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Rescue Me #5
Head Over Paws
10 hours, 19 minutes
Olivia Graham has signed on as a volunteer rescue driver for the High Grove Animal Shelter. Her first task is to transport dogs and cats that've been misplaced by flooding, but her aging car breaks down on the way to get them.
She's picked up by veterinarian Gabe Wentworth, former EMT and firefighter, who's also heading to the rescue site. After a bad breakup, Gabe's embraced the hermit life. When he picks up Olivia, he can't deny their irresistible mutual attraction, and his first thought is to run the other direction. But the more animals they help, the harder they fall for each other…
Olivia Graham has signed on as a volunteer rescue driver for the High Grove Animal Shelter. Her first task is to transport dogs and cats that've been misplaced by flooding, but her aging car breaks down on the way to get them.
She's picked up by veterinarian Gabe Wentworth, former EMT and firefighter, who's also heading to the rescue site. After a bad breakup, Gabe's embraced the hermit life. When he picks up Olivia, he can't deny their irresistible mutual attraction, and his first thought is to run the other direction. But the more animals they help, the harder they fall for each other…
11 pages, Audiobook
First published April 28, 2020
59 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Burns
20 books263 followersDebbie 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 1, 2020
This cute story by Debbie Burns, the fifth book in the Rescue Me series, is a truly touching story. Olivia was on her way to transport a few dogs misplaced due to a storm to a rescue center. Gabe has also been called into action to get some dogs to a safe place during the dangerous flooding that Olivia is out in.
Gabe's dog Samson is now retired from the search-and-rescue work, but he takes Samson along with him. Samson might have aged out, but his bond with Gabe is undeniable. Olivia's car breaks down and Gabe offers his assistance, and the two work to get some dogs that were caught up in the storm to safety. Sparks fly between Gabe and Olivia from the start.
Olivia is a teacher but is drawn to animals, especially the dog she and Gabe rescued that was named Morgan. (I needed tissues here.) Gabe is a former firefighter and EMT who has found his calling as a vet. Will Gabe and Olivia ever see one another again, especially after they share a tender kiss?
What a touching story! The idea of rescuing animals and getting them to no-kill shelters was endearing enough, but watching the relationship that Gabe had Samson truly warmed my heart. I also loved how Olivia took every opportunity to be with the dog Morgan. The love story was wonderful as well. The conflicts in this book were relatable and I loved seeing how they came to resolution.
There is something a bit different as to how this book is written. It is written in third person POV for the characters - and this includes the dog Morgan. Oh, how I loved his chapters! I have enjoyed all five books in this series, if not for the couples who found their happiness, most certainly for the dogs that were in each story. I really hope there are more to follow.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Edelweiss and NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Gabe's dog Samson is now retired from the search-and-rescue work, but he takes Samson along with him. Samson might have aged out, but his bond with Gabe is undeniable. Olivia's car breaks down and Gabe offers his assistance, and the two work to get some dogs that were caught up in the storm to safety. Sparks fly between Gabe and Olivia from the start.
Olivia is a teacher but is drawn to animals, especially the dog she and Gabe rescued that was named Morgan. (I needed tissues here.) Gabe is a former firefighter and EMT who has found his calling as a vet. Will Gabe and Olivia ever see one another again, especially after they share a tender kiss?
What a touching story! The idea of rescuing animals and getting them to no-kill shelters was endearing enough, but watching the relationship that Gabe had Samson truly warmed my heart. I also loved how Olivia took every opportunity to be with the dog Morgan. The love story was wonderful as well. The conflicts in this book were relatable and I loved seeing how they came to resolution.
There is something a bit different as to how this book is written. It is written in third person POV for the characters - and this includes the dog Morgan. Oh, how I loved his chapters! I have enjoyed all five books in this series, if not for the couples who found their happiness, most certainly for the dogs that were in each story. I really hope there are more to follow.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Edelweiss and NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
May 1, 2020
Head Over Paws is a coming of age story for Olivia Graham in this fifth installment in the Rescue Me series. She felt she was missing something in her life so she cancelled her wedding and moved to St. Louis to work as a teacher. She also volunteered for the High Grove Animal Shelter as a transporter and unfortunately her car broke down before she even got to the rescue. Veterinarian Gabe Wentworth was asked to pick her up and reluctantly did it, not realizing it would change his life. Gabe had a self-imposed hiatus from women after his own engagement fell apart, but he was feeling something for Olivia that he hadn’t felt before. Was she the One? Olivia felt something too and worried that it was too soon and too fast to have such a strong attraction.
Head Over Paws was an absolute delightful read. It was told in the point of view of Olivia, Gabe and the rescue dog Morgan. Each shared their feelings, doubts and backstory, which just made the story even better. The shelter served as a connecting point for both main characters and the reader can also catch up on past characters. It is also a story that can be read as a stand-alone. Olivia had the most changes and I’m so glad to see she knew she still needed to do more for herself before she went all in with Gabe. It was a very touching story and a very sweet romance. I’ve enjoyed the stories in the Rescue Me series and this one just might be my favorite.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Head Over Paws was an absolute delightful read. It was told in the point of view of Olivia, Gabe and the rescue dog Morgan. Each shared their feelings, doubts and backstory, which just made the story even better. The shelter served as a connecting point for both main characters and the reader can also catch up on past characters. It is also a story that can be read as a stand-alone. Olivia had the most changes and I’m so glad to see she knew she still needed to do more for herself before she went all in with Gabe. It was a very touching story and a very sweet romance. I’ve enjoyed the stories in the Rescue Me series and this one just might be my favorite.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 23, 2023
I mean, i love a romantic type of book with lots of adorable animals in it. But this was missing something, the humans and their conections was slightly boring.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
I got this eARC from Netgalley
May 12, 2020
I like this author's books, so nice & feel good!
February 12, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
A heartwarming and sweet romance with two very relatable people, involving an animal shelter and two adorable, smart dogs.
I really liked the characters in “Head Over Paws”, by Debbie Burns (Sourcebooks, Casablanca), how they’re honest and open with each other and the way their instant attraction slowly developed into an interesting relationship and stronger and deeper feelings.
And how refreshing to have an educated hero, who comes from the working class. Gabe is kind, gentle and a bit cautious where his feelings are concerned; it’s great that he isn’t the typical macho man. His relationship with Samson, the dog, is remarkable.
Olivia is a compelling character, too, a devoted teacher and an animal lover, who immediately bonds with dog Morgan.
I liked how the dogs were a strong part of the story, loved how Debbie Burns wrote Morgan’s POV and really enjoyed the St. Louis setting.
I intend to read more stories in this series and I hope Patrick, a shelter staff member, will have his own written.
3.5 stars.
A heartwarming and sweet romance with two very relatable people, involving an animal shelter and two adorable, smart dogs.
I really liked the characters in “Head Over Paws”, by Debbie Burns (Sourcebooks, Casablanca), how they’re honest and open with each other and the way their instant attraction slowly developed into an interesting relationship and stronger and deeper feelings.
And how refreshing to have an educated hero, who comes from the working class. Gabe is kind, gentle and a bit cautious where his feelings are concerned; it’s great that he isn’t the typical macho man. His relationship with Samson, the dog, is remarkable.
Olivia is a compelling character, too, a devoted teacher and an animal lover, who immediately bonds with dog Morgan.
I liked how the dogs were a strong part of the story, loved how Debbie Burns wrote Morgan’s POV and really enjoyed the St. Louis setting.
I intend to read more stories in this series and I hope Patrick, a shelter staff member, will have his own written.
April 6, 2020
This was my second book by Debbie Burns and I enjoyed Head Over Paws just as much as I did the first one I read. I'm a sucker for dogs, but I also really enjoyed the love at first sight aspect of the book.
Gabe was an incredible main character. He was sexy, caring, honest and forthright. He pretty much had his life in order, whereas Olivia's was a little more messy. The story flowed well and left me very happy (which is all I ask).
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Gabe was an incredible main character. He was sexy, caring, honest and forthright. He pretty much had his life in order, whereas Olivia's was a little more messy. The story flowed well and left me very happy (which is all I ask).
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
June 22, 2020
Apparently there was a book with the same name that I choose by mistake, oops. I am not a reader of gay men books. Which was what the other one was...oops!
This book is a charming story about a vet and a girl named Olivia Graham.
They meet on the way to pick up some rescue dogs and cats in a flooding area and take them to St Louis.
Olive is excited to help as a volunteer at her local shelter.
She also finds an instant attraction to Gabe Wentworth, the animal vet.
When they get to a flooded area, there is a pointer tied up and sitting on top of his dog house about to be swept away. Gabe doesn't hesitate to go to the rescue.
Great start to a cute romance.
This book is a charming story about a vet and a girl named Olivia Graham.
They meet on the way to pick up some rescue dogs and cats in a flooding area and take them to St Louis.
Olive is excited to help as a volunteer at her local shelter.
She also finds an instant attraction to Gabe Wentworth, the animal vet.
When they get to a flooded area, there is a pointer tied up and sitting on top of his dog house about to be swept away. Gabe doesn't hesitate to go to the rescue.
Great start to a cute romance.
May 16, 2020
3.5 stars bumped up.
Nice strong plot line.
Interesting characters (including the dogs :)
Setting: Missouri (St. Louis and the Bootheel)
Gabe is new vet for the shelter and Olivia is a teacher.
I was happy that Patrick made a worthwhile appearance in this one.
Wonder if Yun will be a heroine in next book? Or maybe Ava ?
Like this series .. am happy to skip the steamy bits so no review on that.
Nice strong plot line.
Interesting characters (including the dogs :)
Setting: Missouri (St. Louis and the Bootheel)
Gabe is new vet for the shelter and Olivia is a teacher.
I was happy that Patrick made a worthwhile appearance in this one.
Wonder if Yun will be a heroine in next book? Or maybe Ava ?
Like this series .. am happy to skip the steamy bits so no review on that.
April 11, 2020
Head Over Paws (Rescue Me #5) by Debbie Burns
3 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Olivia is wanting to give back in some way and, despite loving her job as a teacher, she feels adrift. When she is asked to help drive rescued dogs from a flooded area, she jumps at the chance. However, she runs in to some trouble on her way to get the dogs.
Gabe knows that he is a good vet. But, with a history that has left him slightly bitter, he keeps his head down and just wants to help as many animals as he can. Yun is his best friend from school and even though she keeps him sane, she also drives him insane sometimes. It's at her insistence that he drive down to do all he can for the animals that are being displaced by a massive flood.
While Gabe is wary of helping a stranger, he sees that Olivia does need it and he can't bring himself to just strand her. This is where the romance kind of misses the target for me. They have some good chemistry here and there, but for the most part, Gabe is still hung up on his issues and Olivia is worried about where she will be next year.
They both love animals, dogs especially, but that just isn't enough to keep them in the romance department. I felt that their relationship was very YA. It didn't really have a grownup feeling to it and they were fairly involved in their own insecurities for the majority of the story. While I did like the dog's perspective, I wished there had been more of that and less of Gabe and Olivia's dancing around.
Overall, this was just an OK read for me. It was quick and fun, but lacked in the development of the relationship aspect. That's not to say that there was no development, it just missed the mark for me on moving their relationship forward.
3 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Olivia is wanting to give back in some way and, despite loving her job as a teacher, she feels adrift. When she is asked to help drive rescued dogs from a flooded area, she jumps at the chance. However, she runs in to some trouble on her way to get the dogs.
Gabe knows that he is a good vet. But, with a history that has left him slightly bitter, he keeps his head down and just wants to help as many animals as he can. Yun is his best friend from school and even though she keeps him sane, she also drives him insane sometimes. It's at her insistence that he drive down to do all he can for the animals that are being displaced by a massive flood.
While Gabe is wary of helping a stranger, he sees that Olivia does need it and he can't bring himself to just strand her. This is where the romance kind of misses the target for me. They have some good chemistry here and there, but for the most part, Gabe is still hung up on his issues and Olivia is worried about where she will be next year.
They both love animals, dogs especially, but that just isn't enough to keep them in the romance department. I felt that their relationship was very YA. It didn't really have a grownup feeling to it and they were fairly involved in their own insecurities for the majority of the story. While I did like the dog's perspective, I wished there had been more of that and less of Gabe and Olivia's dancing around.
Overall, this was just an OK read for me. It was quick and fun, but lacked in the development of the relationship aspect. That's not to say that there was no development, it just missed the mark for me on moving their relationship forward.
May 31, 2020
The fifth book in the series focuses on Gabe and Olivia. I was anxious beyond belief about Morgan, the abandoned pup. This story is a little hot, but also sweet and full of charm. What stands out with book five, for me, is Morgan getting his own POV for chapters. Because of this, I wanted more of it and could have done with a bit less of Olivia and Gabe’s back and forth “building relationship.” I do, as always, enjoy how well the author knows or researches all things “dog.”
April 18, 2020
Another wonderful installment to this series. Dog lovers everywhere will love the interactions between the dogs and their humans. The main characters meet by chance, while volunteering for an animal rescue. They share a terrifying adventure within hours of meeting, and are rarely apart afterwards. It is a heartwarming HEA story, with just the right amount of light drama. Highly recommend.
The writing style flows nicely, and the editing was perfect- I’m a stickler for misspellings and grammatical errors!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy, but my opinions are my own and not influenced.
The writing style flows nicely, and the editing was perfect- I’m a stickler for misspellings and grammatical errors!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy, but my opinions are my own and not influenced.
November 3, 2020
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: HEAD OVER PAWS by Debbie Burns https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bt7
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
I enjoyed this contemporary romance. Was it the relationship? The dogs? I think all of it. Olivia and Gabe were easy to relate to and very likable, it had me rooting for them from the beginning. I also think the author dealt with their instant attraction nicely. Yes, it was strong, but they also got to know each other so it was more than just physical. I can’t say enough about how I loved the brief glimpses into the dog’s perspective. That grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. It is an entertaining and touching book.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle https://amzn.to/2VKMnJg
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
I enjoyed this contemporary romance. Was it the relationship? The dogs? I think all of it. Olivia and Gabe were easy to relate to and very likable, it had me rooting for them from the beginning. I also think the author dealt with their instant attraction nicely. Yes, it was strong, but they also got to know each other so it was more than just physical. I can’t say enough about how I loved the brief glimpses into the dog’s perspective. That grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. It is an entertaining and touching book.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle https://amzn.to/2VKMnJg
April 12, 2020
It was cute. I didn’t love it, but it was cute. This sweet small town romance features two people who meet and connect over their love of animals. It’s a little charming, a little suspenseful, and a little boring. I never fully connected to either of the characters - they have an insta-love romance that I felt lacked chemistry - and the writing style was too much “tell” and not enough “show.” It’s not a bad way to spend a few hours if you’re looking for a sweet, only slightly steamy romance, but it’s not one I’ll revisit.
The story follows Gabe, a veterinarian who closed off his heart after a rough breakup. He loves animals and they've been his life for the past several years, so when he meets Olivia in some unexpected circumstances, he's surprised by the instant connection between them. After sharing a memorable day together, the two grow closer and start a relationship as they work over their individual hangups.
It's a light, easy read with minimal angst and a lot of sweetness. Both characters are likable so it was easy to root for them to get together; I just wish I felt more chemistry. It felt like every time they were starting to build up to something they were interrupted, so it was jarring to go back and forth. It's not all that sexy to talk about the logistics of sleeping together when there's a dog constantly in the way, and though I get that it's a realistic issue, it also didn't do anything to make me feel the connection. There's also the insta-love - these two move at lightning speed, and I just didn't understand it. Perhaps if the writing style had been different, it would've worked better, but that wasn't the case. All in all, it's a decent read that has the bones of a good book; the execution was just lacking. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sweet romance.
The story follows Gabe, a veterinarian who closed off his heart after a rough breakup. He loves animals and they've been his life for the past several years, so when he meets Olivia in some unexpected circumstances, he's surprised by the instant connection between them. After sharing a memorable day together, the two grow closer and start a relationship as they work over their individual hangups.
It's a light, easy read with minimal angst and a lot of sweetness. Both characters are likable so it was easy to root for them to get together; I just wish I felt more chemistry. It felt like every time they were starting to build up to something they were interrupted, so it was jarring to go back and forth. It's not all that sexy to talk about the logistics of sleeping together when there's a dog constantly in the way, and though I get that it's a realistic issue, it also didn't do anything to make me feel the connection. There's also the insta-love - these two move at lightning speed, and I just didn't understand it. Perhaps if the writing style had been different, it would've worked better, but that wasn't the case. All in all, it's a decent read that has the bones of a good book; the execution was just lacking. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sweet romance.
April 29, 2020
This one was really cute. I liked that Gabe and Olivia were smitten with each other from the start and acted on things and how the dogs really played a role in the book as well. Both Gabe and Olivia were facing big changes in their lives, it was great to see them share their concerns with each other and how the other cheered them on. I was a bit afraid towards the end as it seemed like Olivia was going to loose everything she had been working towards, but luckily she made the right choie and fate worked in her way, leaving her to find her happy ending with Gabe.
March 2, 2020
A very sweet story with romance and as always, cuteness overload of dogs and cats. The main characters are Olivia and Gabe who meet during a dog rescue. There are heartbreaking and heartwarming moments throughout the story that will uplift you.
It was fun to read Morgan’s (the dog they rescued) POV throughout the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest review.
It was fun to read Morgan’s (the dog they rescued) POV throughout the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest review.
August 4, 2024
3.5 stars
Steaminess Rating:
❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Rating Chart”)!
Steaminess Rating:
❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Rating Chart”)!
October 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. Head Over Paws is the 5th book in the Rescue me series. Each book can be read as a standalone story. There are some crossover characters and the setting ties them together, but each book is about a different character and their rescue dog. Olivia Graham is a teacher, whose position in her hometown was eliminated. She moved to find another job and is living with her aunt. She wants a dog badly, but her aunt has a parrot that is afraid of other animals, so that is out of the question. She takes a job working at a local animal rescue, driving for them. She is on her way to pick up some animals that were rescued from floods, when her car breaks down. Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian on his way to the same animal rescue and he is asked to pick her up and bring her and the cages to the rescue site. While there, they get word about a trapped dog in the flood area, so she and Gabe go to see if they can rescue him. After a traumatic rescue, Olivia and Gabe realize that they have chemistry. After a few kisses they agree to see one another back in St. Louis, but things don't always turn out the way one hopes.
I enjoyed this romance/animal rescue story. The dogs were stars in this one and it makes me wish that I still had a dog of my own. Olivia was a resilient young woman who bounced back from situations in her past, and her love of animals was beautiful. Gabe was also a wonderful character who was caring and wanted more out of life. Before going to vet school, he was a firefighter and EMS, but after a bad experience moved on. Both of these characters had a lot of baggage and bad relationships in the past that they had to get over. This is a lovely, clean romance where dogs play an integral part in the story. My issues were the insta-love aspect and the predictability, but I still enjoyed the story and will read more in this series. With some misunderstandings to get over, I enjoyed how the romance played out.
I enjoyed this romance/animal rescue story. The dogs were stars in this one and it makes me wish that I still had a dog of my own. Olivia was a resilient young woman who bounced back from situations in her past, and her love of animals was beautiful. Gabe was also a wonderful character who was caring and wanted more out of life. Before going to vet school, he was a firefighter and EMS, but after a bad experience moved on. Both of these characters had a lot of baggage and bad relationships in the past that they had to get over. This is a lovely, clean romance where dogs play an integral part in the story. My issues were the insta-love aspect and the predictability, but I still enjoyed the story and will read more in this series. With some misunderstandings to get over, I enjoyed how the romance played out.
May 3, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Olivia Graham has signed up to be a volunteer rescue driver and on her first attempt to help rescue animals displaced by a flood, her car breaks down. She is waiting for someone to pick her up when a sexy man drives up.
Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian and a volunteer at an animal shelter. When he leaves the shelter he gets a call to help a stranded rescue driver. When he pulls up and sees the redheaded beauty, he is immediately attracted to her. Feelings he hasn't felt in years are brought to the surface.
Gabe and Olivia go on a wild ride from rescuing a dog trapped in a pen with rising river water, to her losing her phone and then finding they work near each other. They try to make a relationship work but with the school year coming to a close, Olivia might be leaving the city to find another job.
What will happen if she has to take a job elsewhere? Can they continue a relationship seeing each other on the weekends? Will they continue to volunteer at the shelter?
This is a great story that is filled with fun, a sexy man, and fun-loving dogs and cats. This a first for me from this author and I want to read the rest of this series. If you love stories with fun, dogs, and a love to last then you need to read this one.
Olivia Graham has signed up to be a volunteer rescue driver and on her first attempt to help rescue animals displaced by a flood, her car breaks down. She is waiting for someone to pick her up when a sexy man drives up.
Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian and a volunteer at an animal shelter. When he leaves the shelter he gets a call to help a stranded rescue driver. When he pulls up and sees the redheaded beauty, he is immediately attracted to her. Feelings he hasn't felt in years are brought to the surface.
Gabe and Olivia go on a wild ride from rescuing a dog trapped in a pen with rising river water, to her losing her phone and then finding they work near each other. They try to make a relationship work but with the school year coming to a close, Olivia might be leaving the city to find another job.
What will happen if she has to take a job elsewhere? Can they continue a relationship seeing each other on the weekends? Will they continue to volunteer at the shelter?
This is a great story that is filled with fun, a sexy man, and fun-loving dogs and cats. This a first for me from this author and I want to read the rest of this series. If you love stories with fun, dogs, and a love to last then you need to read this one.
April 22, 2020
This is a wonderful sweet romance that any animal lover will be ecstatic about Gabe is the hardened man who had his heart broken and is determined that no woman will ever make him feel a gain As a veterinarian he gives all his love to the animals especially his retired search and rescue dog Samson. Olivia is a school teacher who gives her time to animal rescue and the largest storm in years means there are plenty of animals to rescue but as she is heading to the area she needs to work in her car breaks down and it will be up to Gabe to rescue her Soon they are working side by side to rescue the animals and who can forget Morgan the rescue dog. The attraction between them is strong but will Gabe be willing to risk his heart again.
June 15, 2020
Release Date: April 28th, 2020
📖📖📖📖📖
Olivia is finally getting a chance at her own life after breaking off her engagement to Trevor, the golden boy of her home town. She moves in with her aunt and begins volunteering with a shelter. Along the way she meets Gabe. A vet with a sweet senior golden named Sampson.
This is the fifth installment of the #rescueme series and I love it! We get to see old characters and catch up with them. I am really hoping that Yuns story is next!! This book was a wonderful display of a healthy adult relationship, there was no miscommunication and they were very deliberate in their words and actions. I highly recommend this book and the series!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#rescueme #headoverpaws #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #sweetromancenovels #netgalleyreads
📖📖📖📖📖
Olivia is finally getting a chance at her own life after breaking off her engagement to Trevor, the golden boy of her home town. She moves in with her aunt and begins volunteering with a shelter. Along the way she meets Gabe. A vet with a sweet senior golden named Sampson.
This is the fifth installment of the #rescueme series and I love it! We get to see old characters and catch up with them. I am really hoping that Yuns story is next!! This book was a wonderful display of a healthy adult relationship, there was no miscommunication and they were very deliberate in their words and actions. I highly recommend this book and the series!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#rescueme #headoverpaws #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #sweetromancenovels #netgalleyreads
June 19, 2020
Oh how I love this series!!! Animals and animal rescue are such a passion to me and Debbie Burns has an abundance of knowledge on the subject and weaves it perfectly into this wonderful series. Gabe and Olivia had amazing chemistry and I'm so happy they got their HEA. Sampson and Morgan couldn't have asked for better humans
April 28, 2020
I cannot resist a book with a dog or a cat on the cover and I love Debbie Burn's stories so this was a winner for them.
I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the story.
It's sweet, engrossing and entertaining. I rooted for the well thought cast of characters, humans and pets, and I enjoyed the well crafted plot.
Can't wait to read other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the story.
It's sweet, engrossing and entertaining. I rooted for the well thought cast of characters, humans and pets, and I enjoyed the well crafted plot.
Can't wait to read other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 30, 2020
Loved
Debbie Burns rescue me series is amazing, and head over paws is a great addition to the series. It draws you in from the beginning. It's heartwarming, sweet and cute. Both characters are growing and developing as you read the story, working towards their goals and dealing together with the challenges they face.
Debbie Burns rescue me series is amazing, and head over paws is a great addition to the series. It draws you in from the beginning. It's heartwarming, sweet and cute. Both characters are growing and developing as you read the story, working towards their goals and dealing together with the challenges they face.
April 20, 2020
I am loving this series from Debbie Burns! Head Over Paws is the fifth book in the series and can be read as a stand alone.
I loved Olivia and Gabe so much! This book felt like a whirlwind and slow burn romance all at once and I loved the combination. I can’t wait to read more from Debbie!
I loved Olivia and Gabe so much! This book felt like a whirlwind and slow burn romance all at once and I loved the combination. I can’t wait to read more from Debbie!
April 1, 2020
I adored this book. It was a wonderful addition to the series, though could be read as a stand alone. The main characters are both recovering from broken hearts and not looking for anyone. They are actually actively not looking for love as they are still dealing with broken scarred hearts and or focused on their respective careers and animal rescue. Olivia is a school teacher who loves her work and is desperately looking for a permanent full time position while she is filling in for a teacher who is out sick. She is the kind teacher that everyone wants for their any child they know. Gabe was an fire fighter/EMT who one day after a particularly tough day decided he was done and followed his passion and went to veterinary school. It is through their love of animals and a old clunker of a car that they meet while going to help out a rescue group with care and helping to transport some pups.
They are both so sweet, funny, a little gun shy, but filled with passion for their work, animals and ultimately for each other. A definite read for anyone looking for a little light, laughter and sweetness in their life.
They are both so sweet, funny, a little gun shy, but filled with passion for their work, animals and ultimately for each other. A definite read for anyone looking for a little light, laughter and sweetness in their life.
April 28, 2020
It’s been a while since I’ve visited the Rescue Me book world, and I was so excited to finally get Gabe's story. I love all of these characters, including the four-legged variety, and I couldn’t wait to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones.
Aside from the book lagging at times due to overly verbose text, I really enjoyed this storyline. And boy, oh boy, the drama surrounding the abandoned pup, Morgan, coming into Gabe and Olivia’s lives had me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat!
This book is sweet and charming, with a side of steam. The characters are memorable and just a little quirky, and you'll feel like you’ve made a new set of friends. And if you enjoy animals in your romance, you'll adore this wonderful, heartwarming story.
Aside from the book lagging at times due to overly verbose text, I really enjoyed this storyline. And boy, oh boy, the drama surrounding the abandoned pup, Morgan, coming into Gabe and Olivia’s lives had me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat!
This book is sweet and charming, with a side of steam. The characters are memorable and just a little quirky, and you'll feel like you’ve made a new set of friends. And if you enjoy animals in your romance, you'll adore this wonderful, heartwarming story.
April 25, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0821N5W6L/...
This book is the fifth book in the Rescue Me Series. I was not aware that it was a series book and have not read the previous four books, as a full disclosure.
We begin this book with Olivia Graham who had just signed up to be a volunteer rescue transporter. This entailed a five-hour drive in a transport chain to get some misplaced dogs into shelters. Her first assignment had her headed to the Missouri Bootheel where she had grown up and most of her family still lived. Olivia soon has car troubles, putting her transport chain plans on the back burner. Every light on her dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, except not quite as welcome. The smells of the car were much less pleasant as a Christmas tree. What was she going to do? These animals need her!
We then meet Gabe Wentworth, a Veterinarian in the middle of removing a cast that he had placed on this dog after performing surgery six weeks ago. His phone is ringing off the hook in his back pocket, distracting the heck out of him. Normally, his phone would be out of reach while he is with a patient. The dog had been dropped off at his office after it had been accidentally hit by a car. Gabe finally answers the phone once he is finished with his patient. It is his study partner, Yun from Ver school. Yen had invited Gabe to join a Facebook group that lists emergency cases needing veterinary services. There is a flood in the south near the Bootheel and a warehouse full of animals are in need of help. Yen happens to sweeten the deal/guilt Gabe into going by mentioning that one of the dogs is a Golden Retriever, just like Samson, Gabe’s dog. Yen called Gabe to tell him that one of the rescue drivers was stranded near the rescue site and they need the crates that she has in her car to rescue the animals. Call it Kissmet, fate, whatever you decide, but who is it that he is sent to rescue, but none other than our Olivia! Gabe is not keen on having another person in his car. He isn’t much for chitchat or any human company. Him and Samson are buds and he likes to keep company with him alone. He is on fire when he finds out it is a FEMALE! He was not into Damsels in distress. Not his game, especially to rescue a stunning redhead. It was pouring rain, the mechanic closed prior to his arrival, but was hanging around until Olivia’s ride arrived. The mechanic was pretty seedy and was eying Olivia like she was a meal after him being hungry for quite a long time. Gabe couldn’t morally leave Olivia to the likes of the mechanic and had Yun’s voice in the back of his head telling him not to be a jerk. Gabe insists that she text a photo of his license plate to her friend in good conscience, as she was getting into a stranger’s vehicle. They quickly set off in the pouring rain on the journey to rescue the dogs. This ends up being a task much more difficult than they both would have thought. We are then lead on a journey of the two forming a friendship or is it more? Olivia and her guilt of abandonment, Gabe and his need for adrenaline. This book did not disappoint and I am so excited to read the rest of the books in the series, to include the previous ones that I missed out on! Romance, shelter dogs, rescue and more. Fun and no sun!
This book is the fifth book in the Rescue Me Series. I was not aware that it was a series book and have not read the previous four books, as a full disclosure.
We begin this book with Olivia Graham who had just signed up to be a volunteer rescue transporter. This entailed a five-hour drive in a transport chain to get some misplaced dogs into shelters. Her first assignment had her headed to the Missouri Bootheel where she had grown up and most of her family still lived. Olivia soon has car troubles, putting her transport chain plans on the back burner. Every light on her dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, except not quite as welcome. The smells of the car were much less pleasant as a Christmas tree. What was she going to do? These animals need her!
We then meet Gabe Wentworth, a Veterinarian in the middle of removing a cast that he had placed on this dog after performing surgery six weeks ago. His phone is ringing off the hook in his back pocket, distracting the heck out of him. Normally, his phone would be out of reach while he is with a patient. The dog had been dropped off at his office after it had been accidentally hit by a car. Gabe finally answers the phone once he is finished with his patient. It is his study partner, Yun from Ver school. Yen had invited Gabe to join a Facebook group that lists emergency cases needing veterinary services. There is a flood in the south near the Bootheel and a warehouse full of animals are in need of help. Yen happens to sweeten the deal/guilt Gabe into going by mentioning that one of the dogs is a Golden Retriever, just like Samson, Gabe’s dog. Yen called Gabe to tell him that one of the rescue drivers was stranded near the rescue site and they need the crates that she has in her car to rescue the animals. Call it Kissmet, fate, whatever you decide, but who is it that he is sent to rescue, but none other than our Olivia! Gabe is not keen on having another person in his car. He isn’t much for chitchat or any human company. Him and Samson are buds and he likes to keep company with him alone. He is on fire when he finds out it is a FEMALE! He was not into Damsels in distress. Not his game, especially to rescue a stunning redhead. It was pouring rain, the mechanic closed prior to his arrival, but was hanging around until Olivia’s ride arrived. The mechanic was pretty seedy and was eying Olivia like she was a meal after him being hungry for quite a long time. Gabe couldn’t morally leave Olivia to the likes of the mechanic and had Yun’s voice in the back of his head telling him not to be a jerk. Gabe insists that she text a photo of his license plate to her friend in good conscience, as she was getting into a stranger’s vehicle. They quickly set off in the pouring rain on the journey to rescue the dogs. This ends up being a task much more difficult than they both would have thought. We are then lead on a journey of the two forming a friendship or is it more? Olivia and her guilt of abandonment, Gabe and his need for adrenaline. This book did not disappoint and I am so excited to read the rest of the books in the series, to include the previous ones that I missed out on! Romance, shelter dogs, rescue and more. Fun and no sun!
May 2, 2020
Check out our HEAD OVER PAWS post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –☆☆☆☆
Olivia Graham has signed up to be a volunteer rescue driver, and on her first attempt to help rescue animals displaced by a flood, her car breaks down. She is waiting for someone to pick her up when a sexy man drives up.
Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian and a volunteer at an animal shelter. When he leaves the shelter, he gets a call to help a stranded rescue driver. When he pulls up and sees the redheaded beauty, he is immediately attracted to her. Feelings he hasn't felt in years are brought to the surface.
Gabe and Olivia go on a wild ride from rescuing a dog trapped in a pen with rising river water, to her losing her phone, and then finding they work near each other. They try to make a relationship work but with the school year coming to a close, Olivia might be leaving the city to find another job.
What will happen if she has to take a job elsewhere? Can they continue a relationship seeing each other on the weekends? Will they continue to volunteer at the shelter?
This is a great story that is filled with fun, a sexy man, and fun-loving dogs and cats. This a first for me from this author and I want to read the rest of this series. If you love stories with fun, dogs, and a love to last, then you need to read this one.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Olivia is wanting to give back in some way and, despite loving her job as a teacher, she feels adrift. When she is asked to help drive rescued dogs from a flooded area, she jumps at the chance. However, she runs into some trouble on her way to get the dogs.
Gabe knows that he is a good vet. But with a history that has left him slightly bitter, he keeps his head down and just wants to help as many animals as he can. Yun is his best friend from school and even though she keeps him sane, she also drives him insane sometimes. It's at her insistence that he drive down to do all he can for the animals that are being displaced by a massive flood.
While Gabe is wary of helping a stranger, he sees that Olivia does need it and he can't bring himself to just strand her. This is where the romance kind of misses the target for me. They have some good chemistry here and there, but for the most part, Gabe is still hung up on his issues and Olivia is worried about where she will be next year.
They both love animals, dogs especially, but that just isn't enough to keep them in the romance department. I felt that their relationship was very young adult. It didn't really have a grownup feeling to it, and they were fairly involved in their own insecurities for the majority of the story. While I did like the dog's perspective, I wished there had been more of that and less of Gabe and Olivia's dancing around.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. It was quick and fun, but lacked in the development of the relationship aspect. That's not to say that there was no development, it just missed the mark for me on moving their relationship forward.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –☆☆☆☆
Olivia Graham has signed up to be a volunteer rescue driver, and on her first attempt to help rescue animals displaced by a flood, her car breaks down. She is waiting for someone to pick her up when a sexy man drives up.
Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian and a volunteer at an animal shelter. When he leaves the shelter, he gets a call to help a stranded rescue driver. When he pulls up and sees the redheaded beauty, he is immediately attracted to her. Feelings he hasn't felt in years are brought to the surface.
Gabe and Olivia go on a wild ride from rescuing a dog trapped in a pen with rising river water, to her losing her phone, and then finding they work near each other. They try to make a relationship work but with the school year coming to a close, Olivia might be leaving the city to find another job.
What will happen if she has to take a job elsewhere? Can they continue a relationship seeing each other on the weekends? Will they continue to volunteer at the shelter?
This is a great story that is filled with fun, a sexy man, and fun-loving dogs and cats. This a first for me from this author and I want to read the rest of this series. If you love stories with fun, dogs, and a love to last, then you need to read this one.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Olivia is wanting to give back in some way and, despite loving her job as a teacher, she feels adrift. When she is asked to help drive rescued dogs from a flooded area, she jumps at the chance. However, she runs into some trouble on her way to get the dogs.
Gabe knows that he is a good vet. But with a history that has left him slightly bitter, he keeps his head down and just wants to help as many animals as he can. Yun is his best friend from school and even though she keeps him sane, she also drives him insane sometimes. It's at her insistence that he drive down to do all he can for the animals that are being displaced by a massive flood.
While Gabe is wary of helping a stranger, he sees that Olivia does need it and he can't bring himself to just strand her. This is where the romance kind of misses the target for me. They have some good chemistry here and there, but for the most part, Gabe is still hung up on his issues and Olivia is worried about where she will be next year.
They both love animals, dogs especially, but that just isn't enough to keep them in the romance department. I felt that their relationship was very young adult. It didn't really have a grownup feeling to it, and they were fairly involved in their own insecurities for the majority of the story. While I did like the dog's perspective, I wished there had been more of that and less of Gabe and Olivia's dancing around.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. It was quick and fun, but lacked in the development of the relationship aspect. That's not to say that there was no development, it just missed the mark for me on moving their relationship forward.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 21, 2020
Olivia Graham is excited to be driving toward the Missouri Bootheel area where she was born and raised. No, she wasn't headed home to visit. She was on her way to pick up two displaced pets and transport them to a shelter. The rains had been extremely heavy in this area and there was lots of flooding, necessitating flooded-out pet owners to place their pets with the rescue group sending them to shelters, hopefully temporarily. Olivia was almost to her destination when her car just up and died. She had it towed to a nearby repair shop and was told someone would stop there for the crates. She hoped whoever stopped would be willing to give her a ride to the rescue site. What a surprise when a very handsome guy showed up. At first he was only going to take the crates but fortunately he agreed to give her a ride to the place the animals were being held. Olivia wasn't looking for a guy or a relationship at this time, but she just seemed to automatically connect with this guy. He introduced himself as Gabe Wentworth, a veterinarian who volunteered to check out the animals saved from the flooding. Olivia couldn't believe her luck and hoped Gabe was as attracted to her as she was to him.
Gabe Wentworth was talked into making this trip to assist the animals collected during the flooding by his friend Yun, his best friend from vet school. When he saw the gorgeous redhead at the repair shop he was stopped in his tracks by his attraction to her. As they drove to their destination their conversation flowed smoothly and he felt a connection to her. So that's a mutual attraction and connection with each other. This could turn into something very special.
Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns is the fifth book in her Rescue Me series. The books in the series all center around a unique animal shelter, The High Grove Animal Shelter. In this story Gabe volunteers there as a vet they call when needed. Olivia ends up volunteering there. As Gabe was finishing up examining the animals at the rescue site a call came in about a dog who needed to be rescued. Olivia and Gabe rescue the German shorthaired pointer and Olivia seems to bond with him. He ends up at High Grove. Both Olivia and Gabe love dogs and this is a common bond for them.
Gabe Wentworth was talked into making this trip to assist the animals collected during the flooding by his friend Yun, his best friend from vet school. When he saw the gorgeous redhead at the repair shop he was stopped in his tracks by his attraction to her. As they drove to their destination their conversation flowed smoothly and he felt a connection to her. So that's a mutual attraction and connection with each other. This could turn into something very special.
Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns is the fifth book in her Rescue Me series. The books in the series all center around a unique animal shelter, The High Grove Animal Shelter. In this story Gabe volunteers there as a vet they call when needed. Olivia ends up volunteering there. As Gabe was finishing up examining the animals at the rescue site a call came in about a dog who needed to be rescued. Olivia and Gabe rescue the German shorthaired pointer and Olivia seems to bond with him. He ends up at High Grove. Both Olivia and Gabe love dogs and this is a common bond for them.
April 28, 2020
Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns is the 5th book in 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.
Olivia Graham, our heroine, is traveling in a rain storm to try to get to the Animal Shelter to help transport dogs and cats to the shelter because of the flooding. When her car breaks down, she meets Gabe Wentworth, our hero and local veterinarian, who picks her up, on the way to the shelter. Gabe had his dog, Samson with him, who immediately fell all over Olivia; of course, Gabe himself was also attracted to the beautiful redheaded woman in the car with him. The feeling is mutual, as the sparks flew between them very fast; and since both are animal lovers, it was a match made in heaven.
There was an amazing rescue attempt of a dog in danger of drowning during the flood, that Gabe and Olivia desperately worked to save him. There were many hold your breath moments when we worried about Gabe, as well as the dog. In a short time, Olivia found herself falling hard for Gabe, as well as the rescued dog, Morgan, whom she wanted to adopt. Olivia is a teacher, and though she was falling in love with Gabe, she wasn’t sure she would stay in town, since she needed a teaching job. I loved them together, as they made a great couple, and also enjoyed the occasional POV of Morgan. Cute. Will Gabe convince Olivia to stay?
What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Gabe and Olivia, with added the element of Samson and Morgan; and meeting Olivia’s sister Ava, as well as the characters we already knew from the shelter. Head Over Paws is a heartwarming, delightful, sweet romance with two very relatable people, involving an animal shelter and two adorable dogs.
Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful, delightful, sweet, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end. Head Over Paws 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
Olivia Graham, our heroine, is traveling in a rain storm to try to get to the Animal Shelter to help transport dogs and cats to the shelter because of the flooding. When her car breaks down, she meets Gabe Wentworth, our hero and local veterinarian, who picks her up, on the way to the shelter. Gabe had his dog, Samson with him, who immediately fell all over Olivia; of course, Gabe himself was also attracted to the beautiful redheaded woman in the car with him. The feeling is mutual, as the sparks flew between them very fast; and since both are animal lovers, it was a match made in heaven.
There was an amazing rescue attempt of a dog in danger of drowning during the flood, that Gabe and Olivia desperately worked to save him. There were many hold your breath moments when we worried about Gabe, as well as the dog. In a short time, Olivia found herself falling hard for Gabe, as well as the rescued dog, Morgan, whom she wanted to adopt. Olivia is a teacher, and though she was falling in love with Gabe, she wasn’t sure she would stay in town, since she needed a teaching job. I loved them together, as they made a great couple, and also enjoyed the occasional POV of Morgan. Cute. Will Gabe convince Olivia to stay?
What follows is a wonderful sweet romance between Gabe and Olivia, with added the element of Samson and Morgan; and meeting Olivia’s sister Ava, as well as the characters we already knew from the shelter. Head Over Paws is a heartwarming, delightful, sweet romance with two very relatable people, involving an animal shelter and two adorable dogs.
Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful, delightful, sweet, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end. Head Over Paws 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
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