This is a FF Romance. The writing style of this book was not for me. The romance was to fast because I feel they went form just meeting to into bed. The characters was ok, but I do not think they where super developed. I enjoyed the animals in this book, and what this book was trying to do. I did not like how the drugs was handle in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bold Strokes Books, Inc.) or author (Nancy Wheelton) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

The second book in the Thresherton series, it continues the story of Callie and lauren but this time they are bystanders to the tension between Ronnie the new English teacher and Valerie, Lauren's Veterinary Technician. It's definitely an opposites attract romance, Valerie is a young mother to Gwen, irons her sheets, cooks everything from scratch, cleans obsessively and is highly organised. Ronnie is chaotic, messy, orders Pizza, behind with her marking as she's rather be cycling but has a big heart. They both get involved in rescuing some horses from a barn fire and Ronnie is the only one with enough experience to care for them. There are a few anomalies in the text, Ronnie is described as being totally against drink driving and then drives after having wine with a meal. There is also a mean character trying to get Ronnie into trouble. Sometimes though things were raised and quickly resolved and at other times things escalated quickly without reason both of which felt jarring. Overall, I found the story enjoyable, especially the relationship between all the lesbians, of which there are many in this small town in Canada. The scenes with the animals were also very well written the author's experience as a vet shines through.

With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Valerie is an organized straight-laced single mother vet tech. She meets her daughter English teacher when asked to help her organize an activity day for the students.

Ronnie Yakamoto, who recently moved to small-town Thresherton is looking to leave behind her past and addiction. Buts she still needs to get her act together,

A stable fire throws them together in taking care of the horses. Getting to know Valerie motivates Ronnie to get her act together.

The book is an ok read, but Ronnie's tolerance and patience for Irene, her childhood friend is annoying. Irene is trouble only and Ronnie keeps risking her own well being by keeping company with Irene while knowing Irene is up to no good. For someone so set in leaving her addiction behind it was illogical seeing her tolerate Irene.

One of my favorites so far. Great job Nancy Wheelman. I love even though the dad had remarried he was so honest on why the redecorating was done. I laughed and cried reading this. It gets you right in the feel goods. Well written.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

This is the second book of the Thresherton Community series. You don’t need to read the earlier book to be able to follow this one but the earlier MCs, Callie and Lauren appear many times here. It usually bothers me not reading a series in sequence but this time round I just wanted to get a sense of Wheelton’s writing so I dived straight into this one which features a single parent / veterinary technician and an English teacher / riding coach trying to stay clean from pot.

I really wanted to like this book but I simply couldn’t. The biggest problem for me was that I couldn’t feel the attraction between the MCs and I blame this to the writing and character incompatibility. The only reason Ronnie and Val gravitated towards each other was because they were the only two single decent lesbians around town and I don’t think Wheelton even attempted to give us more than that. In fact, Ronnie thought that Val was “matronly” and “boring” at some point, which just made it all worse.

It didn’t help that Ronnie and Val were complete opposites and both their personalities were annoying as hell. They had nothing in common except for horses and even that was overshadowed by the antics of a villain character who served no real purpose to the book.

This is book 2 in the Thresherton Community series. I did read book one and thought it was okay - nothing that makes you go OMG. Veterinary Technician felt the same way for me as book 1. Nothing extraordinary and if anything only slightly better than book 1.

My main issue with this romance is that even though Val Conner is a really cool person, her love interest Ronnie Yakimoto isn't all that likable. Ronnie is really someone you wouldn't want to be involved with because she is flaky. Her issues from her past keep her this way. I didn't like Val running after her. The one bright spot is that the substance abuse issue. The author does a good job showing what substance abuse can be like and how a person can get over it.

This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I thought the characters Ronnie and Val were well developed. They both learned a few things from each other along the way. I especially loved how Ronnie tried to work through her issues before diving into a romantic relationship with Val regardless of the chemistry that existed between them. I loved the kids and the animals. I only wished that Ronnie had stood up to Irene sooner. I would recommend this book. 4 stars.




I received and ARC from Bolds Strokes Books Via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Thank You

Almost a 3 Star.

Valerie Connor, a loving mother, veterinary Technician, longs for love, but none of her relationships seem to last and fizzle out. As a single parent, she determined not to give her heart to someone who doesn't love her daughter as well as her home town.

Ronnie Yakimoto runs away from her life in the city to Thresherton, a small town. She's there to teach students and try to keep a peaceful life. She's cleaned her life up after hitting rock bottom due to an addiction, she plans on staying clean.

Val and Ronnie are thrown together when the local horse stables are threatened. They need to work together but neither one of them ever thought that love was on the cards.

Honestly, I'm not sure about this book. It was ok... a bit plain. Something is missing, but can't put my finger on it. As the storyline progressed the chemistry began to develop between the pair, but it seemed to be too slow. The storyline does include addition, and this was written sensitively and the author wrote about it very well. There's some angst in the storyline and a very bitchy character named Irene.

I was given a copy for an honest review.

As it happened with the previous book that I read by this author, Veterinary Partner, there has been something that has almost completely ruined the story for me, which is a really hateful character. In this case it has been Irene, a supposed friend of one of the protagonists, but who does not stop causing problems with her attitude and her absurd behavior. But is Ronnie blind? Justification has a limit and Ronnie keeps accepting unbearable things over and over again. Then there's Ronnie's own behavior, which until we find out why she's acting that way, doesn't really make much sense. And finally Val, the veterinary technician in the title, she’s too suspicious in her reservations and doesn't treat poor Ronnie too well. Not even the fact that the leading couple of the previous book has an appearance in it has been a reason for its improvement for me.

I recognize that some parts have been pleasant to read and that the romance between Val and Ronnie has its good points. But overall it remains average.

There was a time or two that the author had the two young girls running out of or into the stable where they took lessons, most stables have rules against running on the property as it would scare the horses.

Also, there was an inconsistency in chapter 28. Irene had rode to see the horses with Ronnie. She got angry and left..but her truck was at Ronnie's house so it was unclear on how she left.

“Ronnie flinched inwardly at the thought of working with a woman as uptight as Val criticizing her every decision.”

This is a book on taking chances on the people you love and of them grabbing the chance to prove you right.

Ronnie Yakimoto, the new English teacher in small town Thresherton, Saskatchewan has a past. A past she wants no reminder of and is happy to live life the way she deems fit. A procrastinator, lazy and disorganised, she struggled with having to keep up with the organised Val and unwanted affections for her when they were paired as co-organisers for the school’s sports day.

Valerie Connor, the Veterinary Technician loves her small town, her daughter and her job. Though she is well liked in her town, she has difficulties finding love, especially the kind who does not run.

With Ronnie running from a past and fearful of commitments vs Val who longs for a love she can finally hold on to, the pair weathers acceptance, challenges and courage to catch love.

I love the subtle transformations in Ronnie, brought about by the patient and loving Val who showed that she was worthy of love. And a special mention to Ronnie’s buddy, Dover, I adore her wise and faithful best friend. This is the second series under the Veterinary series and readers will also get to follow up on the couple in Veterinary Partner - Callie and Lauren.

I just reviewed Veterinary Technician by Nancy Wheelton. #Veterinary Technician #Netgalley #Boldstrokebooks

Valerie Connor works at the local vet clinic in small town Thresherton. She is looking for love but her daughter is the most important person in her life. Ronnie Yakamoto is a school teacher and moves to Thresherton. She's making sure she's managing her addiction and it doesn't affect future relationships but is also looking for love.
This was a really difficult read for me. I found I couldn't connect with Ronnie at all, anyone who is really disorganised doesn't gel with me and we discover that in the first few chapters.  She had too many flaws for my liking, messy and immature and unfortunately it was hard to see her in relationship with anyone. Kudos for Val in putting up with that but now she might have to mother two children.  I did enjoy that the storyline encompasses the outdoors and animals.

** Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review! This review contains opinions that are only my own.

This book is the second book of a series, which I have not read. I don’t think it’s too confusing if you haven’t read the first but some of the characters are appearing in both.

This book was extremely lackluster and the writing style didn’t help it. The dialog is maybe one of the biggest downfalls, sometimes I would pause and think “do people really talk like this?” There is very little detail, especially during events. For example, there’s a huge build up to a school event in the first few chapters but the school event itself is only described in a single sentence as “going over well.” The other big events in this book come out of nowhere, are a big deal, and then forgotten. They were obviously thrown in just to keep the reader turning the pages. The ending was the fastest part of the book, and then I was left wondering if this was actually the ending?

The characterization is quite bland and the romance is only a romance because they’re the only single lesbians in town... they even say it themselves. When they develop feelings and finally act on them, it’s so forced because there is zero chemistry. I like opposites attract but these opposites are just annoying. I couldn’t stand Ronnie because she was so immature, but Valerie was so uptight. Also— Ronnie couldn’t stand her strict mother, so why would she feel romantically towards Valerie who has the exact persona... another thing that Ronnie admits in the book to Valerie.

I did like the animals in this book and it’s very clear the characters love animals too. The author went to veterinary school, so there is a lot of knowledge in those scenes. The main veterinarian was a great character.

I would say this book is extremely average, entertaining enough for me to finish but I’m relieved I finished it and I don’t want more of it. It’s not a life changing book but it’s worth a try if you like animals.

3.5 stars. I thought I would be onto a winner with this one - animals and romance should have been my thing, but this didn’t wow me. It’s a solid romance, with some good moments, but it didn’t wow me.

Val is a veterinary technician. She’s happy with her daughter and her friends and is hopeful one day she’ll be able to go to veterinary school. Whilst she’s happy she’s living a well organised somewhat rigid life and after some bad breakups isn’t sure she’s looking for a relationship.

Ronnie is relatively new to town. She teaches English at the school in town and helps with some extra-curricular activities. She has a background with animals from her teenage years and like Val is suffering from the effects of a breakup in her past. She’s also had addiction issues in the past.

I didn’t realise this was the second part in a series when I picked this one to read. I don’t think I missed anything by not having read Veterinary Partner - but I wish I had as I liked both Lauren and Callie whom the first book is about. The moments both of these characters appear are some of the better ones in the book so I think even though I wouldn’t return to this one, I will still make the time to go back to the original.

The book alternates point of view and the unfortunate thing for me about this was that both points of view were often just reasoning and feelings about why they shouldn’t be together. There’s a lot of stop start in their relationship - making this quite a significant slow burn.

I hadn’t read the blurb since choosing the book (a normal habit for me), so it came as a bit of a surprise to me how Ronnie’s addiction was introduced, as whilst we spend a lot of time with Ronnie clearly having issues with the idea of a relationship and failure in general, it isn’t explained why. I feel like I would have connected more with the book if it had been.

This wouldn’t be the first book I would think of to recommend, but I think it’s likely if you enjoyed the first part you’ll enjoy this one too and if you’re a romance and animal fan you’re likely to find something in this too.

I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Normally I am very happy with a book that features animals, children and a romance between two likeable women. And I don't want to say that this as a completely unenjoyable book, but it could have been so much better. As it is I guess it's a bit rough around the edges with storylines that actually feel like come out of nowhere to put the main characters together when they are repeatedly (and I do mean repeatedly) stating to themselves all the reasons why they shouldn't start something romantically. Both are portrayed as not wanting a relationship, yet the very first 6 pages are about both of them either checking out the local vet or starting to think about options when Val learns there is another single lesbian in their small town.
The other big gripe I had with the storyline is Irene; all animals dislike this trainer and a big deal was made about Dover (Ronnies dog) to not want to greet her and her treatment of horses and kids. You get a feeling there's more to that story, but it stays unresolved. The blurb mentions an addiction and wanting to stay clean, this was also handled in a very simplified and superficial manner. The first half of the book I even wondered if the blurb was maybe a mistake.

Anyways, aside from all that it's a book about Val and Ronnie. Val is a single mom, very organized and has her life in order. Ronnie is more of a free spirit, not organized at all in a sort of protest against her very strict upbringing. They meet through Val's daughter Gwen who has Ronnie as an English teacher and slowly Val and Ronnie start to do more and more things together. I actually liked their pairing as they both bring qualities that bring a little more balance.

I liked the potential of this book, but not so much the finished product as it is. If that makes any sense. I will give it 3 stars cause I finished the book and was at least a little bit invested in the outcome.

***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***

Nancy Wheelton. is a fantastic writer.

Veterinary Technician is a book that is about Valerie and Ronnie, Valerie and Ronnie are both written superbly. I enjoyed the book, but I didn't understand where saving horses was the significant part of the arc. It was more about helping out a friend, and Ronnie trusting herself again. The romantic scenes and Valerie, especially was well written. Overall it's an enjoyable read, but not sure about the overall plot with horses. There also wasn't a main antagonist in the story, except for Ronnie towards herself. Still an overall enjoyable read.

Before I started this book I didn’t realise it is actually a sequel to Veterinary Partner. I’ve read Veterinary Partner and while some of those characters make an appearance in this book I’m sure you can read this one without having read the first one.
I actually found it confusing from time to time as I think some of the events in this book coincide with the previous book and I thought I’d read it all before. It’s not to say that is the case, but it was just the slightest bit confusing.

Val has had some bad luck in love an in her small town in Saskatchewan it’s slim pickings. That is until the school hires a new English teacher. Ronnie has a troubled past and she is trying to settle down, find her own footing. Ronnie meets Val at school when they hold an open house, parents can shadow their kids that day. While Ronnie is out cycling, Val stops along the way and they spot a fire. Together they investigate it and end up saving several horses. Vet tech Val calls her friend and vet Lauren. With Ronnie’s experience with horses and Callie’s farm they end lodging some of the saved horses. Ronnie teaches beginner’s riding classes as well to Val’s and Callie’s daughters, Gwen and Becky. At the horse riding farm Ronnie meets her old pal Irene. An awful person who is part of Veterinary Partner as well. This is actually the only part where I feel it is sort of important to have read that book as well. It’s an important part of the backstory to have to fully understand what’s going on. Slowly but surely Val and Ronnie find their ways together, but Ronnie’s past rears up time and again. Can Ronnie, and Val trust themselves and each other enough to give it their all?

The blurb of the book to me is a bit misleading, yes all the things mentioned come up in the book, but by no means are they the most important parts of the story, it’s trust and “adulting”. I feel like there was a fair amount of conversation going on in this book about feelings, pasts and insecurities, but of course the break up happens at the 90% mark and it is just a bit too much and too rushed after that. I felt like they should have kept the conversation going, which was seemingly there before. I like Val in Veterinary Partner and I am happy to read her story, Gwen is also such an adorable character. Val is a sweetheart, but not naive, something that Ronnie does seem to be, especially when it comes to Irene. Or Ronnie just is just way too soft, either way, that irked me. Val and Ronnie are well suited for each other and their story is sweet.
I really enjoy Nancy Wheelton’s writing style and story telling, maybe in the next book have even more communication and no breakup at the 90% mark, preferably a bit sooner or maybe for an amazing change in the genre, none at all.

Vet technician, hopefully universally turned to ‘veterinary nurse’ soon, Val Connor is a single mom in a small town in Canada. At twenty five, she’s the mother of eight year old Gwen, her only deviation from an otherwise perfect existence. Ronnie Yakimoto is Gwen’s English teacher and transplant from a bigger city. She has recovered from marijuana addiction and is trying to enjoy settling in a new place, while leaning on her work and road cycling. She then collides with Val a few times in events that leave them wishing for what seems like an unattainable happily ever after.

I’m sad to say this one was a complete miss for me. This novel is the second in the series but I do not think one needs to read the first one to follow the story. I suppose this is a tale of opposites attract, but it felt more like opposites that should not be together got together because they are the only available lesbians in town. Or something along those lines. The chemistry felt forced and that is, unfortunately in this case, something I need in my romance reads.

Val was the likable character for me. The responsible one, juggling motherhood with a career and still dreaming of a chance to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine. That said, she irons her sheets. Did you guys read that? I’ll say it again, she irons the sheets before making her bed. I’ll leave you with that thought. Ronnie was the unlikable character for me. Immature, lazy, dirty/messy, not ready to settle, yet bought a house (that she can’t really afford) in a little town. She has baggage from growing up with a very strict mother. The back and forth about just a dinner date was ridiculous and prompted me to ‘tell’ Val she had no business pursuing Ronnie. The date was painful to read about, ended abruptly, yet the characters somehow ‘had a good time’.

The animals were written well and enriched the story for the most part. I wish the evil characters would have done the same. Irene (pot smoking, harsh horse trainer and old friend of Ronnie’s) was such a turnoff to read about that it distracted me from the story. Never actually found out why all the animals were afraid of her-yes, the demeanor, but it felt like the author was building towards a bigger reveal that never came. Villains were very black and white and just rough around the edges. In fact, the story telling felt rough around the edges altogether. The title was even bland. Maybe it gets a bit of attention because of the profession but what if it was titled ‘English Teacher’? Just another example of what seems a bit of an unpolished product.

Finally, if the drug abuse was such an integral part of the plot, it should have been developed differently. It seemed like such a bigger deal at the end of the book versus what I was under the impression all along. Maybe Ronnie getting in trouble with the law or describing her desire to smoke marihuana again from the beginning of the book would have helped portray the seriousness of her addiction more accurately. The big conflict was very predictable and the resolution was very easy, even after a firm stand by one of the mains.

This one may resonate more with people that can identify with the characters, but for me, it is a pass. 2 stars

ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ronnie Yakimoto is a school teacher in small town Thresherton, Saskatchewan. She is trying to put down roots and live a clean life enjoying competitive cycling and teaching horseback riding over the summer. She is messy and disorganized. Valerie Connor is a single mom and veterinary technician looking for a new relationship that will include someone to love her daughter. They get to know each other as Ronnie needs help organizing a sports day at school.

The story takes it time to develop friendship first and spans early spring to the beginning of school in the fall. I liked the two MC's but their personalities types were too extreme. I honestly had a hard time seeing them as a couple except they seemed to be the only two singles in town. I liked that each character made changes in their lives that seemed natural and were inspired by each other. Ronnies background is a mess and Val was very patient in dealing with her. But the ending incident shows how fragile the relationship continues to be. I'm not sure I bought into their HEA but am hopeful for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Valerie is vet technician she loves what she do but she longs to find love you she wants someone who not only loves her but her daughter too.

Ronnie life was a mess but now that she doing well all she wants is a peaceful and stable life and she thinks she found it in Thresherton where she got a job as teacher.

Val and Ronnie meet through her daughter but learn of each through mutual friends who was in the first book it was nice seeing Lauren and Callie. As they both get thrown together to help injured horses they learns things about each other but will this be a start of something they both never thought they find in each other. Enjoyable Read.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.