Could a dog help heal them both?A service dog in training knows just what they need!Veterinarian Maggie Reid is focused on training service dogs and has no time for romance. Yet Asher Matsuda sends her guarded heart into a tailspin. The widowed single dad has vowed to put his grieving daughter first. He can’t be falling for a beautiful workaholic who hides behind her career. But every dog has its … workaholic who hides behind her career. But every dog has its day and this stubborn duo is no different…if only they’ll take a chance on love!
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This hero is a hot librarian, a widower, a single dad. Sounds awesome, right? The heroine thinks so, too, until she learns that his deceased spouse was his husband. She was into the hot librarian and hoping he was interested in her, but now she assumes he’s gay, so she’s a little bummed that things will have to stay in the friend zone. But wait–he’s bisexual, and he wants to know if that’s a deal-breaker for her. It’s not. In fact, it’s a lucky break, because he’s great, and she’s glad she wasn’t imagining their chemistry.
The point of their romance and this book is not that the hero is bisexual. It’s that he’s a widower, and the heroine has her own emotional hurdles, too. I recently read a reader’s plea on social media for more books where the main character isn’t straight, but the book is not focused on their sexuality and the plot doesn’t center on a traumatic “coming out” period of growth. “LGBTQ people can be shown having normal lives and jobs and relationships,” that reader said. Well, this book fits the bill. The hero does have a frank discussion with the heroine that some people in town are going to be judgmental, and that’s something he wants her to factor in if they’re going to be together. It wasn’t the main external hurdle to their happily-ever-after, though, which was refreshing.
I’ve read three of this author’s “Sutter Creek, Montana” series so far, and I’ve enjoyed every one.
Loving this series
Every time I return to Sutter Creek, I enjoy my visits more and more. Maggie was introduced in the last book and I was eagerly anticipating her getting her own book and, to my delight, she did. Maggie is a veterinarian who trains service dogs, and it’s clear she loves her work. It’s also clear she loves her brother Lachlan and wants him to succeed in his dog training business.
Asher loved his husband desperately and grieved when he died. Now he’s brough their daughter to Sutter Creek to try to heal the wound of loss. And it’s a chance to him to connect with his brother. A chance to start over. Times are tight, so when he gets the opportunity for some carpentry work on the side, he takes it. If that means he happens to run into Maggie more often, that’s okay.
Neither Asher nor Maggie is looking for love. That’s something I can relate to – once bitten and all that. Maggie was dumped by her jerk of an ex and Asher lost his love to a horrible disease. So why take the risk? Except maybe second chances are possible. If they can find a way to trust again.
Okay, now I have to say Asher’s daughter Ruth is cute, but the dog, Jackson, is an adorable part of the story. Dogs are awesome, but getting to see inside the training process of a service dog was eye-opening. I wondered if Maggie would succeed in getting Jackson over his penchant for startling at unexpected noises. I have a skittish dog and flipping that switch within them is tough, to be sure.
Anyway, I loved the book. I’ll admit I cried – a lot. But that’s just my personality. I’m a sentimental one and I know not every reader will have that experience. I’m also eagerly anticipating the next book. Can’t wait.
4.25 stars
“In Service of Love” by Laurel Greer centers around Maggie Reid, a veterinarian who also trains service dogs, librarian Asher Matsuda, and his precocious daughter. Neither is ready for a relationship, especially because their respective lives are not going quite the way they’ve planned, but their connection can’t be denied.
This adult contemporary romance is part of the ‘Sutter Creek, Montana’ series and spotlights Asher, the brother of the main character (Caleb) from “Holiday by Candlelight.” Who can resist the talented and sexy librarian who struggles to provide everything for his young daughter while he copes with both his own and her grief over the death of his husband? The gradual bond that forms between them, Maggie, and her noise-shy canine trainee is beautiful and touching to watch.
I thought the author did a wonderful job of depicting the challenges of juggling an overabundance of commitments, the delicate dance of exploring a relationship with a bisexual partner, and the importance of making sure Asher’s daughter was accepting and comfortable with his courtship. It was fascinating to learn what was involved in training a canine as a service animal, and I found myself cheering for Jackson to overcome his obstacles
This is my favorite story in the series thus far, and I enjoyed the cameos by characters from previous books. I’m looking forward to learning more about the third Reid sibling and her backstory and I’m sure that cameos will feature this adorable ready-made family as well.
A copy of this story was provided for review
Laurel Greer never lets me down. Her Sutter Creek romances are full of warmth, great characters and wonderful internal conflicts that tug on one’s heartstrings. In Service of Love was no different. Maggie and Asher are perfect for each other. They are both characters who bring baggage into their new relationship and they must learn to trust in love and in themselves. Asher is a widow who is determined to put his young daughter first. Maggie comes from a loveless family and doesn’t believe she can ever give fully of herself. To see them come together was a joy…and very sexy too. In fact, the dramatic climax brought tears to my eyes. This series is wonderful if you read it in order, but I can assure you it will still be absolutely enjoyable if you read it out of order. I, for one, will be making it a point to read every single book. They’re that good.