This book was read in dribs and drabs, which makes it a bit difficult to form a cohesive opinion about it. Especially hard because the last half was read in the hospital emergency room with my mother (who is doing very well, thank God), but my overall impression was definitely favorable.
Proud, independent single mom, Selena Milano hates to admit she might need help with something, but she has no choice but to call dog whisperer Jack Quinn when her neighbors are ready to explode over the giant, destructive, overly enthusiastic puppy she and her son adopted runs roughshod over the neighborhood.
Immediately Jack and Selena clash. Selena automatically distrusts Jack and hates that he's trying to take away Axel the dog's free spirit, crush him into submission, etc. Yeah, she's got some issues of her own. Jack doesn't like her abrasive, bristly style and can't understand why she doesn't give the dog and her son some structure. But Jack immediately senses a bond with Drew, Selena's son who not only excels at training Axel, but seems to need a friend. He reminds Jack of himself as a kid and this bond the two men have drives Selena nuts.
The attraction between the two adults is powerful and frightens both to an extent. Selena never wants to give up control, was raised to be strictly independent and stand on her own. Jack has shut himself down emotionally and welcomes the spark sparring with Selena brings to his life, but he's got a lot of work to do to overcome his own issues as well as Selena's. But a boy and a dog work their magic over time in this sweet, often humorous romance.
I'm a sucker for any animal in a story and since I'm raising my own little shaggy puppies, I especially loved exuberant Axel. Usually the critter is my favorite character in the book. This one had several wonderful secondary characters in Selena's life and it was a fun community to visit. Jack and Selena's story was occasionally grating when such stubborness gets in the way, but in the end it all works beautifully. I'd rate this a 4 star book. Pretty mild in the heat department.
Laure
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