S.B. Alexander's Blog

Looking for your next enemies to lovers obsession? Craving that perfect alpha hero who’ll make your heart race? The complete Hart Series is now live in Kindle Unlimited – and Boston’s most dangerous family is ready to steal your heart.Four Siblings. Four Explosive Love Stories. One Unforgettable Series.

The Hart Series delivers everything romantic suspense readers crave: gritty Boston underworld settings, romantic tropes like enemies to lovers, second chance romance, brother’s best friend romance, and more that’ll leave you breathless, and alpha heroes who fight as hard for love as they do for survival. Each standalone novel follows a Hart sibling as they navigate the dangerous legacy left by their past – and discover that sometimes the greatest risk is opening your heart.

What Makes The Hart Series Irresistible?

Enemies to Lovers tension that sizzles off the page
Second Chance Romance with emotional depth
Alpha Hero characters who protect what’s theirs
Opposites Attract dynamics that create explosive chemistry
Brother’s Best Friend Romance tropes fans can’t resist
Boston underworld setting that’s both gritty and captivating

Meet the Hart Siblings

Book 1: Hart of Darkness – Meet Dillon Hart and Maggie Marx as the former gang rivals team up to find Dillon’s baby sister. The closer they get to the truth, the higher the stakes and the harder it is to tell where the lies end and the feelings begin in this enemies to lovers romance.

Book 2: Hart of Vengeance – Meet Denim Hart and Jade Kelly as the two high school lovebirds reunite among danger, a past rife with criminals, and an enemy who wants them both dead in this second chance romantic suspense.

Book 3: Hart of Redemption – Meet Duke Hart, the oldest of the brothers and the front man for a dangerous cartel family, and Fallyn Williams, ATF Agent, who is hired to bring him down in this forbidden romantic suspense.

Book 4: Hart of Hope – Meet the baby sister of the family, Grace Hart and Brian McCauley, Duke’s best friend, as Brian’s dangerous past collides with Grace and the man who’s stalking her in this brother’s best friend, forbidden romance.

What Readers Are Saying

“An enemies to lovers romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

“Pulse pounding tension that will have you turning pages.”

“The whole situation of federal agent and criminal together is rife with problems from the get-go. I was so intrigued by how their relationship could be salvaged… if it could at all. The way the author wrote their ending was terrific; it was a lot more realistic and acceptable than a fairy tale one.”

Why Kindle Unlimited Romance Readers Will Devour This Series

Romance readers know there’s nothing better than discovering a complete series you can binge-read without breaking the bank. The Hart Series offers:

Complete series available now – no waiting for the next book!Standalone novels that can be read in any order (but trust us, you’ll want them all)Interconnected storylines that reward series readersDiverse romantic suspense tropes – from enemies to lovers to brother’s best friend romanceEmotional depth that goes beyond the steamy scenes

 

Perfect For Fans Of:

Enemies to lovers romance with high stakesAlpha hero romantic suspenseSecond chance romance seriesBrother’s best friend forbidden loveOpposites attract dynamicsBoston/urban romantic suspense settingsGet Started Today

The complete Hart Series is available now in Kindle Unlimited!

Ready to fall for Boston’s most dangerous family? Start with any book – each Hart brother’s story stands alone, but together they create an unforgettable romantic suspense experience.

Series Reading Order:

Hart of Darkness: HOD Kindle UnlimitedHart of Vengeance: HOV Kindle UnlimitedHart of Redemption: HOR Kindle UnlimitedHart of Hope: HOR Kindle Unlimited

 

Or buy the complete series bundle: Hart Series Bundle

The Hart Series joined Kindle Unlimited on August 9, 2025. Each book is a standalone novel with HEA guaranteed. Contains mature themes and steamy scenes perfect for adult romance readers.

The post The Hart Series is Now Available in Kindle Unlimited! 🔥 appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

I'm so excited that Crazy For You is finally released to the world. It's such a special book and is near and dear to my heart. I've dedicated it to my husband. And hope you will give it a try.

Dedication:

To my husband of twenty-two years who is the most courageous, honorable, moral, and wonderful man I have ever met. His battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, has been a challenging journey for the last five years. But through the ups and downs and twists and turns, he always has a smile on his face. He’s the love of my life and my soulmate, and I’m honored to call him my hero.

With all the love in my heart.
Susan

One click: Universal Link: https://readerlinks.com/l/1654380

We're counting down. 2 DAYS until Crazy For You is live!

Pre-order here: Universal Link: https://readerlinks.com/l/1654380

We're 15 days away from the release of Crazy For You. I can't for to share Skyler and Colton with the world.

The ebook is now available for pre-order here. https://readerlinks.com/l/1654380

I'm excited to announce that Hart of Vengeance is now available for preorder and will release on May 8th, 2020. This is the second book in the Hart Series, however, Hart of Vengeance can be read as a standalone. The story focuses on the younger of the three Hart brothers as he strives to clear his name for a murder he didn't commit. If you love a second chance romance, nail-biting suspense, family drama, a bad-boy hero, a story with twists and turns, and set on the dark streets of Boston, then you’ll love Denim and Jade’s HEA story.

Blurb:

Love is the deadliest enemy of all.

Convicted murderer Denim Hart swears he didn’t kill one of the most notorious gang leaders in Boston. When he’s released, his first order of business is to clear his name. But he has no clue where to begin. The only witness who could help him disappeared before his trial began.

He might not need the witness when the FBI offers him a deal to expunge his record in exchange for his help. But Denim isn’t a snitch, and no way is he interested in helping The Feds take down his older brother. No matter how many times Denim tells them no, he’s caught in the middle with no way out.

Yet, the FBI is the least of his worries. There’s a contract out on his head. Now, his plan to reconnect with the woman who tortured his dreams for the last eight years is thwarted. Under no circumstances can he let her back into his life. Not until it’s safe.

If Jade Kelly doesn’t find a job soon, her next home will be in some dark alley in Boston. It’s critical she doesn’t screw up her interview with one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. Getting the job might be easy, but keeping it quite another, especially when she learns her potential boss, Kelton Maxwell, is representing the one man she never expected to see again—the one man who walked away from her in high school. The same man who’s incarcerated for murder.

As soon as Denim reappears in Jade’s life, she’s unsure if she should run for the hills or run straight into his arms. She could never resist his seductive charm, and she quickly learns it’s not his sexy ass she needs to run from, but the dangerous gang leader who wants her dead.

Check out the Book Trailer:

PREORDER THE EBOOK HERE:

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PURCHASE PAPERBACKS HERE:

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ADD TO YOUR TBR HERE:

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Haven't read Hart of Darkness – Dillon Hart's story, check it out here: >>>> HART OF DARKNESS

The post Hart of Vengeance – Preorder Available appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

Are you ready for some football mixed with romance and banter?

Unforgettable is now live on Amazon and FREE to read if you're a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber. 

[image error]Synopsis:

He’s a football god.

She’s the daughter of a Texas senator.

Their chemistry is like oil and water.

My name is Ryker James. I hate when people tell me what to do. I’m cocky, ornery, and I take things when I want them. Caring isn’t in my vocabulary unless it’s related to football or my family, and I just lost my entire family in a blink of an eye. Now all I have is football. The problem is the misery, the drinking, and the parties have more appeal to me. But Lakemont University wants that championship. Fans want to see wins on the scoreboard, and my teammates salivate to crush our opponents every game. But the only pass I might be throwing is at the auburn-haired girl who waltzes into my life. She’s fire. I’m ice. A combination that doesn’t work. So let the games begin.

My name is Haven Hale, and I’d been tucked away in a boarding school most of my life. Now I’m a big-time college girl, and all I see is freedom in front of me. But first, I have to agree to my father’s demands—no media attention and no sororities. If I can follow those two edicts, then college life should be a breeze. Until one close encounter with Ryker James, and Father Dearest has changed the game. Stay away from the big, bad quarterback, or face my father’s wrath. There’s only one problem. I can’t help who I’m attracted to, and Ryker James is a magnet, built to attract any female, constructed to make any girl’s heart sputter, and my heart is beating off the charts. But it’s time to choose between the devil I know and the one I don’t.

This is stand alone new adult romance with an HEA. Intended for audiences 18+

Readers are loving Ryker and Haven:

“This author constantly surprises me with her books! This is definitely a favorite for me!! The emotion had me bawling my eyes out, and I did what I could to keep my kindle dry.” Book Dragon Girl

“This is hands down one of my favorite books by S.B. Alexander!  I loved the push and pull nature of Ryker and Haven’s romance and the chemistry was electric – it scorched the pages of my kindle!” Siobhan Davis, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Kennedy Boys Series

“These characters have not only explosive chemistry, but a deeply rooted connection to each other’s souls.” Piper’s Romance Reads

“This was my first book from the author, and she definitely struck a chord from the beginning.” Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

“Unforgettable is a highly emotional tale. The story of Ryker and Haven has everything the reader needed and left us wanting more.” The Overflowing Bookcase

“Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was amazingly emotional and I loved every minute of it!” Goodreads Reviewer

“I’m completely wrecked! This book was phenomenal!” Goodreads Reviewer

“Wow! Ryker and Have are a match made in heaven.” Goodreads Reviewer

“This book was amazingly emotional and I loved every minute of it.” Book Reader Fanatic

“Alexander killed it with these two characters and I wasn’t ready for the story to end. I cannot wait to see if she gives any of the secondary characters stories because they deserve it.” Goodreads Reviewer

“Grief, intense competition, college life, and sexual desire all combine into an affecting and heartwarming tale.” Virge B.

Unforgettable is full of tragedy, conflict, redemption, and love. It’s a beautifully written story that you won’t be able to put down.” Neila F.

 

Read: UNFORGETTABLE CHAPTER 1

 

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The post Unforgettable – It’s LIVE! appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

OMG! I’m so excited to reveal the cover of my brand new standalone sports romance. I had a blast writing this book, and I can’t wait for its release on August 20, 2019. If you love football, romance, strong characters, and a story that will keep you turning pages, you'll love Unforgettable.

Early reviewers are saying:

“Grief, intense competition, college life, and sexual desire all combine into an affecting and heartwarming tale.” Virge B.

Unforgettable is full of tragedy, conflict, redemption, and love. It’s a beautifully written story that you won’t be able to put down.” Neila F.

[image error]Synopsis:

He’s a football god.

She’s the daughter of a Texas senator.

Their chemistry is like oil and water.

My name is Ryker James. I hate when people tell me what to do. I’m cocky, ornery, and I take things when I want them. Caring isn’t in my vocabulary unless it’s related to football or my family, and I just lost my entire family in a blink of an eye. Now all I have is football. The problem is the misery, the drinking, and the parties have more appeal to me. But Lakemont University wants that championship. Fans want to see wins on the scoreboard, and my teammates salivate to crush our opponents every game. But the only pass I might be throwing is at the auburn-haired girl who waltzes into my life. She’s fire. I’m ice. A combination that doesn’t work. So let the games begin.

My name is Haven Hale, and I’d been tucked away in a boarding school most of my life. Now I’m a big-time college girl, and all I see is freedom in front of me. But first, I have to agree to my father’s demands—no media attention and no sororities. If I can follow those two edicts, then college life should be a breeze. Until one close encounter with Ryker James, and Father Dearest has changed the game. Stay away from the big, bad quarterback, or face my father’s wrath. There’s only one problem. I can’t help who I’m attracted to, and Ryker James is a magnet, built to attract any female, constructed to make any girl’s heart sputter, and my heart is beating off the charts. But it’s time to choose between the devil I know and the one I don’t.

This is stand alone new adult romance with an HEA.

If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer and want to join in on the party, there's still time to sign up here>>>> SIGNUP FORM

Excerpt Reveal: August 7th

Release day blitz: August 20th

Blog Tour: August 26-30th

Add to your TBR on Goodreads here>>>> GOODREADS

Join my reader group on FB>>>> MAXWELLMANIA

The post Unforgettable – A New Adult Sports Romance appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

[image error]We’re one day away from the release of my latest book, Rescuing Riley! To celebrate this book in the Gold Coast Retriever Series, I’m writing blog posts about Golden Retrievers, giant California Redwoods, and today about the Golden Gate Bridge. I’m fascinated with bridges and how they were built.

I’ve got a theme going of dogs + California landmarks. It only seems apt to feature the one of the most beautiful bridges in the world in this post. The Golden Gate bridge just happens to be situated close to the fictional town of Redwood Cove where one of Rescuing Riley’s main characters lives.

So let’s take a closer look at this California legend that has been named one of the wonders of the modern world.

1. The bridge is feat of human engineering, not to mention persistence. It took more than a decade for the project to go from proposed idea to the beginning of construction partly because it was originally thought that it would not be possible to build the bridge.

The Golden Gate strait, which is the body of water the bridge spans, has strong, swirling tides, experiences strong winds, and at its centre the strait is 372 feet deep.

2. Despite the length of time it took to plan and engineer the bridge, building it only took a little over four years. Construction began in January 1933 and the bridge opened in May 1937. It was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

When it opened it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world.

3. Charles Alton Ellis was initially the primary structural engineer who worked on the bridge. However, he was fired by the project’s chief engineer and project overseer, Joseph Strauss. Unable to find work after his firing, Ellis continued to work on the project without being paid, turning in ten volumes of hand calculations for the structure. Even so, he was not credited for the part he played in the bridge’s construction until May 2007, when he was recognized for his contribution.

[image error]Strauss downplayed the contributions of others who worked on the project as well, wanting his name to be the one most closely associated with the bridge.

While Strauss can’t rightly claim all the credit, we can acknowledge him for the innovation of a moveable steel netting that was placed under the construction sites on the bridge. When ironworkers fell off the bridge they were caught by the netting, which saved many lives during the project.

4. Here are some interesting facts and figures about the project:

It used 1.2 million steel rivets
There were over 75 million tons of steel used
Despite concerns about the wind in the strait, the bridge has only been closed 3 times since opening because of wind
The bridge is ultra flexible in many ways. It moves up and down by up to 16 feet (!) because of temperature fluctuations

5. The Half-way to Hell Club. Back to those nets that Joseph Strauss invented. The men who fell off the bridge construction sites and into the nets formed a club. Ironworkers had a phrase for when one of theirs fell off a bridge and was killed; it was said he had ‘gone to hell’. So those who fell off the Golden Gate and landed in the nets were said to have only got half-way there.

The club was started by Alfred Zampa, who was one of the first men to survive a fall off the bridge. Zampa is a legendary ironworker who now has a bridge named after him.

6. Today, the bridge has a zipper. In 2015 a moveable barrier was installed to change the number of southbound and northbound lanes depending on traffic volume. In the morning, when most of the traffic is going south, from Marin County into San Francisco, there are 4 lanes going south, and 2 going north. In the afternoon rush hour, this ratio is reversed.

For years, orange pylons were all that separated the opposing lanes of traffic, resulting in some head-on collisions. In 2015 the bridge was closed for 45.5 hours to installed moveable medians. This was the longest the bridge had ever been closed. These moveable barriers are super cool. The barrier itself is articulated and to move it a truck – called a zipper – drives over top of it and moves the barrier over.

Have you ever been to San Francisco and driven over the bridge?

In case you missed the post on Golden Retrievers, click here. And the one on giant California Redwoods is here.

More about the series:

THE GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

There will be 6 books by 6 awesome and talented authors, 6 lovable golden retrievers, and 6 romantic suspense stories.

Saving Sarah by USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Storm
Rescuing Riley by S.B. Alexander
Guarding Grace by USA Today Bestselling Author Ann Omasta
Protecting Peyton by Becky Muth
Finding Felicity by P. Creeden
Helping Hanna by Emmie Lyn

Saving Sarah is now available. Following Saving Sarah will be Rescuing Riley on September 14, 2018 and then each week thereafter next book in the series will be released.

To find out more about the series and the authors visit Sweet Promise Press Gold Coast Retrievers.

RESCUING RILEY

Wedding planner Riley Lewis couldn’t wait to spend time with her best friend, Liza. But when she sets foot on California soil, she finds herself thrust into the arms of the handsome ex Navy SEAL Josh Bandon. But she’s not ready for a boyfriend, not after her recent breakup. Yet she can’t help how Josh makes her feel—alive and special.

Disabled veteran Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet in his hometown of Redwood Cove, California where sleepy is the term locals dubbed the resort town. But the bed and breakfast he manages for his dad is anything but sleepy, especially when his service dog, Charlie, greets a tall black hair goddess who makes his heart beat a little faster, something that hasn’t happened since high school.

But Josh isn’t ready to get his heart severed in two. Riley isn’t ready for a steady relationship. Yet the two have a hard time keeping things platonic. Whatever is brewing between them will have to wait when Josh’s cousin, Liza, goes missing, even more so when Riley doesn’t return from a day in San Francisco.

Now Josh is torn. Does he put all his efforts into finding Liza? Or does he tear up the landscape to rescue the one woman who grabbed a hold of his heart the minute Charlie greeted her?

Jump on over and read CHAPTER ONE now!

Find out more about the series and sign up to read the ARC here: GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

[Bridge photo courtesy Gerson Repreza and Unsplash.]

The post Rescuing Riley: 6 Things You Might Not Know About The Golden Gate Bridge appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

Continuing the celebration of the upcoming release of Rescuing Riley (book 2 in the Gold Coast Retriever series) I’m here today to talk about trees.

Specifically, giant California redwoods.

You see, one of the main characters in Rescuing Riley is Joshua Bandon, a disabled veteran, who lives in the fictional town of Redwood Cove, California. Redwood Cove borders California’s famous redwood forests and Joshua helps his father run a B&B that caters to tourists who come to visit the parks, and the trees, nearby.

So let’s explore some of what’s known about these magnificent trees, which provide so much majesty to northern California’s natural beauty.

[image error]1. Redwoods are among the tallest living things on earth. Mature trees regularly reach 200 to 240 feet high (that’s roughly the same height as a 20 story building) and 10 to 15 feet in diameter.

The tallest redwood on record is named Hyperion. It (he?) measures 380.3 feet tall (approx. 24 stories) and its location is kept secret to protect the tree.

2. Redwoods are long lived – averaging 500 to 700 years – and are resistant to disease. They have a thick bark with a high tannin content which protects them. It is estimated that redwoods have existed along the northern California coast for at least 20 million years.

3. Efforts began as early as the 1920s to save the giant trees from logging. Harvesting had begun in the mid 19th century to support booming development in San Francisco and other parts of northern California.

Redwood National Park was created in 1968, by which time 90% of the trees had been logged.

In 1980 The United Nations designated the four parks that make up the Redwood National and State Park (RNSP) a World Heritage Site in recognition of the rare ecosystem and cultural history found in the parks.

There are over 50 prehistoric archaeological sites within the park, spanning a history of 4500 years.

4. Famously, scenes from the Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, were filmed in the Tall Trees Redwood Grove. Scenes including the Avenue of the Giants, where landspeeders were filmed zipping through the giant trees.

Other movies that have used the forests as inspiring backdrop are Outbreak and The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

5. The summer fog that San Franciscans so often complain about actually plays an important part in redwoods’ survival. The heavy coastal fog that blankets the habitat of the redwoods in summer time is as important to their health as the rain that falls in the winter months.

The fog not only moistens the trees during the summer when they aren’t receiving rain to feed their roots, it brings with it nitrogen, which acts as a fertilizer.

Have you visited any of the parks with their magnificent redwoods in California?

In case you missed the last post on Golden Retrievers, click here.

More about the series:

THE GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

There will be 6 books by 6 awesome and talented authors, 6 lovable golden retrievers, and 6 romantic suspense stories.

Saving Sarah by USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Storm
Rescuing Riley by S.B. Alexander
Guarding Grace by USA Today Bestselling Author Ann Omasta
Protecting Peyton by Becky Muth
Finding Felicity by P. Creeden
Helping Hanna by Emmie Lyn

Saving Sarah will be released on September 7th, 2018. Following Saving Sarah will be Rescuing Riley on September 14, 2018 and then each week thereafter next book in the series will be released.

To find out more about the series and the authors visit Sweet Promise Press Gold Coast Retrievers.

RESCUING RILEY

[image error]Wedding planner Riley Lewis couldn’t wait to spend time with her best friend, Liza. But when she sets foot on California soil, she finds herself thrust into the arms of the handsome ex Navy SEAL Josh Bandon. But she’s not ready for a boyfriend, not after her recent breakup. Yet she can’t help how Josh makes her feel—alive and special.

Disabled veteran Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet in his hometown of Redwood Cove, California where sleepy is the term locals dubbed the resort town. But the bed and breakfast he manages for his dad is anything but sleepy, especially when his service dog, Charlie, greets a tall black hair goddess who makes his heart beat a little faster, something that hasn’t happened since high school.

But Josh isn’t ready to get his heart severed in two. Riley isn’t ready for a steady relationship. Yet the two have a hard time keeping things platonic. Whatever is brewing between them will have to wait when Josh’s cousin, Liza, goes missing, even more so when Riley doesn’t return from a day in San Francisco.

Now Josh is torn. Does he put all his efforts into finding Liza? Or does he tear up the landscape to rescue the one woman who grabbed a hold of his heart the minute Charlie greeted her?

Jump on over and read CHAPTER ONE now!

Find out more about the series and sign up to read the ARC here: GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

***

[Redwood trees image courtesy Michael Bryant and Unsplash.]

The post Rescuing Riley: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About California Redwoods appeared first on S.B. Alexander.

[image error]In celebration of my upcoming release of Rescuing Riley (Book 2 in The Gold Coast Retrievers Series from Sweet Promise Press) I thought it would be fun to shine a spotlight on golden retrievers.

First, here’s a little detail about Rescuing Riley and the series as a whole.

THE GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES

There will be 6 books by 6 awesome and talented authors, 6 lovable golden retrievers, and 6 romantic suspense stories.

Saving Sarah by USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Storm
Rescuing Riley by S.B. Alexander
Guarding Grace by USA Today Bestselling Author Ann Omasta
Protecting Peyton by Becky Muth
Finding Felicity by P. Creeden
Helping Hanna by Emmie Lyn

Saving Sarah will be released on September 7th, 2018. Following Saving Sarah will be Rescuing Riley on September 14, 2018 and then each week thereafter the next book in the series will be released.

To find out more about the series and the authors visit Sweet Promise Press Gold Coast Retrievers.

RESCUING RILEY

[image error]Wedding planner Riley Lewis couldn’t wait to spend time with her best friend, Liza. But when she sets foot on California soil, she finds herself thrust into the arms of the handsome ex Navy SEAL Josh Bandon. But she’s not ready for a boyfriend, not after her recent breakup. Yet she can’t help how Josh makes her feel—alive and special.

Disabled veteran Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet in his hometown of Redwood Cove, California where sleepy is the term locals dubbed the resort town. But the bed and breakfast he manages for his dad is anything but sleepy, especially when his service dog, Charlie, greets a tall black hair goddess who makes his heart beat a little faster, something that hasn’t happened since high school.

But Josh isn’t ready to get his heart severed in two. Riley isn’t ready for a steady relationship. Yet the two have a hard time keeping things platonic. Whatever is brewing between them will have to wait when Josh’s cousin, Liza, goes missing, even more so when Riley doesn’t return from a day in San Francisco.

Now Josh is torn. Does he put all his efforts into finding Liza? Or does he tear up the landscape to rescue the one woman who grabbed a hold of his heart the minute Charlie greeted her?

Jump on over and read CHAPTER ONE of Rescuing Riley.

Find out more about the series and sign up to read the ARC here: GOLD COAST RETRIEVERS SERIES.

Okay now, onto some fun facts about golden retrievers you might not know about this popular breed of dog.

1. The golden retriever breed was created in Scotland in the mid 19th century by a baron named Dudley Marjoribanks. (How great is that name? It would be a fantastic name for a dog!)

Anyway, the gentry at the time were in need of a dog that could capably handle the marshy and boggy land in Scotland, while also performing the duties of a dog that retrieved the birds in hunting parties’ showdown. So how was the breed really created? Well, the golden retriever was born by crossing a Tweed water spaniel (a breed that is now extinct) with a yellow-coated retriever. Then other breeds were added to the mix, including some Irish setter and St. John’s water dog of Newfoundland (also now extinct).

Currently there are three variants of golden retriever: British, American and Canadian.

2. Goldens have what is referred to as a ‘soft mouth’. This characteristic was developed deliberately so that when they were retrieving game (mostly birds) during a shoot they would gently hold the bird without damaging it as they returned it to their master.

[image error]3. Their disposition makes them great therapy dogs but poor guard dogs. Goldies tend to be friendly and welcoming to everyone. Therapy dog jobs can include comforting people in counseling sessions, reducing anxiety in children at school, and comforting hospice residents. But they also are good service dogs. In Rescuing Riley, the golden retriever’s job is helping his master who is hearing impaired.

4. Famous golden retrievers. Two US presidents have had golden retrievers. Gerald Ford and Ronald Regan had goldies while they were in office, named Liberty and Victory, respectively. Country singer Miranda Lambert has a Goldie named Waylon. Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino has a golden named Mosley who has his own Instagram account (@KingMosley). Oprah Winfrey famously adopted three golden puppies at once: Luke, Layla and Gracie. (I’m sure Ms. O had many sleepless nights that year!)

5. Dr. Stanley Coren, psychology professor and neuropsychological researcher, has judged goldens to be the fourth smartest dog breed, after border collies, German shepherds, and poodles.

However, Melissa McCarthy gave a funny interview on Ellen about her two golden retriever puppies, saying having them in her house was like living with supermodels.

[image error] Awwww……Lucy.

According to Melissa, her two dogs are gorgeous and never take a bad photo, but are lacking somewhat in the brains department.

According to the American Kennel club, golden retrievers are America’s third most popular dog breed after Labrador retrievers and German Shepherds. It’s not hard to see why. Goldens are gentle, friendly, smart and willing to work hard when they need to. They do shed, but their sunny personalities more than make up for that.

Have you ever owned a Golden Retriever? If not, what kind of dog do you have?

I don’t have a golden, but my Shih Tzu, Lucy, is gentle, friendly, and the best cuddle bunny in the world.

The post Rescuing Riley: 5 Fun Facts About Golden Retrievers appeared first on S.B. Alexander.