Ruby shrugged and unfolded herself from the bed. They’d eventually have to get back out to the barbecue, but it was nice to have this moment first. She drew close and ran a finger under the puppy’s chin. The tiny puppy allowed it but didn’t bask in it—which made sense. He liked Spencer best.

So did Ruby.

“For all I know, she murdered him and buried him out somewhere underneath all my old pageant stuff,” she admitted. “Maybe that’s why she won’t get rid of it. It’s hiding the bones of all the men who broke her heart. We Taylor women aren’t easily scorned.”

“Is that a threat?” Spencer asked. He didn’t sound alarmed so much as intrigued.

“You know me, Spencer,” she said and grinned. “Nothing I say is a threat. Only a challenge.”

Excerpt from Puppy Love

This sparkling, escapist, feel-good rom-com brings together a grumpy hero, a sunshiney heroine, delicious forced proximity, and enough puppies to make anyone smile.

When Sophie Vasquez and her sisters dreamed up Puppy Promise—their service puppy training school—it was supposed to be her chance to bring some good into the world. But how can she expect to do anything when no one will take her seriously?

Enter Harrison Parks: a rough, gruff, take-no-bull wildlife firefighter in need of a diabetic service dog. He couldn’t be a more unlikely fit for Sophie or Bubbles—the sweet puppy she knows will be his perfect partner—but when Sophie insists he give them both a shot, something unexpected happens: he listens. Even better, he keeps on listening, even as Sophie and Bubbles turn his lonely, uber-masculine world upside-down.

As it turns out, they all have something to prove…and more than enough room in their hearts for a little puppy love.

Chapter 1

Now that was a dog.

Harrison Parks stood in front of the Great Dane puppy, watching as he stumbled over his feet and struggled with the weight of his oversize head. Already, the animal’s sleek gray fur was something to behold, those beautiful eyes like the sky after a rainstorm. It was easy to see what he would someday become—majestic and muscled and massive, more like a trusty steed than a canine.

“He’s perfect. Where do I sign?”

A cough sounded at his back. “Um, that’s a Great Dane.”

Harrison turned to find the slight, well-dressed woman who’d greeted him at the door. She looked apologetic and hesitant and, well, the same way most people looked when they met him for the first time.

In other words, like this was the last place in the world she wanted to be—and he the last man she wanted there with her.

“I thought he might be.” He attempted a smile. “What’s his name?”

“Rock.”