To Be Loved by You

Rescue Me #6

by Debbie Burns

Debbie Burns reminds us that every heart deserves a forever home in this bestselling contemporary romance series set in a no-kill animal shelter. Jeremy and Ava are as different as two people can be, but when they're thrown together repeatedly, Jeremy starts to see there's something very true to the theory that opposites attract.

Jeremy Washington couldn't be happier running his own therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn't have time to date--which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be. The only thing he needs now is a new project for the kids in his program, and the High Grove Animal Shelter has the perfect opportunity--a group of dogs and puppies needing foster care.

At the rescue site, Jeremy meets Ava Graham, a yoga teacher looking to expand her practice. Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava's the perfect person to help--maybe too perfect. Ava's beautiful, talented, and funny--and she has the biggest heart Jeremy has seen in a long time. But can Ava convince him that mixing business and pleasure could be the key to rescuing his heart?

Praise for Debbie Burn's Rescue Me series:
A fun, heartwarming story of love, family and trust.--Harlequin Junkie for Love at First Bark
A warm, wonderful story.--Romance Junkies for A New Leash on Love
A must read. I recommend it to all animal lovers, contemporary fiction lovers, and to all romance lovers. It captured my whole heart.--Urban Book Reviews for Sit, Stay, Love

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Animals, Dogs

312 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Debbie Burns is the celebrated author of heartwarming romance and women’s fiction
featuring both two- and four-legged stars. While her books have earned many awards and commendations, her favorite praise is from readers who’ve been inspired to adopt a pet in need from their local shelter.

Debbie lives in Saint Louis with her family, a thoroughly spoiled rescue dog, and two
Maine Coon cats who ought to be named Pete and Repeat. When she isn’t writing (or reading), you can find her hiking in the Missouri woods, working in her garden, or savoring time with family and friends.

You can follow her on BookBub @AuthorDebbieBurns) and connect with her on Instagram (@_debbieburns) or Facebook @authordebbieburns).

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Debbie Burns’s To Be Loved by You, the sixth installment in the Rescue Me contemporary romance series, this lovely and endearing contemporary romance is compassionate and moving. Ava Graham is a hard-working real estate agent, who grew up in an affectionate farm family near St. Louis, and had her heart broken after one year of marriage. When her baby sister Olivia invited her to volunteer at the High Grove Pet Rescue center’s dog wash, she met Jeremy Washington, when they worked at the same station together. As a potential set-up by her sister and her boyfriend Gabe, they begin to like each other and learn that they both had failed marriages and grew up with tough childhoods. They begin to bond through Ava’s puppy yoga sessions and Jeremy’s plan to foster dogs, they both cared for his charismatic dog Rolo, who was irresistible and loving. If they plan to have a future together, Jeremy needed to face his inner demons along with his past. When Ava injured her arm, she begins to understand where he’s coming from. To get their much-deserved happy ending, they needed to follow their hearts and let the past go.

This heart-wrenching contemporary romance was beautifully written and moved me to tears. I love pet rescue romance stories and yoga. I cared for Ava, who had been dealt with hard times and needed some happiness for a change. I adored Jeremy, who had to make a big leap of faith, and loved how he’s a rescue hero who saved Rolo’s and that adorable kitten Louie’s life. The dual locations of St. Louis and HIgh Grove has mesmeric scenic settings to take you and transport there right on the page. The theme is in order to heal from emotional scars, it’s best to forgive and not let anything hold you back.

This sensational pet rescue contemporary romance will pull at your heart strings and make you sigh and swoon. I rated this book, five out of five stars, because it was so heartfelt and moving. If you love pet rescue contemporary romance with non-stop action, heart-wrenching romantic drama, and plenty of sweet intimate moments, you'll want to read To Be Loved By You. It's recommended for fans who love pet rescue romances like Kelly Moran, Debbie Mason, and Hallmark movies.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too long since I read the last book so I vaguely remember Olivia who is sister to Ava, the female lead in this book.
Jeremy and Ava have made their share of mistakes but are wiser and living new lives that definitely include making room for rescue animals.
Setting: St. Louis.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Alright, let’s just get this out of the way… I absolutely adored Rolo, the comical, devoted, kitten-loving Bernese Mountain Dog/German Shepherd mix. He is the hero of To Be Loved by You for me. I just wanted to take him home (as though Jeremy would have let me) and cuddle him forever. And yes, sometimes the animals in a story are just as important to me as the main characters. While I would recommend reading the Rescue Me books in order, you can jump in and enjoy the antics of the animals and the newly in love couple with ease (that’s not always so with some series).

Ava and Jeremy are connected to others we’ve met in this series but they are also very independent people who believe that neither love nor commitment is realistic for them – the reasons vary but the determination to remain single is strong. Until a meeting at the High Grove Animal Shelter (and our matchmaking Rolo) will prove them wrong. Ava is changing careers from the high power and intense real estate field to becoming a yoga teacher. Ava has been through so much, her trust level for the opposite sex is minimal at best, but there is a spark, an attraction when she meets Jeremy. Now, will she act on it or continue to play it safe in the emotions department? Jeremy works with at-risk teens, he loves what he does the lives he can impact or even change fit in with his personality. He’s not looking for a romantic entanglement, no, he’s been there and does not see himself returning to being part of a couple any time soon if ever. Yet, Ava intrigues him and perhaps he might have a change of heart… one day.

While To Be Loved by You is lighthearted, sweet, and funny in many ways, there are also those darker issues that both Ava and Jeremy have faced in their past. It’s not overpowering but the past does still haunt them and there are issues, and fears to go beyond before that happy ending is a possibility. I liked them, they felt realistic and believable – and come on – kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs… of course, I’m gonna love it! I love returning to this world whenever I can and always keep an eye out for the next story that will take me back to one of my happy fictional places. If you love a romance that will touch your heart, a couple who have some issues to deal with, and adorable animals that will have you wanting to visit your local animal shelter – then this one is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful story in the Rescue Me series! Rolo was my favorite character, and I love that this series and book in particular had so many animals in it. Ava and Jeremy were fun together and deserved to find one another. I love everything about this series!!!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and heartwarming tale of two people overcoming difficult pasts. As they begin to open up to each other and begin to trust, they also open themselves up to love. Add in various other characters from the series, and plenty of lovable dogs and cats, and this is a charming and easy to read story that exemplifies the title and theme of the series, Rescue Me. I found it to be encouraging and delightful!

[MagicSoakedPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Debbie Burns and this series.

I love being able to come back to this world and all the people we have read about before.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who loves a sweet, slow-burn romance filled with rescue animals (both dogs and cats), teens, and two people both trying to move on from their past and live the lives they were meant to live will love this book. After reading the first 2 books in this series, I missed the last couple, but was happy to jump back in to the world of the High Grove animal shelter and all of its adorable animals, although this book works just fine as a standalone. Jeremy is the cousin of the shelter's on call vet who successfully beat his own addictions years ago and now runs a youth center next door to the shelter. Ava is the sister of one of the shelter workers who overcame her own teenage struggles to become a successful real estate agent, but who is now looking to change careers and become a yoga teacher. When these two meet at a volunteer event at the shelter to benefit hundreds of recently rescued dogs, their mutual attraction is combustible. First though, Jeremy needs to fight the demons from his past in order to fully commit to the present and to Ava. These two made such a great couple. It was pretty obvious that they had shared priorities, values and interests.

Their relationship is helped along by their mutual love for animals of all kinds, especially Jeremy's rescue dog, Rolo, an adorable German Shepherd/Bernese Mountain dog mix who doesn't care about other dogs, but adores cats and does a little rescuing on his own of an abandoned kitten. There were so many heartwarming animal scenes that I almost always had a smile on my face while reading the book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Macy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Rescue Me series and is does not disappoint! I am a sucker for a book about dogs and I love that this series just keeps getting better and better. Jeremy is dealing with his own personal demons and is living his life by helping others. He runs a program for at risk youths and thinks that the High Grove animal rescue center may be a great fit for his kids. There he meets Ava. She’s an open kind hearted woman. She also teaches yoga and believes that that his program can benefit from her teaching them yoga. He is also attracted to her, but truly afraid to dip his toe into the dating pool. Will they, won’t they? Its a wonderful read to their eventual HEA. That isn’t me giving away any secrets for that is what we come to expect from this series. It’s a lovely sweet read. Don’t miss out. Cant wait for the next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. It did not impact my comments. This series is a lot of fun.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Another great story taking place in St. Louis area. Lots of local flavor. Jeremy is a man with a past full of abuse that would break anyone. He doesn't feel he can do a relationship. Ava just got out of a marriage and is making her way in her new world. When they meet, they seem to be a match made in heaven. With her busy real estate business and starting up yoga classes, and his non-profit center to help teens in danger with situations similar to his, they seem like they could be at odds, but they mesh just the same. Ava offers to do yoga classes for his teens in need, and he and his dog fall hopelessly in love with her. It takes some doing and some walls breaking down and some bravery to pursue what could be a magical life.
The rescue dogs and the main character dogs and cats are all wonderful and spot on for characters. This is a dog-lover-must-read.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy this one was cute. From all the dogs/puppies and cats/kittens, to the rambunctious teens to Ava and Jeremy being as awkward as teens, it was lots of fun to read. I love how this series always has the shelter play a part and the dog rescue at the start was a great way to get used to everyone and give Ava and Jeremy a good way to get to know each other. They were smitten from the start and things went from there. They took their time to get to know each other, the attraction growing. I hated how Jeremy freaked out, even as I understood why. I was glad that he faced his fears and went for something real with Ava. They both deserved all the happiness they found together and were well suited to each other.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very much based in growth. The two MCs are both moving beyond their pasts, in very different ways. Supporting characters were really good and varied - dogs are always the best. It felt like a very slow book, which is not my preference.

*book provided by Netgalley

[Tabitha Desmarais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book that my 6 year old picked out for me! 😂

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Be Loved by You by Debbie Burns is part of her wonderful Rescue Me series. Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful sweet story as we return to the High Grove Animal Shelter, where we also get to see many of the people we got to know in the previous books.

Ava Graham, our heroine, not only works in real estate, but is also a yoga instructor; she is Olivia’s sister (heroine in previous book). When Ava goes to help Olivia at the shelter, she meets Jeremy, who is Gabe’s (Vet and Olivia’s significant other) friend, as he arrives with his adorable dog, Rolo.

Jeremy Washington, our hero, has his own therapy program for teens, who need support. He decides that perhaps Ava’s yoga class would be a good benefit for them, especially since the shelter dogs would participate. Jeremy finds himself in awe of Ava, as she is not only beautiful, but very sweet, friendly, talented and savvy for his kids, and is great with the dogs.

In a short time, as they begin to work together often, they both begin to have feelings for each other. Though Ava is determined to win Jeremy over, he hesitates, as he has had a difficult childhood, and later marriage that still haunts him. Can Ava convince Jeremy to open up his heart and move forward with her?

To Be Loved by You is a charming, delightful, heartwarming, fun story of two people trying to get beyond their past, and learn to trust each other. I loved seeing some of the past characters who lead the previous books, but most of all, I adored the puppies, kittens and the adorable & lovable, Rolo.

What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Jeremy and Ava, with a fun animal shelter background. Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful addition to her Rescue Me series, which was a delightful, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end. To Be Loved by You was well written by Debbie Burns. If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to be reading this series.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and inspiring romance that shows that you're sometimes the only thing standing in the way of your happiness.
Both Jeremy and Ava had difficult things in their pasts that they've struggled to overcome. They've both built lives that they're comfortable in, but meeting each other shows them that they could be happier with someone who understands them.
It's a slow-burn romance despite the rush of feelings that both characters experience and it was a pleasure to see how they both process their growing feelings and battle their demons in order to accept that they do deserve to be happy and taking the plunge with a relationship that makes them feel so good is worth the risk.
There's also an adorable giant dog that steals every scene he's in, plus kittens, puppies, and rescue dogs. This one hits all the comfort romance good spots.

Happy thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the early read!

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay for puppies! This book begins with an amazing scene of washing hundreds of dogs at a shelter. And there's doggy yoga, too! I absolutely chose this book because of the puppies, and it did not disappoint.

There are also humans in the story. Ava is a real estate agent who has moved in with her sister as she moves on from her divorce. Jeremy runs a non-profit providing therapy for at-risk teens. The two have immediate chemistry. As you'll note from the content warnings I include below, there are a lot of heavy topics the pair are working through as well.

The book immediately engaged my interest. It was so engrossing that time flew as I read. It's a very sweet, low steam romance.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

TW: discussion of eating disorder, drug and alcohol addiction, child abuse, suicide

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, I really enjoyed this book!

I’ve read the rest of the High Grove Shelter series, but this is the best so far for me. While the shelter itself is pivotal to the story, it doesn’t play as large a character as in past books. I loved Ava and Jeremy’s backstories, and the path their relationship takes, giving respect to their life histories which made them the people they are today. Everyone is a product of their history, some overcome it, some don’t.

This book can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. It’s a sweet, mostly clean, story of personal redemption and love that gives you the strength to let go.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Be Loved by You is a lovely heartwarming story involving second chances, teens, dogs, and cats by Debbie Burns. Did I mention yoga lessons is also part of this story, too? Jeremy Washington and Ava Graham are a perfect couple together but they don’t just know it yet.

I enjoyed this story with well written descriptions so that you feel a part of the lives of these characters. Is it a fast paced plot? No. Smooth even paced story? Right on. This makes for an excellent easy read. I recommend this book to romance readers everywhere. If you love animals then this is the story for you with the High Grove Animal Shelter.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava and Jeremy with his dog Rolo.

I love this series. she writes heartfelt stories with characters that are broken and are working on themselves with their canine friends. Jeremy had a horrible childhood at the hands of his father and is now a social worker helping at risk teens. He volunteered to help out at the dog wash and meets Ava. Ava is there helping her sister Olivia and her boyfriend Gabe and it feels like she's met her mate. fresh off a divorce she is a realtor and works way too much. she is a yoga instructor and offers to teach his kids a class. things progress with them and hit a few bumps. I love the addition of the secondary characters because they add so much to the story. Also the animals, both cats and dogs, help round out this story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story. It did take the two main characters awhile to get together, but it was well worth the journey. Ava and Jeremy met at a dog washing event for several hundred dogs that had been confiscated from a breeder. They were paired together and sparks flew. Ava had just sworn off men and Jeremy had had many addictions and he was afraid to get involved with anyone. And Rolo - you will fall in love with that dog. He was so smart and loveable and he had a giant soft spot for cats.
There were several great characters in the story besides the two main ones that were very fun to get to know

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Debbie Burns for the opportunity to read this book. I found it an easy going read that had likeable characters. Both Ava and Jeremy had interesting pasts and I thought it made a change that the story focuses more on Jeremy struggling to move on than Ava. It was heartwarming as well as heartbreaking in some parts when they discuss their pasts. The young people that Jeremy helps added another layer to the story with their own stories. I loved all the animal characters and absolutely loved the epilogue!

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Three and half stars*

It wasn't just his looks. Something about him called to her, some thing calms and inviting, like a book with a tempting cover to pull off a shelf and peruse while sitting in a quiet corner. Only, right now, she wasn't perusing.

I love Jeremy and Ava's friendship and interactions. They are so good for each other. I loved their flawed characters. And how they fit so well together.

I love animals. This book was definitely an animal book with a minor part relationship. Which was fine with me!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremy has a heart for rescues, be it teens, or kittens, or dogs. And this book is filled with all 3. And when Ava enters his life, he has a very hard time; he likes her a lot but his past holds him back. They have their ups and downs, and lots of funny antics with his kitten-loving dog adds to the story. I won this book in a drawing, and didn’t know it was part of a series so I’ll look for the previous books to read.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to use one word to describe this story it would be sweet. It’s just a great heartwarming romance with just a smidge of angst. It kept me entertained enough to read in one sitting. The main couple were great and I especially enjoyed the animals and kids. Overall I truly enjoyed it. I would give this 3.5 stars.

I was given this book by NetGalley for my honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Debbie Burns' romances and loved this one, it was a lot of fun and compelling.
I rooted for the well developed characters, loved the pets, and had a good time.
The plot is well developed and kept me turning pages.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. I loved the animals in this story which made it for me. A second chance romance basically between 2 characters overcoming their issues.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really slow

This one just didn’t hold my attention like the rest of the series. I never really felt a connection between the characters and was honestly more interested in what happened to the animals.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jeremy and Ava. She wants a chance with him, but he is reluctant given his past. As they grow closer, can she convince him to give her a chance?

Great read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it very confusing at times. It was hard to stay in the book. I did like how they talked about dogs, yoga, and fostering cats and dogs.

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Couldn’t get into this book, the MC didn’t really grab me, I was more involved with the puppies.