This is a new to me author who combined my two favorite things in the world and created my new favorite book. There are few things that make me happier than puppy dogs and Jane Austen and this book created a happy ever after that I didn’t want to end.

The author created Charlotte and George as fully developed characters. They were both relatable, and I could see them as people I would want to hang out with.

The build up of the story was a steady climb, pretty much a perfect pace. For me that means I couldn’t wait to get to the end, but was still sad to see it over. I am hoping to see more of these characters in future stories including the Duke and Bingley!

Oh what a fun book! If you want to read a lighthearted romance filled with puppies/dogs and good friends then this is it. Truly enjoyed it.

This book follows Charlotte Jane Rodriguez who just broke up with her cheating boyfriend and decides to take a break from dating and get a puppy and George, her coworker and neighbor who has had a crush on her for a while. They start spending more time together and their relationship evolves from there.

Here's a quote I think describes the hero of the book quite well: What did you do when the women you were secretly half in love with declared she was swearing off romance? If you were George, you smiled and supported her. So that’s what he did. “I think that’s a great idea.”

This is a closed door small town romance. George has been pining for Charlotte for quite some time but she has always been in a relationship so there hasn't been a good time to ask her out. Charlotte is totally oblivious to his feelings and thinks she ruins any relationship she is in.

There are quite a few references to Jane Austen. Although I find that those can be easily overdone, I appreciated that they weren't just the most commonly used Pride and Prejudice quotes that are normally used.

Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Charlotte had flaws but she was aware of them. I enjoyed their journey to their HEA and I would recommend this book if you are looking for a closed door small town friends to lovers romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Pride & Puppies by Lizzie Shane
Rating: 4.5 stars

Have you ever been so done with love that you consider swearing off men entirely and adopt a puppy? That’s exactly what Dr. Charlotte Rodriguez does until she realizes that her neighbor/coworker/hot friend may just be what she’s been looking for all along.

Pride and Puppies is a fun friends to lovers romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The MC is Jane Austen obsessed, so if you love Austen references you are in for a treat (see what we did there 🐶🦴).

What we loved:
-Friends to lovers trope
-George! George is the absolute sweetest and so kind.
-Small town setting
-Lizzie struck the perfect balance of fun with this book. It’s a very laid back read

What didn’t work for us:
-Charlotte was too wishy-washy for our liking. We get that past relationships have put her off, but there’s only so much back and forth you can take until you get frustrated with her.
-Even though there is a lot of dialogue with side characters (Beks, Magda, Kristin), we didn’t feel strongly for them.

All in all, we really enjoyed Pride & Puppies! If you love a lighthearted romance with a side of puppies and Jane Austen, add this one to your list!

📖: Pride & Puppies by @lizzieshaneAK
Pub Date: 22 Nov 2022  

Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzie Shane, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC.

** 2.5 STARS **

Just like many before, “Pride & Puppies” is a Jane Austen inspired modern-day romance featuring a MC who is well obsessed with… Jane Austen. Like almost every other page, ‘Darcy’, ‘Blingley’ and ‘Jane’ are mentioned obsessed. Was it annoying to the point you couldn’t help but roll your eyes when the forsaken three were mentioned? Ab·so·lute·ly.

Despite my digressions, Charlotte (“Charles” by her wannabe Darcy) is single again after dumping her cheating boyfriend, Jeff. After a wild night of venting with her best girlfriends with a strong bottle of liquor in her hands, she decides it’s time to swear off men… for six months at least and get a puppy that she always dreamt of and who would love her unconditionally—forming the Puppy Pact. Cue in her neighbor, co-worker and friend George—who has been pining for her since the moment he arrived at Pine Hollow—providing pet advice and being a shoulder to lean on as Charlotte rediscovers herself and what love should mean to her. Amidst that, George announces he’s contemplating a cross-country move which then spirals Charlotte's emotions out of whack and pushes her to realize she may have less than friendly feelings for him. Mixed emotions, miscommunications, should they shouldn’t they drama upfolds—leaving me much to desire.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to connect with either MCs—George and especially Charlotte. I found her to be pushy, messy and just plain annoying. In regards to the romantic components—the chemistry and flirting was practically non-existent. In all honesty, I truly didn’t believe Charlotte's feelings were genuine for George and the romance seemed too forced, especially after she discovered his decision to possibly move back home and her sudden ‘realization of her feelings’. They worked better as friends than lovers. Let’s not forget Jane Austen obsession and references were too much of the focal point of this novel.

All in all, a strong engaging start but once the wishy-washy back-and-forth with Charles and George began, I started to tune out. It gradually became worse towards the later half of the novel when Charlotte proclaimed she was in love with the real life Blingley. It just was not believable nor did the romance stand out. I was far more intrigued by the side characters and their stories. Nonetheless, not the worst Jane Austen inspired romance novel I have read but it could have been better.