R.G. Willems

If you’ve ever loved a dog, you will love TARGETS OF AFFECTION.

Mind you, two paragraphs into the story, I thought I’d throw up. The protagonist works at a veterinary clinic, so there is blood galore—a bit heady if you’re not used to it—but tolerable.

Shelby James, the veterinary technician, is eminently likeable. With the exception of her in-laws (who are a bit too predictable), the characters are complex and interesting. And when everyone behaves in character, it can be downright endearing—even the unfriendly staff vet!