Every Dog Has His Day - Contemporary Romance Review

Every Dog Has His Day (A Bluff Point Romance) by Jenn McKinlay (Amazon Link)

Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher

Description: Bluff Point brewery owner Zachary Caine wants nothing to do with commitment. His wild bachelor lifestyle suits him perfectly—until a foster kitten named Chaos makes him a reluctant hero. Now he’s BFFs with the kitten’s two little girls and finds himself falling for their gorgeous mother, who couldn’t think less of him.
Divorced mother Jessie Connelly wants nothing to do with men like Zach. He’s sexy and charismatic and bad news, just like her ex. But her girls adore him, and he’s doing a good job filling in for their deadbeat dad. Then a snowstorm brings out the best in both neighbors, who, it turns out, have more in common than their mutual attraction...

So when Jessie’s past threatens her and her girls, Zach is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them—and live happily ever after with this family he has made his own.

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book: So many reasons!  I love this author, the romance itself sounds good but mostly kittens.

My Impression:  Oh this was good!  I've read McKinlay's cozy mysteries for years and I was curious about how much I'd enjoy a romance.  I mean would I like her as much if she wasn't killing off visitors to small towns?  Turns out the answer is yes!  I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  Zach may be on my all time favorite heroes list.  He's just such a genuine nice guy.  He loves his friends, he loves his job, and he loves his dog.  He's a give you the shirt off his back without hesitation kind of guy and big brother to all.  That is until he meets Jessie Connelly - well more like Jessie Connelly's two little girls and their kitten who is aptly named Chaos.

Jessie was also an easy character to like.  She loves her girls but is used to being on her own since her ex-husband is more than worthless.  She has some walls and some massive insecurities but isn't' prickly.  I don't think she realized just how lonely she was for friends until Zach landed in a snowbank in front of her clutching a very annoyed kitten.

I loved how their relationship built and I loved how important the girls became to Zach without him really realizing it.  It was lovely to see how much they really needed each other and were just happier together. I was enjoying all that so much that when a bit of external conflict arose I was initially not happy about it but McKinlay used it deftly and it added to my enjoyment without being overwrought.

This was a delightful contemporary romance full of sweet without being sappy and with a nice helping of heat.  This is a friend group I'm really excited about revisiting and am so glad I have 2 previous books to catch up on while I wait for book 4!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I think I'll read anything McKinlay writes!

Would I Recommend this Book?  Definitely!  If you enjoy contemporary romance in the Jill Shalvis vein you should not miss this one.  Have no fear about jumping in here.  It works fine as a standalone.