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K-9 Companions #29

The Veteran's Valentine Helper: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

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"This is the book your romantic heart needs to be uplifted, inspired, and blissfully satisfied." --Amazon reviewer on A Companion for His Son

Can a special K-9…
Guide him to an unexpected family?


Despite the painful memories, cop-turned-author Frank Wilkins is ready to write about the narcotics bust that left him with a disability. But he never expected his agent to hire his ex-girlfriend April Collins as a live-in ghostwriter. Seeing her desperation to provide for her twins, Frank agrees to try the arrangement, despite her past betrayal. Soon, the kids’ adorable charm and their quick bond with his service dog, Dozer, have Frank’s heart thawing fast. But April’s hiding a secret from him. Will the truth end their partnership…or turn Valentine’s Day into forever?

“Lee Tobin McClain’s books make my heart sing.” —Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

K-9 Companions


Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
Book 12: A Steadfast Companion by Myra Johnson
Book 14: A Friend to Trust by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 15: Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan
Book 16: A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 17: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 18: Finding Their Way Back by Jenna Mindel
Book 19: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt
Book 20: Bonding with the Babies by Deb Kastner
Book 21: Her Son's Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt
Book 22: Training the K-9 Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 23: A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 24: Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main
Book 25: A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa Carter
Book 26: His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 27: Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt
Book 28: A Faithful Guardian by Louise M. Gouge
Book 29: The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 30: Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter
Book 31: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 32: Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan
Book 33: Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 34: His New Companion by Jill Kemerer

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 21, 2025

28 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Lee Tobin McClain

175 books527 followers
New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

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5 stars
67 (52%)
4 stars
46 (35%)
3 stars
12 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,137 reviews127 followers
May 2, 2025
Not telling the father of child/children is a big deal, especially when you share a house together. I did not care for any of the characters.
1,291 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2025
Story drags you in from the first page.

April has moved back to Holiday Point to start a new short job with her twins Evelyn and Eli. But then she finds out she is to help her first love Frank wrote his book. Except there is a big thing that he doesn't know...make that 2 things! They only have a short time to finish the book, if they are both to make the deadline. Can she explain about the twins without upsetting their working relationship? Read this to see.

The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has no steam. The characters are vibrant and endearing. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. I think there is more to come from Holiday Point. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
667 reviews82 followers
February 16, 2025
Ohhhh, all the tropes: forced proximity, second chance romance, and SO much tension!

Almost 7 years ago, Frank walked out on his relationship with April with no explanation. Something had caused him to leave and not look back. Fast forward to now, April is a single mother struggling to provide. As the kids hit school age, she finds the town she's living in isn't where she wants them to grow up, so she heads back home with a job and temporary lodging in place. She has six weeks in a shared space with her new employer while they work on his book together. It sounds perfect until her new employer turns out to be Frank. He had broken her heart and never even explained why! And yet, he seems mad at her for reasons she doesn't know. Despite the tension between them. He needs his book written, and she needs a place for her kids and income. So they call a truce until the job is done. Easier said, then done. But when two people experienced the love they shared and the heartache they endured, it's hard to hold back feelings. But she's still keeping a secret from him. And he's still mad at her over the same thing that made him leave her all those years ago.Can they work on this project together. Can they unpack their past? And when she reveals the secret... how will he react?

This story is SO good. I read it all one evening. I knew the tension and banter would be spot on, and I wasn't disappointed. And oh, the sweet family dynamics and sweet kisses. You will not want to miss this!
1,133 reviews
February 24, 2025
I’ve enjoyed some other novels by this author, and I felt potential in this one, too, but too often the way this one unfolded proved more frustrating than entertaining. Also I never love it when a holiday is featured in the title while playing a less than minor role in the story.

Right from the start, the reader has to buy into some convoluted circumstances. Single mom April agrees to live/work very closely with a guy whose real name she hasn’t been given, so wouldn’t you look into the situation more first, especially when a stranger would be around your kids? Turns out the guy is the father of her twins only he doesn’t know it. And she moved back to their gossipy small town somehow thinking he wouldn’t find out?

Everything about that setup felt convenient, but at such an early point in the story I was willing to go with it since I figured okay, soon Frank will demand a DNA test and we’ll get into the drama of what happens next. Only for the majority of the story, April thinks about telling Frank and always finds excuses not to, which I guess thinking about it, is at least more proactive than Frank who doesn’t even come close to asking if they’re his kids.

Very early we’re told Frank thinks April cheated on him. He was told this by people he considers unreliable yet remains adament that she cheated and therefore he couldn’t be the dad even though he clearly could be and almost everyone else April crosses paths with suspects he is. So Frank spends much of this book seeming like he isn’t all that bright or like he’s unwilling to accept responsibility, either way, not attractive.

I struggled with April, too. When Frank was twenty-five years old he had sex with an eighteen year old April (before they found religion), shortly after he ghosts her, she ends up alone, financially strapped, raising his kids and for that, I wanted her to express a little more anger towards him, and expect more of an apology from him, instead she goes so easy on the guy that she sort of seems like a doormat.

These are two extraordinarily passive and uncommunicative main characters, which yes, there are people in the real world who behave that way, but their inaction isn’t nearly as engaging as this might have been had they from the jump confronted one another and from there we’d seen Frank try to bond with his kids and this former couple attempt to co-parent and see the two of them reckon with how each had wronged the other, but the way this story played out there was little time left in the end to dig into any of that juicy fallout.

Looking at the ratings on this one, clearly there are readers out there who find a big secret is plenty to hang a story on, if you think that would work for you, too, then maybe you’ll love this book, for me though, there’s just so much more drama and emotion in revealing a secret than there is in holding on to it well past the point of believability.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,899 reviews469 followers
January 15, 2025
Frank Wilkins’ last case was undoubtedly his most perilous, as it left him with a permanent disability. He intends to write a book about it, which was a significant narcotics bust. His agent has hired a ghostwriter for Frank—none other than his former girlfriend, April Collins. Not only will April be cohabitating with him, but her young twins will also be joining them.

Initially, April is taken aback to discover that Frank is the author she will be writing for. However, he is her old flame, unaware that he is the father of her twins. Moreover, April has decided to stay and provide her children with permanent stability.

When April decides to reveal Frank’s paternity, it could pose a significant challenge for her. She must begin writing Frank’s book while the children adjust to their new circumstances. Fortunately, the children quickly bond with Frank’s service dog, Dozer, and they also connect with Frank almost immediately.

This heartwarming story by Lee Tobin McClain is a delightful read. While I haven’t read most of the previous books in this series, this book stands as a compelling standalone novel. Any story featuring children and dogs is a win for me, and this book certainly achieved that goal. The narration was pleasant and made for an enjoyable listening experience.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
3,560 reviews40 followers
January 13, 2025
After being injured while undercover, former cop Frank Wilkins was left with a disability and earned him his service K-9, Dozer. He’s decided to write a book about his experience and a ghostwriter has been sent to help him.
Single mom of twins April Collins is that person. She left town after her heart was broken and has decided to return home so that the kids get a chance to experience and enjoy small town living. A huge change from Chicago.
What neither expected was to discover the person each thought had betrayed them is the one they’ll be working with. As they manage to walk through a minefield of old feelings, good and bad, the attraction reignites.
The twins seem to soften Frank’s heart. What will happen when a secret is revealed? What about that they thought was true, isn’t?
This is a clean , Christian romance about opening one’s heart to God. It’s also a story about forgiveness, communication and second chances in life and love.
The storyline was engaging and the characters likable.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,084 reviews209 followers
January 21, 2025
April Collins is returning home to Holiday Point with her two children, twins Eli and Evelyn, where she's taken a job to help a man write a book about his career. When she arrives at the place she'll be working and living with her children for the next six weeks, she finds that the man she's working with is her ex.

Frank Wilkins retired as an undercover police officer after he was injured and disabled. His support dog makes sure Frank's vertigo keeps him on his feet, but nothing can stop the impact of seeing April again. They both determine to keep things professional, but as secrets are revealed and past misunderstandings are cleared up, their relationship becomes very personal.

This gifted storyteller is my go-to for wholesome romance full of faith and family. The characters are relatable with their humanity and shortcomings conspicuously displayed in order to showcase the power of forgiveness and healing. A charming, sweet story full of hope, heart, redemption and new beginnings, April and Frank's road to forever is not to be missed.

Profile Image for Amanda.
331 reviews16 followers
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March 1, 2025
The Veteran's Valentine Helper is a cute little book with all the feel good tropes. Second chance romance, K-9 helper, forced proximity, single mom, and wounded Vet to make you want to sit and listen or read it all in one sitting.
McClain grabbed me right from the get go with her characters that you can relate to and the fact that they are likeable. With characters you love and love to hate, I found myself rooting for everyone and wanting more and more. The storyline was good and well executed. It was a very clean novel. Romance but not spice, typical of a Harlequin novel.

Overall, the book was great. I did not read the others in the series and didn't feel like I was missing out or missing vital information because of it. However, now that I know there are other books written about the characters in this book, I will most likely go and find them to read as well.

I listened to this book as an audiobook and found myself listening along at a rapid pace wanting to know more and enjoying the book. The narrator did a wonderful job.
414 reviews36 followers
January 8, 2025
"The Veteran's Valentine Helper" by Lee Tobin McClain is a sweet story about a single mom of twins coming back home with the kids to raise them in the small town she was raised in after living in Chicago for many years. Little does she know, the person she comes to work for with the job that brought her back home is the twin's estranged father who doesn't know they are his.

There are strong family ties and also some not so good family backstories in this one. This is a second chance romance with cute kids creating lighter moments in the story. I hadn't read or listened to any of the other books in the series and found this to be a good standalone though there are other stories alluded to in this book. I listened to the audiobook and the audiobook was well done. For fans of Love Inspired books, this is a must read!

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
674 reviews18 followers
February 19, 2025
Cozy Read

April and Frank are completely blindsided when they realize they'll be working together. In spending time together, old, painful wounds are reopened along with some eye-opening revelations that shed light on unanswered questions from the past. Little by little, their feelings come to the surface, and eventually, secrets are revealed that add a new twist to their budding relationship. Add to that a pair of cute and sometimes naughty little ones and a dedicated K-9, and you have a charming and cozy read of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

Book Quote:
She took a deep breath and focused on her faith. Even when she was confused or felt that there was nowhere else to turn, God was her mainstay and her support. He would straighten it out, work it for good. He always did.
314 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2025
The Veteran’s Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain. Narration by Kristin Kallen-Keck. She did a great job on narrating the book, you could easily distinguish between the characters. April Collins and her 6yr old twins move back to her hometown to help an author write his book. They have a limited time to do this. Little to her surprise the author is the love of her life who left her without looking back. Frank Wilkins left April 7yrs ago after his father told him that she was cheating on him. Now that they are face to face, can they resolve the wrong that was done? Can he open his heart to April and his twins that he knew nothing about? Great beach read. Thank you to #NetGalley, #Harlequin Audio and the author for this Arc read. This is my honest review.
38 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2025
Frank Wilkins intends to write a book about the narcotics bust that caused him to have a disability and cost him his job. April Collins was hired by his agent to be his live-in ghostwriter. April is desperate to provide for Everly and Eli, her 6-year-old twins, who also belong to Frank, although he doesn't know it.

Frank resents April for disappearing on him—April resents Frank for disappearing on her. But they agree to work together on his book. Eventually, the truth comes out that Frank is the twins' father. Furious, he storms off, leaving April to finish her part of the book alone. Will they reconcile and work things out?
Profile Image for Macy.
1,945 reviews
January 7, 2025
A short sweet, small town, second chance, inclusive romance. Through a twist of fate Frank and April are brought back together. Will their past get in the way of them getting back together or set them on the path to their happily ever after? A nice storyline that leads to exactly what we read/listen to these books for. Though part of a series, this was the first for me and it read nicely as a stand alone.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
1,400 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2025
In this book you will read about secrets, lies and an amazing loving family. When April comes back to Holiday Point to give her kids a better life she is shocked when she finds out who she is working with for the next 6 weeks. Frank is shocked when he sees April at the house he rented. Can these two work together to get Franks book written. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Susan.
630 reviews30 followers
January 21, 2025
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the characters of April and Frank, as well as the twins, Evelyn and Eli. Dozer was a real hero. I had a hard time reading the last portion of the book because I couldn't read with tears in my eyes. I loved reading this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review.
58 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2025
Great read! Frank has a disability he got as a police officer and is writing about it. April is helping him write, while she and her twins are live in. But Frank and April have met before in the past so the situation gets a little sticky. Loved this inspirational book especially because it is in the K-9 series so Frank has a service dog!
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
March 1, 2025
Author Lee Tobin McClain writes the best twins. These cute six year olds help to pull you into this story of second chances.


With the right amount of banter and tension, Frank and April do a lot of dancing around the issues. You know, those cute twins. A great paced story, I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Carissa.
1,016 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2025
I just feel like this book while I enjoyed it had some problematic aspects. The miscommunication was actually understandable. However, it was hard to get past the whole 25 year dating an 18 who had literally just graduated high school. And even though that was seven years in the past by the time this book takes place I still found it problematic.

I did find it hilarious that a book published in February of this year likely written last year, basically said the Penguins were having a bad season that would keep them out of the playoffs. In hindsight it was actually true.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,805 followers
Read
January 2, 2025
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Disabilities & Special Needs
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #29)
Profile Image for Kristy.
56 reviews
January 21, 2025
Curl up with this winter, with this heart warming 2nd chance romance, by Lee Tobin McClain.
McClain has mastered writing uplifting stories of hope, faith, & forgiveness.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,505 reviews52 followers
January 22, 2025
Good read, but I could have done without the stupid liberal "toxic masculinity" crap. I don't need to see that in a Christian book.
470 reviews
January 28, 2025
amazing

As always the story line is well written and very good. The characters are great the message is wonderful. Thank for another wonderful series.
897 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2025
I really rooted for April who is doing her best to raise her twins on her own. Characters ate well written and relatable. Good storyline that kept my interest throughout.
70 reviews
March 16, 2025
This is a good read. you will enjoy the story.

Lee Tobin will keep you wondering what will happen next. I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the end.
843 reviews2 followers
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June 30, 2025
I read it because I love dogs. But I don't like religious-aspirational. Serviceable, but there is not one surprise in the book. Everything turns out the way you know it'll be.
Profile Image for Janet.
3,356 reviews24 followers
July 29, 2025
A sweet, second chance romance theme. While I enjoyed the story, I'll admit that Dozer, the service dog, was probably my favorite character.
76 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
love a feel good romance

A feel good romance, a devoted Rottweiler and twins? What more could you need for a great love story and a happy ending?
11 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. This is the story of a woman who is accidently thrown together with a lost love and the father of her very cute daughter. The two reconnect to find love, family and happiness together with one really cool Rottweiler. I enjoyed this light-hearted fun story. It brought smiles to my face after a couple of long hard days. Looking forward to reading more from Lee Tobin McClain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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