Book Reviews

Hazel Takes Over (Lyon Road Vets 3) by Sue Brown

Genre Gay / Contemporary / Romance
Reviewed by Lena Grey on 02-August-2014

Book Blurb

After the death of his beloved dog, Harry, Peter Mitchell refuses to consider getting a new dog. Besides which, Peter has his hands full with his partner, Dr Evan Wells. The vet is surprisingly sensitive about Peter’s feelings and doesn’t nag Peter about getting a pet. Of course, not nagging and not doing anything about it are two different things, at least in Evan’s mind.

When Peter is presented with a small red bundle of fur to hold, he realises the devious vet planned their new arrival and worse, she’s already got a name. Peter may not have a choice about their dog, but he’s going to put his foot down over her name. He should know better.

 

Book Review

One of Dr. Evan Wells's, of Hazel Takes Over' by Sue Brown, goals in life is to see that his partner, Peter Wells, is happy. Although their first meeting was a bittersweet one since Evan had to euthanize Peter's beloved companion of many years, his dog, Hairy Harry, their relationship has grown stronger and more satisfying as time goes on. Peter loved Hairy Harry very much. Even though he misses Hairy Harry, getting another dog feels like a betrayal, like replacing him, which simply can't be done. Evan knows that Peter misses having a dog and devises a plan, with the help of their friends, to find another dog that will win his heart right away; little Hazel fits the bill perfectly.

Peter is usually practical and levelheaded, but when he discovers that his ex-wife is being abused by her married lover, he loses it and threatens to take the kids. When she makes every effort to be rid of her lover and he hurts her again, Peter goes to the rescue and comforts her. Regardless of what has happened between them, his children are his priority and he doesn't want them overly upset by holding on to animosity toward their mother. Peter is, by far, the more practical of the two. He's constantly reeling Evan in, who, although he means well, can be quite outspoken and rambunctious at times; Peter is the glue that keeps their relationship stable. Even though being with a man is new territory for Peter, he's learning; there's no one in the world he'd rather be with than Evan. In the middle of all this is sweet little Hazel, the adorable puppy who keeps both Peter and Evan on their toes, while also filling an important spot in their hearts and lives.

Evan can be very direct but his friends have grown accustomed to his bluntness and love him in spite of it. Everyone knows exactly where he stands on issues and, if they don't, he's more than happy to fill them in. He can't cook and he hates it but he keeps trying to learn. It's not below him to ruin a meal on purpose to try to get out of his culinary duties. He knows that Peter will save the day. As far as Peter's children go, Evan realizes their importance to Peter and knows they come first. Whatever he can do to help, Evan does without question. One of his goals in life is to keep Peter happy and safe. Evan knows that if his children are hurting, so is Peter; that's simply not acceptable. They don't always agree on everything though, and the latest difference of opinion has to do with their neighbor, Jessie, and his boyfriend, Dan. Evan doesn't agree with the fact that Jessie puts his job first, goes away for long periods of time, leaving Dan alone. Jessie takes it for granted that Dan will wait for him; he expects Dan to be there, no matter what. Evan is upset by this attitude and tries to intervene, trying to make Jessie feel guilty, but Peter keeps telling him to stay out of it, something Evan obviously has trouble doing. Evan knows how it feels to be taken for granted and it's hard for him to see Dan in a similar situation.

In the continuing story of the lives and times of the gay couples associated with Dr. Evan Wells and his veterinary practice, I've shared their joys and sorrows; am entertained by their antics, attitudes, and, of course their British wit along the various and sundry dogs whose personalities set the pace for each story. I recommend this story to those who enjoy an amusing, sometimes serious, angsty glimpse into an interesting group of men and the dogs they love. I look forward to the next sequel. Thanks, Sue, for giving me another visit with the Lyon Road Vet gang.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format ebook
Length Novella, 104 pages/40000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date 22-September-2013
Price $2.99 ebook
Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/Hazel-Takes-Over-Lyon-Road-ebook/dp/B00FDYV54S