The Dog Who Chose Us

Small-town veterinarian Cyrus Vance is certain the guarded veteran bringing Brutus to his clinic every few days is finding excuses to see him. Cyrus is happy to play along—until a winter emergency exposes how much Jarek has been keeping to himself, and Brutus’s strange devotion takes on a new urgency. Can Cyrus reach the man behind the careful half-truths before Jarek decides their future for them? Slow burn, hurt/comfort, small-town romance, service-dog bond. Happily ever after (HEA). Closed door. Content note: terminal illness and a medical emergency.