Not having read this author before this one looked like it would be a fun read. This also has a marine in it with it hinting that this could be a second chance. Oh yeah let us not forget the nephew and the dog hence the title. Jackson and Emma take you on this escape into their fun world but not saying there is not real life happening either. There is also the drama that surrounds why he had to come home which will seal our heart persay. Lots does go on in this with issues that will bring forth trust and healing in time. Delightful read for sure with this author knowing how to engage and keep a reader.

The second chance romance for Jackson and Emma. He left her behind years ago to join the marines and now he is back in town to care for his nephew.
Will he break her heart again when he has to go back in to the marines?

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

4 stars

In the Dog House by Traci Hall is a beautifully written second chance love story and I really enjoyed it.

The storyline held my interest from start to end, the pacing is well done and all the characters added to my overall enjoyment.
Watching Jackson and Emma get their second chance at love warmed my heart, these two have great chemistry and I loved them together.

Overall, In the Dog house is a lovely, heartfelt read and I highly recommend it.

<i>*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*<i>

In the Dog House by Traci Hall at first glance looked to be a chick lit novel. Boy, was I surprised when I began to read. This is much more than a feel good, boy gets the girl story. It is one of substance. The Mercer and the Hardy families have had more than there share of sorrow, but it is the resilient and strength in which they deal with it that kept me reading.

The past comes back in memories for Emma and Jackson as the present provided tough situations and potential heartaches for them both. The second chance romance is overshadowed by events happening in their lives. While they are stubborn especially Jackson, they tend to meet the situations head on. I liked that about them so I was rooting for their romance to have a chance too. I remember thinking early on while reading the story that they would made a dynamic team now that they had grown up. The supporting characters especially Jackson’s nephew, Matty and Emma’s Aunt Pepita are a delight, playing well against these two. Then the dogs, well, they are each one adorable in their own way.

A serious read with romantic moments that will steal your heart and made you want to go get a dog, especially since ours past away recently I felt the pull. It will also make you say an extra prayer for those who serve in our military, at war and returning home.

Likable characters and a sweet romance, plus dogs? Yes, please!

In the Dog House is a second chance romance for Emma and Jackson--high school sweethearts, he left her to join the Marines and they haven't seen each other since. Now he's back to care for his nephew while his sister (hopefully) recovers from a bad accident, and he himself is having issues with PTSD. Emma just so happens to be working on her doctorate while training emotional support dogs (a pretty convenient coincidence, but I was willing to go with it), but will he take her help?

I really liked the characters here; it was easy to root for them to get together again. Their issues were real, though, and both the characters and the reader spent a lot of time wondering if they really could find their HEA in the end. For a lot of the book, it seemed they took three steps back for every one forward in their relationship--until the end, which then ended up feeling a bit abrupt. So--although the pacing felt a little off here, I liked the characters and the concept, and will be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B=

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A marine who leaves behind the girl he still thinks about. Enter a *swoon* here. Years later Jackson comes home to take care of his ten-year-old nephew. The only person more shocked than he is about coming home is *that* girl, Emma. Just when the two think they can move past feelings that are popping up from the past, enter in the nephew and a retriever.
This book is cute, swoon-worthy, and all about psychology. Which, as a counseling student made me love this title even more. I love a good romance but when you can tackle hard hitting subjects like PTSD then you made it to my top ten romance writers list! This is a definite recommend.

Review: IN THE DOG HOUSE by Traci Hall https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b1l
Publication Date: February 11, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed this sweet romance and the people surrounding them. Jackson’s PTSD was handled in a realistic way, including the differing professional advice and military mindset. Yet it wasn’t overly dramatized. I found that refreshing. It also helped that I liked Jackson, especially with Emma. She was relatable and I was invested in her future early in the story. It is a light romance about rekindling a past love when the time is right for them. It made me smile.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~
Kindle $2.99 https://amzn.to/2tidUmg

I enjoyed reading this sweet romantic story. Emma trains dogs to help people cope with their problems. Jackson is home on leave to take care of his newphew. When their paths meet sparks fly. It is clear that they still hav ethe chemistry and are attracted to each other. Unfortunately, Jackson still plans to go back and Emma's life is in their home town. They just don't meant to be together. But that doesn't mean that they can'y enjoy a good friendship and help one another while they can. It is obvious that Jackson is having problems because of his nightmares and worries about his sister and nephew. Emma is in the position to help him out only if he would accept her help and stop being so stubborn.

A sweet, feel good second chance romance that tackles some pretty serious issue with great care. Emma Mercer had her heart broken when Jackson Hardy unexpectedly joins the Marines and leaves her behind. Now ten years later he's back in town to care for his nephew while his sister recuperates from a serious car accident. When he sees Emma again for the first time he knows immediately that he's never gotten over losing her. Emma on the other hand will not forget the pain of the past. Doesn't matter how attractive she still finds him! Yet the more time she's around Jackson and his nephew the more clear it becomes that he is troubled and suffering from PTSD. He may deny it but Emma's dealt with enough soldiers with her emotional support dogs to spot the signs. Getting Jackson to admit he needs help won't be easy but she's determined to let the animals convince him. She just has to be sure to protect her heart in the meantime.

I highly recommend this one

3.5 stars

A sweet romance set in a small town just a ferry ride from Seattle.

Emma and Jackson were high school sweethearts, but he broke up with her and left for the Marines. When he returns to town years later to care for his nephew, he is surprised to find Emma working with dogs training to be emotional support animals.

The author did a nice job incorporating information on how emotional support dogs can help improve their owners lives, how difficult PTSD is, and that mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health.

The dogs and Jackson's nephew Matty were adorable. Sometimes children and animals feel a little bit schmaltzy but that is definitely not the case here.

I really enjoyed the little details about the Pacific Northwest and Seattle that were sprinkled throughout the story. There were a number of authentic details that were fun to pick up on as someone who is from the area.

I loved this story, it's so much more. Emma is the girl left behind, now working on her PhD in psychology, while training dogs for emotional support (ESD). Jackson is the battle worn man who returns home to care for his nephew Matty after his sister is in a serious car accident. Neither Emma nor Jackson thought they'd see each other again, brought together by Matty, his love for dogs, love for his Uncle Jackson and this sweet scared little guy was so much wiser than his young 11 years, his concern and fear for Jackson's nightmares and PTSD brings him close to Emma. Emma still lives with her Aunt who raised her and the dog facility is on her land. Her dream is to buy land and build a much larger facility.
When the story begins Emma is doing a little demo with her dogs at the local school and Matty is there. Jackson is there to pick up Matty. Jackson is pretty much a tool at the beginning of the book. He's gruff and grumpy with Matty. He's used to commanding his unit and expects everyone to fall in line, meanwhile his sister is in a coma after a serious car accident, her future unknown. Jackson drags Matty away from the dogs and home to work on his schoolwork.. rough taskmaster.
Matty works his way over to Emma's one day and that little story begins the relationship with Matty and Emma and Matty's love for the dogs and training them. Matty just knows that a dog would help his Uncle, but clearly Uncle denies his problems. Emma and Jackson are easing into a place that is comfortable for them both after he left her and joined the service. Emma is still hurt by that and Jackson pretty much makes it clear that his duty to the military comes first. As these two talk things through they hits so many bumps and snags. Emma is a patient soul and Jackson is as stubborn as they come.
There's a lot of story and heart in this book, the author handles the complicated world of PTSD and other emotional issues with great detail and knowledge. Written so well and also the EST arena and how dogs are used for a variety of emotional issues, this book deals with PTSD but you glimpse other areas as well. Smoothly woven into the story it was perfect. Loved this characters and Emma's gracious and loving, compassionate heart. Matty was a joy and Jackson, you have to read the book to find out how our man Jackson finds himself in this one.
Could not ask for more, it's a great read that will capture you from the very first page.

arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review

Cute, feel-good romances tackling the difficult topic of PTSD.

Take one broody, sexy, marine called home to care for his young nephew because his sister has been in a tragic accident leaving her in a coma.

Then stir in an old flame that has a heart of gold, loves animals and is passionate about her unconventional approach to treating PTSD and other mental issues.

Top is off with an adorable nephew, who just wants to make his uncle better and get his mom back home. But, then Hall takes it one more step and adds in the rescue dogs...

In other words, In The Dog House was an endearing, heartfelt, and utterly enjoyable read. The chemistry is strong, the story telling great and the novel is just what I look for in a contemporary romance book-cation.

I received this ARC copy of In the Dog House from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Bliss. This is my honest and voluntary review. In the Dog House is set for publication Feb. 11, 2019.

Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Traci Hall
Print Length: 201 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Publication Date: February 11, 2019
Sold by: Macmillan
Genre: Military Contemporary Romance

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dog-House-Trac...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-t...
7 likes

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, heartwarming and heart wrenching a the same time.
It's a page turner that will make you root for the characters and it's perfect for animal lovers.
I read it in one setting and sometimes was so moved I cried.
I loved the style of writing, the fleshed out characters.
It's more complex than the average romance with some very heavy themes in it.
A very good read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC

4.5 stars

At first I thought this would just be another romance story, but that really was not just it. Yes, the romance aspect was present. However, mental health and dealing with setbacks also was present.
I think this book was beautiful and I enjoyed the writing style and the two perspectives. This book's subject is hard and weighty, but the combination with the dogs made this book feel lighter.
The only downside of this book that I experienced was the ending. It was lovely, but it felt rushed. Especially in comparison with the rest of the book. Another small flaw is the cover, the way the woman looks on the cover, that was definitely not how I imagined Emma. In my opinion, Emma wasn't girlish at all and definitely did not wear hats like that.

*3.5*

This book is about Emma, a psychologist working on her doctorate and also working on training dogs to be therapy dogs focusing on anxiety. Her first love, Jackson, comes back on leave from the marines to take care of his nephew after his sister ended up in a coma due to a car crash.

This book not only is a romance, but it also takes a Deep look into PTSD and therapy dog training. It was really interesting seeing both of these things handled in what most people view as "cheesy" and "easy" reads. This book was definitely an easy read and was cheesy at points, but I felt that it was more than your "average romance."

That being said, this book could have been improved on greatly. The last half of it felt kind of dragged out and repetitive. We were getting generally the same feelings over and over. "I cant trust him because he's left before" when they weren't together and then "maybe we can make this work" when they are. I just wanted to shove them together and tell them to figure it out later. Which, I mean, also added to the story. It was a confusing feeling.

There were some inconsistencies in it, some mattered more than others but none really affected the storyline itself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it if you're looking for a quick romance with depth.

A soft and sweet story. Jackson and Emma get a second chance to fall in love. They are assisted by his precocious nephew Matthew, her Aunt Peppi, and 8 lovable canines. It is a compassionate story about love, loss and healing. I am thankful that the author spent time doing research on ESD and PTS and did such an incredible job of humanizing the benefits of the first and the effects of the second. The story focuses more on the issues with the romance as the icing on everything.

4.25⭐
In the Dog House was at times a heartbreaking story. But it was also heartwarming and sweet and honestly not at all what I was expecting. But I found it extremely enjoyable to read. And with likable characters, an adorable eleven year old and lots of cute dogs. Not to mention the discussion and highlighting of serious issues, including mental health and PTSD. This story really had plenty to offer and easily held my interest throughout. And I would happily recommend it to others, as it really was a wonderful second chance romance, with a great message to boot.

Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he's called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again. Or to still have those same feelings. But Jackson isn't looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that. So what if Emma Mercer is an overachiever? She has plans to get her doctorate in psychology and create a no-kill shelter for the EST dogs she trains. Which leaves absolutely no time for romance. She's fine with a furry family—dogs don't teach you to love and then rip your heart to shreds. But young Matty's situation tugs at her heartstrings and there's no way she can't help him…and Jackson. She may have hotter-than-ever chemistry with the soldier, but forgetting the past isn't easy.

This is a heartwarming second chance romance. I loved the characters and being a dog lover the animals were a very endearing part of this story.
Jackson has a problem, PTSD. The fact that he doesn't want to admit to. It scares his young nephew, Matty more than his mother's current coma condition.
Enter Emma and her dogs.
Matty only wants to help his uncle but stealing one of Emma's dogs isn't the answer.
Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he's called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again.

But Jackson isn't looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that.
His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that. So what if Emma Mercer is an overachiever?
She's fine with a furry family—dogs don't teach you to love and then rip your heart to shreds.
This is a not to be missed sweet and somewhat chancy romance. I don't read contemporary titles much but I loved this one from the first chapter.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline, character development and plot.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

In the Dog House is a heartwarming story of second chances & love. Emma is close to having her degree but lately her heart is more involved with her Emotional Support Dogs. When she catches a boy trying to break a dog out of its kennel, she assumes he just wants a dog & doesn’t realize what they are for. Once she talks to him & finds out what’s going on, her heart aches for him. She’s determines Ned not to open her heart to his uncle though. He was her boyfriend until he left her behind.

Jackson can’t believe his nephew was trying to steal a dog. He’s fine. He doesn’t have PTSD. As soon as his sister comes out of her coma, he’s heading back to the front. As time goes on, his nightmares are getting worse & he’s scaring his nephew. He’s determined not to talk to Emma or act on the attraction though.

This story isn’t just a typical romance. There is information about PTSD & emotional support dogs. There is a journey that Jackson has to go on to accept what his unconscious is trying to tell him. Emma has to make a decision about her career & what’s most important to her. The attraction between them was unwanted by both but was it stronger than them?

4.5 stars.
A quote:
She never, never should have kissed Jackson Hardy. Handsome soldier, a man of integrity, hardened by war, but kind and loving toward his family. A dangerous combination for any woman, especially one who’d loved him before.

"In the Dog House", by Traci Hall, is a very enjoyable and heartwarming story, with great characters and writing style, pacing and dialogue; and also a bunch of dogs each one with their own and special personality (I confess I lost track of most of them throughout the story, but Bandit kept me interested and curious from start to finish).
Jackson and Emma are lovable people dealing with real and serious issues and I felt connected to both of them. I loved watching their first love growing into something so deep and meaningful and the process of maturity which they both go through; their interactions and the fact they know each other so well and are so comfortable together is really sweet. Despite the years apart, the rekindling of their love is inevitable; and their chemistry and closeness is wonderfully written, full of companionship, empathy, small gestures and pleasures.
Jackson’s anguish as he feels "thorn between duty to country and family" and his integrity are impressive, and yet it is the vulnerability, hurt (for Livvie) and stubbornness what makes him human.
I loved the way Traci Hall portrayed PTSD, in such a poignant and realistic manner (lots of showing and no miracle cure!), giving a straightforward yet powerful insight into the illness’ effects on individuals and families.
Super busy Emma is a strong, compassionate heroine and Matthew, Aunt Pepita and even unwillingly absent Livvie are great side characters.