Sit. Stay. Love.

Walsh (the Tacoma Mounted Patrol series) has a clear passion for animals and her Pacific Northwest setting, which shines through in this charming contemporary about the power of love to transform and heal. Career-oriented event planner Alana Brendt arrives in Yakima, Wash., to begin a job at the new High Ridge Ranch and get her work life back on track. Though she’s willing to do anything for a good recommendation from her new employer—including padding her resume to land the job in the first place—she’s hardly prepared to lead horse riding and white-water rafting trips. In addition, she’s hopelessly drawn to sexy, capable veterinarian Tegan Evans, who sees right through her professional façade. A Yakima local, Tegan isn’t about to lose her heart to a woman who’s planning on leaving, even when Alana calls asking for help with a litter of puppies she finds under her porch. But as Tegan and Alana bond over the animals in their care, they both wonder whether their fling has the potential to become a commitment. This immersive, highly sensory, and moving story will appeal to fans of Kristen Higgins and Kelly Moran. (Aug.)