As an animal lover I couldn't resist this second instalment in the Paradise Animal Clinic series. A VALENTINE FOR THE VETERINARIAN is nicely timed for spring and written by a former vet technician. A VALENTINE FOR THE VETERINARIAN seems like an ideal match.
Dr. Cassie Marshall runs a vet clinic in Palmetto County, Florida. One of her callers is deputy Alex Santiago, a handsome cop, with his eager K-9 partner Rex. Alex moved to the island neighbourhood of Paradise with his mother when Miami got too hot for him, and he hasn't regretted it. Cassie, a single parent, hasn't always had good experiences with police, but she tries to see good in everyone. And her little girl Emma loves dogs, even big German Shepherds like Max. Maybe that's why Emma suggests Alex could be Cassie's Valentine. Whether the adults like it or not, or even have time to spare, it seems they have an assignment!
With plenty of animals, we go from a tiny kitten to the Shepherd and more. I really like reading about the K-9 dog getting trained for search and rescue, just one of the skills which can be learned by these amazing dogs. I also like the contrast between the chilly February weather in the tale and our usual impression of Florida as a sun and sand location. We see the natural surroundings and wildlife, from oak trees to burrowing tortoises.
This romance isn't saccharin sweet, however. Adult issues arise and the characters are big enough to face them on the spot. They have reached a time in their lives when maturity has to hit. We learn Cassie made a mistake in trusting a guy when she was young and impressionable so she has been loath to place trust in any man's staying power ever since. Although there are plenty of good examples of happy families, she hasn't really expected to end up that way, not with a child who has to come first. I admire her courage and the quality of life she's giving Emma. I also believe she deserves a second chance. Cassie is also really lucky in having two good friends, ladies who would never judge her.
A VALENTINE FOR THE VETERINARIAN has a great deal to recommend it, and Katie Meyer has provided a top-quality contemporary romance story for adults.
IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGSβ¦AND BABIES?Β When charismatic K-9 cop Alex Santiago shows up at Paradise Animal Clinic with a tiny gray kitten in his jacket, something inside Dr. Cassie Marshall shifts. The overworked single mom and veterinarian had been sure her plate was already full. Yet something about Alex's coffee-brown eyes has made her reconsider. Surely she can make room in her heart for just one more.Β
But two? When Cassie learns she is pregnant after a hot night with Alex, she panics. How can she handle one man, his dog, her little girl, their cat and a baby? Her sexy deputy sheriff has made no bones about wanting a simple relationship. So how can she tell her love-shy Valentine that their already full menagerie is about to be visited by the stork?
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