Pug Actually by Matt Dunn is a romantic comedy told in the perspective of the main characters pug named Doug. I decided to read this one because it sounded it was going to be a fun easy read. Ultimately, there were some parts that were hilarious but, there were some parts that really just didn’t sit right with me.

I loved Doug. He was my favorite part of the story. He had his little nuances as a Pug which made him completely believable and adorable. He is so protective of his owner Julie and her family which was sweet to read about. And he also made me laugh which is always a plus in a romantic comedy.

Unfortunately for Pug Actually, I didn’t really care for the main character of Julie. Honestly, she’s a hot mess. She’s involved with a married man and doesn’t seem to understand why this is problematic. She has a diminished self-worth and this makes her believe that the relationship she has is the one that she deserves. It was just frustrating to me as a reader because it took so long (and a little unsubtle pushing from Doug) for her to realize what was right in front of her.

I loved the voice that was given to the character of Doug. His outlook on his life and his references of Fraiser did help make the Pug Actually more enjoyable. It just wasn’t enough for me to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. Julie and her relationship really put a damper on the romantic comedy; and it never really recovered for me.

This was a very cute story as Doug, a rescue pug, works to help his clueless owner, Julie, to realize that she needs to end her affair with a married man who keeps lying to her about leaving his wife. Doug decides to match her up with a hunky veterinarian, Tom. I liked Tom and Doug and Julie’s dad much better than Julie. She seemed too accepting of an affair with a married man and too credulous as he was so clearly lying to her. She didn’t seem to really deserve all the very nice guys in her life, including her dog.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

First off the cover got to me , what can I say I love pugs, and their one of my all time favorite breed of dogs. Second I loved how the story was told by Doug and how he made me laugh though out the story. The third thing I loved was how Doug decided to find the one that would make his owner happy just like she makes him happy.

First, I am a dog lover, and this is a book that revolves around a pug, actually he tells the story!
We all know that pets are a good judge of character and our resident Pug is no exception. He is known as Doug, and Doug is one sharp Pug, and if his owner, Julie had just listened to him, he would have saved her a lot of heartache.
I loved how this sweet canine even makes some people finally tell the truth and do the right thing. You’ll find yourself chuckling and page turning for what is going to happen next.
This is a quick read, and when done I missed Doug!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher MIRA, and was not required to give a positive review.

I think the pug was probably the smartest character in the book. I didn’t care for Julie and her whiny self at all. I wanted to shake some sense into her multiple times in the book. Tom and Luke both come across a bit weak.
I’m sure there are some who will enjoy this book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I really tried to like this story. All the correct hooks were there, but it fell short. Not a totally bad read, it is missing the link that makes it real and enjoyable. This one skipped me completely.

Fun, lighthearted romance in the vein of Bridget Jones Must Love Dogs. Told from the POV of Doug the Pug, who understands English and can almost read, he watches in dismay as his human, Julie, puts up with a real jerk of a boyfriend--a married guy who is leading her on. Doug decides he needs to take matters into his own...paws...and schemes to stage a meet-cute in the park with an unattached and handsome veterinarian.

This is just silly and cute and fun, very lighthearted and British. My only issue was that I was a bit confused about Doug the Pug. In America, Doug the Pug lives in Nashville and is an Instagram star (@itsdougthepug). I thought this book was going to be about him, but there does not seem to be any connection at all. When I Googled Doug the Pug, there are other books, movies, and YouTube channels dedicated to the pup from Tennessee, so I'm not sure how this works out intellectual property-wise.

Anyway, fun book, but not remotely connected to the Instagram star.

This is a romantic comedy told entirely from the POV of Doug the pug. I completely adore the dog and every single thing about all of his scenes. He's the best part of the story! And he made me laugh. However, the main character is a bit of a hot mess: she's unapologetically in a relationship with a married man for a chunk of the book and she has a tough time understanding why this is a bad thing. She also struggles with her self-worth. Doug is the one who decides she needs to dump her awful boyfriend and find someone better. His matchmaking made me smile.

I chose to read this one because I wanted a story that was easy-breezy, fun, and required little to no work from me. This was perfect for that because Doug kept me wanting to turn the pages.


I received an early digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you, Harlequin MIRA!

I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted the evening prior to the release date.

"Pug Actually" by Matt Dunn
MIRA
June 29, 2021
10-0778311236

Contemporary Women's Fiction


For dog lovers and even those who aren't too fond of canines, "Pug Actually" offers readers a delightful change of pace. This novel is written from the point of view of Doug, an enchanting rescue pug who has found his forever home with Julie Newman. As Doug recalls:

"Long story short, one morning, my original human didn't wake up, and it took three days for anyone to notice. You'd have thought I killed her, given the home they sent me to after that. But at least I got fed there regularly, was walked a few times a day; had all my basic needs met, until the day Julie and Julie's day Jim took me somewhere much better. A real home. Julie's home.

"At the time, it never occurred to me that there was a grander life out there than the one I had. I didn't realize the situation I was in wasn't healthy. Had no idea I needed to be rescued. A little, I suspect, like Julie feels right now."

Doug is so happy in his new home, but he worries about his "mom" Julie, who definitely is not content. She loves her job and is having an affair with her boss, Luke, but she is anxiously waiting for their relationship to become permanent. Unfortunately, Luke is married, a fact he did not disclose until after sucking in Julie completely, making her fall deeply in love with him. Though he promises to leave his wife, Julie wonders if it will happen.

Jim, Julie's friends Priya, her husband Sanji, and even Doug cannot understand why Julie is so set on being with Luke. He is a scoundrel of the top order, but Julie seems to like wallowing in self-pity. She receives the sympathy she seeks at first, but soon it becomes tiring to those listening. Doug decides it's up to him to get her away from this two-timer as no one else is doing so. He loves Julie but hates seeing her so bereft, and what's worse is he can see right through Luke.

Though Jim listens patiently to Julie's tale of woe, she won't take his advice. Instead, Julie wants Jim to start dating, though Julie's mother passed away five years prior, Jim is not ready, nor does he feel he ever will be. Dot, a waitress at the local café they patronize, shows interest in Jim, and when Julie suggests he starts seeing her, he is stunned but tells Julie to do the same and seek a new relationship.

Somewhat fearfully, Jim seeks out Dot who invites him, (and Doug, of course) for a barbecue. Mentioning her son Tom is now living with her after divorcing his wife, they plot to get Julie and Tom together, believing they would not only be perfect for each other, but this would lure Julie away from Luke and give Tom a new chance at love.

Unfortunately, Julie and Tom's first meeting doesn’t go as expected for Tom chastises Julie for having an affair with a married man. Though they clash, Doug detects an attraction between them, albeit a faint one. Now he has the incentive to try harder to make Julie realize Tom is a good guy. But when Doug learns Tom is a vet, he has misgivings. Doug does not like veterinarians, yet meeting Tom changes his mind as Tom is completely captivating, not only to Julie but to him as well. Not only that but to spare Doug's feelings, every time Tom's name comes up, he's mentioned as the "V-E-T"—they don’t realize Doug is smart and can spell.

One day Julie is in the park with Doug and spots Tom trying to catch a dog who is running loose. Doug runs over to make friends, but this errant canine bites Doug on the ear, shocking both him and Julie. Though Doug hopes to get the two together, this isn't the way. Tom rescues Doug then takes him to his office to get stitches. This is where Doug and Julie observe how compassionate he is . . . the frost between Julie and Tom is thawing.

To bolster Julie's spirits, Priya gives her a certificate for a makeover for both her and Doug. His thoughts on this are:

"She may not be particularly keen to go given how she feels Luke's rejected her and, to tell the truth, I can understand that. When you're a rescue dog, you've been rejected too in a way, which means you're naturally very suspicious of anyone who comes along to rescue you. Partly it's the unsettled feeling--you've been in one place, then another, now you're going to be taken to a third, with no guarantee you're not going to be returned if things don't work out. Also, it's the worry that you might just be going to more of the same—after all, you don't need qualifications to own a dog. Or a license. You can just . . . get one. And the same is true for relationships.

"It took me months of living with Julie before I was sure I wasn't going back to that place. Ages before I stopped thinking every trip in the car was the last one I'd be taking with her. The best part of a year until I could finally relax.

"And this is why I identify with Julie, sympathize with her situation, feel for her dilemma—because I'd be exactly the same. Her concept of a relationship has come from her time with Luke. She's used to playing second fiddle. Always being an afterthought. Never being taken out for walks, if you like, because that just wasn't an option."

Meanwhile, Tom is skittish about getting together with Julie, even with a spark between them. His ex-wife cheated on him, so how can he trust another? Julie needing to realize Luke is a deadbeat, wonders if all guys are like him. Even a deadbeat who shows her some attention is better than being alone, isn't it?

As Julie rescued Doug, he is determined to rescue her using his whimsical and imaginative antics proving the intelligence he possesses. This tale takes place in the U.K. describing the loveliness of the area and the friendliness of its population. Matt Dunn's cleverness of delving into the mind and personality of a canine by giving him a "human" voice demonstrates the insight and love our pets can offer, which makes a heartwarming and delightful read.

Doug is more than a cute pug you want to pick up and hug. In Matt Dunn’s novel, PUG ACTUALLY (MIRA) Doug is one determined sassy four-legged match-maker. Doug the pug loves his owner, Julie, who rescued him with all of his heart. But he doesn’t think much of her boss and lover, Luke. Julie wants to breakup with Luke but she’s afraid she’ll become a lonely cat lady. Can Doug the pug help Julie find love?
Everyone in Julie’s orbit knows Luke is bad for her, but she won’t listen to reason so it’s up to Doug the pug to make her realize that love and happiness is possible for her. Her dad hooks her up with divorced neighbor, Tom, who Doug the pug thinks is perfect, but for reasons you’ll read in the book that pairing crashes and burns. Or does it?
PUG ACTUALLY is a quick, fun and lighthearted read. It’s a delightful romantic comedy that both romcom fans and dog lovers will find cheerful and charming. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the other dog narrator book I read and enjoyed, Enzo in THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. Maybe PUG ACTUALLY will also be turned into a movie. We can hope.

Julie's love life is a mess, so her rescue pug Doug decides to do what he can to find the right man for her and help her be happy. Doug decides Tom is the perfect man for Julie, even though he is a dreaded V-E-T. The story, told through Doug's narration, follows Doug's attempt to get Julie and Matt together.

The premise of this book is cute. I love Doug as the narrator. I think the author did a wonderful job of voicing the dog. That is pretty much the only good thing about this book. It gets three stars rather than two based on the narrator. Julie is not a good person. I don't care how the book tries to spin it; she is in love with a married man. A married man who is just using her for sex, but she seriously thinks he is going to leave his wife for her. When Tom and Julie meet, she admits to him that she is involved with a married man. No shame, no embarrassment. Her character has no redeeming qualities other than she is the owner of Doug. The other characters in the book are okay, but why they put up with Julie is my big question. It makes no sense that Tom would fall so hard for her... she is sleeping with a married man and she is downright rude to Tom.

The premise is good, but the human characters only serve as plot points for Doug's story. I wouldn't mind this except they are not realistic or particularly likable. I like the author's writing, but hope he works on character development before his next novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book.

Pug Actually by Matt Dunn is just such a darn cute book. I just loved hearing the story from the point of view of a dog, specifically a pug named Doug. This book is fun, heartwarming, and a nice light read.

Doug, the pug, takes it upon himself to rescue his mistress, Julie, from a relationship that is going nowhere and seeks to find her a more reliable mate. The entire story is told from Doug’s point of view, he is a rescue dog who is very loyal to his rescuer and mistress. Julie is convinced her boss, and boyfriend, Luke, will leave his wife any day now and they can live together and be happy for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, Doug, and all of Julie’s friends, and her father know this will never happen. When Julie’s friends try to convince her of the futility of her relationship with Luke and she ignores their pleas, Doug knows it’s up to him to save his mistress from a doomed relationship and find her someone new.

This book is lighthearted, funny and an easy book to read. The characters are fun and cheerful (especially Doug!) and make a good story. The pacing of this book is quick, as Doug works to help his mistress finally find love. Doug, the narrator is absolutely charming and adorable.

Julie, is a sweet nice woman, who is completely charmed by her lying manipulative boyfriend, and her character is a bit trying at times, but forgivable as she eventually realizes the true character of her boyfriend (with help from Doug of course!).

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, easy romantic book staring the most adorable dog ever.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Doug is a pug (not that Doug) who knows what’s best for his human. He’s going to find Julie the perfect mate, even if it means trips to the v e t or exercise! I’ve had this pug. I have this pug. This is how a pug behaves!

An original romance told from the point of view of the adorable and resourceful Doug the Pug. Doug knows what's best for his person and he doesn't stop until the evil ex is banished and his Julie is brought together with her perfect match. Funny and romantic without being overly sentimental this is a fun read especially for dog-lovers!

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy of Pug Actually in exchange for a review.
I was drawn to the description, the title, and the point of view, the book is narrated by Doug, when called by Julies Scottish Dad, sounds like Dog. Julie is in an unhealthy relationship with a married man. Can Doug get her to leave him and find a more suitable mate?
I thought all of the characters were completely likable except Julie and Luke. It was hard to like Julie in this book as she struggled with staying with or leaving Luke for most of the books the pregnant wife should have done it. Regardless, Doug being the narrator did it for me, he was charming and funny throughout, as were Dad, and Dot and Tom.
This was my first Rom Com, so reviewing them is new. It was a darling and fun read. I enjoyed it. The references to British culture I understood, but not sure most Americans would (I laughed at the Eastenders references because who doesn’t love that show!) not sure our library will get a copy because it’s a UK pub, but I’ve already mentioned it to several people.
4*

Love the cover. Love the pug, Doug. The main character drove me crazy and was whiny and frustrating. I didn't get any of the instant chemistry that one expects in a cute romance novel between her and either of her love interests in the book and at times I thought she behaved like a juvenile.

However, that all being said, I loved the fact that the story was told from the POV of the dog and found some of his observations about his life, his owner's life and the family quite entertaining. I decided on three stars for this book because whilst there were some parts of it that I could have skipped and not felt I missed much, the story was memorable in its own way.

Overall, parts of this book were highly amusing so I can still recommend it to others. If you are looking for a light read for a lazy morning, this is it.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I'm a pug mom, so this cover got me. I thought the story being told by the dog was cute and different. Unfortunately I was not a fan of the story. I was so frustrated with Julie throughout the whole book. It took over half of the book for her to really acknowledge that being in a relationship with her married boyfriend wasn't good. Then when she met Tom it was nothing to swoon over. I didn't get romantic vibes from them, there was just no chemistry. Really wanted to like this one, but it just wasn't for me. Sadly the only thing I liked about it was the pug.

As a pug lover the cover and title attracted me to this book. Told from the viewpoint of Doug the pug ( not the famous Doug), this is a fairly standard love story of girl loving the wrong guy and being down on herself when the relationship sours. The twist, as it is his story to tell, becomes Doug's attempt to find his Julie the perfect mate.
Starts a little slowly, but once into the rhythm of Doug's narration style it is an easy read. Good way to pass a rainy or snowy day. 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the story, who wouldn't like a book written by a quirky witty pug's POV. Especially when the pug decides to take things into his old hand and play matchmaker. The name of the book I assume was based off the movie "Love Actually".

However, I wasn't rooting for the main character's happiness. She seems to be so spineless and boring, and makes all this constant bad choices. Especially the fact that she was unapologetically having an affair with a married man, and not even hiding that from her dad or her vet.