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mags_louise's review against another edition
4.0
4.25⭐
In the Dog House was at times a heartbreaking story. But it was also heartwarming and sweet, and honestly not at all what I was expecting. But I found it extremely enjoyable to read.
And with likable characters, an adorable eleven year old and lots of cute dogs. Not to mention the discussion and highlighting of serious issues, including mental health and PTSD. This story really had plenty to offer and easily held my interest throughout. And I would happily recommend it to others, as it really was a wonderful second chance romance, with a great message to boot.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
In the Dog House was at times a heartbreaking story. But it was also heartwarming and sweet, and honestly not at all what I was expecting. But I found it extremely enjoyable to read.
And with likable characters, an adorable eleven year old and lots of cute dogs. Not to mention the discussion and highlighting of serious issues, including mental health and PTSD. This story really had plenty to offer and easily held my interest throughout. And I would happily recommend it to others, as it really was a wonderful second chance romance, with a great message to boot.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
storieswithsoul's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this sweet romantic story. Emma trains dogs to help people cope with their problems. Jackson is home on leave to take care of his newphew. When their paths meet sparks fly. It is clear that they still hav ethe chemistry and are attracted to each other. Unfortunately, Jackson still plans to go back and Emma's life is in their home town. They just don't meant to be together. But that doesn't mean that they can'y enjoy a good friendship and help one another while they can. It is obvious that Jackson is having problems because of his nightmares and worries about his sister and nephew. Emma is in the position to help him out only if he would accept her help and stop being so stubborn.
ohthesheenanigans's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Title: In the Dog House
Author(s): Traci Hall
Character(s):
― Emma Mercer: 28 years old, Red
― Jackson Hardy: 28 years old, Brown, Green Eyed
Setting: ―
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: ―
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: ―
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
After joining the Marines and leaving behind Emma, the woman he loved, Jackson finds himself back home taking care of his nephew and is besides himself when he runs into Emma. Though neither one is ready for any kind of commitment, the off the charts chemistry is still there and they find it more than difficult to denied the overwhelming attraction. Despite the interesting blurb, I wasn't able to resonate with the characters nor storyline. There just wasn’t enough progress and excitement for me to continue reading this, and unfortunately I have decided to dropped this.
sarareadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing as an ARC for an honest review.
Jackson Hardy and Emma Mercer were high school sweethearts and each other's first loves. When Jackson follows through and leaves Emma to join the military, she expects that she will never see him again. Ten years later, Jackson now a career Marine, is called back to to care for his 10 year old nephew, Matthew (Matty), after his beloved sister gets into a car crash and put her into the ICU. When Emma, now a doctorate candidate who is also training emotional support dogs for people in need, run into each other at an event that Emma hosted at the local Middle school. Matty, Jackson’s nephew, attended her seminar about emotional support dogs and thought that one of these dogs could help his uncle with his bad dreams (PTSD).
This is a feel good read (but also heart wrenching at the same time) about two people who get a second chance at falling in love with each other. One of the main reasons I really thought this Romance novel was really intriguing and a great story was that it talked about the mental health of an active duty Marine and how the impacts of PTSD can affect your day to day “normal life” as a civilian. Traci was not afraid to integrate this topic into the story and I think it is so important. With opportunity to talk about mental health and how it really affects people, I believe lessens the stigma people have toward it if they hear, see or read about other talk about it openly.I was completely immersed into Emma and Jackson’s love story from the first page. They are both very likeable characters as well as sweet Matty. Overall this book was extremely easy for me to read. I was able to speed through this book with ease as it it written well and has great dialog. Traci doesn't take long to describe things that has happened in the past with Emma and Jackson and what they have each gone through after high school. Which is something I enjoy.
This book is a solid ★★★★ read.
Jackson Hardy and Emma Mercer were high school sweethearts and each other's first loves. When Jackson follows through and leaves Emma to join the military, she expects that she will never see him again. Ten years later, Jackson now a career Marine, is called back to to care for his 10 year old nephew, Matthew (Matty), after his beloved sister gets into a car crash and put her into the ICU. When Emma, now a doctorate candidate who is also training emotional support dogs for people in need, run into each other at an event that Emma hosted at the local Middle school. Matty, Jackson’s nephew, attended her seminar about emotional support dogs and thought that one of these dogs could help his uncle with his bad dreams (PTSD).
This is a feel good read (but also heart wrenching at the same time) about two people who get a second chance at falling in love with each other. One of the main reasons I really thought this Romance novel was really intriguing and a great story was that it talked about the mental health of an active duty Marine and how the impacts of PTSD can affect your day to day “normal life” as a civilian. Traci was not afraid to integrate this topic into the story and I think it is so important. With opportunity to talk about mental health and how it really affects people, I believe lessens the stigma people have toward it if they hear, see or read about other talk about it openly.I was completely immersed into Emma and Jackson’s love story from the first page. They are both very likeable characters as well as sweet Matty. Overall this book was extremely easy for me to read. I was able to speed through this book with ease as it it written well and has great dialog. Traci doesn't take long to describe things that has happened in the past with Emma and Jackson and what they have each gone through after high school. Which is something I enjoy.
This book is a solid ★★★★ read.
theestherhadassah's review against another edition
5.0
If there is one thing I simply ADORE in books like this, it's when the guy is taking care of a kid. Working to give the very best to that kid, whether it be a sibling or his own child, or another family member. I can't get enough of it. But now throw in the fact that Jackson is a Marine. Hottie alert! I whizzed through this book this afternoon. Perfect for summer reading lists. Also, how cute is that dog on the cover!
Thank you to Entangled (Bliss) Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Thank you to Entangled (Bliss) Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
zoephee's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay. As someone who has trained dogs professionally, I wish the author had done a bit more research on dog training and gotten the terminology about Service dogs and how clickers work correctly. Other than that the romance was just okay, the two main characters just didn't have enough chemistry to keep me fully invested in their stories.
shannonreadss's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
4.5 stars
At first I thought this would just be another romance story, but that really was not just it. Yes, the romance aspect was present. However, mental health and dealing with setbacks also was present.
I think this book was beautiful and I enjoyed the writing style and the two perspectives. This book's subject is hard and weighty, but the combination with the dogs made this book feel lighter.
The only downside of this book that I experienced was the ending. It was lovely, but it felt rushed. Especially in comparison with the rest of the book. Another small flaw is the cover, the way the woman looks on the cover, that was definitely not how I imagined Emma. In my opinion, Emma wasn't girlish at all and definitely did not wear hats like that.
4.5 stars
At first I thought this would just be another romance story, but that really was not just it. Yes, the romance aspect was present. However, mental health and dealing with setbacks also was present.
I think this book was beautiful and I enjoyed the writing style and the two perspectives. This book's subject is hard and weighty, but the combination with the dogs made this book feel lighter.
The only downside of this book that I experienced was the ending. It was lovely, but it felt rushed. Especially in comparison with the rest of the book. Another small flaw is the cover, the way the woman looks on the cover, that was definitely not how I imagined Emma. In my opinion, Emma wasn't girlish at all and definitely did not wear hats like that.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 2/11/19>.
Likable characters and a sweet romance, plus dogs? Yes, please!
In the Dog House is a second chance romance for Emma and Jackson--high school sweethearts, he left her to join the Marines and they haven't seen each other since. Now he's back to care for his nephew while his sister (hopefully) recovers from a bad accident, and he himself is having issues with PTSD. Emma just so happens to be working on her doctorate while training emotional support dogs (a pretty convenient coincidence, but I was willing to go with it), but will he take her help?
I really liked the characters here; it was easy to root for them to get together again. Their issues were real, though, and both the characters and the reader spent a lot of time wondering if they really could find their HEA in the end. For a lot of the book, it seemed they took three steps back for every one forward in their relationship--until the end, which then ended up feeling a bit abrupt. So--although the pacing felt a little off here, I liked the characters and the concept, and will be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B=
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Likable characters and a sweet romance, plus dogs? Yes, please!
In the Dog House is a second chance romance for Emma and Jackson--high school sweethearts, he left her to join the Marines and they haven't seen each other since. Now he's back to care for his nephew while his sister (hopefully) recovers from a bad accident, and he himself is having issues with PTSD. Emma just so happens to be working on her doctorate while training emotional support dogs (a pretty convenient coincidence, but I was willing to go with it), but will he take her help?
I really liked the characters here; it was easy to root for them to get together again. Their issues were real, though, and both the characters and the reader spent a lot of time wondering if they really could find their HEA in the end. For a lot of the book, it seemed they took three steps back for every one forward in their relationship--until the end, which then ended up feeling a bit abrupt. So--although the pacing felt a little off here, I liked the characters and the concept, and will be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B=
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
lagadema's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. It isn't just a sweet, feel good, second chance romance...it is much more and that is the reason I stayed late in the night and almost overslept in the morning. I had to finish it in almost one sitting. There is another story there, mental health, PTSD and dealing with setbacks also was present.
Writing style is good and all in all good reading material. I am looking forward of reading other books by this author
Writing style is good and all in all good reading material. I am looking forward of reading other books by this author