A romance anthology featuring military and canine heroes
Dog Tags is a powerful collection of stories about the men and women who sacrifice their lives—mind, body, and soul—fighting to defend our country, and the extraordinary dogs that help them heal.
Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye and sometimes it takes a furry friend to mend what’s been broken.
From love at first sight to long lost lovers reunited, these twelve military romance novellas range from ready, aim...to fire!
Love is worth fighting for, and so is helping our courageous, wounded warriors find their way back home.
We are proud to provide support to K9s For Warriors’ mission to end veteran suicide and give a new “leash” on life to rescue dogs and military heroes.
Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
I'm honored to be part of this multi-author charity project to benefit K9s for Warriors. My story contribution to the collection is DOG DAYS. Here's a bit about it...
DOG DAYS by Cat Johnson A Standalone Small Town Second Chance Romance
Never in a million dog days of summer would I have guessed my breaking Mudville’s pooper scooper law would lead me directly to the town’s bad boy. But that’s exactly what happened.
He was the guy who went directly from graduation to gunfire and didn’t look back…until now.
Now, twenty years later, he’s home. A little bit broken, but back for good. And with the help of man’s—or rather woman’s—best friend, I intend to make him mine.
Can a former geek win the star of the football team? I’m betting on it. Heck. Crazier things have happened here in Mudville.
This collection had a good variety of themes and settings. I had only read one of the authors, so I was looking forward to finding new gems. Several stories were novellas based on established series which I had not read. Unfortunately, without the background, those felt under-developed. Each story was "fine", but none of them excited me enough to chase after the author or series.
YMMV.
PS: I was happy to see that some of the purchase price went to a good cause.
All the novellas in this anthology revolve around the brave men and women that have served our country and their very special dogs. Each talented author brings the stories to life. All wonderful stories . These are some of the stories :
GIRL’S BEST FRIEND by Anna Blakely I wasn’t sure what to expect since it was the first novella in the anthology as well as the first story I had read by this author. Glad I gave her a chance since I really enjoyed it. Paxton Lane, a kindergarten teacher, meets former Navy SEAL Nick Hayes and his retired MWD (military working dog) dog Lucky , the day she moves next door. Both have just come out of disastrous relationships and have vowed to become “just “ friends. But as the time goes on, they secretly have fallen in love with each other. When it seems they could start a romantic relationship, danger arises. Will that be the end of their time together?
DOG DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Elle James If you have read her books about the Brotherhood Protectors, you met Kujo, his retires military dog , Six and his wife , FBI agent, Molly. They have been trying to get pregnant with no success and as the stress increases, Kujo’s boss, Hank, offers them his hunting cabin. But not everything goes as planned when Six disappears. In this fast paced story , their emotions are taking a rollercoaster ride. Will they ever find Six? Will they accept the possibility of not being able to conceive?
MAX & MILIAN by Jen Talty Well , she does it again. This talented author manages to give the reader a fully developed plot , with complex characters, and always touching story. This time the story belongs to Max, former Navy SEAL and his K-9 Milian (clever names) , his new neighbor, veterinarian Chanel and her dog Sasha. Both are attracted to each other as are their dogs. Recently divorced, neither wants a romantic relationship, but a friends with benefit relationship sounded like a good idea, until it didn’t. What happens when the heart gets involved? Another winner by this author.
The rest of the stories were just are engaging, especially the ones written by Cat Johnson and KaLyn Cooper , two of my “go to” authors whose stories always captivate the reader. I was entrusted a copy of this book by LR Woods PR. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Achilles Heals by Kate Kinsley was short, sexy, steamy and sweet to the core. It has all the elements of a true love story wrapped in a German Shepherd coat of fur. This story will make you laugh, cry and get goosies through every page. You will see the true love between man and his best friend along with destiny and fate thrown in. ❣️❣️❣️❣️
I am a Military Romance junkie and this was right up my alley and so much more. Be prepared to fall in love with Achilles, Lucky and Axel!!! This is the love stories that us readers dream about!!!
Some of the stories are excellent, some are not, some are sizzly hot and others sweet romance. Some are uneven and might be better developed into full length novels rather than a choppy short. All in all fun reading of a serious topic and for a worthwhile cause. I would definitely recommend this series
So I have only read one story at this point and that's Samantha A Cole's one. This shows the grit and determination of injured veterans to recover from devastating injuries, to cope with debilitating PTSD but still try to move on with their lives and find something worthwhile to fill it with. Though there is pain as he recovers and missing Roscoe this is actually a sweet story that builds from a connection through their dogs to friendship and then love. I really enjoyed it and it shows just how sensitive animals are to our needs. Worth buying just for this.
Anna Blakely Girls Best Friend Wonderful story of friends to lovers with a little suspense thrown in. Enough to hook you in and thankfully a complete story so doesn't leave you with a cliff hanger. Stay by Amy Briggs This is a sweet story with a message behind it for those that suffer from PTSD or anxiety attacks. This can be so debilitating and these animals are amazing at calming and understanding. I loved the instant attraction between Dave and Ronnie, her understanding and responses to him. The bonding between animal and human was beautiful. Damn it, I love you by KaLyn Cooper I found this really interesting, especially with regards the diabetes treatments and symptoms that Kane suffered, but also how Damnit reacted with both Kane and Alex. Great story.
Liberated by Carey Decevito
This is another really interesting read, this time it's a severe brain injury that has left Carsen with seizures that are constant and debilitating. Charger is a service dog who after injury is being retired. I love how animals even untrained ones often respond to illness or mood in their owners, that they can now adapt to have that instinct trained to a higher degree and give their owners their lives back, it's amazing. But I also have to give a shout out to Hope in this one, she is steadfast in her support and love, a very special lady.
Dog Days Of Christmas by Elle James
Gosh I felt for this couple, I'd have been worried sick if my pet had run off and gone missing even for a short time. Enjoyable story.
Dog Days by Cat Johnson
Stephanie is determined to find a safe and forever home for Zeus, after a minor incident she has to make a visit, that visit makes her more determined and on more than one front. I loved her spark and determination.
Achilles Heals by Kate Kinsley
I was slightly confused by Achilles reaction to Axel in this, dogs especially service ones are extremely loyal and bonded to their partner, even after separation. Him just letting him walk away without trying to follow or whine, even bark just didn't sit well with me. I get that he was settled and happy with Maggie and in the end it sorts itself out, but that connection thing did bug me a bit in this one. It's still a good story though.
Snowflake Kisses by Dee Dee Lorenzo
Wonderful story and one I got caught up in to the point when it ended unexpectedly I wanted more. I wanted more of them as a couple and finding their way, how things would work out with careers. I was invested 100%
Gunner by Kat Mizera
I really enjoyed this wild and speedy romance, along with Taco who definitely needed a strong hand. These three gelled from the start and I would have loved more of them.
Max and Milian by Jen Talty
I loved the two dogs, neither were letting their humans stop their romance, the humans could just suck it up. I had to laugh at broken fences and doors, no barrier was getting in the way. But they had the right idea really, I mean it was obvious they should all be together, it just needed some intervention. Wonderful story. Zoom by BT Urruela
Oh my! This one nearly broke my heart in both a sad and a happy way. Man and dog both suffer so much but that bond between them was so strong even when apart. I had tears and smiles reading this, it's all about them and the instinct they could survive together, fight anything thrown at them and learn to live a life again. Safe. This anthology is a journey, man and dog and sometimes a pretty woman just to give it some romance, but it's about coping with various problems and finding ways to adapt to live as normal a life as possible after war. It is inspirational and gives some insight into what veterans suffer after they get home, I don't just mean humans but the dogs as well. Awesome read throughout.
Out of Thai collection of authors I’ve only read one book and that’s Patriotic Paws by Samantha A Cole. It’s a short story but has everything we need to enjoy it. Garth and Chloe is a romantic story about how 2 people who fall in love while Chloe is fostering his dog while he’s away on tour. A fantastic short story. Absolutely loved this book.
Snowflake Kisses - D.D. Lorenzo - Finding a puppy near the trash at the airport gives Charity hope that her leave from the military to help her ailing father will end positively. And when she reconnects with Dave, her forever family friend that she has had a crush on forever Charity and her puppy Snowflake seem to have found a love connection. When an accident happens will Dave hold onto the love he has for Charity as well as Snowflake or will everything stop in an instant? A story about true connections.
Patriotic Paws - Samantha A. Cole - Chloe has been a foster mom to Garth's puppy Roscoe while he has been deployed. Through videos and pictures, Garth has remained connected with his dog as well as developed a soft spot in his heart for Chloe. When an explosion happens, Chloe continues to help and when Garth is released to come home he is not only looking forward to seeing his dog. Heartwarming story about finding true love with the aid of their furry friends.
Some of my favorite authors and a couple of new ones! Great, short stories with heart and for a great cause! Girl’s Best Friend by Anna Blakely , Nick and Paxton try to keep each other in the friend zone. Finally they come to terms with their feelings with a little help from Lucky. Sweet story that’s really quick, with a dab of suspense.
Achilles Heals - Kate Kinsley This was a heartwarming story involving the dog Achilles, his owner Axel, and his new owner Maggie. Axel and Achilles have such a strong bond having been together for so long in the military, and then Maggie and Achilles have a strong bond after their introduction, and finally the connection between Axel and Maggie is an insta-heat situation brought together by Achilles. I loved this quick read and can't wait to see more of these three.
This is a Heartwarming short story . Charity finds a puppy in the trash when she returns at the airport . Dave is picking her up. The remaining of the story you have to read your selves. I loved it.
Patriotic Paws Samantha a. Cole
Chloe has a dog care center Pepper Playhouse Garth is coming back from his tour and Chloe has taken care of his dog. They hit it of from the start but will they find their true love. I loved it.
Girl’s Best Friend - Anna Blakely 5 Stars Nick, Paxton, & Lucky steal your heart in this next door neighbor story.
Stay - Amy Briggs 5 Stars Dave & Veronica’s journey to connect him with his Service Dog Sasha is an adorable insta-love story.
Patriotic Paws - Samantha A. Cole 5 Stars Garth, Chloe & Roscoe’s story is just amazing.
Damnit I Love You - KaLyn Cooper 4 Stars Alex, Damnit, Kane, Saje, & Agni brings us a sweet love story plus it’s very informative story of the capabilities of Service Dogs.
Liberating Hale - Carey Decevito 4 Stars Carson, Hope & Charger’s story is a heartbreaker, thankfully it has a sweet ending.
Dog Days of Christmas - Elle James 4 Stars Kujo, Molly & Six’s story is so sweet!
Dog Days - Cat Johnson 4 Stars Michael, Stephanie & Zeus have a cute little story, grumpy old men, nosy old women and sexy times too.
Achilles Heals - Kate Kinsley 4 Stars Axel, Maggie & Achilles quick little story is fiery and sweet all rolled into one.
Snowflake Kisses - DD Lorenzo 5 Stars Dave, Charity, & Snowflake’s story is so sweet and has a romance to it that is heartwarming.
Gunnar - Kat Mizera 4 Stars Gunnar, Vivian & Taco’s story is a fun little insta-lust possibly love.
Max & Milian - Jen Talty 5 Stars Max, Chanel, Milian & Sasha’s story is a sweet, Hot next door neighbor story.
Zook - BT Urruela 4 Stars Bastien and Zook’s story absolutely breaks your heart, thankfully the author stitches it back together by the end of the story.
Such an amazing book. Axel & Achilles grabbed my heart from the start. They've been through so much together and you can tell they have such a strong bond. Then you add Maggie to the mix and kick it up a notch. The chemistry between them is off the charts and had me waiting to see what was coming next.
What a wonderful anthology, each story is so good and I now have a couple of new authors to read as well as some of my favorite ones. This deserves 5 stars.
Love this anthology about soldiers and their k9 companions. Each story is so original and entertaining. These k9's mean the world to the service men and women who adopt them, The love and loyalty to one another is a joy to read about. The work these K9's do is amazing. They truly save so many lives. I shed some tears in sadness and in joy reading these stories but mostly felt great about how much these dogs and servicemen can help one another. Is truly remarkable.
Really enjoyed this novella. Well written and does not seemed rushed at all due to the time frame. You really get a feel for Nick and Paxton and who they are. Lucky is adorable and a hero for sure. A story you will enjoy and a bonus you get to meet a couple from Anna Blakely's RISC series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great stories for a great cause. This anthology has some new to me authors as well as some old favorites. 12 short stories that are sure to make you smile and tug at your heart strings too. The stories range from fun and relatable to honest and heart warming. With real issues, PTSD, diabetes, infertility, wounded warriors, and relationships at their core. Who doesn't love stories centered around our veterans, their support system, and the dogs that carve out a special place in their hearts? Some of my favorites were Girl's Best Friend, Stay, Patriotic Paws, Dog Days, oh who am I kidding, I enjoyed them all.
These stories all show the bond between a dog and their master. Great fun stories all with a side of romance.
Amy Briggs - David is trying to find a dog to help him with his PTSD, when he goes to pickup the dog he may have found more .
Kat Mizera - Her story Gunnar is a cross with her series.. Gunnar is at the wedding of his friend Lennox when he meets her sister. One pretty lady and one cute dog later …
Jen Talty - Max and his dog, Milian, move into their new neighborhood. While Max is not looking for any type of relationship, Milian has other plans for him. Cute story.
Kate Kinsley - Axel and Achilles are injured while overseas. When the military retires Achilles due to his injuries, they give Axel the first choice to adopt him. While Axel is laying in a hospital bed he agrees to the adoption and asks his mom to pick Achilles up at the airport. One mishap leads to another .. Will these two be reunited?
Anna Blakely - Paxton moves in next door to Nick . On the day she moves in Nick and his dog come over to say hello. They feel a pull to each other but friendship is most important. Now a year later, Nick makes his move but Paxton is in danger.. Can Nick save the girl and make her his?
Samantha A. Cole - When Sgt. Andrews gets deployed he enlists Pepper's Playhouse to kennel his dog during his deployed. .Chloe is in charge and takes a liking to Roscoe, keeping him with her at all times. While in her care she sends pictures and videos to Garth while he is overseas so he can see Roscoe as much as possible.. When pictures turn to emails turn to Skype calls, Garth is getting more attached to Chloe too, as she is him. When he comes home will he just be coming home to his dog?
Kalyn Cooper - Was a bit confused at the start as I though this was going to be about Alex, Katlin and Damnit(the dog) but it turned into Kane and Saje story and how Damnit knows more than Alex thinks. Damnit seems to sense when Alex and Kane both need him. But will Kane ignore the signs and will Kane be able to bring Saje into his life?
Carey Decevito- Carson suffered a TBI while in the military and is now suffering seizures as a result. The doctors have tried everything and he is at his wit's end. The only bright spot for him is Hope, his girlfriend, even though when he gets mad he takes it out on her, she has not once left his side. One day watching the news he sees Charger, the dog from his military team, and they are announcing his retirement. All along Hope has wanted him to get more help and Charger just maybe the answer. Between a surgery and adopting Charger, will Carson's life finally go in the right direction?
Elle James - Such a touching story.. Molly wants a baby and her and Kujo have tried everything with no luck. At the advice of their friends they take a week away up at the mountain cabin with their dog, Six. One night after hearing a wolf howl, Kujo takes Six outside and he takes off. They try everything to find him but nothing. They leave totally heartbroken. Christmas is upon them and they need not one but two miracles. Can they both come true?
Cat Johnson - Michael is home after years away being in the military. He is not the same man he was when he left. Stephanie always had a crush on Michael but it's been forever since she has seen him. With a little help from Stephanie and her shelter dog, Zeus, Michael is starting to feel abit more like himself. Will the girl and the dog both help him ?
GIRL’S BEST FRIEND by Anna Blakely ///. Nick Hayes is enchanted with his beautiful new neighbor Paxton Lane. His dog Lucky is as well. They’ve fallen into a comfortable friendship when a night out spurs them to admit that there might be more...
STAY by Amy Briggs /// David Beckett and Veronica Murray meet when he applies for a service dog, and she works for the organization that trains and matches service animals with the veterans who need them.
PATRIOTIC PAWS by Samantha A. Cole ////. Staff Sergeant Garth Andrews and volunteer Chloe Baxter who fosters Garth’s pit bull Roscoe while he’s deployed. They make a connection over their doggos and are able to follow up once Garth returns...
DAMNIT I LOVE YOU by KaLyn Cooper ///. Kane Jordan and Saje Reece meet when the the diabetic vet volunteers to help during interviews of homeless veterans. Damnit is a specially trained service dog who gives a needed paw along the way.
LIBERATING HALE by Carey Decivito ///. Captain Carson Hale and Hope Stillwell adopt Charger who Hale had worked with previously.
DOG DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Elle James //// Molly Greenbriar and Joseph “Kujo” Kuntz are ready to start a family but haven’t had success yet. Then their beloved Six runs off. But Christmas miracles do happen...
DOG DAYS by Cat Johnson //// Stephanie and Michael Timmerman in Mudville with Zeus, a retired military dog.
ACHILLES HEALS by Kate Kinsley Robert “Axel” Axelson and Margaret Caldicott and Achilles/Lucky
Samantha Colepatriotic paws This book was absolutely fantastic .The storyline flowed from the beginning until the end and just kept you wanting more. Chloe Baxter owns and operates Peppers Playhouse is doggy daycare and boarding for Animals and cater to the military people as well while they're on deployment. Chloe is taking care of roscoe Garth's dog but when he injured can she keep him longer while he is recovering from his injuries? When video chats seeing Roscoe they become close but will they still feel the same way in person or is she just being nice? This book was so good and had all the right feels and emotions and the characters were awesome. Just a great short and fast read that will have you hooked. Achilles Heals:Kate Kinsley book was absolutely heartbreaking and wonderful and heartwarming all in one. When Axel and Achilles both gets injured Achilles runs off and Maggie finds him and names him lucky because she was on the run and needed a friend and Achilles aka lucky became her friend and protector but when Axel sees Achilles and the dog comes to him its a battle of whose dog does he belong to but after witness how Achilles aka lucky stops one of Axels nightmares can she give him back to him knowing in her heart its the right thing to do but what happens when sparks fly between them can they put it all their differences aside and become a big family?this book was absolutely phenomenal and just loved it.
I had the pleasure of having the opportunity to read this anthology and I’m voluntarily leaving a review of Dog Days of Christmas by Elle James. What I loved most about this story? The love that both characters shared for one another but mostly their self-denial towards their dog who suddenly left them to run away towards the unknown. The unknown shall later demonstrate to be something surprising, but I will leave that out. A story that will warm the readers heart and make him/her hope that happiness comes when you least expect it.
This is an awesome collection of stories that supports such an important cause. Let me just say that this collection may be made up of novella length reads but that does nothing to lesson how powerful, emotional and moving these tales are. The stories and characters all feel very genuine which made it super easy to become swept up into each and every one of them. A captivating blend of deep emotions, realism, cuteness, drama, heart, poignancy and sweetness will have you feeling good while you are also doing good and that is a rare thing. This is my frank, freely posted review.
Dog Tags is a romantic anthology about men and women who sacrifice to keep us safe. It also features dogs who give comfort to some suffering from PTSD.
I haven’t read all of the stories and will add the reviews as I read them.
Snowflake Kisses by D. D. Lorenzo is a wonderful little story about Charity and Dave. Charity is in cybersecurity expert in the Army. She is on leave for the next two weeks to check up on her father’s recovery from heart surgery. She has a lot to deal with! An abandoned puppy, an weakened and ill father, a domineering and argumentative mother and Dave, a childhood friend, and the attraction that seems to be shared.
Patriotic Paws by Samantha A Cole is a fantastic novella. It has all the feels and will have you smiling and wanting to pet your dog and a cup of good coffee. Staff Sergeant Garth Andrews is almost through his latest deployment when he is injured. Chloe Baxter is the owner of Pepper’s Playhouse, a daycare for dogs and has been taking care of Roscoe, as part of Patriotic Paws, a local program where kennels, groomers, doggie daycares, and individuals or families volunteered to give deployed soldiers a safe place for their pets to stay until their tours were up. These two have gotten to know each other online when she sends videos of Roscoe. Follow what happens when he returns with plans to open a coffee shop and ask his dogs foster mom out on a date.
This review is for Girl's Best Friend by Anna Blakely Paxton just wanted a fresh start. Finding your boyfriend with your best friend will do that to you. So onto a new town, a new job and new neighbors. When Nick spotted the new neighbor moving in he was hooked. When his military war dog Lucky went right up to Pax happy and trusting, he knew they were both hooked. With the patience of a saint, Nick becomes Pax's best friend when he hears her story and that she has no desire to get into a relationship so soon. He keeps his feelings to himself until Paxton is in danger, now all bets are off.
Lucky's master is lucky in love while Lucky's lucky and save that love! by Deborah Cantillo
A Girl's Best Friend by Anna Blakely is a short story in this anthology. It is about a MWD (Military Working Dog) named Lucky. Nick is his former handler and now his master, Lucky leads the way to love for Nick and their new neighbor Paxton. The story gives glimpses of the relationship between MWD and their handlers, along with former and current resolutions for the dogs once they are not needed. The reader is also introduced to characters from her previous books written. There is also some suspense added regarding Paxton and will she be rescued in time. If you enjoy reading about romance, military men, and some suspense, then you will get it all in this book. I really enjoyed reading this short story and am looking forward to reading the others in this Anthology. I highly recommend Anna Blakely's stories, she is one of my preferred authors and has never disappointed me.
I received a free copy of this individual story in the anthology via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dog Tags: A romance anthology featuring military and canine heroes by: Kate Kinsley, Anna Blakely, Amy Briggs, Samantha A. Cole, KaLyn Cooper, Carey Decevito, Elle James, Cat Johnson, D.D. Lorenzo, Kat Mizera, Jen Talty
Dog Tags by Kate Kinsley My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every so often something happens that changes your point of view. Dog Tags was that aha moment for me. Every author puts their heart into their contribution. The result. Insightful, poignant, powerful, inspiring storytelling. Dog Tags is a celebration of the human spirit. From heartbreak to hopeful, these stories leave an impact on the heart and mind that is so unshakeable that it will change how you see the world.View all my reviews
A super anthology! Each and every story was perfect with it's own merits! A wonderful collection! I highly recommend Dog Tags! A huge thank you to each and every author for sharing these selections with your readers!! If you have not read this yet - go get this book and I swear you will not be able to put it down and when you are finished you will wish there were more!!
A really great book. All the stories are touching in so many ways. While these are stories they represent what our service men and women have gone through. My hope is that they raised a good amount for donation. Highly recommend this book.
I'm reviewing Achilles Heal by Kate Kinsley I can't wait to read the rest if Achilles Heal is any indication how the rest are going to be! Axel and Achilles have been through a lot together and have a strong bond. They are both wounded and as Achilles gets flown home he get's lost. Enter Maggie who find him and takes care of him there is a quick bond between them also. Axel makes it home and starts looking for him. This book had me crying sad and happy tears. What a great addition to this set of books.
Beautiful stories honoring the Military and their K9s...
My review is for Liberating Hale by Carey Decevito...
This was a heartfelt story about Carson Hale who returns home from the military broken physically but also mentally. All the medications he has tried do not tame the horrific seizures he experiences from a brain injury. He has nightmares of his experience in the military and carries guilt of losing many of his friends he fought side by side with. His girlfriend Hope, who is a nurse has stood by him every step of the way. He feels like he has let her down. When he has one of his episodes, he cannot help but feel humiliated. Hope tries to convince him to seek further help, but he is stubborn and does not feel worthy.
He finally agrees and he meets Charger a K9 he knows from when he was in the military. Charger is also broken. To see the two of them make a connection was a joy to read. I recommend reading this story and the many others that are included in this anthology. It definitely changes your perspective on what these warriors experience.