3.5 Stars

“She liked him more and more every day. Maybe it was because they both came from families who didn’t believe in their dreams. She’d watched the play of emotions on his face when he’d talked about his family. He’d treated it with a shrug, but she saw the hurt, knew what that felt like. They might be different in a lot of ways, but in this, they were very much alike. And that hand-touching? They had some chemistry. Because when he’d touched her, she’d seen the reaction in his eyes, in the way his lips parted, in how he’d absently rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. That zingy thing between them? It might be fun to explore. When she was ready. And she wasn’t ready just yet.”

Hazel Bristow’s ex-husband left her homeless and destitute when he ends their marriage. With nowhere to go, Hazel’s best friend lets her and her foster dogs crash at the home they have on the market.

Linc Kennedy gets more than he bargained for when he shows up at the home he just bought and finds Hazel and her pack of foster dogs. They strike up an agreement that Hazel can stay there if she cooks him home-cooked meals while he renovates, but Linc doesn’t realize that playing house with Hazel is about to get a whole lot more real when feelings get involved.

As a huge dog lover, this book was right up my alley. Hazel is fostering dogs until they can find their forever homes. I found a connection to her because of this, and I really rooted for her throughout this story. She’s been hurt, but she is strong and resilient. No matter what has happened to her, she is looking forward to making her own way in the world.

Linc was just an overall nice guy. He went out of his way to give Hazel anything and everything she and the dogs would need. The first fifty percent of this book was wonderful, but then the pacing got slow during the middle, and the ending left me wanting more emotion.

Their breakup felt perfunctory, a very formulaic black moment, but it lacked any feeling for me. I want to feel the tension, the pain, the absolute longing between the main characters when they are separated.

Their love should feel special like it transcends time and reason, and that they can’t stand to be away from each other for another moment. It didn’t feel that way with Linc and Hazel. Overall, an enjoyable read but it isn’t going to be one of those special books I always remember.

If you’re a fan of other contemporary authors like Elle Kennedy and Kristen Callihan, then you should add this one to your TBR pile.

~ Michelle

This was a cute rom-com between two people who are fresh out of relationships leaving them with trust issues, and the dogs that are going to show them everything works better in a pack.

Like most rom-coms, the plot is a little wacky: Hazel is staying at a friend's house while trying to figure out her life after her ex stole everything from her. The deal is she leaves when the house gets sold. Except no one tells her the house gets sold until Linc, the new owner, walks in! Once things get sorted he ends up letting Hazel and her 5 foster dogs stay and she agrees to cook for him. The attraction is slow-burn and I liked how they got to know each other first- largely through interacting because of the dogs. The dogs made a great third character 'group' that helped move things along, and helped both Hazel and Linc get more comfortable around each other and open up in ways people often only do around animals.

The chemistry between Hazel and Linc was great and I loved their developing romance. It was definitely a case of needing to communicate more than they did, and trust issues, and the ending left me feeling like I needed a little something more (maybe an epilogue?) but this was an enjoyable, fun book and I'd recommend it for people needing a good romance.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This was fun! I must admit that the dogs were such a big part of the story was a huge plus for me. I just wish my dogs were as well-behaved as the dogs in this story were. Was it a bit far-fetched to think that someone who just bought a house would let someone he doesn’t know continue to live there with her 5 dogs – and pay them a salary to cook meals? Probably, but I just went with it and had a lot of fun in the end.

Linc and Hazel were wonderful characters and seemed perfect for one another. Linc is wealthy and can let others run his company while he rehabs houses because that is what he enjoys. Hazel is in a tough spot. Her ex took everything and she is doing what she can to get back on her feet while taking care of her 5 foster dogs that mean the world to her. I loved watching Linc interact with both Hazel and her dogs. He was such a softie when it came to those pups which was a very good sign. I thought that they had wonderful chemistry together and couldn’t wait to see them figure things out.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought it was a fun romance and loved that it featured a whole pack of dogs. I looked forward to picking up this book each time that I had the chance and couldn’t wait to see Linc and Hazel find their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more of Jaci Burton’s work in the not-to-distant future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing.

This was a cute one! Love house flipping shows but that's got to be a lot for one person to do on their own. Though he does bring in a specialist when it's more than his knowledge.
Love a good meet cute with a lady squatting in her friends unoccupied house that's on the market then the new home owner comes in. Lol not really squatting just in between places cause her ex was a con man and left her in the lurch.

They struck up a bargain since she was a great cook so he let her stay there as his personal chef. And there were about 5 others living with her. She was a dog foster mom and was training and helping get them ready for their forever home. Oh my goodness they all had such unique sweet personalities. Sadly a lot of dogs are given up or left behind so some may develop trust issues or fears from being abandoned as would all of us.

These two over time fell for each other and were like mind with home renovation, interest, and especially the dogs.

Though secrets that are revealed kind of pull them apart but it's not for long. We all love a third act breakup. But this is in dual pov so you know what they are thinking the whole time and their fears and feelings. They def get there. Both their families experienced loss and dealt with it differently as well.

Thank you berkleyromance for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

This was a quick, fun, lighthearted read. A lot of my favorite romance books involve animals. So, the dogs in this book were my favorite part. Hazel’s foster dogs played a large part in the story and actually helped in bringing Hazel and Linc together. If you’re not a fan of dogs, you’ll probably want to pass on this book.

Parts of the plot seemed a little far fetched, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. It’s hard for me to imagine that someone flipping a house would just let a stranger move in with minimal questions asked. It was cute though. Especially after the trauma Hazel went through with her ex husband. Linc was such a nice guy.

Read if you like:
💕 Dogs
💕 Forced Proximity
💕 Insta-Love
💕 Lighthearted Fun

Housebroke is such a fun, light rom-com.
I do love a romance that has adorable animals in it. They just add that extra layer of charm to a love story. Housebroke is bursting with fun, sweet, and quirky dogs, and anyone who has been a pet owner will connect with this story on so many levels. Now, if you don’t like your romances with animals in it, you should give this book a pass because Hazel’s pups are the central focus of the story. I loved the way that Jaci uses Hazel’s foster dogs as a way to create this connection between Hazel and Linc. The dogs take on this role as secondary characters in this story, each with their own distinct personality. They really steal the spotlight in this book. Any big emotion I felt while reading this story was connected to these adorable pups.

Now besides all the furry fabulousness that exists within this book, the love story itself is pretty good. The story is nice and easy to read. Some things happen in this book that would only occur in romanceland, but I didn’t mind that. It is just a book you can get lost in for a few hours. We meet Hazel at a low point in her life. Her ex-husband had left her houseless and broke, and she was crashing at her friend’s house until the house was sold. She is struggling to figure out what her next steps will be. All she knows is that she has to get her act together because she is fostering five dogs, and they all need a place to live. I liked Hazel; she has a big heart and is passionate about fostering dogs and cooking. She approaches life in a “glass half-full” manner, and you can’t help but want good things for her. Her growth in this book is in learning to believe in herself and her dreams. Her ex-husband and her family have shattered her confidence, but with Linc’s help, she realizes her dreams can be a reality. Linc is a good male MC. He tries to be this mean, tough guy, but he is a big cinnamon roll. Linc’s problem is that he has difficulty trusting people, especially women. His past relationships have all failed because once these women find out he is a millionaire, then they only see him for his money. It’s why Linc lies to Hazel about his financial situation, which will cause problems later in the story.

Hazel and Linc are a great couple. I could feel that chemistry between the two of them right from the first moment when they met. At the beginning of the book, there is definitely this weariness between them. Neither one wants a relationship, but they can feel those sparks and this attraction towards one another. They are both fighting this inner battle with themselves. Do they give into those feelings and see where this relationship could go, or do they keep a cool, weary distance from one another? I’m sure most of you know that they definitely give into those feelings, which leads to some pretty spicy moments between Hazel and Linc. The moments I liked best between these two were when they spent time with the pups. It was during these times that they really let their guards down and opened up with one another.

Housebroke is a fun rom-com filled with lots of quirky and cute dogs.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Housebroke!

I haven't been a big fan of Jaci Burton's previous books, but I liked this one!

It has a cute storyline, and the main characters are pretty likable. Is the story completely believable? Of course not...but I found myself all wrapped up in the plot and the romance, and I couldn't wait to see how the story ended. I also loved the fact that the main character fostered dogs! More dogs are always better than fewer dogs in my opinion!

I wasn't super crazy about the MMC, but I didn't dislike him either...I was just kind of lukewarm on him. I was still super invested in the outcome, though, and of course both characters find themselves in some pretty funny shenanigans! I was hooked!

Thank you again for an advanced copy of Housebroke!

Rating: 4⭐️

I rather enjoyed this book. It was fast moving, the story flows good. It might have been a bit predictable but it was perfect. I loved the dog fostering. It has its steamy parts too. It’s the perfect beach read!

HOUSEBROKE – Jaci Burton
Berkley Romance
ISBN: 978-0593439593
December 12, 2023
Romantic Comedy

Orlando, Florida – Present Day

Hazel Bristow loves animals, especially rescued dogs. She currently is fostering five dogs and has taught them how to behave. Unfortunately, Hazel is also homeless and is currently staying in a friend’s former house while waiting for it to be sold. The agreement was that once the house sold, Hazel would be notified, and she would leave. But one night, a strange man shows up and lets himself into the house. The man, Linc Kennedy, purchased the house in order to fix it up and then sell it. Everything seems okay in the house—until he discovers that it’s occupied by Hazel and her five dogs.

Of course, Hazel doesn’t believe Linc at first that he bought the house, but he promptly gets hold of the former owners and confirms it for her. Whoops…her friend forgot to notify her of the sale. Hazel has no place to go and Linc has a sudden case of sympathy and agrees to let her stay the night. However, it turns out that Hazel is a great cook and Linc could use her to prepare his meals for him. In exchange, she can stay (with the dogs) in the pool house, and he will pay her a small stipend. Soon, however, Hazel moves into the main house after the air conditioning breaks down. By this time, the two are friends. Will living under the same roof lead them to share more than a house?

What Hazel doesn’t know about Linc is that he is a millionaire who quit his investment career to start flipping houses. He is afraid to let on about his wealth due to women in the past seeing him for his bank account and not for him. But Linc soon realizes that Hazel is different. She recently went through a bad divorce with her ex-husband stealing her money. She is sweet, kind, and oh-so-sexy. How long in HOUSEBROKE will Linc wait before he tells Hazel the truth? She prefers her men to be honest and after her failed marriage, how can anyone not blame her? The five dogs are also part of this tale as each one has their own personality. If you like romance and dogs, then HOUSEBROKE is definitely for you.

Hazel and Linc start off tentatively as an employer/employee relationship and quickly build a friendship. He wants to help her, though she insists that she wants to remain independent. She thinks he is one of those house flippers who live off the proceeds of each house sale. Add in the suspense of how long it will be before Linc finishes this house, Hazel feels like she is living on the edge. Meanwhile, an attraction develops, and she is soon sharing his bedroom. While both went into this knowing that once the house is sold, they will likely not see each other again because Linc flips houses all over the United States. But sleeping together brings love. What will happen now? How will Hazel feel when she learns that Linc failed to mention that he is wealthy? What happens to the rescue dogs?

A fun and sizzling tale, HOUSEBROKE is an enjoyable read. The characters are likable, and the plot is intriguing. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you entertained, then be sure to grab a copy of HOUSEBROKE.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Housebroke is a great iteration of the forced proximity trope, and readers who also enjoy dogs are going to enjoy this book. (If pets in romance aren’t your thing, this might not be for you.)

Overall, I liked the lighthearted tone. Even though each of the protagonists is dealing with their own issues, the story never feels overly bogged down by angst. This is definitely more of a rom com than a story that will take you through the ringer. I do think the “dark moment” in the text and the ending felt a little forced/rushed, which is why I didn’t give this a higher rating.

That all being said, it was an enjoyable read that will definitely find its audience.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I didn't feel like this was as spicy as some of the other Jaci Burton books I've read and while the cover and canine characters were cute, the romance was just ok to me. There wasn't really any tension or conflict to move the story along.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for my chance to review.

Thanks to Berkley for an advanced copy of Housebroke by Jaci Burton.

This is a fun rom-com with a kinda wacky premise but I enjoyed it! Hazel is broke and homeless after her ex-husband took all of their money and left. She's staying at a friend's house that's currently up for sale with her foster dogs but when her friend forgets to tell her it sold, she's surprised when the new homeowner walks in. He's a house flipper and decides she can stay as a personal chef while he renovates, but he conveniently leaves out that he's a millionaire. Will sparks fly?

Slightly insta-romancey, but it was fun. I liked both characters though I think Linc took a little too long to explain to Hazel about his money with her trust issues. This book features lots of adorable pups and was a fun escape.

This is a cute rom-com and like all rom-coms it may not be the most believable plot line but it was cute and funny and that is the escape I was looking for with this one. I will admit I am not much of a dog person (totally team cat) but I liked the crew of fosters that our heroine has and thought their personalities and presence added a lot to the story. Hazel is dead broke after a failed marriage to a thieving ex, so she and her 5 foster dogs are staying in a friend’s home who moved out of state until they can sell it. Linc is a millionaire who likes to personally renovate and flip homes. Both of them are surprised when Linc goes to claim his new home and finds Hazel inside. Once they realize the miscommunication that happened they strike a deal. In exchange for letting Hazel and the pups stay Hazel will cook for Linc. Of course there is attraction but both have been burned (although Linc’s is way more vague about what happened) and determined not to have a relationship. But sparks they are flying. I enjoyed the book and overall gave it 3.5 stars (rounded up for star selection for cute animals) but I wanted a lot more from the ending.

Must love dogs as a prerequisite for reading this book! Ok, you don't have to love dogs, but you will totally love the book more if you do and get a deeper understanding of the characters. This close proximity rom com will totally hit you in the feels. You'll go from laughter to tears and back to laughter. The underlying message being that clear communication is absolutely necessary in any relationship, but getting to the happily ever after in this book is pure entertainment! The characters are so realistic, at least to me they are as I have friends in the dog rescue hobby, I can't say business as it isn't going to make anyone any money, and this book clearly shows the struggles that come with dog rescue and rehab as well as the depth of emotions that you go through bonding with the dogs then letting them go on to good homes. Both characters come into the situationship being jaded about relationships although for different reasons. She's been taken to the cleaners by an unscrupulous ex and he's been used for his money more times than he can count. Watching them grow, heal and bond in this book is what the real story is. The rest is backstory and depth as well as a lot of opportunities for laughter!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my complimentary eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I liked the dogs. They each had their own unique personalities and were the bright spot of Housebroke.

The premise of the story sounded good. But in reality it was a let down. I never connected with either of the main characters.

Perfect if you like
InstaLust
Dogs
Home renovations

The steam is cranked up to high on this one so get your fan’s ready!
Hazel is dealing with the aftermath of a super messy divorce, one that left her not only with a mistrust of men, but also homeless because her ex ran off with everything. Thankfully, one of her friends is selling their house and in the meantime, let’s Hazel and her foster puppies stay there and watch over the place until it sells.
Linc arrives at his new flip house only to find squatters Hazel and her gang. Once they establish that both are there at the same time due to miscommunication, Linc hires Hazel to stay on as his personal chef in exchange for a small salary and room and board so Hazel can get back on her feet. Linc doesn’t tell Hazel everything about who he really is because it’s caused people, especially women, to act differently around him in the past, which of course sets off warning bells for Hazel with her trust issues. As they spend more time together, they start to get feelings for each other rather quickly, but neither wants to admit it, so instead they just become “acquaintances”with benefits and that’s where the steam comes in!
There’s great support characters and of course, there’s the dogs, which were the best part of the story for me! They all had their own personalities and brought out so much in both Hazel and Linc.
Forced proximity can be hit or miss for me and in this case it was a hit! Miscommunication plays a big part in the story as well, and it too worked because it wasn’t overly dramatic or overly done.
If you need to escape for a few hours and want some fun pups and some steam, look no further.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Must love dogs! As a dog lover, this was a cute read, and a fun romance. At times, the characters did get on my nerves with their lack of communication.

Housebroke by Jaci Burton is a wonderful romantic comedy standalone novel. We meet Hazel Bristow, our heroine, who is living in a house that is currently for sale, with her 5 foster pups. Hazel is still devastated that her ex-husband took all her money, leaving her totally broke and homeless. Hazel loves her foster dogs, who are all unique and lovable; this is her dream to save money and be able to foster dogs. One night, she hears someone come into the house, thinking it was a burglar.

Linc Kennedy is surprised when a woman steps forward to attack him, especially since he bought the house that he will renovate. Obviously, Hazel’s friend forgot to tell her the place was sold. Linc at first tells her she has to leave, but realizing that she is homeless with the dogs, he negotiates and offers for her to stay at the Guest House for free, and he will pay her a small salary to cook meals for him. She made dinner that night, and Linc was thrilled with her cooking abilities.

I loved how wonderful Hazel was with the fostered dogs, as she loved each and everyone of them. They each had their own personalities, and were so much fun. Linc automatically enjoyed the company of the dogs, sharing the fun with Hazel. The element of the dogs and their individual characters, made this such and enjoyable and fabulous read.

In a short time, Linc and Hazel begin to become very attracted to each other, with the chemistry between them being steamy. I really loved them together and rooted for them to find their true love. Beside seeing Hazel and Linc falling for each other, I loved all the scenes with the dogs, which were so heartwarming. Each of the dogs had their own personalities, and loved how different they were; Hazel was so devoted to each of them (Gordon, Penny, Lilith, Freddie, Mitzi and even Boo, who ended up being adopted).

Housebroke was a fun, cute, steamy romantic story, with fantastic adorable dogs; as well as a fabulous couple. Housebroke was very well written by Jaci Burton. I you enjoy a light, sweet sexy romance, with fantastic dogs, you should read Housebroke

This delightful novel weaves a tale of love, trust, and second chances that captures the essence of home and heart. The characters are lovable and relatable, each with their unique quirks and vulnerabilities. Hazel's foster dogs add an interesting and adorable charm, making it even more heartwarming than your average romance novel.

Housebroke is a pretty cute romance. Hazel is down on her luck and staying in her friends' house while they are getting ready to sell it.. only they forget to tell her when it does sell, Which leads to a late night interlude with Hazel, a skillet, and the new owner. At first, Linc comes off as a bit of a jerk, trying to kick Hazel out as soon as he arrives when she has no idea he is coming. Thankfully he does let her stay, which leads to a good job opportunity for Hazel to cook for Linc while he is renovating the house.

I love how devoted Hazel is to her foster dogs, you could feel how much she cared about them, and how devastated she was when it was time for them to be adopted by someone else. I did think her relationship with Linc did happen pretty fast, or rather the feelings turned from lust to love pretty quickly. But in this case, I didn't mind that so much and it didn't affect how much I enjoyed the rest of the book.
I loved them both together and the added addition of all the puppies really added some great scenes and some extra heartwarming moments.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I would definitely be interested in reading her other work.