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Dog Haven Sanctuary #1
Saving Justice
Marlo Croft, canine behaviorist at the Dog Haven Sanctuary in Halo Peak, Washington, has her life neatly organized. The trauma of her past is well buried, her emotions tamped down, and rehabilitating and rehoming damaged and unwanted dogs gives her the focused, contained life that makes her feel secure.
The arrival of a new rescue dog, Justice, also brings the unwelcome distraction of a handsome stranger who is to shadow Marlo and Justice through the dog’s rehabilitation.
Suffering guilt over the death of his wife, New Zealander Adam Guildford’s short contract in the US to research dog fighting is what he hopes will pull him out of the limbo he has floundered in for the past four years. He arrives prepared to tackle the emotional and behavioral needs of the rescued dogs, but completely unprepared for the way his presence unnerves Marlo and awakens his own dormant feelings.
As they start to gain Justice’s trust, Marlo loosens her grip on her inner fears and the simmering attraction between her and Adam heats up. Adam works carefully to dismantle the emotional barricades Marlo erected, until one day he unwittingly delivers the horror from Marlo’s past straight to her doorstep, an action that tears the three of them apart.
This contemporary romance contains adult themes including sexual situations, language and mature subject matter.
The arrival of a new rescue dog, Justice, also brings the unwelcome distraction of a handsome stranger who is to shadow Marlo and Justice through the dog’s rehabilitation.
Suffering guilt over the death of his wife, New Zealander Adam Guildford’s short contract in the US to research dog fighting is what he hopes will pull him out of the limbo he has floundered in for the past four years. He arrives prepared to tackle the emotional and behavioral needs of the rescued dogs, but completely unprepared for the way his presence unnerves Marlo and awakens his own dormant feelings.
As they start to gain Justice’s trust, Marlo loosens her grip on her inner fears and the simmering attraction between her and Adam heats up. Adam works carefully to dismantle the emotional barricades Marlo erected, until one day he unwittingly delivers the horror from Marlo’s past straight to her doorstep, an action that tears the three of them apart.
This contemporary romance contains adult themes including sexual situations, language and mature subject matter.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
44 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
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January 29, 2014
**Rubbing hands together**
Get ready for the Duchess Soapbox hour!
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
I've read a lot of books that utilize dogs and showcase the authors love of all things fuzzy and loyal. But this is my first book in which the author also tackled the sticky subject of dog fighting and rehabilitation....specifically of the Pit Bull breed. And while the vast majority of this breed are not actual fighting dogs but overbred due to lack of spay/neutering and therefore wildly overpopulating some areas, this was still a great attention grabber.
First off, here is a peek at my very own vicious killer, Dollie.
Dollie is a ten year old Pit Bull that my husband and I rescued just hours before she was scheduled to be euthanized. She is the BEST dog I have every had, both in temperament and obedience. She has been our nanny dog for all three of my daughters since birth. She still won't let them out of her sight if they go off into the pastures on a walk. The only time she has ever showed any aggression is when a friend's dog came up to my youngest when she was a toddler and licked her in the face, knocking her over and making her cry. Dollie proceeded to stand over her and snarl quite viciously at the strange dog. Go, Dollie! We also have a younger Put Bull, Cassius...
and he looks MEAN! He's the quintessential big, bulky guy...muscles rippling everywhere and when he play tug of war, he sounds like he's out for blood. Again...he's never shown aggression of any type...he lets our chihuahua push him around...for real, he's the biggest baby out of our four dogs. He's eight years old.
Just so's you all know that I have experience with this breed :)
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
Back to the book.
Marlo Croft helps run a dog sanctuary, a last resort type of place for dogs that have temperament issues and still need good homes. Her latest recruit is a dog she names Justice...a scarred, skinny, sad and scared pit bull who plays like a "pancake" all day. No response to people or food, seemingly without a care whether he lives or dies. Marlo is determined to not let the cruelty of humans make his life worthless. She knows that each and every dog deserves to have a home, regardless of breed. And even the ones deemed too sick, too aggressive, or unadoptable just need some extra TLC. So that's what she does. She spends hours with Justice, using every trick in the book to attempt to pull him out of the horror that was his first couple of years of life.
She is a big believer in dog therapy for people as well...old and young, traumatized and broken, dogs and people can almost always find common ground.
Enter our hero, Adam Guildford. A New Zealander...or "Kiwi", as I learned in this book, Adam is doing some research on dog fighting rings around the world. Justice's case has caught his attention due to the fact that the other 31 dogs seized from the dog fighting ring were "accidentally" euthanized; i.e., killed. Now that Justice is the last dog living from that siezure, it's likely that there are many different groups of people after him...the original owners, advocates for breed extinction and such. He's gained a lot of notoriety and media attention.
But Adam and Marlo truly are in it to help the animals. They can't help but fall for each other during the process, and each of them has their own demons to fight right alongside Justice. Marlo's secret takes some time to come out but Adam can tell right off that she is overly wary of men, jumpy and nervous, she barely tolerates his presence. Just like he deals with Justice, Adam slowly gains her trust and calms her down until she not only accepts him, but needs him.
Adam is still recovering from losing his wife four years ago. He's accepted her death but a person doesn't just get over something like that immediately.
Sure, he's had a few dates and one night stands since her death. But feelings were never actually involved, so he never had to deal with that aspect. With Marlo, however, he finds the comfort, the passion, the need for a woman again. And that is scary. Not to mention the fact that he lives on the other side of the world, a really long way away from Washington state.
So this book deals with a few hot topics. Pit Bulls and adoption advocacy, PTSD and treatment, and the death of a spouse. There was a lot of meat to the story, but there was also a beautiful and casual romance. The sex was much hotter than I expected, but when Marlo does finally overcome her fears enough to let Adam close, I suppose the girl made up for lost time!
Woohoo!
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
MY DISLIKES:
I felt like there was a lot of inner dialogue that could have been eliminated. It added an element of melodrama to Marlo's PTSD specifically that I could have done without. I'm not particularly educated on PTSD but I will say that I thought Marlo was not really a strong person in light of how long ago her incident happened...something like nine years prior, and she's been living in this intense fear that entire time? Wow. How in the world did she have any lovers? That threw me, because I dont' think her character meshed with dating at all until Adam.
I also wanted more of the sanctuary. I'm a sucker for the pets, so it's just personal preference but roughly 3/4 of the story was romance and inner turmoil, the last 1/4 was dogs, and with a story named after the star dog, I expected more rehabilitation stories and success.
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
Disclaimer: I'm not writing this to debate with anyone. I wrote this because it is a subject that I feel passionate about and this book is a great advocate of that particular topic. If you want to put in your two cents about the Pit Bull breed, feel free to read the book and write your own review! I don't need anyone to chime in unless they have first educated themselves. Thanks for your understanding.
A HUGE thank you to Anna (Bobs her hair) for gifting me a copy of this book and encouraging the read. You were right. It was fabulous.
Get ready for the Duchess Soapbox hour!
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
I've read a lot of books that utilize dogs and showcase the authors love of all things fuzzy and loyal. But this is my first book in which the author also tackled the sticky subject of dog fighting and rehabilitation....specifically of the Pit Bull breed. And while the vast majority of this breed are not actual fighting dogs but overbred due to lack of spay/neutering and therefore wildly overpopulating some areas, this was still a great attention grabber.
First off, here is a peek at my very own vicious killer, Dollie.
Dollie is a ten year old Pit Bull that my husband and I rescued just hours before she was scheduled to be euthanized. She is the BEST dog I have every had, both in temperament and obedience. She has been our nanny dog for all three of my daughters since birth. She still won't let them out of her sight if they go off into the pastures on a walk. The only time she has ever showed any aggression is when a friend's dog came up to my youngest when she was a toddler and licked her in the face, knocking her over and making her cry. Dollie proceeded to stand over her and snarl quite viciously at the strange dog. Go, Dollie! We also have a younger Put Bull, Cassius...
and he looks MEAN! He's the quintessential big, bulky guy...muscles rippling everywhere and when he play tug of war, he sounds like he's out for blood. Again...he's never shown aggression of any type...he lets our chihuahua push him around...for real, he's the biggest baby out of our four dogs. He's eight years old.
Just so's you all know that I have experience with this breed :)
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
Back to the book.
Marlo Croft helps run a dog sanctuary, a last resort type of place for dogs that have temperament issues and still need good homes. Her latest recruit is a dog she names Justice...a scarred, skinny, sad and scared pit bull who plays like a "pancake" all day. No response to people or food, seemingly without a care whether he lives or dies. Marlo is determined to not let the cruelty of humans make his life worthless. She knows that each and every dog deserves to have a home, regardless of breed. And even the ones deemed too sick, too aggressive, or unadoptable just need some extra TLC. So that's what she does. She spends hours with Justice, using every trick in the book to attempt to pull him out of the horror that was his first couple of years of life.
She is a big believer in dog therapy for people as well...old and young, traumatized and broken, dogs and people can almost always find common ground.
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed, watching a dog and person mend each other without the need or intervention from 'experts.' Often, every form of therapy available to these people has failed them...and the damaged dog, which has invariably been failed by people, helps them."
Enter our hero, Adam Guildford. A New Zealander...or "Kiwi", as I learned in this book, Adam is doing some research on dog fighting rings around the world. Justice's case has caught his attention due to the fact that the other 31 dogs seized from the dog fighting ring were "accidentally" euthanized; i.e., killed. Now that Justice is the last dog living from that siezure, it's likely that there are many different groups of people after him...the original owners, advocates for breed extinction and such. He's gained a lot of notoriety and media attention.
But Adam and Marlo truly are in it to help the animals. They can't help but fall for each other during the process, and each of them has their own demons to fight right alongside Justice. Marlo's secret takes some time to come out but Adam can tell right off that she is overly wary of men, jumpy and nervous, she barely tolerates his presence. Just like he deals with Justice, Adam slowly gains her trust and calms her down until she not only accepts him, but needs him.
Adam is still recovering from losing his wife four years ago. He's accepted her death but a person doesn't just get over something like that immediately.
"His gold ring was the cover to a book she wouldn't be opening."
Sure, he's had a few dates and one night stands since her death. But feelings were never actually involved, so he never had to deal with that aspect. With Marlo, however, he finds the comfort, the passion, the need for a woman again. And that is scary. Not to mention the fact that he lives on the other side of the world, a really long way away from Washington state.
So this book deals with a few hot topics. Pit Bulls and adoption advocacy, PTSD and treatment, and the death of a spouse. There was a lot of meat to the story, but there was also a beautiful and casual romance. The sex was much hotter than I expected, but when Marlo does finally overcome her fears enough to let Adam close, I suppose the girl made up for lost time!
"Adam stirred and gripped her hand, pulling it around him, kissing her fingers before drawing it tightly against his chest. "Sleep now. You can have more in the morning."
Woohoo!
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
MY DISLIKES:
I felt like there was a lot of inner dialogue that could have been eliminated. It added an element of melodrama to Marlo's PTSD specifically that I could have done without. I'm not particularly educated on PTSD but I will say that I thought Marlo was not really a strong person in light of how long ago her incident happened...something like nine years prior, and she's been living in this intense fear that entire time? Wow. How in the world did she have any lovers? That threw me, because I dont' think her character meshed with dating at all until Adam.
I also wanted more of the sanctuary. I'm a sucker for the pets, so it's just personal preference but roughly 3/4 of the story was romance and inner turmoil, the last 1/4 was dogs, and with a story named after the star dog, I expected more rehabilitation stories and success.
`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*`~`*
Disclaimer: I'm not writing this to debate with anyone. I wrote this because it is a subject that I feel passionate about and this book is a great advocate of that particular topic. If you want to put in your two cents about the Pit Bull breed, feel free to read the book and write your own review! I don't need anyone to chime in unless they have first educated themselves. Thanks for your understanding.
A HUGE thank you to Anna (Bobs her hair) for gifting me a copy of this book and encouraging the read. You were right. It was fabulous.
Read
November 5, 20134.5 stars...This book is a Crowned Heart Winner!
On sabbatical from the police, Adam Guildford’s research contract with an animal welfare group sends him to the Dog Haven Sanctuary in Halo Peak, Washington. Researching dog fighting may also spur Adam into moving on with his life, after years of mourning his wife’s death. His inspiration is delivered in the form of Marlo Croft, a gifted canine behaviorist. She’s selfless and devoted to a traumatized dog’s rehabilitation. Her own behavior reveals she’s suffered harm, which arouses Adam’s once numbed feelings to protect her. Perhaps he can help Marlo before he returns to New Zealand, but will leaving her be as simple as he thinks?
Ms. Gibb delivers a powerful punch with a winning combination of sympathetic characters, a thoughtful demonstration of knowledge, and a remarkably tender romance.
The full review may be read in the November 2013 issue of InD'tale.
Additional tags: rescue dogs, PTSD, and New Zealander cop hero, heroine with abuse in her past
On sabbatical from the police, Adam Guildford’s research contract with an animal welfare group sends him to the Dog Haven Sanctuary in Halo Peak, Washington. Researching dog fighting may also spur Adam into moving on with his life, after years of mourning his wife’s death. His inspiration is delivered in the form of Marlo Croft, a gifted canine behaviorist. She’s selfless and devoted to a traumatized dog’s rehabilitation. Her own behavior reveals she’s suffered harm, which arouses Adam’s once numbed feelings to protect her. Perhaps he can help Marlo before he returns to New Zealand, but will leaving her be as simple as he thinks?
Ms. Gibb delivers a powerful punch with a winning combination of sympathetic characters, a thoughtful demonstration of knowledge, and a remarkably tender romance.
The full review may be read in the November 2013 issue of InD'tale.
Additional tags: rescue dogs, PTSD, and New Zealander cop hero, heroine with abuse in her past
January 28, 2014
After a dog fighting ring is smashed, Justice, a traumatised dog is taken to Dog Haven Sanctuary to be rehabilitated. Marlo who is in charge of the sanctuary has suffered just as much trauma in her life as Justice. Suffering from PTSD after a sexual assault she prefers the company of dogs to people.
After his wife was killed in a revenge attack aimed at him, Adam took a leave of absence from the police force in New Zealand and accepted a job for an animal welfare organisation. In the U.S. to observe the law enforcement response to dog fighting, he meets Marlo and immediately recognises the signs of PTSD.
Together they slowly bring Justice back from his almost catatonic state and as they are working with Justice, Adam also starts to help Marlo deal with her traumas. But with anti-Pit Bull groups agitating to have Justice declared dangerous and destroyed, the dog-fighting criminals out on bail and a spy within the sanctuary, tensions are boiling over, and before long Adam will need to return to New Zealand leaving Marlo once again on her own.
Saving Justice was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the Dog Haven Sanctuary...the rehabilitation of Justice, even the idea that there were anti-Pit Bull groups trying to steal Justice and have him euthanised. But what could have been a great story was lost in the telling.
I don't really know why Adam was a New Zealander except for the fact that the author originally came from New Zealand. It added an extra layer of complexity to a story that was already quite dense. Adam is supposedly a tough as nails cop, but for most of the book he came across as a one of those hippie / counsellor...'how does that make you feel' types.
Most of my friends loved this, giving it four and five stars. I think I'll be on my own in rating it three stars.
After his wife was killed in a revenge attack aimed at him, Adam took a leave of absence from the police force in New Zealand and accepted a job for an animal welfare organisation. In the U.S. to observe the law enforcement response to dog fighting, he meets Marlo and immediately recognises the signs of PTSD.
Together they slowly bring Justice back from his almost catatonic state and as they are working with Justice, Adam also starts to help Marlo deal with her traumas. But with anti-Pit Bull groups agitating to have Justice declared dangerous and destroyed, the dog-fighting criminals out on bail and a spy within the sanctuary, tensions are boiling over, and before long Adam will need to return to New Zealand leaving Marlo once again on her own.
Saving Justice was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the Dog Haven Sanctuary...the rehabilitation of Justice, even the idea that there were anti-Pit Bull groups trying to steal Justice and have him euthanised. But what could have been a great story was lost in the telling.
I don't really know why Adam was a New Zealander except for the fact that the author originally came from New Zealand. It added an extra layer of complexity to a story that was already quite dense. Adam is supposedly a tough as nails cop, but for most of the book he came across as a one of those hippie / counsellor...'how does that make you feel' types.
Most of my friends loved this, giving it four and five stars. I think I'll be on my own in rating it three stars.
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Read
January 15, 201401/14/2014 --
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 5 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
323 pages
This was actually gifted to my by Anna. She really enjoyed this story and thought a group of us would too. She was right! When it started, I got a similar feeling like when I read The Horse Whisperer [which is one of my all time favorite books]. It wasn't quite at that caliber, but it was very good. I think the one thing that felt a bit off for me, happened in the very beginning and I just couldn't seem to shake it as the story moved along.
If you like a story with animals, a bit of romance, a sexy Kiwi, packaged with some added suspense, give this one a go!
Happy Reading!
Thanks for sharing this with me, Anna!
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 5 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
323 pages
This was actually gifted to my by Anna. She really enjoyed this story and thought a group of us would too. She was right! When it started, I got a similar feeling like when I read The Horse Whisperer [which is one of my all time favorite books]. It wasn't quite at that caliber, but it was very good. I think the one thing that felt a bit off for me, happened in the very beginning and I just couldn't seem to shake it as the story moved along.
If you like a story with animals, a bit of romance, a sexy Kiwi, packaged with some added suspense, give this one a go!
Happy Reading!
Thanks for sharing this with me, Anna!
November 11, 2013
4.5/5.0
Ms. Gibb delivers a powerful punch with a winning combination of sympathetic characters, a thoughtful demonstration of knowledge, and a remarkably tender romance.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. Gibb delivers a powerful punch with a winning combination of sympathetic characters, a thoughtful demonstration of knowledge, and a remarkably tender romance.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 22, 2020
Saving Justice by Tasman Gibb is a sweet romance with the two main characters being "cracked" but not quite broken yet by life. The research regarding the rehabilitation of pit bulls who have been rescued was fascinating for me to read.
October 23, 2014
Great story! It was a nice change to read a story based around a dog rescue center. I being a positive pit bull owner was even more excited when I realized the characters in the story believed in giving pit bulls a chance. Then on top of that it was a wonderful love story that was dealing with the main characters wanting a second chance at happiness. The techniques Marlo used to gain the trust of Justice reminded me of how we as humans should try to use the same techniques when building friendships and relationships. Helping Justice helped Marlo to overcome the tragic event that happen to her as a child. The incident proves you can’t always base your trust on how a person appears or the uniform they wear. With Marlo letting down the walls around her heart allowed her to fall in love with Adam. Beautiful story and well written and thank you Tasman for writing about the unfair treatment of pit bulls. Not only did you write a beautiful love story but you may have also open the eyes of readers that would normally not see pit bulls in a positive light.
Go Pit Bull!
Go Pit Bull!
September 15, 2014
Not for me. Forced myself to read the beginning pages to give it a fair shot. Ended up skimming to the middle and then gave up after Marlo's request to Adam following the description of her past. Too much repetition, too many times where a character thinks the obvious. As a reader, I don't need things spelled out for me, the interaction speaks for itself. I liked the concept of saving dogs! I wanted so much more on this and so much less on the sex. Sure it's a story and anything can happen, lots of license to do what an author wants, and it doesn't have to necessarily be believable. This was just too out there for me.
June 12, 2013
This is the first book I have ever felt compelled to review. Tasman was able to create a very touching, emotional story while still giving us hot romance. I must say this is makes my top 5 list! I can't wait for more.
June 1, 2017
An enjoyable beginning to a series that focuses on the employees of a dog rescue in Washington and the canines they are entrusted to rehabilitate. Saving Justice focuses on Marlo, who is in charge of the Dog Haven Sanctuary, and Justice, the lone survivor of a dogfighting bust after a communication error. With Justice comes Adam, a handsome investigator from New Zealand who is following the dogfighting case in an attempt to learn tactics and techniques to take back home and set up a dogfight-busting team there. Justice as seen as a dangerous dog both because of a good reputation in the ring and because his existence at the sanctuary attracts unwelcome attention from both the media and potentially anyone involved in the dogfighting who hasn't been arrested and might want to try to get their best dog back. Marlo feels that Justice can overcome his reputation if given enough time, especially once she discovers the dog to be quite timid and scared in his new surroundings. She also finds herself distracted by Adam, who is ever-present at the sanctuary, but knows she must keep her distance, lest demons from her past rear their ugly head. Adam, however, has other ideas, although he has his own history that forces him to put up walls too.
Although I'm not usually a sappy romance person, Gibb balances the romance and the dog rescuing angle well, adding in the drama of Justice's story to give it even more action. I found her descriptions to be vivid and often felt like I was there with them in Washington, despite never have visited the state. Can't wait to read more of the series, which each appear to focus on a different staff member and dog.
Although I'm not usually a sappy romance person, Gibb balances the romance and the dog rescuing angle well, adding in the drama of Justice's story to give it even more action. I found her descriptions to be vivid and often felt like I was there with them in Washington, despite never have visited the state. Can't wait to read more of the series, which each appear to focus on a different staff member and dog.
December 5, 2017
Dog Rescue 4 stars
The rest of the book 2 stars.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. I have owned Pit Bulls and done rescue for years, so this should have been right up my alley! Sadly is was a huge fail for me. There was just way too many plots going on. *SPOILERS AHEAD*
Let me list all of the plots we had to wade through ..
1) Justice and keeping the former pancake safe from being dognapped.
2) Adam and his PTSD of losing his wife.
3) Adam and his lack of US Citizenship and the job that just makes no sense at all, and was more confusing than all of it.
4) Marlo and her PTSD of cops.
5) Lulah ... Not really sure where she fits in, but she had her own plot which I missed most of because I started to skim.
So to say I am disappointed is an understatement. It had great bones, but the execution was sub par.
The rest of the book 2 stars.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. I have owned Pit Bulls and done rescue for years, so this should have been right up my alley! Sadly is was a huge fail for me. There was just way too many plots going on. *SPOILERS AHEAD*
Let me list all of the plots we had to wade through ..
1) Justice and keeping the former pancake safe from being dognapped.
2) Adam and his PTSD of losing his wife.
3) Adam and his lack of US Citizenship and the job that just makes no sense at all, and was more confusing than all of it.
4) Marlo and her PTSD of cops.
5) Lulah ... Not really sure where she fits in, but she had her own plot which I missed most of because I started to skim.
So to say I am disappointed is an understatement. It had great bones, but the execution was sub par.
November 4, 2019
Good story line. Excellent characters. Good highlight points. Good job on touchy topic. Although some sexual content, otherwise would have been a 5 star.
A good story line.
Excellent characters.
Good highlight points.
Great job on a touchy topic that you very obviously did your homework on.
The only thing I disliked was the detailed sexual content; and therefore, I had to skim those pages in order to skip content I find offensive.
Not your fault, although, something to think about....but I wish there was a way to rate books or label them or even note in the summary on Amazon so that readers that do find that type of material offensive, don't get caught up in a story line and then get blindsided by explicit sexual content.
A good story line.
Excellent characters.
Good highlight points.
Great job on a touchy topic that you very obviously did your homework on.
The only thing I disliked was the detailed sexual content; and therefore, I had to skim those pages in order to skip content I find offensive.
Not your fault, although, something to think about....but I wish there was a way to rate books or label them or even note in the summary on Amazon so that readers that do find that type of material offensive, don't get caught up in a story line and then get blindsided by explicit sexual content.
October 21, 2019
This was an interesting book about Justice. Marlo runs Dog Haven Sanctuary and Adam comes with Justice, the dog, to follow Justice's rehabilitation. There was an attraction between Marlo and Adam. Both were interested in helping Justice and Justice learned to trust both of them. This story had some twists that you didn't see coming.
June 24, 2017
A rollercoaster ride. A good one. Good characters, real issues... real dogs.
May 27, 2023
I loved the idea of Dog Haven Sanctuary and the rehabilitation aspect. I appreciated Marlo's training ideas. I connected with Marlo on that aspect, I used to be a obedience trainer. In my opinion there was way too much going on there was like 3 stories going on. Sometimes I was confused with what was going on. Adam was okay, I just didn't quite get how he fit in. The author tried to have suspense in the story but it was not there for me.
August 15, 2014
I received an ARC of Saving Justice( Dog Haven Sanctuary) by Tasman Gibb in exchange for my honest opinion. This is my opinion of her book. As I read "Saving Justice" , I found it to be so very moving, heartwarming , touching, and at one point I wanted to punch out the people that not only where hurting the dogs;but also hurt Marlo. And take in and give comfort to Marlo and to shelter the animals myself. I found it that real, the characters , animals, scenes are so life like that you are able to picture everything as it happens. It is describe is such wonderful detail and with such clarity. Now that I have give you my thoughts on this book. Let me, Mousiey, invite you to get a cup of coffee or tea and some cookies. And continue reading about the book, you will not be disappointed. The story starts out with a broken spirited dog being brought into the sanctuary for rehab. See, this dog was one of the 32 that was rescued from a dog fighting ring. He is the only left out of the 32 alive, the others were all put to sleep by mistake. Now, everyone must keep his whereabouts a secrete and him safe. As there are people out there that trying to kill him. As the story moves all not only is Justice being rehabed but also his trainer Marlo. As she has had a hard time growing up, and has a lot mistrust for cops. That mistrust is for good reasons. Adam is trying to get her to trust him. Now I could sit here all morning an tell you this story. But what fun would it be fir you?? So here are my questions to you.... Does Marlo finally start working with adam?? Does she start trusting him??? Are they together able to save Justice?? Does Justice help Marlo and is Marlo able to rehab Justice??? For all these answers an lots more, you will need to read this most amazing book !!! I recommend it both to the ya and adults. There is very little sex in this book. I give this book a 5 plus rating. It is the most compelling book I have ever read. Ms Tasman, you have done both you and the animal world a great justice. Along with helping everyone understand about PTSD. Please keep up the excellent work and writing. I so look forward to reading more of your books soon. NOW READERS MOUSIEY SAYS GO GET THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND ENJOY IT YOURSELF AS I HAVE!!!
June 5, 2014
Typically, when it comes to romance heroines, I am generally not a fan. You can say that I am all about the men in the romance genre. Mrs. Gibb changed my mind. Marlo is the type of woman who masquerades as if she has everything under control, when in fact she is a broken woman. The thing that the author did right in this book is not to pretend as if Marlo is stronger than she appears. We, the reader, can see that there's something gone awry in Marlo's past. We just don't know what it is.
Now to my favorite part of the story, the man. The thing I like most about Adam is the fact that he is not your typical hero. It seems that the romance genre is saturated with overly masculine men, the type that are so strong, so domineering that they drown out their female counterparts. Adam is a reasonable man. He is the type of man that you could meet on the street and not want to instantly punch in the face, which seems to be a thing in romance. However, his ability to be reasonable does not distract from his ability to be masculine. I have no doubt whatsoever that Adam is an alpha male, he just isn't the type of alpha that is only good on paper, but not entirely practical in real life. While I understand fiction is primarily for escapism, I do like the fact that Adam is more representative of real men in the fact that his masculinity does not squeeze out Marlo's existence.
The story of Marlo and Adam's romance is a sweet one made complicated by Marlo's tragic past. Things are not made any less complicated by Adam's past, but Marlo is the one who is most reluctant to change. Overall I like this story. It was sweet, the sex came at the right time and had the right amount of sizzle. Gibb made sure that there was more story than sex. If you are looking for a romance, this is it.
**This novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.**
Now to my favorite part of the story, the man. The thing I like most about Adam is the fact that he is not your typical hero. It seems that the romance genre is saturated with overly masculine men, the type that are so strong, so domineering that they drown out their female counterparts. Adam is a reasonable man. He is the type of man that you could meet on the street and not want to instantly punch in the face, which seems to be a thing in romance. However, his ability to be reasonable does not distract from his ability to be masculine. I have no doubt whatsoever that Adam is an alpha male, he just isn't the type of alpha that is only good on paper, but not entirely practical in real life. While I understand fiction is primarily for escapism, I do like the fact that Adam is more representative of real men in the fact that his masculinity does not squeeze out Marlo's existence.
The story of Marlo and Adam's romance is a sweet one made complicated by Marlo's tragic past. Things are not made any less complicated by Adam's past, but Marlo is the one who is most reluctant to change. Overall I like this story. It was sweet, the sex came at the right time and had the right amount of sizzle. Gibb made sure that there was more story than sex. If you are looking for a romance, this is it.
**This novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.**
August 2, 2014
Great concept. I loved the PTSD and dog rehabilitation aspect of the story. The plot moved smoothly and there was never a dull moment. I agree with other reviewers that there could have been a little more dog and a little less people.
I know absolutely nothing about dog rehabilitation, but I'm interested to research more about it. Personally we had to put one our pets down due to her dangerous behavior. I wish I had known that there was potentially another option. Maybe it still wouldn't have been the right option for us, but we learn something new everyday and you never know when a tidbit will become helpful later.
My main dislike of the book was the relationship between the two main characters. I found it actually very unrealistic. There were some stellar, heartfelt moments but overall it seemed to move too fast when taking into consideration all of Marlo's past problems. Adam always said that he was just trying to help, and from his POV parts you could see that was true.... It just didn't unfold like I would have wanted.
Also, where was Mae in all of this? For seeming to be such a mother figure in Marlo's life she sure didn't show up as much as I would have expected.
The conclusion for Justice seemed to come out of the blue, and as I said previously, I would have preferred more plotline devoted to the dog sanctuary. (Trying to keep away from spoilers here).
Overall, I'm glad I read the book, although I'm not yet convinced to read further in the series unless they feature new characters. I think if they involved Marlo's friends Lulah than I could be convinced. I got this book for free from kindle, and costing me nothing it was at least definitely worth the time.
3 stars. Recommended for romance and dog lovers.
I know absolutely nothing about dog rehabilitation, but I'm interested to research more about it. Personally we had to put one our pets down due to her dangerous behavior. I wish I had known that there was potentially another option. Maybe it still wouldn't have been the right option for us, but we learn something new everyday and you never know when a tidbit will become helpful later.
My main dislike of the book was the relationship between the two main characters. I found it actually very unrealistic. There were some stellar, heartfelt moments but overall it seemed to move too fast when taking into consideration all of Marlo's past problems. Adam always said that he was just trying to help, and from his POV parts you could see that was true.... It just didn't unfold like I would have wanted.
Also, where was Mae in all of this? For seeming to be such a mother figure in Marlo's life she sure didn't show up as much as I would have expected.
The conclusion for Justice seemed to come out of the blue, and as I said previously, I would have preferred more plotline devoted to the dog sanctuary. (Trying to keep away from spoilers here).
Overall, I'm glad I read the book, although I'm not yet convinced to read further in the series unless they feature new characters. I think if they involved Marlo's friends Lulah than I could be convinced. I got this book for free from kindle, and costing me nothing it was at least definitely worth the time.
3 stars. Recommended for romance and dog lovers.
July 18, 2017
Let me begin by apologizing for the soapbox that I will stand on for a second! I saw the cover of this book and decided it was a five-star book…then I read it and confirmed it! Those soulfull, pittie eyes are what did me in! I’m a huge advocate for pitbulls. For the past (almost) eight years, I’ve been mama to my sweet Lily girl. I met her the day she was born and will love her and be by her side until she takes her last breath. The scariest thing about my baby girl is her gas! She is loving, patient, goofy…I cannot figure out how anyone could be scared of her. I am also a volunteer with a local pitbull rescue. I have seen so many pitties that have come from deplorable situations, including fight rings, go on to be loving companions to their furever families. I can’t contain how happy I am that this book touched on dog fighting and pitbulls, as well as the horrible stigma these dogs live with. It was a breath of fresh air to read a story that included a pitbull in a positive light; too many stories take jabs at this breed and it irks me every…single…time.
Ok, off my soapbox, dusted off my pants…on to the book…LOVED it! I appreciated how well the subject of PTSD was tackled, I’ve already had my say on how awesome Justice’s story was, and I enjoyed how well the couple progressed despite the numerous steps backward that were made. I felt like, even though there was a happy ending, it wasn’t perfect because there were still so many obsticales to get past. But, as the story concluded, you just got a sense that even with all the backward steps that could come, progress would still be made and regardless of what path this couple takes, both will be Ok in the end.
Ok, off my soapbox, dusted off my pants…on to the book…LOVED it! I appreciated how well the subject of PTSD was tackled, I’ve already had my say on how awesome Justice’s story was, and I enjoyed how well the couple progressed despite the numerous steps backward that were made. I felt like, even though there was a happy ending, it wasn’t perfect because there were still so many obsticales to get past. But, as the story concluded, you just got a sense that even with all the backward steps that could come, progress would still be made and regardless of what path this couple takes, both will be Ok in the end.
August 24, 2014
This book really left a mark on me. Lately I have been reading a little bit more of the "risque romances", but even with that said, this book didn't disappoint me. I feel like it told a beautiful story about a topic that is totally put on the back burner these days. It touches the topic of physical and emotional abuse, including both people and animals. Animal abuse is something that always catches my attention and brings awareness to the harsh matters in life. Luckily, I was given this book to read which both tells a beautiful story about finding comfort and rebuilding trust in one another AND it brings awareness to the different types of abuse there are in the world. From the plot to the characters you can really do no wrong by reading this book. It was amazing! And just a little side note.... can I just say that... Adam is ADORABLE. He was sooooo patient and caring with Marlo that it made me want to just reach in the book (yes, weird) and squeeze his cheeks in the most sexual way (yes, weirder). He even had an accent people! Overall, I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a story with an actual plot AND a realistic romance that is perfectly intertwined with a serious subject.
Onto the next book in the series!!
** Copy provided in exchange for an honest review **
Onto the next book in the series!!
** Copy provided in exchange for an honest review **
October 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to dog lovers and romance readers.
As an avid romance junkie, animal lover and animal welfare supporter I found plenty to love about Saving Justice. Besides being a great romance novel, I liked that it was based on a dog rescue sanctuary and actually featured dogs in the book, not just placed them on the cover. For me, this was the ideal book as it joined two things I love, dogs and romance.
I will definitely buy the next book in the series and hope it continues the story of the sanctuary and features dogs in the story. I look forward to plenty more books in the Dog Haven Sanctuary series.
As an avid romance junkie, animal lover and animal welfare supporter I found plenty to love about Saving Justice. Besides being a great romance novel, I liked that it was based on a dog rescue sanctuary and actually featured dogs in the book, not just placed them on the cover. For me, this was the ideal book as it joined two things I love, dogs and romance.
I will definitely buy the next book in the series and hope it continues the story of the sanctuary and features dogs in the story. I look forward to plenty more books in the Dog Haven Sanctuary series.
August 1, 2014
Got to love stories with dogs as main characters! This book is a new twist on the theme of "let me tell you about my wonderful dog" and "here's how I work with dogs".
There's a lot of good stuff in this book about how to handle anxiety, reaching out to someone else and PTSD.
And, there's a lot of good stuff about dealing with frightened dogs!
I vacillated between "liked it" and "really liked it" and decided on "really liked it" because I was warned it was a romance before I read it!
There's a lot of good stuff in this book about how to handle anxiety, reaching out to someone else and PTSD.
And, there's a lot of good stuff about dealing with frightened dogs!
I vacillated between "liked it" and "really liked it" and decided on "really liked it" because I was warned it was a romance before I read it!
August 27, 2014
A good story based on the fact that dogs can suffer mentally as well as physically when maltreated. The Dog Haven is run by dedicated people, including the main character, Marlo, who does her best to bring these "broken" dogs back to life.
We find that both Marlo and the bulldog Justice, are in need of help and Adam is the ideal persobn to understand and aid them.
The book was enjoyable but sometimes a bit slow and in parts too long. However, there was a happy ending and I'm a happy ending person!!"
We find that both Marlo and the bulldog Justice, are in need of help and Adam is the ideal persobn to understand and aid them.
The book was enjoyable but sometimes a bit slow and in parts too long. However, there was a happy ending and I'm a happy ending person!!"
January 16, 2015
Heartfelt and touching
Great book for Animal lovers,pet owners, and those that like a good human love story, Marlo and Adam both share a desire to make the world a better place, both have past hurts and fears ,but together they can learn to trust again and help each other live fully again. Justice and Fala, rescues at the sanctuary ,hold another place in the hearts of the main characters as well as the readers. Overall, I recommend giving this book a read I enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Great book for Animal lovers,pet owners, and those that like a good human love story, Marlo and Adam both share a desire to make the world a better place, both have past hurts and fears ,but together they can learn to trust again and help each other live fully again. Justice and Fala, rescues at the sanctuary ,hold another place in the hearts of the main characters as well as the readers. Overall, I recommend giving this book a read I enjoyed it and I think you will too.
August 10, 2014
Wonderful book. Loved the Dog Sanctuary. The main characters, people and dogs, are all 4 super. The connection is intense and immediate. I rode the waves of emotion with this one - happy, sad, scared, upset, alarmed, bereft, thrilled, and rejoicing. Was so relieved by the ending. It gave me the happy, warm fuzzies. Could see book 2 building in this one and am excited to start it.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
February 9, 2016
Impossible to put down, Perfect
For me this was a perfect book! Romance, not your typical trashy romance but well written and realistic, dog sanctuary, SAVING A PIT BULL ( HUGE praise for this), veteran with ptsd, training a dog to help with opted, loss of loved one, rough childhood and more.
It may sound like a lot in one book yet she wrote it perfectly and I now must go to start reading the next in the series.
For me this was a perfect book! Romance, not your typical trashy romance but well written and realistic, dog sanctuary, SAVING A PIT BULL ( HUGE praise for this), veteran with ptsd, training a dog to help with opted, loss of loved one, rough childhood and more.
It may sound like a lot in one book yet she wrote it perfectly and I now must go to start reading the next in the series.
May 8, 2016
Enlightening
Good story with a great basis on a real life problem that more people need to stand up for and support these causes. It was great to read the mini story at end of book told from Justice's point of view. Story of two people who are both hurting from different crisis, that help each other deal with the others pain. Love , support, comfort, and a great deal of compassion.
Good story with a great basis on a real life problem that more people need to stand up for and support these causes. It was great to read the mini story at end of book told from Justice's point of view. Story of two people who are both hurting from different crisis, that help each other deal with the others pain. Love , support, comfort, and a great deal of compassion.
July 20, 2014
This book is an example of what a good romance is, it gives you the challenges, it gives you the sorrow, it gives you the healing and it gives you the hope. It's hard at times when reading this book not to be touched, be it getting angry or bawling. All in all it's a excellent book. Complete review at: http://allnightbooks.com/?p=378
July 26, 2014
Blown away
Blown away
I expected the average romance. what I read was an incredible book filled with the complexities of damaged and healing people and the miracle that abused and previously unwanted dogs can bring to these hurt people when both species work at it just a little. I'm recommending this book to everyone.
Blown away
I expected the average romance. what I read was an incredible book filled with the complexities of damaged and healing people and the miracle that abused and previously unwanted dogs can bring to these hurt people when both species work at it just a little. I'm recommending this book to everyone.
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