Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Roxy’s Recovery
AUTHOR: Kim Breyon
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 120 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 21, 2019
BLURB:
As the newest veterinarian in the small town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Vaughn Winters doesn’t have time for relationships. He is too busy healing injuries and establishing his reputation as a trustworthy vet. But when a strange man waves him down on a stormy night seeking help for his injured dog, Vaughn simply can’t refuse.
Obviously homeless and with no means to pay for Roxy’s medical care, Vaughn throws caution to the wind and strikes a deal with the hesitant stranger that would allow Roxy the time to heal and provide some much needed TLC to his property as well. As the days pass, Vaughn’s curiosity grows. Alex’s dedication to the job is as surprising as the sexy tats hidden beneath his rugged clothes. What could have pushed this kind, hardworking man to the streets, or cast such dark shadows in his otherwise bright blue eyes?
Will six weeks be enough time to earn Alex’s trust? Or will asking questions cause him to tuck tail and run as soon as Roxy is able?
REVIEW:
Roxy’s Recovery is the written equivalent of a Hallmark movie. It’s a sweet, feel good story – check. Two likable main characters – check. Cute pets – check. Not much chemistry – check. Overall, it’s enjoyable. Just take out the sex and it’s all set to be a made-for-tv movie. Kim Breyon is a new to me author. I’m glad I this book as I’m now a fan. At 120 pages, this book doesn’t require a sizable time commitment, and it’s well worth that investment.
The basic premise of the book is that Alex is a man trying to escape his past, and his dog, Roxy, serves as the conduit to bond Alex with his love interest, Vaughn. The story begins with Vaughn rescuing the homeless Alex on the side of the road on a cold, rainy night. When Vaughn stops, he discovers that Roxy has been hit by a car and left with a broken leg. Lucky for Roxy, Vaughn is a veterinarian. Alex and Vaughn strike a deal in which Alex can stay in a loft above the vet clinic and do handyman work in exchange for Roxy’s medical care for the period of Roxy’s recovery.
Since there is limited length to tell a story, a satisfying novella needs to find a balance in giving the relationship time to develop and providing character depth and growth, while having enough space to complete the story without an abrupt ending or rushing the I-Love-You exchange and HEA. In this case, Breyon provided Alex with adequate backstory and gave him the time he needed – before jumping into a relationship – to recover from his time living on the streets and to regain his dignity after having it stolen by events in his past. Regrettably, we don’t learn as much about Vaughn.
Breyon handled her limited literary real estate well, avoiding the dreaded insta-love and hasty sex. There’s nothing wrong with the latter, I just personally prefer a sultry, slow burn with an abundance of sexual tension. Even though both main characters knew they only had 6 to 8 weeks before Alex might move on, they still took their time getting to know each other. Their first kiss wasn’t until three weeks in. Unfortunately, what this book is lacking is strong chemistry and sexual tension, even though it was one third of the way through the book before Alex and Vaughn found themselves between the sheets. This time could’ve been used to build up the UST, but wasn’t.
The book does score big on the cuteness scale. Roxy stole everyone’s heart with her amusing, sprightly antics, particularly when paired with Vaughn’s dog, Noel. Pet lovers will also enjoy the “cameos” by Diego the hero, Angel the kitten, and other four pawed critters.
This novella can best be summed up with the word cute: cute couple, cute story, cute dogs, and such a cute epilogue written from Roxy’s perspective.
Other Dad was on the couch, watching the box with the moving pictures, and First Dad sat down next to him. They did the lip thing again, but I didn’t bark this time. If I barked every time they did the lip thing – or the bed thing – I’d be barking all day long. ~ Roxy
I recommend reading Roxy’s Recovery if you’re a dog lover and enjoy cute stories. It is worth the time spent.
RATING: 
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