Every heart deserves a forever home:

• Second chance romance
• A hero passionate about helping young teens
• A heroine with a big heart and growing yoga practice
• A big, fluffy Bernese Mountain Dog that will never leave you
• Lots of adorable animals looking for their forever homes

Jeremy and Ava have both been hurt by love in the past, but they discover that High Grove Animal Shelter is the perfect place for second chances.

Jeremy Washington couldn’t be happier running his therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn’t have time to date—which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be.

When he meets the new yoga teacher Ava Graham, Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava would be the perfect fit. Ava quickly finds herself falling in love with Jeremy’s unique world, but her big heart has been taken advantage of once before.

Can Jeremy and Ava let their walls down long enough to find the love they’ve been looking for all along?

Titles in the Rescue Me continuity series include — A New Leash on Love —♥— Sit, Stay, Love —♥— My Forever Home —♥— Love at First Bark —♥— Head Over Paws —♥— To Be Loved By You —♥— You’re My Home —♥—

(I have read most of the stories within this series and reviewed them on another blog of mine – but the Romances belong here, eventually, I’ll bring those other reviews over.)

 

Title:  To Be Loved By You
Series:  Rescue Me #6
Author:  Debbie Burns
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  January 25, 2022
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Alright, let’s just get this out of the way… I absolutely adored Rolo, the comical, devoted, kitten-loving Bernese Mountain Dog/German Shepherd mix.  He is the hero of To Be Loved by You for me.  I just wanted to take him home (as though Jeremy would have let me) and cuddle him forever.  And yes, sometimes the animals in a story are just as important to me as the main characters.  While I would recommend reading the Rescue Me books in order, you can jump in and enjoy the antics of the animals and the newly in love couple with ease (that’s not always so with some series).

Ava and Jeremy are connected to others we’ve met in this series but they are also very independent people who believe that neither love nor commitment is realistic for them – the reasons vary but the determination to remain single is strong.  Until a meeting at the High Grove Animal Shelter (and our matchmaking Rolo) will prove them wrong.  Ava is changing careers from the high power and intense real estate field to becoming a yoga teacher.  Ava has been through so much, her trust level for the opposite sex is minimal at best, but there is a spark, an attraction when she meets Jeremy.  Now, will she act on it or continue to play it safe in the emotions department?  Jeremy works with at-risk teens, he loves what he does the lives he can impact or even change fit in with his personality.  He’s not looking for a romantic entanglement, no, he’s been there and does not see himself returning to being part of a couple any time soon if ever.  Yet, Ava intrigues him and perhaps he might have a change of heart… one day.

While To Be Loved by You is lighthearted, sweet, and funny in many ways, there are also those darker issues that both Ava and Jeremy have faced in their past.  It’s not overpowering but the past does still haunt them and there are issues, and fears to go beyond before that happy ending is a possibility.  I liked them, they felt realistic and believable – and come on – kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs… of course, I’m gonna love it!  I love returning to this world whenever I can and always keep an eye out for the next story that will take me back to one of my happy fictional places.  If you love a romance that will touch your heart, a couple who have some issues to deal with, and adorable animals that will have you wanting to visit your local animal shelter – then this one is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via 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.*

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