REVIEW: Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns

Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns is the fourth book in her Rescue Me series. This story is filled with fun and entertaining doggy adventures.

Mia Chambers has taken her son Ollie and left her husband Brad after he cheated on her. While in the process of divorcing him he dies. Their friend Ben Thomas, who was not only Brad’s best friend but also Ollie’s godfather, has been instrumental in helping Mia get through Brad’s funeral. He continues to be her hero by still being there to help her where he can and also help with Ollie.

Mia volunteers at High Grove Animal Shelter as does Ben. They both participate in the rescue mission when twelve border collies get dumped in a nearby park. This nets Mia and Ollie a mama dog and her pup. Ben was more than happy to assist. Mia feels a little guilty about being attracted to Ben. Ben, on the other hand, has been in love with Mia since before they officially met. He stopped in a lecture hall on her campus and heard Mia give a speech which really resonated with him. Ben asked his friend Brad to arrange a meeting with Mia but missed it when his father became ill. Both Brad and Mia assumed Ben was not interested so they ended up getting together and then getting married.

The interaction between the characters is fun also. The journey to a HEA for Mia and Ben should be an easy one considering how well they know each other, but life usually doesn’t work out that way. It didn’t for Mia and Ben. I enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of this journey. Ben’s patience with Mia was admirable. I also enjoyed seeing characters from the earlier books in the series and getting updates for them. This is always a plus for me when reading a series.

Debbie Burns has written a fun, heartwarming story of love, family and trust. As usual the dogs from the shelter add great enjoyment to the book.

Book Info:

Publication: July 30th 2019 | Sourcebooks Casablanca | Rescue Me #4

“This heartstring-tugger is certain to win fans.” —Publishers Weekly STARRED Review for A New Leash on Love

Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she’s newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn’t know how to tell her what’s in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she’ll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul.

When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis’ biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals…and new beginnings…?

Rescue Me Series:
A New Leash on Love (Book 1)
Sit, Stay, Love (Book 2)
My Forever Home (Book 3)
Love at First Bark (Book 4)