CHASING STANLEY

Author: Deirdre Martin ISBN: 0425214478 2/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

What do a New York City dog trainer and a pro hockey player have in common? They both love Stanley, an adorable but naughty Newfoundland... When dog trainer Delilah Gould spots a rambunctious Newfoundland disobeying orders, she can't help stepping in and teaching the gentle giant to heel. But it's his hunky owner she'd really like to teach a few tricks. Too bad he's clearly the untrainable kind. Professional hockey player Jason Mitchell is thrilled when he's traded to the New York Blades—the team of his dreams. There's just one problem: his pooch isn't adjusting to city life too well. Good thing he crosses paths with dog trainer Delilah Gould. At least that's what he thinks—until he realizes he's fallen for her. Now, with the season heating up, Jason realizes he'll have to score big-time to win the Stanley Cup and the woman who has tamed his dog and unleashed his heart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The opening paragraph of CHASING STANLEY is not only a guaranteed attention grabber, it pretty much sets the tone for this extremely funny, tugging-on-the-heartstrings novel.

CHASING STANLEY is a charming, insightful take on love and relationships. The vivid characterizations of the two lead characters, the exciting glimpse into professional hockey, the blending of witty with weightier issues all combine to give Ms. Martin's story a poignant, feel good appeal.

The heroine and the hero of CHASING STANLEY are two well-drawn, likeable, intriguing 'opposites attract' characters. Their sometimes shaky, sometimes hot relationship is at times tender, at times strained, but always engaging.

Ms. Martin achieves a nice balance with the heroine, Delilah Gould, whose crippling shyness is definitely a social skills handicap. Her insecurities, her fears, her relationship with her wacky parents are heartfelt and believable.

Big, bad professional hockey player Jason Mitchell is simply adorable. His acceptance of Delilah's shyness problems are at times so sweet, readers will alternately feel like crying and cheering. Jason's complicated relationship/rivalry with his twin brother, Eric, is both funny and true-to-life.

Delilah and Jason are the beating heart of CHASING STANLEY, but some kooky secondary characters give this story an added punch. Add a rascally Newfoundland named Stanley to the mix and you have another treat.

Ms. Martin has created a genuinely touching story that will keep readers glued to the pages. Fast-paced with crisp dialogue and two wonderfully neat characters, CHASING STANLEY is a sparkling gem.

Debbie Jett