This is a warm, feel good romance that made me smile. I loved the concept of the K9 Angelz that Emily was trying to make real. Her quest for funds for the project led her to Max, a friend from years ago that has since become wealthy. Max is quickly sold, however, he's been in love with Emily for seven years...What starts as a plan to help children and dogs quickly becomes more as Max and Emily explore their relationship.

As a novella, this is still a substantial story, however, for me I didn't feel invested in the characters until the ninth chapter. The first eight, while interesting and entertaining, just didn't grab me. However, once the story grabbed me, it held on until the very last page.

Fans of the genre will want to put this at the top of their TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list.

3.5 Stars

This novella is an easy read and it was a nice way to spend an afternoon, but as a fan of Ms Herkness' writing, this one was a little disappointing. I loved Emily and Izzy (and basically all of the secondary characters), and I really loved the premise, but this one fell flat for me. While he was likable, Max was painfully, awkwardly formal from start to finish. His formality would have been fine, but the fact that he relied on his money to win Emily over was incredibly frustrating for me. As I read, I craved a more personal connection between Max and Emily, something that made me believe that they were together because they were meant to be, but instead this one was the typical 'rich guy uses his billions to woo and bail out the poor, destitute woman and then they have sex' theme that is all too common in romance novels these days. I was waiting for Max to make a gesture from his heart and not his wallet (like Emily & Izzy's Christmas gift for him which was amazing), but unfortunately that never happened.

I requested and was very generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review.

This story has so much heart. How can you go wrong with dogs, kids and a chance at love! Max is just so perfect for Emily, the Carver center and the new doggie adventure. Max is swoon worthy, sweet, compassionate, thoughtful and comes to Emily's rescue a few times! I love the writing of Nancy Herkness, she has a real gift to draw in the reader and make you fall in love with the characters. I could have done with the lingo or slang but really great characters. Mario, the dog was so sweet, shed a tear over that part. Love the heart of all these characters.

Richly written heartwarming romance

As always Nancy Herkness did not dissapoint. Max and Emily's relationship was just so right. While not exactly a second chance at love story the characters had known each other 7 years prior when Emily was married to her late husband Jake a man Max considered a good friend.
I think that previous relationship gave the story more substance and texture than is often found in a novella. The story was filled with sweet heartwarming moments and sexy loving ones. Definately a story worth reading and one I won't forget.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Seven years ago Max Varela created a flexible polymer for his PHD thesis. The military was interested in using it to develop lighter stronger body armor. Max and Capt Jake Wade worked together on the project. Jake was married to Emily and they had a young daughter. At the end of their working relationship Max severed ties because he was in love with Emily. Now Max is a billionaire and head of his own company. Emily shows up at his office needing his help for her center that helps disadvantaged kids. She is a widow, has been for 3 years and the sparks are still there.

This is a story about family, community and getting a second chance at love. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.