For animal lovers out there, these two novellas will hit the spot. Lori Foster has done it again with this romance for dog lovers out there. Hoping she follows it up with a story about Laylee and Knox..

Maisey Yates does not disappoint with this animal lovers romance.

Lori Foster never fails to deliver an amazing, heartwarming story. You feel like you have known her characters for years and are part of their story and lives. Always an engaging and entertaining read. She is always on my TBR pile.

A quick read. This review is for Lori Foster’s The Odd Couple.

Ford is entranced by his aloof neighbor. When she comes over to ask a favor, his friends tease him into helping her. Things start to get serious right away. Skye never felt good enough in relationships. With Ford things are different from the beginning.

A short story and quick read but filled with lots of story!!!!

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster 3 of 5 stars

Ford Caruso and Skye Fairchild are neighbors that become more after she requests he pretends to be her boyfriend.

While I'm a huge Lori Foster fan, this story fell flat for me. The characters had little dimension and I didn't really feel any chemistry. Their adopted dogs did bring some life to the story but that's about it.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates 4 of 5 stars

Remington Lane had a rough start with neglectful and abusive parents, He wasn't supposed to amount to anything but with the Clay family taking him and their loving guidance he became more than anyone ever expected, even to himself.

Lydia Clay marches to her own tune, and a heart the size of Texas. She's made it her mission to save as many animals as she can. When she first met Remy, she crushed hard, but he put her in a sister zone and no one else measures up to him.

When Remy's father died, he left behind several neglected and abused animals, including a sweet dog named Hank. Lydia knows he's perfect for Remy and it starts this Remy on a path of healing and opening his eyes to the beauty he has before him.

Very sweet romance, Lydia was a charmer.

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this as a cute book with two stories that involved finding pets and relationships.
the first, by Lori Foster, was a cute neighbor story. although being from the south, I can't imagine not having a fence around the property.
the second, by Maisey Yates was more about Remy realizing he did deserve good things in life and relationships

Cute fun read, thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy

This book was an amazing book. I love the characters, I love the storyline. Both authors are amazing authors. If you haven't read this book yet you definitely should

This book was a combination of two lighthearted stories about finding love and their pets. The characters will grab your heart and so will the animals. The first one was funny at times and the second book was more relationship and family orientated. A great beach read! Recommend.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster
A collection of two stories tied together by love and dogs.
In the first story, two neighbors fall in love after starting a fake relationship while caring for an adopted pup.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates
I really liked this story—thanks to Hank, Lydia, and Remy form a beautiful connection.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.

The Odd Couple
This was such a cute read! A great “fake relationship” trope read with added adorable animals…Yes, please! You could feel the relationship potential between neighbors Skye and Ford from the beginning…but throw in Ford’s big, ugly dog, Maybeline and Skye’s tiny pup, Tank and how could their love of these misfit pups not help grow their love for one another. LOL. I love that this is a benefit book by author Lori Foster!!! I love Lori’s writing and this one is just another that I really enjoyed!

Force of Nature
One of my favorite tropes…Brother’s Best Friend! Maisey Yates wrote this wonderful BBF romance between Remy and Lydia. Remy was taken under Lydia’s family’s wing because he was growing up in an abusive family. Now, he’s grown up and doesn’t know whether he should cross that line with his best friend’s sister. She steps in to help Remy with the abused animals his father left behind after he dies and helps him find a connection with one of his father’s dogs. Such a cute (albeit heartbreaking) read!

This was a total feel good read for me. A great shorter romance with heat and laughs and unexpected romance. Ford and Skye just fit. This whole story boosted me up and left me with a Happy sigh ending.
And I always love the fur babies. Foster is an auto buy for me.
Love all her journeys.
I received an early copy thru Netgalley from Foster, and I'm giving my honest opinion on Lori Foster's book only.

This benefit book by Ms Foster and Ms Yates is two short, sweet stories that are full of love. Love for animals and humans. It’s a a quick, joyful read and worth your money and time to help out the animals. You’ll meet adorable dogs, horses and even a cute raccoon that knows how to use his hands and is very comfortable in the house.

This book is a sweet combination of two stories that involve animals. The characters will grab your heart and so will the animals. The first one was so funny at times and the second book will pull on your heartstrings. This would be a great book to read at the beach or on vacation.

When I saw The Two of Us featured stories by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates, it became an instant “add to shelf” moment. As a longtime fan of Lori Foster’s work, and someone just starting to explore Maisey Yates’ books, I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this romance duo. Both novellas in this book brought unique charm, swoon-worthy moments, and heartfelt connections. Here’s a closer look at each story:



“The Honeymoon Cottage” by Lori Foster

Synopsis:

When locals hire wedding planner Yardley Belanger to plan an extravagant wedding in a small town, she isn’t expecting the best man to challenge everything she thought she knew about love. Enter Travis Long—steady, kind, and just the right mix of patience and persistence.

Standout Elements:

Foster does what she does best—crafts a small-town romance with warmth, slow-burning chemistry, and grounded, relatable characters. Yardley is fiercely independent, yet deeply vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. Travis, on the other hand, is a walking green flag.

Favorite Quote:

“Sometimes, the person you plan forever with isn’t the one you expected—it’s the one who sees you, truly sees you, from the start.”

Character Likability:

Yardley is incredibly likable—driven, competent, and with just enough sass to keep Travis on his toes. Travis? Utterly lovable. Their banter, mutual respect, and genuine care made their love story one to root for.



“The Rancher’s Summer Secret” by Maisey Yates

Synopsis:

Penny Gardener returns to Gold Valley, hiding more than just a broken heart. When her path collides with Colt Daniels—a rugged rancher with a past of his own—their chemistry sizzles, but their secrets threaten to pull them apart.

Standout Elements:

This was my first Maisey Yates story, and I was so impressed. She creates palpable emotion and tension between her characters, and the rural setting is described with such vivid texture that I felt transported. This is more of a second-chance, complicated-romance story with emotional depth.

Favorite Quote:

“Sometimes love doesn’t come in easy packages. Sometimes it’s the hard choices, the messy truths, that make it real.”

Character Likability:

Colt is a classic Yates hero—gritty but soft underneath, and Penny is both strong and endearingly uncertain. Their emotional baggage felt authentic and well-paced, making their eventual connection satisfying.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a double dose of heart-melting romance, The Two of Us is a perfect pick. Lori Foster delivers her signature warmth, while Maisey Yates brings emotional grit and depth. Both stories are layered with relatable characters, strong chemistry, and settings that feel like home.

I highly recommend this book, whether you’re a longtime Lori Foster fan like me, or just dipping your toes into Maisey Yates’ writing. You’ll come away with a full heart and maybe a new favorite author.

Content Warning: Some mild emotional trauma and past relationship references.

Recommended For:

Fans of small-town romance, HEAs, competent heroines, and emotionally rich storytelling.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster

Two stories in one book makes for an awesome read!
Although neighbors Skye Fairchild and Ford Caruso rarely cross paths. That is until Skye goes to Ford and his friends for a favor and it’s a big one! She needs a pretend boyfriend to get rid of a suitor that won’t take a hint and leave her alone! Ford isn’t inclined to join her mad scheme even when his neighbor is attractive, but with the urging of his friends he jumps to her rescue. Maybe being boyfriend, even a pretend one isn’t so bad after all.
The two neighbors grow closer and even adopt a misfit pair of dogs together but being in the shadow of her twin sister for her entire life, Skye doesn’t believe that the relationship can become more, especially after Ford meets her twin, Layla.
Can the two find their HEA? Grab your copy and enjoy!

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates

Remington Lane had a rough childhood and being taken in by his best friend’s family was the best thing that could have ever happened to him.
Lydia Clay, pesky little sister of his Remy’s best friend has always wanted to rescue every stray animal possible. She has been in love with Remy since she was a kid but there is no way Remy wants to even think of her in romantic terms.
When Lydia finds an older starving dog that had belonged to Remy’s father, she knows just the person to help, but getting Remy’s co-operation won’t be easy!
I love the interaction of these two and how their relationship grows. A fast and fun read that will warm your heart!

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.