Some books just make your heart swell. Big Chance Cowboy was one of those books for me. I loved this one.

Big Chance Cowboy begins with Adam, who nine months ago was in Afghanistan with his IED-detecting dog. Now he's back in the small town where he grew up. And so is Lizzie, coming off a rough breakup and trying to be there for her dad while he undergoes treatment for prostate cancer.

I was instantly wrapped into this story. On the surface, it's a cute, light love story, but it also makes clear the real pain, fear, and stress that can come with time served. The plot features dogs, which I loved, but also the town and the people in it.

The writing style didn't leave anything to be desired. It was occasionally quippy, but not overly so. Toward the end, when I definitely could have been pushed to tears, the author made me laugh out loud instead.

I thoroughly recommend this book, and am so excited to explore this author's backlist. I almost can't believe Big Chance Cowboy is the first in a series - I can't wait to get my hands on the second!

The start of a series of wounded veterans and dogs. A win-win combination. This one has Adam, who is struggling with guilt after a deadly explosion in Afghanistan. When his sister and her friend Lizzie show up with a big old dog, he can't help but give tips and advice, and is suckered into taking care of the dog. All he wants is to be left alone, but naturally that is the last thing he gets. When a couple of his military family show up, also needing help, more dogs and work on the ranch help them all. The romance of Adam and Lizzie is great, and I expect more to come in future books. Highly recommend this book and author.