Book One (all stand-alone titles) of a Series for Dog Loving Romance Readers!
Firefighter Braden Mahoney is devastated when his beloved Weimarener, Jelly Bean, fails the canine arson investigator test. Faced with the challenge of raising the money for advanced training, it’s Braden’s sweet grandmother and her best friend who suggest he use the services of the new event planner in town. Not that … planner in town. Not that he needs a push in Cassie Santorini’s direction. Ever since she arrived in town, Braden has had his eye on the sassy Greek goddess…and can’t stop thinking about getting the rest of him on her, too.
Cassie has spent years putting family first, even moving to Bitter Bark when her mother falls in love with the local veterinarian. Having a huge new extended “family” is fun, especially when one smokeshow of a firefighter attends the gatherings, but Cassie has no plans to remain in the small town. She’s ready to pursue her big city dreams. But when Braden asks for an assist for his precious pup, Cassie agrees to help him set up a town-wide scavenger hunt. It isn’t exactly a hardship to be around those blue eyes and brawny shoulders, especially since they both agree everything — even the undeniable sparks that crackle between them — is temporary.
But when temporary gets complicated by feelings that might lead to forever, Braden and Cassie start to question the direction they’re headed. Should they follow their dreams…or their hearts? It’ll take a dog with a bad nose and a good heart, two meddlesome grandmas, and some help from the clan that loves them to make sure Cassie and Braden follow the clues and find their way to each other’s arms.
The Dogmothers – a new spinoff series from the popular “Dogfather” books
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Just like The Dogfather books, the covers of The Dogmothers were all photographed at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Florida using rescue dogs from the shelter, and “local heroes” as models. A portion of book sales is donated to that amazing organization!
About the Author
Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty romance and suspense novels. In addition to being a ten-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITATM Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne’s books have won the National Readers’ Choice Award four times and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. A recent empty-nester, Roxanne lives in Florida with her husband and two dogs.
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This series is a lot of fun! Braden and Cassie are terrific characters who are dealing with a lot – including their feelings for each other. You’re going to love Jelly Bean!
Stand up for the Firemen
Another hit for Roxanne St. Claire, didn’t want it to end. This was the end of the Dogfather series since Daniel Kilcannon found his second forever love & he had matched up his children, as the Dogfather. It was here that the Dogmothers, Gramma Finnie Kilcannon & Yiayia , Agnes Santorini took over matching up Daniel’s nieces, nephews & the Santorini family & their dogs in Bitter Bark city. This story was with Braden Mahoney, firefighter & Cassie Santorini, promising Event Planner.
Wonderful story of friendships to lovers and families with all their ups & downs ending in a HEA. This story could be read as a stand-alone or with the series without loosing its continuity. I will definitely continue reading this series & recommend to all Contemporary Romance readers.
I love this family and their dogs and the wonderful love stories that result. A great extension of the Dogfather series.
I loved this book! The Dog Mothers are fantastic
My second ‘new to me’ author read of the weekend and I can honest say the book and author didn’t disappoint.
Having never read the Dogfather series by Roxanne St. Claire I wasn’t sure if I would be a little lost going in to Hot Under the Collar but I needn’t have worried. This was a great story and, while reading the original books that this series has spun from would probably have familiarized me with the a lot of the supporting characters, it was easily a standalone that was fun, engaging, sweet and kept me captured from the first chapter.
I’m looking forward to more in the Dogmothers series and would most certainly recommend this first book!
What an almost sweet love story. You’d think by now book characters would know better than to put ridiculous limits on their lives. But with Gramma Finnie and YiaYia in the picture nothing is sacred. LOVED this book. My only disappointment was that the two grandmothers were so obvious. Of course this was their first time out. Maybe in future books they will be more subtle. NOT!!
The switch from Dogfathers to Dogmothers was fabulous. This was a total page-turner that hooked me and cemented my role as a devoted fan. Highly recommend.
A truly entertaining, emotionally thrilling and heartwarming adventure filled with lots of loving family and deeply loyal friends…. This story has it all sassy fun matchmaking grandmas, witty banter, passion and heart pounding moments. An exciting read from beginning to end and so fun to read that I just could not put it down. Loved it!
Hot Under the Collar is the first book in The Dogmothers series of books from Roxanne St. Claire. As it is a spin off of her amazing Dogfather series, I have to say I couldn’t wait to devour this book as soon as it hit my kindle, and I was completely satisfied with everything about this story!
Cassie Santorini and Braden Mahoney have been circling each other pretty much from the moment Cassie and her brothers arrived in Bitter Bark once their mom became engaged to Daniel Kilcannon, who is Braden’s uncle. I have to say I was surprised that Gramma Finnie and Cassie’s Yiayia were the ones to be the matchmakers, as I figured Daniel would continue as the master, yet have to say I loved Gramma and Yiayia becoming not only match makers, but best friends in this book.
Cassie and Braden team up to help him raise $10,000 to get his dog Jelly Bean in advance training so he can be a canine arson investigator after he fails the initial testing, and Cassie needs Braden’s helps to figure out what is going on with her Yiayia. As Braden has relationship issues after his father’s death and Cassie wants to move to the big city, they both go in their pretend relationship never thinking feelings can become real.
I loved that Cassie and Braden were actually friends first. I actually laughed out loud at how neither wanted a real relationship, yet both were extremely jealous of anyone else in their lives. Seeing them fall for one another gave me all the happy feels. I honestly was impressed with how long they held off from making love. They had amazing chemistry from the beginning and loved being together. I loved seeing Braden and Cassie explore their feelings about what was really important in their lives as they each realized their feelings for each other.
Hot Under the Collar was a great start to the new Dogmothers series from Roxanne St. Claire. Rocki has been an auto-buy author for me since I read the very first book in The Bullet Catchers series. Her stories that surround families remain my favorites. I love with the spin-off series I get to see where all the Kilcannon clan is now as well as get new stories with the Mahoneys and the Santorinis. Ms. St. Claire has totally done it again with her newest series and I can’t wait to read each of the books in this newest series. I highly recommend Rocki’s books to readers who love contemporary romances filled with family and lots of love and laughter.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (A-)
Review copy provided by publisher
Hot Under the Collar (The Dogmothers, Book 1) is a spinoff of The Dogfather Series. Will it live up to the original? No worries, these ladies have it under control and what a ride it is.
Our Dogmothers, Finola Kilcannon (Gramma Finnie) and Agnes Santorini (Yiayia) are the cutest odd couple with a common goal, see to their grandchildren happiness and their antics are sweet and hilarious. Personally I am looking forward to see more of these two and how glad am I since this is their first mission.
Enter Braden Mahoney, broad shouldered and brainy firefighter who is training along his dog Jelly Bean to be an ADC handler but JB inability to consistently identify smells causes a set back in Braden’s plans and require extra training not available at Waterford Center. Braden will need to come up with some creative solution to reach his goal and Cassandra (Cassie) Santorini may be it. She is an event planer who is living temporary at Bitter Bark helping her brothers new deli, while dreaming (and keeping it a secret) of hitting it big, in a big city and owning her own apartment. Cassie and Braden shared an interesting chemistry since they were introduced in “Old Dog, New Tricks” and in true Dogfather’s formula throw two individuals together add a dog and a cause and sit and enjoy the fireworks. But the Dogfather is now somewhat distracted, it is up to the Dogmothers to make it happen. They encourage Cassie to help Braden to raise money for Jelly Bean’s training but they unconventional friendship made their grandchildren suspicious and in circular motion the action unfolded: romance and friendship are born sprinkled with delicious meals, Firefighter and Dog Date’s Auction, Scavenger Hunts, Fires, Jelly Bean and notes of Jazz. I can only say “It was the best of times…and who know? It might keep getting better”. Cheers, Roxanne St. Claire and to all the Dogmothers!
I received an ARC and these are my sincere thoughts. Also I purchased the book because my collection will be incomplete without it and a percentage of the sale of it will help the non kill Alaqua Animal Refuge in my home state of Florida.
So adorable!
I have no idea how I missed Roxanne St. Claire’s The Dogfather series, but I am HERE for the spin-off series, The Dogmothers! The scheming grandmothers who are going to get all of their grandchildren paired off with a little canine assistance? Yes, please!
Braden and Cassie (and Jelly Bean and Jasmine) are easy characters to root for. Honestly, the Dogmothers’ job is practically done for them from the beginning–they’re already attracted to one another, and it doesn’t take much for them to contemplate starting a relationship–real, fake, real/fake; the lines get blurred pretty fast. What does need some work is their minds, though–neither is really sure what they want, even though they’re 100% certain that they do. No worries, because the Dogmothers, their able assistant, and not one but two working dogs are on the job 🙂
There’s plenty of single family members to go, and dogs galore to help out–the next book is nicely set up in the epilogue, and I for one can’t wait! 😀
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is such a great start to the Dogmothers series. The two grandmas together are a force to be reckoned with. They want to see their grandkids settled and soon. Cassie and Braden had an instant attraction, but have an idea of how their life should be. Cassie doesn’t want to stay in a small town and Braden doesn’t want to ever get married. He saw how devestated his mother was when his father died. Now that they know each other, they may be thinking of changing their thinking. If the grandmothers have anything to say about it, they will change their thinking.
I loved the Dogfather series of Roxanne St. Claire books and was sad when it was completed. Now a new series about the Dogmothers starring the grandmothers – Gramma Finnie and Yiayia is starting and I am joyful again. Oh, this new series is so good. “Hot Under the Collar” is a great start. The book is about two crazy old ladies who want to play matchmaker and pick on firefighter Braden and party planner Cassie as their first pair. There is love, lots of dogs, and plenty of crazy grandma matchmaking antics to make this book a wonderful romp. Also, Ms. St. Claire brings all the feeling of true love to the dialogue whether its parents to children or man to woman. You will thoroughly enjoy this book and I have a feeling we all will love this new series.
Just when I think Roxanne St. Claire has written the best book in her Dogfather series, she adds another spin-off series book that is the best one yet. In her Dogmothers series book, Hot Under the Collar she had me savoring each word and scene. I absolutely adored the relationship between Gramma Finnie and Yiayia The tension between Branden and Cassie was just right. Adding the two dachshunds was absolutely perfect foe me, a Doxie mother. Another great read.
A great start to a new series, that will have you laughing out loud with the Dogmothers. Two grandmas, who join forces to get their grandchildren there HEA. Grandma Finnie and Grandma Yiayia work their matchmaking on Braden and Cassie.
Cassie has recently moved to Bitter Bark, temporarily to help her mother with her wedding to dogfather, Daniel. Braden, is a firefighter who has a dog, Jellybean that he wants to get to gets certified as an arson dog, but has no sense of smell. Cassie needs a temporary boyfriend, so they work out a pact that they can help each other, not expecting an attraction to develop that they have a hard time fighting off.
Once again Roxanne St Claire, has written a wonderful book with characters that I fell in love with love. Had many laugh out and pull at your heart moments. I highly recommend this book!!
Great entry into the new era of the Dogmothers!
Cassie wants to get out of town and live life before she even thinks to settle down. Braden doesn’t want to do the family and commitment thing due to being a firefighter.
Loved this story and loved how it ended.
Can’t wait to see how the Dogmothers go forward.
I highly recommend this book. Ms. St. Claire has a knack for writing believable, sexy stories about real people and their real dogs.
Braden Mahoney is a firefighter, and he has a beloved dog, Jelly Bean. He SO wants Jelly Bean to pass the canine arson investigator test. He sees a need for a dog to help arson investigations but he does not want another dog. He wants Jelly Bean to succeed. Maybe with extra training? But the extra training is expensive.
Enter Cassie Santorini, a local event planner. Maybe she can help him have a benefit event to raise the money for Jelly Bean’s training. Cassie will help him, but she is in town only temporarily. She wants to live and work in the big city.
Of course, nothing happens as they plan. But they do get a very believable happily ever after. Jelly Bean does not become an arson investigator, but Braden gets a second dog who does that very well. Jelly Bean is still a valuable contributor to the family.
I don’t want to give away the delicious twists in this story. I think if you read it you will enjoy it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
Firefighter Braden Mahoney is the Dogfather’s nephew. He dreams of helping his fire department by becoming an arson dog handler. However, Braden’s canine partner fails the most crucial tests. He turns to Cassie to help organize a fundraiser to cover the cost of Jelly Bean’s specialized training. Neither Braden nor Cassie want a permanent relationship. What sacrifices is Braden willing to make for Cassie? Can Jelly Bean become an arson dog? Or will Braden have to give up on him?
Cassandra “Cassie” Santorini is an event coordinator for Bitter Bark, North Carolina. She intends to move to a big city and pursue her dream life. Cassie is not about to let anyone, especially a smart and sexy firefighter, stand in her way. She agrees to help Brandon organize a scavenger hunt fundraiser before she leaves. When her Greek grandmother moves into town, Cassie distrusts the woman’s motives. Can Cassie thwart her grandmothers’ machinations? Or will Braden tempt her to remain in Bitter Bark?
Braden is just as dreamy as his Kilcannon cousins. I love how he and his brothers honor their deceased father by following in his footsteps. They understand and accepted the dangers involved in being a firefighter. I like how Braden turned to books for solace. They offered him a healthy way to deal and overcome his grief. What I adore the most about Braden is how he encouraged Cassie to chase after her dream. He did not want her to regret not following it to the end.
Cassie is an admirable woman. She is the type of person who faces a problem head on until a suitable solution presents itself. I like that about her personality. I admire Cassie’s unfaltering determination in achieving her dream. She refuses to allow anyone or anything to derail her carefully laid-out plans. What I like the most about Cassie is her ability to gauge Braden’s emotions. She acts accordingly to what she senses he needs.
HOT UNDER THE COLLAR is book one in Roxanne St. Claire’s brand new canine series, THE DOGMOTHERS, a fun spinoff from her DOGFATHER series. I adore that Gramma Finnie and Yiayia Santorini assume the Dogfather’s matchmaking endeavor. The two women may be polar opposites in both temperament and heritage; however, they share one thing in common: wanting their single grandchildren settled and happy. Being a dachshund mother, I love the fact that Yiayia has two doxies.
HOT UNDER THE COLLAR is a heartwarming continuation to a fun and sweet series. I am glad this is not the last we see of the Kilcannon, Santorini, and the Mahoney clan. I cannot wait to see who the Dogmothers plan to match-make next.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
Another delightful book by Roxanne St. Clair. In this new series the matchmakers are the grandmothers and new best friends, Agnes and Finnie. In this story, they are determined to act on the attraction between their grandchildren, Cassie and Braden. Cassie and Braden have other ideas because they have other life plans.
These books are well written love stories with a little bit of sex and a whole lot of sexual tension. Also fun are the interwoven story lines about dogs. Some lines make you laugh, others hit you in the gut. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
I loved the new Series Opener; Hot Under the Collar. The sparks that flew since Cassie and Braden met were inevitable to put them in the path of the God Mothers. Although they probably would have gotten together without them, Don’t tell them that though. I love this series as it explores the relationships in a HUGE family and all of the idiosyncrasies that go with everyone knowing your business. I can’t wait to see what or who comes next