Can a dog heal two wounded souls? Newly single Kerry Williams is at her wit’s end. She’s juggling her injured father’s care, a new job as the manager of a hip new restaurant and her therapy dog Willow volunteering at the Veteran’s Center — all while struggling to rise above her humiliating heartbreak. When her father’s caretaker fails to show one evening, she’s terrified she’ll lose her job. And … lose her job. And then Willow runs away. Panicked, Kerry gives chase and immediately runs smack into a tall, dark and sexy wall of muscle, palming a squirming bundle of fur. Her new hero seems like an answer to her prayers.
The last thing K-9 officer Caleb Bradshaw wants, is to babysit his neighbor’s father and her dog. He’s facing a potential career-ending injury and grieving the death of his working partner, Trigger. Sure he can handle a cranky old man, but the quiet comfort of Willow who follows him around with liquid-eyed sympathy tugs at the heart he’s trying to keep walled-off after his many painful losses.
Kerry knows Willow can ease Caleb’s grief, but he continues to push her away. Even though her life is in shambles and she too should walk, Kerry knows she can’t and won’t. Will Caleb accept her help or will he close himself off completely?
more
Next Door Knight (Man’s Best Friend Book 2)
By: Nicole Flockton
5 out of 5 stars
The story Next Door Knight (Man’s Best Friend Book 2) by Nicole Flockton is a wonderful book that I loved reading. It is a story that pulls you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the ending page. It had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading. I loved reading about the characters of Kerry Williams and Caleb Bradshaw. Kerry is a young woman who is determined to be independent and in control of her life. She is caring and supportive to those around her. Her life is full right now with volunteering with her therapy dog Willow at the Veteran’s Center, her job, and helping out her injured father. She is someone who guards her heart and doesn’t always trust easily. She then meets Caleb. Caleb is a man who feels guilt and grief. He has experienced loss and still feels the pain. Then he meets Kerry. Kerry can’t seem to walk away from Caleb. Will Caleb allow Kerry and Willow to help him? What does the future hold for Caleb and Kerry? Read this book to find out. I love when an author adds in an animal such as in this story. Reading about Willow warms your heart and had me smiling and laughing. Willow is such an endearing character. I also grew to care about Kerry and Caleb as the story progressed. Their characters are likeable and I found myself wanting them to find happiness. This story has moments that are sad and others that are heartwarming. Don’t miss out on an amazing story with wonderful characters. Highly recommended.
Next Door Knight (Man’s Best Friend Book 2) by Nicole Flockton is a little innocuous story that could easily overlooked. It is a second chance romance that is a feelgood story that will leave a smile on your face but it is also a little emotional as well as our main characters learn to relive their lives. Willow is the star of the show as she works her magic into the hearts of those who have suffered. At times I was a little frustrated with the MC’s because they became closed off at times that I thought was unwarranted. Overall it is a sweet romance that will warm your heart.
How is it I fall more and more in love with each new hero in whatever Nicole Flockton book I’m reading at the moment? I thought Ethan was my favorite but now it turns out that Caleb is. And I highly suspect that her other heroes will soon become my favorite as I read those books.
Nicole’s books are fun and sexy and sassy and emotional. You’re going to laugh and maybe tear up and cheer Kerry and Caleb as they fight their way to each other.
Kerry has just come out of a really bad relationship. Caleb is trying to live through a traumatizing event. They seem like the polar opposite of each other but an adorable corgi named Willow brings them together.
Can I get past their personal problems to find true love? Read the book to find out. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.
I loved the diversity of characters in this story, you have one strong-willed woman fresh from being dumped after being emotionally abused. Kerry Williams is glad to help her father during his recovery, but after being snubbed by the home care service, she’s left in a bind. Enter the handsome, yet troubled neighbor who just wants to be left to his own misery and devices, but an interfering corgi brings the two together. Caleb Bradshaw has a heart of gold, but he’s incredibly traumatized from losing everything he cared about in such a short time period. Have the tissues ready, but enjoy the ride!
I enjoyed this book and found it to be creative, engaging and a page turner. This is a story about two people, Caleb and Kerry, who are trying to start a new life, both have pasts and in need of healing. Did I mention there is a cute, adorable dog who has brought these two together? I enjoyed the characters even with the walls they built up around themselves. They are strong and I felt compassion for them. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens with them.
What I liked:
The writing style
Some of the characters
Willow
Part of a series: Man’s Best Friend
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
What I didn’t like:
Kerry
I had a hard time staying interested in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
** I received a copy of Next Door Knight from Tule Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited**
Next Door Knight by Nicole Flockton is the second book in her Man’s Best Friend series. I loved the first book Blind Date Bet (Izzie and Ethan) but with this story Willow the Corgie played a big part in healing both Kerry and Caleb as well as the veterans whom she visits at the center with Kerry. I’d give this book a rating of 4.7 stars.
Caleb Brandshaw is healing from the wounds of a drug cartel ambush and the loss of his K-9 Trigger while on patrol with the US Air Force. The last thing he wants is to deal with his cute neighbors dog or think about Kerry either. He’s up for medical review and has to decide to be desk bound or retire after 20 years. He and Trigger were partners for a long time and Caleb misses him but Kerry also has some wounds of her own that aren’t visible. When he agrees to sit with Ron keeping him company while Kerry works little does he know that he needs the comfort Willow is offering and that love may be in the cards for them.
Kerry Williams has to figure out how Willow her therapy dog is tunneling under her neighbors fence and going next door to Caleb’s. But when her father’s home health care aide doesn’t show she’s faced with the loss of new job or ask if Caleb with sit with Ron (Who’s recovering from two broken legs) while she’s at work. Little does she know the Willow has her own plan to get both Caleb and Kerry together. She needs to prove to everyone including herself that she can be a strong person after 7 years of emotional turmoil with Winthorn Hartigan III. Can she tell her heart that she falling for Caleb? Will he be able to decide where his future will be and learn that Willow is offering her help to cope with his loss?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I loved this book. I read it in one setting. I was intrigued with Caleb from the first story and wondered if he would get a story and yes he did. It was a fantastic one as well. I so enjoyed reading the journey to Caleb’s and Kerry’s HEA. Both characters had a very pain past to work through and overcome. This story of how they helped each other (with Willow, Kerry’s therapy dog).
This book was written in my favorite format, a dual POV. Never having gone through either situations that the characters have, it a must for me. It helps me to connect to the character. I can understand the why’s and what not of their actions and speech so much better.
I loved that Willow played a much bigger part of this book over the first book in this series where Sam (the K-9 to Ethan) was only in the book for basically two scenes.
The characters here were ones that I readily identified with. I was only disappointed to have the book come to an end. It was a story that totally grabbed me right from the beginning.
I highly recommend this story to anyone.
Kerry Williams and Caleb Bradshaw are brought together by Kerry’s therapy dog, Willow, who has found a way to sneak into Caleb’s back yard. Willow eventually works her way into Caleb’s heart just like she does to everyone who meets her. But, Caleb is set in his ways and content staying in his house not talking to anyone, especially not having to get out and return the dog to his neighbor. He has PTSD and recovering from gunshot wounds that not only wounded him but killed his service dog, Trigger. He doesn’t think he will ever be able to move past the tragedy that happened that day.
Kerry has finally gotten her life in order. She left her abusive boyfriend and has her own place now where she is helping her father recover from a skiing accident that broke both of his legs. She has a good job and enjoys taking Willow to the VA center, on her time off, to visit with the men there. She didn’t expect to fall for Caleb when she met him, but there is just something about him that makes her heart melt once she gets to know him.
Willow is the match-making therapy dog who helps everyone. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She is the perfect little scene stealer. I really enjoyed Kerry and Caleb’s story too and where the author took it. I could tell a lot of research had been put into the writing of this book. It felt very true to life.
Caleb, a K9 airman on medical leave, was one hot mess! He ran more cold then hot when it came to emotional entanglements, but once he got his head on straight, he turned out alright.
Kerry is slowly getting back on her own two feet after coming out of an unhealthy relationship. She was a bit of a spitfire when riled up, but I felt she was reasonably balanced with her patience dealing with Caleb’s wishy-washy attitude and the humor she found in certain situations.
And I have to mention Willow! The very adorable and spunky Corgi was my favorite part of the entire book! She’s a therapy dog with healthy intelligence and understanding, but watching her two favorite humans lose sight of the big picture could wear a furbaby out! Her interactions were hilarious and really cute to not mention!
Book two in the Man’s Best Friend series, I think Next Door Knight can be read as a stand alone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This second book of the series, truly a stand alone, is just as touching as book one.
Caleb Bradshaw is an airman K-9 officer who recently both got injured and lost his partner. He has become a hermit during his medical leave with a future filled with unknowns. Kerry Williams, is his new next door neighbor .A young woman full of life , with a corgi , WIllow, who is a therapy dog. The dog seems to realize Caleb needs help and has multiple escapades into Caleb’s yard, much to his dismay.
But as time goes on, Willow starts her magic and Caleb starts to heal thanks to Kerry and Willow.
Little does Caleb know that Kerry too has had to overcome a situation that almost crushed her.
In addition to an engaging plot and imperfect, strong characters that you will grow to love , I appreciated other points of the story. The reminder that the brave men and women who fight for our safety and freedom, suffer injuries and are affected not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically . Helping them heal , in this case with therapy dogs, is of great importance. Thank you , Ms. Flockton for that reminder.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
well written, good story line, great characters.
Determination drives these characters to happily ever after. Great plot. Great characters.
I really liked. This book. It is the story of a woman who was in a stifling relationship for 7 years. She rebuilt her life, bought a house and had her rescue dog trained to help veterans. The dog kept running next door and that’s how she met her damaged Air Force neighbor. Her dad was staying with her as he broke both legs skiing and she had to ask her neighbor for help. The book covered the struggles of wounded vets, along with the blossoming of a lovely woman.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend.
Feel good story. Worth the read
Predictable
great story, wonderful characters. the welsh corgi? never expected it. loved it
It was a good story, I enjoyed this book.
Great book