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The Dogfather #5
Ruff Around the Edges
U.S. Army Night Stalker Major Aidan Kilcannon leaves Afghanistan after his best friend, Charlie, is killed in action. Aidan's only consolation is the knowledge that he's now solely responsible for Charlie's dog, Ruff, a rambunctious boxer they found in a bombed-out hospital in Kabul. With the help of Aidan's father, the Dogfather himself, they transport Ruff back to the states. But the day Ruff arrives, Daniel Kilcannon informs his son that Rebecca Spencer, Charlie's younger sister, has a hard and fast claim on Ruff and Aidan has to relinquish the dog to her, no matter how impossible that is.
Beck Spencer is in Bitter Bark temporarily to help the only living relatives she has. After losing her parents as a child, and her brother six months ago, she, too, hopes that Ruff will offer the solace and companionship she needs. But when Ruff finally shows up at her door, the man holding the leash is obviously determined to talk her out of keeping the dog. In fact, Aidan uses every persuasive power her has to convince Beck to give up Ruff...and he's as wild and unpredictable as the dog they both want.
With an uneasy truce, a restless dog, and a sizzling attraction, Aidan and Beck soon realize they can help each other heal. But as they fall deeply in love and discover the true meaning of family and home, they'll have to face the pains of their past if they'll have any chance of a future.
Beck Spencer is in Bitter Bark temporarily to help the only living relatives she has. After losing her parents as a child, and her brother six months ago, she, too, hopes that Ruff will offer the solace and companionship she needs. But when Ruff finally shows up at her door, the man holding the leash is obviously determined to talk her out of keeping the dog. In fact, Aidan uses every persuasive power her has to convince Beck to give up Ruff...and he's as wild and unpredictable as the dog they both want.
With an uneasy truce, a restless dog, and a sizzling attraction, Aidan and Beck soon realize they can help each other heal. But as they fall deeply in love and discover the true meaning of family and home, they'll have to face the pains of their past if they'll have any chance of a future.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2018
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
172 books1,831 followersI don’t know about you, but when I check out an author's bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let's skip the formal bio and I'll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 16, 2020
I liked the book but I didn't like Beck. She just pissed me off the hole book. I loved Ruff and Aidan thought they were my favorite part.
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April 22, 2018
The blurb does a pretty good job at telling you what to expect about this book so I won't do a summary of the story this time but I'll tell you the reasons why I think this series and this novel are worth the read :
- Ruff the rambunctious boxer (this reason would be enough for me ;p)
-Family, dogs and pizza !
-No angst, but finding a new path and the courage to love
-A grieving hero who think about other's well-being
-An optimistic heroine who find the fun in every situation
-A dog who play matchmaker without trying
-The beauty of transforming a bad memory into a good one
-A portion of the sales of all the books goes to a good cause : Alaqua Animal Refuge
-And some quotes :
"But you don't have to worry. I'm not after your heart."
"Promise? Because it's... closed for business."
"Is that so?"
"Too much loss," she explained. I can't risk any more."
"The first thing Aidan heard when he reached the open kitchen door at Waterford Farm a few days later was a sudden outburst of laughter and a few hearty barks."
"If you want to know where your heart is, follow your mind when it wanders."
- Ruff the rambunctious boxer (this reason would be enough for me ;p)
-Family, dogs and pizza !
-No angst, but finding a new path and the courage to love
-A grieving hero who think about other's well-being
-An optimistic heroine who find the fun in every situation
-A dog who play matchmaker without trying
-The beauty of transforming a bad memory into a good one
-A portion of the sales of all the books goes to a good cause : Alaqua Animal Refuge
-And some quotes :
"But you don't have to worry. I'm not after your heart."
"Promise? Because it's... closed for business."
"Is that so?"
"Too much loss," she explained. I can't risk any more."
"The first thing Aidan heard when he reached the open kitchen door at Waterford Farm a few days later was a sudden outburst of laughter and a few hearty barks."
"If you want to know where your heart is, follow your mind when it wanders."
April 13, 2018
Ruff Around the Edges by Roxanne St Claire
A beautifully written contemporary romance that made me cry several times. Happy, emotional tears. 5th Book in the Dogfather series. Can be read as a standalone.
The town of Better Bark is dog friendly. What a great concept. And it’s no surprise that the one business that doesn’t allow pets is struggling. And knowing the history of the dog rescues, I knew there would be more to Ruff than just a big goofball.
G rated. At least in terms of the physical. The emotional elements? Have the Kleenex ready.
I loved the hero. An honorable gentleman relearning his family and life purpose. His emotional reactions whenever he sees Beck are endearing.
Excerpt:
“She lifted her chin and looked at him, probably unaware that at that very moment, he could see the resemblance to her brother as strongly as ever. It was something in the color of her eyes. More than the color. The spark. In Charlie, it had been fun and warm and a precursor to something that would make Aidan crack up.
In her, it was pretty and feminine and a precursor to something that made him want to find out what it would feel like to kiss her. A lot. Often. And for a really long time.”
Excerpt From Ruff Around the Edges by Roxanne St. Claire
This material may be protected by copyright.
A beautifully written contemporary romance that made me cry several times. Happy, emotional tears. 5th Book in the Dogfather series. Can be read as a standalone.
The town of Better Bark is dog friendly. What a great concept. And it’s no surprise that the one business that doesn’t allow pets is struggling. And knowing the history of the dog rescues, I knew there would be more to Ruff than just a big goofball.
G rated. At least in terms of the physical. The emotional elements? Have the Kleenex ready.
I loved the hero. An honorable gentleman relearning his family and life purpose. His emotional reactions whenever he sees Beck are endearing.
Excerpt:
“She lifted her chin and looked at him, probably unaware that at that very moment, he could see the resemblance to her brother as strongly as ever. It was something in the color of her eyes. More than the color. The spark. In Charlie, it had been fun and warm and a precursor to something that would make Aidan crack up.
In her, it was pretty and feminine and a precursor to something that made him want to find out what it would feel like to kiss her. A lot. Often. And for a really long time.”
Excerpt From Ruff Around the Edges by Roxanne St. Claire
This material may be protected by copyright.
August 13, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com--An HJ Top Pick!!
It took an unruly dog and some divine intervention to help our grieving hero and heroine heal in Ruff Around the Edges. Some drama, lots of laughs, even a fiery rescue, this book had ALL the feels. And I would expect nothing less from one of my go-to authors, Roxanne St. Claire.
‘Everything and everyone else disappeared. The kennels, the sunshine, the grief and guilt he’d been carrying for months… There was nothing but Ruff, a wild, crazy, loving brute of a dog who was as much a part of Aidan as his soul.’
I have to hand it to Rocki. Not only did she get the personality of Ruff–a rather spastic boxer–perfect, but the story itself was a twist on two tropes: older brother’s best friend and enemies-to-lovers. Now Aidan and Beck were not exactly enemies, per se, but there was definitely a competition between them as they sorted through the custody issue of Ruff. So that made things interesting and led to some fun, lively dialogue. Read More
It took an unruly dog and some divine intervention to help our grieving hero and heroine heal in Ruff Around the Edges. Some drama, lots of laughs, even a fiery rescue, this book had ALL the feels. And I would expect nothing less from one of my go-to authors, Roxanne St. Claire.
‘Everything and everyone else disappeared. The kennels, the sunshine, the grief and guilt he’d been carrying for months… There was nothing but Ruff, a wild, crazy, loving brute of a dog who was as much a part of Aidan as his soul.’
I have to hand it to Rocki. Not only did she get the personality of Ruff–a rather spastic boxer–perfect, but the story itself was a twist on two tropes: older brother’s best friend and enemies-to-lovers. Now Aidan and Beck were not exactly enemies, per se, but there was definitely a competition between them as they sorted through the custody issue of Ruff. So that made things interesting and led to some fun, lively dialogue. Read More
April 9, 2018
Aiden has come home after 10 years in the Army and he is not the same. His best friend has been killed in action and he survived. Charlie's dying wish was for him to take the dog he rescued in Afghanistan back to the states with him. The only problem with that is he also promised Ruff to his sister, Beck. Ruff is a bad dog but he is really more like Charlie reincarnated. He is wild and out of control one minute and docile and loving the next and he tugs at all the feels. This is the latest installment in this wonderful series about this amazing family. Grab the tissues and be prepared to shed a few tears and laugh your way through this. Aiden and Beck are perfect together and watching the rest of the family come together just brightens everything. Now I'm hungry for pizza!
I definitely highly recommend this one and it could be read as a standalone but (again) why would you want to when this series is so, so good!!!!
**Received this ARC for review**
I definitely highly recommend this one and it could be read as a standalone but (again) why would you want to when this series is so, so good!!!!
**Received this ARC for review**
April 12, 2018
Only through the power of love can a broken soul find the courage to heal. The beauty of that adage is that Ms. St. Claire and her Kilcannon clan don't just use it for the two legged warriors, but for the four legged ones as well. Ruff Around the Edges is one dog's quest to unite two broken hearts and create a family. Ruff has seen war, loss and despair, yet he manages to keep hope alive for a soldier and a sister coping with a tragic loss. Brought together by pain Aidan and Beck learn the meaning of faith through the eyes of love and the heart of a dog. Totally cuddleworthy masterpiece.
April 12, 2018
Sweetly thrilling, emotionally gripping and heartwarming journey filled with passion, loss, love, unshakeable bonds, laughter and mutual need for healing.
U.S Army Night Stalker Major Aidan Kilcannon is home after tragically losing his best friend he brings home Charlie's dog, Ruff to care for him so they both can heal. However when he arrives he learns that Charlie also promised Ruff to his sister. Rebecca Spencer, Charlie's younger sister is in Bitter Bark to claim Ruff and morn the loss of her brother. Sparks fly, tempers flair, plans are made and it all amounts to a highly entertaining and gripping romantic journey that I could not put down. Loved it!
U.S Army Night Stalker Major Aidan Kilcannon is home after tragically losing his best friend he brings home Charlie's dog, Ruff to care for him so they both can heal. However when he arrives he learns that Charlie also promised Ruff to his sister. Rebecca Spencer, Charlie's younger sister is in Bitter Bark to claim Ruff and morn the loss of her brother. Sparks fly, tempers flair, plans are made and it all amounts to a highly entertaining and gripping romantic journey that I could not put down. Loved it!
December 1, 2020
Another stellar book in this terrific series!
April 11, 2018
Aidan Kilcannon has been away from home for a long time. He and his best friend served in the military together until a combat injury ends his best friends life. Now Aidan is back home and he's hell bent on honoring his best friends final wishes for the beloved stray dog, Ruff he found in Afghanistan Aidan had Ruff shipped home. It took a lot of work and money to do it but it's all he has left of his best friend, Charlie. He's got one problem. Charlie's baby sister has a letter that her brother wrote her saying he wanted her to have the dog. Beck is so excited to have her brother's dog. It's all she has left of him now that he's gone. She butts heads with Aidan over the dog but she's determined. The dog isn't the only issue these two are dealing with. There's a lot of loss mentioned in this book as the two main characters both have had signmificant loss in their lives. It was great to see these two figure out the dog ownership problem and help each other heal. The Kilcannon family is a delight as they have been in every book and Roxanne St Claire does a wonderful job making you feel like a part of all that. There's just so much to like about this book and the series on the whole. At the end of this book is a sneak peek at the next book in the series which of course makes you want to read it now! Going to have to wait a while.
April 12, 2018
Fabulous story! “Ruff” will appeal to lovers of dogs, romance and strong family bonds! I loved this addition to the Dogfather series. Each book in the series has been better than the one before it. The story flows with meaning and purpose. Main characters Aidan Kilcannon and Beck Spencer were realistic and extremely likable. I loved the family support and loyal especially the support Beck and Aidan provide for Uncle Mike as he is recovering from health issues. Ruff, the untrainable boxer, is one most dog lovers has experienced in their lives with dogs. St. Claire “GETS” dogs and their owners. Can’t wait for the next Kilcannon story!
April 4, 2018
Tears. This book brings out plenty of tears - heartbreak, frustration, joy, love. What a great book! Both Aidan and Beck have dealt with heartbreak and sorrow. Both have lost people they loved. Both want to be able to move forward with Ruff, the dog left behind by Beck's brother Charlie, who was also Aidan's best friend. They don't expect to find love as the result. The question is, can they move past previous hurts to embrace that love? A great continuation of The Dogfather series (but it can be read as a standalone for anyone who hadn't read others in the series). Definitely a winner!
April 21, 2018
Another rousing adventure with the Kilcannons, their dogs and romance.
Aidan Kilcannon is back from the Army after losing his best friend, Charlie, in enemy territory. After a long and tortuous wait he was able to follow Charley’s request and bring Ruff, Charlie’s crazy untrainable boxer home, thanks to help from his Dad, the “Dogfather.” But Charlie’s sister Rebecca has a signed letter giving her custody. It’s not like any custody battle you ever heard, involving pizza, secret ingredients, and family. Not to mention hot romance. Full review to follow...........
Aidan Kilcannon is back from the Army after losing his best friend, Charlie, in enemy territory. After a long and tortuous wait he was able to follow Charley’s request and bring Ruff, Charlie’s crazy untrainable boxer home, thanks to help from his Dad, the “Dogfather.” But Charlie’s sister Rebecca has a signed letter giving her custody. It’s not like any custody battle you ever heard, involving pizza, secret ingredients, and family. Not to mention hot romance. Full review to follow...........
April 5, 2018
Wow what a great addition to the series. Charlie is killed in Afghanistan and makes his best friend promise to care for Ruff. Charlie’s sister is having her own issues and Aiden finds out Charlie left Ruff to her. The story of Aiden and Ruff with Beck thrown in is wonderful. This story is so awesome and a great addition to the Dogfather series.
April 10, 2018
I love all of Roxanne's books. While this was not quite my favorite book of hers it was still a good read.
Aiden and Beck both want Ruff. The dog has his own ideas on who should have him. The story is one of loss and getting out on the other side of it.
A little bit predictable but still a wonderful story.
Aiden and Beck both want Ruff. The dog has his own ideas on who should have him. The story is one of loss and getting out on the other side of it.
A little bit predictable but still a wonderful story.
April 18, 2018
Another wonderful entry in this engaging series. One of those series where it is agonizing waiting for the next entry (Darcy!). Can be read standalone but much richer with the backstory of the first four books... and if you aren't touched over and over by the last 20-30 pages, you are probably one of those unhappy FB trolls, haha!
April 10, 2018
I was a sobbing mess last night. My daughter had to come check on me!! "Oh it's your book again"... lol loved the book!! Beck and Aidan, so cute together!! And Ruff!! That dog is a hoot!!
April 12, 2018
Loved this book! Aidan and Beck's story was beautiful. Aidan's Army buddy and best friend from home, Charlie, died in the Army and on his deathbed he gave his dog, Ruff, to Aidan; little did he know that he also, in a letter, promised his sister, Beck, ownership of Ruff, who was the like the dog she had to leave behind when their parents died and her aunt and uncle took them in; thus the fun and chaos commences. While trying to honor Charlie's wishes, and together acclimating Ruff to his new home, and trying to figure out the secret pizza ingredient; Aidan and Beck find they can't deny their love for each other. Their chemistry is explosive! With the help of the Dogfather and Charlie, Aidan and Beck find their place in Bitter(Better) Bark and Ruff finds his new home and owner. Ruff is a dog you can't help but love. He gets into some messes, that will make you laugh, especially the paint. I enjoy reading books with dogs or cats in them, they have such great personality traits. I really love this series and how the Kilcannon's are there for each other and work together to help rescue dogs. I highly recommend this book and series and cannot wait for the next book.. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my voluntary review. Even though I did receive a free copy, I still bought a copy so a proceeds could be donated to the refuge. A Great Cause! This is the first series of books I've read by this author and I will read more.
April 28, 2018
This one started out slow for me, it didn't help that for most of the series that Aidan has been absent, so it was a bit hard to connect to him as a Killcannon. I thought it telling that Aidan himself had a hard time connecting to his own family after being gone. I can see that, they build up Waterford to the great business together, while he was defending out country fighting wars, it had to be hard for him to find his place. But once he did, it was in a way that fit both him, his skills and helped his family's business.
Much like I was unsure of Aidan, I was of Beck. She didn't really seem like she fit in Better Bark and there were reasons, also reasons why she held herself back. I liked seeing Beck and Aidan fight about Ruff, then later work together. I thought it telling that Aidan was willing to give up Ruff to Beck when he learned some pertinent info. It was also interesting how Aidan was the one that wanted more with Beck, that he had to take what she was willing to give, a relationship based only in the now.
This one was a bit harrowing at the end causing some question about our HEA, but everything worked out perfect!
Much like I was unsure of Aidan, I was of Beck. She didn't really seem like she fit in Better Bark and there were reasons, also reasons why she held herself back. I liked seeing Beck and Aidan fight about Ruff, then later work together. I thought it telling that Aidan was willing to give up Ruff to Beck when he learned some pertinent info. It was also interesting how Aidan was the one that wanted more with Beck, that he had to take what she was willing to give, a relationship based only in the now.
This one was a bit harrowing at the end causing some question about our HEA, but everything worked out perfect!
December 27, 2022
Every single book in The Dogfather series is stellar. Well-written, well-developed family-centric romances with fabulous characters, lots of laughs, plenty of heat, and of course - dogs with big personalities! Aiden and Beck’s story (Book 6 - Ruff Around the Edges) made me cry not one, not two, but four times. LOVED! And highly recommend!!
April 13, 2018
Did not want to put this one down
Emotional ups and downs abound in this story where love wins!! A terrific read by one of my favorite authors!! Completed in one day dispite a whining dog of my own!!! We had to walk and go for ice cream!! Love this series!!
Emotional ups and downs abound in this story where love wins!! A terrific read by one of my favorite authors!! Completed in one day dispite a whining dog of my own!!! We had to walk and go for ice cream!! Love this series!!
April 12, 2018
Ruff
Each one of these books have hit the spot, but this is the best by far. I laughed and cried and loved Ruff. He is his own "person" by far and such a love. You did it again Roxanne!
Each one of these books have hit the spot, but this is the best by far. I laughed and cried and loved Ruff. He is his own "person" by far and such a love. You did it again Roxanne!
August 29, 2018
Review
I enjoyed the whole story and the characters especially the dog. For me any story that has a dog or dogs in it are great stories to read
I enjoyed the whole story and the characters especially the dog. For me any story that has a dog or dogs in it are great stories to read
October 28, 2019
Amazing!
So this book made me laugh out loud, my fiancé kept asking what’s so funny lol.
It made me throw my hands up in victory, and cry my eyes out.
I loved it! If you have not started this series do so!!
Ria
So this book made me laugh out loud, my fiancé kept asking what’s so funny lol.
It made me throw my hands up in victory, and cry my eyes out.
I loved it! If you have not started this series do so!!
Ria
October 8, 2021
I've read a couple of series from this author and even though the ending is assured (chick lit, HEA) the story always hooks me from the beginning and lets me read and enjoy it all the way through.
January 22, 2021
Tear jerker!
Aidan and Beck are both broken souls, tied by Beck’s late brother Charlie and his rambunctious boxer, Ruff. Can Charlie manipulate a HEA from heaven?
I loved this book book and the whole series! I would recommend this book to everyone! So sad I only have one more.
Aidan and Beck are both broken souls, tied by Beck’s late brother Charlie and his rambunctious boxer, Ruff. Can Charlie manipulate a HEA from heaven?
I loved this book book and the whole series! I would recommend this book to everyone! So sad I only have one more.
September 30, 2024
Roxanne St. Claire has once again delivered an amazing story! She skillfully combines our love for family, friends and dogs into a remarkable story. I received a free advanced reader's copy of Ruff Around the Edges for an honest review. All I can honestly say, is that I LOVED this book. I think it is MY FAVORITE book in the Dogfather Series. It made me laugh and cry, and happy and sad. I had chills and tears, and too many aww's to count. The love story between Aidan and Beck is filled with sweet, tender and poignant moments, as they both work to tear down each other’s walls. The characters are so relate able, that I fell in love with them and was so sad when I finished reading their story. The Dogfather Series is like attending a family reunion in each book. You get to rediscover your favorite Kilcannons and discover the next story. Ruff Around the Edges is Aidan Kilcannon's story. Aidan is the youngest Kilcannon son, he was a Major in the U.S. Army Night Stalkers, but after the death of his best friend Charlie Spencer, who is killed in action, Aidan decides not to re-up and return home to Waterford Farms to help out with the family business. He is just not certain, where he will fit in when he returns. He has not come to terms with his mother's death while he was deployed, as well as he suspects the rest of the family has. Aidan made a death bed promise to Charlie that he would get Charlie's rescue dog, Ruff out of Afghanistan and keep him. Once Aidan returns home, his father, Daniel lets him know that process of bringing Ruff home to Waterford Farms is almost complete, but Ruff rightfully belongs to Beck, Rebecca Spencer, Charlie's younger sister. Charlie wrote her a letter asking her to take care of Ruff if something were to happen to him. Daniel and Aidan agree, that Beck's letter from Charlie supersedes Aidan's death bed promise to Charlie. Once Ruff arrives, Aidan decides to do the right thing and give the dog to Beck. Aidan shows up at A Slice of Heaven, to introduce Ruff to Beck. He does not realize that Beck will want to take ownership of Ruff right then and there. Ruff being rough, decides to show Beck what he's made of, but Beck will do whatever it takes to keep Charlie's dog. Beck relocated to Chicago after high school graduation for art school and remained there opening her own photography business "Baby Faces". Bitter Bark was never her home, it was just a place she and Charlie moved to after their parents' deaths in a car accident. Ruff does not respond well to Beck, and this makes her sad. Beck returned to Bitter Bark to help out at A Slice of Heaven following her Uncle Mike's stroke. Beck tries to help out, but no longer eats pizza. Along comes Aidan to save the day. He helps Beck out daily at the pizza shop, since he is not sure what role he will play at Waterford Farms, especially since Liam is taking time off to wait for the arrival of his and Andi's baby. Uncle Mike tells them there is a secret ingredient in the sauce, but he cannot remember because of his stroke and the only person he ever told was Charlie, who was one day going to take over A Slice of Heaven. So Beck researches different sauce recipes and she and Aidan try out the sauces with a different special ingredient. Beck, Aidan, and Ruff are spending a lot of time together, and they get closer and closer with each passing day and every sauce. Beck has a lot of ghosts and demons that she must deal with and has vowed that she will never fall in love, because she is too afraid to once again lose someone she loves. Her entire family has died. She and Aidan decide to keep their relationship casual. This might work for Beck, but it is not enough for Aidan. With Beck's help, Aidan decides what he can do at Waterford Farms to help him fit in. Beck and Aidan are ready to confess their feelings, but disaster happens and scares Becks away from her feelings. It would not be a Roxanne St. Claire book with the plot twists and surprises, and Ruff Around the Edges does not disappoint. I love the sage advice of Gramma Finnie, the conversation between Daniel and Aidan, and the quotes and photos that Beck found in her mother's scrapbook. So many surprises are revealed at the end of the book, not sure who was the better matchmaker here, Daniel or Charlie.
April 10, 2018
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
U.S Army Night Stalker Major Aidan Kilcannon returns home to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, a hollow and lost man. He moves heaven and hell to bring his deceased friend’s boxer Ruff to the United States. Aidan, however, discovers Charlie’s younger sister has an equal claim to the dog. He helps Rebecca save the pizza place her brother intended to inherit from their uncle. In the process, the optimistic woman helps Aidan discover where he truly belongs. Will Aidan find his place at Waterford Farm? Will that future include Becca and Ruff?
Rebecca “Becca” Spencer owns a baby photography business in Chicago, Illinois. She temporarily stays with her aunt and uncle to try and salvage their failing pizza business. Becca anticipates the day the Kilcannons deliver her late brother’s dog Ruff. Yet, Aidan Kilcannon, her brother’s best friend, is reluctant to hand Ruff over. The sexy pilot confounds Becca by offering to help find her uncle’s secret pizza ingredient. Can Aidan help Becca save her uncle’s pizza place? Or will she lose her heart and her dog to him?
Aidan is, hands down, my favorite Kilcannon. He is often referred to as ‘the Golden Boy’ by his family due to his good fortune. The death of his childhood friend and fellow Night Stalker leaves him floundering. I love how, despite how lost he feels, Aidan still ready and willing to help his family with whatever they need. I adore the fact that his first dog was a dachshund named Doxie. But, what I like the most about Aidan is how he wants to help Becca overcome her hang-ups, waiting patiently instead of pushing her.
Rebecca is such an easy heroine to like. She is no stranger to loss, having lost both her parents and older brother. I admire how, despite that, Becca manages to remain optimistic and positive. I like her ‘never say die’ attitude about her uncle’s recovery and saving his beloved pizza business. Becca willingly bends over backwards to help her remaining family members. I also like how she takes Ruff’s rambunctiousness in stride without losing her cool. But, what I adore the most about Becca is how she aids Aidan into finding his place at Wateford Farm, his family’s canine facility.
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES is book five in Roxanne St. Claire’s doggy-contemporary series, THE DOGFATHER. I love how both Becca and Aidan want to honor Charlie’s last wishes. It adds a poignant and sweet touch to the story. I especially like how a new Kilcannon makes their debut in this book.
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES is a heartfelt tale of two lost and troubled souls finding solace, healing, and love with each other. I wonder what the author has in store for the last Kilcannon sibling.
A recommended read.
U.S Army Night Stalker Major Aidan Kilcannon returns home to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, a hollow and lost man. He moves heaven and hell to bring his deceased friend’s boxer Ruff to the United States. Aidan, however, discovers Charlie’s younger sister has an equal claim to the dog. He helps Rebecca save the pizza place her brother intended to inherit from their uncle. In the process, the optimistic woman helps Aidan discover where he truly belongs. Will Aidan find his place at Waterford Farm? Will that future include Becca and Ruff?
Rebecca “Becca” Spencer owns a baby photography business in Chicago, Illinois. She temporarily stays with her aunt and uncle to try and salvage their failing pizza business. Becca anticipates the day the Kilcannons deliver her late brother’s dog Ruff. Yet, Aidan Kilcannon, her brother’s best friend, is reluctant to hand Ruff over. The sexy pilot confounds Becca by offering to help find her uncle’s secret pizza ingredient. Can Aidan help Becca save her uncle’s pizza place? Or will she lose her heart and her dog to him?
Aidan is, hands down, my favorite Kilcannon. He is often referred to as ‘the Golden Boy’ by his family due to his good fortune. The death of his childhood friend and fellow Night Stalker leaves him floundering. I love how, despite how lost he feels, Aidan still ready and willing to help his family with whatever they need. I adore the fact that his first dog was a dachshund named Doxie. But, what I like the most about Aidan is how he wants to help Becca overcome her hang-ups, waiting patiently instead of pushing her.
Rebecca is such an easy heroine to like. She is no stranger to loss, having lost both her parents and older brother. I admire how, despite that, Becca manages to remain optimistic and positive. I like her ‘never say die’ attitude about her uncle’s recovery and saving his beloved pizza business. Becca willingly bends over backwards to help her remaining family members. I also like how she takes Ruff’s rambunctiousness in stride without losing her cool. But, what I adore the most about Becca is how she aids Aidan into finding his place at Wateford Farm, his family’s canine facility.
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES is book five in Roxanne St. Claire’s doggy-contemporary series, THE DOGFATHER. I love how both Becca and Aidan want to honor Charlie’s last wishes. It adds a poignant and sweet touch to the story. I especially like how a new Kilcannon makes their debut in this book.
RUFF AROUND THE EDGES is a heartfelt tale of two lost and troubled souls finding solace, healing, and love with each other. I wonder what the author has in store for the last Kilcannon sibling.
A recommended read.
April 10, 2018
[No Spoilers!]
Book Six in The Dogfather Series, “Ruff Around The Edges”, will pull on every single one of your heartstrings, (Tissue Alert!). It centers around loving families both large and small, followed by the inevitable chaos and hilarity, best friends and sacrifice, finding both love and heartache, learning how to conquer your fears, and ultimately triumphing over tragedy and unimaginable loss, all wrapped up into one exceptional, romantic story that will have you yearning with eager anticipation rooting for the main characters, Aiden and Beck, to have their own HEA!
The leading characters: Aiden Kilcannon (the youngest of four sons in the Kilcannon clan of six children) and Rebecca “Beck” Spencer (Sister to Charlie Spencer, Aiden’s Best Friend since age 15, and fellow Army Night Stalker)... And then there’s Ruff, a boxer who can be a tad rambunctious and more than a little bit hard to handle, but is oh, so lovable! ❤️
Intertwined throughout this story is the making of phenomenal pizza with a secret ingredient...(shhhh), some seriously sizzling kitchen activity, one “wild, crazy, loving brute of a dog” shipped home from Afghanistan to honor the request of a dear friend, and the love and support of the entire, extraordinary Kilcannon Clan who folds Beck under their loving wing as one of their cherished own.
Poor Beck Spencer, who Gramma Finnie describes as a dime, (her way of describing a ten), has her hands full with the sexy, blond Irishman and Army Night Stalker, Aiden Kilcannon, when he sets his sights on her!
“Because Night Stalkers don’t quit. And pretty Beck Spencer would have to accept that, sooner or later.”
“He lifted his brows, and his lips curled in a smile...
Ruff gave a good bark in her direction, as if he didn’t know what to make of this startling, strong, stunning new creature, either.”
Another hit out of the dogpark for St. Claire in the Dogfather series! A 5-star, definite must read!
“You don’t only buy a terrific book…you support a fantastic cause! A portion of the sales of all the books in this series is being donated to Alaqua Animal Refuge (www.alaqua.org) in the author’s home state of Florida. That’s where these covers were shot by photographer Dawn Whitty (www.dawncwhitty.com) using real men (not models, but they are gorgeous!) and rescue dogs (now in forever homes!).”
LINKS!!!
Preorders and print for RUFF AROUND THE EDGES...here you go!
Amazon Kindle: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffKi...
PAPERBACK: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffPbk
GOOGLE PLAY: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffGo...
IBOOKS: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/Ruffib...
KOBO: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffKobo
BN: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffBN
Book Six in The Dogfather Series, “Ruff Around The Edges”, will pull on every single one of your heartstrings, (Tissue Alert!). It centers around loving families both large and small, followed by the inevitable chaos and hilarity, best friends and sacrifice, finding both love and heartache, learning how to conquer your fears, and ultimately triumphing over tragedy and unimaginable loss, all wrapped up into one exceptional, romantic story that will have you yearning with eager anticipation rooting for the main characters, Aiden and Beck, to have their own HEA!
The leading characters: Aiden Kilcannon (the youngest of four sons in the Kilcannon clan of six children) and Rebecca “Beck” Spencer (Sister to Charlie Spencer, Aiden’s Best Friend since age 15, and fellow Army Night Stalker)... And then there’s Ruff, a boxer who can be a tad rambunctious and more than a little bit hard to handle, but is oh, so lovable! ❤️
Intertwined throughout this story is the making of phenomenal pizza with a secret ingredient...(shhhh), some seriously sizzling kitchen activity, one “wild, crazy, loving brute of a dog” shipped home from Afghanistan to honor the request of a dear friend, and the love and support of the entire, extraordinary Kilcannon Clan who folds Beck under their loving wing as one of their cherished own.
Poor Beck Spencer, who Gramma Finnie describes as a dime, (her way of describing a ten), has her hands full with the sexy, blond Irishman and Army Night Stalker, Aiden Kilcannon, when he sets his sights on her!
“Because Night Stalkers don’t quit. And pretty Beck Spencer would have to accept that, sooner or later.”
“He lifted his brows, and his lips curled in a smile...
Ruff gave a good bark in her direction, as if he didn’t know what to make of this startling, strong, stunning new creature, either.”
Another hit out of the dogpark for St. Claire in the Dogfather series! A 5-star, definite must read!
“You don’t only buy a terrific book…you support a fantastic cause! A portion of the sales of all the books in this series is being donated to Alaqua Animal Refuge (www.alaqua.org) in the author’s home state of Florida. That’s where these covers were shot by photographer Dawn Whitty (www.dawncwhitty.com) using real men (not models, but they are gorgeous!) and rescue dogs (now in forever homes!).”
LINKS!!!
Preorders and print for RUFF AROUND THE EDGES...here you go!
Amazon Kindle: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffKi...
PAPERBACK: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffPbk
GOOGLE PLAY: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffGo...
IBOOKS: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/Ruffib...
KOBO: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffKobo
BN: http://www.roxannestclaire.com/RuffBN
April 5, 2018
The Dogfather(Daniel Kilcannon) did it again with a little or maybe a lot of divine intervention from several very special loved ones in Aiden and Beck’s lives. Aiden Kilcannon thought he was a career Army man (Night Stalker, specifically) until the death of his teenage best friend, Charlie. Before Charlie passes he begs Aiden to get his dog, Ruff, shipped home to the states using Aiden’s father to pull strings if he had to. With the passing of Charlie, Aiden decides it is time to come home to Waterford Farm. Waterford Farm is home to the largest dog rescue/training facility in North Carolina. Each of Aiden’s siblings manage very specialized segments of the business. Aiden struggles to find his place within his own family and the business. Upon Ruff’s arrival at Waterford farm Aiden learns that Charlie had sent a letter to his sister, Beck, stating that she should be the owner of Ruff. Aiden struggles with letting Ruff go to Beck. But, in the end he knows that giving Ruff to Beck is truly what would make Charlie happiest. Beck has struggled with loss too many times since she was 10. She lost her parents, moved to a new town leaving her friends, and now struggles with the loss of her brother. All the while having chosen to come back to Bitter Bark to help her aunt and uncle run their pizza business while Beck’s uncle is recovering from a mild stroke. As Aiden and Beck struggle to learn each other and where Ruff best fits in within their lives. They soon discover that Ruff’s true calling is to be a comforter/therapy dog to Beck’s uncle. Beck must face a difficult choice when her uncle, Aiden, and Ruff each face a life threatening situation. Will Beck be able to let go of past sorrows to grab hold with all her might to the possibility of a forever with Aiden? Does Aiden find his place within the Kilcannon family business? Read Ruff around the Edges to find out. I am so in love with this series. Each story is so heartfelt and loving that tissues are almost always needed. This is one of my most favorite types of stories, a big loving family who sticks together in the best of times and worst of times. I received an ARC of Ruff Around the Edges by Roxanne St. Claire in exchange for an honest review. This is one series that you can not go wrong with. Enjoy. I would also like to say thank you for your service to all the men and women who have chosen to serve their country
April 8, 2018
Just when I think the books in this series can't t get any better, Roxanne St. Claire proves me wrong with the next book in the series. Ruff Around the Edges totally blew me away and hit on every single emotion possible for me.
Aiden heads home to Bitter Bark still waiting for his dog Ruff, who his best friend Charlie asked him to take on his death bed, to arrive. I love that The Dogfather totally helped bring Ruff home to Aiden, and had to let Aiden know that Charlie had also told his younger sister Beck that Ruff would be her dog. I loved both Aiden and Beck as soon as we met them both, but have to say that Ruff the boxer totally stole the book from them. I loved that crazy dog and the fact that he seemed to bring some measure of emotional support to Beck, Aiden, and especially Beck's Uncle Mike.
I loved how Aiden stepped up to help Beck out at her family's pizza place Slice of Heaven. The more time Aiden and Beck spent together, the closer they became. The fact that Beck had plans to head back to Chicago once her uncle recovered and was back at Slice of Heaven gave me some concern, but not much as I could totally see they were falling for each other. Beck and Aiden had great chemistry and I loved when they finally acted on their attraction to one another. However, I loved they could talk to each other about pretty much anything and I think that gave me every bit as much hope for them as their chemistry.
I'm just going to say I totally understood some of Beck's emotional blocks based upon her losing her parents at a young age. I'm lucky I still have my dad, but I lost my mom at 12, so I got her fear of losing people. I won't lie, I cried more than once while reading Ruff Around the Edges, both happy and sad tears. I love a book that pulls emotions from me, and Ruff Around the Edges did so in spades. Just when I thought all my tears were gone, Rocki threw another make me cry moment, but only happy tears this time.
Fans of the series will love getting to spend time with the entire Kilcannon clan once again. I swear I wish these characters were real, as I feel like I could be friends with them all. With each new addition to the series, I find myself loving it more and more. The Dogfather has 5 of his kids taken care of and I can't wait to see what he has in store for free-spirit Darcy next.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
Aiden heads home to Bitter Bark still waiting for his dog Ruff, who his best friend Charlie asked him to take on his death bed, to arrive. I love that The Dogfather totally helped bring Ruff home to Aiden, and had to let Aiden know that Charlie had also told his younger sister Beck that Ruff would be her dog. I loved both Aiden and Beck as soon as we met them both, but have to say that Ruff the boxer totally stole the book from them. I loved that crazy dog and the fact that he seemed to bring some measure of emotional support to Beck, Aiden, and especially Beck's Uncle Mike.
I loved how Aiden stepped up to help Beck out at her family's pizza place Slice of Heaven. The more time Aiden and Beck spent together, the closer they became. The fact that Beck had plans to head back to Chicago once her uncle recovered and was back at Slice of Heaven gave me some concern, but not much as I could totally see they were falling for each other. Beck and Aiden had great chemistry and I loved when they finally acted on their attraction to one another. However, I loved they could talk to each other about pretty much anything and I think that gave me every bit as much hope for them as their chemistry.
I'm just going to say I totally understood some of Beck's emotional blocks based upon her losing her parents at a young age. I'm lucky I still have my dad, but I lost my mom at 12, so I got her fear of losing people. I won't lie, I cried more than once while reading Ruff Around the Edges, both happy and sad tears. I love a book that pulls emotions from me, and Ruff Around the Edges did so in spades. Just when I thought all my tears were gone, Rocki threw another make me cry moment, but only happy tears this time.
Fans of the series will love getting to spend time with the entire Kilcannon clan once again. I swear I wish these characters were real, as I feel like I could be friends with them all. With each new addition to the series, I find myself loving it more and more. The Dogfather has 5 of his kids taken care of and I can't wait to see what he has in store for free-spirit Darcy next.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
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