Carly Kennedy is a PR consultant struggling to get her business going following a recent layoff. She owns a Bassett hound named Baxter who’s walked three times a week by a guy named Brant. Max Sheffington is a scientist who owns a Bassett hound named Hazel who’s also walked by Brant. One day both Carly and Max return to their respective homes to find their pooches with completely different personalities and behaviors. It’s soon clear there’s been a mixup but Brant’s nowhere to be found (you’ll need to read the book for those details). After some effort, Carly tracks down Max and their first meet is anything but cute.
This story had just the kind of start I was looking for and I settled in for what I believed would be a delightful romantic comedy. There’s lots of humor but also so much more that elevates this out of the genre and that’s a good thing. Carly has lots of issues going on at the moment and losing Baxter was the least of it. Between her difficult clients, extremely dysfunctional family and money pressures, she is strung pretty tight. Despite all of that, Max finds her highly appealing and pushes through his shyness to connect with her, of course using Hazel as a lure. He’s got his own issues as he’s competing for tenure and concerned about his severely autistic adult brother being cared for by his aging father.
There’s a lot to sink your mind into but Hazel and Baxter still manage to steal the show. I loved any time or anything that includes these adorable furry babies and they provide not only comic relief but the means to help develop Carly and Max’s relationship, which evolved nicely and slowly. I opted for the audio version and the narrator captured both of them very well, somehow managing to bring out their best and worst as the occasion demanded. There are lots of unique secondary characters who were distinguished perfectly. I liked everything about this story, even when it was annoying because of Carly’s awful family and a bizarre turn that righted itself, and am looking forward to continuing the series.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 25, 2020
- Series: Lucky Dog #1
- Narrator: Courtney Patterson
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 15 minutes
- Publisher: Tantor Audio
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(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
This looks so cute and I’m not even partial to Basset hounds, yet I found myself going “awww” just reading your review. I love that this story has meat to it. I enjoy the genre so much more when there is cute AND depth. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I didn’t know what to expect as London is a new-to-me author so this was great surprise. I’m not partial to Bassets either but Hazel and Baxter are adorable.
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This does sound good and that cover well…it’s instant love! Wonderful review, Jo!…..and Merry Christmas too!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Hazel and Baxter will delight you.
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Sounds wonderful Jo definitely adding this Goodreads!
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Yay! Nicki, I believe you’d enjoy it💜
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I’m pretty sure I read and enjoyed a later book in the series. I know that’s not something I do much but it’s easier with romance genre. Wonderful review! I may have to go back and pick this one up.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I go the second one but asked for the first one, too. You’d love this.
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This sounds like such a sweet, romantic story. I love books where animals, especially dogs, bring couples together. Wonderful review Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It turned into something sweet after a rocky start. I believe you’d love this one.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. I really loved this book as well as the second book in the series. The dogs definitely steal the show and are so adorable.
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Thank you, Suzanne💜 I’ve got the second book in the queue!
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Sounds like a book I would like! Lovely review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Julie💜 Yes, I think you’d very much enjoy this one.
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Sounds like a really cute story. I agree that pets always add extra to a story.
Melanie @ Books of My Heart
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