In the Dog House

I loved this story, it's so much more. Emma is the girl left behind, now working on her PhD in psychology, while training dogs for emotional support (ESD). Jackson is the battle worn man who returns home to care for his nephew Matty after his sister is in a serious car accident. Neither Emma nor Jackson thought they'd see each other again, brought together by Matty, his love for dogs, love for his Uncle Jackson and this sweet scared little guy was so much wiser than his young 11 years, his concern and fear for Jackson's nightmares and PTSD brings him close to Emma. Emma still lives with her Aunt who raised her and the dog facility is on her land. Her dream is to buy land and build a much larger facility. When the story begins Emma is doing a little demo with her dogs at the local school and Matty is there. Jackson is there to pick up Matty. Jackson is pretty much a tool at the beginning of the book. He's gruff and grumpy with Matty. He's used to commanding his unit and expects everyone to fall in line, meanwhile his sister is in a coma after a serious car accident, her future unknown. Jackson drags Matty away from the dogs and home to work on his schoolwork.. rough taskmaster. Matty works his way over to Emma's one day and that little story begins the relationship with Matty and Emma and Matty's love for the dogs and training them. Matty just knows that a dog would help his Uncle, but clearly Uncle denies his problems. Emma and Jackson are easing into a place that is comfortable for them both after he left her and joined the service. Emma is still hurt by that and Jackson pretty much makes it clear that his duty to the military comes first. As these two talk things through they hits so many bumps and snags. Emma is a patient soul and Jackson is as stubborn as they come. There's a lot of story and heart in this book, the author handles the complicated world of PTSD and other emotional issues with great detail and knowledge. Written so well and also the EST arena and how dogs are used for a variety of emotional issues, this book deals with PTSD but you glimpse other areas as well. Smoothly woven into the story it was perfect. Loved this characters and Emma's gracious and loving, compassionate heart. Matty was a joy and Jackson, you have to read the book to find out how our man Jackson finds himself in this one. Could not ask for more, it's a great read that will capture you from the very first page. arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review

This is a sweet second chance love story that I just loved. Jackson, at age 18, dumped his high school love, Emma, and joined the marines. Ten years later, circumstances force him home to care for his nephew after his mother is in a car accident. When Jackson sees Emma again, he finds it difficult to face her, as he never stopped wanting her. Emma's heart broke when Jackson left as a teen, but it breaks even more to see him struggle with PTSD, while actively in denial that it exists. The author wove a lot of great information about PTSD and emotional support dogs into the story. Throughout the novel, Jackson maintains that he is leaving to return to his unit just as soon as his sister is better. Because of this, he maintains his distance from Emma, even while reaching out to her. I enjoyed the push/pull in this book. I especially loved Emma and how she made a non traditional role for herself. Jackson is the perfect brooding and sexy marine, so the two of them together are wonderful, proving that you never forget your first love. If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book, and it's out just in time to enjoy by the fire. I'm adding the author to my must read authors' list.

When I want a sweet romance without the scenes that can make your eyes bleed with how vivid they are I know exactly where to look and this author is one of those places. Her characters always grab at my heart and so do the topics she centers her stories around. This one didn't disappoint. We are introduced to Jackson and his issues with PTSD. Typical stubborn man not wanting to admit to being weak but also as a soldier holding on to his demons he was ashamed of how his actions would be seen through a civilians eye, especially one he had feelings for. While this is a second chance romance we don't really get much about their past but their present is enough to fill the pages. The nephew is absolutely adorable and keeps them both on their toes along with her aunt. She has some decisions to make and both will have to make some changes but you better believe they will do whats needed to get their hea this time around. Great read with tons of chemistry and doggy antics that you will laugh and do the deep sigh thing before you're done.