#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23) by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this quick legal mystery.
Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Dogs, Legal Thriller
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy semi-retired lawyer who would rather spend his time walking his beloved dogs with his beloved wife, Laurie. Andy likes to avoid work when he can but isn’t about to let injustice pass by. An evening walk with their dogs lands Andy in a new case when a stranger steps in to rescue an abused dog. The man gets arrested – not just for beating the abuser but for a pending double murder charge. Andy reluctantly agrees to help the accused, Matthew, as he is returned to Maine to face the two-year old charge. Matthew insists he is innocent, but it will be hard to overcome the evidence of Matt’s DNA on the hand of the dead man.

Andy tries to leave Matt in the hands of the local defense attorney, but he just can’t do it. When Matt’s newly discovered half-sister pleads with Andy to take the case, he agrees. Andy relocates to Maine to begin the trial prep but soon runs into a threatened attack alone in the parking lot. Laurie isn’t about to allow that to slide, so soon the team, including Laurie (and the dogs), bodyguard/muscle Marcus, and hacker/accountant whiz Sam, arrive in Maine. Laurie’s other K-9 investigator, Corey, and his German Shepherd Simon arrive soon after.

Andy and team do their usual thorough job of turning over the rocks and digging the dirt for other suspects. This brings out connections to drug dealers and an extreme militia group and also leaves bodies in the wake of questions. But Andy still must address the DNA problem.

I enjoy this series and the narrator. There are always several suspects, often FBI involvement and usually a trail of bodies. I love following the trial questions and ‘watching’ as Andy presents the evidence that leads to reasonable doubt, and reveals the true villains. The fast-moving plot is enhanced with Andy’s self-deprecation and snarky banter.

While I was listening to this 23rd installment, I got my husband to listen to book one, Open and Shut, which he enjoyed. The stories can be read as standalones but it is much more fun to have at least read the first several in the series so you know the team characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries with legal procedures ... and dogs. 

Audio Notes: I am sure I have noted it in prior reviews of this series, but Grover Gardner, is the wonderful, fitting voice of Andy Carpenter. Gardner has an appropriate NJ/NY tone delivering distinct voices with appropriate energy. I love listening to the stories and hear this narrator even if I occasionally read an ebook version.

Source: NetGalley 6/3/2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Message in a Bauble (Big Honey Dog Mysteries #3) by H.Y. Hanna

This was a fun little Christmas mystery with dogs as the stars!

Message in a Bauble (Big Honey Dog Mysteries #3)
by H.Y. Hanna

Published December 10th 2013
by H.Y. Hanna (first published November 26th 2013)
ASIN B00GYD4EMC
This story does not seem to be available on its own but it is part of the collection:
Big Honey Dog Mysteries HOLIDAY COLLECTION
(Halloween, Christmas & Easter stories for kids): A dog detective holiday mystery adventure for children ages 9 to 12 years.
Publisher : Wisheart Press (October 20, 2014)
Genre: Children, Christmas, Dogs, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Christmas intrigue. Daring rescue. Serious slobber.
When Honey the Great Dane finds a hidden note inside a strange Christmas bauble, the festive season takes a sinister turn. Was the note from a trapped child? Join Honey and her canine friends as they set off on a Search & Rescue--from snowy playgrounds to eerie libraries--while they race to solve the mystery of the message in the bauble.
Kids and dog lovers will love this action-packed Christmas mystery filled with suspense and humour - not to mention candy canes, gingerbread cookies and lots of mince pies!
This short novella is part of the Big Honey Dog Mysteries - don't forget to check out the full novels in the series: Curse of the Scarab(#1) and A Secret in Time(#2)
* EACH BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE MYSTERY

Review:
Honey is a Great Dane who seems to like to solve puzzles. She has a lovely group of friends, including a Golden Retriever, a Beagle, a Siberian Husky, and a Jack Russell Terrier. Honey finds a piece of torn paper inside a broken Christmas ball. The dogs decipher the note and decide that it is a message for help from a trapped child. Honey is unable to get the attention of her human companion, so she and her friends decide to follow the clues themselves.

The story is sweet and engaging. The dogs have their own cute quirks (Honey has slobber) and humorous phrases like: “Oh, ticks”, “festering fleas” and “for barking out loud”. The mystery is fun and helps a child and a dog as the investigation progresses. The author also uses the mystery to share information about another animal and to share knowledge of food risks to dogs. This is a quick, fun read and I recommend this (and probably the other books in the series) to those who enjoy dog stories.

Ms. Hanna also writes the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series with cat characters. I have a box set on my Audible TBR and I look forward to listening to it.

Source: Free Kindle November 2014. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Audio Book Review: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

This is a delightful little holiday romance.
The Dogs of Christmas
Written By: W. Bruce Cameron
Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne

Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: October 2013
Duration: 6 hours 14 minutes
Genre: Animals, Dogs, Holiday, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy-and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies.
Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy's tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter's 'Dogs of Christmas' program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her.
But he's fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh's life. He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody's strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family.
With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn't willing to lose her, but doesn't know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man's life?
W. Bruce Cameron's The Dogs of Christmas is a charming and heartwarming holiday tale that explores the power of love, trust, and a basket full of puppies....

Review:
Josh is nearly a recluse especially after his girlfriend walked away. He wasn’t much of a social fellow anyway as a software programmer who works on the computer from home. He isn’t thrilled when his neighbor delivers his dog to his door claiming he needs Josh to dog sit for the weekend until he can make other arrangements. Then Josh realizes that Lucy, the dog, is very pregnant. Josh has never had a dog, much less puppies. He is practically panicked when he calls the vet. But being the precise person that he is, Josh begins to research how to take care of the dog and puppies.

When Josh seeks help from the local animal shelter, he meets the lovely, strong-minded Kerri. Kerri is more than happy to help and finds herself interested in Josh who is willing to care so diligently for the dogs. The problem is, Josh is becoming attached to Lucy and the puppies. Kerri insists he cannot keep them and she wants to include the puppies to be delivered to new homes as part of the Dogs of Christmas adoption program. But Josh has learned the unique personalities of each dog and isn’t sure anyone else can care for them as he does. He now has a family of his own and doesn’t know how he will give them up.

Josh’s character is a little difficult as, at age 28, he is very socially immature. He becomes flustered like a teen boy in Kerri’s presence. Still, it is sweet and not totally unrealistic for a computer nerd. In addition to the conflict between Josh’s feelings for Kerri and the dogs, Josh’s unresolved feelings for his ex impacts his relationship with Kerri with a little twist.

The story flows well with humor and lovely dog antics, including one that has a handicap. The romance is light and gently presented. I enjoyed the easy, light, sweet story. I recommend it to readers who enjoy dogs and gentle romance.

Audio Notes: Kirby Heyborne does a very nice job with the narration. He aptly portrays the distress, confusion, enthusiasm, and other emotions, especially of the main character. The narration helped me enjoy the story and I would be comfortable listening to other books narrated by Heyborne.

Source: November 2019 $4.99 Sale Purchase at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles

This is delightfully cute.
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles(book one)
by K. Kibbee

File Size: 2841 KB
Print Length: 74 pages
Publisher: Corgi Bits (September 15, 2017)
ASIN: B074PCXX43
Genre: Children, Dogs, Pets
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun.
Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.

Review:
As an animal lover this pulled at my heart strings. I can well imagine my grandchildren enjoying the tale (tail - suitable pun!).

Theodore was a loved puppy and learned to adore his mistress. But her live changed, leaving little time for the young dog. And when a young human joined the family, Theodore found himself relegated to the cold garage. Then his human drops him off at a shelter without a backward glance.

Luckily for Theodore, a kind man find him and rescues him to be a companion in a bookstore. Theodore learns he can trust this new master and he is going to get to enjoy roaming a bookstore and sharing with children at Storytime. And that is just the beginning of the adventures for Theodore and his new friend Sam.

This is a quick read that I think would be good for children (as well as adults who are young at heart and love dogs). Theodore is thoroughly lovable and I love the idea of the spectacular spectacles introduced in this first book. I am ready for the next adventure!

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for my 2018 NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Search by Nora Roberts

This is solid romantic suspense with the bonus of dog training tips.

The Search
By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Tanya Eby

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-06-10
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life: a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare.
Several years ago, she was the only survivor of a serial killer - a madman who stalked and abducted young women, strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.
On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He’s the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon’s house, and he’s at his wit’s end.
To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can’t handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he’s a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn’t want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction.
As Fiona embarks on training Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands.
©2010 Nora Roberts (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Fiona escaped from a serial killer several years ago. Fiona's experience from the past has shaped who she is today - fiercely independent and determined not to be a victim again. She has a successful business training dogs…and their owners. She is also an important leader in the local search and rescue team.

Simon is an interesting male protagonist. His mother gave him a puppy and he, or really they, need serious help. He is very singular, insular... until love sneaks up on him. There is good involvement with the dog training which fills a lot of the story.

This is solid romantic suspense The suspense with the serial killer is almost almost secondary to the romantic development. Of course the danger sets Simon into a protective mode even as he begins reluctantly.

There are a couple of rescue searches that add to the depth of the story. The story moves at a good pace with good blending of the dog training techniques, romantic tension and underlying danger. There is more of the "f" word than I like but I was able to skip over it for the most part.

Nora Roberts is pretty reliable as an author delivering strong characters and romance with good tension. I recommend this to readers who like dog training and romantic suspense.

Audio Notes: Tanya Eby's narration isn't the best that I have heard. It is a little soft and has a sort of choppy delivery. After awhile I got used to it and fortunately the story carried the presentation.

Source: 2012 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ultimate Courage (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake

This is wonderful romantic (military) suspense with guard dog.

Ultimate Courage (True Heroes)
by Piper J. Drake
File Size: 895 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Forever (July 26, 2016)
ASIN: B017RQP1X0
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY
Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope's Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.
Elisa's past never stays in her rearview mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she's never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

Review:
Elisa is on the run from a possessive ex-fiance who views her as his possession. She was flattered by the attention from the wealthy man at first until she realized that she was no longer allowed a career or friends of her own. It took a while but she finally got up the courage to make a break for it. But it seemed that wherever she goes, it isn’t long before he locates her and makes it clear that he is expecting her return. Bad things could happen to anyone who might help her so Elisa remains on the run and tries to stay under his radar sources.

Elisa meets Alex and his spunky daughter at the emergency room. Elisa’s wrist is swollen while Serena, aka Boom, has a broken arm from an accident during martial arts training. Elisa appears at Hope's Crossing Kennels the next day to return a glove that Boom left behind. She shows up just in time to step in as a sorely needed secretary for the office. Alex recognizes that Elisa and is cautious and skittish; behaviors familiar from his own PTSD which he struggles to control. Although Alex doesn’t know Elisa, he is intrigued by the mixture of strength he sees beneath the docile postures. He is willing to step out to help her even as he gives her room to learn to trust him.

As Elisa and Alex grow closer they realize that each has secrets. Can they learn to trust each other and give their growing attraction a chance to deepen? Or will Elisa bolt again as soon as she knows her ex-boyfriend is on her tail?

I really liked these warm characters and was quickly pulled into the story. I also love the dog elements and found Souze, a German Shepherd Dog, to be a great addition. The continuing characters at the kennels provide good support and the addition of the owners of the martial arts academy, a gay couple, are a nice touch too for diversity.

The plot moves along at a good pace with sensual tension and the hint of danger that ultimately appears. This is the sort of romantic suspense/military romance that I really enjoy and I recommend the series and this author. This is the second book I have read in this series and I hope to read more.

I received this title from Hachette, Forever line, through NetGalley for an honest review. This adds to my NetGalley Challenge and "U" in Alphabet Challenge. 

THE TRUE HEROES SERIES
Extreme Honor, #1 -- My Review Link
Ultimate Courage, #2
Absolute Trust, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Piper J. Drake (or "PJ") spent her childhood pretending to study for the SATs by reading every interesting novel she could find at the library. After being introduced to the wonderful world of romance by her best friend, she dove into the genre.

PJ began her writing career as PJ Schnyder, writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk, for which she won the FF&P PRISM award as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

PJ's romantic suspense novels incorporate her interests in mixed martial arts and the military. The True Heroes series is inspired by her experience rescuing, owning and training a variety of retired working dogs, including Kaiser, a former guard dog, and Mozart, who was trained to detect explosives.

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EXCERPT:

   You’ve got to be insane.”
   Elisa Hall took a prudent step—or two—back as she observed the standoff brewing in front of her. A tall man stood between her and the emergency room reception desk, glaring at the woman in scrubs behind it. He stood at an angle to Elisa, so he could see the reception desk to his right and the entirety of the waiting area in front of him.
   He clenched his fists.
   Elisa retreated farther back toward the entrance, releasing her throbbing rist and letting her hands fall to her sides. Harmless. Nothing to see here.
   “I’m sorry, sir, but ambulances take precedence over walk-ins,” the nurse repeated. She was braver than Elisa would’ve been in the face of rage on a level with the man’s at the counter.
   He was dressed in loose fitness shorts and a close-fitting black tee. His hands were wrapped in some cross between tape and fabric.
   “Fighter” might as well have been printed across his very broad, muscular shoulders.
   Actually, now that she was looking, his tee said Revolution Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
   Well, then. Maybe she should just take more ibuprofen and forget about seeing a doctor for her swollen wrist after all. Getting her injury examined wasn’t worth staying anywhere near this guy.
   The nurse glanced quickly at Elisa then returned her attention to the man, her expression softening with sympathy. “As soon as an examination room opens up, we’ll get you in to see the doctor. Please, wait right here and fill out these forms while I help this young lady.”
   Wait, what? The man’s face, and his focus, turned toward her. Oh, great.
   Usually she envied nurses their ability to sympathize with so many patients and make such a difference in their lives. Now was not one of those times.
   Elisa squashed the urge to bolt. Never ended well when she tried it. Better to hold very still, wait until the anger in front of her burned itself out, and pull herself together afterward.
   Instead, she fastened her gaze on the floor and tried to keep her body from tensing visibly. Silently, she sang herself an inane nursery rhyme to take her mind
off the weight of the man’s intense glare. Please, please, let him walk away. They were in public, and even though the emergency room waiting area wasn’t packed, it still had a dozen people scattered around the seats.
   But the expected explosion, shouting, other things . . .never happened. Instead, the man had quieted. All of the frustrated aggression seemed to have been stuffed away, somewhere.
   She swallowed hard. Relief eased her constricted throat, and she breathed slowly for the time being. Leaving remained the best idea she had at the moment.
   But he stepped away from the counter and farther to her right, motioning with a wrapped hand for her to step forward. As she forced her feet to take herself closer to the reception desk—and past him—he gave her room.
   Belatedly, she realized his movement also happened to block her escape route toward the doors. He couldn’t have done it on purpose, could he? But Elisa took a step up to the reception counter and away from him anyway.
   “Yes, dear?” The nurse’s gentle prompt made Elisa jump.
   Damn it. Elisa’s heart beat loud in her ears.
   The nurse gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t mind him. He’s been here before. I’ve already asked another nurse to bring ice packs as fast as possible. I don’t
mind if he blows off some hot air in my direction in the meantime. I would be upset, too, considering today’s situation.”
   Elisa bit her lip. She could still feel the man standing behind her, his presence looming at her back. He couldn’t possibly appreciate the nurse sharing some of his private information. And he didn’t seem to need ice packs or any other medical attention. He appeared very able-bodied. “It’s none of my business.”
   The nurse placed a clipboard on the counter and wrinkled her nose. “Oh, trust me, the entire waiting room knows what his concern is. Tell me what brought you here.”
   This might be the most personable emergency room reception area Elisa had been to in years, not counting the extremely angry man standing behind her. They were either not very busy—not likely if all the examination rooms were full up—or extremely efficient.
   Efficiency meant she could get in and out and decide what her next steps would be.
   “My wrist.” Elisa held out her left arm, her wrist obviously swollen. “I thought it was just a bad sprain, but it’s been more than a few days and has only gotten worse. I can barely move it now.”
   And if she could have avoided it, she definitely wouldn’t have stopped in to get it treated. An emergency room visit, even with the help of her soon-to-be nonexistent insurance, was still an expense she didn’t need. It’d been six months or so since her last significant paycheck, and she could not afford to extend her insurance much longer. Plus, it might be better not to. One less way to track her.
   “Is that your dominant arm, dear?” The nurse held up a pen.
   Elisa shook her head.
   “Oh, good. Leave your ID and insurance card with me so I can make copies. Take a seat over there to fill out this form and bring it back to me.”
   Okay, then. Elisa took the items and made her way toward the seating area, thankful the nurse hadn’t asked her to give her name and pertinent information verbally. It was always a risk to share those things out loud.
   She’d learned over and over again. There was a chance a slip of information in the unlikeliest of places would find its way to exactly the person she didn’t want
to have it. No matter how careful she’d been over the last several months, it hadn’t been enough yet.
   But it would be. This time. She was learning, and she was free. Every day was a new chance.
   Nodding to herself, Elisa looked for a seat. It might not be crowded, but just about everyone in the room had decided to sit with at least a chair or two buffer between them and the next person. The buffer seats were all that were left, and most of the other people waiting to be seen were either men, or women sitting with men.
   Then she caught sight of a young girl sitting with her legs crossed in the seat next to the big planter in the corner. Slender, but long limbed, the girl had a sweet face and the gangly look of a growing kid. Elisa guessed the girl was maybe eight or nine, could even be ten. Hard to pin down age when the kid had such an innocent look to her. The seat next to her was open, and she was waiting quietly, hugging a big, blue, plush . . . round thing. Whatever it was.
   Elisa walked quickly over, and when the girl looked up at her with big, blue eyes, Elisa gave her the friendliest smile she could dig up. “Mind if I sit next
to you?”
   The girl looked around, her gaze lingering on the reception area behind Elisa for a moment before saying, “Sure.”
   Elisa took a seat.
   After a few silent moments, the little girl stirred next to her. “Are you sick?”
   Well, paperwork didn’t take much of her attention, and it’d been a while since Elisa had been outside of her own head in a lot of ways. Conversation would be a welcome change and a good distraction from the constant worry running in the back of her mind. “Not sick so much as hurt. I won’t give you the plague.”
   A soft, strained laugh. “Same here.”
   Elisa took a harder look at the big, plush toy. It wasn’t for comfort as Elisa’d first assumed. It was supporting the girl’s slender left arm, which was bent at an impossible angle.
   “Oh my god.” Why was she sitting here alone?
   “Don’t worry.” The girl gave her a quick thumbs-up with her right hand. “The doctors are really good here, and I’m in all the time.”
   Such a brave face. She had to be in an insane amount of pain. And here she was encouraging Elisa.
   “Is there someone you should talk to about how often you get hurt?” Elisa struggled for the right tone. It was one she’d heard more than once when people had been concerned for her. Some places had safeguards in place for . . .
   Blue eyes widened. “Oh, it’s not what you’re thinking. Trust me, people ask my dad. And it’s not like that at all. I study mixed martial arts. I get bruised and
bumped all the time, and usually it’s nothing, but Dad always makes me come in to get checked.”
   It was hard not to believe in the earnest tone. But monsters were everywhere.
   The girl gave her a rueful smile, still amazing considering how much pain she had to be in. “This time it wasn’t just a bump.”
   “Which is why they’re going to see you as soon as they can, Boom.”
   Elisa hadn’t heard the man approach. He was just there. He kneeled down in front of the girl then gently tucked an ice pack around her arm while moving it as little as possible. For her part, the girl hissed in pain but otherwise held up with amazing fortitude.
   Elisa would’ve been in tears. The forearm had to be broken. Both bones. It didn’t take a doctor to figure that out. No wonder the man had been mad earlier. She’d want this girl to be seen as soon as possible, too. She dropped her gaze, unable to watch.
   “Here.” An ice pack appeared in her view. “Your wrist should be iced, too. Take down the swelling while you wait.”
   Speechless, Elisa looked up.
   The man’s words were gruff, awkward. His expression was blank. But his eyes—a softness around his eyes—and a . . . quiet in the way he watched her made her swallow and relax a fraction. Her heartbeat stuttered in a fluttery kind of way. A completely different reaction from what she should be experiencing if she were wise. She didn’t know this man and he was probably married. The girl had a mother somewhere. Where? Maybe on her way. This man was just being nice. Maybe.
   Learn from your mistakes. You never know who a person really is.

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Audible Book Review: Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail by Barbara Morgenroth

This is a quick, fun story – perfect to bring smiles to kids and dog lovers.

Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail
Written by: Barbara Morgenroth
Narrated by: Jane M. Held

Length: 58 mins
Release Date: 07-01-15
Publisher: Barbara Morgenroth
Genre: Kids, Ages 8-10
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Jingles is a dog on the lam. He's met the perfect person and wants to stay with her forever, but his former owners have millions of reasons why that's impossible. After escaping from uncaring owners, Jingles discovers canine paradise with Sassy Collins and her Eat Dog Eat Gourmet Take-Out Dog Dinner Shop. Sassy is easy to love, and Jingles falls hard for her. So does the town police officer, Ethan Monroe. But Jingles is carrying a secret that could destroy their happy family before it even begins.
©2014 Barbara Morgenroth (P)2015 Barbara Morgenroth.

Review:
Jingles is no wimpy dog with sparkly collars. He describes himself as a “dog’s dog”. He has run away from his uncaring owners seeking freedom and a better life. He sees a “Dogs Welcome” sign in a shop and slips in to discover that it is a gourmet dog food diner. Jingles quickly falls in love with the store owner, Sassy, who gives him a jingle collar and dubs him “Jingles”. She also feeds him wonderful meals.

The local police officer, Ethan, is falling for Sassy too and he is kind to Jingles. But when he finds a poster with Jingle’s image he has to call the owners. Jingles isn’t planning on letting anyone take him away from Sassy. He has to find a way to let Ethan know that his owners are up to no good.

This is a quick, fun listen. The story is told from Jingles’ point of view and he is completely adorable! Sassy and Ethan make a sweet couple. (I took a peek at the Kindle version and it includes some cute images!) The book is listed in "Kids" category at Audible but if you are a dog lover and want a quick smile – pick this up and enjoy.

Audio Notes: The narration by Jane M. Held is light if not inspired. She did give personality to Jingles' storytelling, and did great New York accents. Unfortunately the voice didn't really work that well for me and I don't think it added much to the cute story. (Listen to a sample to see how you like it as other reviews did like the narration more than I did.)

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This is my last review for books read in 2015.