A Great Dane named George plays cupid to pet spa owner and single mom to a pair of twin girls Kara Williams and recently divorced, father to a sullen 14-year-old, and restaurant owner, Brad Ralston. And isn't he the best Cupid ever. Missing his normal routine that has changed since the divorce and tired of his family ignoring him, George decides to take things into his own paws and trots off to Kara's pet spa to get himself a much need grooming.

Everyone in the Ralston home is having a tough time adjusting to the new dynamics of their family life, especially his son Justin seems to find any excuse to get in trouble. When George escapes his home one too many times, Brad realizes that he might be neglecting more than just his dog and enlists Kara's help as a live-in housekeeper. CIrcumstances being what they are Kara agrees to be the female presence in a home that is sorely in need of a woman's touch.

Soon all parties involved realize that they function much better as a unit but both Brad and Kara have been badly burned by love going wrong and are way too wary to get involved and risk their hearts once again.

I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration ( )

Cute quick read about George, a great dane belonging to divorced Dad Brad, who constantly escapes to single gal Kara's Pet Spa. ( )

I have to say this book caught my eye because of the cover. I’m a sucker for love stories involving pets, especially dogs, and when I saw this cover with one of my favorite dog breeds on it, a Great Dane, I just had to get my hands on it and read the story.

George, is a big, lovable, gentle, sweet, “talkative”, Great Dane who reminds me so much of Bear aka Bubba Dog. I’m not sure if anyone else notices these sorts of things about their pets, maybe it’s just because I tend to notice more things than some people, but my dog has a very expressive face just like George and is very “talkative” too. Bear has this thing where he raises his eyebrows a lot and talks back to me when he doesn’t agree with what I’m saying or when he just needs to voice his opinion. It’s quite adorable and I can’t help laughing everytime he does it, he especially knows to do it when he’s in trouble because he knows I just can’t stay mad at him when he talks back to me and gives me his puppy dog look. Throughout the whole story just the little things George did made me giggle and smile, those are the best kinds of stories, if you can make me laugh and bring a smile to my face your story is worth the read.

Kara, the heroine of the story reminded me a little of myself. She’s very kind hearted and talks to the animals like they’re human beings and are involved in the conversation right along with you. I’m the same way. I know I sound crazy, but I honestly believe pets can understand what we’re saying and if they could talk they’d definately answer. They’re great listeners and even though they can’t speak they’re there for you no matter what. She’s also afraid of being hurt and doesn’t want to get involved with Brad even though she still has a crush on him, and she puts her twin 5 year old daughters, Sadie and Sophie, above all else, they’re her world and are just like their mother, they’re love for animals is absolutely adorable.

Recently divorced Brad, the hero in the story, has a 14 year old son named Justin. Brad is a hard working man, but is also very distant and isn’t close to his son. He was too hurt and mad at his ex-wife, Lynette, to bother and fight for her and try to make their marriage work. He ends up noticing these things, wanting to change. and make his relationship stronger with Justin. He’s also a restaurant owner and a chef which I just love! Some of the recipes he cooked in the story I’ve never tried making and I’m tempted to look for the recipes. They sound amazing, especially the pear tart with chocolate hazelnut sauce dessert, sounds yummy, huh?

Another character in the story I just had to talk a bit about is Justin, Brad’s son. Justin is a rebellious 14 year old who reminded me a bit of my younger sister, Demitra. When our parents divorced my sister rebeled just like Justin and got in to quite a bit of trouble in school. The author did a great job of explaining how some children react to parents divorcing, every child is different, but divorces effect children in a lot of the same ways. I felt for Justin and knew exactly how he was feeling.

Overall, the story was a good read. I’d recommend it to anyone who has a soft spot for animals and enjoys a good light romance story with a few kids thrown in. ( )