Monday, January 8, 2018

Review - - Every Dog Has His Day


Every Dog Has His Day
By Jenn McKinlay
Bluff Point Romance - Book 3
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Reviewed by PJ
 






If you've been reading Jenn McKinlay's Bluff Point Romance series you already know that divorced, single mom, Jessie Connelly is a former adversary of the women in the Maine Crew group of friends who is working hard to improve her life and herself. You also know that Zach Caine is the affable, fun-loving bachelor in the crew, the one you turn to for a good time but not if you're looking for anything permanent. Or, is he? 

Growing up with cold, unloving parents who took every opportunity to tell her she was an accident, it's no wonder Jessie held on tight to the first person who showed her affection. Too bad that person neglected to tell her he was already engaged to Mackenzie "Mac" Harris (Book 1 - About a Dog). Mac was left at the altar while Jessie ran off and married him. Eight years later, Jessie is finally free of her miserable marriage to the man who robbed her of her inheritance, treated her with disdain, ignored their daughters, undermined her confidence, and cheated on her from day one. She's rebuilding her life and her self-confidence, ironically with the unexpected assistance of Mac, the woman she wronged all those years ago, but after living with someone who continually showed Jessie and her daughters that men cannot be trusted, she has no interest in letting another man into their lives. Besides, she sees all the young women coming and going from Zach's house. She's sure he's a player, just like her ex. Leave it to a mischievous kitten, a lovable dog, her two adorable daughters, and one man who turns out to be much more than he appears to turn her plans upside down. 

With his California-surfer looks and aw-shucks smile, brewery owner, Zach Caine gives the impression of being nothing more than a good-time guy without a care in the world. Even his best friends believe he has no interest in settling down with one woman. If Zach yearns for more than work and fun, that's something he's not sharing, except maybe with his lovable canine companion, Rufus. Then five-year-old Maddie and seven-year-old Gracie Connelly and their foster kitten, Chaos come charging into his life with their frantic mother, Jessie on their heels. It doesn't take long for Zach to lose his heart to all three of the Connelly women and it looks like his feelings are returned but Jessie, Maddie, and Gracie have never had a man in their lives that they can count on. Will Zach be able to convince them to give him a chance?

It's the second week of January, a little soon, one might think, to place a book on a Best of 2018 watch list but that's exactly where this book has landed. Jessie and Zach's story is everything I want in a contemporary romance, full of humor, heart, romance, friendship, and fun. To use current vernacular, it has all the feels (grade school talent show: three tissues, minimum - just sayin'). Catching up with Zach's Maine Crew was fun and watching the threads of friendship extended to - and accepted by - Jessie, someone who has felt isolated her entire life, both poignant and satisfying. I love this group of friends with their off-the-wall games and wagers; how they give each other grief but always have one another's backs.

Reading Zach and Jessie's journey to love was pure pleasure - they're my favorite Bluff Point couple so far - and the joy of watching all six of the main characters (two and four legged alike) bond into a loving, forever family? That's why I've already read Every Dog Has His Day twice and can't wait to do it again.

While each book tells a separate story, the friends at the heart of this series and their relationships continue to evolve throughout the series. For a richer reading experience, and better understanding of the characters, I strongly encourage reading the books in order: About a Dog (May 2017), Barking Up the Wrong Tree (Sept. 2017), and Every Dog Has His Day (2 January 2018). 


Do you enjoy kids and animals in your romances?

Have you read any of Jenn McKinlay's Bluff Point Romance books?

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment before 11:00 PM (Eastern), January 9 will receive a print copy of the first book in the Bluff Point Romance series: About a Dog.
(U.S. only)



29 comments:

  1. I have not read any of this series; would love to try one. And I do love animals in a book, dogs have the most personality I find. Altho I have read some with cats and an alligator and a bird.

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  2. I do like animals in my stories. I've not read this series but I've been hearing a lot of buzz about it!

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    1. It has my enthusiastic recommendation, catslady!

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  3. I haven't read Jenn's Bluff Point romance books but will now. I enjoy kids and animals in romance books as they add a great deal to the enjoyment.

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  4. This book sounds delightful and special. I will be reading this series. Kids and animals are what I love reading about since it gives me warmth and being a mother and grandmother as well as a dog and cat lover.

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    1. I fell in love with this entire family - two and four legged!

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  5. I enjoy kids and animals in my stories. They add a different view of the main characters with the interactions that we see. Have not read this author, but am impressed with the glowing review of this installment of the series.

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    1. I really enjoyed the hero's interactions with the heroine's children in this book. Made me love him even more!

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  6. I do like kids and animals in the books that I read. To me, that's all part of real life :-) This is a new author for me so I'm excited to dig into the series. Thank you!

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    1. I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I have, Katie!

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  7. I haven’t read this series but as usual, I look to your recommendations for what I should read. Thanks for the heads up. And yes, I love animals in my romances!

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  8. Sounds good. I have never read her books.

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  9. The comments sound as if you won some converts with this great review, PJ. I started the series on your recommendation and was hooked from the first book. I look forward to this one.

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    1. I'm so glad you're enjoying the Bluff Point stories, Janga. I have a feeling you'll be falling just as hard for Zach as I did. ;-)

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  10. I read the first book, PJ, but somehow missed the second. ...And kids, dogs and an awesome romance are my romance trifecta! I can't wait to read Bluff Point #2 and #3. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Hope you enjoy books #2 and #3, Irish. I'm looking forward to trying McKinlay's cozy mysteries too.

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  11. Heard that actors don't like to work with kids or animals but me personally don't think you can do anything but make a romance greater by adding kids and animals.

    I've not read any of the Bluff Point Romance books YET but it's definitely not for lack of desire to do so. I'd be thrilled to be the very fortunate one selected to win a copy of "About a Dog" so I could retract that statement. Thank you for the chance!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  12. I do enjoy animals in my stories. That tells you what kind of people they are. Unfortunately no I haven't read any books by Jenn McKinlay.

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  13. I have not read any of this series. It sounds like it would be something I would enjoy. I do like animals in my stories.
    Karen T.

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  14. I haven't read any of Jen McKinlay's stories yet, but it sounds like the kind of series I enjoy - kids & animals can bring a lot of heart & humor to books.

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  15. I believe that an animal in any book makes the characters more human and real. When an author captures the fun and affection and loyalty a pet provides, it means that author has touched me on several levels. This series would be a new one to me and I must admit you have once again given me another series of books I really, really need.....so stop it please! If my TBR pile ever falls over, I will become a grease spot on the highway of life.

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  16. I do enjoy my romances with dogs (pets) and children included. They add an extra element of warmth and cuddliness, I think! :-) And no, I have not read any of Ms. McKinlay's books. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  17. This is a new-to-me author I should check out. This series sounds like one I will really enjoy! Dogs! Kittens! Need I say more?

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  18. Once again your review has me totally convinced I must read this book -- and the rest of the series! It sounds so good and of course I love a good story with likable characters with "feels." Yes, I do like children and pets in stories; besides their own personalities, they are great at revealing the characters of the adults around them when done well, don't they?

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  19. I entered earlier, must have floated away in cyberland. LOL
    I love animals in in books and I have not read this author, will have to ck her out. Sounds like something right up my alley.

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  20. I am not familiar with this series, but will definitely be looking for it. This contains what I look for in a good story. For me kids and pets are a plus. They show much about the quality of character of those in the story. Humor is important for me. It makes for an enjoyable read and is good for breaking tension.
    Thank you for the review and recommendation.

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  21. I read the first book in this series which I loved. I want to read the others. I have read almost all of Jenn's mystery books which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I love animals in books and feel that add to the story. Thanks for the great review PJ.

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  22. I have not read any of the series, but I am certainly going to. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

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