Release Day Review: By the Numbers by Chris Owen & Tory Temple #Review #Giveaway

Authors: Chris Owen & Tory Temple
Book: By the Numbers 2nd edition
Series: By the Numbers
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: January 16, 2017
Length: 143 pages



Reviewed by Erin



Synopsis

When Nathaniel, aka Deuce, arrives home to an apartment building on fire, he can only think of one thing: his pregnant dog. Luckily firefighter Trey Donovan rescues her, and Nathaniel is exceedingly grateful. In fact, he tracks down Trey’s station so he can show his gratitude properly—and explore the connection he senses between them. Trey’s interested, but a less-than-friendly ex-wife and the seven-year-old daughter he’s raising make things… complicated. Between everything on Trey’s plate and the newborn puppies Deuce must care for—while homeless—finding common ground won’t be easy. But the spark of attraction between them is too enticing to be allowed to fizzle.

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Review

Any book about a fireman rescuing a pregnant dog from certain death, which then leads into a connection and then love ... well I'm hooked at from the word dog. Such is the premise for By the Numbers by Chris Owen and Tory Temple. This is a re-release from 2011 and I can understand why so many people loved this book the first time around, but six years later (and it seems as though there haven't been much if any changes to the story) it feels a bit dated and definitely overdone.

Nathaniel, aka Deuce, is a bit down on his luck after his apartment burns down. His best friend Pete offers him a spare room, for which he's extremely grateful, but the space is small and crowded considering it's not just him, but his dog and her six puppies as well. That's a lot of puppies and barking and pee and poop for one guy to deal with. Once things calm down a bit in the aftermath of the fire, Deuce sets out to find the fireman who saved his dog so that he can thank him properly. A surprise visit to the station later and Trey and Deuce begin a tentative friendship. Which of course leads to more, no matter Trey's difficult ex-wife or his seven year old daughter.

The evil ex-wife angle has been done to death and it wasn't at all appealing here either. I did like the way Trey and Deuce's relationship develops, even though it's a bit far-fetched seeing as how Trey invites Deuce to live with him (even if it IS in the spare room and under the pretense they're roommates only) after only knowing him a short time. Sure this is a relatively short book leaving little room for much plot, but really. And speaking of, there is next to know character development going on here, what you see is really all you get. There are some cute scenes with the puppies, and yes some hot and steamy ones, too, but there isn't a whole lot going on here. This was an easy read that was a nice way to spend an hour or two.

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Release Day Review: Keeping Karma by Tory Temple #Review #Giveaway

Author: Tory Temple
Book: Keeping Karma 2nd Edition
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: August 24, 2016
Length: 151 pages


Reviewed by Meredith



Synopsis

Alex Myers is keeping deeper secrets than just his pet ferret, Karma, who is illegal in California. Both Alex and his twin sister, Tabitha, can “hear” the thoughts of animals. It’s an ability he puts to good use working at an emergency animal clinic while studying to become a veterinarian.

One night, local animal-control officer Dylan Travers comes into the clinic with an injured fawn, and it doesn’t take the two men long to act on their mutual attraction. But the closer they become, the harder it is for Alex to keep Karma and the rest of his menagerie from Dylan. And then there’s the matter of his ability…. Will Dylan even believe him if he tries to explain?

Add to that debilitating migraines from especially “loud” animals and a scheming coworker threatening the clinic, and Alex needs Dylan’s support more than ever. Alex just wants to keep his job, his pets, his lover, and his sanity. But he can’t do it alone.

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Review

Okay so this is an adorable story. Light, fluffy, and there is A LOT of sexy times. The furry critters are the best kind of secondary characters for any book. Alex works in a Veterinarian Clinic… The night shift. It’s how he meets Dylan an Animal Control Officer! 

So anyway, Alex can hear animals. When I first read that in the blurb I assumed it was very Dr. Doolittle but it’s not. He doesn’t hear them like all their thoughts. He gets emotions mostly. Hunger, happiness, tired, scared. All the “eat, sleep, friend, kill,” feelings lol. So I thought that was shockingly more realistic… If you expand your mind that is.

Dylan is such a sweetheart and crazy understanding. He really adores Alex and they have a serious attraction to each other. I mean sex on the first date? LOL these two say yes to that!

Of course there’s a bad guy who has tricks up his sleeve but this isn’t an angsty story at all. Simply a situation that actually doesn’t last very long.  This isn’t written to drag you deep into the pits of suspense and drama. It’s a feel good book. A take me lightly story.

Tory Temple has written a story for readers who simply want to sit back, laugh a little, and enjoy some love.

It was enjoyable and fun.

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