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The Dogfather #1
Sit...Stay...Beg
Garrett Kilcannon, a former dot com super-success who now devotes his life to rescuing dogs and finding them homes, prefers to keep his secrets buried as deep as a dog hides his bone. So when he learns his father has invited a journalist to Waterford Farm to write and produce an in-depth profile on him, he doesn’t care that she’s a childhood friend or drop dead gorgeous. He has zero tolerance for the media…until he sees a different side when she gets through the walls of a rescue dog who’s refused to eat during her short stay at Waterford. Unwillingly charmed and undeniably attracted, Garrett agrees to the interview that could break down a few of his emotional walls, too.
Garrett might not want to share the story of his colorful former life, but Jessie Curtis has the skills to peel back the layers of this sexy, complicated, caring man. In the process, she not only discovers his secrets, she finds herself falling for a man who touches her heart in a way she never thought possible. Her entire career is riding on this one explosive interview, but can she bear to repay Garrett’s trust by selling his secrets? Or can a woman who gave up on happiness a long time ago learn to believe that all it takes to rescue a lost heart is the love of a good man?
Garrett might not want to share the story of his colorful former life, but Jessie Curtis has the skills to peel back the layers of this sexy, complicated, caring man. In the process, she not only discovers his secrets, she finds herself falling for a man who touches her heart in a way she never thought possible. Her entire career is riding on this one explosive interview, but can she bear to repay Garrett’s trust by selling his secrets? Or can a woman who gave up on happiness a long time ago learn to believe that all it takes to rescue a lost heart is the love of a good man?
302 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2017
2835 people are currently reading
1633 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
265 books1,832 followersI don’t know about you, but when I check out an author's bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let's skip the formal bio and I'll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
December 13, 2024
Garrett Kilcannon turned his love of dogs into a social media phenomenon. However, he then sold his internet based company for a tidy sum, agreeing to work for the buyer. Three months later, he broke his contract and returned home to Bitter Bark, North Carolina and, together with his five siblings, created a now renowned dog rescue and training facility on the family property. He's reclusive and elusive, refusing any media contact. Now, journalist Jessica Curtis wants to do a television feature on him so she can compete for a new TV broadcasting anchor spot as he's a major "get." She's no stranger to the family as she grew up in Bitter Bark but left as a teen.
I love stories about dogs, especially those that focus on training, and this series promises to be a gem. This first book is a really great start as the foundation that was laid was pretty compelling. The Kilcannon family is special and Garrett's story is the perfect lead off. He may be withdrawn but his absolute devotion to these animals was hardly restrained. Jessica is a skilled interviewer and I liked her and the relationship she created with him, personally and professionally.
But the real star of this story was Lola, a rescue dog that captivated me along with Jessica and Garrett. I want that dog who is a border Collie and Australian shepherd mix. She's enough reason to continue the series but I was equally enamored of the other aspects of the story. Loved everything about this book and can't wait to return to Bitter Bark.
I love stories about dogs, especially those that focus on training, and this series promises to be a gem. This first book is a really great start as the foundation that was laid was pretty compelling. The Kilcannon family is special and Garrett's story is the perfect lead off. He may be withdrawn but his absolute devotion to these animals was hardly restrained. Jessica is a skilled interviewer and I liked her and the relationship she created with him, personally and professionally.
But the real star of this story was Lola, a rescue dog that captivated me along with Jessica and Garrett. I want that dog who is a border Collie and Australian shepherd mix. She's enough reason to continue the series but I was equally enamored of the other aspects of the story. Loved everything about this book and can't wait to return to Bitter Bark.
December 11, 2020
3.5 Doggie Sweet Tale
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Like many of us, we see authors and their series and think one day I will get to that. Then one day passes, then another and before you know it...time has gone by. Yesterday, BookBub reminded me, I still hadn't gotten around to reading any of the Dogfather books by Roxanne St. Claire. There it was, front and center, showing me it was free and ready for the taking.
Well, I love dogs...Duh
I love big Irish Families...
It has lots of siblings to keep me interested should I wish for more books...
The best was the matchmaking Dad who wanted his kids to be happy.
And it was done by Roxanne St. Claire.
Done Deal.
This had all the makings of an enjoyable read... kinda low angst...two people who knew each other as teens so not an insta love but more of a love that was always there...The undercurrent of a big secret that needed to be kept and then what happens if it comes out.
With all of that happening, there was so much dog-love, it was as if you could reach out and pet them through your kindle. As a huge dog lover, it was a pleasant read and I can see why the series is so popular.
Enjoy and a special shout out to Lola, Woof Woof Woof!
Sit...Stay...Beg (The Dogfather, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
New Leash on Life (The Dogfather, #2)
Leader of the Pack (The Dogfather, #3)
Bad to the Bone (The Dogfatehr, #4)
Rough Around the Edges, #5)
Double Dog Dare (The Dogfather, #6)
Bark! The Herald Angels Sing, #7)
Old Dog New Tricks (#8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Like many of us, we see authors and their series and think one day I will get to that. Then one day passes, then another and before you know it...time has gone by. Yesterday, BookBub reminded me, I still hadn't gotten around to reading any of the Dogfather books by Roxanne St. Claire. There it was, front and center, showing me it was free and ready for the taking.
Well, I love dogs...Duh
I love big Irish Families...
It has lots of siblings to keep me interested should I wish for more books...
The best was the matchmaking Dad who wanted his kids to be happy.
And it was done by Roxanne St. Claire.
Done Deal.
This had all the makings of an enjoyable read... kinda low angst...two people who knew each other as teens so not an insta love but more of a love that was always there...The undercurrent of a big secret that needed to be kept and then what happens if it comes out.
With all of that happening, there was so much dog-love, it was as if you could reach out and pet them through your kindle. As a huge dog lover, it was a pleasant read and I can see why the series is so popular.
Enjoy and a special shout out to Lola, Woof Woof Woof!
Sit...Stay...Beg (The Dogfather, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
New Leash on Life (The Dogfather, #2) Leader of the Pack (The Dogfather, #3) Bad to the Bone (The Dogfatehr, #4) Rough Around the Edges, #5) Double Dog Dare (The Dogfather, #6)Bark! The Herald Angels Sing, #7) Old Dog New Tricks (#8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 20, 2019
There needed to be a full length novel size grovelling for his mistrust of heroine.
Heroine even said that “you love me yet you couldn’t have minimum trust on me” which was conveniently forgotten by next chapter along with the calcium supplements as heroine’s backbone dissolved rapidly with the thought of never being able to be with a man. A man who can’t trust her for shit. Oh the agony!
This was REALLY one star, the additional half star for hero’s profession. Half a star for Lola the dog, who doesn’t deserve a full star. She needed to do bit of grovelling of her own.
This heroine had been dealt with the shittiest cards ever. Not only was she the second best for the hero, she was a second choice for this dog too.
Hero WAS in fact in love with another woman previously, enough to marry her with another man’s kid wanting to raise them as his. He may have fallen out of love BECAUSE she used him, that doesn’t change the fact heroine comes way after. And he could marry that woman with another man’s child but couldn’t give heroine benefit of doubt, let alone trust for even 5 minutes. So, go on and explain to me how he loved her and she wasn’t the second best. I’m listening.
The dog was a lost rescue, who abandoned heroine the moment the owner came back! I understand that. But still, fact remains she abandoned her. Heroine gets her back only because the owner is moving to France and felt the dog doesn’t love her like before. The love is divided between the owner and the heroine so the owner gave her up. The heroine wasn’t even the dog’s first choice.
And heroine’s sister is a selfish cow.
Rant over.
Heroine even said that “you love me yet you couldn’t have minimum trust on me” which was conveniently forgotten by next chapter along with the calcium supplements as heroine’s backbone dissolved rapidly with the thought of never being able to be with a man. A man who can’t trust her for shit. Oh the agony!
This was REALLY one star, the additional half star for hero’s profession. Half a star for Lola the dog, who doesn’t deserve a full star. She needed to do bit of grovelling of her own.
This heroine had been dealt with the shittiest cards ever. Not only was she the second best for the hero, she was a second choice for this dog too.
Hero WAS in fact in love with another woman previously, enough to marry her with another man’s kid wanting to raise them as his. He may have fallen out of love BECAUSE she used him, that doesn’t change the fact heroine comes way after. And he could marry that woman with another man’s child but couldn’t give heroine benefit of doubt, let alone trust for even 5 minutes. So, go on and explain to me how he loved her and she wasn’t the second best. I’m listening.
The dog was a lost rescue, who abandoned heroine the moment the owner came back! I understand that. But still, fact remains she abandoned her. Heroine gets her back only because the owner is moving to France and felt the dog doesn’t love her like before. The love is divided between the owner and the heroine so the owner gave her up. The heroine wasn’t even the dog’s first choice.
And heroine’s sister is a selfish cow.
Rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
A delightful romance, with lots of adorable rescue dogs and a big loving, compassionate family set in the NC mountains. I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
May 18, 2019
Can't continue @ 27%. So boring it's putting me to sleep.
Want to read
June 27, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (6/27/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Garrett Kilcannon, a former dot com super-success who now devotes his life to rescuing dogs and finding them homes, prefers to keep his secrets buried as deep as a dog hides his bone. So when he learns his father has invited a journalist to Waterford Farm to write and produce an in-depth profile on him, he doesn’t care that she’s a childhood friend or drop dead gorgeous. He has zero tolerance for the media…until he sees a different side when she gets through the walls of a rescue dog who’s refused to eat during her short stay at Waterford. Unwillingly charmed and undeniably attracted, Garrett agrees to the interview that could break down a few of his emotional walls, too.
Garrett might not want to share the story of his colorful former life, but Jessie Curtis has the skills to peel back the layers of this sexy, complicated, caring man. In the process, she not only discovers his secrets, she finds herself falling for a man who touches her heart in a way she never thought possible. Her entire career is riding on this one explosive interview, but can she bear to repay Garrett’s trust by selling his secrets? Or can a woman who gave up on happiness a long time ago learn to believe that all it takes to rescue a lost heart is the love of a good man?
Blurb:
Garrett Kilcannon, a former dot com super-success who now devotes his life to rescuing dogs and finding them homes, prefers to keep his secrets buried as deep as a dog hides his bone. So when he learns his father has invited a journalist to Waterford Farm to write and produce an in-depth profile on him, he doesn’t care that she’s a childhood friend or drop dead gorgeous. He has zero tolerance for the media…until he sees a different side when she gets through the walls of a rescue dog who’s refused to eat during her short stay at Waterford. Unwillingly charmed and undeniably attracted, Garrett agrees to the interview that could break down a few of his emotional walls, too.
Garrett might not want to share the story of his colorful former life, but Jessie Curtis has the skills to peel back the layers of this sexy, complicated, caring man. In the process, she not only discovers his secrets, she finds herself falling for a man who touches her heart in a way she never thought possible. Her entire career is riding on this one explosive interview, but can she bear to repay Garrett’s trust by selling his secrets? Or can a woman who gave up on happiness a long time ago learn to believe that all it takes to rescue a lost heart is the love of a good man?
July 15, 2018
Currently a freebie on Amazon, this is the first in the Dogfather series. And as usual with a first in the series it did some groundwork for the following books which gets too much too soon. The setup of the stories - creating the all encompassing dog rescue, dog training and vet center is good-but it's a broad stroke backdrop.
Lola, a rescue dog, was definitely the star of the book but I was disappointed in her owner's story. The end felt contrived to fit the HEA.
I never warmed to either Garrett or Jessica. Considering Jessica's career and promotion was based on getting "the" interview with Garrett and he intends to string her along until it's too late for her to go after a real story. It makes him kind of a jerk and not this great guy that is overly emphasized in the story. And Jessica is all naive and stars in her eyes over him. And it really felt like he spilled the secret with the "you can't use this" codicil in exchange for sex. Plus I never felt like he was this big story so it all seemed contrived. The misunderstanding was very predictable...you knew it was going to happen.
There were a number of irritating scenes like the older rescue lady flirting about sex with him, how everyone thought they'd be a great couple within minutes of seeing them and constant references to him feeling her up when they were teenagers.
Although the story is fairly generic, it's a light easy read that fans of this genre will still appreciate. I'd read more in this series but I'm not in any hurry.
Lola, a rescue dog, was definitely the star of the book but I was disappointed in her owner's story. The end felt contrived to fit the HEA.
I never warmed to either Garrett or Jessica. Considering Jessica's career and promotion was based on getting "the" interview with Garrett and he intends to string her along until it's too late for her to go after a real story. It makes him kind of a jerk and not this great guy that is overly emphasized in the story. And Jessica is all naive and stars in her eyes over him. And it really felt like he spilled the secret with the "you can't use this" codicil in exchange for sex. Plus I never felt like he was this big story so it all seemed contrived. The misunderstanding was very predictable...you knew it was going to happen.
There were a number of irritating scenes like the older rescue lady flirting about sex with him, how everyone thought they'd be a great couple within minutes of seeing them and constant references to him feeling her up when they were teenagers.
Although the story is fairly generic, it's a light easy read that fans of this genre will still appreciate. I'd read more in this series but I'm not in any hurry.
September 15, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on July 2, 2018 (currently still free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.35 with 1,202 ratings and 199 reviews
I wanted to read this Dogfather series from the moment I heard about it. The combination of both small town and a big family made it warm and fun; the addition of animals was only a big plus. The covers are shot with people who actually work at the Alcqua Animal Refuge in north Florida. A portion of the sales of these books is donated to the refuge with over $5,000 donated so far.
I was VERY excited to see the first book, Sit, Stay Beg become available as a Kindle freebie. I have bought some of the others. It sets up the world with the family and how their work with animals is solidified. The father is a vet, as is a daughter. The family all loves pets and has a variety of skills.
The story features Garrett, who builds a dot.com empire based on pet photos and a reporter, Jessie, who was his sister Molly's best friend. I love Jessie. She is smart, strong, loyal and so, so honest with herself and others. Garrett is much less honest, but he is a caring guy, trying to do the best for his family. He's also very talented with rescuing and training dogs.
I loved this start. The world built is great. I enjoyed the characters, including the animal characters. I definitely plan to continue with this sweet, hot and awww... animals series.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
July 18, 2022
4.5 Stars but went ahead with a full 5 stars on this. Right off the bat, I'll admit that my review is a little biased because I admire the author for having the cover featuring an actual rescue dog (and will continue to do so throughout the series) and donating a percentage of all sales to a rescue.
But just a little. If the story had been horrible, I wouldn't have rated this 5 stars let alone 4.
I love the overall series premise and the basic story idea. I thought it was extremely well written, but there were parts of the story that felt rushed. BUT, I can't say prolonging those scenes would have been a good idea because I think it could have easily made the book feel tedious if done so.
The beginning of the book was a little bit of a miss for me. It was very emotional and I totally teared up...but I felt near the end of the prologue it was pushed through too quickly and the dialogue a little hard to connect to.
The only other thing I wished for was more of a connection with the other characters in the book. Namely the "Dogfather', the grandmother, and Liam. But not because there was a lack of it, but rather I loved the Dogfather and the hashtagging grandmother/granddaughter duo and wanted more of them and Liam seems like a mystery waiting to be unraveled...and I love mysteries ;)
I will also admit that I eye-rolled when Jessie was introduced. It's a situation that's been done so many times and I worried it'd just end up feeling like a cookie cutter story. Thankfully it didn't and this is a good example of doing things that have been done before but making it your own and doing it very well.
I loved how the author was able to really tie Jessie in (without it being solely based on hormones) thanks to the help of the lovely Lola. She definitely stole my heart during the story.
TL;DR: Read the book!
But just a little. If the story had been horrible, I wouldn't have rated this 5 stars let alone 4.
I love the overall series premise and the basic story idea. I thought it was extremely well written, but there were parts of the story that felt rushed. BUT, I can't say prolonging those scenes would have been a good idea because I think it could have easily made the book feel tedious if done so.
The beginning of the book was a little bit of a miss for me. It was very emotional and I totally teared up...but I felt near the end of the prologue it was pushed through too quickly and the dialogue a little hard to connect to.
The only other thing I wished for was more of a connection with the other characters in the book. Namely the "Dogfather', the grandmother, and Liam. But not because there was a lack of it, but rather I loved the Dogfather and the hashtagging grandmother/granddaughter duo and wanted more of them and Liam seems like a mystery waiting to be unraveled...and I love mysteries ;)
I will also admit that I eye-rolled when Jessie was introduced. It's a situation that's been done so many times and I worried it'd just end up feeling like a cookie cutter story. Thankfully it didn't and this is a good example of doing things that have been done before but making it your own and doing it very well.
I loved how the author was able to really tie Jessie in (without it being solely based on hormones) thanks to the help of the lovely Lola. She definitely stole my heart during the story.
TL;DR: Read the book!
April 27, 2017
You can’t go wrong with a romance written by Roxanne St. Claire. But Sit…Stay…Beg was an extra special combination of emotional family drama, a perfect love match, and a compassionate story about the people who rescue dogs in need of help. Although I think that, as is probably the case most of the time, it was the dogs that did the saving.
‘She had to write the story of a man who lived to help, who longed to protect, who loved to save anyone or anything that needed saving.’
First of all I have to point out that lovely book cover. Although the hunky shirtless guy isn’t too shabby (LOL) what caught my attention was the gorgeous dog beside him. It turns out that the happy dog featured was a rescue from the Alaqua Animal Rescue in Florida and Rocki is graciously giving part of the proceeds for the first month sales to the rescue. How wonderful, right?
As an animal lover myself, this book touched my heart. Especially as we learned more about our hero Garrett...
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
Read More
‘She had to write the story of a man who lived to help, who longed to protect, who loved to save anyone or anything that needed saving.’
First of all I have to point out that lovely book cover. Although the hunky shirtless guy isn’t too shabby (LOL) what caught my attention was the gorgeous dog beside him. It turns out that the happy dog featured was a rescue from the Alaqua Animal Rescue in Florida and Rocki is graciously giving part of the proceeds for the first month sales to the rescue. How wonderful, right?
As an animal lover myself, this book touched my heart. Especially as we learned more about our hero Garrett...
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
Read More
January 26, 2018
saccharine family series setup. not that i want to read books about giant assholes, but the wholesome sainted irish family dog rescue thing is a bit much.
will end up reading all the damn books anyway
will end up reading all the damn books anyway
November 28, 2020
Cute story for dog lovers, like me.
May 4, 2017
A series with rescue dogs, of course I'm in ! It's been a while since I've read a book by this author and I always enjoyed what I read so far, but I must say this one exceeded my expectations.
Bitter Bark, North Carolina.
The Dogfather is a fixty-six years old veterinarian who just lost his wife of thirty-six years and who intend to help his six grown kids find happiness. He and his wife always took strays into their house and nurse them back to health. They wanted to expand their land and turn their home into a dog rescue, training, shelter and veterinary business. When she died, Daniel Kilcannon finally put the project into plan and made it a family business with his offspring.
Three years later, the business is going well. Daniel have his daughters and his sons (except for one in the military) working with him. There's Garrett (a former tech-savy who became famous for inventing a pet photo-sharing social media site who now help with the rescues), there's Shane (a lawyer), Liam (a former military man who now train K9), there's Molly (a veterinarian) and there's Darcy (more like the admin and HR people). Add to that an Irish Grandma.
Jessica Jane Curtis haven't seen the Kilcannon in seventeen years. As a kid and a teenager, she used to spend all her time with her best friend Molly and consider herself like a stray, so she felt right at home at Waterford. At 33, she's now working at a tabloid-type website, but she finally have a chance at the anchor's chair for the TV version of Inside the A list, a show of personality profile on famous and non famous people. Her boss give her the assignment to collect info and make a topo on the Kilcannon's business but more especially about the famous former tech-savy who became persona non gratta after he bailed from an important deal back in the days.
To used Jessie's words, Garrett Kilcannon is the first guy who touched her boobs, in a make-out session in a dog kennel when she was sixteen, before she was forced to move with her mother and sister and lose the only place where she felt at home. When she arrive at Waterford, everyone welcome her back with open arms, except for Garrett, when he learn she's a journalist. He suspects why she's there and try to keep his distance, but she doesn't let him. He's been burned by the media before and there's something about his past in Seattle that he doesn't want her or anyone to know.
Garrett will finally agree to an interview, in exchange for her help with a rescue dog who refuse to eat but who seem to develop a special bound with Jess. But accepting to do it and doing it are two different things and the heroine will have to pull teeth to get answers from him.
I like that Garrett learned pretty quickly why Jessica is there and there's no secret about it so it was not the reason for the separation near the end. Kind of, but not really :p
A hero who lose his heart to a dog, of course I felt hard for Garrett Kilcannon. And I liked his introvert side. He doesn't open his heart easily but when he does, he do without restraint. It's cute that he compare Jessica's hair color to the dog's coat he know.
I expected more sexy times and even if I usually think it add something more when it's well written and show a depth in feelings, it's not something that bothered me.
And I liked the reference to an other series by Roxanne St.Claire :p
"His name is Colonel Mustard?"
"Liam is a Clue freak. You should have seen Miss Scarlet. She's currently kicking ass and taking names for some private security company called the Bullet Catchers."
Now I'm sad, because I have to wait to read the next book of this series and I really, really want to read it.
Bitter Bark, North Carolina.
The Dogfather is a fixty-six years old veterinarian who just lost his wife of thirty-six years and who intend to help his six grown kids find happiness. He and his wife always took strays into their house and nurse them back to health. They wanted to expand their land and turn their home into a dog rescue, training, shelter and veterinary business. When she died, Daniel Kilcannon finally put the project into plan and made it a family business with his offspring.
Three years later, the business is going well. Daniel have his daughters and his sons (except for one in the military) working with him. There's Garrett (a former tech-savy who became famous for inventing a pet photo-sharing social media site who now help with the rescues), there's Shane (a lawyer), Liam (a former military man who now train K9), there's Molly (a veterinarian) and there's Darcy (more like the admin and HR people). Add to that an Irish Grandma.
Jessica Jane Curtis haven't seen the Kilcannon in seventeen years. As a kid and a teenager, she used to spend all her time with her best friend Molly and consider herself like a stray, so she felt right at home at Waterford. At 33, she's now working at a tabloid-type website, but she finally have a chance at the anchor's chair for the TV version of Inside the A list, a show of personality profile on famous and non famous people. Her boss give her the assignment to collect info and make a topo on the Kilcannon's business but more especially about the famous former tech-savy who became persona non gratta after he bailed from an important deal back in the days.
To used Jessie's words, Garrett Kilcannon is the first guy who touched her boobs, in a make-out session in a dog kennel when she was sixteen, before she was forced to move with her mother and sister and lose the only place where she felt at home. When she arrive at Waterford, everyone welcome her back with open arms, except for Garrett, when he learn she's a journalist. He suspects why she's there and try to keep his distance, but she doesn't let him. He's been burned by the media before and there's something about his past in Seattle that he doesn't want her or anyone to know.
Garrett will finally agree to an interview, in exchange for her help with a rescue dog who refuse to eat but who seem to develop a special bound with Jess. But accepting to do it and doing it are two different things and the heroine will have to pull teeth to get answers from him.
I like that Garrett learned pretty quickly why Jessica is there and there's no secret about it so it was not the reason for the separation near the end. Kind of, but not really :p
A hero who lose his heart to a dog, of course I felt hard for Garrett Kilcannon. And I liked his introvert side. He doesn't open his heart easily but when he does, he do without restraint. It's cute that he compare Jessica's hair color to the dog's coat he know.
I expected more sexy times and even if I usually think it add something more when it's well written and show a depth in feelings, it's not something that bothered me.
And I liked the reference to an other series by Roxanne St.Claire :p
"His name is Colonel Mustard?"
"Liam is a Clue freak. You should have seen Miss Scarlet. She's currently kicking ass and taking names for some private security company called the Bullet Catchers."
Now I'm sad, because I have to wait to read the next book of this series and I really, really want to read it.
April 21, 2017
Anyone who spends time with me quickly learns of my love of rescue dogs, big families, and heartwarming romance. Combine those three into a series of books set in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and you can count me one very happy reader. After reading Sit...Stay...Beg, I'm all in with The Dogfather (patriarch Daniel Kilcannon) and his goal of seeing each of his children find the kind of love he shared with their mother, his recently deceased wife. Centered around the family's dog rescue and world-class training facility, this story brings all the feels. The canine characters are just as vital to the stories as the human ones with Lola, an Aussie-Border Collie mix, and Garrett and Jessie (the hero and heroine of this book) all capturing my heart with their first joint appearance on the page. How people interact with dogs tells a lot about the type of people they are. Jessie and Garrett are good people, a great match, and worthy of their eventual happy ending. I cheered for them - and Lola - the entire way. If you enjoy a well-crafted, family-centric romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you smiling then I highly recommend Roxanne St. Claire's Sit...Stay...Beg.
*ARC received in exchange for fair and honest review.
*ARC received in exchange for fair and honest review.
May 22, 2017
Great characters and story line in this new series from St. Claire...
April 24, 2017
Sit Stay Beg;
1st in The Dog Father Series--
First in a new series known as The DogFather!
Sweet and touching book. My heart lies in rescue books. Ms. St. Claire took mine after I read this one.
In Bitter Bark, North Carolina is where Garrett Kilcannon lives. He left his corporate world. Now back home to help with the family business he feels somewhat at peace. He harbors a secret. But know The last person he expects to see, and doesn't even recognize is Jessie Jane Curtis. She reminds him of the last time they saw each other. Funny to say the least. She works for the Inside the A list magazine, and her job brings her back home to interview Garrett. The Waterford Farm is the family's home to rescue animals. They took strays in did Training, and tried to find them there forever homes.
He was hesitant because of the last reporter to interview him. But Jessie has a way with one of there rescues so he makes a deal with her.
Fabulous book. Love of animals, family, and much more is what you'll find in this book.
Highly recommend.
1st in The Dog Father Series--
First in a new series known as The DogFather!
Sweet and touching book. My heart lies in rescue books. Ms. St. Claire took mine after I read this one.
In Bitter Bark, North Carolina is where Garrett Kilcannon lives. He left his corporate world. Now back home to help with the family business he feels somewhat at peace. He harbors a secret. But know The last person he expects to see, and doesn't even recognize is Jessie Jane Curtis. She reminds him of the last time they saw each other. Funny to say the least. She works for the Inside the A list magazine, and her job brings her back home to interview Garrett. The Waterford Farm is the family's home to rescue animals. They took strays in did Training, and tried to find them there forever homes.
He was hesitant because of the last reporter to interview him. But Jessie has a way with one of there rescues so he makes a deal with her.
Fabulous book. Love of animals, family, and much more is what you'll find in this book.
Highly recommend.
April 26, 2017
I wanted a feel good story and Sit..Stay..Beg looked like it would fill the bill. It does have some very good characters, several of whom are dogs. The two main characters have known each other before. In fact Jessie Curtis spend a lot of her younger years at the Kilcannon home and always wished that she was part of the family. She comes back to interview Garrett Kilcannon and the result is surprising. I liked the characters, felt that the secret was a little contrived, but enjoyed the ride to the finish Lulu the dog often stole the show and in the end all got a happy ending. There are many Kilcannon's still to find their HEA so this series has a long way to go. Read Sit...Stay...Beg to get in on the beginning.
July 20, 2018
I picked this purely for the cover. What's better than a hot guy? A hot guy with a puppy. It's science.
Unfortunately I should have let sleeping dogs lie. This book was a snooze, while also having some pretty judgmental attitudes towards working women, child-free women, single mothers, abused women... talk about barking up the wrong tree. At least it was free.
Unfortunately I should have let sleeping dogs lie. This book was a snooze, while also having some pretty judgmental attitudes towards working women, child-free women, single mothers, abused women... talk about barking up the wrong tree. At least it was free.
May 31, 2017
If you love dogs, the country, large, wealthy families and their lives--all mixed together with a wonderful love story; you'll enjoy reading Jessie and Garrett's romance. Lola is amazing!
November 10, 2025
Ugh this was so bad
May 19, 2017
This romantic contemporary novel made me fall in love right away with one of it's characters. Her name is Lola and she was a rescue dog! The human characters are pretty awesome too, and the story pulls at your heart. Can't wait for the next in the series. Full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com on May22nd.
April 26, 2017
First is a brand new series by Roxanne St Claire. Sit...Stay...Beg is about a family healing in one way or another. The Kilcannon kids, that were all spread out are brought back together after the death of their mother and their dads brilliant idea to open a dog training and rescue facility. Now Daniel the family patriarch has to help his kids find happiness too. Garrett made some serious money with a dot com company he sold for millions. Now he's back home running the family business with his family and hiding out. When Jessie Curtis, a old family friend shows up he's happy to see her at first. Then he finds out she's not there just to reminisce but to try and interview him, he's done. Jessie grew up spending alot of time at the Kilcannon house. They made her feel included and loved. Something she never got from her mother and sister and then at the age of 16 she was shipped off to live with a aunt. Now grown she's needs this interview with Garrett to make her career. A rescue dog named Lola brings them together when Lola will only respond to Jessie. Garrett is stuck with Jessie if he wants to save the dog.This is such a sweet story. Jessie is kind of a lost soul and she connects with Lola as the dog seems lost as well. Garrett sees the vulnerability in Jessie with Lola and slowly he gets to know her again. Finally Garrett lets Jessie in and tells her his secrets to have it all blow up in his face. Or does it? Garrett might have to experience some regret to realize how much he blew it. Love this family so far. We get to know to know some better than others with promises of learning more in future books. An amazing start to a new series. I'm definitely interested in reading more about this family.
April 24, 2017
Roxanne St. Claire introduces us to the Kilcannon clan in The Dogfather series. I absolutely fell in love with the members of the Kilcannon clan we met in Sit...Stay...Beg and have a special love for the patriarch Daniel and his plans for his family. Sit...Stay...Beg is Garrett Kilcannon's book and I quickly fell for this amazing man.
I loved that the Kilcannon clan ran a dog rescue and training facility at their home on Waterford Farm. I loved that each member of the family had their own special skills when working with the rescue dogs. Garrett Kilcannon is pretty much a dog whisperer when it comes to rescues. However, it seems the only person their latest rescue Lola connects with is journalist Jessica Jane Curtis. Jessie grew up as Garrett's little sister's best friend and loved being at Waterford Farm and with the Kilcannon family when she was growing up. She now has the chance of a lifetime to job waiting if she can only get an in depth expose on Garrett Kilcannon, who hates the media with a passion.
Jessie and Garrett also have a bit of history and the attraction they had a teenagers has only intensified as adults. I especially loved that Garrett needed Jessie's help with their new rescue Lola. Lola was the sweetest dog on the face of the planet and instantly fell in love with Jessie and the feeling was completely mutual. I felt like Lola was an important part of Garrett and Jessie's relationship. She was the reason they initial reason they spent more time together, as Jessie was the only one to get Lola to eat at first. I loved the more time Garrett spent with Jessie, the easier it was for him to open up about the secrets from his past. While Garrett and Jessie's romance had some bumps along the way, I loved watching them find happiness together.
Sit...Stay...Beg was an amazing start to a new series from Roxanne St. Claire. I loved the fact the Kilcannon clan is so large and honestly fell in love with each and every member of the family we met. I'm a big fan of big families and add in the rescue dog element, and I was in heaven while I read. I'm so excited that each member of the Kilcannon family will get their own book in The Dogfather series. Ms. St. Claire has once again delivered an amazing series for her readers and old fans and new fans will be completely enchanted by the family.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
I loved that the Kilcannon clan ran a dog rescue and training facility at their home on Waterford Farm. I loved that each member of the family had their own special skills when working with the rescue dogs. Garrett Kilcannon is pretty much a dog whisperer when it comes to rescues. However, it seems the only person their latest rescue Lola connects with is journalist Jessica Jane Curtis. Jessie grew up as Garrett's little sister's best friend and loved being at Waterford Farm and with the Kilcannon family when she was growing up. She now has the chance of a lifetime to job waiting if she can only get an in depth expose on Garrett Kilcannon, who hates the media with a passion.
Jessie and Garrett also have a bit of history and the attraction they had a teenagers has only intensified as adults. I especially loved that Garrett needed Jessie's help with their new rescue Lola. Lola was the sweetest dog on the face of the planet and instantly fell in love with Jessie and the feeling was completely mutual. I felt like Lola was an important part of Garrett and Jessie's relationship. She was the reason they initial reason they spent more time together, as Jessie was the only one to get Lola to eat at first. I loved the more time Garrett spent with Jessie, the easier it was for him to open up about the secrets from his past. While Garrett and Jessie's romance had some bumps along the way, I loved watching them find happiness together.
Sit...Stay...Beg was an amazing start to a new series from Roxanne St. Claire. I loved the fact the Kilcannon clan is so large and honestly fell in love with each and every member of the family we met. I'm a big fan of big families and add in the rescue dog element, and I was in heaven while I read. I'm so excited that each member of the Kilcannon family will get their own book in The Dogfather series. Ms. St. Claire has once again delivered an amazing series for her readers and old fans and new fans will be completely enchanted by the family.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
July 27, 2019
"Sit...Stay...Beg" is Book #1 in "The Dogfather Series" from author Roxanne St. Claire. Animal Welfare and Literacy are two of the causes closest to my heart. I was an only child who communicated with animals better than I did with people (still true), so reading a heartwarming contemporary romance about rescue dogs, a big, loving & complicated family, and a healing-hearts romance is a very enjoyable experience. Garrett Kilcannon built a successful business, sold it, and returned to his family homeplace, Waterford, to rehab and train rescue dogs. He intends to keep the secrets he brought with him deep and buried, but Fate has other plans. His father, Daniel, a highly-respected veterinarian also known as "The Dogfather", has given permission for a journalist to visit Waterford to do a feature story on Garrett. However, it's not just any journalist who's coming--it's Jessie Curtis, a childhood friend of his sister. Coming back to Waterford--a place where she spent many happy hours as a child--should be a good thing for Jessie, but her whole professional future is riding on how well her feature interview with Garrett turns out. A rescue dog named Lola--a beautiful spirit--will break down barriers between Garrett and Jessie with the special magic that only dogs have--but will these two humans be able to face the truths about themselves and about each other? When all secrets and doubts are made clear, will there be room for the love of a lifetime and a happy future? I very much look forward to reading the complete "Dogfather Series" from talented storyteller Roxanne St. Claire.
August 20, 2017
This one was very cute, plus there were all sorts of dogs, how could you not love that!
I liked that Jessie was getting her big chance, but worried that she was going to do it covertly. I was glad when she let Garrett know pretty quickly why she was back in Bitter Bark and at the farm. It was great to see her be welcomed back by her BFF and other Kilcannon family members. Garrett was predictably leery, but only because he was hiding a secret. After learning the secret, I can see why he was leery, it wasn't wholly his secret as he was protecting someone else.
When Garrett's secret came out I knew it wasn't due to Jessie, she was that kind of person. I did love how Jessie fought for Garrett to keep the secret secret, even as it cost her plenty. I loved it when Garrett realized what Jessie did and loved how he went to get her, with Lola.
And Lola...my heart broke when we first met her. I hated it when we learned her past, hated it when the inevitable happened, but loved the hard choice that was made on her behalf.
I liked that Jessie was getting her big chance, but worried that she was going to do it covertly. I was glad when she let Garrett know pretty quickly why she was back in Bitter Bark and at the farm. It was great to see her be welcomed back by her BFF and other Kilcannon family members. Garrett was predictably leery, but only because he was hiding a secret. After learning the secret, I can see why he was leery, it wasn't wholly his secret as he was protecting someone else.
When Garrett's secret came out I knew it wasn't due to Jessie, she was that kind of person. I did love how Jessie fought for Garrett to keep the secret secret, even as it cost her plenty. I loved it when Garrett realized what Jessie did and loved how he went to get her, with Lola.
And Lola...my heart broke when we first met her. I hated it when we learned her past, hated it when the inevitable happened, but loved the hard choice that was made on her behalf.
April 24, 2017
An awesome start to a new series by Roxanne St Claire. What's not to love, sexy brothers, rescue dogs and a close family that works together rescuing dogs. Garrett, a former dot com success has left the corporate world to help rescue dogs with his family. Jessica a journalist has arrived at the facility to get an in depth interview with Garrett, who doesn't like giving interviews. To top it off Jessica, use to be best friends with his little sister. They have a new rescue at the facility, Lola, she has not responded to anyone until Jessica arrives. Soon Jessica breaks down the walls that Garrett has put up around him.
Loved, loved Garrett. He is such a good person, family oriented and a lover of dogs. Jessica is career oriented and wants to get the best story, but soon she falls for Garrett. Lola, such a cutie, so happy she found her forever home.
I am so excited for this series to continue. I highly recommend this book.
Loved, loved Garrett. He is such a good person, family oriented and a lover of dogs. Jessica is career oriented and wants to get the best story, but soon she falls for Garrett. Lola, such a cutie, so happy she found her forever home.
I am so excited for this series to continue. I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2018
I was a little worried this was going to be a ambush story - where the reporter pretends not to be a reporter to get the story, but that wasn't the case and made me enjoy this so much more.
Garrett has some issues (and some secrets), but right now he just wants the newest rescue dog Lola to eat something. Enter Jessie (an old friend of the family) who is hoping to get an in-depth interview to take the next step in her career.
We learn a lot about both of them and a little bit about Garrett's family (who will be great fodder for later books).
Garrett has some issues (and some secrets), but right now he just wants the newest rescue dog Lola to eat something. Enter Jessie (an old friend of the family) who is hoping to get an in-depth interview to take the next step in her career.
We learn a lot about both of them and a little bit about Garrett's family (who will be great fodder for later books).
May 26, 2019
This was my first book from this author, and definitely not my last. If you like family and ensemble stories (and dogs), this is probably a book to go to.
I had many occasions to laugh, smile, awwww, although Jessie and Garrett deal with serious (existential) matters. What I enjoyed most was that the story evolved from the characters while they dealt with the "why", and everything, be it external or internal factors move the story forward.
While as an avid reader of romance stories I could guess how this would be going, it was still very entertaining to follow the characters for a while and I think I'll hang around the Kilcannon family for more.
Plus dogs. Did I mention the dogs?
I had many occasions to laugh, smile, awwww, although Jessie and Garrett deal with serious (existential) matters. What I enjoyed most was that the story evolved from the characters while they dealt with the "why", and everything, be it external or internal factors move the story forward.
While as an avid reader of romance stories I could guess how this would be going, it was still very entertaining to follow the characters for a while and I think I'll hang around the Kilcannon family for more.
Plus dogs. Did I mention the dogs?
November 15, 2018
Sit ... Stay ... Beg (The Dogfather 1) - R
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 72
Sex: easily skipped kissing, then seventy percent in, there were some easily skipped paragraphs
[I got this book before my friend told me one of the secrets to avoiding sexual content: if the man is shirtless, avoid; if the woman is showing shoulders, avoid. Noted!!]
Loved this book! I'm a dog nut, and a tender-hearted alpha male who loves his family and dogs? I'm in! The heroine is such a strong woman because she has to be. I loved how her true nature came out.
Deleted for content.
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 72
Sex: easily skipped kissing, then seventy percent in, there were some easily skipped paragraphs
[I got this book before my friend told me one of the secrets to avoiding sexual content: if the man is shirtless, avoid; if the woman is showing shoulders, avoid. Noted!!]
Loved this book! I'm a dog nut, and a tender-hearted alpha male who loves his family and dogs? I'm in! The heroine is such a strong woman because she has to be. I loved how her true nature came out.
Deleted for content.
August 3, 2018
So sweet!
Sit...Stay...Beg is a delightful, sweet romance with a few twists thrown in. There's a relationship rekindled, secrets finally told and even the answer to what happened to Lola is revealed. All while the reader falls more and more in love with the family, especially, Grannie! A definite must read!!
Sit...Stay...Beg is a delightful, sweet romance with a few twists thrown in. There's a relationship rekindled, secrets finally told and even the answer to what happened to Lola is revealed. All while the reader falls more and more in love with the family, especially, Grannie! A definite must read!!
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