It was love at first sight. For their dogs.

Cody Jones didn't expect to ever return to Applebottom, planning a long life of military service and world travel.

But a devastating injury in Iraq narrows his options, so he begrudgingly helps his mother expand her doggy bakery until he figures out what's next.

And in walks Melody Hopkins.

Melody is dead broke and takes a summer job painting the new pet store to pay the bills. She's new to Applebottom and has never encountered the moody, brutally handsome Cody Jones. She isn't sure she can work around him, but then her tiny Pomeranian Mistletoe refuses to leave Cody's service dog, a gorgeous Golden Retriever named Tyrus.

The town notices their reluctant friendship and puts them in charge of a grand opening celebration sure to draw visitors to the new store — a Christmas in July pet parade.

Cody doesn't want to show off his injury to the whole town, but Melody's infectious optimism convinces him to try. Besides, his service dog Tyrus can't seem to live without Melody's little fluff ball. What's a veteran and a dog dad to do?

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Don't miss the other standalone Applebottom books by Abby Tyler:

— The Sweetest Match
— The Perfect Disaster
— The Irresistible Spark
— The Unexpected Shelter
— Special Delivery
— Belated Kiss