This story started out compelling, with good pacing and an interesting meet-cute. Plus, puppies are always a major plus.
But then, things just kept spiraling around the same plot points, moving forward at an absolute snails pace. For some, this will be just right, allowing you to bask in the puppy-drama filled richness. For me, I was hoping for something a bit more romance forward.
Overall, pretty well written and I did like the representation, but not my cup of tea.

There is just something about a book that takes place in a small/rural setting that just draws me in. This one did not disappoint.The way Radclyffe described the tight knit community and how they supported each other was wonderful. From the town showing up to cheer on the high school sports teams to the teenagers rallying around Rome and helping her foster 6 puppies.
I enjoyed the masterful way Radclyffe weaved Tally's perceived impression of Rome to the women she sees taking on fostering puppies and the way she treats others in the community. Tally and Rome have a rocky past that is not ideal for writing a love story around which I do applaud the author for tackling. I did feel like the conclusion to the supposed crime and the two main characters falling in love seemed a bit rushed. I have not read the other books in this series (yet) but it was easy to follow and understand who the other characters are.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley for an honest review.

Not my cup of tea at the moment. This book follows the usual formula you find in many romance books, but with a weird pace to the plot. A lot of “will they, won’t they” then BAM! they’re in love. There wasn’t anything that stood out that would make me read this one again, and it felt a little bland. In terms of character development and overall plot, I’d give this one a 3. I’d call it middle ground, not a horrible read but not something I would recommend to avid romance readers.

With lots of BSB releases it’s been hit or miss these last months. This one is no different, it’s a tiny bit hit (puppies, duhuh) and lots of miss.

Radclyffe isn’t a bad writer but I feel like maybe the fountain of inspiration and original stories is drying up. It results Ingrid book that isn’t badly written, it’s just very boring and highly unbelievable.
Let me sum it up real quick: Roman (Rome, horrible name by the way) finds a duffel of puppies and takes them to the nearest vet. Who happens to be Tally (Talia another horrible name), they have a shared history. Bit of mystery about the history, sparks flying, and a meddling town (sorta). They kiss, immediately “breakup”, get together for a talk later and boom I-love-yous are being said.
THE END.

I feel like this book has the length of a (longer) novella and the character development and storyline to go with it. I liked the puppies and the kids showing up for them. As I appreciate Rome taking in this responsibility, no matter how hard Tally tries to change her mind. The shrouded in mystery shared past is Avery big eye roll for me. Once you read it you will understand.

I think many readers will fall on either side of the love-hate border. I’m staying firmly put on the border with one leg dragging in the hate. 2.5 stars

A rural f/f romance: when lonely hearts find a home
radclyffe‘s River community series is truly an ode to living in smalltown America, an ode to the power of a rural community, an ode to good people everywhere.
Reading a new installment (Finders Keeper is #8) is a bit like watching the new season of my favorite show: comforting setting, meeting again with old friends and finding out about new happenings. In this case there are two newcomers in town: Rome and Tally. They did never expect to meet again, they have history, bad history and despite all that … and this is where radclyffe‘s mastery of storytelling starts. She skillfully develops the characters and the mutual attraction. So well done!
I especially relished how the puppies (loved the name Bravo company) found by Rome at the roadside and how they are taken care of by Rome tell us so much about her. They are not arbitrary „read bait“ for lesbians but an integral part of the story.
I read this novel on Memorial weekend: a fitting read since Rome is a veteran and enriches the story with her background.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

First of all, how could Rome not steal your heart after rescuing a litter of puppies? But Tally thinks she has Rome all figured out as the unrepentant rich villain, even 10 years, two tours of duty, and a different town later. Both had come to this town looking for a fresh start; but can they find it given their shared history?

Despite some intensity of topics (frequent references to war, as well as other flashbacks), I ripped through this book in almost one sitting. The only reason I paused was because my wife finally pressured me into having dinner with her. There was just something incredible cozy about the book, perhaps due to the tight-knit community being portrayed within. Everyone looks out for each other in the town, not shying away from hard truths when need be. Even the teenagers are sweet! This book was the perfect way to unwind after a couple stressful weeks.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for the advanced reader pdf copy. Thoughts, opinions, and words are my own, however.

Tally DeWilde ‘s first day as a vet at the Upland County Animal Hospital did not start out as planned. Even though she was at the hospital hours before it opened for the day, Tally did not expect to open the pounding door to an enemy of her family, Rome Ashcroft and with her a squirming bag of puppies.

Rome Ashcroft is looking for a sense of community and home when she signed on to be an emergency PA (medical assistant) at Rivers Hospital. After completing two tours in Afghanistan as a medic, Rome came back with a sense of self she never had growing up in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Rushing to arrive on time for her first day of work, Rome stops to discover a closed bag of puppies left on the road. Heading to the first veterinary hospital she can find, Rome comes face to face with her past.

This is Radclyffe’s newest addition to the Rivers Community Romance series and it put a definite smile on my face. Introducing two new characters and a whole lot of puppies brings a new energy to the series. Finders Keepers is an entertaining and engaging novel written by the master of romance. I could not put it down and neither will you.

I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was another great addition to an engaging series. The lead characters had an interesting history that was tricky to navigate that the author had handled really well. The ending felt a little rushed - the issues that were quite substantial were resolved very quickly - but nevertheless it was an enjoyable read with two very interesting lead characters. And the puppies were a great bonus!

Can attraction overcome the past? Tally and Rome have a past that causes Rome to lose her planned future. Can either forgive the other for the past? Check out the next one in the Rivers series to find out.
Goodreads

Nothing new here, but that doesn't mean it was disappointing or uninteresting. When you know that what you are going to find is what you are looking for, it is always comforting.

It could be said that the insta-love here is incredible, that the Rivers universe is utopian in its perfection, even that the behavior of the pack of mini puppies is too much.

But since reading this story has been so smooth and enjoyable, so knowing what is going to happen but at the same time wishing it would happen, every little flaw is forgiven in the end.

Without a doubt, I am an unconditional fan of this author, so my point of view can be biased, it totally is, but since it is a safe bet for me, I will always keep her at the top.