Aiding Abby

Gold Coast Retrievers #10

by Kim Koby

Abby Donovan never expected to be saddled with post-traumatic stress, but an assault changed her life forever. Now she struggles to find the balance between work and her personal life. Although her therapy dog Shadow makes for a trustworthy companion, she’s never felt so alone.

Ben Foster lives every day with the unyielding guilt of a moment he can never take back. As a firefighter, he compensates by throwing himself entirely into his career, no matter how risky the call. When a woman starts asking about an old arson case, it’s his heart that’s on the line.

The deeper Abby and Ben dig into the past, the more they seek to move beyond it. When they uncover grave secrets, can they find a way to undo the damage, or will betrayal destroy the spark growing between them?

Find out if Shadow can help his humans learn that there are two sides to every story even when the past threatens to predict the future. This sweet, suspenseful story about forgiveness even when all else seems lost is sure to tug at your heartstrings… Order your copy and start reading today!

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2019

About the author

Kim Koby writes sweet and clean small town romance books that focus on traditional family values. She lives in NJ with husband, has two grown sons, and two small dogs.

Be sure to check out my "Small Town Brides" series. This five book series is great for weekend reading. Don't miss out on the fun. The first ebook, "Small Town Hero" is available at no cost at most online book retailers. Be sure to grab your copy today. (AMZ/BN/APPLE BOOKS/KOBO)

What's coming in 2019?

I have a new series planned -- "Clean Billionaire Romance Reads." The first in the series is called "The Unscrupulous Billionaire's Bride" and will be released in early 2019.

Once again, small town values are forefront in the books, along with the trials of five feisty brothers.

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Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiding Abby by Kim Koby is the tenth novel in The Gold Coast Retrievers series. Each book in this sweet series can be read on its own. Abby Donovan has been struggling with PTSD since she was attacked, but it is getting better with the aid of her service dog, Shadow. It has been two years since her father was killed in a barn fire. The police have not solved the case and Abby is now ready to search for answers. Ben Foster is a firefighter who has been taking unnecessary risks at work because of the guilt he feels. Abby comes to the fire department for a copy of the arson reporter and Ben is surprised to find information missing. With thirty day off from work, Ben joins Abby in searching for the truth. With Aiding Abby we see that there are two sides to every story. I enjoyed following Abby and Ben as they dug into the case. There is drama and suspense plus romance. Shadow is such a sweet, compassionate dog. It is amazing what canines are capable of doing. I like that Abby talked to Shadow like he was a person who would respond (which dogs do in their own way). Abby had Shadow plus her faith to stabilize her. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the various storylines. Aiding Abby is a touching story with a comfort canine, incomplete investigation, a guilt-ridden firefighter, suspicious secrets, and curious coverups.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book about a woman that has ptsd. She has a beautiful golden retriever service dog whom she could not function without.
I do believe all types of mental illness is misunderstood. People just don't understand what it's like to walk in the shoes of someone dealing with these issues.
Drama,suspense,excitement and romance thrown in make for such a page turning book that I couldn't read fast enough.
I look forward to reading more delightful books in this series.

Published June 21st 2019 by Sweet Promise Press

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is well written book that deals with PTSD. It has action, suspense, drama and romance. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. Maybe enough people will read this book and realize how words and actions can hurt a person that has any kind of mental health problems. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiding Abby (Gold Coast Retrievers #10) by Kim Koby  
 
I started reading this series for the unsung, cuddly heroes, but I continue to because of the power of the characters. Aiding Abby is everything. Koby turns tragic into inspiration, heartbreaking into life lessons and breathtaking into unforgettable. Both author and characters prove that words have impact. Abby lost her voice to tragedy, yet found the courage to let love heal her bruised heart.

[Carolyn Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected

I was drawn to this book because of the connection to dogs. What I didn't expect was a romantic story peppered with references to the need to pray. It was just too much like a Sunday school lesson for my taste. Next time I'll pay more attention to the jacket cover and description.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the author immediately pulled me right into the mystery in the book. I was so intrigued that I wanted to learn more about the assault and the arson.

I also liked the chemistry that grew between Abby and the sexy, firefighter, Ben. It was interesting to watch their relationship develop and to see how it would play out.

I enjoyed seeing how Shadow, the golden retriever service dog helped Abby with her PTSD and panic attacks. It brought to light that any tramatic event could cause PTSD and that did not mean that the person was crazy. We do need to watch our choice of words as this story showcased.

I liked how Abby and Ben were able to help each other out so they could move past the event they shared. If you like secrets this book is full of them which naturally adds to the mystery.

I was so glad this story had an epilogue and I really liked how the author utilized that so I knew exactly what happened to two of my favorite characters. It was a great epilogue!

This is the first book that I have read by Kim Koby and I enjoyed it so much I plan to see what else she has written. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

AIDING ABBY is the tenth book in the Gold Coast Retrievers series. Each is a stand-alone contemporary romance story with the addition of doggy love.

Abby and Ben must follow a wonderfully winding path to one another. They are both locked in battles with different forms of PTSD. Hers causes phobias, panic attacks, and trust issues. His causes a brashness at work that is endangering himself and his teammates.

I loved Shadow, Abby’s dog. As always, these amazing service dogs steal my heart with their loyalty and service. Shadow’s service includes recognizing panic attacks as well as physical dangers.

The suspense and mystery drew me in from the beginning. I was glued to my kindle. In fact, I read this book in one sitting! This is the first book I have read from Kim Koby, but I would love to read more.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: AIDING ABBY
Series: Gold Coast Retrievers #10
Category /Genre: Suspense Romance
Recommended for: 14+ due to suspense/adult romance
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Sweet Promise Press

[Valri Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy seeing the different ways these sweet Golden Retrievers help people. This series does not need to be read in order as they are all standalones but each one shows ways in which these sweet dogs have skills to help people. In this story, Abby has PTSD from an attack she suffered and Shadow, her Golden Retriever has been trained to help her with her panic attacks. It just amazes me how her dog helps her. Abby is also dealing with the loss of her father in a fire, which was ruled "accidental" but she feels it was more. When she meets Ben, the firefighter, at the fire station to get more information on the fire 2 years after the death of her father, the 2 of them just click. Ben is also dealing with some mental health issues of his own although Abby doesn't know it until later on. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, following the mystery of Abby's father's death and then seeing how everything ended up! The epilogue was great!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby is struggling with PTSD after suffering a physical assault and her father dying in a fire. She's totally dependent on her emotional support golden retriever, and best friend, Shadow. Now two years later, she meets Ben, a firefighter, when she checks to see if there is any new information on this cold case. Abby needs a resolution to this arson case, but finds the case files have been tampered with so Ben tries to help her. Unfortunately, they each have some past traumas from which to heal.

This book also shows that words spoken, even though not meant, can be devastating for others. Although I liked the protagonists, the story and the mystery, the dialogue between them appeared a little juvenile for my taste - more like young teens rather than young adults. However, it's a very interesting story, I love the series and I'd like to try another book from this author!

[Susan Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Gold Coast Retrievers series! It new story brings us a new author along with a story that keeps me interested until the end, oh yes a golden retrievers who are service animals! Aiding Abby by Kim Koby is just such a story. I had never read any of Koby’s books, but she kept me wondering clear to the end.
Within a mystery lies another mystery for Abby and Ben. Abby wants to know how her father died in what is listed as an arson (or accident – depending on which report you read) and finds handsome firefighter Ben as her helper. Abby was attacked before her father died and has PTSD (which is why she has Shadow, her service dog) and Ben ran from a situation that has left him with a ‘death wish’ since. Can these two damaged people help each other, help each other heal and solve the crime? That is what keeps you reading ….

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW! This book was much more than I expected. This is my first book in this series so I had no idea exactly what this author would present to me. Such a wonderful job of bringing so many issues that we face more often every passing year. PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, negative self esteem issues, living in the past, but realizing how our words can affect other people, particularly those dealing with mental issues or trauma. An excellent book that takes the reader on a journey with a sweet couple that are connected even though they have just met. I would recommend this book - it is hard to put down, but well worth your time. See what happens with Abby, Ben and Shadow!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Susan Baez Randleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed continuing this series with Ben and Abby’s story as well as Shadows. Abby is dealing with PTSD from a traumatic experience and her service dog Shadow helps her cope with her triggers in public and private. It’s awesome to see the interplay. Mostly service dogs are shown for physical problems and not for mental health. Ben is also struggling with his own demons. Abby meets Ben while investigating the suspicious death of her father in an arson fire. Lots of unanswered questions and puzzles. Ben’s and Abby’s story is active and engaging. Lots of interaction and action going on in the story. Sweet romance with problems cropping up to be worked out as in real life. ARC in exchange for honest review.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was a sweet read. There were moments though that were a little crushing. My heart broke for Abby and what she went through. Ben had his trials as well and overcame it to a point. These two meeting would provide the ultimate healing if they just let go of the past. The mystery of her father's death was something of a twister. It did keep me guessing as to the outcome.

I enjoyed having the story told in a dual POV format. Never having been in either situation that the protagonists have, it really helped me to understand the characters better.

There were times in the story though that seemed to jump around and took some getting used to. Overall though I am glad to have read it.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressive!

I love this series. These books are romantic and there’s also some suspense/mystery. And the dogs of course. Who could resist them? This book was no exception: I loved it! Abby has a great helper: her therapy dog Shadow. This book really helps understand the reasons why service dogs are so important to a lot of people. And I loved Ben. I found this story very impressive. Dual POV, alternating between Ben and Abby, and when done right I always find that it really adds to a story to get both sides. And it was done really right! And okay, I’ll admit it: I even cried a little. There were just so many things I could relate to! This was a new-to-me author, and it won’t be the last book I read by this author.

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Gold Coast Retrievers book and I was thoroughly enchanted! It is about Abby, a young woman who suffered a terrible assault, and Shadow, a service dog who helps her cope with PTSD. This book also is about Ben, a firefighter struggling agaist his own past. Abby meets Ben when she goes to the fire station looking for any new developments in the fire which took her father's life. There are actually 2 storylines: 1) Abby's assault and 2) the death of her father.
This author weaves both stories into a concise novel with wonderful characters and many twists and turns until the end. Pieces of the puzzles are divvied out along the way until the reader becomes fully invested in the outcome. A wonderful 5-star clean suspenseful romance.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a service dog to a woman who has trouble coping with crowds. Two years after her father's death, Abby is ready to find out what happened to her father. At the firehouse, she meets a man named Ben. Together they investigate the fire and her father's death.There is a certain amount of tragedy in this story and a twist to Ben and Abby's relationship that I think should have been handled differently. Love has a way of making our hearts more forgiving than otherwise one can actually believe. The way that Abby stepped outside of herself in this story is promising because she really wants to change her life.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery in this story is a twisty, interesting thing, but this was not my favorite book in the series. I wasn’t able to properly connect with Abby or Ben. Even though I wanted to see them get their happy ever after, I’m not sure I fully believed in their chemistry. Additionally, I found there were some stylistic choices in the text that didn’t work so well for me. There were some times where I had to read very carefully in order to determine which character’s viewpoint I was seeing the scene from because it would switch characters without an easily recognizable transition. Also, I would have preferred if the foreshadowing and social messages had been handled with a bit more subtlety.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

While investigating the fire which killed her father 2 years ago, Abby and her service dog Storm meet Ben, a firefighter who is suspended from his job for taking reckless chances. They are drawn to one another. The only problem, the computer file the fire department has is erased, and their paper file is wrong. Who is messing with the files of this fire? Why have they been kicked off the land where the fire was? What is the owner of the property hiding? What about Abby and Ben? Will they finally find love with each other?

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiding Abby by Kim Koby is the tenth book in the Gold Coast Retrievers series. Abby’s Golden Retriever, Shadow, is her service dog, aiding her in her struggle with PTSD and panic attacks. This series about Golden Retriever service dogs bring to light the many reasons people use service dogs. Abby depends on Shadow to calm her and be there for her in difficult situations. I truly enjoyed this heartwarming story of Abby and Ben, of mystery and suspense, with some romance all wrapped up with a wonderful service dog. Highly recommend!

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiding Abby is a great addition to the fabulous Gold Coast Retrievers series and a great stand-alone book. Abby can only be around people because of her wonderful service dog Shadow. He is always there as a comfort and a shield. When Abby needs help looking into an old arson case she meets Ben .. who has is own demons. This book has danger, a mystery and a fragile growing attraction ... and Shadow. It is beautifully and sensitively written with characters so genuine my heart broke for both of them. I definitely recommend this book.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby’s father had been killed in a fire and the case went cold. But she and her golden retriever, Shadow, continued to investigate. Previous to that she had been attacked and that sent her into PTSD. Along the way she met Ben, a firefighter, who helped her with her PTSD. Of course falling in love along the way had its special perks. Some unexpected twists in this tale where drugs were involved kept the story interesting and kept me turning the pages until the end. It was so sweet that Ben and Abby got married and adopted another dog. A very enjoyable read.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiding is struggling with PTSD since her attack two years ago. Now she is trying to discover the truth behind her father death in a fire. But it a cold case and it will be difficult. Ben, firefighter, has willingly offered to her help when they met in the Fire House. Can they help each other find the truth about the fire and the truth about themselves and face the future together? Faith will help them.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiding Abby highlights Abby, a character with PTSD from a brutal attack, and her service dog Shadow. It was a delight to read this well written book that so sensitively handled service dogs for mental health and PTSD while delivering a very interesting mystery. Ben had his own issues but Ben and Abby experience instant attraction. I was drawn in one page one and read non-stop until I reached the end. This is an extremely well written book. The mystery was not easily solved.

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Another good Gold Coast Retrievers book. Abby and Ben have found each other, but because of a connection in the past, she wants to step back. Abby has Shadow, her service dog, by her side always and he approves of Ben which is a plus. I truly enjoy these Gold Coast Retrievers books and recommend them.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more serious story in the series although it is timely in having PTSD as well as the harm of drugs being themes. Abby has PTSD from an attack and got Shadow as her service dog . She is trying to figure why her dad died in a fire and meets Ben, who is a firefighter and offers to help. The trail to figure all out becomes complicated but they do get their HEA. A few things seem to be a bit too convenient and her attack is never truly explained.

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced clean contemporary read when two people plus her service dog entangle when attempting to solve a mystery. Both have regrettable baggage that unknowingly is affected by their past interactions. With Shadow, the sweet but squirrel-crazy service dog, the truth gradually reveals itself. Extremely coincidental, unending issues that maintains one's attention, although it jumps about a bit with a rather quick but predictable ending.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiding Abby

Another great book in the series on the service dogs and their owners. Abby a young girl who was assaulted as a younger person, had a hard time coming to terms about her abuser. She was also looking into why her father was at a barn,where he was found dead during a fire. A mystery and an intrigue story on drug smuggling. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Elaine Szady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This is book number ten out of a series of different books by different authors called The Gold Coast Retrieval Series, and they're all heartwarming stories of Golden Retrievers who are mostly service dogs. I'm reading each and every one and enjoying them very much. They'll really brighten your days! Golden Retrievers are very intelligent, loving, and protective animals, and along with labs, make the the best service dogs. Enjoy!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, I was really captivated by the mystery. The characters were easy to like, I felt for Abby and what she went through. The author does a great job of pulling the romance together with Ben and Abby, especially using Abby’s painful past. This was overall a great story and it kept my attention until the end. I will definitely read more by Kim Koby!

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story partly dealing with the effects of PTSD. It also has action, dogs of course, suspense, drama and a happy ever after.

The book was heartbreaking at times but is also inspirational.

A good read

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.