What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dogfather #2
New Leash on Life
The Dogfather is a brand new contemporary romance series from New York Times bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire celebrating what she loves most: hot guys, great dogs, big families…and true love. And a portion of the proceeds from every book in the series will be donated to the Alaqua Animal Refuge in the author’s home state of Florida!
New Leash on Life
When former attorney and current dog whisperer Shane Kilcannon messes up his chance with a beautiful stranger whose confident smile and quick wit intrigue him more than any woman he's ever met, he’s ready to snarl like one of his beloved pit bulls. But Shane's work with the wildest and wariest of his family's rescue dogs has taught him patience and persistence. When his father hands him the opportunity to work alongside that very same woman who has come to town with groundbreaking tourism plans, he seizes it. He even offers to help her win over the locals, as long as she is willing to give a temporary home to one misunderstood dog…and spend plenty of time with Shane.
Chloe Somerset has built a reputation in the tourism industry as someone with big ideas that put little places on the map, and she’s certain she can do the same for Bitter Bark, North Carolina. All she has to do is convince one small town to change its name, open her clean-freak heart to a dog with a penchant for face-licking, and avoid the landmines of local politics when her plans divide the townspeople. But none of that is as scary as the feeling of falling hard for a sexy charmer who whispers all the right things and tempts Chloe to forget a lifetime of hard lessons. Shane might know exactly how to get through to the creatures who need care the most, but he's met his match with Chloe, and it'll take every trick he knows to teach her to fall in love.
The Dogfather Series
Daniel Kilcannon is known as “The Dogfather” for a reason. It’s not just his renowned skills as a veterinarian, his tremendous love of dogs, or the fact that he has turned his homestead in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains into a world class dog training and rescue facility. Ask his six grown children who run Waterford Farm for him, and they’ll tell you that their father’s nickname is due to his uncanny ability to pull a few strings to get what he wants. And what he wants is for his four sons and two daughters to find the kind of life-changing love he had with his dearly departed wife, Annie. This old dog has a few new tricks…and he’ll use them all to see his pack all settled into their happily ever afters!
SIT…STAY…BEG (Book 1)
NEW LEASH ON LIFE (Book 2)
LEADER OF THE PACK (Book 3)
BAD TO THE BONE (Book 4)
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES (Book 5)
DOUBLE DOG DARE (Book 6)
OLD DOG NEW TRICKS (Book 7)
About the Author
Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty romance and suspense novels. She has written several popular series, including Barefoot Bay, the Guardian Angelinos, and the Bullet Catchers.
In addition to being a nine-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITA™ Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne’s novels have won the National Reader’s Choice Award for best romantic suspense three times, as well as the Maggie, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the HOLT Medallion, Booksellers Best, Book Buyers Best, the Award of Excellence, and many others. She lives in Florida with her husband, and still attempts to run the lives of her teenage daughter and 20-something son. She loves dogs, books, chocolate, and wine, but not always in that order.
New Leash on Life
When former attorney and current dog whisperer Shane Kilcannon messes up his chance with a beautiful stranger whose confident smile and quick wit intrigue him more than any woman he's ever met, he’s ready to snarl like one of his beloved pit bulls. But Shane's work with the wildest and wariest of his family's rescue dogs has taught him patience and persistence. When his father hands him the opportunity to work alongside that very same woman who has come to town with groundbreaking tourism plans, he seizes it. He even offers to help her win over the locals, as long as she is willing to give a temporary home to one misunderstood dog…and spend plenty of time with Shane.
Chloe Somerset has built a reputation in the tourism industry as someone with big ideas that put little places on the map, and she’s certain she can do the same for Bitter Bark, North Carolina. All she has to do is convince one small town to change its name, open her clean-freak heart to a dog with a penchant for face-licking, and avoid the landmines of local politics when her plans divide the townspeople. But none of that is as scary as the feeling of falling hard for a sexy charmer who whispers all the right things and tempts Chloe to forget a lifetime of hard lessons. Shane might know exactly how to get through to the creatures who need care the most, but he's met his match with Chloe, and it'll take every trick he knows to teach her to fall in love.
The Dogfather Series
Daniel Kilcannon is known as “The Dogfather” for a reason. It’s not just his renowned skills as a veterinarian, his tremendous love of dogs, or the fact that he has turned his homestead in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains into a world class dog training and rescue facility. Ask his six grown children who run Waterford Farm for him, and they’ll tell you that their father’s nickname is due to his uncanny ability to pull a few strings to get what he wants. And what he wants is for his four sons and two daughters to find the kind of life-changing love he had with his dearly departed wife, Annie. This old dog has a few new tricks…and he’ll use them all to see his pack all settled into their happily ever afters!
SIT…STAY…BEG (Book 1)
NEW LEASH ON LIFE (Book 2)
LEADER OF THE PACK (Book 3)
BAD TO THE BONE (Book 4)
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES (Book 5)
DOUBLE DOG DARE (Book 6)
OLD DOG NEW TRICKS (Book 7)
About the Author
Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty romance and suspense novels. She has written several popular series, including Barefoot Bay, the Guardian Angelinos, and the Bullet Catchers.
In addition to being a nine-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITA™ Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne’s novels have won the National Reader’s Choice Award for best romantic suspense three times, as well as the Maggie, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the HOLT Medallion, Booksellers Best, Book Buyers Best, the Award of Excellence, and many others. She lives in Florida with her husband, and still attempts to run the lives of her teenage daughter and 20-something son. She loves dogs, books, chocolate, and wine, but not always in that order.
318 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2017
722 people are currently reading
361 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
December 9, 2024
the setup…
Chloe Somerset is an expert tourism consultant with a winning track record of helping small towns get on the map and gain some serious tourist revenue. Her aunt Blanche Wilkins is the mayor of Bitter Bark, North Carolina and needs her help, having assumed the role following her husband’s death. The town has budget issues and Chloe doesn’t want her aunt to fail. When she comes to town, the first person she meets is Shane Kilcannon, the second oldest son of Daniel, owner of the famed dog training facility Waterford Farm and known as The Dogfather. He inadvertently provides her the inspiration for a brilliant campaign that will be groundbreaking. But, his support comes with a canine leash attached.
the heart of the story…
Chloe may be brilliant in her job but she’s got lots of personal phobias born from being raised by a woman with mental issues who was a hoarder. Shane calls her Perfect Chloe, not a hair out of place and a germaphobe. He will help her get the advisory committee and town council votes if she will provide a temporary home for a friend’s Staffordshire terrier named Daisy. Chloe caring for a dog is a big deal but a breed who looks like a pit bull scares her silly. I loved how Shane was committed to changing attitudes about the breed, which are borne from badly behaving owners. Their romance was sweet, sexy and took its time to develop naturally, all around the dogs.
the bottom line…
I loved everything about this story…the romance, the dogs and the really fun campaign that Chloe designed. It had depth as Chloe’s phobias were important elements and never diminished. There’s a bit of mystery, too, as someone’s determined to undermine the campaign. And, I have a whole new appreciation for breeds in the pit bull family as little Daisy won my heart, too. Wonderful series concept!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Chloe Somerset is an expert tourism consultant with a winning track record of helping small towns get on the map and gain some serious tourist revenue. Her aunt Blanche Wilkins is the mayor of Bitter Bark, North Carolina and needs her help, having assumed the role following her husband’s death. The town has budget issues and Chloe doesn’t want her aunt to fail. When she comes to town, the first person she meets is Shane Kilcannon, the second oldest son of Daniel, owner of the famed dog training facility Waterford Farm and known as The Dogfather. He inadvertently provides her the inspiration for a brilliant campaign that will be groundbreaking. But, his support comes with a canine leash attached.
the heart of the story…
Chloe may be brilliant in her job but she’s got lots of personal phobias born from being raised by a woman with mental issues who was a hoarder. Shane calls her Perfect Chloe, not a hair out of place and a germaphobe. He will help her get the advisory committee and town council votes if she will provide a temporary home for a friend’s Staffordshire terrier named Daisy. Chloe caring for a dog is a big deal but a breed who looks like a pit bull scares her silly. I loved how Shane was committed to changing attitudes about the breed, which are borne from badly behaving owners. Their romance was sweet, sexy and took its time to develop naturally, all around the dogs.
the bottom line…
I loved everything about this story…the romance, the dogs and the really fun campaign that Chloe designed. It had depth as Chloe’s phobias were important elements and never diminished. There’s a bit of mystery, too, as someone’s determined to undermine the campaign. And, I have a whole new appreciation for breeds in the pit bull family as little Daisy won my heart, too. Wonderful series concept!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 11, 2020
When Your Mother is the Mayor...
And She Calls Out for Your Help...
A Daugther Answers the Call...
The Need...
Only The Task of Drawing Business and Visitors...
To the Very Charming Town...
Should Be a No Brainer...
Chloe Somerset's Career is "Putting Little Places on the Map"...
And This Town Could Use Tourism...
But With a Name...
Like Bitter Bark...
Ah No, Just No...
Shane Kilcannon, Hot, Sexy, and Oh So Dirty Dog Whisperer...
Was Taking a Break...
Having a Drink...
And Just Kickin' Back...
But then He Saw Her...
And He was on Full Alert...
She Responds Which is Not Her Usual...
Now They are Circling Each Other...
For Different Reasons, They Think...
Shane Because He Knows...
Patience and Persistence are Key...
Chloe Thinks her Task is Just the Town...
Little Do Both Know...
This is Their Chance for a...
New Leash on Life (The Dogfather, #2)
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)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Old Dog New Tricks (#8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
And She Calls Out for Your Help...
A Daugther Answers the Call...
The Need...
Only The Task of Drawing Business and Visitors...
To the Very Charming Town...
Should Be a No Brainer...
Chloe Somerset's Career is "Putting Little Places on the Map"...
And This Town Could Use Tourism...
But With a Name...
Like Bitter Bark...
Ah No, Just No...
Shane Kilcannon, Hot, Sexy, and Oh So Dirty Dog Whisperer...
Was Taking a Break...
Having a Drink...
And Just Kickin' Back...
But then He Saw Her...
And He was on Full Alert...
She Responds Which is Not Her Usual...
Now They are Circling Each Other...
For Different Reasons, They Think...
Shane Because He Knows...
Patience and Persistence are Key...
Chloe Thinks her Task is Just the Town...
Little Do Both Know...
This is Their Chance for a...
New Leash on Life (The Dogfather, #2)
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)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Old Dog New Tricks (#8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 28, 2017
Rounded up for the cute dogs.
February 11, 2019
Wow
If I had to guess what this book two would be about, I wouldn’t have even come close. Loved Shane’s, Chloe’s, and Daisy’s story. This family is the best.
If I had to guess what this book two would be about, I wouldn’t have even come close. Loved Shane’s, Chloe’s, and Daisy’s story. This family is the best.
January 18, 2021
You got me this time
Usually, I’m pretty good at figuring out who the bad guy is, but I was looking in the wrong direction until almost the end.
I didn’t give 5 stars because I thought Shane took a really long time to wake up. I understand that being angry is part of the grieving process, but he was a stubborn... well, you know.
But I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone.
Usually, I’m pretty good at figuring out who the bad guy is, but I was looking in the wrong direction until almost the end.
I didn’t give 5 stars because I thought Shane took a really long time to wake up. I understand that being angry is part of the grieving process, but he was a stubborn... well, you know.
But I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone.
May 19, 2017
Chloe Somerset has come to Bitter Bark, NC at the request of her Aunt Blanche, who is the mayor of the town. She has asked Chloe to come up with something that would make Bitter Bark a fun and new travel destination. After Chloe's first meeting she walks around the town trying to get ideas and stops in at the Bitter Bark Bar. There she meets Shane, a dirty, attractive man that she ends up kissing and feeling more sparks than she thought she would! After the way Chloe's mom was, she does not like anything dirty! I just loved Chloe and Shane's banter back and forth. It made for some great humor and sizzling attraction. What Chloe didn't realize is that Shane is a Kilcannon, one of the family members that run Waterford Farm. After talking with Shane, Chloe has an idea to change the name of the town to Better Bark and make it the first dog friendly town that families could travel to where they are encouraged to bring their pet!
Shane doesn't know what hit him, but he is interested in Chloe....problem is he doesn't know where she is from or where she lives. By a luck of fate, Shane figures it out and volunteers to take his dad's place on the committee who will vote on Chloe's idea. After meeting up with Chloe again, Shane realizes that she is not a fan of dogs....and that is a red flag in Shane's world. After some prodding, Shane gets Chloe to keep a friend's dog, Daisy, for a few weeks....but it's not just any dog...it's a pitbull which Chloe isn't too thrilled about, but ends up agreeing to it.
Since Shane wants to spend time with Chloe, he agrees to help her with her plan to convince the town that they should change the name to Better Bark. Of course in true Roxanne St. Claire style, this is not an easy task. There are hurdles Chloe needs to overcome every step of the way, but Shane is there all to willing to help! When it becomes obvious that someone is sabotaging their efforts, Chloe and Shane have to really step up the battle. I just loved interactions with Chloe, Shane, Daisy and the rest of the town. It was fun seeing Chloe slowly change into actually liking a dog. The final confrontation was fun and interesting and really kept me guessing as to who the culprit was...and the happy ending between Shane and Chloe was just perfect! Loved it!
Overall, I really enjoyed these characters and the path they went on to get to their happy ending. It was a fun ride all the way to the end!
Shane doesn't know what hit him, but he is interested in Chloe....problem is he doesn't know where she is from or where she lives. By a luck of fate, Shane figures it out and volunteers to take his dad's place on the committee who will vote on Chloe's idea. After meeting up with Chloe again, Shane realizes that she is not a fan of dogs....and that is a red flag in Shane's world. After some prodding, Shane gets Chloe to keep a friend's dog, Daisy, for a few weeks....but it's not just any dog...it's a pitbull which Chloe isn't too thrilled about, but ends up agreeing to it.
Since Shane wants to spend time with Chloe, he agrees to help her with her plan to convince the town that they should change the name to Better Bark. Of course in true Roxanne St. Claire style, this is not an easy task. There are hurdles Chloe needs to overcome every step of the way, but Shane is there all to willing to help! When it becomes obvious that someone is sabotaging their efforts, Chloe and Shane have to really step up the battle. I just loved interactions with Chloe, Shane, Daisy and the rest of the town. It was fun seeing Chloe slowly change into actually liking a dog. The final confrontation was fun and interesting and really kept me guessing as to who the culprit was...and the happy ending between Shane and Chloe was just perfect! Loved it!
Overall, I really enjoyed these characters and the path they went on to get to their happy ending. It was a fun ride all the way to the end!
May 16, 2017
Former attorney Shane Kilcannon trains therapy dogs at his family-owned canine training and rescue facility. He is fondly known around his hometown as a dog whisperer. Shane jumps at the chance to take his father’s place on the Tourism Advisory Committee just to see a certain woman again. Chloe Somerset’s distaste for disorder and dirt challenges him to break through her aversions. He convinces Chloe to temporarily house a Staffordshire Terrier to better promote her idea for the town. Shane hopes to change the public’s misconceptions and prejudice against the Pit Bull breed through Chloe and Daisy. Will Shane’s ploy work? Or will it backfire in his face?
Chloe Somerset is a successful tourism consultant. She insists that everything in her life must be neat, orderly, and most importantly, clean. At her aunt’s behest, Chloe comes to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, to help boost the small town’s tourism. An encounter with a sexy yet dirty stranger at the local bar sparks the perfect idea for Bitter Bark. To convince the town to accept her suggestions, Chloe agrees to house-sit a dog named Daisy. Shane Killcannon makes Chloe want to shed her germaphobic tendencies. Will Daisy and Shane help Chloe overcome her mysophobia? Will Chloe succeed in winning over Bitter Bark?
Shane is such a charming and flirtatious fellow. His laid back and fun-loving nature shields the festering anguish he feels over his mother’s passing. I like how understanding and patient Shane is once he learns the reasons behind Chloe’s phobia. Instead of mocking her, Shane uses his love of challenges and dislike of losing to help her break past her germaphobia issues. However, what I adore the most about him is his unwavering defense of the Pit Bull breed. Shane strives to educate the public on the breed and change their set preconceptions on them.
Chloe is such a great role model for anyone debilitated by phobias. She is aware of her handicaps and Chloe proves with the correct mindset and help, it is possible to beat those fears. I admire her readiness to push through her phobic obstacles instead of allowing them to mandate her life. I like Chloe’s willingness to use her skill-set to aid her aunt in accomplishing her late husband’s dream for Bitter Bark. But what I like the most about Chloe is how she involuntarily helped Shane let go of his bottled anguish over his mother’s passing and move forward.
NEW LEASH ON LIFE is book two in Roxanne St. Claire’s contemporary series, THE DOGFATHER. I love how Daisy, the rescue dog, is beneficial to Shane and Chloe growing together. I believe even dogs deserve a happy ending also.
NEW LEASH ON LIFE is a sweet and endearing story of two people overcoming their handicaps to find love and happiness with each other. I enjoyed reading this charming book while snuggled up with my dogs. I cannot wait to learn which dog breed will lead the next Killcannon to his or her happily ever after.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
Chloe Somerset is a successful tourism consultant. She insists that everything in her life must be neat, orderly, and most importantly, clean. At her aunt’s behest, Chloe comes to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, to help boost the small town’s tourism. An encounter with a sexy yet dirty stranger at the local bar sparks the perfect idea for Bitter Bark. To convince the town to accept her suggestions, Chloe agrees to house-sit a dog named Daisy. Shane Killcannon makes Chloe want to shed her germaphobic tendencies. Will Daisy and Shane help Chloe overcome her mysophobia? Will Chloe succeed in winning over Bitter Bark?
Shane is such a charming and flirtatious fellow. His laid back and fun-loving nature shields the festering anguish he feels over his mother’s passing. I like how understanding and patient Shane is once he learns the reasons behind Chloe’s phobia. Instead of mocking her, Shane uses his love of challenges and dislike of losing to help her break past her germaphobia issues. However, what I adore the most about him is his unwavering defense of the Pit Bull breed. Shane strives to educate the public on the breed and change their set preconceptions on them.
Chloe is such a great role model for anyone debilitated by phobias. She is aware of her handicaps and Chloe proves with the correct mindset and help, it is possible to beat those fears. I admire her readiness to push through her phobic obstacles instead of allowing them to mandate her life. I like Chloe’s willingness to use her skill-set to aid her aunt in accomplishing her late husband’s dream for Bitter Bark. But what I like the most about Chloe is how she involuntarily helped Shane let go of his bottled anguish over his mother’s passing and move forward.
NEW LEASH ON LIFE is book two in Roxanne St. Claire’s contemporary series, THE DOGFATHER. I love how Daisy, the rescue dog, is beneficial to Shane and Chloe growing together. I believe even dogs deserve a happy ending also.
NEW LEASH ON LIFE is a sweet and endearing story of two people overcoming their handicaps to find love and happiness with each other. I enjoyed reading this charming book while snuggled up with my dogs. I cannot wait to learn which dog breed will lead the next Killcannon to his or her happily ever after.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
May 17, 2017
New Leash on Life is the second book in Roxanne St. Claire's wonderful new Dogfather series. I loved that Shane Kilcannon was the second sibling to get his story. Shane Kilcannon and Chloe Somerset are pretty much as different as night and day. He works as a dog trainer, and doesn't care about getting dirty on the job. Chloe is a marketing expert who seriously hates to have a hair out of place. However, those differences made me absolutely love them as a couple long before they actually became one.
Neither Shane nor Chloe are looking for anything more than a temporary arrangement, as Chloe is only in Bitter Bark to help her aunt, who is the mayor, find a great marketing plan to put Bitter Bark on the map. Shane isn't looking for more than a temporary arrangement because he doesn't believe in love lasting forever. Both Shane and Chloe have issues from their past that color their present. I have to say I found Chloe stepping outside of her comfort zone way faster than I expected when we first met her. I have to say I was pretty shocked when she agreed to dog sit Daisy, but loved watching her truly fall in love with a pet and get past her need to always be perfectly put together.
Shane was very instrumental in getting Chloe to get past so many of her issues, and I loved the more time they spent together, the more they both wanted to be together. Shane and Chloe's chemistry was pretty obvious from their first kiss the day they met, and it only grew the more time they spent together. I fell in love with them as a couple right along with each of them.
I also love that Shane's dad Daniel made an appearance once again. I love the wisdom he shares with his children when it comes to both life and love. I honestly love getting to spend time with the entire Kilcannon clan, but Daniel has wormed his way into a special place in my heart pretty quickly. Gramma Finnie and her humor add to each experience with the Kilcannon's, and honestly makes me want to spend time with this family.
New Leash On Life was a wonderful addition to the Dogfather series. It was filled with all the emotions one expects from a romance but to the next level. Rocki gives her readers a story filled with love and laughter that makes you want to read this story over and over again.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Neither Shane nor Chloe are looking for anything more than a temporary arrangement, as Chloe is only in Bitter Bark to help her aunt, who is the mayor, find a great marketing plan to put Bitter Bark on the map. Shane isn't looking for more than a temporary arrangement because he doesn't believe in love lasting forever. Both Shane and Chloe have issues from their past that color their present. I have to say I found Chloe stepping outside of her comfort zone way faster than I expected when we first met her. I have to say I was pretty shocked when she agreed to dog sit Daisy, but loved watching her truly fall in love with a pet and get past her need to always be perfectly put together.
Shane was very instrumental in getting Chloe to get past so many of her issues, and I loved the more time they spent together, the more they both wanted to be together. Shane and Chloe's chemistry was pretty obvious from their first kiss the day they met, and it only grew the more time they spent together. I fell in love with them as a couple right along with each of them.
I also love that Shane's dad Daniel made an appearance once again. I love the wisdom he shares with his children when it comes to both life and love. I honestly love getting to spend time with the entire Kilcannon clan, but Daniel has wormed his way into a special place in my heart pretty quickly. Gramma Finnie and her humor add to each experience with the Kilcannon's, and honestly makes me want to spend time with this family.
New Leash On Life was a wonderful addition to the Dogfather series. It was filled with all the emotions one expects from a romance but to the next level. Rocki gives her readers a story filled with love and laughter that makes you want to read this story over and over again.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
May 18, 2017
Another wonderful story that tugged at my heartstrings, New Leash on Life by Roxanne St.Claire. Again a perfect title for this wonderful and emotional story, but it doesn’t quite describe what you might expect. This is the second book in her Dogfather series but each book is a stand long read.
This is Shane Kilcannon and Chloe Somerset’s story. Shane is the second eldest and a lawyer who has become a dog trainer and advocate for pit bulls. He tries to inform the public that the dogs are lovable and those who are “mean” were raised that way by their owners. Chloe, a marketing genius and niece of Bitter Bark’s mayor, is in town to help her aunt create a plan to bring more tourists to the small town. Chloe had a rough upbringing with a mother who was a hoarder. To compensate, she is OCD-like about being clean and in control. Shane is determined to shake up Chloe’s life and have her experience new things. As a favor to Shane, Chloe temporarily watches Daisy, a pit bull, whose owner broke her leg. Not being a dog lover, this is a challenge for her, but then, challenges of all sorts will confront Chloe as she tries to change things around town. Shane does not like to lose, so he is in this fight along with Chloe to win. The question is what or who is he hoping to win. I loved the description throughout the book of Chloe taking Daisy around town as part of her campaign to win over the residents to her idea.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. St. Claire did an excellent job keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. The story line was riveting and the characters had real, everyday problems. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is Shane Kilcannon and Chloe Somerset’s story. Shane is the second eldest and a lawyer who has become a dog trainer and advocate for pit bulls. He tries to inform the public that the dogs are lovable and those who are “mean” were raised that way by their owners. Chloe, a marketing genius and niece of Bitter Bark’s mayor, is in town to help her aunt create a plan to bring more tourists to the small town. Chloe had a rough upbringing with a mother who was a hoarder. To compensate, she is OCD-like about being clean and in control. Shane is determined to shake up Chloe’s life and have her experience new things. As a favor to Shane, Chloe temporarily watches Daisy, a pit bull, whose owner broke her leg. Not being a dog lover, this is a challenge for her, but then, challenges of all sorts will confront Chloe as she tries to change things around town. Shane does not like to lose, so he is in this fight along with Chloe to win. The question is what or who is he hoping to win. I loved the description throughout the book of Chloe taking Daisy around town as part of her campaign to win over the residents to her idea.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. St. Claire did an excellent job keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. The story line was riveting and the characters had real, everyday problems. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 19, 2017
Roxanne St. Claire has written another heartwarming story centered around Waterford Farms, a canine training and rescue facility run by the Kilcannon family.
Shane Kilcannon gave up practicing as an attorney to come home and join the family business. He has a soft spot in his heart for Staffordshire Terriers and spends most of his day training and playing with the dogs on the farm.
Chloe Somerset has been asked by her aunt to help raise the awareness of the town of Bitter Bark as a tourist attraction. She comes up with a great idea but meets with resistance from the town. The idea Chloe has for the town’s new image involves the rescue center and because of that, Shane is very much a part of the plan. Chloe encounters him for the first time in an unexpected way and sparks fly… when they meet each other again, those sparks are still there.
Chloe’s past has left her with an aversion to dirt and to messes and untidiness so being around dogs is a challenge for her. But a sweet puppy named Daisy and Shane set out to break down that obstacle.
As with many of Roxanne’s books, there is a bit of suspense and mystery woven into this book. It is well written and definitely adds to the storyline.
A New Leash on Life is a touching story of how love can break down barriers and open our hearts to new adventures. The book truly lives up to the title!
Shane Kilcannon gave up practicing as an attorney to come home and join the family business. He has a soft spot in his heart for Staffordshire Terriers and spends most of his day training and playing with the dogs on the farm.
Chloe Somerset has been asked by her aunt to help raise the awareness of the town of Bitter Bark as a tourist attraction. She comes up with a great idea but meets with resistance from the town. The idea Chloe has for the town’s new image involves the rescue center and because of that, Shane is very much a part of the plan. Chloe encounters him for the first time in an unexpected way and sparks fly… when they meet each other again, those sparks are still there.
Chloe’s past has left her with an aversion to dirt and to messes and untidiness so being around dogs is a challenge for her. But a sweet puppy named Daisy and Shane set out to break down that obstacle.
As with many of Roxanne’s books, there is a bit of suspense and mystery woven into this book. It is well written and definitely adds to the storyline.
A New Leash on Life is a touching story of how love can break down barriers and open our hearts to new adventures. The book truly lives up to the title!
July 12, 2017
Book 2 in the Dogfather series starts out with Chloe Somerset coming to town to help out her Aunt Blanche who is the Mayor. The town needs a makeover to bring in the tourists. Her name change idea is brilliant for some people. Others not so much. Shane Kilcannon is a lawyer and one of the family dog whisperers. He's attracted to Chloe from the first time he meets her but he's not a love em and keep em type of guy. Doesn't meet he doesn't want to be a love em for right now type of guy. He's got a couple of hang ups from his mother passing away. Chloe on the other hand has some hang ups of her own from growing up with a mother who was a hoarder. After Shane give Chloe a dog to take care of they decide to join forces and show the town that a name change to Better bark is a good idea and the town can be pet friendly for tourists. While some things they do go really well someone is not on their side and sets out to sabotage the whole thing. Love watching Chloe and Shane help each other. They don't even realize it most of the time that they are healing each other. I just LOVE the Kilcannon family. Only on book two of this series so far and i want to read whatever comes next and i want to read it now. I hope the series can live up to these first two books because i am hooked!
May 19, 2017
Let me start out by saying how much I loved this book!!! Shane is one of the Kilcannon's that run the Waterford Farm and trains the dogs. Since his mother's death 3 years prior, he has been all about the hook ups, not the forever kind of love. Losing his mom was hard enough and he hasn't quite gotten over it. Enter Chloe...
Chloe is called to Bitter Bark, NC to help her aunt (the mayor) put Bitter Bark on the map and start making money for the town. The town needed some desperate help. In need of a drink to think up some ideas, she goes to the local bar where she sees a sweaty, dirty gorgeous man who is helping in the bar. Chloe has issues with filth and uncleanliness that stems from a rough childhood. But she could overlook that now bc he was really hot! After talking with the sexy stranger, she got the idea she needed to jumpstart the town...
On a mission to help her aunt, Chloe sets out to turn the town into Better Bark. Throw in a sexy man who likes to get dirty, an amazing dog, a little vandalism and grandma Finnie's old proverbs and you will not want to put this book down for a minute, I know I didn't. I can't wait for the rest of these books to come out. Thank you Rocki for an amazing book about breaking down walls, trusting, forgiveness and most of all true love!
May 13, 2017
This second book in the series is a hit. Shane is the member of the Kilcannon family featured in this book. He gave up his life as a lawyer to come back and work with the family in their dog training/rescue facility. His passion is changing the world's perception of dogs clumped in the group of pit bulls. That is until Chloe comes to town. He's got some passionate feelings for the uptight, gotta be super clean woman who has come to help her aunt save the town of Bitter Bark by creating new interest by toting it as the most dog friendly town ever of "Better Bark".
Shane has a secret he's been keeping from everyone and it's eating at his soul. It involves his dearly loved, now deceased mother. Chloe might be the only one who can help him deal with it and move on from the haunting memory. Chloe has been molded by the bizarre actions of her mother. She knows that's why she wants to be in control of everything around her, but she can't seem to break the hold it has on her. Shane is determine to get down and dirty with Miss Chloe and loosen the need for control. The first step--get her to take a dog. Get her to let the dog lick her face, sleep in her bed and become one of her best friends. Even if she does, there's a catch--she has to give the dog back to it's owner. Will she have to leave Shane behind, too?
Ms. St. Claire has written another book that delves into the impact the past has on lives, but she has tempered the deep, emotional chaos with dog licks and belly rubs to come up with a howling good book. I loved it!
Shane has a secret he's been keeping from everyone and it's eating at his soul. It involves his dearly loved, now deceased mother. Chloe might be the only one who can help him deal with it and move on from the haunting memory. Chloe has been molded by the bizarre actions of her mother. She knows that's why she wants to be in control of everything around her, but she can't seem to break the hold it has on her. Shane is determine to get down and dirty with Miss Chloe and loosen the need for control. The first step--get her to take a dog. Get her to let the dog lick her face, sleep in her bed and become one of her best friends. Even if she does, there's a catch--she has to give the dog back to it's owner. Will she have to leave Shane behind, too?
Ms. St. Claire has written another book that delves into the impact the past has on lives, but she has tempered the deep, emotional chaos with dog licks and belly rubs to come up with a howling good book. I loved it!
July 8, 2019
“I believe dogs have souls,” he said. “Because they have feelings. Shame, anger, love. Lots of love.” He leaned a little closer. “They need love more than anything.”
If you're a dog lover you'll enjoy this series. This particular book focuses on a human romance as well as the human love and bonding over a particular pit bull or "staffy" to be breed specific. For those that share the love of this breed and don't like the bad rap these dogs get, there's a VERY strong message here about how its not the dog but how they've been trained. The author goes above and beyond to portray the sweetness and loyalty of this breed.
If you're pit bull shy (and I am, having been the victim of an unprovoked attack) this will give you some thoughts to ponder. Did it convince me not to be leery/anxious around them? Nah, self preservation. But the author's voice is clear, putting more emphasis on the owner rather than the breed.
Just another day in Bitter Bark, USA....another dog adopted and another happy couple with an HEA. 3.5 stars.
If you're a dog lover you'll enjoy this series. This particular book focuses on a human romance as well as the human love and bonding over a particular pit bull or "staffy" to be breed specific. For those that share the love of this breed and don't like the bad rap these dogs get, there's a VERY strong message here about how its not the dog but how they've been trained. The author goes above and beyond to portray the sweetness and loyalty of this breed.
If you're pit bull shy (and I am, having been the victim of an unprovoked attack) this will give you some thoughts to ponder. Did it convince me not to be leery/anxious around them? Nah, self preservation. But the author's voice is clear, putting more emphasis on the owner rather than the breed.
Just another day in Bitter Bark, USA....another dog adopted and another happy couple with an HEA. 3.5 stars.
May 19, 2017
New Leash on Life will take you through every possible emotion as you eagerly devour every word on every page. Chloe is a person who likes everything in its place, and everything neat and tidy as a result of how she grew up. The last thing she wants in her life is a dog, or a man. She's about to get both and soon she won't be able to imagine her life without them both.
When Shane runs into Chloe in town by chance he goes out of his way to make sure that chance meeting isn't their last encounter...or their last kiss! Chloe's plan to turn Bitter Bark into the destination for families vacationing with their dogs he knows he's got to turn her into a dog lover, and loving him will hopefully come second.
The real star of New Leash on Life is Daisy though, and her kisses are a game changer for Chloe. You'll have to read to find out more about that! ;)
When Shane runs into Chloe in town by chance he goes out of his way to make sure that chance meeting isn't their last encounter...or their last kiss! Chloe's plan to turn Bitter Bark into the destination for families vacationing with their dogs he knows he's got to turn her into a dog lover, and loving him will hopefully come second.
The real star of New Leash on Life is Daisy though, and her kisses are a game changer for Chloe. You'll have to read to find out more about that! ;)
May 19, 2017
New Leash on Life is such a perfect title for this book. Not only does it shed light on what great animals Staffordshire Terriers can be and why they should be given a chance to find loving homes, it also shows two people growing and learning about themselves to the point that they are not only willing to give each other a chance, but more importantly give themselves a chance at a new life filled with love and happiness. It’s hard not to fall in love with Daisy, the dog that brings Shane and Chloe together, as well as unites a whole town. This is the second book in the Dogfather series and Roxanne St. Claire doesn’t fail to give us two characters that you’d love to meet in real life. Chloe’s career as a tourism developer fits in perfect with the town of Bitter Bark, North Carolina. The secondary characters are interesting and bring the town to life. A fun book to read.
May 19, 2017
Chloe Somerset has come to town to help her aunt, the mayor of Bitter Bark. She wants her to come up with ideas to attract tourists to the town. Shane Kilcannon, ex lawyer, is now working for Waterford Farms, an elite canine rescue and training facility. Shane's Father has asked him to work with Chloe. Shane agrees, but there are conditions.
This is a delightful romance with a dash of humor thrown in. This is the 2nd book in the series. I highly recommend the first but this book could be read on its own. You will grow to love Chloe and Shane and won't be able to help rooting for them. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is a delightful romance with a dash of humor thrown in. This is the 2nd book in the series. I highly recommend the first but this book could be read on its own. You will grow to love Chloe and Shane and won't be able to help rooting for them. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 19, 2017
This book is definitely a winner. It is the 2nd in the Dogfather series and is Shane and Chloe's story. I love the entire Kilcannon family and their dynamics; it is so nice to find a family that can work together and be so supportive. Shane is still dealing with the death of his mother and being thrown together with Chloe is just what he needs.He pushes her beyond her germaphobic boundaries in such a good way. All the rescue dogs are great and to highlight the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull family is wonderful, they are so misunderstood by so many. All in all, I loved New Leash on Life and am excited about continuing the series.
May 19, 2017
Ms. St. Claire has a triple threat on her hands. Sexy hero, feisty heroine and adorable scene stealing cuddlers make for a tasty and endearing treasure. A mischievous dog and a sleepy little town have a bit of matchmaking on the agenda. New Leash On Life is a combination of cute and tempting. Shane is a wet dream come to life. Easy on the eyes, fatal to the heart. His sensitive side shines through with every rescue dog he saves. Chloe craves love but repeatedly experiences heartache. When work lands her in small town USA, she finds she may have bitten off more than she intended.
August 30, 2017
It was fun to read this book. I loved seeing Chloe go from a germaphobe who was a bit stuck up to being someone who fell in love for dogs and realized that dirt has it's place in a person's life. As much as I liked seeing Chloe fall for Shane, her falling for Daisy was even better. The story line with the town and what to do to get tourist was slightly interesting. I liked Chloe's idea, thought it was a unique idea that had the potential to bring lots of people to town. I was glad to see how things ended on all fronts.
May 17, 2017
4.5 stars
This is such a fantastic and sweet book! I loved everything about it. The main couple, Chloe and Shane are the sweetest thing together; it touched me how he dealt with Chloe's obsession with cleanliness, almost a germphobia. Also, it was endearing how Chloe started loosening up and I admired her ideas to develop tourism in the small town of Bitter Bark.
As happened with book 1, the star in this book is from the four-legged variety, Daisy, a lovely and sweet dog that melted my heart. Oh, how she made me wish she was mine!
Can't wait for the next book, Liam promises to be a great hero.
This is such a fantastic and sweet book! I loved everything about it. The main couple, Chloe and Shane are the sweetest thing together; it touched me how he dealt with Chloe's obsession with cleanliness, almost a germphobia. Also, it was endearing how Chloe started loosening up and I admired her ideas to develop tourism in the small town of Bitter Bark.
As happened with book 1, the star in this book is from the four-legged variety, Daisy, a lovely and sweet dog that melted my heart. Oh, how she made me wish she was mine!
Can't wait for the next book, Liam promises to be a great hero.
May 19, 2017
Chloe has come to Bitter Bark to help her aunt get the tourism up. While trying to think of a good idea she meets Shane and with his help comes up with a name change and a big idea. Shane only knows Chloe’s first name and that she is from Miami, yet he can’t get her out of his head. When his father starts trying to get his brother on the tourism council, Shane takes the opportunity to see Chloe again. Not everyone in town is happy with Chloe’s idea, but Shane thinks a good way to change people’s minds is to have a dog with her. And he knows just the dog.
I have fallen in love with the Kilcannon family. These books are quickly becoming my new favorites. I can’t wait for the next one and Liam’s story.
I have fallen in love with the Kilcannon family. These books are quickly becoming my new favorites. I can’t wait for the next one and Liam’s story.
April 28, 2018
Wonderful
Loved this book! The story line, about a perfectionist and a cocky, but sexy, protagonist, was very good. I especially liked the pit bull character and the information about the breed. I own a pit bull, who is a loving, gentle, smart and lovable dog.
Loved this book! The story line, about a perfectionist and a cocky, but sexy, protagonist, was very good. I especially liked the pit bull character and the information about the breed. I own a pit bull, who is a loving, gentle, smart and lovable dog.
February 3, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
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.
The first book, Sit, Stay Beg is still available as a Kindle freebie. I have bought some of the others and now they seem to be somewhat available at one of my libraries. I would read these in order since the close family dynamic means you will see previous couples in the next ones.
The blurb will give you the basics on Shane and Chloe. They are smart, caring and compassionate people. Chloe comes up with a brilliant plan to market the town and makes some good friends including Shane. They are attracted and get to sexy times pretty quickly. * Fans self* They end up spending a lot of time together and develop more of a relationship. Chloe doesn't live here and Shane has never really wanted an actual relationship. I enjoyed watching them work through the past issues to grow personally. I'll definitely continue to the next, Leader of the Pack.
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
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.
The first book, Sit, Stay Beg is still available as a Kindle freebie. I have bought some of the others and now they seem to be somewhat available at one of my libraries. I would read these in order since the close family dynamic means you will see previous couples in the next ones.
The blurb will give you the basics on Shane and Chloe. They are smart, caring and compassionate people. Chloe comes up with a brilliant plan to market the town and makes some good friends including Shane. They are attracted and get to sexy times pretty quickly. * Fans self* They end up spending a lot of time together and develop more of a relationship. Chloe doesn't live here and Shane has never really wanted an actual relationship. I enjoyed watching them work through the past issues to grow personally. I'll definitely continue to the next, Leader of the Pack.
June 23, 2019
Cute. I liked Chloe and Shane's transformations. The whole town tourism idea was pretty neat, and added an interesting aspect to the story. I'm not much of a dog person so I could relate to some of Chloe's initial feelings. But even I warmed up to the doggies. Great series.
May 19, 2017
Wow! I am loving this series and book 2 is just as good as book 1. Being a dog lover, I really enjoy the dog characters. I love the Kilcannon family relationship, the heartache and barriers that Chloe and Shane worked through to get to their happily ever after. Great story!!
May 26, 2017
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I like Shane and Chloe as individuals and as a couple, but I must admit Daisy was my favorite character. I eagerly await Liam and Andi and Jag's story.
May 10, 2017
I am really liking this series. The Kilcannon family is so likeable and the dogs are great. Shane is having a hard time dealing with his mom's death. When he runs into Cloe, he is immediately intrigued. Cloe feels an instant attraction to Shane, but she doesn't stay in one place long enough for a relationship. As they get to know each other, they both are changing their minds on a few things. Will it be enough for her to stay in Bitter Bark?
July 7, 2017
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless
I absolutely love The Dogfather series – and this is only the second book, we’ve a lot to go yet. New Leash on Life is a delightful romance, but don’t be fooled by the “romance” part of this sentence. Shane and Chloe’s romance has so much depth and delving into some truly serious issues that this story goes way beyond a fun, lighthearted romance. I believe that once you finish their story you’ll have a change of heart toward some preconceived ideas about the subjects that play a huge part of this story.
Chloe had an unusual upbringing. As an adult she has very strict rules and regimens for her life that she rarely, if ever, deviates from. Coming to Bitter Bark, North Carolina to help her aunt, the mayor of this small town, with tourism ideas to bring in more revenue to the town will have life changing effects on many people… especially Chloe. She will step outside of her comfort zone in so many, wonderful ways – and discover a life that she never envisioned for herself through the eyes of one sexy dog whisperer – and one adorable, if constantly giving sloppy kisses, dog.
Shane never, ever intends to settle down to the “married bliss” that so many people believe is a natural state. No. He’s seen firsthand what losing the love of someone’s life does and he wants no part of that. Oh, he’s not against having a light hearted fling, but always with an expiration date. Always. Until he met Chloe, an uptight, rules driven non-dog lover who captures his interest. So she has issues and barriers – he’s the man to help her break them down and have some fun. Short-term romance, yeah, he can do that. But what happens when that short-term starts to feel like a much longer wished for commitment – he can run or face his demons, especially if he wants to keep this woman in his life.
New Leash on Life brought me tears, laughter, contentment and a very enjoyable visit to this small town community. I loved Shane and his wacky, crazy, close knit family. And we meet up with everyone a little bit in his story. Chloe is a wounded soul who need desperately to open up and let the past go. Watching her come alive was pure enjoyment. And Daisy. Oh, that lovable pup will be changing some minds about her breed. Remember, it’s how the dog is trained that makes them “bad”, not the breed. A lesson we should all learn.
So, I loved it. I recommend it. And I’m going to dive into the next story as soon as I can. If you love realistic romances with believable plots and characters then New Leash on Life and The Dogfather series is a perfect match for you.
I absolutely love The Dogfather series – and this is only the second book, we’ve a lot to go yet. New Leash on Life is a delightful romance, but don’t be fooled by the “romance” part of this sentence. Shane and Chloe’s romance has so much depth and delving into some truly serious issues that this story goes way beyond a fun, lighthearted romance. I believe that once you finish their story you’ll have a change of heart toward some preconceived ideas about the subjects that play a huge part of this story.
Chloe had an unusual upbringing. As an adult she has very strict rules and regimens for her life that she rarely, if ever, deviates from. Coming to Bitter Bark, North Carolina to help her aunt, the mayor of this small town, with tourism ideas to bring in more revenue to the town will have life changing effects on many people… especially Chloe. She will step outside of her comfort zone in so many, wonderful ways – and discover a life that she never envisioned for herself through the eyes of one sexy dog whisperer – and one adorable, if constantly giving sloppy kisses, dog.
Shane never, ever intends to settle down to the “married bliss” that so many people believe is a natural state. No. He’s seen firsthand what losing the love of someone’s life does and he wants no part of that. Oh, he’s not against having a light hearted fling, but always with an expiration date. Always. Until he met Chloe, an uptight, rules driven non-dog lover who captures his interest. So she has issues and barriers – he’s the man to help her break them down and have some fun. Short-term romance, yeah, he can do that. But what happens when that short-term starts to feel like a much longer wished for commitment – he can run or face his demons, especially if he wants to keep this woman in his life.
New Leash on Life brought me tears, laughter, contentment and a very enjoyable visit to this small town community. I loved Shane and his wacky, crazy, close knit family. And we meet up with everyone a little bit in his story. Chloe is a wounded soul who need desperately to open up and let the past go. Watching her come alive was pure enjoyment. And Daisy. Oh, that lovable pup will be changing some minds about her breed. Remember, it’s how the dog is trained that makes them “bad”, not the breed. A lesson we should all learn.
So, I loved it. I recommend it. And I’m going to dive into the next story as soon as I can. If you love realistic romances with believable plots and characters then New Leash on Life and The Dogfather series is a perfect match for you.
May 20, 2017
I was so excited to dig into the second book in The Dogfather series, New Leash On Life taking us back into the lives of the always entertaining Kilcannon Clan and featuring the quaint little town of Bitter Bark, North Carolina, with some interesting characters of their own.
I wasn't sure who was more of the heroine - Chloe Somerset or Daisy, the beloved Staffie. They both steal your heart in this book! There's also so much to love about the former corporate attorney, Shane Kilcannon, and second oldest of the Clan, it takes two heroines to keep up with the "hero" in this contemporary romance with a delicious plot twist near the end!
Chloe Somerset is a beautiful and highly successful, professional tourism consultant offering her services pro bono to her aunt/godmother who happens to also be the Mayor of Bitter Bark and her only remaining family member whom she dearly loves.
The tourism committee would like to be the next Asheville and increase the flow of tourists to their lovely town. However, not all of the small town's residents are thrilled with Chloe's ideas for change.
Chloe comes upon her brilliant idea for change by a chance meeting with the stunningly handsome Shane Kilcannon. He makes a deal with her to help her win over the town with the aid of a four-legged partner, Daisy, with his help of course, as a world-class trainer and dog whisperer. Chloe, having no experience with dogs and never having even petted one in her entire life, while also being extremely clean, tidy and afraid of germs, accepts this challenge due to her deep-seated desire to break down her own personal barriers and be able to spend more time with Shane.
Shane seizes the opportunity to get closer to the gorgeous Chloe and also to help out with his temporary boarder, Daisy, who needs love and attention during the day. It's a win-win in his book and Shane never loses.
However, will Shane be able to break down the biggest barrier of all? Will they get their forever love?
So many unforgettable moments in this book! You'll find yourself laughing, cheering, crying, possibly screaming and definitely glad you picked this one up!
I wasn't sure who was more of the heroine - Chloe Somerset or Daisy, the beloved Staffie. They both steal your heart in this book! There's also so much to love about the former corporate attorney, Shane Kilcannon, and second oldest of the Clan, it takes two heroines to keep up with the "hero" in this contemporary romance with a delicious plot twist near the end!
Chloe Somerset is a beautiful and highly successful, professional tourism consultant offering her services pro bono to her aunt/godmother who happens to also be the Mayor of Bitter Bark and her only remaining family member whom she dearly loves.
The tourism committee would like to be the next Asheville and increase the flow of tourists to their lovely town. However, not all of the small town's residents are thrilled with Chloe's ideas for change.
Chloe comes upon her brilliant idea for change by a chance meeting with the stunningly handsome Shane Kilcannon. He makes a deal with her to help her win over the town with the aid of a four-legged partner, Daisy, with his help of course, as a world-class trainer and dog whisperer. Chloe, having no experience with dogs and never having even petted one in her entire life, while also being extremely clean, tidy and afraid of germs, accepts this challenge due to her deep-seated desire to break down her own personal barriers and be able to spend more time with Shane.
Shane seizes the opportunity to get closer to the gorgeous Chloe and also to help out with his temporary boarder, Daisy, who needs love and attention during the day. It's a win-win in his book and Shane never loses.
However, will Shane be able to break down the biggest barrier of all? Will they get their forever love?
So many unforgettable moments in this book! You'll find yourself laughing, cheering, crying, possibly screaming and definitely glad you picked this one up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews