Love off the Leash

Furever Yours #10

by Tara Taylor Quinn

Service dog Jedi is playing…cupid

As a malnourished rescue dog, I never dreamed Wendy Alvarez would pull me for her Pets for Vets program. Turns out I’m the perfect support animal for ex-vet Greg Martin. Though he insists he’s only my “foster,” I’m gonna chase Greg’s nightmares away and give him the courage to fly his plane again. Plus get him to fall for that nice lady, Wendy. Those loners may be my trainers, but I’m pulling their heartstrings.

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, ebook

First published May 12, 2022

About the author

Tara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.

With over 80 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”

Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.

Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.

When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romance, and this is the 10th book in the Furever Yours Book series. I have read and reviewed the 9th book in this series, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone book. Both the main characters work with K-9 Dogs for Vets Non-Profit. I loved the dogs in this book, and at times those dogs took over the story which I really loved. The characters in this book were developed, and I loved getting to know them. The two main characters were trying to overcome some hard things, and I love seeing how much they change over this story. I was living for the ending of this book. I really hope we get some updates on these characters in the next books to come. This book is everything I love in a book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Tara Taylor Quinn) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A slightly different but quite compelling romance, “Love off the Leash”, by Tara Taylor Quinn (Harlequin), features two wounded people who have quietly given up hope for themselves but find it nevertheless.
Both disillusioned with life but at the same time very passionate about it, Greg and Wendy are vibrant and giving people, friends with similar occupations and interests who keep their distance until the simmering attraction between them becomes too strong.
I liked how they’re both afraid of a deep emotional connection, yet they’re already there (and still resisting and fighting it).
I really liked how the author wrote the daily challenges and struggles related to the hero’s issues. The pain is always there.
I’m not sure if dealing alone and secretly with certain issues (“the insidious beast”) is viable for a long period, or even believable, but writing a character (Greg) with said issues and his avoidance tactics is very interesting.
Both Greg and Wendy have self-worth issues based upon presupposed internal and external high expectations. Basically they’re their own worst enemy.
I liked the author’s light writing style while still depicting and exploring serious issues.
Jedi is a wonderful, smart dog. The way he deals with humans’ trauma is amazing. I loved the interaction humans/dogs.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Furever Yours is a series where the books are written by different authors. I haven't read all the novels yet (must be my third) but I'm so pleased with this 10th dog stories. The back cover with the canine's POV is adorable but I prefer to tell you we don't have his "voice" in the book. It's still a sweet romance and Jedi have a strong presence.

Wendy and Greg have known each other for three years now. They're both volunteers at the Pets for Vets program. She's taking care of dogs and training them. He's flying them to their new homes when she finds a match between a dog and a veteran. As an ex serviceman who lost brothers in arms and after a difficult landing on one occasion, Greg doesn't want to talk about his nightmares, but Wendy can recognize the signs. Maybe asking his help with the new German Shepherd can make him see how helpful it could be for him.

My heart melt for theses characters who had many tragedies thrown at them in life. I loved how Wendy, Greg and Jedi found each others and their story was the solace I needed this week.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Love Off the Leash is the tenth title in the Furever Yours continuity line from Harlequin. Frankly, I love the continuity stories for while it takes place in the same general “universe” I don’t feel that I need to go back to read the ones I might have missed. I love series and find it difficult to just step into the middle of one without knowing what went on before. With a continuity line story I don’t feel that need to read them all, although I have read most of the Furever Yours titles simply because I enjoy anything with a pet involved.

Meet “Jedi”, a recently rescued dog who has a huge change in his life, in fact, he may just have found his calling as a matchmaker! Oh, his love, Wendy, calls him a service dog able to help heal those who have faced trauma. But Jedi knows that his true purpose in life is to unite his two favorite humans so that they all can be a furever family. He just has to convince Greg that “foster fails” are completely allowed, that Greg and Wendy make the perfect couple, and that he, Jedi, can indeed help him to get back in the air again… if only Greg would trust Jedi and let him start the healing process.

Wendy and Greg each face their own issues, mostly alone. Wendy has been convinced by others and eventually herself that she will never be “enough” for anyone to stay, to accept her just as she is. She’s given up for herself but still holds onto hope for the pets and vets that she strives to help. Greg is dealing with PTSD and believes he is functioning just fine, thank you very much. Yet a near accident in his plane will have him questioning his abilities and his future with Pets for Vets. What good is a pilot who is supposed to be flying service dogs to their new owners to start the healing/living process if he’s afraid to get into the plane? Each is stubborn, each fails to see what is right in front of them. They work together, they’re already friends, and now one adorable pup is about to do some matchmaking as he helps not only Greg but Wendy as well on the path to healing… and lifelong love.

I had fun with Love Off the Leash. Yes, there are some serious issues to be dealt with, but always with love in mind and a hopeful heart. I loved watching the losing battle Greg had over accepting Jedi as his own service dog, firmly believing that he’s only fostering the determined, lovable pup. Wendy went straight to my heart, I understood her and was so glad to see her build up her own self-esteem and finally believe that she was more than just enough for Greg. Familiar faces pop up, dogs and vets so in need of each other, and one adorable Jedi simply stole not only my heart but every scene he’s in. If you love a “feel good” romance, especially if you love dogs, and that honorable service dog personality and a couple you will fall in love with then this one is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Release Date: May 24, 2022

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt romance between a woman who has never felt “enough” for the people in her life, a former military man with PTSD and the rescue dog that may just be what they both need. Wendy Alvarez loves her work with the Pets for Vets program and her time spent with pilot Greg Martin. Greg flies service dogs to veterans even as he continues to suffer from PTSD. He is “handling” his condition, as flying relaxes him, until a near accident in his plane. Wendy is aware of Greg’s hesitancy to fly again and while training Jedidiah, a mistreated rescue dog, she notices that Jedi calm’s Greg in times of stress. Greg seems unaware of how Jedi helps him and does not believe he needs a service dog. As they grow closer and begin an intimate relationship, he worries that he could harm Wendy during one of his episodes and she worries that he will leave her as everyone else has. Can these two overcome past issues in order to enjoy a future together, with Jedi? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packs an emotional punch! This heartwarming story of a rescue dog and the humans he helps is sure to tug at your heartstrings. The characters each have a back story that fills the dialogue with emotion and seeing them help the other heal and be ready to live again is really rewarding. I loved every minute of their story!

Wendy has trauma from her childhood that she hasn't let go of yet, but she sets out every day to do good in the world and she accomplishes so much for people.

Greg is goodhearted and down to earth, but life handed him a situation that he hasn't fully come to terms with yet and meeting Wendy is turning out to be just what he needed.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a whole lot of heart mixed with emotions and turmoil as each couple collides and works toward their happily ever after.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love books about animals helping veterans recover...and vets helping animals, so Love off the Leash by Tara Taylor Quinn was right up my alley. Jedi is an abandoned dog who needed fostering and volunteer Wendy Alvarez with Pets for Vets was the only one available to take him. She thought he would be a good match for the pilot who helped with the program by transporting animals, Greg Martin, although he swore he didn't need any help. As Jedi recovered, would he bond with Greg or would Greg refuse to take comfort from the dog?

A wonderful novel for those who love pets, or those who love love. Thank you to the author,BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a wounded veteran and a woman that he meets. This was not a love story. It was about a service dog helping two people overcome their problems.

This story is about a malnourished reacue dog. A woman named Wendy Alvarez pulls this rescue dog for her Pets for Vets program. There is also a guy named Greg Martin in the story who is a wounded veteran suffering from an injury and PTSD. He will be helping to foster the rescue dog that Wendy picks for her program. The rescue dog helps Greg and Wendy both. I think that they helped each other but I didn’t feel that there was a romance between them. There were hints that Greg liked her and vice versa but I didn’t feel that this was a romance.

[Saadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review for reading a book courtesy of NetGalley.
My first time reading this author. I picked the story based on the cover photo: a man, a woman and a dog! Romance and a dog, what could be more heartfelt?
The first couple of chapters puzzled me: hero and heroine were introspective and analyzed their reactions to the ultimate degree. Every thought and utterance and behavior was finely considered and weighed and parsed. At this rate, I began to wonder if the two of them would ever get together! This author might have a background in psychotherapy.
Eventually the service dogs trained to assist wounded warriors came into play, showing their intuitive ability to sense and comfort. I absolutely resonated with the animals as they did their best.
Over time, hero and heroine deep dive into their psyche and gain the vision and strength to move forward. And the animals cheered!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg and Wendy enjoy flirting with each other as they work together to transport service dogs, but they are both hesitant to entertain the thought of a more serious relationship. With the help of a special service dog, perhaps they can break through the barriers that are holding them back.. It may just prove to be a perfect match for all. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy to read and review.

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Greg is an ex-vet and suffers from nightmares. Wendy runs a Pets for Vets program. Greg flies those pets to their owners. Loved how those two flirt with each other when they thought nothing would come of it. But once Wendy decides Greg needs a therapy dog and they start spending time together, the sparks and emotions start to fly.
Both characters are so down to earth and relatable. A great feel good read.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wounded warrior finds love

The characters of Greg an Wendy were the perfect combination of wounded and functioning. The story became a bit redundant toward the end. A few story lines were introduced that appeared to be a lead in for something that never came to fruition. The story had a good base but I think the author tried a bit too hard to put as much angst as possible in the story.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great characters, both two and four-legged, and a good storyline about wanting something you think you cannot have and learning how and learning ways to do with it.

Needing help and realizing it's never too late to seek it and ask for it or to accept it. And the familial fall out of suicide.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because of the dog on the cover. Then the book chose me as I got involved in Wendy's and Greg's lives as they sort through their personal tribulations. Mix in Jedi, the dog, and you have a heart wrenching and heart warming story of a wounded warrior, a survivor of a dysfunctional family, and a dog who helps them heal.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 10 in the Furever Yours series. They are all independent stories but feature dogs getting couples together. A nice quick read with the required happy ending. Greg and Wendy don't stand a chance when they start working for the Pets for Vets program. This story has some real life messaging that hopefully draws attention to shelter animals and PTSD in vets.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved romances featuring dogs or cats and this one was good. Two hurt people, a lovely dog, a sweet romance.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Furever Yours (Book #10)

[Janice Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Net galley! Nothing better than a quick romance novel. And add a dog and it make it an even better book.

[Ashley Gadue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I requested a Harlequin book from NetGalley and actually got accepted! So exciting, I read Harlequin books constantly. I love them and this one was no different. The story was great, the characters were relatable yet frustrating as they both fought against their feelings and kept their walls up and suffered their issues alone. I wish this book had a part 2, I'd be interested in seeing how things turned out personally and professionally for them. I wonder what happened with Duke as well. Overall a great book I would recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story - enjoyed reading it.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the connections between the characters and the dogs. It shows the impact that dogs have on humans and also shows how helpful they can be when we humans are suffering.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story!!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect “Hallmark after dark” book. It felt like a Hallmark movie based on the plot but it also is “after dark“ because it had some steamy scenes in there as well. I have a rescue dog and I always immediately connect to books in which dogs from shelters are the main component.

I absolutely love the work that Wendy did to find dogs that could be good fits for soldiers suffering from PTSD. I also really liked that we saw Greg’s perspective with PTSD because he clearly depicted how it’s not an easy process just to go from coming back from war to acknowledging, accepting, and getting help for PTSD. We watched his own struggles with PTSD in addition to the work he did to help transport dogs to others with PTSD.

I’m so glad the book was written in dual POV because we really got to understand each character, their background, and how it was affecting the storyline and their blossoming romance. Each of them has things they needed to work through and you found yourself really rooting for them. Every now and then storylines with dogs can come off as cheesy, but this one was completely believable. A heartwarming story and a very enjoyable read!