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Fur Haven Dog Park #1
Cold Nose, Warm Heart
A poodle, a black lab and a Chihuahua walk into a dog park...
All Caleb Donovan has to do to redeem his family name is take a rundown Miami Beach apartment building and turn it into luxury condos. Easy, right?
Unfortunately, that would also turn the local dog park into a parking lot and the neighbors aren't having it. Caleb is faced with outright revolt, led by smart, beautiful building manager Riley Carson and her poodle, LouLou.
For Caleb, this project should have been a slam dunk. But even more challenging than the neighborhood resistance is the mutual attraction between him and Riley. It would be so much easier just to stay enemies.
Can Riley and her canine sidekick convince Caleb that what's best for business isn't always best for the heart?
All Caleb Donovan has to do to redeem his family name is take a rundown Miami Beach apartment building and turn it into luxury condos. Easy, right?
Unfortunately, that would also turn the local dog park into a parking lot and the neighbors aren't having it. Caleb is faced with outright revolt, led by smart, beautiful building manager Riley Carson and her poodle, LouLou.
For Caleb, this project should have been a slam dunk. But even more challenging than the neighborhood resistance is the mutual attraction between him and Riley. It would be so much easier just to stay enemies.
Can Riley and her canine sidekick convince Caleb that what's best for business isn't always best for the heart?
350 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 28, 2020
210 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
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September 14, 2022
Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells
Fur Haven Dog Park series #1. Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Caleb has been tasked with renovating one of the only properties left after the family’s public real estates failures. He finds a run-down building in need of repairs and updating. Renovating means current residents will be displaced and Riley, the building manager will do whatever she can to help the elderly friends, family and pets being evicted.
Canine friends and the local dog park are the key to softening up that ambitious developer.
Caleb bears the brunt of lost family and I felt bad for him multiple times as he repeatedly reaches out only to be rebuffed. Mara is shouldering a lot of responsibility for the building elderly. She obviously has a tender heart. And you gotta love the old lady with secrets, and apparently power! Cute dogs antics add humor and often steal the spotlights.
In whole, an appealing romance. I will put the rest of this series on my tbr.
Fur Haven Dog Park series #1. Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Caleb has been tasked with renovating one of the only properties left after the family’s public real estates failures. He finds a run-down building in need of repairs and updating. Renovating means current residents will be displaced and Riley, the building manager will do whatever she can to help the elderly friends, family and pets being evicted.
Canine friends and the local dog park are the key to softening up that ambitious developer.
Caleb bears the brunt of lost family and I felt bad for him multiple times as he repeatedly reaches out only to be rebuffed. Mara is shouldering a lot of responsibility for the building elderly. She obviously has a tender heart. And you gotta love the old lady with secrets, and apparently power! Cute dogs antics add humor and often steal the spotlights.
In whole, an appealing romance. I will put the rest of this series on my tbr.
January 7, 2020
COLD NOSE, WARM HEART by Mara Wells is a cute, comedic romance easily read in just a few hours for a quick escape from reality. Kind of fluffy and quirky, not real in-depth, it is the story of opposing forces, old heartaches and new beginnings that will leave readers smiling.
Business and the almighty dollar versus the lives of a group of senior residents and their pets as well as the sentimentalities of the unqualified handywoman, toss in a budding attraction from the enemy and this one is cute, although not so much about animals as I thought!
A quick read, predictable, but entertaining!
Series: Fur Haven Dog Park - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 28, 2020)
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Business and the almighty dollar versus the lives of a group of senior residents and their pets as well as the sentimentalities of the unqualified handywoman, toss in a budding attraction from the enemy and this one is cute, although not so much about animals as I thought!
A quick read, predictable, but entertaining!
Series: Fur Haven Dog Park - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 28, 2020)
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 24, 2019
I'm a sucker for any book that involves dogs...and this one involves MANY dogs! Probably because there is a dog park located near the apartment building that brings out all of the dogs in the neighborhood and is quite the community gathering space. Of course, I use the term dog park loosely as it is a fenced area that people squeeze through a gap to enter. But it is definitely a gathering space.
Caleb and Riley are friendly rivals once the truth is out about who Caleb is and why he is at The Dorothy that Riley manages. As in a romance novel, there are the ups and downs in their relationship, starting as friends, becoming slight enemies, resolving their differences and finding happiness together.
I appreciated how the community came together when The Dorothy was in trouble and everyone offered their assistance for free to save this iconic building. Sure it was dilapidated but it had charm. Even a crotchety old man can be taught new tricks and that it does not have to be a dog eat dog world.
Caleb and Riley are friendly rivals once the truth is out about who Caleb is and why he is at The Dorothy that Riley manages. As in a romance novel, there are the ups and downs in their relationship, starting as friends, becoming slight enemies, resolving their differences and finding happiness together.
I appreciated how the community came together when The Dorothy was in trouble and everyone offered their assistance for free to save this iconic building. Sure it was dilapidated but it had charm. Even a crotchety old man can be taught new tricks and that it does not have to be a dog eat dog world.
February 6, 2020
Take a run-down building next to a dog park, a VERY busy dog park that has become THE place in the community, an idea for redevelopment of the run down building and two people who can’t quite decide if they are attracted or repelled by their own different agendas and you get this. With plenty of tug toys, character, cute dogs and an issue for the doggie community (the two-leggers not the four) to rally around. Because the rundown Miami Beach apartment building is the PERFECT location for new, updated, luxurious condos. It’s just that Caleb’s plans mean the Fur Haven Dog Park will be no more. He’s only got to get people to see what he can bring to the table when he works, or so he hopes, hand in hand with the building manager Riley.
This was cute – particularly for the outrage on Riley’s part (along with the others who bring dogs to play at the ‘park’ regularly. She and Caleb are really well matched and could be really good together – if he weren’t planning on paving over the park. Although “refurbishing” the apartments would be plausible – if not quite as lucrative as condos, there’s still plenty that Caleb has to work through to see what is possible. Clever for the community (people and dogs) who add personality and voice to first their protests, then their skills – to reach a conclusion that will suit everyone.
A quick read that lacked much of the development between Caleb and Riley that I was hoping for – there wasn’t really anything that “wrong” here – it just didn’t feel as if their relationship had a real foundation. And the friends to enemies to lovers vibe that I think formed the plot points never really felt as if they were solidly meant to be there – it went quickly and that lack of build up kept the emotions pent up and not very accessible. It was cute and surprisingly low-angst despite the community resistance and involvement – and the dogs were cute, but never really jumped up to beg for time in the story. I think that if you want a quick escape read – this is it.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
This was cute – particularly for the outrage on Riley’s part (along with the others who bring dogs to play at the ‘park’ regularly. She and Caleb are really well matched and could be really good together – if he weren’t planning on paving over the park. Although “refurbishing” the apartments would be plausible – if not quite as lucrative as condos, there’s still plenty that Caleb has to work through to see what is possible. Clever for the community (people and dogs) who add personality and voice to first their protests, then their skills – to reach a conclusion that will suit everyone.
A quick read that lacked much of the development between Caleb and Riley that I was hoping for – there wasn’t really anything that “wrong” here – it just didn’t feel as if their relationship had a real foundation. And the friends to enemies to lovers vibe that I think formed the plot points never really felt as if they were solidly meant to be there – it went quickly and that lack of build up kept the emotions pent up and not very accessible. It was cute and surprisingly low-angst despite the community resistance and involvement – and the dogs were cute, but never really jumped up to beg for time in the story. I think that if you want a quick escape read – this is it.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 6, 2020
Review to post soon.
February 6, 2020
✦Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: COLD NOSE, WARM HEART by Mara Wells https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bp6
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
This is a sweet debut novel by Ms. Wells, full of quirky characters, both human and animal. I enjoyed how the author wove this diverse group of people into a community that fit together perfectly. Riley could have easily sunk into bitch-mode under the circumstances, but luckily, she remained likeable and Caleb’s attraction was believable. I also appreciate that Caleb was written with all his emotional layers on display while he worked through his past and present obstacles. I liked them both and happily watched them work through the issues surrounding them. This romance had family drama, frustrations, humor and love. It was a pleasure to read.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2Gpm5nl
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
This is a sweet debut novel by Ms. Wells, full of quirky characters, both human and animal. I enjoyed how the author wove this diverse group of people into a community that fit together perfectly. Riley could have easily sunk into bitch-mode under the circumstances, but luckily, she remained likeable and Caleb’s attraction was believable. I also appreciate that Caleb was written with all his emotional layers on display while he worked through his past and present obstacles. I liked them both and happily watched them work through the issues surrounding them. This romance had family drama, frustrations, humor and love. It was a pleasure to read.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2Gpm5nl
January 28, 2020
Tasked by his grandfather with taking an older building called the Dorothy and converting it into money-making condos, Caleb comes up against a force called Riley and it was game on! Caleb came from money but when his dad lost everything, including the family business, Caleb lost his investments as well and had to learn to pinch pennies. He has a better grasp of living in the real world, just not so much when it comes to the family business expectations. He still follows family dictates instead of trusting his own instincts. He’s full of doubt and hesitation, constantly questioning his decisions on what is the right thing to do. Alpha he was not, however, he was sweet, a little misguided, and charming, but what I enjoyed most about him was how much he grew into his own.
Riley is colorful and lively, yet sort of floating through life. After losing her job as hotel assistant, she takes over as building manger to the Dorothy where she spent her childhood and where her grandmother still lives. She’s learned to do repairs with DIY tutorials and has come to love the tenants and their furbabies in the time she’s lived there, even getting a pet of her own. Riley is resourceful and loyal, but lacks confidence in really going after what she wants. Possibly losing the her home spurs her in to action, and with the help of her poodle Lou Lou and the small community of loyal tenants, Riley has to learn how valuable she really is.
This book turned out to be a really cute read! Caleb and Riley were frenemies on a journey of self discovery, learning what they wanted versus really needed to be satisfied. The true magic of this book, however, revolved around precious, precocious fur babies and the neighborhood dog park! The effort Caleb and Riley put in was heartwarming and sometimes comical, but it also kept their romance on slow burn, giving each other time to learn one another. The colorful cast living in Dorothy also provided plenty of their own senior-minded amusement, especially with their matchmaking skills. Overall, I think this was a good start to what appears to be a new series.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Sourcebooks and this is my honest review.
Riley is colorful and lively, yet sort of floating through life. After losing her job as hotel assistant, she takes over as building manger to the Dorothy where she spent her childhood and where her grandmother still lives. She’s learned to do repairs with DIY tutorials and has come to love the tenants and their furbabies in the time she’s lived there, even getting a pet of her own. Riley is resourceful and loyal, but lacks confidence in really going after what she wants. Possibly losing the her home spurs her in to action, and with the help of her poodle Lou Lou and the small community of loyal tenants, Riley has to learn how valuable she really is.
This book turned out to be a really cute read! Caleb and Riley were frenemies on a journey of self discovery, learning what they wanted versus really needed to be satisfied. The true magic of this book, however, revolved around precious, precocious fur babies and the neighborhood dog park! The effort Caleb and Riley put in was heartwarming and sometimes comical, but it also kept their romance on slow burn, giving each other time to learn one another. The colorful cast living in Dorothy also provided plenty of their own senior-minded amusement, especially with their matchmaking skills. Overall, I think this was a good start to what appears to be a new series.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Sourcebooks and this is my honest review.
June 30, 2022
Mara Wells took something that has been (somewhat) done before and made it feel fresh. A lot of books and hallmark movies have the developer pitted against the resident, but Donovan, Riley, other residents, and other dogs brought a fresh angle to this that had me loathe to put the book down as I anxiously awaited the way it would all be brought together.
My first favorite thing was that the two characters rarely fought. They managed to find ways to work together even when they ultimately wanted different things.
My second favorite thing was Caleb. He was a surprise from the beginning. He had been as damaged by his family’s drama as Riley was and was looking not only to rebuild what he had but to belong.
I am so thankful for Riley’s sunshine attitude and LouLou’s persistence that kept bringing Riley and Caleb together.
This book is just the cutest!
Read if you like dog-lovers, fun surrounding cast of characters, sassy elderly characters, and two main characters that realize they need each other enough to figure it out.
So cute…. Did I say that already?!?!
My first favorite thing was that the two characters rarely fought. They managed to find ways to work together even when they ultimately wanted different things.
My second favorite thing was Caleb. He was a surprise from the beginning. He had been as damaged by his family’s drama as Riley was and was looking not only to rebuild what he had but to belong.
I am so thankful for Riley’s sunshine attitude and LouLou’s persistence that kept bringing Riley and Caleb together.
This book is just the cutest!
Read if you like dog-lovers, fun surrounding cast of characters, sassy elderly characters, and two main characters that realize they need each other enough to figure it out.
So cute…. Did I say that already?!?!
January 10, 2021
I loved this book so much! My review is live on the Fresh Fiction website - https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i....
January 24, 2020
A Contemporary Romance from the enemies to more trope for dog lovers everywhere!
The Donovan's lost their brilliant shine in a scandal to end all business scandals, but whereas some were without remorse, there are those that want to make a new go of things. All they need is a second chance, the right opportunity...and maybe to turn what is some people's idea of a shabby nirvana into...condos? Okay, well maybe that part of the plan isn't so good, but as much as I wanted to despise Caleb through and through, his heart kept showing. That and let's face it, the fact that he's easy on the eyes, definitely kept me coming back...but yeah, he SO needs to work on first impressions (I'm here to fire you is NOT the best opening line...gheesh!). Now, as for the one that has to resist him...
Riley is a great gal through and through. She tries her hardest, has the best intentions of everyone in mind, but she's human...sometimes she falls. Luckily for her, Caleb is there to catch her...and LouLou...several times, but she's an independent woman, perfectly capable of handling things on her own, and when the wool of attraction is removed from her eyes, the intents she initially sees are not the best. She won't let Caleb destroy the lives of all those that depend on "the Dorothy" to be their safe haven, their forever (and FURever) home, no matter how charming he might be or how blue his eyes are. She'll be strong. She'll resist. Or at least she'll try...and those good intentions, along with a fabulously snappy Grandmother, will take her a long way.
It was great getting to know everyone, human and non, and a wonderful way to be introduced to the Fur Haven Dog Park series. Can't wait to see what's in store for both our two and four legged friends!
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
The Donovan's lost their brilliant shine in a scandal to end all business scandals, but whereas some were without remorse, there are those that want to make a new go of things. All they need is a second chance, the right opportunity...and maybe to turn what is some people's idea of a shabby nirvana into...condos? Okay, well maybe that part of the plan isn't so good, but as much as I wanted to despise Caleb through and through, his heart kept showing. That and let's face it, the fact that he's easy on the eyes, definitely kept me coming back...but yeah, he SO needs to work on first impressions (I'm here to fire you is NOT the best opening line...gheesh!). Now, as for the one that has to resist him...
Riley is a great gal through and through. She tries her hardest, has the best intentions of everyone in mind, but she's human...sometimes she falls. Luckily for her, Caleb is there to catch her...and LouLou...several times, but she's an independent woman, perfectly capable of handling things on her own, and when the wool of attraction is removed from her eyes, the intents she initially sees are not the best. She won't let Caleb destroy the lives of all those that depend on "the Dorothy" to be their safe haven, their forever (and FURever) home, no matter how charming he might be or how blue his eyes are. She'll be strong. She'll resist. Or at least she'll try...and those good intentions, along with a fabulously snappy Grandmother, will take her a long way.
It was great getting to know everyone, human and non, and a wonderful way to be introduced to the Fur Haven Dog Park series. Can't wait to see what's in store for both our two and four legged friends!
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
January 27, 2020
Riley has one thing in mind - well, that is after unplugging a clogged drain, changing a few light bulbs... - she needs to save her grandmother's building. Her grandmother, and a host of other elderly people, and their fantastic pets, all live at The Dorothy.
Caleb Donovan is connected to The Dorothy as well. After all,, he has plans. He is going to tear it down and build luxury condominiums. Little did Caleb realize what he would have to face in order to meet his objective. Caleb also plans on turning the local dog park into a parking structure.
Opposition towards Caleb and his ideas stop him dead in his tracks. Riley is currently the building manager and she is one of the people Caleb must fight against. It is business first, now if he could just get Riley to see that.
Not only do we see the war that is bound to explode between Caleb and Riley during the pages of this book, but we meet some delightful pets, like LouLou, the little poodle Riley adopted. I loved the scenes when Riley took LouLou to the dog park and how she had owr own group of friends. That was a pure delight.
Another enjoying factor while reading this book was the development and growth of the relationship between Caleb and Riley. And I just loved the feisty old neighbors. If I ever end up in an over-65 building I would love for it to be just like The Dorothy. Cold Nose, Warm Heart is the first book in a new series by Mara Wells. I look forward to reading about more canine shenanigans and couples finding love.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Caleb Donovan is connected to The Dorothy as well. After all,, he has plans. He is going to tear it down and build luxury condominiums. Little did Caleb realize what he would have to face in order to meet his objective. Caleb also plans on turning the local dog park into a parking structure.
Opposition towards Caleb and his ideas stop him dead in his tracks. Riley is currently the building manager and she is one of the people Caleb must fight against. It is business first, now if he could just get Riley to see that.
Not only do we see the war that is bound to explode between Caleb and Riley during the pages of this book, but we meet some delightful pets, like LouLou, the little poodle Riley adopted. I loved the scenes when Riley took LouLou to the dog park and how she had owr own group of friends. That was a pure delight.
Another enjoying factor while reading this book was the development and growth of the relationship between Caleb and Riley. And I just loved the feisty old neighbors. If I ever end up in an over-65 building I would love for it to be just like The Dorothy. Cold Nose, Warm Heart is the first book in a new series by Mara Wells. I look forward to reading about more canine shenanigans and couples finding love.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 18, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! Full review to follow.
January 18, 2020
I should be honest up front-I am totally a cat person and not a dog person. That said, I’m always up to read a romance that has an animal on the cover though the overwhelming majority are canines (except for cozy mysteries which aren’t my cup of tea.) That was definitely the initial draw behind this debut novel by author Mara Wells, but as soon as I read the description with the enemies to lovers theme which is one of my favorites, though I think this one is better termed as frenemies to lovers!
Riley Carson became the manager/handywoman for her Grams’s apartment building after the loss of her previous job; she had worked for one of the Donovan family’s hotels but lost her job when the CEO went to prison and the properties were sold off. While her new job is nowhere near as exciting, it allows her to live in a place she loves with the people she considers her extended family since she had moved into the Dorothy as a child as her mom’s job on cruise ships kept her away for extended periods of time. Along with her rescue poodle LouLou she spends her days among the people she loves most in the world, trying to keep the Dorothy from falling to pieces or out in the empty lot that serves as the neighborhood dog park.
Her world is rocked however when Caleb Donovan shows up and announces that he is going to take over the Dorothy and oversee renovating it into high end condos in an attempt to rebuild business after his father’s fall from grace. His grandfather has promised him the property as long as he can rope his two estranged brothers into the plan, and his first goal is to fire the manager who he blames for the unkempt and rundown building. Needless to say this is not your typical meet-cute situation and while they share an instant attraction, their disagreements are a delightful fuel for their road to romance! Toss in meddling residents and neighbors, adorable animals and you are in for a fun read with a lot of heart!
Overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend it to other readers who want a fast and fun story. I would have liked more depth into the strained relationship between Caleb and his brothers, but fortunately they have their own books coming so I will definitely be on the lookout for them! (Especially Knox-the mysterious military man who is definitely my type of book boyfriend!)
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this early!
Riley Carson became the manager/handywoman for her Grams’s apartment building after the loss of her previous job; she had worked for one of the Donovan family’s hotels but lost her job when the CEO went to prison and the properties were sold off. While her new job is nowhere near as exciting, it allows her to live in a place she loves with the people she considers her extended family since she had moved into the Dorothy as a child as her mom’s job on cruise ships kept her away for extended periods of time. Along with her rescue poodle LouLou she spends her days among the people she loves most in the world, trying to keep the Dorothy from falling to pieces or out in the empty lot that serves as the neighborhood dog park.
Her world is rocked however when Caleb Donovan shows up and announces that he is going to take over the Dorothy and oversee renovating it into high end condos in an attempt to rebuild business after his father’s fall from grace. His grandfather has promised him the property as long as he can rope his two estranged brothers into the plan, and his first goal is to fire the manager who he blames for the unkempt and rundown building. Needless to say this is not your typical meet-cute situation and while they share an instant attraction, their disagreements are a delightful fuel for their road to romance! Toss in meddling residents and neighbors, adorable animals and you are in for a fun read with a lot of heart!
Overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend it to other readers who want a fast and fun story. I would have liked more depth into the strained relationship between Caleb and his brothers, but fortunately they have their own books coming so I will definitely be on the lookout for them! (Especially Knox-the mysterious military man who is definitely my type of book boyfriend!)
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this early!
January 6, 2023
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5
My first Mara Wells book and I really enjoyed it.
I love reading romance books with pets and this one was particularly special because I’ve had several Toy Poodles in my life, two who belonged to me and others to relatives. This was a good slow build, enemies to lovers story with a great cast of secondary characters.
Riley’s talk with her new friend, Sydney, where she discloses that she doesn’t have any friends from her school days really resonated with me. I’m envious of people who still have close friends from their early childhood. Caleb has a lot of pressure coming from family situations and I was very happy with how it all resolved in the end.
This was a very satisfying story to listen to. I think it’s the first I’ve listened to read by Samantha Summers and I think she did a good job. I did need to speed her up quite a bit but that may be because I’ve recently gotten used to listen to most audiobooks at faster than normal speed.
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5
My first Mara Wells book and I really enjoyed it.
I love reading romance books with pets and this one was particularly special because I’ve had several Toy Poodles in my life, two who belonged to me and others to relatives. This was a good slow build, enemies to lovers story with a great cast of secondary characters.
Riley’s talk with her new friend, Sydney, where she discloses that she doesn’t have any friends from her school days really resonated with me. I’m envious of people who still have close friends from their early childhood. Caleb has a lot of pressure coming from family situations and I was very happy with how it all resolved in the end.
This was a very satisfying story to listen to. I think it’s the first I’ve listened to read by Samantha Summers and I think she did a good job. I did need to speed her up quite a bit but that may be because I’ve recently gotten used to listen to most audiobooks at faster than normal speed.
January 23, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 hearts
I was excited to buddy read with Barb, at Booker T's Farm , because Cold Nose, Warm Heart has dogs and romance. Dogs were in the story and important to the characters but I didn't get much personality from the dogs themselves. I really enjoyed the planning and ideas for the dog park.
I didn't however enjoy the main characters. The power balance was typical with the rich guy and down on her luck gal. Even with Caleb's family having issues, he still drives a Porche and has money. Riley, for having worked in the corporate environment did not seem very professional or aware of standard business practices. I did feel for them as people who never had a positive experience in a romantic relationship, where someone cared about them. But the romance seemed to build without basis.
They also spent too much time on the dog park, rather than figuring out what was going on with the property and why it had such poor maintenance and was lacking in maintenance budget. Again, neither one seemed very businesslike. Both Caleb and Riley should have been giving it a look.
I did really enjoy Grams' spirit. Lance was fun and felt much more real than Caleb. He was busy working and supporting himself. The other residents and those in the neighborhood were great. I loved Eliza and Sydney. I was happy Riley had some great friends. Perhaps this is why she had the strength to figure out how to make things work.
In the Fur Haven Dog Park series, I am excited the next book is Lance! I hope we will see how the construction goes and get an update on all our dog friends.
Barb, my COYER buddy reader, rated this one 3 paws.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 hearts
I was excited to buddy read with Barb, at Booker T's Farm , because Cold Nose, Warm Heart has dogs and romance. Dogs were in the story and important to the characters but I didn't get much personality from the dogs themselves. I really enjoyed the planning and ideas for the dog park.
I didn't however enjoy the main characters. The power balance was typical with the rich guy and down on her luck gal. Even with Caleb's family having issues, he still drives a Porche and has money. Riley, for having worked in the corporate environment did not seem very professional or aware of standard business practices. I did feel for them as people who never had a positive experience in a romantic relationship, where someone cared about them. But the romance seemed to build without basis.
They also spent too much time on the dog park, rather than figuring out what was going on with the property and why it had such poor maintenance and was lacking in maintenance budget. Again, neither one seemed very businesslike. Both Caleb and Riley should have been giving it a look.
I did really enjoy Grams' spirit. Lance was fun and felt much more real than Caleb. He was busy working and supporting himself. The other residents and those in the neighborhood were great. I loved Eliza and Sydney. I was happy Riley had some great friends. Perhaps this is why she had the strength to figure out how to make things work.
In the Fur Haven Dog Park series, I am excited the next book is Lance! I hope we will see how the construction goes and get an update on all our dog friends.
Barb, my COYER buddy reader, rated this one 3 paws.
July 11, 2022
This is a sweet adversaries (not quite enemies) to lovers romance. The setting for the book is The Dorothy, an aging somewhat rundown art deco apartment building inhabited mostly by senior citizens. Next to The Dorothy is an empty lot neighborhood dog owners use as a makeshift dog park. Riley worked in a hotel run by the Donovan family until the hotel went out of business. She now manages The Dorothy. She is doing her best to keep the building running despite the many problems and too little money . Caleb Donovan's family lost everything when his dad was sent to jail. The only property remaining is The Dorothy. Caleb plans to convert the building into luxury condos and build a parking structure in the vacant lot, leaving Riley without a job and the residents without a home. He thinks the plan will easily get county approval. He did not count on the tenacity of Riley, The Dorothy residents and neighborhood dog owners. Despite being on opposite side of the issue, Rile and Caleb are very attracted to each other. Riley and Caleb are very likeable characters. Both are trying to do what is right for the ones they love. Author Mara Wells did not portray Caleb as a villian even when he was trying to get his conversion plans approved. The secondary characters (The Dorothy's resident, neighborhood dog owners and the dogs, especially Riley's poodle Lou Lou) are a lot of fun. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the Fur Haven Dog Park series.
July 14, 2022
This book delivered on all my expectations. The residents of Dorothy Apartments were full of character that kept the main characters on their toes, which led to plenty of fun scenes. The dogs were an adorable theme in the book, and I'm glad they showed up throughout the story. And I especially appreciated that Riley and Caleb were able to work together even though they had different visions of Dorothy's future. I think Caleb's vision changed the most, but only to make room for personal goals along side all his professional ones. I'm interested to see how the other brothers' books unfold now that they are reconnecting after so many years apart.
June 27, 2022
This book is cute, sweet, and includes dogs. Caleb and Riley are trying to restart their lives after their life plans were derailed. Caleb is planning to renovate an apartment building into luxury condos. He is trying to rebuild his family's real estate empire. Unfortunately, the apartment building is the same one that Riley is managing. Riley takes care of everyone in the building. She is not about to let Caleb kick her grandmother and her friends out of their homes!
I enjoyed every page of this book and immediately started reading book two.
I enjoyed every page of this book and immediately started reading book two.
January 10, 2020
Cute story but the relationship between Caleb and Riley wasn't developed enough for me. It had so much potential. Their personalities were perfect but I just didn't get the depth of their relationship outside the drama of the building. What I took from the book was the story of Dorothy and her residents plus the dog park.
July 31, 2022
You can't not like a book that's got cute dogs on every page! I also enjoyed the setting of the apartments and loved all the residents so much! Caleb and Riley made a cute couple and I hope we get to see more of them in future books.
January 23, 2020
One look at this cover and clearly anyone who visits my blog regularly knows I was at least going to give it a chance. And I did. And while I wanted to love this book, it fell a little short for me. However, I still love the cover.
Cold Nose, Warm Heart tells the tale of Riley and Caleb. Riley used to work for Caleb's rich family is resort management until their illegal activities cost her a job and Caleb's family most of their assets. Riley ends up being property manager for her Grams' place, The Dorothy, and honestly, she isn't doing the best job. She seems to be able to put band aids on a lot of the repairs popping up but that's about all. Enter Caleb. He has been tasked by his grandfather to restore The Dorothy to greatness, and encouraging his brothers to assist. However, Caleb is headed straight to a fight because the elderly residents of The Dorothy, as well as Riley, don't plan on letting the property go so easily.
So if I'm going to read a book with romance, usually a hate-to-love trope is one I enjoy. But I found Cold Nose, Warm Heart to be fairly problematic. First of all, the connection between Riley and Caleb seems forced. I didn't really care for either of them and I felt like Riley came across as someone in or recently out of college and Caleb as egotistical and self-absorbed. Also, the book heavily focuses on the creation of a dog park near the property which Caleb quickly uses as way to manipulate the neighborhood into agreeing with his renovation plans. Now I LOVE dogs which is evident, but it seems like there should have been more focus on the run-down complex, the past financial mismanagement and how to make sure people, as well as their pets, didn't lose their home.
But let's not be all negative, because there were parts I really enjoyed. The cast of side characters is great. Grams is a hoot an so is Eliza, a retired attorney who lives down the street with her dog Lady (who is on the cover). I liked a lot of The Dorothy's elderly residents and Riley's poodle LouLou is pretty cute too. I also must admit that Riley did show some growth during the book, I just felt she should have more capabilities in the beginning. The development of her friendship with Sydney and her dog Chewy was definitely a plus.
So overall, this was a middle of the line read for me. The book does introduce Caleb's brother Lance who in his brief appearances already grew on me more than Caleb did the entire book. The next in the series focuses on him so I will be picking it up and giving the author and the series a second chance.
One last pet peeve and I'm sure this seems trivial to some but will shock few who visit regularly. The dog on the cover is Lucy. Lucy is pretty and Lucy is in the book. But Riley, the star of the show, has a poodle named LouLou. Could they not find a cute poodle to feature or at least add to Lucy?
Cold Nose, Warm Heart tells the tale of Riley and Caleb. Riley used to work for Caleb's rich family is resort management until their illegal activities cost her a job and Caleb's family most of their assets. Riley ends up being property manager for her Grams' place, The Dorothy, and honestly, she isn't doing the best job. She seems to be able to put band aids on a lot of the repairs popping up but that's about all. Enter Caleb. He has been tasked by his grandfather to restore The Dorothy to greatness, and encouraging his brothers to assist. However, Caleb is headed straight to a fight because the elderly residents of The Dorothy, as well as Riley, don't plan on letting the property go so easily.
So if I'm going to read a book with romance, usually a hate-to-love trope is one I enjoy. But I found Cold Nose, Warm Heart to be fairly problematic. First of all, the connection between Riley and Caleb seems forced. I didn't really care for either of them and I felt like Riley came across as someone in or recently out of college and Caleb as egotistical and self-absorbed. Also, the book heavily focuses on the creation of a dog park near the property which Caleb quickly uses as way to manipulate the neighborhood into agreeing with his renovation plans. Now I LOVE dogs which is evident, but it seems like there should have been more focus on the run-down complex, the past financial mismanagement and how to make sure people, as well as their pets, didn't lose their home.
But let's not be all negative, because there were parts I really enjoyed. The cast of side characters is great. Grams is a hoot an so is Eliza, a retired attorney who lives down the street with her dog Lady (who is on the cover). I liked a lot of The Dorothy's elderly residents and Riley's poodle LouLou is pretty cute too. I also must admit that Riley did show some growth during the book, I just felt she should have more capabilities in the beginning. The development of her friendship with Sydney and her dog Chewy was definitely a plus.
So overall, this was a middle of the line read for me. The book does introduce Caleb's brother Lance who in his brief appearances already grew on me more than Caleb did the entire book. The next in the series focuses on him so I will be picking it up and giving the author and the series a second chance.
One last pet peeve and I'm sure this seems trivial to some but will shock few who visit regularly. The dog on the cover is Lucy. Lucy is pretty and Lucy is in the book. But Riley, the star of the show, has a poodle named LouLou. Could they not find a cute poodle to feature or at least add to Lucy?
January 18, 2020
Been in a bit of a romance reading mood lately, maybe I just needed some time away from mysteries. 🙂 Anyway I thought this one would be a good one especially since it featured a dog on the cover!
Riley is the manager at a rundown complex called the Dorothy, she got the job because her grams lived there and pulled some strings. She use to have a good job at as the manager of a Donovan resort hotel until they went belly up and she was out of a job. She is pretty content with the job she has and likes the older crowd that lives there.
Caleb Donovan is a bit down on his luck after the horrible scandal his dad put them through with his money skims and they losing their business. His grandpa is trying to help him build up his own empire and it starts with the Dorothy and now that Caleb has seen it he is thinking he is in over his head.
Riley and Caleb clash when he tells her he his there to fire her and it gets worse from there but they can’t deny the growing attraction for each other. Caleb wants to tear the place down and build condos, but that would put the older group out of a home as they couldn’t afford it. Riley has gotten to know a lot of the community from the small dog park they have made besides the Dorothy and her and her group of elderly’s will not be letting Caleb take their park or the housing unit without a fight.
I guess you would call this sort of an enemies to lovers trope though they were never hard core enemies even though Riley got mad at him on several occasions because of his plans. It’s still kind of a trope that I enjoy and part of why I enjoyed this one. I also enjoyed the fact that it involved lots of cuddle fur babies!
I like Riley she has a lot of spunk and found it funny that she pretty much run the Dorothy on looking up Youtube videos on how to repair things! At her old job she could just call someone but this one didn’t come with the budget to do so and so when it came to figuring out how to unclog a garbage disposal she had to look it up and do it herself. I also found Caleb charming and liked that get was getting a healthy dose of reality after going from having it all to starting over on his own. They made a cute couple.
While I did enjoy it I didn’t find it to be humorous as I was hoping and it was just lacking something that would give it higher marks. I am still going to check out the rest of the series and I am really curious about the next one involving Caleb’s brother Lance.
Riley is the manager at a rundown complex called the Dorothy, she got the job because her grams lived there and pulled some strings. She use to have a good job at as the manager of a Donovan resort hotel until they went belly up and she was out of a job. She is pretty content with the job she has and likes the older crowd that lives there.
Caleb Donovan is a bit down on his luck after the horrible scandal his dad put them through with his money skims and they losing their business. His grandpa is trying to help him build up his own empire and it starts with the Dorothy and now that Caleb has seen it he is thinking he is in over his head.
Riley and Caleb clash when he tells her he his there to fire her and it gets worse from there but they can’t deny the growing attraction for each other. Caleb wants to tear the place down and build condos, but that would put the older group out of a home as they couldn’t afford it. Riley has gotten to know a lot of the community from the small dog park they have made besides the Dorothy and her and her group of elderly’s will not be letting Caleb take their park or the housing unit without a fight.
I guess you would call this sort of an enemies to lovers trope though they were never hard core enemies even though Riley got mad at him on several occasions because of his plans. It’s still kind of a trope that I enjoy and part of why I enjoyed this one. I also enjoyed the fact that it involved lots of cuddle fur babies!
I like Riley she has a lot of spunk and found it funny that she pretty much run the Dorothy on looking up Youtube videos on how to repair things! At her old job she could just call someone but this one didn’t come with the budget to do so and so when it came to figuring out how to unclog a garbage disposal she had to look it up and do it herself. I also found Caleb charming and liked that get was getting a healthy dose of reality after going from having it all to starting over on his own. They made a cute couple.
While I did enjoy it I didn’t find it to be humorous as I was hoping and it was just lacking something that would give it higher marks. I am still going to check out the rest of the series and I am really curious about the next one involving Caleb’s brother Lance.
February 19, 2021
Riley and Caleb's story was sweet and fun.
They are on opposing sides of what should happen to the building she manages and her grandmother lives in but his family owns. However, their mutual attraction is hard to deny. I really liked them together and how they both opened up after difficult relationship experiences. The whole cast of characters that were introduced added a lot of humor and heart to the story as well. I am looking forward to reading book two.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
They are on opposing sides of what should happen to the building she manages and her grandmother lives in but his family owns. However, their mutual attraction is hard to deny. I really liked them together and how they both opened up after difficult relationship experiences. The whole cast of characters that were introduced added a lot of humor and heart to the story as well. I am looking forward to reading book two.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
Such a fun, dog-filled story this was. I loved absolutely everything about it!!! I was rooting for Riley and Caleb to find their happily ever after from the first time they met. What I loved most about this book was how much dogs were involved in it. There wasn't just one on the cover, they were a main character in the story. Mara Wells is definitely going on my favorite author list!!!
November 30, 2022
Great supporting characters with lots of adventures. Great main characters whose experiences initially pitted them against each other although there was lots of chemistry. I really LOVED Riley's and Caleb's relationship growth once they started working together. I can't wait to complete this series.
November 30, 2023
No dogs were harmed in the creating of this darling rom-com of a story!
Cute, fun, fast read! The start of a series—I may just have to track down #2–gave a sneak peek at the end of this book, and want to know how it turns out!! LOL!! 😁
Cute, fun, fast read! The start of a series—I may just have to track down #2–gave a sneak peek at the end of this book, and want to know how it turns out!! LOL!! 😁
January 30, 2020
The story takes place in Miami, Florida. The setting was the best part of the story. There are several dogs on the story, which I liked more than the humans. I didn't like the romance or the story. It's due to the characters. I didn't like most of them.
February 6, 2020
The first book in Fur Haven Dog Park, Cold Nose, Warm Heart, was an ok read for me. I enjoyed the premise of this story, but the author focused heavily on some area which caused other area to be rushed breaking the easy flow to the read. Will I read more, yes, I feel this is still a good overall read and these minor things will disappear in future books
July 27, 2023
Soon the review!
January 19, 2020
Riley Carson knew her grandmother tended to exagerate at times but this one was a beyond-the-pale giant whopper. Grandma told her that she owned the Dorothy, an Art Deco apartment building where her grandmother lived for years, where Riley grew up staying with her grandmother while her mother was away doing her job on cruise ships. Now here she is apartment manager of the Dorothy after losing her job as assistant manager of the luxury resort, the Donovan, in downtown Miami after the CEO was incarcerated and the Donovan chain of resorts had to be sold off. Now she is being confronted by Caleb Donovan, son of the crooked ex-CEO, who claims he owns the Dorothy and plans to convert the building to condos and turn the lot everyone calls their dog park into a parking garage. Riley didn't believe Caleb and she confronts her grandmother. Seems Grandma was once married to Caleb's grandfather and got possession of the Dorothy in the divorce settlement. Too bad Grandma's husband number three lost the Dorothy to Caleb's Grandpa William in a poker game. How could she be attracted to Caleb when he is planning to take the Dorothy and their dog park away from her and all her friends?
At first Caleb Donovan didn't realize that the Dorothy apartment manager he stopped in to meet, Riley Carson, was a beautiful woman. The pretty lady who frantically raced into the apartment lobby calling her poodle named LouLou caught his eye immediately. They were getting along just fine until he found out she was actually Riley Carson, Apartment Manager and announced he was going to fire her. Oops! She sure wasn't going to go out to dinner with him now.
Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells is the first book in this author's Fur Haven Dog Park series. I seem to have picked up and read a number of books about dog parks and dog rescues recently and I have to say this is one of the best I have read. The storyline runs smoothly and the characters are very likeable. I found myself becoming quite invested in these characters and rooting for a good outcome for all. I especially liked the heroine Riley Carson. I saw her as a very strong, very resourceful woman who also had trust issues. In this case I understand why she didn't trust hero Caleb Donovan throughout much of the story even though she was falling for him. At one point as I was reading I wanted her to kick him to the curb and never look back. But I also really liked Caleb. His grandfather put him in a difficult position. Plus he really is a nice guy. Things got rough between the two and I thoroughly enjoyed their back and forth and how they achieved their HEA. I love books with pets who play a significant role in the story. Riley's rescued poodle LouLou is adorable. This is a super enemies to lovers story!
At first Caleb Donovan didn't realize that the Dorothy apartment manager he stopped in to meet, Riley Carson, was a beautiful woman. The pretty lady who frantically raced into the apartment lobby calling her poodle named LouLou caught his eye immediately. They were getting along just fine until he found out she was actually Riley Carson, Apartment Manager and announced he was going to fire her. Oops! She sure wasn't going to go out to dinner with him now.
Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells is the first book in this author's Fur Haven Dog Park series. I seem to have picked up and read a number of books about dog parks and dog rescues recently and I have to say this is one of the best I have read. The storyline runs smoothly and the characters are very likeable. I found myself becoming quite invested in these characters and rooting for a good outcome for all. I especially liked the heroine Riley Carson. I saw her as a very strong, very resourceful woman who also had trust issues. In this case I understand why she didn't trust hero Caleb Donovan throughout much of the story even though she was falling for him. At one point as I was reading I wanted her to kick him to the curb and never look back. But I also really liked Caleb. His grandfather put him in a difficult position. Plus he really is a nice guy. Things got rough between the two and I thoroughly enjoyed their back and forth and how they achieved their HEA. I love books with pets who play a significant role in the story. Riley's rescued poodle LouLou is adorable. This is a super enemies to lovers story!
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