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Take a Chance on Me
They've Got Nothing In Common... For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof... But Animal Attraction-Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation. And the Willingness To Take A Chance On LoveThomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to tr
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 16, 2015
33 people are currently reading
2604 people want to read
About the author
Susan Donovan
45 books934 followersSUSAN DONOVAN's novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 4, 2018
Venía de una lectura muy dura y este libro, que me recomendó Elsa, ha significado un soplo de aire fresco. Divertido, sencillo y muy sexy, la historia de amor entre Emma y Thomas -todo un hombreton- es maravillosa y nada ñoña. La escena en la marisquería es de traca: pam pam pam. Me ha encantado.
November 25, 2016
¡Me encantó! Este es el primer libro que leo de Susan Donovan, y estoy segura que no será el último.
Esta novela es una historia de amor hermosa, fresca, muy dulce, y muy divertida, con personajes adorables. Es fácil de leer, porque está bien contada, y te deja una gran sonrisa en los labios. Preciosa. ❤
Esta novela es una historia de amor hermosa, fresca, muy dulce, y muy divertida, con personajes adorables. Es fácil de leer, porque está bien contada, y te deja una gran sonrisa en los labios. Preciosa. ❤
June 19, 2018
Más bien 3'5 pero excepcionalmente redondeo al alza porque el libro tiene ciertas cosas que me han encantando y por las que no me parece bien darle menos nota.
Ha sido un libro bastante divertido, desde luego el principio es de lo más ridículo y divertido que puedes leer. La trama en sí tiene poca cosa, es la historia de amor entre dos personas que han cerrado la puerta a rehacer su vida con otro, el proceso que tienen que seguir para volver a confiar en otra persona, etc. Vamos, lo normal. Lo que no es normal es lo que les pasa a ellos por la cabeza, que es, junto con el perro, lo mejor del libro. Los pensamientos de Emma con Thomas son tan reales y divertidos... Y él es lo más, un maromo de fachada de mármol que esconde una personalidad divertida, dulce y de palotismo extremo. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, qué barbaridad cuando se pillan por banda! Grrrrrr, grrrrrr y más grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Eso sí, tardan. A veces os ha apetecido un libro en que el esas mariposillas del estómago previas a que pase algo se dilaten? Que no se toquen y ya estén dándose el lote por los rincones? Pues este es ese libro.
Luego hay una trama más de suspense que me ha parecido bastante mñe y mal llevada, pero lo que me interesaba, la parte sentimental y la humorítstica, estupendas.
Mención aparte merece el perro más feo del mundo y sus ocasionales pensamientos, geniales.
En fin, una buena lectura para limpiar el cerebro y pasar un buen rato.
Ha sido un libro bastante divertido, desde luego el principio es de lo más ridículo y divertido que puedes leer. La trama en sí tiene poca cosa, es la historia de amor entre dos personas que han cerrado la puerta a rehacer su vida con otro, el proceso que tienen que seguir para volver a confiar en otra persona, etc. Vamos, lo normal. Lo que no es normal es lo que les pasa a ellos por la cabeza, que es, junto con el perro, lo mejor del libro. Los pensamientos de Emma con Thomas son tan reales y divertidos... Y él es lo más, un maromo de fachada de mármol que esconde una personalidad divertida, dulce y de palotismo extremo. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, qué barbaridad cuando se pillan por banda! Grrrrrr, grrrrrr y más grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Eso sí, tardan. A veces os ha apetecido un libro en que el esas mariposillas del estómago previas a que pase algo se dilaten? Que no se toquen y ya estén dándose el lote por los rincones? Pues este es ese libro.
Luego hay una trama más de suspense que me ha parecido bastante mñe y mal llevada, pero lo que me interesaba, la parte sentimental y la humorítstica, estupendas.
Mención aparte merece el perro más feo del mundo y sus ocasionales pensamientos, geniales.
En fin, una buena lectura para limpiar el cerebro y pasar un buen rato.
September 25, 2008
No need to write a review on this one since so many of my friends have already done so. = )
This was my first read by Susan Donovan. Her writing style reminded me of Jennifer Crusie, altho she is not quite as funny and her sex scenes were more graphic. Both characters were action-packed with issues, but very well-written and likable. My favorite part? The dog. I loved that the dog's thoughts about Alpha and Soft Hands were included and it made for a fun read!
This was my first read by Susan Donovan. Her writing style reminded me of Jennifer Crusie, altho she is not quite as funny and her sex scenes were more graphic. Both characters were action-packed with issues, but very well-written and likable. My favorite part? The dog. I loved that the dog's thoughts about Alpha and Soft Hands were included and it made for a fun read!
March 23, 2016
Fun at first, then I just skimmed the middle and read the ending.
October 18, 2017
Sin dudas el gran protagonista de esta historia es la mascota de la pareja...un perrito muy especial.
Me gusto mucho el libro, quizas el relato de la escritora no me ha resultado tan "prolijo" pero estoy segura que es un tema de traducción.
Me gusto mucho el libro, quizas el relato de la escritora no me ha resultado tan "prolijo" pero estoy segura que es un tema de traducción.
December 2, 2017
Oh well this book was better than I expected maybe because I went in with zero expectations. I was expecting chick-lit but it wasn't. Both the hero/heroine are in their 30s, with baggage and I enjoyed their journey.
May 2, 2016
This is another comfort, cozy reread. It's like wrapping a nice warm blanket around you as you sip a nice cup of tea on a snowy Saturday morning as you look outside knowing its a long weekend and you don't go back to work until Tuesday.
And just like all the other times I've read this book, I loved it. I love Thomas and Emma, the h/h, I love Leelee and Becket, her adopted daughter and her father and I also adore Hairy, one of the ugliest dogs in the worth. Below is the review I first wrote for GoodReads
I'm surprised I don't have a review for this book here, I know I've posted one in a couple of places. I really, really like this book. It's very funny in some scenes and overall adorable. It's one of the books I had to get as an ebook so I can carry it with me all the time. Whenever I really need a chuckle I have it handy.
Thomas Tobin is a bit of a stick and thick as a brick in some ways but in a good, adorable grouchy bear kind of way. And I love Emma. She's the kind of person I'd like as a friend. I love the relationship she has with her adopted daughter Leelee.
But the real star of this book, without question is Hairy the poor ugly Chinese Crested . He is an absolute riot and I love how the author writes from his point of view. I am SO not a dog fan but I'm just wild about Hairy.
3 out of 5 for Hairy alone + 2 out of 5 for the rest make this a grand total of 5 out of 5 well deserved stars. Big thumbs up for (singing the ABBA song in my head) Take a Chance on Me.
And just like all the other times I've read this book, I loved it. I love Thomas and Emma, the h/h, I love Leelee and Becket, her adopted daughter and her father and I also adore Hairy, one of the ugliest dogs in the worth. Below is the review I first wrote for GoodReads
I'm surprised I don't have a review for this book here, I know I've posted one in a couple of places. I really, really like this book. It's very funny in some scenes and overall adorable. It's one of the books I had to get as an ebook so I can carry it with me all the time. Whenever I really need a chuckle I have it handy.
Thomas Tobin is a bit of a stick and thick as a brick in some ways but in a good, adorable grouchy bear kind of way. And I love Emma. She's the kind of person I'd like as a friend. I love the relationship she has with her adopted daughter Leelee.
But the real star of this book, without question is Hairy the poor ugly Chinese Crested . He is an absolute riot and I love how the author writes from his point of view. I am SO not a dog fan but I'm just wild about Hairy.
3 out of 5 for Hairy alone + 2 out of 5 for the rest make this a grand total of 5 out of 5 well deserved stars. Big thumbs up for (singing the ABBA song in my head) Take a Chance on Me.
August 26, 2020
4.5 ⭐️ Tenía tiempo que no me reía tanto en un libro. A pesar de ser romántico, disfrute muchísimo!
Emma es una veterinaria especialista en conducta de animales. Es divorciada, vive con su padre y está criando la hija de su mejor amiga. Es divertida, alegre y noble. Un día en su consultorio se presenta Thomas con un perro llamado Hairy. La doctora al verlos, no sabe cuál de los dos necesita más ayuda.
Thomas es un infiltrado de la ley que captura malhechores. Tiene un secreto que destruyó su antigua relación, por lo que no quiere volver a enamorarse.
Ambos al mirarse por primera vez, hacen una química instantánea.
Tengo que mencionar Hairy, porque aunque se describe como el perro más feo del mundo, une a dos corazones y cambia la tensión familiar de ambas familias. Me conmueve bastante los libros donde existen perros y más aún cuando tienen un papel principal en la historia.
Tengo que darle mérito a la protagonista femenina y a su hija, donde a mi entender, se roban el show, como decimos nosotros.
El único “pero” que le pongo es que para mí la historia acabó muy rápido. Como si faltaran más páginas. Hubiese deseado unas cuantas más!!!!
Y pensar que este libro lo vi en una biblioteca y lo compré por 0.25 centavos de dólar. Lo que me deja la enseñanza que a veces los mejores libros no son los que más cuestan.
Emma es una veterinaria especialista en conducta de animales. Es divorciada, vive con su padre y está criando la hija de su mejor amiga. Es divertida, alegre y noble. Un día en su consultorio se presenta Thomas con un perro llamado Hairy. La doctora al verlos, no sabe cuál de los dos necesita más ayuda.
Thomas es un infiltrado de la ley que captura malhechores. Tiene un secreto que destruyó su antigua relación, por lo que no quiere volver a enamorarse.
Ambos al mirarse por primera vez, hacen una química instantánea.
Tengo que mencionar Hairy, porque aunque se describe como el perro más feo del mundo, une a dos corazones y cambia la tensión familiar de ambas familias. Me conmueve bastante los libros donde existen perros y más aún cuando tienen un papel principal en la historia.
Tengo que darle mérito a la protagonista femenina y a su hija, donde a mi entender, se roban el show, como decimos nosotros.
El único “pero” que le pongo es que para mí la historia acabó muy rápido. Como si faltaran más páginas. Hubiese deseado unas cuantas más!!!!
Y pensar que este libro lo vi en una biblioteca y lo compré por 0.25 centavos de dólar. Lo que me deja la enseñanza que a veces los mejores libros no son los que más cuestan.
January 18, 2010
I usually avoid contemporary romance, but this book is a gem. Here are some of the cool things about it....one of the main characters is a Chinese Crested named Hairy who is a disco dancing champion. The heroine is not skinny, and she is a vet. The hero is a totally sexy alpha male rugby player who is HOT. There's a sassy adopted teenage daughter, sarcastic Chinese receptionist, crazy ex-husband, and a cool dad with an old, blind 3-legged Shepherd. The story is laugh-out-loud funny, very sexy, and the POV in the dog's head is hysterical. The scene at Bayside Stella's where Thomas and Emma are eating crabs is so buttery and hot, I'm left lusting for crustaceans and wicked hot sex simultaneously. Whew!
Anyway, I have probably read this book at least ten times, and I just love it! For anyone looking for a fun, sexy, kooky, doggie-centric contemporary romance novel this book is a keeper.
Grade: A
Penelope
Anyway, I have probably read this book at least ten times, and I just love it! For anyone looking for a fun, sexy, kooky, doggie-centric contemporary romance novel this book is a keeper.
Grade: A
Penelope
July 10, 2008
This is the first book I've read by Susan Donovan. I'm a big fan of Jennifer Crusie's books and this looked very similar. It is similar in some ways, but I don't feel it's as good as Crusie.
The first few chapters seemed to drag a bit, but the author definitely gives you enough background information on each character. You feel like you know these people. Some of the phrases used were a tad cheesy and unrealistic, IMO. The sex scene, well it definitely doesn't leave anything up the imagination that's for sure. That's not a bad thing, but I'm used to Crusie's hot, sexy scenes - Donovan's were much, much more graphic.
However, with all that said, there are some really funny parts in the book. The dog Hairy is hilarious and I love how she gave him is own thoughts. LeeLee is a complete trip for a 12 year old! Emma and Thomas are believable characters and the issues they deal with are completely realistic.
I would put the book between 3.5 to 4 stars. It's definitely worth reading, just beware there is some cheese to it.
The first few chapters seemed to drag a bit, but the author definitely gives you enough background information on each character. You feel like you know these people. Some of the phrases used were a tad cheesy and unrealistic, IMO. The sex scene, well it definitely doesn't leave anything up the imagination that's for sure. That's not a bad thing, but I'm used to Crusie's hot, sexy scenes - Donovan's were much, much more graphic.
However, with all that said, there are some really funny parts in the book. The dog Hairy is hilarious and I love how she gave him is own thoughts. LeeLee is a complete trip for a 12 year old! Emma and Thomas are believable characters and the issues they deal with are completely realistic.
I would put the book between 3.5 to 4 stars. It's definitely worth reading, just beware there is some cheese to it.
February 15, 2017
Es una buena novela , la primera que leo de @susandonovan y seguramente no la 'ultima, es una novela contemporánea, una historia de dos personas que no han sido felices en el amor , y que por casualidades de la vida se juntan, Hairy, personaje secundario me ha enamorado.
me ha recordado a la novela de "el hombre perfecto" de Linda Howard, si quereís leer una novela con tintes cómicos y un poco de acción. Esta es tu novela
me ha recordado a la novela de "el hombre perfecto" de Linda Howard, si quereís leer una novela con tintes cómicos y un poco de acción. Esta es tu novela
October 22, 2017
5 AMAZING STARS
I couldn't put this down. Where has it been all my life? I loved every freaking second of this book !! I mean cone on the dog has dialogue. I'm in love!!!
I couldn't put this down. Where has it been all my life? I loved every freaking second of this book !! I mean cone on the dog has dialogue. I'm in love!!!
November 6, 2015
5 Stars! What can I say, I was hooked from the very first page!
So many wonderful characters, including one hunky Thomas Tobin, so charming, yet so complex. His instant connection and confusion on his feelings for Dr. Emma Jenkins, animal behavior consultant, made for some off the charts sexual tension, lots of laughs, snappy banter, and some red hot sex. The dinner scene with Thomas eating crab...oh. my. word... it was butter melting hot! Messy and delicious!
Add in a smart-aleck teen, a delightful father, a murder mystery that centers around a neurotic dog, and you have one fabulous book. It moved along so quickly and there was never a dull moment, I was sad when it was over. However, much to my delight, the author gives the reader the perfect epilogue. This book goes on my top-read shelf, it's one I'll be grabbing again and again!
You have a new fan Susan Donovan and I look forward to reading more of your books.
November 8, 2011
Emma and Thomas fought the attraction between them for so long that it almost killed the book for me. Neither trusted the other and their lack of communication drove me nuts. HOWEVER, once they got past their non-communicative stupidity, I liked them together. Really liked them together. The dog, Hairy, was hilarious!!! I smiled quite a bit at his inner ramblings :)
Not my favorite Susan Donovan, but not a bad read overall.
Not my favorite Susan Donovan, but not a bad read overall.
August 16, 2015
No había leído nada de Susan Donovan y me ha gustado mucho, tiene momentos en los que me he reído mucho. Me han gustado los personajes y la historia. El perrito genial. Se me ha hecho corto la verdad.
June 26, 2018
Una estrella más por el perro 😂
April 13, 2022
Este es uno de esos libros que hacen que pase un rato estupendo. Thomas es grande, duro, con cicatrices. Serio y sin sentido del humor. Emma es dulce, compasiva y alegre. Mientras que Hairy es una rata desnutrida que de alguna manera ha acabado en las grandes manos del hombre. Las primeras páginas son muy graciosas, Thomas no tiene ni idea del cuidado de un animal tan pequeño y lo trata como a un rottweiler, con collar de púas incluido, pero Hairy es un perrito pequeño y bastante feo.
Para mí lo mejor del libro es Hairy, sus comentarios al estilo “Mira quién habla” Intenta comunicar cosas, se compadece de Thomas, a Emma la llama Manos Suaves…
La trama, a parte del romance, también es detectivesca, el anterior dueño de Hairy ha sido asesinado y el perrito es el único que ha visto al asesino. Thomas y Emma intentan ayudar al animal y descubrir quién mató a su amo. Como actores secundarios tenemos a la hija adoptiva de Emma, a su padre, un perro viejo y ciego, una recepcionista casamentera y un ex marido. Por parte de Thomas tenemos a sus compañeros de trabajo, su hermana, cuñado y sobrinos y a sus vecinos, con los que empieza una relación después de tener el perro.
Para mí lo mejor del libro es Hairy, sus comentarios al estilo “Mira quién habla” Intenta comunicar cosas, se compadece de Thomas, a Emma la llama Manos Suaves…
La trama, a parte del romance, también es detectivesca, el anterior dueño de Hairy ha sido asesinado y el perrito es el único que ha visto al asesino. Thomas y Emma intentan ayudar al animal y descubrir quién mató a su amo. Como actores secundarios tenemos a la hija adoptiva de Emma, a su padre, un perro viejo y ciego, una recepcionista casamentera y un ex marido. Por parte de Thomas tenemos a sus compañeros de trabajo, su hermana, cuñado y sobrinos y a sus vecinos, con los que empieza una relación después de tener el perro.
August 19, 2011
Light, fun, pleasant escape - a feel good contemporary romance. I was grinning and chuckling several times.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I enjoyed the characters (including Hairy the dog) and how things developed. There is nice relationship development. I was pleased there were no problems with heroine stupidity.
STORY BRIEF:
Emma and Aaron are animal behaviorist vets. Their divorce was recently finalized. Emma lives with her father and adopted daughter Leelee who is very smart. Leelee’s mother had been Emma’s best friend and recently died.
Thomas works for the state police on a murder-for-hire task force. He pretends to be a hit man to catch people wanting to kill others. One of his informants Scott was recently murdered. Scott had a dog named Hairy. Thomas took Hairy temporarily until he could find him a new home. Thomas takes Hairy to Emma for advice. Hairy has almost no hair, is tiny, ugly, has bug eyes and a face like a rodent.
Emma is drawn to Thomas. To her own surprise she asks him if he’d like to go on a date. She is humiliated when he passionately licks and kisses her ear, but says he’s not the man for the job and leaves. Thomas is drawn to Emma but he has issues. He was recently hurt by his ex-girlfriend. He plans to avoid women.
DATA:
Story length: 337 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Total number of sex scene pages: 22. Setting: current day Maryland. Copyright: 2003. Genre: contemporary romance.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I enjoyed the characters (including Hairy the dog) and how things developed. There is nice relationship development. I was pleased there were no problems with heroine stupidity.
STORY BRIEF:
Emma and Aaron are animal behaviorist vets. Their divorce was recently finalized. Emma lives with her father and adopted daughter Leelee who is very smart. Leelee’s mother had been Emma’s best friend and recently died.
Thomas works for the state police on a murder-for-hire task force. He pretends to be a hit man to catch people wanting to kill others. One of his informants Scott was recently murdered. Scott had a dog named Hairy. Thomas took Hairy temporarily until he could find him a new home. Thomas takes Hairy to Emma for advice. Hairy has almost no hair, is tiny, ugly, has bug eyes and a face like a rodent.
Emma is drawn to Thomas. To her own surprise she asks him if he’d like to go on a date. She is humiliated when he passionately licks and kisses her ear, but says he’s not the man for the job and leaves. Thomas is drawn to Emma but he has issues. He was recently hurt by his ex-girlfriend. He plans to avoid women.
DATA:
Story length: 337 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Total number of sex scene pages: 22. Setting: current day Maryland. Copyright: 2003. Genre: contemporary romance.
February 2, 2010
This was a really good book. Susan Donovan manages to weave a great story and plenty of sexual tension between Emma and Thomas.
He is of course, an emotionally closed off man, who because of past experiences is afraid to trust a woman. Emma is a 30 something veterinarian and divorcee who is just looking for the "One" to sweep her off her feet. The "One" who manages to sweep her off her feet comes in the form of Thomas and his hairless dog.
This story made me laugh out loud several times. Donovan makes the reader wait until around page 270 for Thomas and Emma to get together, but boy when they do! Whew! She writes a steamy love scene without being vulgar.
Over all I would say this is a 4.5 star story.
He is of course, an emotionally closed off man, who because of past experiences is afraid to trust a woman. Emma is a 30 something veterinarian and divorcee who is just looking for the "One" to sweep her off her feet. The "One" who manages to sweep her off her feet comes in the form of Thomas and his hairless dog.
This story made me laugh out loud several times. Donovan makes the reader wait until around page 270 for Thomas and Emma to get together, but boy when they do! Whew! She writes a steamy love scene without being vulgar.
Over all I would say this is a 4.5 star story.
March 21, 2010
Wow - Another truly GREAT SD book! Love, Love, Love her stories, characters and chemistry!! :)
K.
K.
September 18, 2017
Meet Hairy:
eheheh, definitely the MC of this story!
Thanks to Hairy:
- A murder mystery is solved
- Soft Hands & Big Alfa find their HEA
- Bright Eyes finds the dad of her dreams and discovers a talent for human+dog dancing competions.
XD
It was a really enjoyable read and I absolutely LOVED the awasome little dog's thoughts throughout the book.
4 stars
eheheh, definitely the MC of this story!
Thanks to Hairy:
- A murder mystery is solved
- Soft Hands & Big Alfa find their HEA
- Bright Eyes finds the dad of her dreams and discovers a talent for human+dog dancing competions.
XD
It was a really enjoyable read and I absolutely LOVED the awasome little dog's thoughts throughout the book.
4 stars
February 3, 2018
Una historia muy simple, simpática y agradable. Hairy se robó el libro por completo!! Sus diálogos son muy graciosos!
July 1, 2019
Es el primer libro que leo de esta autora y me encantó!! Emma y Thomas son una pareja perfecta! Hairy es muy divertido!
February 10, 2023
They've Got Nothing In Common...
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love
Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love
Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2008
This was my first book by Susan Donovan and I found it a really enjoyable story. In fact, for a while I thought It was going to be a keeper.
They've Got Nothing In Common...
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love
Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
I really liked Emma and Thomas! I especially liked Emma from the start; she was smart, funny, made no excuses for being what she was and even after a lousy divorce was ready to give it a try. When she first asked Thomas for a date I thought this is my kind of girl!
Now Thomas, I liked Thomas but in the beginning it was easy to see he had been hurt and was still carrying that hurt as a shield. He was attracted to Emma but he wasn't planning on taking that anywhere. Fortunately when he did the wrong thing he finally realised how he was letting the past affecting him and decided to go for it and try to win Emma. It wasn't easy after his first bad move but I was glad he didn't give up.
What really stopped this from being an A read was Emma's ex-husband. I wasn't really interested in his story and I would have preferred to spend more time with Emma and Thomas. I see that he was needed because of the mystery part but I really would have been happy with the book just being about those two.
One final word about the dog! I was really worried at first about reading a story with a dog that talked. Sometimes authors go for cutesy and it doesn’t work for me. Well this dog did! He was really funny and had some really insightful observations. Too bad Emma and Thomas couldn't hear him.
Grade: B
They've Got Nothing In Common...
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love
Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
I really liked Emma and Thomas! I especially liked Emma from the start; she was smart, funny, made no excuses for being what she was and even after a lousy divorce was ready to give it a try. When she first asked Thomas for a date I thought this is my kind of girl!
Now Thomas, I liked Thomas but in the beginning it was easy to see he had been hurt and was still carrying that hurt as a shield. He was attracted to Emma but he wasn't planning on taking that anywhere. Fortunately when he did the wrong thing he finally realised how he was letting the past affecting him and decided to go for it and try to win Emma. It wasn't easy after his first bad move but I was glad he didn't give up.
What really stopped this from being an A read was Emma's ex-husband. I wasn't really interested in his story and I would have preferred to spend more time with Emma and Thomas. I see that he was needed because of the mystery part but I really would have been happy with the book just being about those two.
One final word about the dog! I was really worried at first about reading a story with a dog that talked. Sometimes authors go for cutesy and it doesn’t work for me. Well this dog did! He was really funny and had some really insightful observations. Too bad Emma and Thomas couldn't hear him.
Grade: B
February 8, 2011
This book by Susan Donovan was so perfect, I was laughing out loud from page one, and had to (try) to read it to my hubby to show him why I was laughing so hard! I ended up giving it to him to read the first few pages to see why and it took some tugging to get the book back. Now just to get him to read it all. This is a hilarious hot read! Emma, who's a vet, comes into her patient's room to find the yummy Thomas(she has some hilarious names she called both him and the dog, that had me crying (from laughing so hard). And gosh did the two sizzle and boil over together! Even as I read this the day it came out, I still can remember and feel the scenes between them. Just a full adventure of a romance that is perfect. Lifts you up and will be a keeper too! So grab this one! Here's the blurb from publisher:
They've Got Nothing In Common...
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
They've Got Nothing In Common...
For animal behaviorist Emma Jenkins, romance has been at the bottom of her daily "to do" list since making it through a messy divorce. But everything changes the day six-feet-of-gorgeous Thomas Tobin walks into her office with a quivering Chinese Crested named Hairy, a canine that looks more like an underfed rodent than a dog. Sure Thomas is sending her mixed signals-but that charming smile just sent Emma's dormant sex drive through the roof...
But Animal Attraction-
Thomas isn't looking for a fling. In fact, he wants nothing to do with women. He just wants to know if Hairy witnessed his owner's murder. But something tells him that asking Emma to help him with the case will spell nothing but trouble-trouble in the form of serious temptation.
And the Willingness To Take A Chance On Love Thomas knows that relying on Emma's expertise-and her soft touch with a weird dog that has somehow become his-may be a crazy way to track a killer. Especially when Emma's down-home warmth makes him want to believe that anything is possible-even true love.
May 19, 2010
Take a Chance On Me is my first Susan Donovan book. It won't be my last! It combined elements of romance, suspense, humor, and family dynamics to make a near perfect romance in my opinion.
The characters were wonderfully portrayed and drawn out. Thomas was a "tough as nails" cop, but through Donovan's impressive writing style, we also see his pain, insecurity, and emotional fragility in the wake of a painful divorce. Emma is also very lovable and multi-dimensional. She is smart, funny, empathetic (towards both 2 and 4 legged mammals), and likeable. She also struggles with body image and self image which made her all more real to me. Hairy, the "rat dog" (no really, a Chinese Crested) also plays and important role in the book and Donovan allows us to see life from the viewpoint of a dog....it was fresh and funny! Leelee, Emma's ward from her deceased best friend was a heartbreakingly real pre-teen. Her desire for love, stability, and a family added so much to the story. Combined all that with Emma's dad, Thomas's sister and brother-in-law and their kids...and this is really a "family affair" book.
The love scenes in this book come late.....but are well worth the wait. Although they are very sensual and hot, they are also laced with love and respect....insecurity and honesty......the love scenes are perfect. I recommend that you get your hands on a copy of this book right away!
The characters were wonderfully portrayed and drawn out. Thomas was a "tough as nails" cop, but through Donovan's impressive writing style, we also see his pain, insecurity, and emotional fragility in the wake of a painful divorce. Emma is also very lovable and multi-dimensional. She is smart, funny, empathetic (towards both 2 and 4 legged mammals), and likeable. She also struggles with body image and self image which made her all more real to me. Hairy, the "rat dog" (no really, a Chinese Crested) also plays and important role in the book and Donovan allows us to see life from the viewpoint of a dog....it was fresh and funny! Leelee, Emma's ward from her deceased best friend was a heartbreakingly real pre-teen. Her desire for love, stability, and a family added so much to the story. Combined all that with Emma's dad, Thomas's sister and brother-in-law and their kids...and this is really a "family affair" book.
The love scenes in this book come late.....but are well worth the wait. Although they are very sensual and hot, they are also laced with love and respect....insecurity and honesty......the love scenes are perfect. I recommend that you get your hands on a copy of this book right away!
July 5, 2010
When an informant is killed, Thomas gets stuck with his butt ugly, bald, neurotic Chinese Crested dog - hoping that somehow the dog could ID the murderer. But the dog is totally freaked so Thomas brings him to Dr. Emma Jenkins, a doggy psychiatrist. The interest is immediate (between Emma and Thomas, not the dog) but they both have serious relationship issues. The ensuing courtship (if you could call it that) is beyond funny.
The first chapter sucks you right in and the hilarious actions (and thoughts) of the dog keep you reading. It's one of those books that you have to know how it ends but don't want it too. I laughed myself silly reading this and the people in the laundromat must have thought I was crazy. Even is you don't like animals, this is one great read.
The first chapter sucks you right in and the hilarious actions (and thoughts) of the dog keep you reading. It's one of those books that you have to know how it ends but don't want it too. I laughed myself silly reading this and the people in the laundromat must have thought I was crazy. Even is you don't like animals, this is one great read.
July 20, 2010
Hairy's (Chinese Crested dog) owner is killed and Thomas takes him in until he can find a home. But Hairy is having problems adjusting and Thomas has his own issues with being emotionally cut-off, so he takes Hairy to a pet psychologist - Emma. Emma has her own issues with a recent divorce, moving back home with her father and becoming guardian to her best-friend's daughter.
It is a great story of people finding themselves and each other with just a touch of danger to keep it interesting. Then, to make it more special, you get snippets of what Hairy is thinking occasionally..
It is a great story of people finding themselves and each other with just a touch of danger to keep it interesting. Then, to make it more special, you get snippets of what Hairy is thinking occasionally..
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