Skye and Ford are next door neighbors but they aren’t friendly. When Skye needs help getting an ex boyfriend to leave her alone, she asks for help from Ford and his friends. The two of them realize quickly that their attraction is very real. He is a pharmaceutical sales rep so he keeps odd hours and she is a clothing buyer for a store so she is often traveling. Can they find a way to spend time together as a couple?
Skye and Ford are both reluctant to get into a relationship. The author uses their interests in adopting a dog to show that they are ready to have a relationship. Skye has a twin sister that helps her see that she wants to explore her attraction to Ford. His friends play that role for him.
This is a quick short story. It includes family, friends, insta love and dogs. Both the humans and the dogs are odd couples.
Book Two Force of Nature
Remy recently lost his father. Lydia brings him his dad’s dog after his dad dies. Remy and Lydia have always known each other but the simple act of bringing the dog changes their relationship.
Remy lives a comfortable life on his ranch after selling some programming work he did. He plans to be alone. He has never considered pursuing anything with Lydia because she is already like family. Lydia works at a shelter. Lydia has a lot of animals she cares for. She has always liked Remy but she knows he is a loner. At first it seems like the animals might keep them apart because he doesn’t feel about the animals the same way she does. In the end, the simple act of taking Remy the old neglected dog, opens the door for them to pursue something more.
The honest truth is that neither of these stories stuck with me. I can’t remember anything about Book 2 - Force of Nature and next to nothing about Book 1 - The Odd Couple. I usually love these authors but this just didn’t hit the mark for me. I will read more from them in the future because I usually like their writing.

This book has two full stories in it. I got this for “The Odd Couple” by Lori Foster. It was a lot of fun. Ford and Skye are neighbors that get close once she asks for a favor. Loved how they adopted dogs and bonded over them. Her twin also plays matchmaker and I loved their gaily ever after. The second book is “Force Of Nature” by Maisey Yates. I’ve never read her before and I enjoyed her story. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I 100% requested this one because of the cover(:

There are two stories in this one: The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates. I'm a sucker for any books with animals having a main role and I've read books by both authors before that I had enjoyed so this seemed like a good fit for me. Since both stories are shorter than a full novel, I didn't expect too much development but I still felt that the pacing was a little off and would have loved more build up to the romance. Each story was a sweet, easy read, but I didn't feel very drawn into them or relate much to the characters. The quality of the writing itself is great and I loved the rescue pets aspect of both stories. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy read with some romance, friendship, and a little chaos.

This was removed from my NetGalley shelf before I was able to read it. Therefore I am not able to provide feedback.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Although I love stories that include animals., because they are a huge part of my life, I would leave them out for more conflict and less stereotypes romance writing.

The stories don't have anything wrong with them, but for me they seem lacking

You get two wonderful stories in one book. The stories were well written and a perfect blend of new friendship and finding your forever love.

2 cute romances that included their pet dogs! Heartwarming reading on a cold winter's day, especially for a dog lover.. A nice taste of the writing of 2 authors too.

Odd Couple:
Such a cute story! This is Lori Foster's addition to this book. Skye and Ford are neighbors and when she approaches him for a favor he cannot refuse. Her ex-boyfriend will not leave her alone and he steps in. The more time they spend together the more they find they really belong together. So much so they even rescue dogs together. Such a great story!

These novellas are absolutely sweet! So adorable and cute! I've read other books from Lori Foster and she never disappoints! Her story was funny and sexy and the naughty doggy friendship, the perfect addition.
Maisey Yates is a new author to me, one I'd love to read again. Her story is deeper and emotional, and I really connected with the main characters. All the rescued animals and Hank were so beautiful!
Thank you both for this ultra-cozy reading!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Two of Us is two wonderful stories that will pull at your heart strings. The Odd Couple, Ford agrees to do an unusual favor for his neighbor Skye. This favor has them spending time together and even visiting the local shelter. Their love of animals makes being neighbors even better!
Force of Nature is a story that has Lydia's love of animals from an early age the reason Remy is on the top of her list. When the chance arises for her to share this love of animals with Remy, she doesn't let is pass. Thank you Kingston Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book

Book Review: The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates
When I picked up The Odd Couple, I didn’t realize it was part of Lori Foster’s annual benefit anthology, which features recurring characters, close-knit friendships, and an animal rescue theme. I was delighted to learn that all advances and royalties from this book go directly to Foster’s local no-kill shelter—a cause close to my heart as all of my dogs have been rescues. That alone makes this book worth supporting.
The Odd Couple tells the sweet, slow-burn story of Ford and Skye, next-door neighbors who enter into a fake dating arrangement to fend off an overly persistent admirer. What starts as pretend quickly becomes very real, and their chemistry is undeniable. I especially enjoyed their playful banter, as well as the role of Skye’s twin and the dogs in the storyline. This is one of the most realistic portrayals of pet ownership I’ve read—these aren’t perfectly trained K9s, and that added a lovely, relatable touch. This is a closed-door romance, and although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I still appreciated the camaraderie between the male characters and didn’t feel lost. It actually made me want to go back and read the rest!
Force of Nature by Maisey Yates features the best friend’s little sister trope. Lydia is head-over-heels for Remy, her older brother’s best friend, and has been for years. Remy, emotionally scarred by a rough upbringing, is reluctant to accept that he deserves love—especially from someone like Lydia. One of my favorite scenes was when Remy went to talk to Lydia’s mom who considers herself a secondary mom to Remy. I also appreciated Lydia’s confidence. With a menagerie of rescue animals and a whole lot of heart, this story has charm and emotional depth. While Lydia's over-the-top passion for animals felt unrealistic, the story overall was touching and satisfying.

Love these two authors and love these two stories! Both stories are exactly what someone would expect. Foster wrote a sweet story that provides plenty of chuckles. Yates wrote her story about a couple with a history- I love this in a short story romance so that it seems more plausible.. Lori Foster and Maisie Yates kindly wrote this book for charity, which adds that extra layer of goodness.

The Odd Couple, Lori Foster's contribution to this book, is a quick, engaging read. It has the usual hallmarks of a Foster love story- a strong, protective male lead, a sweet, slightly vulnerable yet strong, female lead, a wonderful friend group, and an adorable animal or two.

Until Skye approached Ford and his friends for a favor, the two really only had surface, neighborly interactions. That all changed once Ford agreed to engage in a fake relationship with her, and then there was no denying their shared attraction. Things really solidified between them when they adopted two dogs, who couldn't bear to be separated. The pups were a cute addition to the story, and made for a sweet happily ever after.

The Two of Us is the latest benefit book out by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. It contains two of the sweetest stories. Of the two, "The Odd Couple" was most definitely my favorite. I loved watching Ford and Skye fall for each other. Ford was set in his routine of sales and friends when his neighbor asks for a favor. Skye wasn't looking for a relationship, she just needed someone to deal with her ex. Add in two adorable dogs and you have a love match. Ford's friends were a lot of fun. I will have to seek out the other benefit stories that they are featured in to find out how they found their happy endings.

"Force of Nature" was a sweet friends to lovers story. It was a little slow for me but at least is was short. Because they had history their love story was very smooth. I was happy that Remy didn't stay too in his doubt and finally realize he was good enough for Lydia. There is something for everyone in this anthology. I highly recommend it.

Book 1 by Lori Foster Ford and Skye are neighbors who didn't really know each other. Skye needed a favor and Ford steps on to help her out with her ex. Maybelline and Tank are mischievous and funny. I really enjoyed this book. Book 2 by Maisey Yates Remy & Lydia are great together. This book is a good romance book about friends to lovers.

The Odd Couple
Such a fun story in Foster’s Best Friend Series.

Skye & Ford have been neighbors for about a year and are friendly to each other but that’s about it.

When he agrees to help her with a clingy ex and then finding a dog, things start to get more intense between them.

Maybelline and Tank are the best.

It’s a great story of how love grows when you least expect it.

Force of Nature

It’s been a very long time since I’ve read Maisey Yates and boy have I been missing out.

Lydia & Remy’s story was so enjoyable.

I loved The Odd Couple by Lori and was happy to see Ford meet his match. There were some hilarious moments but also some tender ones and some funny banter as well. Ford and his new neighbor Skye just see each other when outdoors but that's the extent of their relationship until she goes to his house while his friends are over in need of help. When Skye decides to go get a pet he goes with her to the shelter. I loved how both adopted a pet, both animals were bonded and so cute. Skye's sister added another dimension to the story as well as Ford's friends.

The odd couple - nice to visit these characters again. Skye and Ford braved the creepy ex together and ended up with the best dogs ever.

Force of nature - Remy and Lydia, when it’s right, it’s right. You just have to let go of the baggage holding you back.

THE TWO OF US is a dual offering by authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. Both books feature rescue dogs who have a way of bringing people together. In both stories, the romance is sweet and intriguing with the dogs absolutely stealing the show. Great reads that will leave you wanting more.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=90325

I adore these two authors and a two books in one gives you double the excitement and romance. Both of these stories are sweet and full of charm and emotion. The characters are realistic, interesting and relatable. Each storyline will have you shaking your hear one minute and smiling the next. Both are adorable romances with funny mishaps, rescue animal antics, witty banter and romance with loads of chemistry that we all love. These are well written, heartwarming and lighthearted easy reads you won't want to put down. Wonderful entertainment!