Paws for love

Wells returns to South Florida in the charming third Fur Haven Dog Park romance (after A Tail for Two). Danielle Morrow once dreamed of being a veterinarian, but has settled for assisting her father in his veterinary practice while running Homestretch, a greyhound rescue group. Her world is shaken when her high school sweetheart, Knox Donovan, returns to Miami Beach after suffering an career-ending injury in the Marine Corps. Fifteen years ago, teenagers Knox and Danielle were expecting a baby but split after Danielle had a miscarriage. Now Knox is floundering trying to figure out his next career move. But when Danielle reenters his life, they find a way forward together--until painful secrets from the past are revealed. Wells capably mixes heart and humor as she paves a road to happily-ever-after for her endearing heroine and hero, underpinning their love story with an engaging cast, including the couples who starred in the previous installments and a litter of adorable, scene-stealing puppies. This is sure to please. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, the Seymour Agency. (Feb.)

The third in Wells' Fur Haven Dog Park trilogy about love in the extended Donovan family includes Pops the greyhound, Chewy the Chihuahua, LouLou the poodle, Beckham the Jack Russell, Lady the Lab, and multiple greyhounds. At the end of 2020, the inhumane sport of greyhound racing was banned in Florida. Danielle Morrow's Miami Beach rescue organization, Homestretch, is one of many trying to find forever homes for the abandoned animals. Danielle wanted to become a vet like her dad, but her high school miscarriage, hysterectomy, and a long, crippling depression sidelined her dreams. Now she's helping her dad and fostering greyhounds like Sarge, her latest, who's been abused and has a badly injured leg. Home after 15 years and with a leg crippled by an IED explosion is handsome Knox Donovan, the boy who knocked her up and then ran off to join the Marines. Knox, who is medically unable to serve, has returned to help renovate a building with his brothers, Caleb and Lance, and to try to make a life outside the military. He's not sure about putting down roots in Miami, but when Sarge adopts him at the dog park, we know Knox isn't going anywhere. Danielle and Knox are quickly and constantly passionate--he loves her breasts and she's nuts about his thighs--but she fears he won't want her because she can't have children. Wells uses the Fur Haven Dog Park as a nurturing place to create community and promote inclusion, friendship, and love. Step by step, with humor, sex, family meddling, friendly gossip, and dedication to animal care, she brings Danielle and Knox back together; they are a pack. Readers will know where this people and pets story is going, but it's a warm and cuddly ride. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.