In a small town in North Dakota there resides a family of misfits on the Crawley Creek Ranch. Brought together by hardship, and heartache they’ve bonded without blood ties, and seek to help others. Four brothers who’ve walked both sides of the line, and come out stronger for it, but will they survive love, loss, and the law?
Payton Storm served her country with honor and loyalty, until an IED ended her career and scarred her for life. Struggling to overcome PTSD and find her purpose in life again, she agrees to a long-term stay at Crawley Creek Ranch under the care of a PTSD specialist. She’s surrounded by happy people who have no comprehension of the nightmares she battles, and a four legged furry friend who’s supposed to be her lifeline to recovery. What could possibly go wrong?
Single father, Luke Gillian, has been the Montford veterinarian for most of his adult life. In fact, he’s barely left the town he grew up in. Arguments with his belligerent teenage son, and the pressure of a down economy have left Luke in a dark place. Until a ray of sunshine appears in his life with her injured service dog. Could Payton be the change his life needs?
Two people with too many problems to open their hearts, but fate won’t take no for an answer.
Best-selling author, Lori King, is also a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart. With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her. Find out more about her current projects at http://lorikingbooks.com, or look her up on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriKingBooks.
Life has kicked Peyton in the teeth, she is fighting hard to get her health and her life back on track but its not easy. Recommended by her therapist to have a special dog to help with the PTSD symptoms she waits on Crawley Creek farm. Luke is the town vet and has just the dog. Luke is having his own issues with his son, neither are talking so the underlying problem and the breech between is getting wider. This story is interesting and a compelling read the problems raised are both normal (in Luke and Ricky's) and becoming more common (in Peyton's), but it is good to have all these subjects raised especially if you have been around anyone that has or is going through them. It helps to understand how general life and all that goes with it can affect those dealing especially with the PTSD. We also have further insight into life of the others on the farm as well as the murder and animal attack that is on going through this series. I keep meaning to read from the beginning of this series as I came in on the last book and feel I have missed out by not knowing the earlier stories. I would recommend anyone looking at reading this to start with the first book and work through in order, you get the full enjoyment and the continuation on with all the characters that this series deserves. Lori is a good writer and you soon get hooked into the books and characters that you grow to love and care about, the community spirit and support of those not just on the farm, which is special, but in the town is something most would love to be a part of in real life. Definitely worth the five stars I gave for this voluntary read arc for an honest review.
A heartfelt, beautiful, and bold romance by Lori King, Paw Prints On Her Heart warmed me from heart to soul! I dived right into this book as soon as I got it and oh boy, I sighed blissfully and I had shed a few tears too. Payton was such an incredibly strong woman. I found her, even with all that happened to her, to be beautiful, real, passionate, tough, strong-willed yet had a vulnerability that I could easily relate to. Luke is a handsome single father with a big heart, who was strong and handsome and caring and he too, had a vulnerability around him that was...charming and hard to resist. These two amazing characters had a sizzling chemistry and each had their own demons and obstacles to get through but it just made the story that much more enjoyable.
There were so many tender moments and other moments that had me tearing up. This book is so very heart melting and will make you believe in hope and love and definitely happily ever after. Lori King did such a fantastic job with this romance. Out of all her books, I think this one touched me the most. The writing, the characters, the plot, the whole story was beyond good. I can't even form the right words to describe how much this book touched me. Beautiful and sexy and so very touching.
Paw Prints On Her Heart gets a HEART WRENCHING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! This book will win you, heart and soul...guaranteed!
Paw Prints on Her Heart tells the story of a wounded veteran and her struggles with PTSD as well as the physical damage. She's not open at all, she has no interest in anything other than trying to prove through rehab that she can be the woman she was before. She comes from a military background, raised by her father and 5 older brothers, the Marine Corp is all she really knows and that allows her to add more pressure to herself to get back what she lost.
Luke Gillian is the town veterinarian. He's a single dad with a heart of gold. From the first time he met Payton he knew she was it for him but she wants nothing to do with him outside of his taking care of her service dog Chinook. But Luke won't take no for an answer, he refuses to let her crawl inside herself and shut everyone and everything that could be good in her life out just because she's insecure. Slowly he helps her realize she's not quite as broken as she thinks she is, she just needed to get out of her head, overcome her insecurities and find a new purpose in life. That's a lot to take in but when you have a cheerleader like Luke on your side it can make anything seem possible. But as with anyone suffering from PTSD, there are hidden scars, small things that can set you way back. Payton has more than the physical scars to overcome and she pushes Luke away. She's a strong woman, one who doesn't make excuses and doesn't like to accept help. She's also afraid, she's dealing with something so much bigger than her and she's not certain it's something she can overcome.
If you aren't familiar with this author or the Crawley Creek series your missing out on something amazing. The family ties, the friendships, the romance and suspense merge into stories that warm your heart and raise your blood pressure.
Another great addition to The Crawley Creek Ranch series. Payton is a former Marine, who was injured during her tour. Still recovering from her wounds and battling PTSD, she is persuaded to move to the Ranch for her recovery. Luke is the local veterinarian. He is a good man, and single father. He meets Payton when she comes to collect her service dog. These two have a great connection from the start, despite their sometimes hang ups. I loved their story. Payton finds strength with Luke. He shows her, that she is still beautiful from the scars. She shows Luke, that he doesn't have to be alone. The two make a great team. The story is well written and does a good job explaining Payton and her struggles. They are also getting one step closer in finding who is behind all the chaos, destruction, and murder. I can't wait for the next one!
Payton has always been strong, a Marine serving her country was all she had thought of being. Now injured and scarred, suffering from PTSD flashbacks, she can't see what her future holds. On the suggestion of her doctors and pretty much given a ultimatum she heads to Crawley Creek Ranch, Here she will be under the care of a PTSD specialist who will guide her to the tools she needs to build a future. On of these tools is not a tool at all but a beautiful service dog. One problem Payton has never owned a pet of any kind, so while agreeing she needs this animal she is anxious over having one.
When she passes out the sexy veterinarian Luke Gillian, gives her three options. The lesser of the three evils, as she defined them, is going home with him.
Luke's son would be there, it would be fine. While the relationship between Luke and his son Ricky is strained at times, Payton's presence seems to ease some of it.
I loved the way Payton gradually adjusts to having her dog, Chinook. The slow but intense relationship with Luke, Ricky's issues with school and the rules laid down by his father all combine to help Payton realize what she can have. Add in a manhunt for a serial killer that is plaguing the area and you have an exciting and suspenseful read.
Payton has been through hell, injured in the line of duty and medically discharged she's scared both emotionally and physically. All she wants to do is get home to her family. Except she's been sent to Crawley Creek and been suggested to get a service dog. Luke is the vet in town at Crawley Creek and is the one to introduce her to her dog, it doesn't help he's sexy as all get out too.
I've been waiting to read more on Payton since her introduction in the last book. She has seen hell and lived through it. She deserves some happiness in her life. Once I started Paw Prints I couldn't put it down, i read it straight in one reading. Luke and Payton sucked me in and brought out the sighs, laughter and the occasional tear. This book also brings about a tiny understanding of what PTSD sufferers deal with, and gave me a whole new respect for the things they have to deal with coming back from the things they've seen.
Be warned though Lori King has ended this book on a cliff hanger you're going to be throwing a temper tantrum over!
Pawprints On Her Heart is the 7th book in the Crawley Creek series by the amazing Lori King. If you haven’t read this series, I urge you go and start at the beginning of this heartwarming, and sexy series.
Crawley Creek is home to the men who were raised there, they are all a tight knit family, and are a dude ranch for people who need help. Payton Storm is a Marine who get hit with a IED in her Humvee overseas. She loses her leg and is badly burned and scarred. As a result she ends up with PTSD and night terrors. Her father and brothers send her to Crawley Creek to recuperate.
She’s not happy. But when her therapy recommends a companion dog, she gets sexy single dad and veteranarian, Luke Gillian. Both of them have avoided relationships, but Luke is determined to make Payton stick around.
Lori has done an amazing job dealing with difficult issues and she does so with her typical wowing world building. Crawley Creek is a place where you want to hang your hat, or your slippers, and stay awhile. Just another fabulous outing with Lori, and another book for the keeper pile!
Lori you have done it again! You got my emotions all over the place. As I am reading Payton and Luke's story I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I wanted to throw my book. Love of a great man/woman can help you get through anything. Chinook is beautiful, loyal and special. I can't wait for more Ricky! PTSD is hard. But not impossible. You wrote so wonderfully. Crawley Creek series has my absolute love!
While I enjoyed Payton and Luke’s story a bit more than some of the others, this one had many more editing issues than I have noticed in the others. For me, incorrect words and misspelled words had me going back and rereading more than I would like. Also, as previously stated, it’s time to find something me other conflict and resolve the whole Bucky situation. There was really nothing resolved on the case in this book.
En excellant addition to the Crawley Cteek family. Payton Storm a wounded vet trying to come to to terms with her life now an the life she had. Her service dog Chinook who slowly become a very part of her. DVM Luke Gilliam who helps her find her spot back in the world from the shooting of Chinook to her PTSD. Cant wsit to read more from this wonderful author.
What an amazing journey in the "Creek". Lori King yet again delivers an epic circuit of healing, love and intrigue. Book 8 can't come quick enough. If there was ever a fictional world I would love to be lost in it would be in Ms. Kings Crawley Creek.
This is a fascinating story that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. It weaves you through ptsd and some episodes that Peyton faces. This was a fabulous book I couldn't put down. There is a cliffy though.
Luke and Peyton are two characters that touch your heart. Crawley creek is a very wonderful place to be taken to with emotional characters that pull you in. You cant help but love crawley creek
Gotta love a love that includes a military vet and a well vet. Peyton has come to North Dakota to heal from her emotional wounds serving her country. Luke is the local veterinarian who finds the one woman that will make him and his son whole. The healing is only beginning for her and he needs to hold on tight. I am looking forward to more of their story in the future.
I loved the storyline, it's unusual as it focuses on a female veteran and on her ptsd, how she interacts with her family, her new community and how she feels about herself. One must remember it is a work of fiction and therefore the timings are sped up but does not detract from a throughly enjoyable read. I am looking for work to Lori's new series which will pick up Payton's story
I loved this couple of all the Crawley Creek couples but gave it a 4 instead of a 5 star rating because the book felt like the ending was not complete. Now I have to wait for the next book in the series to get the end of their story. This single dad and this injured lady with PTSD h ave that spark and it can't be ignored. Well done Lori.
Another great story coming from Crawley Creek. This time one of the patients attracts the attention of the local veterinarian.
I love reading the Crawley Creek series. It’s like coming home. Payton is a Marine who is medically discharged and sent to Crawley Creek for treatment and to help her recuperate. Her doctor suggests that she get a service dog to help her.
I really liked Luke in this book. He understood that Payton was going through things that he doesn’t necessarily understand but he just wants her to know that he is there for her. He was a man who was being pulled in so many directions that he was having a hard time staying afloat. He has work issues and family issues and then this woman walks into his life.
Payton is a harden Marine. Raised in a family of boys she feels the need to keep fighting and working at getting better. She feels like she doesn’t need help or want help. Being sent to North Dakota was a huge blow to her.
The one relationship I really liked reading about was the relationship that involved Ricky. While the father/son relationship was at odds most of the book, it seemed like Ricky and Payton bonded right away. I liked that she offered a different perspective when dealing with him.
While I was a little surprised by the ending, I would say we got our happy for now ending with this couple carrying on into another series.
Loved the newest addition to the Crawley Creek series. All Payton Storm ever wanted to be was a Marine...just like her father and brothers. When her military career is cut short by an IED, she's not only badly injured and coping with PTSD, but she also feels like she's lost herself and her way. She defined herself by being in the service. When her doctors suggest she see a PTSD therapist who is located on the Crawley Creek ranch, she agrees (reluctantly) while firmly believing she would be going back home as quickly as possible. They also want her to have a therapy dog...when she's never had a dog...ever.
Luke Gillian is the town vet and a single father who's struggling with his son's behavior, office issues, and just life in general. When he meets Payton to give her Chinook, her therapy dog, he's instantly smitten. He wants a relationship with Payton and knows it won't be easy but he thinks she's totally worth it. Payton, however, is not convinced. She likes Luke but, with all of her issues, she just can't see a future for them.
Will these two be able to work things out and come together as a couple? Will Payton give up her plans to return home? Read for yourself and find out....you will not be disappointed. Well done Ms. King!
I was pulled right into this story. This story contains heartbreak, pain, secrets, and suspense.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first Forget Me Knot (Crawley Creek, #1) Rough Ride Romeo (Crawley Creek #2) Claiming His Cowgirl (Crawley Creek #3) Sunnyside Up (Crawley Creek 3.5) Hawke's Salvation (Crawley Creek #5) Handcuffed by Destiny (Crawley Creek) (Crawley Creek) (Volume 6)
This is Payton and Luke's story. Payton suffers from PTSD after losing her fellow Marines in a mission gone wrong. Now after being injured she is sent to Crawley Creek to get help from a PTSD specialist and a service dog. Luke is the local veterinarian. He is a single father to a son. There is chemistry between Luke and Payton but with her scars she knows she should not let him in. Luke sees the woman beyond the scars. Can Payton believe in the love Luke has for her and let him in? Or is she not going to let him in as she is leaving as soon as she can?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I (and my bestie Wendy Shephard) waited patiently for this book to come out and man it was worth the wait. We loved what little we got to see of Payton in the last book, but in this one we got so see much more of her and she's a force to be reckoned with. But only because of the fact that she is a Marine! I loved her and Wendy would have too. This book was so very well written, the storyline true to the other books, starting off with Payton's past and bringing you into the present. The writing of her PTSD flashback attacks were written brilliantly and gave you a small glimpse into they type of issues veterans deal with when they return home from their tour. Thus, the characters were extremely well developed and all so likeable. Luke is a wonderful leading man, and his seeing Payton as the woman she is and not the wounded veteran with scars just warms your heart and makes you love this man all the more. Their story is amazing and I can hardly wait to see what happens next. (Yep...cliffie).
This was an wonderful story and I know Wendy would have loved it as much as I did. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series.
I thought this book was a great read. We get to see how Payton deals with having PTSD and how it effects her life and her relationships. I loved Luke. He knew exactly what he wanted and went for it and whenever Payton had a flashback Luke was right there with her and took care of her. It was hard to read how she felt about herself. She didn't think anyone would love her because of her scares and then her flashbacks. Luke just wants to love her and to have a family with her and his son. It was great how Luke's son took to Payton. They hit it off right away and to me that was amazing. Once again I love how we get to see the other family and friends and what there up too. They have some action going on and it was so good to see how Payton took action and knew what see needed to do to help herself. It was also good to see how Payton took to her pet. Watching her fall in love with him was so sweet and he loved her too. Can't wait for the next book.
Wow! I wasn't really sure about reading this book at first only because it was my first Crawley Creek book and it is the last book. Turns out I didn't need to read the previous 6 to love it! Everything was laid out so perfectly it could easily be a stand alone but that doesn't matter because I have to read the other 6 now! Paw Prints on her Heart is about Payton a Marine that gets injured overseas and then sent to Crawley Creek to help her with her PTSD. She is tough and snarky but because of her injuries and having to leave the Marines she's not in the best place she is really self conscious and depressed and not adjusting well. She then goes to get a service dog and isnt sure what to think never having owned a dog and the sexy Vet Luke has just what she needs to heal...oh and he also has a dog :) Then there is the relationship between Luke's teenage son and Payton that is just.....well... you have to read this book. Now I am starting at the beginning of the series because I must have more of Crawley Creek!!
Payton is a vet learning to live with PTSD and a new service dog, as well as finding her new place in life. Luke is a single dad and the veterinarian who introduced her to Chinook, the service dog.
I loved these two. Payton is super strong but feeling so vulnerable and not sure of herself currently. My heart went out to her so many time, not with pity but with compassion and awe. Kyler needs his own book, hoping he gets one soon. Luke is a great guy, but kind of blind almost when it comes to his son. Pretty sure that is a struggle of all parents, sometimes more so with single parents cuz they are trying to be both at times. Go read this book, but be sure to read the others first, as it is part of a series and there are lots of characters from the previous books and all their own stuff mentioned sometimes. Besides they are great books too. Now I have to go wait for the next Crawley Creek book, somewhat patiently...
These Crawley Creek Stories just get better and better!!
Why I Loved Paw Prints on Her Heart:
One of the main characters was a service dog: Chinook. Payton had never had a dog before – so this was an interesting adventure for her – but who can resist a dog, right?
Payton struggles with both the physical and emotional aspects of her injuries. Luke sees her scars as evidence of her bravery and strength rather than a negative. The impact of this and the relationship that grows between them is both heart wrenching and heartwarming.
Luke has an adolescent son Rocky. The relationship is testy at best as anyone with a teen can attest. How Payton was able to impact Luke's relationship with Ricky adds greatly to the story and the entire relationship.
I once again felt like a member of Crawley Creek as I read. This is an amazing series, and Paw Prints on Her Heart just adds to the appeal.
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Peyton served her country and came back home with lots of emotional and physical scars. She's bitter and thinks her family is sending her to Crawley Creek so they don't have to deal with her anymore. Once there, she meets up with a doctor and gets a service dog. And since she has a dog, well, she has to see a vet and that is where she meets Luke. He's a single father of a teenage son and has his own vet office. There is lots of emotion in this book and the characters really struggle but you know with Lori writing this, it's going to come out okay. There were moments when I just wanted to smack Peyton and Luke but out of all the books in this series, this is my favorite so far. We get to see some of the characters from previous books, which I always love. All in all, this was a wonderful book and it has quickly become a favorite.
Payton has come to Crawley Creek for treatment for her PTSD after being medically discharged from the Marines. Being a Marine is all she has ever known from the time she was a child until now. She is at a loss of what to do now as she struggles to overcome the PTSD. Luke has his challenges as well in his life. Running a busy vet clinic and raising a teenager single handed keeps him running. There are a lot of emotions for the reader to cover in this book as we have come to know and love from this series. The struggle of PTSD, a killer on the loose, fun times, and sexy times will keep the reader engaged. I was hooked right up until the end where it seemed to be rushed and abruptly ended. It does leave things wide open for future books though. We have not seen the last of this couple or all the other couples at Crawley Creek.
What an awesome addition to the Crawley Creek Series! I love how Author Lori King brings us our Hometown Military Vetran, visible and invisible scars and the strength they have and need to recover from all they go throug. The love of animals will always open our hearts to future possibilities. And when one of those possibilities just happens to be the local Animal Doc, then who knows what plans may change! I admire how this author is able to add intrigue along with this heart wrenching story of loss, fear, discovery and new beginnings. I recommend this book to all who love HEA, Our war Veterans, Cowboys, Veterinarians, Animals and to possibilities of Love, Peace and Harmony, Well Done
Crawley Creek Ranch is a wonderful series jam-packed with engaging characters, riveting storylines, and undeniable passion that leaves the reader gasping for breath. But is also delves into gut-wrenching topics and genuine afflictions that often result in debilitating fear and life altering events for its troubled residents.
I was extremely impressed with Ms King’s depiction of Payton’s PTSD and that it wasn’t glossed over or miraculously cured during the story. I know from personal experience, that this is often a lifetime condition, which requires constant support and understanding from the sufferer’s family and friends.
Paw Prints on Her Heart is a fabulous addition to the series, and is sure to be a hit; but I’m just not sure how I feel about the semi cliff-hanger ending.