I needed to figure out a way to start reading series where I am not current or the series is finished but haven’t read them yet. So it’s a way to commit myself to read my backlist, particularly series.
I enjoyed one of the early books and decided to read the Rescue Me series. The couples are all working or volunteering at the High Grove Animal Shelter near St. Louis, Missouri.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Head Over Paws by Debbie Burns Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Series: Rescue Me #5
Published by Tantor Audio on November 4, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10 hours, 19 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Olivia Graham has signed on as a volunteer rescue driver for the High Grove Animal Shelter. Her first task is to transport dogs and cats that've been misplaced by flooding, but her aging car breaks down on the way to get them.
She's picked up by veterinarian Gabe Wentworth, former EMT and firefighter, who's also heading to the rescue site. After a bad breakup, Gabe's embraced the hermit life. When he picks up Olivia, he can't deny their irresistible mutual attraction, and his first thought is to run the other direction. But the more animals they help, the harder they fall for each other…
I’ve been saying I’m moody and that contemporary romance wasn’t sitting well. BUT this series with its rescue shelter dogs and cats is easy to read and love.
In Head Over Paws we have a veterinarian, Gabe, who has finally found his calling after some time as a firefighter and EMT, and is now working to buy the practice of a retiring vet. He works long hours, and also volunteers for the shelter.
Olivia has come from a small town to find a teaching job mid-year after the small school had to make cutbacks. She is taking over for a teacher on a medical leave. She loves her job and working in the city. She’s living with her aunt in a rural suburb. She does miss the cats and dogs from her grandparents’ home, so she decides to volunteer at the shelter.
On Olivia’s first rescue transport, her car breaks down and Gabe, already headed to the area where it is flooding picks her and the cages up on the way. They work together to help take care of the lost and abandoned dogs. Then they are told about a dog caged in an area with a rising flood. Together they work to rescue the dog and it’s a dangerous situation.
They bond over the dogs, and their past relationship failures, although initially Gabe is in the “it’s better if I never have a relationship” camp. Olivia sucks him in and they are well matched. With both their careers in flux, they have to trust each other to end up with the right decisions.
I loved this as everything, every decision has the dogs, Samson and Morgan, as part of it and as part of their daily lives. The dog’s care and needs are a priority with them. But it’s easy and worthwhile.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
To Be Loved By You by Debbie Burns Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Series: Rescue Me #6
Published by Tantor Audio on January 13, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9 hours, 42 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Jeremy Washington couldn't be happier running his own therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn't have time to date--which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be. The only thing he needs now is a new project for the kids in his program, and the High Grove Animal Shelter has the perfect opportunity--a group of dogs and puppies needing foster care.
At the rescue site, Jeremy meets Ava Graham, a yoga teacher looking to expand her practice. Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava's the perfect person to help--maybe too perfect. Ava's beautiful, talented, and funny--and she has the biggest heart Jeremy has seen in a long time. But can Ava convince him that mixing business and pleasure could be the key to rescuing his heart?
Ava is Olivia’s sister (Olivia is the main character in Head Over Paws) Ava has been successful in her career but her one year old marriage has died. Ava ends up crashing with Olivia and getting involved with the shelter where she meets Jeremy, a friend of Gabe’s. Both Ava and Jeremy have had bad relationships in the past. It leads to trust issues even when they are attracted to each other.
Ava has been successful with real estate but now she has taken training to be a yoga instructor. She finds it relaxes and helps her. She has fallen in love with Jeremy’s dog, Rolo. Rolo returns her affection. She does yoga with dogs at the shelter.
Jeremy lives in a big house in downtown St. Louis with two elderly ladies. He has his teen center there also. Although he is fighting his feelings for Ava, he knows the teens would love yoga. She becomes a regular weekly yoga feature and great friends with his lady landlords.
Gradually they work their way into a relationship with Rolo, and a feral cat and her kittens, and of course, volunteering at High Grove. To Be Loved By You is an HEA once they let themselves trust each other.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You're My Home by Debbie Burns Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Series: Rescue Me #7
Published by Tantor Audio on January 13, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9 hours, 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Coming home will always give you a second chance… When Riley Leighton and Levi Duncan finally meet again, the chemistry between them is as hot as ever. But as much as Levi has missed Riley all these years, he still remembers the heartbreak when she left him the first time… Riley has spent a lifetime running from love. Now that she's home again, starting her dream job at the local pet rescue, she also has another chance to get it right with Levi. Everything Riley's wanted but thought she couldn't have is almost within reach.
Riley and Levi were a couple in high school until they had a shocking incident. Then Riley ended their relationship and ran. She has taken jobs all over and is only home for a few weeks until she finds her next position. She wants to be there to support her Mom through a health issue and to volunteer at High Grove again. When she finds a abandoned dog, Arlo, she wants him But she doesn’t want to see Levi.
Levi went into industrial diving, also going away. But now he has an injury and can’t dive commercially anymore. While deciding what’s next, he works for his friend who does dog training. He takes on the repairs and improvements to the farm. Of course, they are doing a joint fundraiser with High Grove and Riley is working on it.
Between working on the fundraiser, working with Arlo and other dogs, they get to know each other and work through their current hopes and dreams. It was great to see them work things out in You’re My Home and be able to reconnect with their families as well.
Narration:
Stina Nielsen has narrated this entire series. She has a large catalog but this is my first time listening to her. Her performance added to my enjoyment with emotional tones. Both male and female voices were comfortable. I was able to listen at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Debbie Burns
Debbie Burns is the celebrated author of heartwarming romance and women’s fiction featuring both two- and four-legged stars. While her books have earned many awards and commendations, her favorite praise is from readers who’ve been inspired to adopt a pet in need from their local shelter.
Debbie lives in Saint Louis with her family, a thoroughly spoiled rescue dog, and two Maine Coon cats who ought to be named Pete and Repeat. When she isn’t writing (or reading), you can find her hiking in the Missouri woods, working in her garden, or savoring time with family and friends.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Adding the rescue dog element to contemporary romance stories elevate it to a whole different reading experience. Great reviews, Anne💜
It was extremely well done with the dogs (or a cat) being central to the story all along.
Its neat how all their stories are really different, but still have the animals and the shelter at the heart of each one.
Thanks Sophia. I have to say I super enjoyed this series. The focus on the pets was really great even with the human characters and their romance.
I feel like I have read book 1. Mmm. But yes, this sounds like a fun collection.
They are all great because they really have some actual focus on the dogs (and cats) in the owner’s lives.