Is it too much to want the dog and the guy?I’ve never been one to take life too seriously. I’ve always been kind of a whirlwind free spirit—Dawn Vasquez, the girl with the sunny disposition and the flighty personality. But then an adorable golden retriever puppy in need of rescue crossed my path and everything changed. Now, I’m wondering just what life would be like if I put some roots down and … and offer Gigi, my rescue pup, the promise of a real home.Unfortunately, as I’m about to hunker down for some full-time puppy love, Adam Dearborn, a hopelessly buttoned-up cowboy rancher, enters the picture and insists he needs a guide dog and it must be Gigi. I’ve got no choice but to fight for my puppy and convince Adam that there are plenty of other dogs who would suit him. But somehow, our little tussle turns into a serious attraction, and now I’m wondering if for the price of a kiss, I can convince this handsome, slightly stuffy cowboy to take on both the puppy and me, so we can all have the chance of a forever home.
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I truly enjoyed this book as well as the others in the series. They had great characters, love the sisters, the men in their lives and all the animals. I would definitely recommend for a fun read.
This is an enjoyable story between Dawn, a service puppy trainer, and Adam, a rancher. After Dawn and her BFF rescued (actually stole) a golden retriever, they were stopped by the police for speeding. To get out of a ticket, she said they were rushing to get this service dog to Adam. That worked but the dog wasn’t a service dog and Adam didn’t want her. What a mess.
I liked Adam even though he was stubborn and moody. Running the ranch was in his blood. He loved it. Being blind didn’t slow him down one bit. Somehow Dawn talked him into getting a service dog. He finally agreed to take Gigi, the dog she had rescued. That left Dawn to go to his ranch every day for six weeks to train her. Dawn was a kind, fun-loving woman who made everyone think nothing ever bothered her. But the best characters were the dogs. Gigi in particular was a cutie. Not a service dog, no matter how hard Dawn tried to make her one.
I liked the other books in the series but this one, not as much. There was so much sex in the first third of the book that I almost stopped reading. But if you like steamy romance, this is for you.
Highly entertaining, heartwarming and fun journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling roller- coaster adventure.
Perfect for a lazy afternoon escape. Adam is a blind hero that will melt your heart and Dawn is his ideal counterpart, even though it takes them a while to figure it out. Plus, fluffy puppies!
Can a blind rancher and a free spirit find happiness together? Full disclosure, I did not read the previous books in the series, so am still mystified how the two main characters got together for their carnal “relationship”, 6 months before the book begins. Where the Dearborns in the previous book about Sophie Vasquez? If so there should have either been a Prologue at the beginning to establish their relationship or some context in the narrative. There wasn’t and that is the only negative that I have about the book.
Dawn Vasquez is the middle sister of the three sisters that own the service puppy training business. She lacks impulse control and has wanderlust and seems to be a free spirit, bring love wherever she goes, but she hides from everyone her desire to be wanted, needed and accepted for herself, because most people find her exhausting. Rancher Adam Dearborn has had a lot of loss in his life. He became blind from a bout of childhood meningitis and by the time he was 19, he and his younger twin siblings had lost both their parents, leaving the raising of the twins and running of the ranch on his young but broad shoulders. He is so attracted to Dawn, but he isn’t willing to offer his heart to someone who will most likely leave him or tie her down to the ranch.
The story starts with Dawn and Zeke, one of the twins, rescuing a puppy who is being abused, but when the owner chases after them and they get caught speeding, instead of telling the Sheriff about the abuse, Dawn makes up a story about the puppy being a service dog that she is bringing to Adam. And Adam perversely not only goes along with the story but then insist that he is going to keep her. Dawn is then obligated to train her, but knowing that the pup would not be a good service dog, she brings another more appropriate pup, Uncle, a Great Dane to Adam. The story not only explores how a ranch can be run by a blind man, how service dogs are trained but also the different ways that people hide themselves from others to avoid the pain of heartache, while causing themselves just as much pain by holding it all in. The story is well written with inspiring characters and cute puppies.
I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. thi is my unbiased and voluntary review.
‘Puppy Kisses‘ is the third title in the ‘Service Puppies / Forever Home‘ series – and really all you need to know to fall in love is…Puppy! Okay, maybe there’s also a stubborn rancher smitten with a woman he’s convinced is not able to be serious about ranching. Perhaps that woman might agree on principle but she’s ready to try – especially if that keeps her around one small bundle of mischief, fur, and puppy kisses galore… and maybe the rancher, too.
I had such a fun time back in this world again. Come on, adorable puppy, stubborn man, sunny woman – what is not to love about that outline? I know, right? Well, I was hooked on this series once again – little Gigi drew me in but Adam and Dawn kept me in their world just to see who could outlast who – the stubborn or the sunny disposition. I adored them all, and I’m not ashamed to admit that. (And really, Adam, since when does upbeat, seeing the bright side of life, or just being happy say a person cannot handle the hard work of ranching? Hmmm?) Stubborn man.
There were times in ‘Puppy Kisses‘ that I had to remind myself that Adam is blind. He knows his ranch, he knows his cattle right down to the mischievous one he’s named Dawn. As the parent of a physically disabled son, I think we (general we) don’t give enough credit to people who figure out how to live a full life on their terms without a fuss made about that fact. Adam is a perfect example of that to me.
I adored Dawn. She knows what she wants, she lives her life in a way that brings her joy – and there is nothing at all wrong with that. And she wants Adam in her life, convincing the stubborn rancher is going to take some work but she’s in this for the long haul – no matter how often Adam tries to push her away ‘for her own good’.
And Gigi – just a cute, wiggly, ball of fur and puppy kisses. And devoted to her humans, both of them.
The secondary characters made this world so very real, the emotions between Adam and Dawn could be felt (even if we couldn’t always see them), and the bond between man, woman, and a dog just grows stronger throughout ‘Puppy Kisses‘. It is perfect? No, it’s a rare book that is – but it felt real, like neighbors down the road, and that matters more to me in the long run than anything else. I enjoyed myself with these characters, and I believe you would as well.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, 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.*
Puppy Kisses is a sweet book by Lucy Gilmore, featuring the middle of three sisters in the Forever Home series. It had some unusual character traits which add twists to the storyline. If you love dog/romance stories, you’ll like this book too.
Dawn and Adam were a weirdly opposite kind of couple. He needed to lighten up and she needed stability. You know what they say, “opposites attract”
She trains puppies and he runs his family ranch.
If you enjoy a light, comedic read then this is the story for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC.
Adam and Dawn were so incredibly cute together. The fun story gives you plenty of feels with lots of emotions and heat. I found the story engaging and I loved the sparks that flew with every interaction that this couple shared. The addition of some drama, tension and adorable, heart stealing puppies just makes it all more enjoyable!! I really liked it. This is my volitional, truthful review.
I had enjoyed reading the first two books in the Forever Hope Series by Lucy Gilmore. So naturally I was looking forward to reading the third book, Puppy Kisses. Dawn is the middle sister. Her older sister is the serious one, the baby sister just needed to be taken seriously and Dawn goes out of her mind to avoid seriousness. I knew her story would be different but counted on the dogs who are such important characters in the series to keep Dawn’s feet on the ground. Not sure I always agreed with her actions but I did agree with her heart.
Since her sisters had found their total opposites to fall in love with, it is not surprising that Adam is also the opposite to Dawn. He is the calm while she is the storm. In every life a little rain must fall. What they do agree on is one puppy named Gigi and their mutual attraction to each other. Dawn tries to keep it light but you know how that is going to go. Puppy Kisses is an incredibly fun finish to this sisters’ series.
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.
Gigi rescues dogs. Adam is a rancher in need of a guide dog. They have a sexual relationship but neither thinks the other one wants anything more permanent. What will it take to bring them together?
I adore this series. Puppies, puppies and more puppies! Whats not to love? I did enjoy reading this entry of the series and though I enjoyed it, it was my lest favorite of the series, but still adored. I am clearly in the minority, but I found Dawn somewhat irksome. Yes she is fun and free spirited, but I also found some of her behavior selfish and self serving. If she got an idea in her head she went full steam ahead with little care of how it would impact any one else. Rather than following the law she stole a dog putting the business that she and her sisters run that supports them all and is so very important. Her reasons are valid, her intent wonderful, but it is the execution that is wrong and for some reason annoyed me. Adam is the diametric opposite of to Dawns wildness. He is is a fabulous person. He does not allow his lack of sight get in his way and lives the best life he can. He lies to a sheriff for Dawn and falls in love with a sweet fluffernutter of a puppy that insists he cannot keep. According to Dawn that he is not keeping the pup. As far as Ada is concerned, the pup is already his! Slowly they get under each others skin, in the best way and figure it all out experiencing some fun and silly escapades. Thankfully there is of course the eventual sweet expected happily ever after. A sweet fun read. Look forward to more from this author. Definitely a feel good read.
I received an advanced copy of this book rom Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review
A hunky cowboy, a free spirit, and puppies. What could be better?! Author Lucy Gilmore has written a fun story that starts with a theft, runs through training service dogs, and winds up with a really important poker game. Siblings are important in this story, but mainly it’s Adam and Dawn. Oh, Adam is blind, and Dawn is a person – and a cow! Enjoy this one – it will make you laugh.
I am not usually a romance reader (I prefer zombies, explosions, space battles, etc.), but my friends at Sourcebooks are devious. They periodically send out emails inviting readers to try a new book or series at a great discount. I read the second book in this series, Puppy Christmas, after one of those emails. I thought, “Cute puppy, cute single dad, dedicated dog trainer…why not give it a try?” Of course, once I read it, I had to backtrack and read the first one and then w–a–i–t for the third one because I was hooked. (Like I said, they are devious over there at Sourcebooks.)
In this third installment, the most free-spirited of the Vasquez sisters gets into a bit of trouble while on a rescue mission with her friend. Through all the twists and turns of their getaway with the rescued dog, Dawn and her cohort wind up heading for the friend’s family farm and the friend’s eldest brother, Adam Dearborn. Dawn and Adam seem like a totally mismatched couple, and a neglected and sickly puppy seems a poor choice for a guide dog, but readers will be rooting for everything to work out for the characters in spite of misunderstandings, creepy stalkers, fear of harnesses (that would be the dog Gigi), and cranky neighbors.
Gilmore writes characters that are complex and believable – even when they do things like discuss the time they ran off to join the circus. Both the Vasquez and the Dearborn families have siblings that are close, but very different from each other and the interplay between the brothers and sisters is as much a part of the story as the romantic relationship or the bonding with the dogs from the Vasquez business.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a story with a good dog (or more), and who enjoys when opposites really do attract in the best way.
This is actually the first book I have read in the series and will have to go back and read the others now as I enjoyed it soo much! Dawn is a total crack up, she is smart, determined and a gluten for punishment with wanting to see those she loves happy but deflecting from herself while Adam is gruff, laser focused on the ranch and doesn’t like change for obvious reasons. I loved how the story unfolded and we got to know more about Dawn and Adam and their almost love hate relationship, include some cute puppies ie Gigi and Uncle.. oh and a sassy and slightly crazy neighbor then you get a story you will be sucked into from the get go and be gutted when you get to the end as you don’t want to leave Dearborn Ranch!
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Puppy Kisses by Lucy Gilmore for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced me in any way.
Puppy Kisses is the third book in Ms. Gilmore’s Forever Home series. It’s a light-hearted romance with plenty of carefree moments and delightful banter between the hero and heroine. The pacing kept me engaged from the first page to the last.
Dawn Vasquez’s character is footloose and fancy free. She lives life on her own terms with no filter. She flits from one brief relationship to another until she meets the hero. He is the game changer for her, but she doesn’t want to admit it.
Adam Dearborn is an endearing hero. His blindness makes him vulnerable without making him weak. His surprising attraction to the quirky Dawn blows him away, but her offer of a no strings attached affair is too tempting to pass up. I thoroughly enjoyed his confusion over where he wants his feelings for her to go.
The romance between Dawn and Adam blazes to life early in the story and burns hot. The sexual scenes are visceral, yet filled with emotions. Although more graphic, especially in the early part of the story than my personal preference, they are absorbing. I truly wanted this great couple to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy lighted-hearted contemporary romances with engaging characters and a unique plot, then you will love Puppy Kisses as much as I did. I’ve enjoyed this delightful series and highly recommend these enjoyable novels. Happy reading!
This is the third book in this series and while I hadn’t read the previous two I ad no trouble following the story line and I have to tell you that now “puppy Love” & “Puppy Christmas” will be going onto my to be read pile. This is a sweet book that draws you in and keeps you engaged throughout I love Adam and the fact that been blinded on active duty hasn’t destroyed him in any way he has just accepted it and got on with life to the point that sometimes you completely forget that he is blind. Dawn is such a bright sunny character who is the perfect foil for Adam’s deeper personality They are perfect for one another if they can just stop fighting over who should own a golden retriever named Gigi or is there more to the fight than either is letting on are they using her as an excuse to be in cintact with one another You will have to read to see if they get a HEA
This story is as sweet as it’s title hints to! I really enjoyed it! The characters are lovable and deep and I was rooting for Dawn and Adam from the get-go. Really fun story with great dialogue that kept me interested and hopeful throughout! Add in some steamy times and you’ve got yourself a nicely well rounded story. I’m liking what this author brings to the table very much!
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
A heartwarming story that hooked me from the start. Dawn is my favorite of the Vasquez sisters. She and Adam brought the best out in each other. I loved their banter and chemistry. Gigi and Uncle were the perfect sidekicks. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
Of course, the story with dogs, sassy mouth heroine, and hot stubborn cowboy will lead to an amazing read. Dawn and Adam are great characters and make a lovely couple. They fit like a puzzle, make a great balance, and bring the best in each other. There is just a problem Adam doesn’t want to turn off the light in dawn by chaining her to him. A great funny story and a great beach read in hot lazy summer days.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley