Who rescued who? Love can lead to your forever home in this charming contemporary romance from best-selling author Debbie Burns.
Olivia Graham isn’t in a place to have a dog of her own, but her new position as a volunteer rescue driver for the local animal shelter will keep her close to her four-legged friends. When she’s called to transport pets that have been misplaced by flooding, she doesn’t … by flooding, she doesn’t hesitate to help, but then her aging car breaks down…
Veterinarian Gabe Wentworth, former EMT and firefighter, is also heading to the rescue site and reluctantly agrees to pick up Olivia on the way. After a bad breakup, Gabe’s embraced the hermit life. When he meets Olivia, he can’t deny their irresistible mutual attraction, and his first thought is to run the other direction. But then the two band together in a risky maneuver to save a beautiful abandoned dog from rising floodwaters. The more Gabe learns about the woman who would risk everything to save vulnerable animals, the more he realizes what he might be willing to risk…
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Head Over Paws is the fifth title in the Rescue Me series – and this one stole my heart from the very beginning… especially as we get several points of view in this story – including one amazing dog’s, Morgan.
While Olivia can’t have her own dog that doesn’t stop her from lavishing all her love on the pups at a shelter she volunteers at. Right now she’s heading out to be the driver/rescuer of dogs and cats devastated by local flooding – except maybe her car isn’t up to the very real challenge. Fortunately, her hero, in the form of Gabe and his now-retired dog, Samson come to her rescue — and straight into each other’s hearts.
I’m going to admit that I waited impatiently for Morgan’s chapters. I did. While I loved Olivia and Gabe who are perfect for each other once they get past the trust/risk issues, it was definitely one pup who won my heart in Head Over Paws. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is “really” thinking about your shenanigans then this is the perfect book for you.
I had such fun with this couple as they navigate not only floodwaters but getting beyond those perceived risk factors they both have. As always in the Rescue Me series, the animals are just (if not more) important to the overall story – and I’ve a feeling you’ll fall in love with Samson and Morgan quite easily. I know I did. Looking for a story to steal your heart in these challenging times? Head Over Paws should do the trick very nicely.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This was my second book by Debbie Burns and I enjoyed Head Over Paws just as much as I did the first one I read. I’m a sucker for dogs, but I also really enjoyed the love at first sight aspect of the book.
Gabe was an incredible main character. He was sexy, caring, honest and forthright. He pretty much had his life in order, whereas Olivia’s was a little more messy. The story flowed well and left me very happy (which is all I ask).
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I adored this book. It was a wonderful addition to the series, though could be read as a stand alone. The main characters are both recovering from broken hearts and not looking for anyone. They are actually actively not looking for love as they are still dealing with broken scarred hearts and or focused on their respective careers and animal rescue. Olivia is a school teacher who loves her work and is desperately looking for a permanent full time position while she is filling in for a teacher who is out sick. She is the kind teacher that everyone wants for their any child they know. Gabe was an fire fighter/EMT who one day after a particularly tough day decided he was done and followed his passion and went to veterinary school. It is through their love of animals and a old clunker of a car that they meet while going to help out a rescue group with care and helping to transport some pups.
They are both so sweet, funny, a little gun shy, but filled with passion for their work, animals and ultimately for each other. A definite read for anyone looking for a little light, laughter and sweetness in their life.
Oh how I love this series!!! Animals and animal rescue are such a passion to me and Debbie Burns has an abundance of knowledge on the subject and weaves it perfectly into this wonderful series. Gabe and Olivia had amazing chemistry and I’m so happy they got their HEA. Sampson and Morgan couldn’t have asked for better humans
High Grove Animal Shelter centers the tale.
Math teacher Olivia Graham’s first animal shelter assignment is to transport animals rescued from spring floods. All is well until her car sputters to a halt.
Veterinarian Gabe Wentworth allows a friend to talk him into driving to the Missouri bootheel to assist at a shelter overwhelmed by flooded out pets. At first he’s reluctant to pick up the stranded driver, but the shelter desperately needs the cages she’s transporting. And then…
Ms. Burns presents an enjoyable romp filled with decent people and lovable animals. She makes this story of love-at-almost-first-sight a delightful read.
The fifth book in the series focuses on Gabe and Olivia. I was anxious beyond belief about Morgan, the abandoned pup. This story is a little hot, but also sweet and full of charm. What stands out with book five, for me, is Morgan getting his own POV for chapters. Because of this, I wanted more of it and could have done with a bit less of Olivia and Gabe’s back and forth “building relationship.” I do, as always, enjoy how well the author knows or researches all things “dog.”
Head Over Paws is the first book I remember reading written by Debbie Burns. The cover caught my eye first but the wonderful smooth storytelling kept me reading. The plot is solid with strong character development, including the dogs.
This story of romance that happens in the middle of animal rescues and animal shelter need is a warming fuzzy story that will brighten anyone’s day. I enjoyed this warm story, thankful for the many volunteers who help out in difficult times such as flooding and even car problems. Gabe Wentworth and Olivia Graham are two extremely likable characters. Small town heroes that you hope find love together.
This is not the first book in the series so I look forward to seeing if the other books have the same setting and small town romance vibe. Honestly, this would make a great Hallmark movie.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Olivia Graham decides to volunteer as a driver for an animal rescue operation, she didn’t realize that she would be the one that needed rescuing. Her car breaks down on the way to her assignment and she is rescued by Dr. Gabe Wentworth, a veterinarian. Gabe is not thrilled about giving a ride to a stranded volunteer, but once he meets Olivia, he changes his mind. A pleasant romance about a man who changed his occupation and was dumped by his fiancée and a woman who realized that she was not ready to marry and cancelled the wedding. Can these two, along with their furry friends, find a second chance at forever love? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Olivia Graham has signed up to be a volunteer rescue driver and on her first attempt to help rescue animals displaced by a flood, her car breaks down. She is waiting for someone to pick her up when a sexy man drives up.
Gabe Wentworth is a veterinarian and a volunteer at an animal shelter. When he leaves the shelter he gets a call to help a stranded rescue driver. When he pulls up and sees the redheaded beauty, he is immediately attracted to her. Feelings he hasn’t felt in years are brought to the surface.
Gabe and Olivia go on a wild ride from rescuing a dog trapped in a pen with rising river water, to her losing her phone and then finding they work near each other. They try to make a relationship work but with the school year coming to a close, Olivia might be leaving the city to find another job.
What will happen if she has to take a job elsewhere? Can they continue a relationship seeing each other on the weekends? Will they continue to volunteer at the shelter?
This is a great story that is filled with fun, a sexy man, and fun-loving dogs and cats. This a first for me from this author and I want to read the rest of this series. If you love stories with fun, dogs, and a love to last then you need to read this one.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
4.5 Stars
Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. A contemporary Romance for animal lovers! My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
Head Over Paws is an enthralling novel with engaging characters and an animal lovers plot. As with other books in Rescue Me series, Mr. Burns’ writing style pulled me in from the first page and kept me enmeshed until the last page.
Olivia Graham’s character is easy to love right away. Not only is she a teacher, she’s a dog lover and goes to lengths to rescue animals in destress. She’s coming out of breaking off an engagement with her childhood sweetheart when she meets the hero and an immediate attraction develops to the point, she kisses him within hours of meeting.
Gabe Wentworth is an intriguing hero with a good deal of baggage from a broken engagement. His ex-fiancée broke it off when he lost his firefighter and EMT career and decided to become a veterinarian. When he meets Olivia, in an attempt to save a dog stranded, he’s drawn to her for several ways, not only physical attraction. Since he’d sworn off women, it shocks him. I enjoyed his internal conflict between the attraction and his baggage.
The romance between Olivia and Gabe is lovely and grows steadily once they reconnect. There was a problem with her missing cell phone that kept them apart after their first meeting. While there are some internal conflicts, the biggest issue is external. I may be in the minority, but I love it when there isn’t doubt over whether they should be with each other. I was routing for them to find their happy ending because they’re such a great fit for each other.
If you’re an animal lover, enjoy endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot, then you will love Head Over Paws as much as I. I’ve enjoyed this series, and not only recommend this novel, I urge you to read the other four books. Happy reading!
This is a wonderful sweet romance that any animal lover will be ecstatic about Gabe is the hardened man who had his heart broken and is determined that no woman will ever make him feel a gain As a veterinarian he gives all his love to the animals especially his retired search and rescue dog Samson. Olivia is a school teacher who gives her time to animal rescue and the largest storm in years means there are plenty of animals to rescue but as she is heading to the area she needs to work in her car breaks down and it will be up to Gabe to rescue her Soon they are working side by side to rescue the animals and who can forget Morgan the rescue dog. The attraction between them is strong but will Gabe be willing to risk his heart again.
Olivia Graham is excited to be driving toward the Missouri Bootheel area where she was born and raised. No, she wasn’t headed home to visit. She was on her way to pick up two displaced pets and transport them to a shelter. The rains had been extremely heavy in this area and there was lots of flooding, necessitating flooded-out pet owners to place their pets with the rescue group sending them to shelters, hopefully temporarily. Olivia was almost to her destination when her car just up and died. She had it towed to a nearby repair shop and was told someone would stop there for the crates. She hoped whoever stopped would be willing to give her a ride to the rescue site. What a surprise when a very handsome guy showed up. At first he was only going to take the crates but fortunately he agreed to give her a ride to the place the animals were being held. Olivia wasn’t looking for a guy or a relationship at this time, but she just seemed to automatically connect with this guy. He introduced himself as Gabe Wentworth, a veterinarian who volunteered to check out the animals saved from the flooding. Olivia couldn’t believe her luck and hoped Gabe was as attracted to her as she was to him.
Gabe Wentworth was talked into making this trip to assist the animals collected during the flooding by his friend Yun, his best friend from vet school. When he saw the gorgeous redhead at the repair shop he was stopped in his tracks by his attraction to her. As they drove to their destination their conversation flowed smoothly and he felt a connection to her. So that’s a mutual attraction and connection with each other. This could turn into something very special.
Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns is the fifth book in her Rescue Me series. The books in the series all center around a unique animal shelter, The High Grove Animal Shelter. In this story Gabe volunteers there as a vet they call when needed. Olivia ends up volunteering there. As Gabe was finishing up examining the animals at the rescue site a call came in about a dog who needed to be rescued. Olivia and Gabe rescue the German shorthaired pointer and Olivia seems to bond with him. He ends up at High Grove. Both Olivia and Gabe love dogs and this is a common bond for them.
I really enjoyed this refreshingly sweet heartwarming story. The main characters Olivia and Gabe are so lovable and such good people. Olivia is a teacher who also volunteers to pick up rescues for animal shelters. Gabe is a Vet, who has a practice but also works at the shelters. So clearly they both love animals and want to help them, which is a great foundation bond for a relationship. They meet while rescuing a dog from some seriously scary flooding and wow what an intense scene that was!! The descriptive writing from Ms Burns made me feel like I was there and at was freaking out the whole time. The whole story is just so sweet and really put my emotional side to the test a few times. I really loved Morgan’s POV (you’ll see who Morgan is) and also I love Gabe’s older Golden Retriever Samson. What a good boy! Love this series!
I am happy to have received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
It’s been a while since I’ve visited the Rescue Me book world, and I was so excited to finally get Gabe’s story. I love all of these characters, including the four-legged variety, and I couldn’t wait to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones.
Aside from the book lagging at times due to overly verbose text, I really enjoyed this storyline. And boy, oh boy, the drama surrounding the abandoned pup, Morgan, coming into Gabe and Olivia’s lives had me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat!
This book is sweet and charming, with a side of steam. The characters are memorable and just a little quirky, and you’ll feel like you’ve made a new set of friends. And if you enjoy animals in your romance, you’ll adore this wonderful, heartwarming story.
This is a heartwarming story filled with emotion, chemistry, hopes, faith, wonderful characters, and delightful canines. Debbie Burns tells a wonderful story of love, romance, and compassion as we join Gabe and Olivia on their journey to throw off baggage of old relationships and move forward to a new beginning. I highly recommend it!