Enjoy!
LIFE ON
THE LEASH
By Victoria Schade
On sale September 18, 2018!
Trade Paperback • Price: $16.00 • ISBN: 9781501191671
eBook • Price: $7.99 • ISBN: 9781501191688
Book
description
Cora Bellamy is a woman who thrives on organization. She’s successfully
run her own dog training business for years, perfectly content with her beloved
rescue pitbull as the main man in her life. She’s given everything to her
business, and her lack of social life (or slobber-free clothes) has been
completely worth it.
But all that changes when she meets Charlie Gill, the hottest client she’s ever had. The only problem? Charlie’s taken. Luckily, Cora has a new friend—the sweet, lovably geeky Eli Crawford. More loyal than a retriever, he’s always there to help Cora with her problems, including her love life. That’s why she’s shocked to realize that even as things start heating up with Charlie, there might just be a more-than-friends spark between her and Eli, too.
As Cora’s life gets more tangled up than a dogwalker’s leashes—and as she prepares to audition for a dog-training TV show that may irrevocably change her entire life—she has to figure things out before it all goes straight to the dogs.
But all that changes when she meets Charlie Gill, the hottest client she’s ever had. The only problem? Charlie’s taken. Luckily, Cora has a new friend—the sweet, lovably geeky Eli Crawford. More loyal than a retriever, he’s always there to help Cora with her problems, including her love life. That’s why she’s shocked to realize that even as things start heating up with Charlie, there might just be a more-than-friends spark between her and Eli, too.
As Cora’s life gets more tangled up than a dogwalker’s leashes—and as she prepares to audition for a dog-training TV show that may irrevocably change her entire life—she has to figure things out before it all goes straight to the dogs.
Read an excerpt:
“Charlie’s on the way,” Madison volunteered. “He called and
apologized for being late—he really wants to help with Oliver’s training. I
mean, he better help. Oliver was his idea. I’ve never even had a dog before . .
. Charlie doesn’t know it, but I’m really more of a cat person.”
“Maybe Oliver will help you be both,” Cora replied, starting to understand the scope of what she would be dealing with. She fretted that she’d eventually have to snake charm the woman into liking her in order for them to successfully complete the program. But for now, she focused on the dog, knowing that a puppy could blur the hard edges of even the most disagreeable clients.
So his name is Charlie. Cora checked Madison’s left hand. Bare. Pretending to be a puppy person to lock down old Charlie?
Oliver stopped jumping on Cora long enough to find just the right spot to pee, and Cora chanted “Hurry up, hurry up,” to him. She turned to Madison. “I like ‘hurry up,’ but do you already have a potty phrase?”
“A what?”
Cora started to explain how a simple phrase can become a Pavlovian trigger to get a dog to eliminate but was interrupted by the French doors opening to reveal the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. Cora suddenly understood why Madison would lie about being a dog person.
He was Cora’s kryptonite: tall, broad shouldered, with short sandy hair that swooped in a way that looked styled but not fussy. He radiated the kind of kick-in-the-gut good looks that made both women and men stare. He wasn’t “pretty” but arresting. Manly, like he’d be at home chopping wood in a flannel shirt, even though he was wearing an expensive-looking suit.
There’s got to be something wrong with him, Cora thought, steeling herself to remain professional. Aside from the fact that he’s dating someone who doesn’t like dogs.
He strode over toward Cora with his hand outstretched. “Hi, you must be Cora. I’m Charlie Gill. Sorry I’m late. Can you believe that I hit traffic at lunchtime?” His ruddy cheeks and quick smile unnerved Cora.
Cora met his grip with a firm handshake and did her best to hide her immediate and unprofessional attraction to her new client.
“Nice to meet you, and I totally understand the traffic. It runs my life—I could tell you stories!” Cora said, smiling her biggest “I’ll blind you with my teeth so you don’t notice that I’m not wearing makeup” smile. She hoped that he hadn’t heard the tremor in her voice or noticed the bright red splotches she could feel blooming on her cheeks.
Oliver rushed over and jumped up on Charlie. “There’s my little guy!” He laughed and leaned over to pet his puppy. Charlie’s voice went up. “Are you the best puppy in the world? Yes you are! Why, yes you are, little Ollie-by-golly!”
“I know this is going to sound totally bitchy, but can we get started?” Madison asked. “I have a one o’clock meeting.”
“Of course! Sorry about that,” Cora replied, embarrassed that she wasn’t more on top of the lesson and avoiding looking directly at Charlie. She usually controlled the progression of the hour with a conductor’s fluidity, but she had a feeling that the Perry-Gill household wasn’t going to be business as usual.
“Maybe Oliver will help you be both,” Cora replied, starting to understand the scope of what she would be dealing with. She fretted that she’d eventually have to snake charm the woman into liking her in order for them to successfully complete the program. But for now, she focused on the dog, knowing that a puppy could blur the hard edges of even the most disagreeable clients.
So his name is Charlie. Cora checked Madison’s left hand. Bare. Pretending to be a puppy person to lock down old Charlie?
Oliver stopped jumping on Cora long enough to find just the right spot to pee, and Cora chanted “Hurry up, hurry up,” to him. She turned to Madison. “I like ‘hurry up,’ but do you already have a potty phrase?”
“A what?”
Cora started to explain how a simple phrase can become a Pavlovian trigger to get a dog to eliminate but was interrupted by the French doors opening to reveal the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. Cora suddenly understood why Madison would lie about being a dog person.
He was Cora’s kryptonite: tall, broad shouldered, with short sandy hair that swooped in a way that looked styled but not fussy. He radiated the kind of kick-in-the-gut good looks that made both women and men stare. He wasn’t “pretty” but arresting. Manly, like he’d be at home chopping wood in a flannel shirt, even though he was wearing an expensive-looking suit.
There’s got to be something wrong with him, Cora thought, steeling herself to remain professional. Aside from the fact that he’s dating someone who doesn’t like dogs.
He strode over toward Cora with his hand outstretched. “Hi, you must be Cora. I’m Charlie Gill. Sorry I’m late. Can you believe that I hit traffic at lunchtime?” His ruddy cheeks and quick smile unnerved Cora.
Cora met his grip with a firm handshake and did her best to hide her immediate and unprofessional attraction to her new client.
“Nice to meet you, and I totally understand the traffic. It runs my life—I could tell you stories!” Cora said, smiling her biggest “I’ll blind you with my teeth so you don’t notice that I’m not wearing makeup” smile. She hoped that he hadn’t heard the tremor in her voice or noticed the bright red splotches she could feel blooming on her cheeks.
Oliver rushed over and jumped up on Charlie. “There’s my little guy!” He laughed and leaned over to pet his puppy. Charlie’s voice went up. “Are you the best puppy in the world? Yes you are! Why, yes you are, little Ollie-by-golly!”
“I know this is going to sound totally bitchy, but can we get started?” Madison asked. “I have a one o’clock meeting.”
“Of course! Sorry about that,” Cora replied, embarrassed that she wasn’t more on top of the lesson and avoiding looking directly at Charlie. She usually controlled the progression of the hour with a conductor’s fluidity, but she had a feeling that the Perry-Gill household wasn’t going to be business as usual.
Praise
· "My
favorite part of this adorably smart story is the wealth of insight we get into
the minds and behaviors of our most darling companions—not dudes, but dogs. One
of America's foremost pet trainers and a sparkling writer,
in Life On the Leash, Victoria Schade proves herself as a bright
new voice in fiction."–
Kristine Gasbarre, author of How to Love an American Man
·
“Life on the Leash is a
witty celebration of dogs, romance, and taking chances. Cora is a heroine
to root for even in her most complicated moments, and whether you have a dog,
or just appreciate them from afar, this book will make you want to head to the
nearest shelter, either to adopt or volunteer. You’ll want to curl up
with your favorite furry bundle and devour the whole thing in one cuddly
sitting.”– Stacey Ballis, author of How to
Change a Life and Wedding Girl
·
"A bighearted and witty debut
from a writer with remarkable insight into the minds of dogs and those who love
them. The winsome cast of characters will have you hooked on Life on
the Leash from the first page."– Meg Donohue, USA Today Bestselling
Author of Dog Crazy
·
"Playful, lovable, and
heartwarming, Life on the Leash is the definition of feel-good
fiction. Victoria Schade’s irresistible debut will have you cheering for dog
trainer Cora, and the cast of charismatic characters, furry and non-furry. Add
this to your to-read pile immediately!"– Amy E. Reichert, author of The
Coincidence of Coconut Cake and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go
·
"Even cat lovers will get
wrapped up in this delightful story of girl, girl’s best friend, girl’s best
girlfriends and a couple of guys. Cora’s canines in training will steal your
heart. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!"– Shelley Noble, New York Times
Bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach
·
“Charming and heartfelt, Life
on the Leash will delight readers. The perfect book for dog lovers!”– Chanel Cleton, USA Today
Bestselling Author of Next Year In Havana
·
"A light, warmhearted
romp... with an earnest, infectiously funny tone that dog lovers,
especially, will find delightful." Publishers Weekly
·
"Life on the Leash is
the novel you've been waiting for all year - a strong, funny, big-hearted
heroine to cheer for in life and in love, plenty of "I've-been-there"
dating moments, and adorable, endearing, sometimes mischievous dogs to love on
every page."– Nicolle Wallace, author of Madam
President
About
the author
Victoria Schade is an author, speaker and dog trainer known for her
upbeat approach to living and working with dogs. She’s published two books,
“Bonding With Your Dog; A Trainer’s Secrets for Building a Better Relationship”
and “Secrets of a Dog Trainer: Positive Problem Solving for a Well-Behaved
Dog.” LIFE ON THE LEASH is
her first novel.
She’s a frequent resource for the media, including the CBS Early Show, The View, WEtv, and FOX. Victoria has been featured in The Washington Post, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple Magazine, Reader’s Digest, The Bark, and many dog-specific publications. She currently serves as a pet expert for petMD and PawCulture, writing training and behavior content and appearing in educational videos.
She’s a frequent resource for the media, including the CBS Early Show, The View, WEtv, and FOX. Victoria has been featured in The Washington Post, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple Magazine, Reader’s Digest, The Bark, and many dog-specific publications. She currently serves as a pet expert for petMD and PawCulture, writing training and behavior content and appearing in educational videos.
Visit all the blogs on the tour
Lovey Dovey Books - https://loveydoveybooks.blogspot.com/
9-17-18
The Bookish Sisters-https://thebookishsisters.com/
Scandicious Book
Reviews -http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.com/
9-18-18
Cheryl’s Book Nook - http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
The Reading Café- http://www.thereadingcafe.com/
Abigail Books
Addiction - http://abigailbooksaddiction.blogspot.com/
9-19-18
Read Your Writes Book
Reviews -https://readyourwrites.blogspot.com/
9-20-18
The Reading Frenzy -https://thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/
The Dwarf Did It- https://thedwarfdidit.com/
Treat Yourself With
Books - https://treatyourselfwithbooks.wordpress.com/
Feeding My Addiction
- http://www.feedingmyaddiction.com/
Romance Junkies - http://romancejunkies.com/
Totally Bex - https://totallybex.com/
9-21-18
Collector of Book
Boyfriends - https://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/
I will start on it soon :D
ReplyDeleteoh goodie Blodeuedd!
DeleteAh, I love romances with the adorable fur babies in them. Onto the list it goes.
ReplyDeleteme too Sophia Rose :)
DeleteThis one even just by the cover says - fun and witty. Both of which I love and a dog as well, well all very inviting.
ReplyDeleteI know I love covers like these too Kathryn
DeleteWhat a cute cover and the story sounds like it'll be fun!
ReplyDeletetrue and true Kim :)
Delete