This is a good book. The two main characters are Cassie and Aiden. They have known each other for all their lives. They both move back to their hometown. Cassie is a veterinarian. Aiden works on a ranch. Aiden’s nephew finds a dog they take it to the veterinary office. Cassie exams the dog. They start dating and fall in love.

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major is the 12th book in her Crimson, Colorado series. I have not read the earlier books of this series, not really knowing about it. I have become a fan of Michelle Major having loved her Carolina Girls, Magnolia Sisters series.
We meet Cassie Raebourn and Aiden Riley at the start, when they were young teenagers; in a heartbreaking scene where Aiden’s dog was brought to the veterinarian clinic in hope to save his dog, who was brutally beaten by Aiden’s abusive father. Cassie worked part time to help at the clinic. The dog died, and Aiden left Crimson, with his mother and sister, getting away from the terrible father/husband.
Twenty years later, Cassie also returns to Crimson to be near her mother, and fills in at the same veterinarian clinic where she volunteered as a youngster. Cassie has always been an animal lover, is hoping to become a partner at the clinic; with one vet she was close to and the other vet, very unlikeable. Residents who come to the clinic love Cassie, with her sunny personality and wonderful care and compassion of the animals. Cassie is surprised to see Aiden again, after all the years, as he arrives at the clinic with his nephew, George, who is carrying an injured puppy.
Aiden came back to his home town to help out his sister and nephew, as his sister Lila recently lost her husband. He is surprised when he sees Cassie, who is now a veterinarian, come out to look at the dog, Spud. He was happy to see her again, but because of his terrible past, Aiden comes across as difficult, telling his nephew that they will not take care of the dog. Other then his sister and nephew, Aiden has closed any feelings for anyone. He doesn’t plan on staying long, especially remembering all those bad memories. Cassie having witnessed the horrible time years ago, understands how Aiden has shut himself down, with the exception of his sister and nephew.
It is Cassie’s mother and Lila (Aiden’s sister) who work toward pushing Aiden to open himself up, as well as Cassie to try to get Aiden to allow for Spud to be adopted. Cassie is wonderful vet, so caring, and a few times, she gets Aiden to help injured animals, and eventually he will adopt another dog, who lost his leg in an accident. Though at the start, Aiden and Cassie do feel some sparks, but both are not in the best situation in their lives. In a short time, we can see a romance forming between them, but Cassie who finds herself eventually falling for Aiden, recognizes the difficulty of getting Aiden to open his heart. Will Cassie succeed in winning Aiden over and staying in Crimson?
Cassie is also dealing with Dr. Smith, who is mean, heartless and not a caring vet, and he is determined to fire her, since everyone likes her. His constant demeaning attitude against Cassie was terrible. Aiden will come forward a few times to defend Cassie. Lila, to her happiness, receives an offer to sell the land, as she could not handle it.
Love at First Bark was a wonderful story, revolving around family, animals and love. It was nice to see Cassie and Aiden slowly finding love along the way. I loved all the dogs, especially Spud and Rosie, who were so great to watch. The epilogue at the end was great. I really enjoyed the book, which is no surprise, as I enjoy Michelle Major’s books. If you like a slow burn romance, great secondary characters and wonderful dogs, you should read this book.

So sweet!

Cassie and Aiden were in grade school together but really didn’t associate at that age. Except for one time when Aiden was confronted with a terrible truth, his Dad beat up his puppy. The local vet, lacking any empathy, tried to turn Aiden away. Cassie was there and stood by his side, one of the first people to ever do so.

Fast forward 20+ years, Cassie is a vet and Aiden returns to Crimson to help his sister and nephew after her husband passed. It is inevitable for them to meet up again in the small town, and old feelings arise. Insecurity, loss, pain and hope. Is there a chance they can be more than friends?

I enjoyed their story, clean slow burn romance with dogs and horses included as characters. I will watch for the next Crimson book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

This book hooks you on the first page. It's a small-town romance that is full of emotions and animals. If you are a fan of Michelle Major you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from HARLEQUIN via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Cassie the veterinarian who is back to home hometown temporarily working under a mentor with the possibility of partnership. Aiden is dealing with a lot coming back to his hometown helping his sister deal with her grief and making sure she is well enough to care for her child. When they find out that the child is being bullied and found a puppy Aiden takes them to the local vet and surprise surprise sees Cassie. Even though old spark fly he refuses to keep the puppy, stick around in this down and maybe start something with Cassie.

I really enjoyed this light-hearted look. While there was deep rooted trama to be in the hometown it was interesting how Aiden was still dealing with it as an adult and seeing how it shaped him and his sister. Both wanted to get past it and try to start something new and it wasn't working how him and his sister quite planned. Now Aiden has to deal with helping care for a puppy his newphew found and whew I'm having a hard time now giving too much about the book but it was interesting seeing how he was coping and dealing with his past. Then theres Cassie who wants to be in her hometown and caring for animals she had a clear love for them and it really showed but one of her bosses isn't exactly the easiest person to get along with. Then there was the romance forming between the two. They both aren't in the most permanent situation in this time of their lives and it was interesting seeing how they were navigating the now and any issues that arises. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

The story opens with a heartbreaking scene involving Cassie and Aiden as children. The events of that day affected each differently as they grew into adulthood. Aiden and his mother and sister left Crimson right after this, escaping from an abusive situation.

Twenty years later, Cassie is a veterinarian filling in at the same vet's office where she volunteered as a child, hoping to be hired permanently. She's surprised when Aiden arrives with his nephew, George, who has found an injured puppy. Cassie immediately takes care of the pup, which gets her in trouble with the other vet. Some antagonistic sparks are flying between Aiden and Cassie, as he insists they are not keeping the dog while Cassie treats the situation like they are. But under the antagonism are sparks of another sort.

Cassie has been an animal lover all her life. It shows in her menagerie at home and how she connects with the animals and their owners at work. She gives her all to her work to the detriment of her personal life. Her sunny personality covers some painful memories that affect how she approaches relationships.

Because of the abuse he suffered as a child, Aiden has closed off his heart and feelings to everyone except his sister and nephew. He is in town for a short time to help them after the death of his sister's husband. He does not intend to stay long in a town with so many bad memories.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Cassie and Aiden develop. Though they try to avoid each other and the sparks that fly between them, circumstances keep throwing them together. Cassie's sunny personality soon finds its way into the dark corners of Aiden's heart. I enjoyed seeing them spend time together, whether dealing with dogs or hiking local trails. Giving into their attraction brings them closer, but while Cassie is ready for more, Aiden can't let go of his need to protect himself. It takes the thought of losing her for him to finally let go of his fears and let her in. Cassie also has to overcome her insecurities and, in doing so, finds a future she hadn't expected.

The epilogue was terrific. I enjoyed seeing what a difference love has made in their lives.

I liked the scenes showing Cassie in her work as a vet. Her care and compassion make a big difference in the lives of the pets and owners she interacts with. I detested the vet she was working with - the same vet who Aiden dealt with twenty years ago. He is heartless and has no business being a vet. His constant denigration of Cassie was infuriating. The vet she was filling in for was her mentor as a child. I expected better of him in his dealings with Cassie. He came through in the end but should have been more supportive earlier.

Cassie's career as a veterinarian allows her to indulge her deep love for dogs. When childhood friend and rodeo star Aiden returns to town, a spark ignites between them. Despite his brooding nature, they can't resist the connection. Will they overcome the past and find the courage to pursue a romance?

Aiden's childhood trauma makes it difficult for him to open himself up to love. Cassie's patient affection helps him learn to trust again. This emotional story is sure to tug on your heart.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved this sweet romance with a sweet dog trying his best to play matchmaker. Which makes even sweeter.

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My first book by Michelle Major, but won't be my last. Excited to read more from her.

Cassie and Aiden met as children and lost track of each other. Later in life they meet again over dogs. Who doesn't love cute cuddly dogs. Love of this start right at the cover and doesn't stop till the last page. Its a cute heartwarming story. Definitely one not to be passed over.

I received an advanced copy of this book for about my honest review from netgalley

Cassie remembers meeting Aiden when his neighbor dropped him off with his injured dog, at the vet practice where she volunteered while young. The vet on duty was not very understanding of the situation and was rude to the young boy. Shortly after he and his sister left town with their mom to escape an abusive situation. Flash ahead 20 years and Aiden arrives at the vet practice with his nephew and an injured stray puppy only to find Cassie is now a vet and offers to help them, despite the backlash from her colleague, the mean vet from years ago!

From there out, their lives become entangled around dogs, the harvest dance, and interfering matchmakers. But can the elusive former rodeo star with a wandering soul ever stay in his small hometown, even for his teenage love? A feel good, small town romance that fans of Michelle Majors will want to read!

Although I received a free ARC ebook from net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A sweet wonderful story. I adored reading every word. Aiden and Cassie met as kids. She was volunteering at the local veterinary office and he, came in with an injured pup he desperately wanted help with. A heartless vet treated him with disdain and his beloved pup died. Shortly after his mom moved him and his sister away to escape his abusive father. Cassie went on to become a veterinarian and was filling in for her mentor who was out on medical leave when she and Aiden reconnect under similar circumstances. The problem for Cassie is her mentors partner. He is a cold unfeeling emotionally small nasty little man who is threatened by anyone the other vet tries to bring in. Aidens heart is closed up tight and yet they are drawn to each other. The adults they became are a direct result of their life experiences. Their road to friendship, respect, helping each other discover, accept, give and let love in is just wonderful. Well developed characters, and of course dogs! This was an easy read that leads to great happily ever that has me looking forward to this wonderful authors next book. This exemplifies why I am a big fan of her! Enjoy the read.

This cover alone will steal your heart, but just wait until you dive into this delightful return to Crimson, Colorado and you'll really be a goner! Michelle Major writes the most endearing characters and when she throws an animal or two or three in, the whimsy and delight is all the more merry! I really enjoyed this fast paced, emotional story of healing and redemption.

Cassie is a super easy to like character and I enjoyed seeing her reunite with the casual childhood friend that had left such a mark on her heart all those years ago.

Aiden had me at hello. He's wounded emotionally, but such a good hearted guy regardless and easy to love for all that he says and does.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with warm characters and real life predicaments to deal with as they fall for their forever love.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. Michelle Major writes a sweet romance about two people who connect as kids and endure two totally different kinds of heartbreak. Aiden's father turned into a different man than he knew as a child and endures heartbreak over his dog that he shares in a moment with Cassie. Cassie goes through heartbreak of her own with her family but it is much less visible to those around her.

The two connect years later in the same small town. Cassie is a veterinarian and Aiden is a former rodeo competitor. These two are still connected but have plenty of healing to do from past trauma and a very different path they took in life. Neither one is very good at letting people in but the draw is undeniable.

The author did a great job of developing the characters. We really feel their trauma and I was rooting for them the entire time. This book had good pacing and it was full of dogs which I absolutely love. Definitely a great read for any romance and dog lover out there!

Loved it. I was misty eyed throughout the entire story. Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Sweet romance, lots of animals, and even a young boy. This was my first visit to Crimson, Colorado, and certainly won't be my last. I am eager to read the previous ones. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I am new to this author, but the title and cover had me interested to read the book. This story did not disappoint! The story centers around a sweet and bubbly girl named Cassie in a small town in Colorado called Crimson. Always full of life and one to find the good in a given situation. She can empathize and read other's emotions when they themselves have a hard time expressing them. The story begins with Cassie at the local vet's office when a little boy, and fellow shy classmate, named Aiden came rushing in with his injured dog. No one know how or why the dog was injured and it did look grim. The two hardly had interactions at school but the author notes that Cassie was always aware and observed Aiden. That sad day in the vet office was the last time she would see Aiden until fate would bring them back together many years later. Aiden as an adult came back to his home town to help his sister and nephew, and fate has it that his nephew found a puppy that needed rescuing and prompted Aiden into that same vet office, where instead of the regular vet, he runs into Cassie. Unbeknownst to Aiden, that last encounter together prompted Cassie on her desire to become a veterinarian, and she was brought back home to help as interim veterinarian, while seeking a more permanent position in the practice. The title truly goes with the story as a love at first "bark" as when both see each other it is like a love at first sight. I loved the way the author bloomed their love story and relationship. You learn about each of their backgrounds and how they are trying to navigate life through their own hardships/baggage. Life kept throwing Aiden and Cassie together, and there is such a sweetness and passion when they finally give in to their feelings and desires for one another. Aiden you know is definitely handsome and attractive on a physical level but he is also an alpha male and protector which the author makes him even more desirable. Cassie is full of life and love, and even though she at times fails to make sure to take care of herself on a grander scale, you love her for her heart and passion to see and do good to everyone that enters into her life - whether short term or long term. They truly deserve to be together and I just love me a happily ever after.

Very well done book - I couldn't put it down. Overall a clean read. Closed door intimate scenes, very little to no swearing. The author does a great job conveying emotions and feelings. I can't wait to read more by Michelle Major! Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read the ARC.

This is a Romance, and this is the 12th book in the Crimson, Colorado series. I have not read the other books in this series, but I think you can read this as a standalone without any problems. I really loved the characters in this book, and I also loved all the animals in this book. I was pulled into the story right away, and I just could not put this book down. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Michelle Major) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is scheduled to be released on September 26-2023.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you Netgalley.

Just look at that cover cuteness all over. Love at First Bark was a delightful read a heartwarming story I fell in love with Cassie and Aiden they were a adorable couple 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



Happy Reading
Lisa

Heartwarming, sweet, romance that will make you fall in love with small town romances again! Small town veterinarian Cassie reconnects with a boy she knew only briefly as a child, yet felt a strong connection with because of an unfortunate incident involving his dog. Aiden moved away right after that, and he encounters Cassie at that very same vet clinic, where she is helping out. Cassie’s love of animals shows through in everything she does, and she is trying to find a ‘place’ for herself to settle in. Aiden has sealed his heart off to most everything except his nephew and sister, who he is back home to help get on his feet. Even though he is trying to stay away from animals, and from Cassie, he keeps finding himself drawing closer to both.

I really enjoyed reading this, and hope you will too!

ARC received from NetGalley - all opinions are my own.

Love at First Bark is a well written romance. Loved the plot and character dynamics. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review

Love at first Bark Michelle Major

Setting:
Modern USA Crimson Colorado

Characters:
Cassie
Aiden

Tropes:
Scarred Hero
Second Chance Romance
Rodeo Hero

Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Spice:
🌶

Review:
Y'all know I love a good second chance romance, and this one delivered. I loved the characters and the storyline. Such a sweet and endearing romance.