Friday, June 9, 2017

Review - - About a Dog


About a Dog
By Jenn McKinlay
A Bluff Point Romance - Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Reviewed by PJ
       




Only a promise to be her best friend's maid of honor could convince Mac Harris to return to her hometown, the site of her most painful humiliation. After being left at the altar then secretly taking comfort in the arms of her best friend's younger brother, Mac fled Bluff Point, Maine and has been living a no-risk life in Chicago for the past seven years. But now she's heading back to Maine for two weeks of wedding festivities, her no-commitment Chicago boyfriend wants to "take a break," and the bride-to-be has paired Mac with groomsman Gavin, the same younger brother who rocked Mac's world seven years ago. 

Sexy veterinarian, Gavin Tolliver can't remember a time when he didn't love Makenzie Harris. He hasn't seen her in seven years and, yes, he moved on with his life when she ran from their hometown after their one memorable encounter, but Gavin's feelings for Mac run deep and he's determined to not waste one minute of opportunity when Mac returns for his sister's wedding. 

Mac's emotional walls are high but the current of desire is strong between these two. With a little help from their friends, Mac's quirky aunts, and an adorable puppy, these two might just have a shot at a happy ending...if someone trying to keep them apart doesn't ruin it first. 

This was my first book by Jenn McKinlay but it sure won't be my last. I fell in love with the town of Bluff Point, the wonderfully crafted characters, the surprising emotional depth, the humor, and, of course, Tulip, a steal-your-heart puppy rescued by Mac. I adored Mac and Gavin as a couple. These are likable, realistically drawn characters who I couldn't help but pull for. Gavin melted my heart and I was in his corner all the way yet I completely understood the obstacles that Mac had to conquer in order to fully commit. I appreciated the gradual journey they traveled. 

McKinlay has gathered a collection of vibrant secondary characters to surround the main couple. Mac's two aunts, single ladies in their retirement years who have decided to live life to the fullest, are feisty, endearing, and just plain fun. Mac's and Gavin's group of hometown friends, female and male, who I hope we'll be seeing much more of in future books, are realistic and fun with the easy conversation, conviviality, and unrestricted honesty that comes with long-time friendships. The characters we love to hate are also realistically drawn with three that I'd like to drop-kick off a cliff though McKinlay throws in a couple twists that changed my mind about a fourth one. It will be interesting to see if that character continues to evolve in future books. And, of course, I can't forget Tulip, a scruffy, abandoned Pit-Boxer mix puppy who steals hearts and darn near steals the whole show. 

If you're looking for a fun, heart-tugging, small-town romance that will have you smiling, laughing, and sighing, I enthusiastically recommend you add About a Dog to your summer reading list. 



Do you enjoy animals in the romances you read?

Dogs or cats? Or something else?

What books are on your summer reading list?

One randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, June 10, 2017 will receive a print copy of About a Dog
(U.S. only)




37 comments:

  1. I enjoy dogs in novels since they add humor, emotion and give depth. There are many wonderful books on my summer reading list. Magpie Murders, The Sunshine Sisters, The Late Show.

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    1. Looks like you have some interesting reading ahead, traveler.

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  2. This sounds like the perfect summer reading, I'm adding it to my TBR list! Thanks!

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  3. I do enjoy animals in the romances I read because it lets you see another side of the characters when they are dealing with an animal. On my list to read right now is The Thing About Love by Julie James.

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    1. I do enjoy animals in the romances I read because it lets you see another side of the characters when they are dealing with an animal.

      This is especially true in this book, Maureen.

      On my list to read right now is The Thing About Love by Julie James.

      I have it on my list too. Love her books!

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  4. I enjoy any kind of animal in a story! Most of my reading list involves historicals but I make exceptions for stories like this.

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    1. I'm such a softie when it comes to animals, especially dogs and cats.

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  5. I do! I didn't used to (per se) and I would be picky about the dog on the cover. *LOL* But now I'm good with about just whichever dog you include. And I love heroes with cats too. Tulip sounds ADORBS. Definitely the kind of dog I would have gone for even in my picky days. It's one of my favorite things about Kristin Higgins novels, once I got into her novels (because I did put her off a while because there was always a pet on the cover and I just wasn't sure...) But once I got into them, I got into them big.

    I wouldn't be cool with snakes, but should a hero/ine want to have a pet bearded dragon, that might be a hoot. (Teresa Medeiros certainly used it to hilarious effect in ONCE AN ANGEL.) Honestly, a character with a bunch of plants would likely win me over. It just reveals such a nurturing side, you know? Who doesn't love that?

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    1. OH, books on my summer list: the upcoming Hellcat Canyon book, the newest Tessa Dare (but I think that's almost September before that comes out), and I think there's a Sarah Maclean out soon. (I need to look at my Amazon pre-orders. *LOL*)

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    2. I'm laughing about the dogs on the cover of Kristan Higgins' books putting you off at first. I discovered her because of the dog on the cover! ;-)

      Yeah, I don't think I'd be too crazy about a snake either. When I first moved into my condo, my then next door neighbor had a pet snake and I lived in fear of that thing getting loose.

      My youngest brother had a pet iguana when he was younger. Took some getting used to but Charlie (the iguana) finally won me over.

      All three of those books are on my list too:
      DIRTY DANCING AT DEVILS LEAP by Julie Anne Long 8/29
      THE DUCHESS DEAL:GIRL MEETS DUKE by Tessa Dare 8/22
      THE DAY OF THE DUCHESS by Sarah MacLean 6/27

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  6. I like animals in stories. I think I prefer dogs, because I feel that they're more likely to bring a couple together. Cats seems too intelligent to be bothered.

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    1. LOL! Cats tend to give off that "yeah, whatever" vibe, don't they? However, I do know some who are very snuggly, loving, and devoted to their humans. My brother has one.

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  7. This sounds like a perfect summer romance. I do like animals, especially dogs, in stories. Animals can add humor and emotion. My summer reading list includes Linda Broday's The Heart of a Texas Cowboy, Sarah Morgan's New York Actually, Terri Osburn's Her Hope and Dreams, and Suzanne Enoch's My One True Highlander.

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    1. Terri Osburn's Her Hopes and Dreams was one of my best books of 2016. It's a terrific book!

      I really enjoyed Suzanne Enoch's My One True Highlander too. So much fun!

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  8. I love animals in any books I read. I prefer cats to dogs, although some literary dogs can be really cute! On my summer reading list is The Best of Adam Sharp, various cozy mysteries, and About A Dog! Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. Welcome, Autumn! Thanks for mentioning The Best of Adam Sharp. I hadn't heard about that book but I like Graeme Simsion's writing and the book sounds good. Adding it to my list!

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  9. I love animals in the books I read. I probably prefer cats, but a lot of dogs in the books I read are so cute. Too many books on my summer reading list to name. Would love to win this book!

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  10. I like having an animal in a story.
    Any animal friend adds interest to the story.
    Can't wait to read the book.
    thanks.

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    1. I like them too, Mary, probably because I like them so much in real life. ;-)

      Thanks for visiting!

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  11. Dogs are my favorite in books since they are sensitive creatures. I have historicals on my summer reading list.

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  12. Once again, your beautifully written review has me ready to read the book. I do love dogs (as well as cats) so I enjoy having them as part of my characters life. (Makes them feel like a person I would want to know.) This book sounds like a great addition to my summer reading list...just added it!! And also nice to be introduced to a new-to-me author!

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  13. Sold! I am definitely adding this to my Must Read list! I love pets in stories, dogs mainly, but any pet with personality will win me over. Thanks for the rec! I'll be sure to share with others so they may enter the giveaway, and it was so much fun chatting with you yesterday. Smiles! LLL

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  14. Love heart wrenching and dogs in novels.

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  15. I love animals, preferably dogs, and kids in my romances. As mentioned above, I think showing the hero or heroine interact with either is a great way to develop and/or further characterization. I was the same with Kristan Higgins, Hellie! LOL It took me a while to get into her writing. The Blue Heron series sealed the deal for me!

    This one sounds good, PJ, I'll have to check it out. My summer reading list includes JAL's DIRTY DANCING AT DEVILS LEAP; STAY by Sarina Bowen/Elle Kennedy, SERENITY HARBOR by RaeAnne Thayne, and RESURRECTION by Karina Bliss. Unfortunately, I have to wait until the end of summer for Karina's!

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  16. About A Dog is on my list. I love Jenn McKinlay's books. Also on my summer reading list is Jill Shalvis' Lost and Found Girls, Robyn Carr's Any Day Now, Jamie Beck's Before I knew, Donna Kaufman's Blue Hollow Falls, Jessica Lemmon's Eye Candy, and Violet Duke's All There Is. I'm sure there will be plenty more too!!

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  17. I like stories which include dogs and cats. For me, it shows the humanity of the characters. I like the sound of this story. Not sure which books are in my future....Lots of choices.

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  18. I enjoy dogs or cats in my stories. They add more warmth to a story and also add more depth to the characters in the book through their interactions with the animals.
    There are so many great books either recently out or coming out soon....I'm already a month behind on my Kindle....but looking forward to catching up! 😊

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  19. I love animals in books, especially dogs and cats. They both add something different to a storyline. Animals enrich our lives in so many ways and even in books.

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  20. I like books with dogs especially the k-9 ones but anything with an animal is good for me.

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  21. I can't imagine life without pets so having animals in books is completely natural to me.

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  22. I LIKE STORIES THAT HAVE DOGS IN THEM.
    NATTY'S MAMA

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  23. I <3 dogs and cats in my books, and even like horses and other livestock. This book is on my list for summer, along with books by Lauren Layne, Erin Nicholas, Nora Roberts, Emily March and Susan Mallery.

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  24. I do like dogs in books, they can have such interesting personalities. Looking forward to checking out the new book and Bluff Point! Thanks for the chance to win.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. I do like dogs in books as well; they have wonderful personalities and are like another family memember.
    PattyB43

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