A Thousand Steps

A Thousand Steps
A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Puppy Proposal by Katie Meyer- A Book Review + Author Interview + Giveaway

Sit, Stay…Fall In Love?

Veterinary technician Jillian Everett has met plenty of canines—and some men who deserve "dog" tags. But when millionaire hotelier Nic Caruso strides into Paradise Animal Clinic, a scruffy border collie muddying his designer suit, Jillian has to sit up and take notice. Nic might be gorgeous, but she's had more than enough heartbreak for one lifetime in dog years.

Nic doesn't expect to fall for a dog in need—or his beautiful caretaker! The big-city bachelor is on Paradise Isle to wreak havoc on the town Jillian loves so much. For the first time in forever, Nic realizes there's more to life than work…and love might be worth a shot. But can Jillian tame this stray for good? Or will Nic remain a lone wolf forever?







 Murphy the Border Collie plays a big supporting role in The Puppy Proposal-    Do you have pets?

Yes, two dogs and two cats, all rescues of one sort or another. Murphy's character was partly based on my border collie, Luke.  Luke was found injured on the side of the road, like Murphy, but Luke didn't fare as well.  He has some permanent brain damage making him not very smart, but he's such a sweetie that nobody minds.  He's incredibly handsome too, so sometimes, when he does something particularly goofy we tell him he's lucky he can get by on his looks.

Who plays Nic and Jillian on the big screen?
 Oh goodness, I'm afraid I'm so incredibly behind the times when it comes to movie stars, plus I have a degree of face blindness, so I can't hardly identify the ones I do know. Maybe your readers can take a look at my Pinterest board and tell me who would work?
https://www.pinterest.com/katiemeyerbooks/welcome-to-paradise/


When did you know you wanted to be writer?

Honestly, I still have trouble thinking of myself as a writer.  It was one of those wonderful dreams, like winning the lottery or becoming a princess, that I never thought could actually come true.  And like most of those dreams it started so early I'm not sure when it first occurred to me.  Certainly by mid elementary school, if not before. 

What was your favorite book as a child?

Anne of Green Gables,  I also loved the Trixie Belden series.

What are you reading now?
Um..believe it or not, Anne of Green Gables!  I've had a stressful few weeks and my husband bought me a new, leather bound copy of it as a present. I've read it twice in the last week.

Coffee or tea?

Depends.. I go through phases.  Right now it's cold brew coffee, iced, with milk.  Usually cinnamon Hazlenut flavor, with whipped cream on top if I'm feeling extra fancy.  Although I drink it out of a mason jar, so maybe fancy isn't the right word.

Favorite season?

All of them at the beginning of the season.  I love the anticipation of  something new happening.  By the end of each season I'm over it and ready for the next one though.  Of course, I live in Florida, so the idea of seasons is relative.  We have hot and rainy, (summer), slightly less hot and less humid (fall), cold fronts interspersed with heat waves, (winter), and allergy season, (spring)


What's for dessert?

I've had a life long battle with my weight, so usually nothing.  But, my favorite is probably creme brulee, not too sweet and very decadent.  I also have an unholy love of shortbread. 


Favorite movie?

That's hard...it's been so long since I've been to the theater. But I can watch Sweet Home Alabama


over and over, as well as Steel Magnolias (makes me sob). Oh, and Armageddon! I'm a daddy's girl and that movie makes me cry like a baby. 


Favorite song?

I listen to mostly country music these days, and I'd say Miranda Lambert is a favorite, but not sure I have a favorite son. Growing up I listened to Bon Jovi and Warrant and Skid Row, but I think maybe my taste are more refined now. 

What are you working on now? 

I'm researching and plotting a series about women with badges- the first book is about a female Fish and Wildlife officer.  I'm thinking the other two will be about a sheriff's officer and maybe a fire marshal?

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?

From the book, or in general?  From the book... "this was a bad idea. But she had left her good sense on the beach with the bikes and their shoes."  The Puppy Proposal 



MY REVIEW:

The Puppy ProposalThe Puppy Proposal by Katie Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Puppy Proposal by Katie Meyer is a 2015 Harlequin publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A delightful and charming feel good contemporary romance!

When Nic arrives in Paradise Island on an acquisitions assignment he encounters a dirty dog running lose and in need of rescue. Arriving at the Paradise Animal clinic, Nic meets Jillian, the vet technician and the two become acquainted.





But, the sweet connection they made was shattered in an instant when Jillian finds out Nic is about to buy the Sandpiper Inn and her small town community will never be the same again.

I love stories that feature animals or pets, and that is what drew me to this book initially. Murphy is a border collie with an elderly owner, and is in need of some special help, which Jillian and Nic are more than happy to give him, and he returns the favor with panache.

While the small town girl pitted against the rich powerful city boy is not exactly a unique trope, exploring the themes of family, friends, big businesses moving into small communities and wiping out all the charm and close knit sense of family one feels in that environment, gives this one a little more depth. I cheered Jillian on, was firmly in her corner, even though at times I thought she became a little overwrought. I liked her fight and determination and how she stuck to her principles, even if it came at a very high price.

Nic is the character who, while nice enough, was the one who has the most to learn and must make some pretty difficult choices. While it's hard to feel sorry for people in Nic's situation, I did understand the huge risk he was taking, but it was good to see him make a stand and be his own man, not to mention doing what is right. So, although I didn't dislike him, he did have to grow on me a little, but as his character developed so did my respect for him.


The steam level in this one is very low, but it seemed to fit this couple perfectly and so I was fine with it.

If I have my facts straight, this is a debut novel for this author and if that's correct then she is off to a solid start. The characters were defined, even Murphy, who of course is the star of the whole show!

I believe this book was intended to be a sweet, light and fun read and it does what is set out to accomplish. This is a quick, easy read, that will lift your spirits and leave you smiling!


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Katie Meyer is a Florida native with a firm belief in happy endings. A former Veterinary Technician and dog trainer, she now spends her days homeschooling her children, writing, and snuggling with her pets. Her guilty pleasures include good chocolate, Downton Abbey, and cheap champagne. Preferably all at once. She looks to her parents’ whirlwind romance and her own happy marriage for her romantic inspiration.


Social media: 
twitter: @ktgrok




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