I love Pride and Prejudice fan fiction, so I was excited to dive into this book.

This is the first book that I have read in this series, and I would definitely have to say that it is a standalone novel. It’s not necessary to read this series in order.

Charlotte is a motivated woman, desperately trying to find her own “Mr Darcy”. However being single once more, she starts to come to the realize that while dark brooding aloof men may be great in works of fiction, they are not great in real life. Enter her sweet, shy neighbour George. Although he is not her usual type, she really enjoys spending time with him. However, in order for them to go from friends to lovers she needs to work though her own insecurities and hang ups. Enemies to lovers may work great in fiction, but in real life friends to lovers often has the best result.

Overall this was a cute and sweet read. I enjoyed the well developed and entertaining main and side characters. What I didn’t like was that I felt the the plot became meandering and a bit dull at the half way point.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

While each book in this series can likely be read as standalones, the groundwork for each successive book is laid in previous installments. Knowing Charlotte was a diehard Jane Austen fan while reading book three made it easy to connect with her in this fourth book.

It was patently easy to see from the third book in this series how sad Charlotte was and why she made the decision to swear off men. In fact, she trades men for a dog, a new puppy with whom she connects with instantly. The problem comes in when her friend George just might become more. Unaware of his long-standing crush, Charlotte continues with her determination to remain single. In fact, she is going to find the perfect woman for him.

I love both Charlotte and George’s relationships with their sisters. Especially with Charlotte and the loss they shared. This is where the constant Jane Austen references come into this sweet book. In fact, having not read Jane Austen is something I plan on changing in the coming year.

Is it too sweet, too gimmicky? Perhaps. But in today’s troubled world, why not take a bite of something that makes you feel warm and gooey inside?

One thing that I love about this series is there are an inordinate amount of singles, but then, that gives us the potential for lots more delightfully enjoyable books by Lizzie Shane!

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A small town, dual POV, friends to lovers, self-discovery, and romance inspired by Jane Austen. yes yes yes sign me up! George and Charlotte are friends and coworkers living in the small town of pine hollow Vermont. Charlotte has always lived in pine hollow and is constantly looking for her Mr. darcy. George recently moved to pine hollow for a change in scenery.
.
I loved how much charlotte grew throughout this book and how she never settled despite her many many boyfriends that she had. All of the characters were so refreshing and honest. I loved Georges's relationship with his sisters and the zoom call book clubs that they did. The dogs added a fun aspect and I enjoyed seeing charlotte learn to navigate having a new puppy and then how George and charlotte would go on walks and play with both their dogs together.
.
overall this book was really fast-paced and the characters were really enjoyable to read about!

Charlotte Rodriguez has always been searching for her modern-day Mr. Darcy, but after a bad breakup she decides she’s sworn off men and instead will focus all her love on her new puppy.... except her cute neighbor and friend has suddenly started dropping hints that he’s in love with her. Charlotte has just caught her boyfriend cheating on her... and this only one guy in a long line of guys who have been disappointing and wrong for her. She’s been a long time Jane Austen fan and has always been looking for her own Mr. Darcy, except so far, it has definitely not been working out. Tired of dating the wrong guy she’s decided to take a break from dating and instead get a puppy, someone to love her unconditionally. Who better to help her get some pet advice than her neighbor and coworker George Leneghan. He is handsome, friendly, and way too sweet to ever be her type, but little does she know he’s been in love with her for a while now but he just never had the opportunity to tell her. George wants Charlotte to see him as more than just the nice guy but she’s been keeping him in the friendzone for a while. But the more time they spend together, the more they start to flirt and possible broach the stage of more than friends... except they both have their own issues. Charlotte wants to date someone who doesn’t just want to please her and doesn’t just want to chase after the fantasy of her while George wants to date someone who will choose him who will like him for him. Can these two finally communicate and make it work or is the timing just wrong? This was an okay read for me, you can get frustrated with the way both of them go back and forth with each other, but I did enjoy the Jane Austen-esque quirks of the story. Overall it was a really sweet story but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Don’t it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone.”
-Joni Mitchell
Or in the case of Pride And Puppies, until you do all you can to give it away.
The infamous 'it' of course, being the love of your life.
A.K.A. The person you want to watch corny reality T.V. with.
A.K.A. The person who doesn't lead you to decide to forego relationships with people for more meaningful ones with dogs.
A.K.A. The person who has been standing right in front of you the whole book!

Pride And Puppies is cute.
In fact, it's awww wrapped in a pink cashmere blanket, on a train through the snow covered mountains, full of solid white, new born, Pomeranian puppies, cute.
The problem...
There are no surprises to be found here.

Readers know beyond a shadow of a doubt. From the time that our beloved leading lady breaks up with her cheating boyfriend. And begins to eschew "everything Darcy"
(A nod to her late mother's love for Pride And Prejudice.)
Except for her friend and co-worker, George Leneghan.
Whom she has promptly friend zoned.

See where this is going?
Yeah. I know.
Insert dramatic sigh here...
I'll wait.

Meanwhile there are all these reasons and circumstances which are allowed to insert themselves into the lives of both parties. Which act as both barriers and deterrents.
To the modern bonding ritual that is playing out before our eyes. Complete with shared time with mutual pets and streaming service watching commitments.

This is the ultimate in "the last to know, but really though...reads."
It just so happens to be the fourth book of the Pine Hollow series.
Small town romance anyone?

If cute, sure thing, small town, awe for grown ups, that one doesn't have to think too hard about is your thing. Pride And Puppies is just the literary chew toy for you.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Forever for providing the review copy on which this honest review is based.

Publication Nov. 22, 2022

Main character Charlotte is obsessed with Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". Or, at least obsessed with the idea of finding the perfect man, her own Mr. Darcy, a man who will value and treasure her above all else. Sounds good in theory but, well, reality bites.

Charlotte has just broken up with her boyfriend and has sworn off men, well, for six months. She even talks her friends into doing the same and, maybe more importantly, into all of them adopting a dog. I liked that the one she picks isn't perfect, just close. So, yes, she can accept a non-perfect "perfect dog" but has trouble applying that concept to her choice in men. Enter George, a neighbor who is "just a friend" who provides dog expertise. George has his own dreams and we do alternate between them periodically, so we see things from both vantage points. Can "just friends" become true lovers and life partners?

In the process of following their story, we also get glimpses into the lives of George's family and Charlotte's friends. Charlotte is pushy enough to talk them into her Puppy Plan but as much as I love dogs, even the perfect dog won't solve all your problems. It's interesting to follow along as not just George and Charlotte sort things out -- and if patience defines a saint, George is a saint for tolerating the whims and needs of Charlotte -- who he dubs Charles. He's definitely the sort of person one can depend on although he shows depths I hadn't anticipated. Let's just say, self-growth happens for both.

Although I honestly was lukewarm about Charlotte, she is very real. She's smart, well-educated, loves her family and friends, but also pushy and needy, only to push away others to protect them from, no lie, being hurt by her. In other words, she's quite realistic while also having unrealistic expectations, if that makes any sense. While this wasn't quite the book for me, it was well written and has much to offer those who love the entire concept of love and family as put forth by Jane Austen. Luckily for Charlotte, she finds others who help her find her way to a more realistic, less needy place despite all the roadblocks erected to protect.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for introducing me to Charlotte and George, not to mention their delightful canine companions. As an Alaskan myself, I was delighted to discover Lizzie Shane is, too.

I was hoping this book would be as cute as its title, but I just could not connect with the characters and the story. This was a did not finish title for me. I think it has potential to be great for fans of Jane Austen, and the one piece I did enjoy were the quotes from various Jane Austen novels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC to read and review.

This was a fun and easy contemporary romance. Lovers of Jane Austen will enjoy the references and allusions. Definitely good for lovers of a small-town romance.

Small town, slow burn, friends to lovers romance with a dose of 4 legged friends.

Charlotte has just broken up with her cheating boyfriend, and sworn of men, and signed up to get a puppy in what she calls a puppy pact. George is the new guy in town and is looking to fit in after living there for a year and a half. He has had a crush on Charlotte for a while and when he sees his opportunity to ask her out while she is single he takes it. Only Charlotte doesn't take it seriously and instead vows to play matchmaker for him. They essentially start platonic dating, and Charlotte never actually sets him up with anyone. will they eventually find their way together or be too stubborn to realize what is under their noses.

This one was so much fun, I love small town romances. Especially when they feature cute dogs and puppies, lots of Jane Austen references, a swoon worthy love interest and 2 oblivious characters who love each other but don't realize it.

3.25 ⭐️

If you're looking for Hallmark vibes mixed with some Jane Austen quotes and references, along with the friends-to-lovers trope, and adorable pupperoos...this is most definitely the read for you!
A romance between doctor and physical therapist, Pride and Puppies delivers on a quick and sweet read about a Hero that falls first, and a heroine set on staying oblivious to the man's feelings.

I do appreciate a good friends-to-lovers romance but the constant reminding of friends JUST STAYING friends, takes a bit out of the reading experience. Although I came to understand Charlotte, I was just constantly infuriated by her obliviousness. But George, on the other hand, was utter perfection. At times feeling sorry for the poor man, I just adored the hell out of him, and he made the story just so much sweeter.

Overall, a very enjoyable read, and the perfect feel-good romance :)

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨), 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*

You all know why I picked up this book, and it’s not for the puppies. But when the FMC’s father was compared to Mr Bennet for being kind and caring, I knew I’d have trouble. But I dove in, hoping for hallmark cuteness.

Charlotte is oblivious Emma Woodhouse who has friend-zoned George, the Mr Knightley role—but he’s more of a passive Edward Ferrars than a direct Knightley.

The supporting characters were more engaging than the couple. Way too slow, way too much telling. The MCs lacked depth and chemistry and never captured my interest. This is part of a series and I think it’d help to read in order.

Each chapter begins with a quote from an Austen novel—except chapter 17 that attributes a movie quote to her. “We are all fools in love” is not from Austen. It’s from the 2005 P&P movie. And this so called Austen fan or her editor should’ve known that.

So then I skimmed the rest to see how it ended and saved myself some time and frustration.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I asked to read and review this book. From what I read, it was supposed to be a pretty funny read with a side of romance, but it wasn't nearly as funny as I thought it would be. For me, the humor was forced, and therefore, didn't come across well. I've not read any other books by Lizzie Shane, and this wasn't the kind of first impression that keeps me coming back for more.

For the most part, the characters are likable, believable, and real. Kendall thinks that Charlotte sabotages herself in the romance department by looking for love in all the wrong places, but she and Magda are Charlotte's best friends who stand beside and try to coach her in finding love.

George lives in the same apartment complex as Charlotte, works with Charlotte, and is in love with Charlotte. He only wishes she could see him for who he truly is.

After Charlotte's latest break-up, she decides to get a dog to fulfill her desires for love. When she goes to the animal shelter, she finds the perfect puppy for her, a golden retriever that had been rescued from a puppy mill. With George's help in training her pup (he already has a Bernese Mountain dog, Duke), she and Bingley bond in a way far more satisfying than the past loves she's known.

The book is set in a small town in Vermont where newcomers will be called such for time and eternity. I live in such a small town (though not in Vermont), and have lived here for forty years, but I am still a newcomer in the grand scheme of things.

There are many enjoyable parts to this book and lots of people will like reading it. For me it is at most a three star book, but that is my opinion.

Forever (Grand Central Publishing provided the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

If you know one thing about me, it’s that I’m a proud Jane Austen fangirl — and "Pride & Puppies" was just MADE for that side of me!

This small-town romance gave me, like, Keri Russel in "Austenland" vibes, and I'm here for it. Told in dual perspectives, it's a sweet friends-to-lovers, slow-burn love story with an "Emma"-inspired matchmaking side plot. It was so, so, so cute and fun, like, just perfect for any Austen fan out there. The language is very compelling and easy to get drawn in, telling the story of such relatable and authentic characters.

Honestly, Lizzie Shane’s book had literally EVERYTHING I love in a romance novel — especially as an Austen fan — and I just wanted to savor every sentence, every paragraph and every chapter. And then at ending? Oh boy, did it make me smile!

Pride and Puppies
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

My review of Pride and Puppies will be posted on my Instagram @chronicledbycait Tuesday, November 8th!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC of Pride and Puppies in exchange for an honest review!

Dr. Charlotte Rodriguez has only one person to blame when it comes to her high standards and therefore chronically single life - Mr. Darcy.

And Jane Austen.

After another failed relationship, Charlotte decides it’s time to take a break from dating and decides to start a puppy pact. Replacing men with an adorable golden retriever puppy she named Bingley, Charlotte is confident she has everything she needs.

Of course, when she needs advice for all things puppy, she goes to her colleague and best friend: George Leneghan.

But when Charlotte starts to develop feelings for George she’s afraid she’s falling into her old habits. The question remains on whether or not Charlotte will trust her heart and get her own happily ever after.

Y’all this book’s premise had me hooked and I wanted SO BAD to love it. But for some reason I struggled to read it.

The story itself was adorable and I loved the banter between George and Charlotte, but the story itself read very slow to me 🫣 I had such high hopes for the story but found myself wanting more of George and Charlotte.

Definitely not a spicy read so if you like a more sweet romance this is for you! ❤️

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley.

Charlotte has sworn off men and adopted a puppy instead. However, she and her neighbor, George, have a serious case of sparks flying.

This plot is nothing new. Girl falls for neighbor. Neighbor falls for girl. Will they or won't they? I wish we could have seen more of the love story rather than the pages and pages of miscommunication and confusion between Charlotte and George. Overall, the book was ok and good for a quick read!

Such a sweet love story between George and Charlotte. George was definitely a sweet guy and Charlotte definitely deserved to end up with him. He also deserved to have someone like her too. I liked the references to Jane Austen also. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

Pride and puppies is a small town office romance. Charlotte gives up on the idea of being in a relationship and thinks getting a puppy will make her happy. George just wants to be with Charlotte.

I honestly have mixed feelings about this one. I loved the Jane Austen themes and the idea behind George. George wasn't and isn't the normal hero we see and I like that. I like that they bond over dog poop of all things.

I don't like how the miscommunication kept happening over and over and over again. How we see Charlotte AND George make assumptions like not wanting to hold hands, or whatever. I wanted to scream through the book for them to just talk! We hear Kendall be the sane one, telling Charlotte to talk to George. I also disliked hoe selfish Charlotte was, she didn't want to move to Colorado because she'd leave her family, not expected/wanted George to stay when he LEFT his family in Colorado. She kind of expected him to give all. Yes she got mad at him for always giving in. But she wasn't willing to sacrifice anything but have him do all thw work. She projected her last relationships on George when she kept saying he wasn't like them. That was unfair. Let's also talk about how she strongly didn't want George to be compared to Mr. Knightly, because her mom hated Emma. She wanted George to be Darcy but heaven forbid your boyfriend not be Mr. Darcy.

I would recommend this to a Austen loving person but I probably won't read it again. The miscommunication was too much and how selfish Charlotte was turned me away.

This was a pretty cute book. It gave me all the Jane Austin and dog vibes it promised me in the title, as well as small town feels, which I absolutely loved. There’re some things I really liked about this book, like all the supporting characters. To me, they are what made the story so fun. I loved Charlotte’s best friends, as well as George’s sisters, and all the residents of the estate, especially Howard. They really gave life to this story to me. I also really liked the friends to lovers that this story had as well as the small-town vibes, with everyone knowing everything about each other. This story was pretty adorable, and really reminded me of a Hallmark movie.

There was a couple of things that I wanted more out of the story. Despite giving me some Jane Austin feels, I wanted more of it, as well as more pets. I feel like it was a big part of the start of the story, but then became an afterthought later on. I would have liked to see more of Bingley, as he was a little Rockstar. I also didn’t love the miscommunication that this story had, but that might just be a personal thing. To me, I feel like a lot of things could have been avoided if George and Charlotte only talked to each other and had real honest conversations instead of just talking about their feelings with their friends and siblings. Because of this, I felt like there was a lack of chemistry between them, and I would have liked a bit more from them.

Overall, it was a pretty cute story, but I would have liked to see more from it.

I had no idea that was the fourth book in a series until after I started it, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I requested it on NetGalley for a reading challenge prompt of a Jane Austen inspired book. I am so glad that I did! This book far exceeded my expectations which were low since I'm not a classic book lover and don't read retellings.

#1 - puppies (its why I really requested it).
#2 - lots of pop culture references
#3 - swoon-worthy neighbor
#4 - puppies
#5 - I loved the Jane Austen quotes at the beginning of the chapters (worked so so well)
#6 - puppies

Thanks to Netgalley & Forever for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Highly recommend this book if you love Jane Austen novels and dogs. The book was a very adorable read and had me vying for the main characters to fall in love and have their happy ending. I enjoyed the lead female characters energy, her enthusiasm and also her self esteem issues. The male character brings a sense of calmness and gentleness. I was so thrilled with the puppy and dog story, as the helped to connect the couple. The Austen quotes were very captivating at the beginning of each chapter. Such a beautiful connection of classic romance novels and modern one. I read this book quite quickly as I was wanting to have a happy ending.