theater Alliance, the Willamette Writers Group and the Bar Noir Writers Workshop, and participates in workshops and conferences in the Portland, Oregon area.
A homebrewer as well as a maker of wine, mead, cider, and soft drinks, Gary is a member of the Oregon Brew Crew and a BJCP National Beer Judge. He loves to ski, cook, and garden, and hopes someday to train his dogs to obey. And when that doesn’t work, there’s always Renegade’s Paradise.
In his character-driven police procedural, A Woman of Valor, rookie policewoman Valorie Dawes has a mission: take serial child molesters like Richard Harkins off the streets of her small hometown of Clayton, CT—for good. But can Valorie overcome the trauma she suffered as a child and stop Harkins from hurting others—or will her bottled-up anger lead her to take reckless risks that put the people she loves in greater danger?
Gary's debut novel, Lying in Judgment, was released in March, 2016. Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about Peter Robertson, who serves on the jury of a murder trial for the crime he committed. Lying in Judgment was selected as Bookworks.com "Book of the Week" for July 11-18, 2016, and was the feature novel on Literary Lightbox’s “Indie Spotlight” in February 2017. In the sequel, Lying in Vengeance, Peter is blackmailed by a former fellow juror, who demands that he kill her stalker - or she'll reveal his secret murderous past.
His Mountain Man Mysteries series includes Gary's second novel, The Mountain Man's Dog, The Mountain Man's Bride, and The Mountain Man's Badge.
All are available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook forms. Lying in Judgment, Lying in Vengeance, and The Mountain Man's Dog are also available on audio.
An award-winning playwright, several of his plays have been produced in the Portland, OR area, some of them multiple times. In addition to his own scripts, Gary writes, ghost-writes, and edits scripts. He specializes in tight, realistic dialogue involving sharply drawn, interesting characters in complex relationships.
Gary is a member of PDX Playwrights, the Portland Area Theater Alliance, the Willamette Writers Group and the Bar Noir Writers Workshop, and participates in workshops and conferences in the Portland, Oregon area.
A homebrewer as well as a maker of wine, mead, cider, and soft drinks, Gary is a member of the Oregon Brew Crew and a BJCP National Beer Judge. He loves to ski, cook, and garden, and hopes someday to train his dogs to obey. And when that doesn’t work, there’s always Renegade’s Paradise.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 17, 2018
The Mountain Man's Dog is a thrilling read!
This book is a fantastic mixture of action, romance, mystery and a dash of politics! We follow Lehigh (Lee) and his dog Lucky as he woos an old friend named Stacy and gets involved with the wrong people...
The fast paced momentum of this book will keep you hooked at every turn, and the even mixture of action, mystery and romance will also keep you on your toes. I like that it didn't stay to just one "genre" throughout this book, because this style worked so well with this story. Gary makes you feel for these characters and yearn to know what will happen next.
There were some cheesier or soap opera like situations that happen, but I think it worked well enough. I kind of liked the dramatic plot points because it made the characters go through emotional changes and grow their characters, but some readers may not.
One aspect of this book that made it stand out for me was Lucky. Not many books involve animals as an actual character, which made this book step up above the rest for me. I really liked Lucky being involved and essentially being her own character! But hey, I'm an animal lover!
This is the first book in the series, but it ends on it's own note to fulfill the story. Having a book coming to a close (and not a cliffhanger) is a real positive note for me - it only makes me want to read the next novel even more. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!
I would highly recommend this book - it's fun and kept me interested. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a story with a little bit of romance, then this book is for you!!
Five out of five stars!
I received a free copy of this book form the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a fantastic mixture of action, romance, mystery and a dash of politics! We follow Lehigh (Lee) and his dog Lucky as he woos an old friend named Stacy and gets involved with the wrong people...
The fast paced momentum of this book will keep you hooked at every turn, and the even mixture of action, mystery and romance will also keep you on your toes. I like that it didn't stay to just one "genre" throughout this book, because this style worked so well with this story. Gary makes you feel for these characters and yearn to know what will happen next.
There were some cheesier or soap opera like situations that happen, but I think it worked well enough. I kind of liked the dramatic plot points because it made the characters go through emotional changes and grow their characters, but some readers may not.
One aspect of this book that made it stand out for me was Lucky. Not many books involve animals as an actual character, which made this book step up above the rest for me. I really liked Lucky being involved and essentially being her own character! But hey, I'm an animal lover!
This is the first book in the series, but it ends on it's own note to fulfill the story. Having a book coming to a close (and not a cliffhanger) is a real positive note for me - it only makes me want to read the next novel even more. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!
I would highly recommend this book - it's fun and kept me interested. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a story with a little bit of romance, then this book is for you!!
Five out of five stars!
I received a free copy of this book form the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2019
Lehigh finds an injured dog on the road and the only place he can take her is the vet that his ex-girlfriend works for.
The author is trying to hit too many genres with this. The 1st section reads like a romance then there's an abrupt change of pace to thriller. I didn't see the humour mentioned in the blurb.
There also seemed to be a lot of loose ends and unexplained details - ie how did lucky end up injured in the first place. The details of Stacey's life seemed thrown in for effect not for reasons of the plot and were moved past v quickly with no repercussions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the publisher and Booksirens.
The author is trying to hit too many genres with this. The 1st section reads like a romance then there's an abrupt change of pace to thriller. I didn't see the humour mentioned in the blurb.
There also seemed to be a lot of loose ends and unexplained details - ie how did lucky end up injured in the first place. The details of Stacey's life seemed thrown in for effect not for reasons of the plot and were moved past v quickly with no repercussions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the publisher and Booksirens.
August 10, 2017
Mtn man brings a stray dog to the clinic where his former fiancé is the mgr or caretaker. It has been 12 years since they have spoken. She moved on and now is divorced. He really never did recover and soon they become involved. I like the characters but the story is a little superficial. I will read others by this author though. Thanks!
June 30, 2018
Set in a small Oregon town, the main character Lee Carter, rescues a dog, reunites with an old flame and solves a mystery.
April 29, 2019
Mountain Man better known as Lehigh Carter
lives in the Cascade Mountain located in Oregon.
Lehigh manages more than 350 acres of trees
for his family plus about 500 customers. He lives
alone in a remote area.
Lehigh’s life is about to change. He discovers a
yellow hound dog limping and bleeding.
The Sheriff sends Lehigh to the Clarksville Animal
Clinic to get the dog help. This happens to be
where Stacy McBride, Lehigh’s old flame works.
It has been 12 years since they have seen each
other. There is immediate and undeniable
chemistry remaining between the two of them.
Now Lehigh’s life is on the brink of change.
He will find himself in a mysterious, dangerous
and life threatening situation.
Arson, robbery, danger, intrigue, politics and
suspense add to the fast paced adventures.
Characters are vivid, very colorful, well define,
extremely interesting.
This couple needs to come to grips with their
past to move into a future together. Will there be
a second chance for them? Will they be able to
overcome what they are facing?
This book has adventure, twists and turns, humor
with intense romance, captivating writing and a
riveting storyline.
I volunteered to read The Mountain Man's Dog.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
lives in the Cascade Mountain located in Oregon.
Lehigh manages more than 350 acres of trees
for his family plus about 500 customers. He lives
alone in a remote area.
Lehigh’s life is about to change. He discovers a
yellow hound dog limping and bleeding.
The Sheriff sends Lehigh to the Clarksville Animal
Clinic to get the dog help. This happens to be
where Stacy McBride, Lehigh’s old flame works.
It has been 12 years since they have seen each
other. There is immediate and undeniable
chemistry remaining between the two of them.
Now Lehigh’s life is on the brink of change.
He will find himself in a mysterious, dangerous
and life threatening situation.
Arson, robbery, danger, intrigue, politics and
suspense add to the fast paced adventures.
Characters are vivid, very colorful, well define,
extremely interesting.
This couple needs to come to grips with their
past to move into a future together. Will there be
a second chance for them? Will they be able to
overcome what they are facing?
This book has adventure, twists and turns, humor
with intense romance, captivating writing and a
riveting storyline.
I volunteered to read The Mountain Man's Dog.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
June 19, 2016
The Mountain Man's Dog is the first book in hopefully a long series by Gary Corbin. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! This is a fast paced amazing thriller that takes you on a roller coaster ride from the start. You have everything from intrigue and danger, corrupt cops and crooked politicians to some romance.
For Lee Carter(Lehigh) Oregon's Cascade Mountains are not only home but his livelihood. He is a logger that takes care of 350 plus acres for his family as well as 500 plus for other customers. He is a busy man and he loves it. On his way into town to get groceries his life is turned upside down when he spots a limping yellow hound dog in the road. Now mind you Lehigh doesn't like dogs! He thinks they are a nuisance especially since he had a bad experience as a kid with his Uncle Ted's GSD's that bit him. But alas his kind heart takes over and he puts her in his truck and takes her to Mt. Hood Sheriff's office thinking he will drop her off and be done. No such luck! He has to transport her to Clarksville Animal Hospital where coincidentally his old flame Stacy McBride works. WOW is all I can say. Things get down right interesting when these two see each other after 12 years.
Complicated doesn't even describe the fireworks about to happen. Between Paul her politically hungry "boyfriend " and her father State Senator George L. McBride who hates Lehigh btw things in this little town are about to erupt.
On the positive side Stacy get's Lehigh to adopt Lucky by kinda tricking him and maybe a little white lie. But deep down does Lehigh really want Lucky? Time will tell. Lehigh doesn't know what hits him when his life goes south and things become life and death situations! Will he be able to keep everyone he cares for safe?
Will good triumph over evil in this small town???
I am so grateful to have had the honor to read and review this amazing book. I can't wait for book two.
For Lee Carter(Lehigh) Oregon's Cascade Mountains are not only home but his livelihood. He is a logger that takes care of 350 plus acres for his family as well as 500 plus for other customers. He is a busy man and he loves it. On his way into town to get groceries his life is turned upside down when he spots a limping yellow hound dog in the road. Now mind you Lehigh doesn't like dogs! He thinks they are a nuisance especially since he had a bad experience as a kid with his Uncle Ted's GSD's that bit him. But alas his kind heart takes over and he puts her in his truck and takes her to Mt. Hood Sheriff's office thinking he will drop her off and be done. No such luck! He has to transport her to Clarksville Animal Hospital where coincidentally his old flame Stacy McBride works. WOW is all I can say. Things get down right interesting when these two see each other after 12 years.
Complicated doesn't even describe the fireworks about to happen. Between Paul her politically hungry "boyfriend " and her father State Senator George L. McBride who hates Lehigh btw things in this little town are about to erupt.
On the positive side Stacy get's Lehigh to adopt Lucky by kinda tricking him and maybe a little white lie. But deep down does Lehigh really want Lucky? Time will tell. Lehigh doesn't know what hits him when his life goes south and things become life and death situations! Will he be able to keep everyone he cares for safe?
Will good triumph over evil in this small town???
I am so grateful to have had the honor to read and review this amazing book. I can't wait for book two.
September 11, 2016
I enjoyed this story, that at first I thought might be a romance despite the title. The I realized it was a mystery with a conspiracy wrapped in an adventure. Lehigh Carter is a bit of a loner, when he finds a wounded dog on the side of the road, his first instinct is to leave the dog, then seeing blood, he decides maybe the Sheriff would be a better option. The Sheriff, not wanting to deal with the problem sends Lehigh to McBride Animal Clinic, which just happens to be run by Lehigh's old flame Stacy McBride. From here the reader is taken on a journey of mystery and suspense they may find hard to put down. I found the author's writing very reader friendly and I loved the characters in this book. Definitely a story worth picking up.
November 23, 2016
I am glad this book is the first in a series. I will enjoy seeing all the characters develop throughout. I enjoyed this story and especially the familiar location sites. I greatly appreciated the lack of gratuitous anything which is such a rarity these days because it puts focus where it should be, on the story.
January 7, 2019
The first thing I noticed about the cover of The Mountain Man's Dog by Gary Corbin is that there was a dog. The second thing is that the dog is injured. Oh! So I had to give Lehigh credit for being a 'dog man', extra credit for being a man who stopped to help out an injured dog, and third degree credit because he didn't even like dogs, since being bitten as a child.
His old flame works at the rescue center and they wind up rekindling that old flame Stacy. Problem is, Stacy's father is running for governor He's not above getting a little 'creative' with campaign financing. His campaign treasurer Paul is *ahem* shall we say, skilled, at finding thousands of dollars of campaign contributions, and in keeping the candidate's name away from the more questionable money. All in exchange for a cabinet post, and marrying Stacy.
When Paul finds out that Lehigh has 'taken' Stacy away from him, he threatens to kill our mountain man. And, Lehigh does suffer a most incredible string of 'bad luck'.
Mr. Corbin's book reminds me of a lot of what's wrong with American politics today - bribes, illegalities around campaigns, mudslinging, influence peddling. I could go on, but it's too depressing. I'd rather think that Mountain Man's Dog also reminds me that there are people in the world who will go out of their way to make society better, and that dogs are fantastic companions, and not bad at rescuing either!
His old flame works at the rescue center and they wind up rekindling that old flame Stacy. Problem is, Stacy's father is running for governor He's not above getting a little 'creative' with campaign financing. His campaign treasurer Paul is *ahem* shall we say, skilled, at finding thousands of dollars of campaign contributions, and in keeping the candidate's name away from the more questionable money. All in exchange for a cabinet post, and marrying Stacy.
When Paul finds out that Lehigh has 'taken' Stacy away from him, he threatens to kill our mountain man. And, Lehigh does suffer a most incredible string of 'bad luck'.
Mr. Corbin's book reminds me of a lot of what's wrong with American politics today - bribes, illegalities around campaigns, mudslinging, influence peddling. I could go on, but it's too depressing. I'd rather think that Mountain Man's Dog also reminds me that there are people in the world who will go out of their way to make society better, and that dogs are fantastic companions, and not bad at rescuing either!
April 5, 2019
First in the Mountain Man crime thriller series set in the Oregon Cascade Mountains in late September and revolving around Lehigh Carter, a forester who simply wants to be.
The Mountain Man's Dog was sent to me by BookSirens for an honest review.
My Take
It's a David and Goliath tale with the underdog up against corrupt politicians and with a scumbag senator willing to sell out his own daughter! No different from any other politico. More interested in himself than any one else, including his family.
That Corbin teased and teased and teased. It's Lee not wanting that damn dog and trying so hard to twist out of it. It's not his fault he's such a soft touch, lol. Nor that he's too stubborn to be pushed and prefers to keep it all inside. Then there's Stacy's story about her personal life that alternates between my feeling bad for her and thinking she's a cowardly whiner.
Corbin uses a third person global subjective point-of-view, primarily between Stacy and Lehigh and other characters jumping in now and again in this over-the-top romantic thriller. It certainly is an active story with plenty of action happening for and against Lee. Lucky comes in for his share too. Stacy's scenes are useful fillers, providing that key insight into her father and Paul. Yuck.
The strip club is a fascinating twist in the story, although all those favors sure weren't. Fascinating that is. I did like that twist Lee pulled with the Cal-Tex money, and it sure added a nasty touch in the grand jury trial! It certainly kept me tense!
My biggest niggle is Stacy being in a relationship with Lee. Hey, I'm not saying he isn't the better man, but I'm impressed that Stacy was (and is) willing to overlook the gulf between them.
I am so not impressed by Lee's parents. As for that old meme, getting bored at restrictions and making life worse, well, that just ticks me off as being too easy to drum up some more conflict. Lame, lame, lame.
In the end, it's all about who you know.
The Story
It truly is a "lucky" day for Lehigh Carter when he spots that injured dog in the road. And Lee's life only gets "luckier" as life swooshes on around him.
From an "unwanted" girlfriend to arson to kidnapping, Lee's life will never be the same.
The Characters
Lehigh "Lee" Carter is a forester managing vast acreages of wooded land for family and others, as Carter Forest Management...and he hates dogs. Pappy and Maw (Irene) are his retired parents who live on the family farm...Maw has the dementia and a major hate on for her son. His uncle Ted once owned a mean German shepherd.
That yellow hound was indeed "Lucky".
Clarkesville Animal Hospital is...
...a mostly volunteer clinic put together by Stacy McBride, who had wanted to be a vet and now simply volunteers. Dr Lewis is the vet. Anne-Marie is the not-too-bright volunteer who does the office and cleaning work. Jimmy is Anne-Marie's long-suffering husband. Amy is another volunteer. Lili is a patient. More clients/patients include Dr Zwick, Betsy Kellerman has a toy poodle, Extra; Mrs Whitehead owns a Jack Russell terrier named Toby; Mrs Hathaway has a Labradoodle; the Durstens have a six-year-old Siamese; Mrs Huckaby has her Teddy, a Bijon-Frisé; Cooper Auto has a Border-Aussie mix; and, Agnes is a sheepdog.
Stacy McBride had been engaged to Lee some ten or twelve years ago, having known him since they were fifteen. Donna is Stacy's best friend since high school. Stacy is also the daughter of State Senator George Lindsay McBride (President Pro Tempore) who's now running for governor. Catherine is her mother. Paul van Paten is a lawyer who is the senator's campaign treasurer who wants Stacy. Paul isn't particular about how he raises those funds, either. Paul's father had been one of George's oldest friends and political allies. Dr Steven Daniels III is a dentist and Stacy's ex.
Brockton and James Thornburgh are in an unequal partnership, working as bagmen for Cal-Tex Lumber. Mr Downey, friends with George since college, owns a strip club as well as a bar, Montgomery's, as part of Downey's many real estate holdings.
Mount Hood Sheriff Department
Sheriff Dallas "Buck" Summers is a lazy git. His deputies include the not-too--bright Dwayne Latner and Sergeant Jared Barkley. Wadsworth is a detective.
Captain Henry McBride (George's brother) and Dale Hansen are firefighters.
Constantine Richards is Lee's lawyer. Judge Kimball presides over the grand jury. Old man Patterson runs a basics market, as opposed to WinCo, your more standard grocery store. Shirley's Diner is where Connie works as a waitress. The Reverend Scott and his wife are Stacy's neighbors and friends of her father's. Brian Kelly is an insurance adjuster. Mo's Mochas is popular. Dr Gorman is a plastic surgeon? Speaker Ramsey is influential. Bruce Bailey, a sleazy TV news guy over at Channel Seven, had run in a legislative race back in the day. Suzie works at Honeycut Caterers. Dotty is a waitress at a greasy spoon.
The Cover and Title
The cover is clean and feels so spare and yet it tells you quite a bit with its blue-hued forest of tree trunks in the background with a partial of Lee Carter in a black turtleneck and faded blue jeans holding an injured yellow hound dog in his arms. The title is in white to the left of Lee's hip and the author's name snugged in below it in black.
The title is the unwanted stray who becomes The Mountain Man's Dog.
The Mountain Man's Dog was sent to me by BookSirens for an honest review.
My Take
It's a David and Goliath tale with the underdog up against corrupt politicians and with a scumbag senator willing to sell out his own daughter! No different from any other politico. More interested in himself than any one else, including his family.
That Corbin teased and teased and teased. It's Lee not wanting that damn dog and trying so hard to twist out of it. It's not his fault he's such a soft touch, lol. Nor that he's too stubborn to be pushed and prefers to keep it all inside. Then there's Stacy's story about her personal life that alternates between my feeling bad for her and thinking she's a cowardly whiner.
Corbin uses a third person global subjective point-of-view, primarily between Stacy and Lehigh and other characters jumping in now and again in this over-the-top romantic thriller. It certainly is an active story with plenty of action happening for and against Lee. Lucky comes in for his share too. Stacy's scenes are useful fillers, providing that key insight into her father and Paul. Yuck.
The strip club is a fascinating twist in the story, although all those favors sure weren't. Fascinating that is. I did like that twist Lee pulled with the Cal-Tex money, and it sure added a nasty touch in the grand jury trial! It certainly kept me tense!
My biggest niggle is Stacy being in a relationship with Lee. Hey, I'm not saying he isn't the better man, but I'm impressed that Stacy was (and is) willing to overlook the gulf between them.
I am so not impressed by Lee's parents. As for that old meme, getting bored at restrictions and making life worse, well, that just ticks me off as being too easy to drum up some more conflict. Lame, lame, lame.
In the end, it's all about who you know.
The Story
It truly is a "lucky" day for Lehigh Carter when he spots that injured dog in the road. And Lee's life only gets "luckier" as life swooshes on around him.
From an "unwanted" girlfriend to arson to kidnapping, Lee's life will never be the same.
The Characters
Lehigh "Lee" Carter is a forester managing vast acreages of wooded land for family and others, as Carter Forest Management...and he hates dogs. Pappy and Maw (Irene) are his retired parents who live on the family farm...Maw has the dementia and a major hate on for her son. His uncle Ted once owned a mean German shepherd.
That yellow hound was indeed "Lucky".
Clarkesville Animal Hospital is...
...a mostly volunteer clinic put together by Stacy McBride, who had wanted to be a vet and now simply volunteers. Dr Lewis is the vet. Anne-Marie is the not-too-bright volunteer who does the office and cleaning work. Jimmy is Anne-Marie's long-suffering husband. Amy is another volunteer. Lili is a patient. More clients/patients include Dr Zwick, Betsy Kellerman has a toy poodle, Extra; Mrs Whitehead owns a Jack Russell terrier named Toby; Mrs Hathaway has a Labradoodle; the Durstens have a six-year-old Siamese; Mrs Huckaby has her Teddy, a Bijon-Frisé; Cooper Auto has a Border-Aussie mix; and, Agnes is a sheepdog.
Stacy McBride had been engaged to Lee some ten or twelve years ago, having known him since they were fifteen. Donna is Stacy's best friend since high school. Stacy is also the daughter of State Senator George Lindsay McBride (President Pro Tempore) who's now running for governor. Catherine is her mother. Paul van Paten is a lawyer who is the senator's campaign treasurer who wants Stacy. Paul isn't particular about how he raises those funds, either. Paul's father had been one of George's oldest friends and political allies. Dr Steven Daniels III is a dentist and Stacy's ex.
Brockton and James Thornburgh are in an unequal partnership, working as bagmen for Cal-Tex Lumber. Mr Downey, friends with George since college, owns a strip club as well as a bar, Montgomery's, as part of Downey's many real estate holdings.
Mount Hood Sheriff Department
Sheriff Dallas "Buck" Summers is a lazy git. His deputies include the not-too--bright Dwayne Latner and Sergeant Jared Barkley. Wadsworth is a detective.
Captain Henry McBride (George's brother) and Dale Hansen are firefighters.
Constantine Richards is Lee's lawyer. Judge Kimball presides over the grand jury. Old man Patterson runs a basics market, as opposed to WinCo, your more standard grocery store. Shirley's Diner is where Connie works as a waitress. The Reverend Scott and his wife are Stacy's neighbors and friends of her father's. Brian Kelly is an insurance adjuster. Mo's Mochas is popular. Dr Gorman is a plastic surgeon? Speaker Ramsey is influential. Bruce Bailey, a sleazy TV news guy over at Channel Seven, had run in a legislative race back in the day. Suzie works at Honeycut Caterers. Dotty is a waitress at a greasy spoon.
The Cover and Title
The cover is clean and feels so spare and yet it tells you quite a bit with its blue-hued forest of tree trunks in the background with a partial of Lee Carter in a black turtleneck and faded blue jeans holding an injured yellow hound dog in his arms. The title is in white to the left of Lee's hip and the author's name snugged in below it in black.
The title is the unwanted stray who becomes The Mountain Man's Dog.
May 26, 2020
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and freely offer this review.
This was a fun fast read. Lehigh fears two things in life - 1. dogs, after having his hand ravaged by one as a child; 2. women, specifically his ex-girlfriend, Stacy, after having received a Dear John letter 12 years ago, something about not be able to vocalize his feeling.
Now he lives by himself, and is just fine with that. But, one night on his way into town he finds a wounded dog and despite attempts to leave it in the road, or with the sheriff, he's shamed into taking it to his ex's animal clinic. And she cons him into adopting the dog.
Now, he and Stacy are spending time with each other, despite her father's and would-be fiancé's wishes and desires. But those wishes and desires are not the only thing trying to keep Lehigh and Stacy apart.
This was a fun fast read. Lehigh fears two things in life - 1. dogs, after having his hand ravaged by one as a child; 2. women, specifically his ex-girlfriend, Stacy, after having received a Dear John letter 12 years ago, something about not be able to vocalize his feeling.
Now he lives by himself, and is just fine with that. But, one night on his way into town he finds a wounded dog and despite attempts to leave it in the road, or with the sheriff, he's shamed into taking it to his ex's animal clinic. And she cons him into adopting the dog.
Now, he and Stacy are spending time with each other, despite her father's and would-be fiancé's wishes and desires. But those wishes and desires are not the only thing trying to keep Lehigh and Stacy apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
This was a light-hearted romance. There was really no mystery because it was always clear who was behind the problems suffered by Lehigh, the hero of the story. One of the most interesting characters was Lucky, the dog, and how Lehigh got over his fear of all dogs by coming to love Lucky. I would read more by this author. (I did not read this book twice but can’t correct that information.)
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