Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he’s called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again. Or to still have those same feelings. But Jackson isn’t looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about … about to change that.
So what if Emma Mercer is an overachiever? She has plans to get her doctorate in psychology and create a no-kill shelter for the EST dogs she trains. Which leaves absolutely no time for romance. She’s fine with a furry family–dogs don’t teach you to love and then rip your heart to shreds. But young Matty’s situation tugs at her heartstrings and there’s no way she can’t help him…and Jackson.
She may have hotter-than-ever chemistry with the soldier, but forgetting the past isn’t easy.
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Another great book by Traci Hall! I’ve read and enjoyed most of her “by the sea” series. Always a good read.
Once again Traci Hall weaves a story of never- ending love, furry friends we can’t forget, and characters who win our hearts. If you like books that make you smile, I highly recommend In The Dog House!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I chose this book to read because I am a dog lover (and Mommy to two former rescues) and having Emma training rescue dogs for EST dogs and trying to establish a no-kill shelter was a big pull for me. Also with Jackson being a Marine was another. These two characters were just fantastic to watch grow together again ten years after their break-up. Also Aunt Pepita (Emma’s aunt) and Matthew (Jackson’s nephew) are two wonderful supporting cast members well besides the dogs of course.
This book contained dual POVs which was a big plus in helping to understand why Jackson broke up with Emma after high school. Being a sniper in the Marines, he is suffering from PTSD (which is something that I have never had.) So having his POV, was a BIG plus for me. To be able to see inside of the character’s mind and understand his/her’s actions, makes for a more enjoyable reading experience.
This was a clean, sweet romance that I highly recommend to anyone.
As heartbreaking as it is when choices and circumstances keep two soul mates apart, a second chance with the other half of your heart is a precious gift. When his sister is in a devastating auto accident, Jackson takes leave from the Marines and returns home to care for his nephew, Matthew. Home, where he broke Emma’s heart right after high school and enlisted. But Emma had big plans, so Jackson is surprised to find her still living in Kingston. He knowns he doesn’t deserve her and plans to keep his distance, although he’s impressed with the work she does training emotional support dogs.
But you know what they say about best laid plans. Jackson isn’t even aware of the nightmares he has, but when they frighten Matty enough that Matty tries to “buy” a service dog from the lady that brought her dogs to his middle school, well, Jackson and Emma are right back in each other’s orbits. But Jackson is determined to deal with his issues on his own and plans to return to his unit just as soon as his sister is out of a coma and comes home.
This sweet, touching romance is my first by this author, and she had no trouble ticking all the boxes for me. Second chance romance, awesome dogs, a kid I wanted to wrap my arms around, a military hottie, a strong but generous and compassionate heroine, and an older adult, Aunt Pip, who offered equal parts comic relief and wisdom. I loved every second of this one and hated to see it end! This book actually has a wide audience appeal, because it’s so much more than a simple romance. As both Jackson and Emma sort out a few things individually, their experience offers lessons in making life choices, learning to accept help, and sacrificing to benefit others. With inspiring messages and a tame rating, readers age 13 to 103 will find a lot to love in this heartwarming read.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
I really liked the animals in the story and the idea of helping people with trained pets
Loved the story of Jackson and Emma who prior to Jackson’s leaving for the military were fast friends. I love how they come together for the welfare of Matty, Jackson’s nephew.
I thought this was a good short read. I especially liked the nephew and the dogs!
Entertainment and informative. The world of PTSD and ESD is presented in a realistic way. Characters are well fleshed out. I enjoyed this book.
Such a beautiful story of love lost and found again.
Recommend highly for love a great story about family ties and support.
good book
Put a dog on the cover and I’m going to pick it up! I’m so glad I gave In the Dog House by Traci Hall a try, she’s a new to me author. Emma and Jackson are a wonderfully sweet second chance love story that also features an adorable eleven year old and a pack of beyond adorable EST dogs! The beautiful blend of emotion, humor, and education about EST animals created an engaging story that kept me turning the pages.
4.5 Stars
This is a book you do not want to pass up. It’s packed with heart and feels along with humor. I just fell in love with the characters in this book. They instantly pull at the heartstrings. Another thing I loved about this book is that it’s a second chance love story. Jackson and Emma were high school sweethearts and now fate has put them back into each others’ orbits. Something that really stood out to me is the work Emma does with her EST dogs. It’s something to be very proud of.. Emma’s great aunt is a hoot and she brings quite a bit of humor to the book. This is my first book I’ve read by Traci Hall and I can promise you it won’t be the last
Emma is working on her doctorate degree and she trains ESD dogs, she sometimes takes them to the elementary school where she shows the children what the dogs can do. While she is doing this she meets Matty who is an 11 year old. She also finds out that his Uncle is Jackson her high school sweetheart.
Matty learns that Jackson’s sister is in an accident and in the hospital. While Livvy is in the hospital Matty helps Emma out at the dog kennels. It was a fascinating read and I just loved the book. The only part that I did not like was the book ended way to fast. Ms. Hall tied the story up nicely but once the book was over I missed the dogs, Jackson, Emma and Matty. Maybe she will do a sequel.
If you are looking or a great book to read I would highly recommend this one.
Not having read this author before this one looked like it would be a fun read. This also has a marine in it with it hinting that this could be a second chance. Oh yeah let us not forget the nephew and the dog hence the title. Jackson and Emma take you on this escape into their fun world but not saying there is not real life happening either. There is also the drama that surrounds why he had to come home which will seal our heart persay. Lots does go on in this with issues that will bring forth trust and healing in time. Delightful read for sure with this author knowing how to engage and keep a reader.
A sweet and entertaining second chances story
Anyone who knows me know I’m a sucker for dogs and dog stories, so though I’m brand new to this author, the blurb for this book sucked me right in.
Emma and Jackson, what can I say—the author did a great job of engaging me with these characters. I was completely into Emma’s dream of a kennel and training facility for emotional support dogs so I was really cheering for her. I felt for Jackson, too, as he tries to balance his loyalties and duties both to his sister and nephew and to his military family, while dealing with PTSD and his feelings for Emma.
I did feel like there were times we didn’t get enough detail—we were just told certain things happened instead of shown. For example, there are several times over the course of the book where Emma places one of her dogs, something that I would expect to be a bittersweet experience for her, but we never actually see that happening.The ending also felt a little rushed to me with all the threads tied up a little too quickly and neatly.
A clean romance with a low heat level, this is a sweet and entertaining second chances story. 4 stars
B2B Kelly
This is a wonderful book that will touch your hearts from beginning to end.
Jackson Hardy is a Marine, who has taken a leave of absence to take care of his nephew after his sister’s automobile accident. An accident that has left her in an induced coma.
Emma Mercer is the girl he left behind. Now a woman, working with emotional support dogs as well as a candidate for doctorate in psychology
The chemistry is still there and so is the hurt. Matty, the nephew, brings them together as he is helping her with the dogs. While Jackson is fighting with nightmares and PTSD as well as guilt, Emma tries to help.
Watching these two is at times heartbreaking and all you want to do is give them both a hug.
It’s an engaging story with complex characters that are imperfect but very likable.
Also it’s a story about the effects war has on those brave men and women willing to give up their lives to keep us safe. Individuals that we need to support and help as they return and immerse themselves back to civilian life. Thank you, Ms. Hall , for that reminder .
I was entrusted this copy by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was a such a sweet, clean second chance romance. I read it literally in one sitting.
I’m a huge animal lover so it was great for Emma’s dogs that she trains to be such a big part of the story. I really felt for Emma with Jackson leaving her years ago but could understand his reasoning. I definitely recommend this for any animal lovers looking for a sweet romance to read.
A soft and sweet story. Jackson and Emma get a second chance to fall in love. They are assisted by his precocious nephew Matthew, her Aunt Peppi, and 8 lovable canines. It is a compassionate story about love, loss and healing. I am thankful that the author spent time doing research on ESD and PTS and did such an incredible job of humanizing the benefits of the first and the effects of the second. The story focuses more on the issues with the romance as the icing on everything.
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.
In the Dog House is a heartwarming story of second chances & love. Emma is close to having her degree but lately her heart is more involved with her Emotional Support Dogs. When she catches a boy trying to break a dog out of its kennel, she assumes he just wants a dog & doesn’t realize what they are for. Once she talks to him & finds out what’s going on, her heart aches for him. She’s determines Ned not to open her heart to his uncle though. He was her boyfriend until he left her behind.
Jackson can’t believe his nephew was trying to steal a dog. He’s fine. He doesn’t have PTSD. As soon as his sister comes out of her coma, he’s heading back to the front. As time goes on, his nightmares are getting worse & he’s scaring his nephew. He’s determined not to talk to Emma or act on the attraction though.
This story isn’t just a typical romance. There is information about PTSD & emotional support dogs. There is a journey that Jackson has to go on to accept what his unconscious is trying to tell him. Emma has to make a decision about her career & what’s most important to her. The attraction between them was unwanted by both but was it stronger than them?