[image error]In celebration of my upcoming release of Rescuing Riley (Book 2 in The Gold Coast Retrievers Series from Sweet Promise Press) I thought it would be fun to shine a spotlight on golden retrievers.

First, here’s a little detail about Rescuing Riley and the series as a whole.

THE GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

There will be 6 books by 6 awesome and talented authors, 6 lovable golden retrievers, and 6 romantic suspense stories.

Saving Sarah by USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Storm
Rescuing Riley by S.B. Alexander
Guarding Grace by USA Today Bestselling Author Ann Omasta
Protecting Peyton by Becky Muth
Finding Felicity by P. Creeden
Helping Hanna by Emmie Lyn

Saving Sarah will be released on September 7th, 2018. Following Saving Sarah will be Rescuing Riley on September 14, 2018 and then each week thereafter the next book in the series will be released.

To find out more about the series and the authors visit Sweet Promise Press Gold Coast Retrievers.

RESCUING RILEY

[image error]Wedding planner Riley Lewis couldn’t wait to spend time with her best friend, Liza. But when she sets foot on California soil, she finds herself thrust into the arms of the handsome ex Navy SEAL Josh Bandon. But she’s not ready for a boyfriend, not after her recent breakup. Yet she can’t help how Josh makes her feel—alive and special.

Disabled veteran Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet in his hometown of Redwood Cove, California where sleepy is the term locals dubbed the resort town. But the bed and breakfast he manages for his dad is anything but sleepy, especially when his service dog, Charlie, greets a tall black hair goddess who makes his heart beat a little faster, something that hasn’t happened since high school.

But Josh isn’t ready to get his heart severed in two. Riley isn’t ready for a steady relationship. Yet the two have a hard time keeping things platonic. Whatever is brewing between them will have to wait when Josh’s cousin, Liza, goes missing, even more so when Riley doesn’t return from a day in San Francisco.

Now Josh is torn. Does he put all his efforts into finding Liza? Or does he tear up the landscape to rescue the one woman who grabbed a hold of his heart the minute Charlie greeted her?

Jump on over and read CHAPTER ONE of Rescuing Riley.

Find out more about the series and sign up to read the ARC here: GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES.

Okay now, onto some fun facts about golden retrievers you might not know about this popular breed of dog.

1. The golden retriever breed was created in Scotland in the mid 19th century by a baron named Dudley Marjoribanks. (How great is that name? It would be a fantastic name for a dog!)

Anyway, the gentry at the time were in need of a dog that could capably handle the marshy and boggy land in Scotland, while also performing the duties of a dog that retrieved the birds in hunting parties’ showdown. So how was the breed really created? Well, the golden retriever was born by crossing a Tweed water spaniel (a breed that is now extinct) with a yellow-coated retriever. Then other breeds were added to the mix, including some Irish setter and St. John’s water dog of Newfoundland (also now extinct).

Currently there are three variants of golden retriever: British, American and Canadian.

2. Goldens have what is referred to as a ‘soft mouth’. This characteristic was developed deliberately so that when they were retrieving game (mostly birds) during a shoot they would gently hold the bird without damaging it as they returned it to their master.

[image error]3. Their disposition makes them great therapy dogs but poor guard dogs. Goldies tend to be friendly and welcoming to everyone. Therapy dog jobs can include comforting people in counseling sessions, reducing anxiety in children at school, and comforting hospice residents. But they also are good service dogs. In Rescuing Riley, the golden retriever’s job is helping his master who is hearing impaired.

4. Famous golden retrievers. Two US presidents have had golden retrievers. Gerald Ford and Ronald Regan had goldies while they were in office, named Liberty and Victory, respectively. Country singer Miranda Lambert has a Goldie named Waylon. Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino has a golden named Mosley who has his own Instagram account (@KingMosley). Oprah Winfrey famously adopted three golden puppies at once: Luke, Layla and Gracie. (I’m sure Ms. O had many sleepless nights that year!)

5. Dr. Stanley Coren, psychology professor and neuropsychological researcher, has judged goldens to be the fourth smartest dog breed, after border collies, German shepherds, and poodles.

However, Melissa McCarthy gave a funny interview on Ellen about her two golden retriever puppies, saying having them in her house was like living with supermodels.

[image error] Awwww……Lucy.

According to Melissa, her two dogs are gorgeous and never take a bad photo, but are lacking somewhat in the brains department.

According to the American Kennel club, golden retrievers are America’s third most popular dog breed after Labrador retrievers and German Shepherds. It’s not hard to see why. Goldens are gentle, friendly, smart and willing to work hard when they need to. They do shed, but their sunny personalities more than make up for that.

Have you ever owned a Golden Retriever? If not, what kind of dog do you have?

I don’t have a golden, but my Shih Tzu, Lucy, is gentle, friendly, and the best cuddle bunny in the world.

The post Rescuing Riley: 5 Fun Facts About Golden Retrievers appeared first on S.B. Alexander.