Captain Jake Tanner meets single mom Emma Langford when he saves her son from bullies in the park. Jake has an injury to his leg after serving overseas and he is dealing with PTSD. Emma trains service dogs and thinks that a dog she is currently working with, Shep, can help Jake with his PTSD. In return for Emma’s help, Jake agrees to teach her son, Josh, some self-defense moves and provides a male influence in Josh’s life.

This was such a lovely inspirational romance. The cast was filled with such likable and caring characters. I really liked how they were there for each other to deal with and help each other with problems that seemed insurmountable to them. I loved Jake’s elderly neighbor, Marcella, and I liked how Jake and Emma tried to include her in activities with them. The dog, Shep, was pretty awesome and I loved that he was such a comfort and a help to Jake. An all-around wonderful read. ( )