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A Hero to Love

(Changing Tides #2)

Gail Chianese (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 38 ratings · 29 reviews

A military police officer on the verge of a new beginning. A beautiful woman devoted to her career and her dream of putting down roots. The hardest thing they’ll ever do is to take a chance on love . . .

Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday is at a crossroads. He has to decide whether to reenlist or get out while he’s young enough to make a difference in the civi ...more

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Paperback, 198 pages

Published August 22nd 2017 by Kensington Publishing Corp.

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· 38 ratings · 29 reviews

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Aug 16, 2017 Claire Robinson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kensington, shit-hot-series

3.5 - "You always were too stubborn for your own good." Stars!

Gail Chianese is an author new to me, and although A Hero to Love is the second book in the Changing Tides series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Jax and Risa’s story was what I would call and easy-going romance. There is an aspect of suspense to it, but to be honest you would have to be blind to not pick out the villain straight off. It didn’t affect my enjoyment though because I loved the whole story between the two of them, ...more

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Aug 21, 2017 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

I loved the first book in Gail Chainese’s Changing Tides series so it was a no brainer to request the second book, A Hero to Love, and I’m happy to say that it is every bit as good as the first. A Navy MP at a crossroads and a veterinarian meet when his K-9 partner is injured forming a friendship that turns into more despite their reservations about relationships. Smart, fun, and a whole lot of sexy A Hero to Love was an outstanding romance.

Jackson Faraday has enjoyed his time in the Navy even i ...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Mandi Schreiner rated it it was ok

The blurb to this one really drew me in:

Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday is at a crossroads. He has to decide whether to reenlist or get out while he’s young enough to make a difference in the civilian world. Either choice could mean leaving behind his girl: his K-9 partner, Bella. But when she’s injured during a training session, Jax’s only concern is making sure she’s okay.

As the Navy base veterinarian, town local Risa Reynolds is right where she belongs: close to her parents in The blurb to this one really drew me in:

Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday is at a crossroads. He has to decide whether to reenlist or get out while he’s young enough to make a difference in the civilian world. Either choice could mean leaving behind his girl: his K-9 partner, Bella. But when she’s injured during a training session, Jax’s only concern is making sure she’s okay.

As the Navy base veterinarian, town local Risa Reynolds is right where she belongs: close to her parents in a farmhouse full of animals—with room to grow. She’s seen enough to put military men are on her “not happening” list, because they always leave.

But when a tall, hazel-eyed sailor arrives in her clinic with his dog in his arms, Risa finds herself falling hard. And all kinds of rules will get broken when Jax, a man who sticks to the straight and narrow, learns that there’s no predicting the twists and turns of the heart . . .

A military police hero with an injured K-9 meets the Navy Base's veterinanrian?? Should have been a total meet cute, but the book fell flat for me.

Jax loves the german shephard, Bella, assigned to him for the past six years.

Bella had been more than his partner while deployed; she'd been his anchor, his pillar of strength, his confidant, and his hope when all seemed lost. She wasn't just his K-9 partner. She was his family, and the idea of leaving her was ripping him apart inside. Chances were she could sense his mood and the turmoil going on inside.

She is the love of his life, so when she gets injured, he gets very upset. On top of that, Bella has been showing signs of exhaustion and maybe even some doggie PTSD. When Bella falls playing frisbee, Jax rushes her in to see the vet on call, Risa, who tells Jax that Bella has a fractured hip.

Now let me say, I've had a dog who broke his front leg, and I have another dog who slipped a disc in her back and partially paralyzed her hind legs (I swear I'm a good dog owner). In both cases, my dogs had to have extremely strict kennel rest and took months to recover. I haven't experienced a dog with a broken hip, but I can only assume it's somewhat similar to my dogs injuries. In the book, Bella is taking car rides and walking around Risa's house in just a day or so. It's mentioned that she needs more rest and that she isn't healing as fast as she should. It just didn't make a lot of sense to me. At that point, I can only assume the dog would still be on very high pain medication and would need help walking with a sling.

Besides the unrealistic recovery, I never connected with Jax or Risa. Jax is unsure what his next direction in life is - maybe applying for NCIS or maybe adjusting to civilian life. He is worried he will be separated from Bella and this stresses him out. I feel like there is a lot more telling than showing in this book. We are told Jax is worried about Bella, and worried about his future, but I would have liked to experience it more through him.

Risa has her tires slashed early in the book and while Jax and the police try to figure out who did it, escalation with someone on the base ramps up. I didn't realize this book what have this minor suspense element and it didn't do a lot for me.

While there is a prominent romance, it lacked sexual tension and chemistry. I just didn't feel it between them and unfortunately, the dog didn't save the book for me.

This one is a miss.

Grade: D ...more

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Aug 16, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

The only thing better than a man and his dog has to be a military hero and his K9 partner. At the end of his naval career, Jax is devastated when his K9 partner, Bella, is injured during training. Risa is the vet who cares for Bella and sparks immediately fly between Jax and Risa.

It is impossible not to fall for Jax. The man would do anything for his dog, even spending his nights at Bella’s kennel when she’s injured. Where Ris ...more

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Aug 16, 2017 Bette Hansen rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this one! But then with a character as yummy as Jax Farraday what's not to enjoy?? Jax has had a long career in the Navy as an MP but now he needs to make a decision. Put in his papers and go civilian or reenlist again. He knows what he wants but landing that perfect civilian job hasn't been as easy as he hoped. Then when his K9 partner Bella is hurt he meets the base vet Risa Reynolds. Getting involved now is a complication he doesn't need but sometimes the desires of the heart ...more

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Jun 27, 2017 Kari Lemor rated it it was amazing

Another great book from Gail Chianese. She has earned her way onto my list of 'must read' authors. Her stories always pull me in and keep me reading. This book was no different. I loved the characters and their conflicts are very real and easy to understand. The chemistry is well done and believable. This one had a pinch of suspense in it that had me wondering who... and loving the over-protectiveness of the hero. And it looks like one of the secondary characters will have her own book next. Loo ...more

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Aug 25, 2017 Bec rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-magic-reviews, netgalley, recommendations

Risa Reynolds has an easier time with animals than people. At least with animals they love unconditionally and wouldn't ever betray her. However, the moment she meets Jackson 'Jax' Faraday, she contemplates breaking her rule of not dating military men. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Risa finds herself falling for a man that is determined to make a difference in the world, which means he could -- at any moment -- move on to bigger and better things when it comes to his career. W Risa Reynolds has an easier time with animals than people. At least with animals they love unconditionally and wouldn't ever betray her. However, the moment she meets Jackson 'Jax' Faraday, she contemplates breaking her rule of not dating military men. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Risa finds herself falling for a man that is determined to make a difference in the world, which means he could -- at any moment -- move on to bigger and better things when it comes to his career. Will Risa risk getting deeper involved with Jax, or will she end things before her heart gets broken beyond repair?

Ms. Chianese is a new-to-me author and after finishing this book, I want to read more of her stories, especially when it comes to this series, as the main and secondary were incredible; the dialogue was the perfect blend of intense moments due to someone out to get the heroine and playful banter between the hero and heroine as they grow closer; and the ending had me hoping that this couple would be able to overcome the tough obstacles they face to be together such as Risa being able to push past the fear of Jax leaving her and Jax hoping he can discover the person doing their best to drive Risa away. The way this story started had me loving the hero the moment he was introduced into this story, as he has a big decision to make when it comes to his career. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that had me reading this story quickly, determined to discover whether Jax could win Risa over, especially considering her rule to not date military men.

The dialogue was well-written and had me hooked due to the main characters back stories, this couple's growing relationship, the trouble someone is causing to scare Risa and the ending that had me concerned for one of the main characters. Will Jax be able to protect Risa? Will Jax discover who is trying to scare Risa with their threats and vandalism? Furthermore, Risa was a wonderful heroine. She's strong, brave and I liked how determined she is to take a chance on Jax, despite her rule not to date military men. I also liked her adoration for animals and that she would do anything to help an animal in need, which is proven by the bond she shares with her own animals as well as the growing bond she shares with the hero's military K-9 partner. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is her sassiness and the way she interacts with the hero that had me smiling at their banter.

While Jax, I was absolutely charmed by the hero and couldn't get enough of him. He's confident, know what he wants out of life, and I loved the bond he shared with his military K-9 partner. He would do anything to help her, especially since the dog seems to be having a hard time adjusting to a new handler. I also liked how protective the hero was of the heroine, which is proven by all he does for her, even if it means putting his job in jeopardy. Yet, what I liked most about the hero is how determined he was to make a difference in the world, which hopefully he'd be able to do by getting the job he wanted.

Overall, Ms. Chianese has delivered a wonderful and enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense, the romance nicely-detailed and full of passion; and the ending had me concerned for one of the main characters. Would they be all right? However, in saying that, I absolutely loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, as what happens makes them both realize that love is worth fighting for. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly due to the heroine's surprise for the hero. I would recommend A Hero to Love by Gail Chianese, if you love military heroes, sassy heroines or books by authors Nicole Helm, Joanne Rock, Kate Davies and Melanie Shawn. ...more

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Jul 07, 2017 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

This book has been on my Amazon wishlist after reading the first book in the series (uh, submarine romance, big check!) so I jumped at the chance to read it when I found it on Netgalley. It's not often that one can say the second book in the series is even better than the first, but I definitely can in this case!

Jax is a Navy MP who is contemplating leaving the Navy, and his dream job is to work for the NCIS. One important factor is his K-9 partner Belladonna, a German shepherd who has been at This book has been on my Amazon wishlist after reading the first book in the series (uh, submarine romance, big check!) so I jumped at the chance to read it when I found it on Netgalley. It's not often that one can say the second book in the series is even better than the first, but I definitely can in this case!

Jax is a Navy MP who is contemplating leaving the Navy, and his dream job is to work for the NCIS. One important factor is his K-9 partner Belladonna, a German shepherd who has been at his side during his last two tours of duty. He is especially worried as she has been ignoring commands and in the midst of a session, she falls and injures herself. He rushes her to the base vet's office where they meet Risa.

Risa diagnoses Bella with a hip fracture and a more worrisome diagnosis of possible PTSD which could threaten her career as a MWD. She and Jax work together to help Bella heal both physicially and emotionally, while growing closer together themselves. At the same time, Risa is dealing with multiple personal issues involving a possible stalker and her beloved parents moving away, plus a houseful of critters of her own.

This book has everything in a perfect package-cute animals! Suspense! Treehouse sex! Mention of Gibbs' rules and head slaps! I loved everything about it, but most especially Jax...I'm going to have to expand my book BF list to 6 to include him!! The guy loves animals-not only Bella, but Risa's assorted menagerie of dogs, a cat, bunnies and goats. He's willing to risk a career he's wanted forever to keep Risa. Plus his decorating choice for a door is the best!

This is one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time because I love it so much, and I've already put the next book in the series on my Amazon wishlist...even though it doesn't come out until next year, ugh! (Penguin...Netgalley? Soon?? Please!!!) I will also be purchasing this one when it's available in paperback which for me is the true mark of greatness! ...more

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Jul 06, 2017 Gloria Brzny rated it it was amazing

This was a prize book from goodreads. I am so glad because I could have missed a wonderful, beautiful love story. Yes, it also had a mystery but that was secondary to Risa and Jax love story. It was well written. The way things really are in romance. All the up and downs , needing each other then being so upset at the other person. I can not wait to see if this series continues. I hope so.

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Jul 18, 2017 Tonya Peterson rated it it was amazing

Jax is a k9 cop that has to decide to stay or go in a few months. While totally confused he was still holding out for one job to come through. Then one day his k9 got hurt while doing their exercise so he hurried her to the doc with tears in his eyes. Risa is not just any vet she has a house full of animals and loves everyone the two started helping his k9 and found love instead but what happens when risa gets threats and Jax has to leave? This book is super exciting and you just can't the book ...more

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Jul 09, 2017 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing

Jax is one caring man, “like heck if I’m just going to sit here and let you walk away when you’re shaking like a victim in shock. What’s going on?” Jax doesn't appreciate when his woman doubts him, "he shot her a look over his shoulder— eyes narrow, mouth scrunched up in a fake frown. “You doubt my mad culinary skills? Prepare to be wowed.” I liked this book, Jax was loving and protective.

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Jun 23, 2017 Cathleen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Reading this book I felt like I was there with Jack and Risa. The details and storyline together made me want to race through but I paced myself and enjoyed each breathtaking step. Loved this book!!

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Aug 09, 2017 Avid Reader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A Hero to Love (Changing Tides #2) by Gail Chianese
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Unrequited love
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This was a sweet story. There are some communication issues, but it's mostly because both Jax and Risa are scared of the feelings that they feel for each other.

Jax is at a crossroads with his career. I'm unsure why he is seen as being some kind of trouble, but his superiors believe that he needs to get his act together or be sent to a base that ...more

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Aug 14, 2017 Karen Roma rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2017

A Hero to Love is a beautifully written, emotional and deeply romantic story.

Believable characters who encounter the expected struggles and dilemmas that come with real life experiences, make this story even more enjoyable and a must read by all who love their books with just a touch of suspense, a protective hero and some intense chemistry too!

I’m so excited to see where the series goes with the secondary characters and what the author has in store for future books.

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Jul 15, 2017 Tami rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: chianese-g

Awwwww this is a sweet military romance. He's a k-9 officer, she's the vet who loves them. Some suspense and a whole lotta sweet.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Aug 07, 2017 Mary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: wicked

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

I love a good romance and when it involves a hot military soldier and his dog, it doesn't get much better.

Jackson "Jax" Farraday is trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life: stay in the Navy and accept his next posting or try to find a job in law enforcement that lets him stay in New England. One of the main sticking points is that he doesn't want to lose Bella, his K-9 partner. ...more

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Aug 02, 2017 Yvonne Cruz rated it really liked it

I came across this book by accident, and I have to confess, I am happy I did..
It’s a very heartwarming story about two individuals that did not expect to find love.
But like often happens in life, obstacles are presented. Jax, a Chief Masters at Arms , and veterinarian, Risa Reynolds meet when Jax’s K-9 has an accident and needs help.
Risa has rules about NOT dating any military men, and Jax is on the fence of whether to re-enlist or get out of the Navy. A difficult decision , when his job option ...more

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Aug 09, 2017 Jin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, 2017

Navy CM Jackson a.k.a. Jax Faraday had only one love in his current life, Bella. His beloved German Shepard who shared his tour with him Afghanistan. Now he will be handing her to a new handler and need to decide if he would reenlist in military or find another job.
When he was playing with Bella, she falls and gets injured and rushes her to near Vet in base. He meets pretty vet Risa Reynolds. He wanted to make sure Bella is in excellent health before his time is up with Bella.
Risa reassures hi Navy CM Jackson a.k.a. Jax Faraday had only one love in his current life, Bella. His beloved German Shepard who shared his tour with him Afghanistan. Now he will be handing her to a new handler and need to decide if he would reenlist in military or find another job.
When he was playing with Bella, she falls and gets injured and rushes her to near Vet in base. He meets pretty vet Risa Reynolds. He wanted to make sure Bella is in excellent health before his time is up with Bella.
Risa reassures him that Bella will be healing soon but it will take close to 8 weeks for her to heal..
Jax is gorgeous looking and finds him irresistible except she has one rule that she won’t date any military guys. She doesn’t want any relationship where people will leave her.
Now she will see him more often then not and she is more attracted to him then ever. When string of incidents are happening to her even though she doesn’t show it, she is afraid it will happen again.
When her house was vandalized only person she could think when all the accidents were happening was Jax. Risa lost her strong stance when she didn’t see her bunnies in her cage and all she wanted was one person, Jax. He was always there to help and calm her. Jax is right there to help her and she decides to give into him.
Both are enjoying each other’s company but Jax is still seeking for his job away from the base.
Nothing scared Risa until her father had a heart attack and she reevaluates her relationship with Jax.
However, Jax’s decision was unbeknownst to Risa and when she hears all the rumors around his departure she can’t focus. She feels betrayed and she doesn’t want to face him again..
Risa feels she is abandoned by everyone and she fears she won’t find another person like Jax.. What will Jax and Risa decide to do when he finally finds a job??

It was fun reading about Vet with love fore so many different animals and has so many in her home. All her pets were quirky and cute in their own paw ways. It was great reading about Vet and soldier with big hearts.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lyrical press, I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book ...more

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Sep 04, 2017 Books and Spoons rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

A hot military man, a K-9 dog to be adored, a vet with a petting zoo at home, an alluring romance, and a bit of suspense thrown into the mix and I was hooked with the blurb. I read the book one in the series, Love Runs Deep, and was impressed with its originality, so I was excited to see how this story would shape up to be. No worries, this is a completely stand alone tale and does not require you to read the book one in the series.
Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday was an amazing h A hot military man, a K-9 dog to be adored, a vet with a petting zoo at home, an alluring romance, and a bit of suspense thrown into the mix and I was hooked with the blurb. I read the book one in the series, Love Runs Deep, and was impressed with its originality, so I was excited to see how this story would shape up to be. No worries, this is a completely stand alone tale and does not require you to read the book one in the series.
Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday was an amazing hero, I simply loved him. He is a tough alpha man, yet he is kind, considerate, caring man deep inside. He loves all animals, his best friend, Bella the K-9 partner, has been by his side through the thick and thin. He was my favorite part of the story, I loved the banter at the base, how he interacted with his neighbor, with people in general, he was just a good, solid man to have around, and easy on the eyes as well.
The Navy base veterinarian, Risa Reynolds, was a bit of a challenge to me. I liked her and enjoyed the little bit of Britt she had in her. Her temperament and caring for the zoo around her was endearing and entertaining. She had issues with her parents emotionally neglecting her, making her feel outside in her own family. She had sworn off military men, because 'they always leave'.
I really enjoyed the interaction and romance between Risa and Jax even though Risa was demonstrating the 'you're hot and then cold' a little too well there for awhile. But then 'the conflict' came, and she completely spaced out, refused to communicate, and blocked everyone out, and that's when the story flopped for me, unfortunately.
The suspense was predictable, as soon as the first vandalism happened, I knew the culprit. But the threats and attacks were part of the plot providing new twists to the story.
I liked how down to earth the military life was portrayed at the base, it sounded very realistic. The struggle to find purpose in life after years of a military service was eye opening. The choices of future careers are there, yet it takes an effort and hard work to land one of those few coveted spots available for the veterans.
Sometimes the one thing we are running away from turns out to be the one thing to hold the key to our future, as Risa finds out in A Hero to Love. A sweet, fun, passionate tale about falling in love when your life is at the crossroads and the being vulnerable and open to unexpected possibilities scares the boots off your feet.
~ Four Spoons ...more

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Sep 19, 2017 Romantic Reads and Such rated it really liked it

I enjoyed being there while Risa and Jax fell in love. Neither one of them is really looking for someone and, while they feel a pretty big pull toward one another, circumstances just want to get in their way. Luckily they keep getting pushed together because they make an adorable couple.

Risa has an extremely soft heart - caring and hard-working for her patients & their people. That dedication has her in Jax's orbit and she's finding him awfully tempting. One of those super-awesome south ...more

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Aug 07, 2017 Terri rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is August 22nd, 2017.

This is the second in the Changing Tides series however don't worry if you have not read the first in the series. I did not read the first and I couldn't even tell you who the first book could have been about so there is no impact whatsoever reading this story as a ...more

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Aug 17, 2017 Cathy Geha rated it liked it

A Hero To Love by Gail Chianese
Changing Tides #2

Navy Chief Master at Arms, Jaxson “Jax Faraday has worked with his K-9 partner for years only to finer her suddenly ho-hum on the job and with him perhaps moving to a new job and her to a new handler things are not right in his world. In steps veterinarian Risa Reynolds when Bella sustains an injury and the possibility of romance between Risa and Jax blooms. Toss in a whack job that has it in for Risa and the story became a bit more complicated. I ...more

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Sep 22, 2017 Nicole Smith rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I was drawn to this book because the heroine is a veterinarian. I love books with animals so I knew I had to read this one. I'm so glad that I did. The story was great. It even had a little suspense element to it as well. I liked Jax and Risa together. I thought they were perfect for one another. Jax is in the Navy, but he's a a crossroads to where he wants to go with his future. Meeting Risa has him thinking in another direction he never thought he would want to go. That suspenseful element som ...more

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Aug 15, 2017 Eva rated it really liked it

Shelves: advance-reader-copy

the second book of gail chianese's changing tides series, a hero to love, picks up the story of jackson "jax" faraday, who we met in the first book, and navy base veternarian risa reynolds. risa doesn't date military men. but she's tempted by jax especially once she sees how good he is with animals.

animals are her passion, and jax loves them too. his k9 partner, bella and him have been through a lot. and now bella is suffering from an injured hip and some form of doggy ptsd, but also clearly lov ...more

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Jul 22, 2017 Pat rated it really liked it

Sweet contemporary romance on a Naval Base. A hard working veterinarian in charge of the K-9 dogs on the base, falls in love with a dog named Bella. Her handler is pretty awesome too. But they find Bella not only has physical injuries, she seems listless, not interested in eating or training. They will have to work together to figure Bella out.....if not she must be sent away. Neither one of them wants that. Can a dog have PTSD?

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Aug 28, 2017 Meaghan rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley

I enjoyed the relationship between Jax and Bella. Watching them fall in love and figure out how to compromise and support each other was great. The sub-plot of Bella's health and potential adoption didn't make a ton of sense to me (why would he have to sneak around to check on his partner?) but it was a great vehicle to bring together the vet and soldier.

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Jan 18, 2018 Katie Chapman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent!

I really enjoyed this love story between Russ and Jax! I think I may be slightly in love with Jax, the sexy, nice guy who lives animals... I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Jul 18, 2019 Bungluna rated it it was ok

Shelves: contemporary-romance

This books started out interesting but I soon lost interest in everything but what happened to the dog.

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Jun 29, 2017 Book Gannet rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2-star-review, contemporary-romance, ymmv

After finding the first book in this series (Love Runs Deep) an enjoyable if unexpected read, I was curious to see how this one turned out. Plus it has a dog – I’m sold. Firstly, if you haven’t read the first book, don’t worry, this stands alone absolutely fine. There’s a very brief blink and you’ll miss it reference to Jax’s role in the first book, but that’s it. Secondly, if you’re reading for the dog, Bella starts off as an important character but is quickly sidelined until she vanishes altog After finding the first book in this series (Love Runs Deep) an enjoyable if unexpected read, I was curious to see how this one turned out. Plus it has a dog – I’m sold. Firstly, if you haven’t read the first book, don’t worry, this stands alone absolutely fine. There’s a very brief blink and you’ll miss it reference to Jax’s role in the first book, but that’s it. Secondly, if you’re reading for the dog, Bella starts off as an important character but is quickly sidelined until she vanishes altogether. Third and finally, this book turned out once again to be quite a bit different than I expected, but sadly not in a good way.

But let’s start with the good: Jax. Loved him. His bond with Bella is a lovely thing, and he’s really sweet and respectful when it comes to Risa. Sure, a bit more communication from him might have been good at times, but he handles thing much more maturely than she ever does.

Which leads me to my biggest issue with this book: Risa. I just couldn’t like her. She has all the hallmarks that should have made her an instant hit with me – her love of animals, mainly – but her behaviour irritated me constantly. She’s unprofessional when it comes to Jax and what she expects him to do with Bella. She’s annoying in the way she flirts and draws him in, only to push him away again when she remembers his job. Then she seeks him out, because she can’t help it even if she won’t accept a date. Then when they do get closer, she doesn’t ask the important questions, and instead runs away and hides when the obvious and inevitable happens. Yes, Jax and she should have had a conversation about why she won’t date Navy men, and they both share responsibility for that, but her childish behaviour is completely her own fault.

On top of all of this, I never really felt any chemistry between them. This might have been because I didn’t like Risa, but the pair of them together was never convincing to me. Sure, they have a love of animals in common, but… I don’t know. Maybe it was because they never addressed Risa’s legitimate reasons for not dating Navy men, but the pacing felt a little too rushed for me.

Then there’s the weird suspense plot, which was sadly a bit predictable, and ended in a damp squib. I would have loved to have known what exactly it was that clued Jax in right at the end, but maybe I wasn’t reading closely enough to catch it.

So in all, sadly, this one just didn’t work for me. However, judging by the majority of the reviews I’m in the minority here. I guess it all depends on how annoying you find Risa and whether Jax’s loveliness can overcome it. Alas, not even Jax and Bella combined could win this one for me.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.) ...more

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Abby rated it it was amazing
Jul 23, 2018

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About Gail Chianese

Gail Chianese

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Gail currently lives in beautiful Connecticut, but originally hails from sunny California. She is the mom of three amazing kids, the wife of a 27 year Naval officer and the rescuer of two furbabies. In her spare time, she likes to ghost hunt with her hubby, geocache with her family and lock herself away with a great book. She loves to connect with readers on her website, www.gailchianese.com and h ...more