These were both well-written, entertaining stories. They were sweet, uplifting, fun stories, with adorable dogs too! I enjoyed these stories and will look for more books by these authors.

Reviewing The Odd Couple by Lori Foster. Ford and Skye are neighbors who have little to do with each other until Skye's ex will not take no for an answer. They come to an agreement where Ford will be her fake boyfriend to chase the unwanted ex away. As Ford and Skye spend time together, their attraction for each other grows. Will their fake relationship lead to something real? Will adopting rescue dogs together bring Ford and Skye together as a forever couple? Can Ford prove to Skye that she shines just as bright as her twin sister but in her own special way? Loved The Odd Couple by Lori Foster! Ford and Skye are a great couple who have amazing chemistry. Loved seeing Knox, Bray, Marcus, and being introduced to Skye's twin sister. I received a ARC copy of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster - Ford and Skye have been neighbors for years but it isn't until two furry friends bring them together that they realize they really like each other. This light-hearted story is perfect for an afternoon read.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates - Lydia and Remington are off to a rough start until a furry friend leads them to happiness.

The Two of Us by Lori Foster & Maisey Yates

What could be better than rescue dogs bringing a couple together? Two novellas with the two dogs bringing two couples together 😉


THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster

Ford Caruso and Skye Fairchild have been neighbors for almost a year with few encounters but perhaps some watching of one another when Skye arrives to ask for a favor from Ford and though he wasn’t sure he wanted to be a fake date…he couldn’t not help his neighbor out. Little did either know that their lives would change and that two dogs at the pound would become part of their lives as they became a couple. I now wonder if Skye’s sister Kaylee might end up with one of Ford’s friends.


FORCE OF NATURE by Maisey Yates

Lydia Clay is a rescuer of animals…and perhaps of people, too. When she takes a dog from the rescue to Remington Lane’s house hoping he will take in his evil father’s dog the two never realized that Hank just might change their lives. Lydia’s crush of many years finally flourishes as it is time for their HEA…once Remington works a few things out and is ready to step into a glorious future.

These two stories shared the idea of rescue dogs being integral to the romance, had male leads that came from dysfunctional homes, and landed in a soft place with the perfect woman – and dog(s) for them. Fun, warm-hearted, delightful short stories that put a smile on my face.


Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars

The Odd Couple -- 5 stars: Skye and Ford have been neighbors for a while, but she doesn't want to go beyond acquaintances until she needs Ford's help. Ford works entirely too much and doesn't have time for a real girlfriend. He is surprised that he can't resist helping Skye. Then she helps him figure out how to get what he most wants -- a way to adopt Maybelline, a Saint Bernanrd who has had a rough time. As they work together with Maybelline and her Chihuahua buddy, Ford realizes that he can have everything that he has secretly wanted. It is very sweet and romantic. I loved this story.

Force of Nature -- 4 stars: Lydia has loved Remy forever, but she has come to terms with the fact that she will never have him. Remy is still too hurt from his unpleasant childhood to think that he can ever love anyone. Still, she can convince him to adopt his father's dog, Hank, and love on him. That shakes things up between them, and Remy has to confront the fact that Lydia loves him. It is a moving story, and I liked the characters. The dialogue was hard to follow, though, and Lydia's inner monologue jumped around the timeline too much so was confusing. The end was satisfying.

4 1/2 STARS!

** Reviewing THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster **

Fast paced and adorable! You're always guaranteed a good read when there's an animal on one of Lori Foster's covers. She writes with heart and humor always, but there's an even more special something there when an animal is involved. It's always fun to see a familiar face that with friends with a hero in a previous book come back for their story, and this time it's Ford Caruso's turn. It was great to see Marcus, Knox and Bray again briefly. I really enjoyed Ford and Skye and their adventures with their furry friends. I wanted a smidge more development of their backgrounds and a little more time with them to solidify their relationship development, but a novella length is always harder to reach that perfection. I really loved them and enjoyed their story!

The two of us
By: Maisey Yates and Lori Foster

Two sweet shorts!

These two story has amazing friends that are great additions to the books overall story that have strong supporting rolls, however it still centers around the main couple.

This is a love story that is created from friendship, loyalty and the need to make each other live again. There are wonderful twists and turns in this book and I'm personally so grateful I was gifted a copy for an honest review, it was such a good book. The book was very well written and moved without any gaps in the story. I highly recommend this book it will keep you captivated to the very Happy Ever after!

Authors blurb: There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a rescue dog and their ability to bring people together as these meant-to-be-couples are about to find out in these brand-new sweet and romantic tales from bestselling authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates.

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

These book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

Force of Nature was an interesting book by Maisy Yates.  It was a story of Remi trying to overcome his past and how the Clay family had more or less adopted him into their family.  He was best friends with their son, Matthew Clay.  I enjoyed how everything was about to change when suddenly Remy realized Matthew's little sister, Lydia had grown up and he had feelings for her and he didn't know what to do with them.  

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster was a cute story of neighbors who had decided to fake date. They also adopted shelter dogs who were inseparable and that led to a home and family for Skye and Ford.  I enjoyed reading the fun, short story and learning more about the characters and the dogs.

I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

We get two stories for the price of one. Who wouldn't love two romances with quirky animals!

In The Odd Couple by Lori Foster we some familiar faces that I loved revisiting. The dogs on the cover fit the two in this book. I have a special spot in my heart for Saint Bernard dogs so I was super excited to read this story. This is a neighbors to lovers romance. Ford finds himself in an unexpected spot when his neighbor Skye asks for a favor. Let the sparks fly! Then you add in an adopted odd couple Maybelline and Tank. Did those two dogs ever steal my heart, but especially Maybelline. Her bond with Ford warmed my heart. It's something truly special to witness. A favor turned into so much than Ford and Skye could ever imagined.

Then we have Force of Nature by Maisey Yates packed full of animals. This is a brother's best friend romance. Remy's backstory broke my heart especially when Hank enters the picture because it brings up those old feelings in Remy. Remy and Hank are two broken souls, but with the kelp of the Clay family they can feel love as it is meant to be. Lydia has always had a crush on Remy. Her love of helping animals is going to put into motion something she always wanted. I loved that Lydia loves animals so much. She reminds me of my brother. He is such an advocate for animals just as Lydia. Plenty of heart and feels in this one.

Two lovely romances in one book. In The Odd Couple by Foster we meet Ford and Sky who are pretending to be a couple. As the charade continues the two start to actually have feelings for one another. Will they come together in the end and be a real couple or will doubts win out in the end. In Forces of Nature by Yates we meet Lydia and Remington. Lydia loves animals and when a sad case comes to the shelter she knows the perfect person to help. She talks him into taking Hank and agrees to help him with the transition into dog ownership. Sparks begin to fly between the two, will they let nature take its course or fight the attraction they both feel.

I absolutely loved this story. When amazing characters meet adorable animals, it makes for a page turner.

4 star

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster
This is Skye and Ford’s story. These two are neighbors. She needs help fending off an ex that does not understand the relationship is over for good. But what starts out as pretend becomes something so much more. A few dates and some hanging out leads to getting some pets together. Is this pretend or are they building a forever?

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates
This is Lydia and Remington’s story. Hank needs a home, and Lydia knows that Remington would be the best fit for him. Her brother’s best friend is grumpy, and Hank just might be something that makes him a little happy. The more they spend time together training the dog the closer they get. Do they have something building between them or are they truly only training a dog?

I recommend this book.

These two talented storytellers are ones I’ve followed since their early romances, but it's been a while since I’ve picked up their work. It was a joy to dive into this one and get two stories about not only dogs, but rescue dogs. They truly are the best choice for giving a pup a home, because their loyalty, devotion and love are unmatched.

Here we have two very different romances, but both equally wonderful. In the first, two neighbors become more over an adopted pair of grossly mismatched but fiercely bonded rescue dogs. In the second, two people who have own each other most of their lives find love when she coerces him into fostering a neglected dog. Charming, witty, and bursting with heart, this is just the read you need to make your romantic heart blissfully happy.

Two really good stories.
In The Odd Couple, Skye and Ford are so cute together. Neither are looking to get involved, but it happens anyway with the help of two of the most unlikely characters. Maybelline and Tank are so cute. Ford has been wanting to adopt Maybelline for a long time, but he works some long hours and doesn't think it is fair to her and Maybelline has a little buddy that she has bonded with, and he would have to take both. When Skye decides she wants a dog, she come up with the idea that she will take Tank and then they could see each other all the time. It seemed an easy solution, but there is lots of chaos involved and lots of cleaning later. Can they find a happy medium for the dogs and for themselves?
Force of Nature: Lydia has been in love with Remy as long as she can remember. The problem is that he doesn't think he would be a good partner because of his upbringing. When Lydia brings him a dog named Hank, he starts to rethink his stance. He can give her material things, but can he give her the love she deserves. Lydia is willing to take the chance, but is Remy?

I've enjoyed both of these authors in the past. I haven't been reading them lately, so I decided to pick them up again. I'm so glad that I did. Both stories are very good, and I liked them. I did find that I was able to get into Fosters much easier but that is most likely because I've been reading her for such a long time that even with my break of her, I was able to jump right back into her. Yates, I enjoy but I read her a lot less.

When I started the, The Odd Couple right away I felt like it wasn't the first book, so I ran to look into it, and I was right. So, if you follow me, you know I hate reading out of order, so I had to read the two books prior. I enjoyed them so I knew I'd be enjoying this one too. Which I did. I liked how this one didn't fall into the same track as the others. Yes, it seemed like she had a problem man in her life, but she wasn't in any danger. I enjoyed both Ford and Skye. I also liked her sister and I'm glad they are getting closer. Plus, the pups are so much fun.

Force of Nature is a good story I love how much both Lydia and Remington. You can't help liking people who are good to animals. The story is fast moving but I felt a bit off in the beginning. I was almost like the story started before the first page. I don't like that 'dropped into the story' feeling. Because of that I felt the story lack a bit.

As a whole this both stories are very enjoyable and worth the read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone.

Two books in one.
First one is The Odd Couple by Lori Foster: Ford and Skye are neighbors, she needs his help. He agrees, he never would think it ends up the way it did. Love the humor and everything else. Storyline is awesome.

Second one is: Force of Nature by Maisey Yates: Lydia and Remington knows each other for a long time, he is her brother's best friend. Her family helped him when he needed it most. Now she needs his help and he can't say no. Enjoyed this storyline very much.

Lori Foster is an old fave, but this is my first Maisey Yates story! It was a fun compilation!

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster continues with her yearly benefit books, featuring the same friend group. These stories always involve animal rescue of some kind, and all her advance and royalties go to her local no-kill shelter, which is wonderful. This is the story of Ford and Skye, who are next-door neighbors. Skye needs a temporary fake boyfriend to fend off an unwanted suitor, and Ford agrees to help her out. But once they spend time together, they realize how good, and how REAL, they could be. I enjoyed their banter, and Skye's twin was great as a side character, as were the pups. This was a closed door story, which is out of the norm for these, in my experience. I also enjoyed seeing the friends from prior books!

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates has a heroine with a lifelong love for her older brother's best friend (my favorite trope!) and a clueless hero, who finally figures out that his friend's baby sis has grown up, with the help of some rescue animals, of course! Lydia has never met an animal she didn't want to help, and Remy is no different. He had a lot of childhood trauma from his deadbeat parents, and Lydia's family took him in as a teenager. He really has to come to terms with all of that, and realize that he has more family in his life than he thought. Also, he has to come to the conclusion that he could be a good fit for Lydia after all. This one actually made me cry, so bonus points for that!!

Overall this was a sweet and fun compilation, and I enjoyed myself! I would definitely be interested in reading more of Maisey Yates in the future!

Enjoyed Skye and Ford. Neighbors who talked as needed u til Skye asked for help with a ex boyfriend who would not leave her alone. Ford agreed to be her fake boyfriend and set her ex Clyde in his place. Skye also thought a dog may help. Ford knew of the pet rescue and liked Mabelline but didn't feel he had enough time. Skye agreed to take Tank, and Maybelline went with Ford. These two gave their pet owners a bit of chaos until they found the perfect solution.. being together so the pets could be together.

Remy and Lydia's story is so touching.
Remy grew up with parents who were drunks and didn't have any time for their son. Remy eventually went to live with his best friend Matthew Clay's family.
Lydia always has had a crush on Remy since the day he came into their lives. He is successful and runs the ranch his father let's get run down. He then takes in his father's dog Hank, as Lydia encouraged that.
Lydia let Remy know she is 27 and never had a boyfriend and wants to be home a woman. Remy shows Lydia he cares, and together, these two fall into a relationship, yet Remy is scared. When Lydia says I love you, he panics, and she walks away.
When Remy leans on Nancy Clay for advice, he knows what he has to do.

THE TWO OF US – Lori Foster & Maisey Yates
Kensington
ISBN: 978-1496754158
March 25, 2025
Contemporary Romance Anthology

The Odd Couple – Lori Foster

Ford Caruso is hanging out with his friends alongside his pool when neighbor Skye Fairchild comes over and asks for a favor. She needs one of the men to come over to her house to pretend to be her boyfriend because a persistent ex-boyfriend is on his way, and she needs to prove that she has moved on. Ford has always been intrigued by his sexy, beautiful neighbor, so he offers to be her pretend boyfriend. Unfortunately, the ex isn’t buying the ruse, so Ford offers to be her boyfriend for however long it takes to convince him. Or maybe it’s a chance for Ford to get to know Skye better.

What starts out as a pretend relationship soon turns into the real thing in The Odd Couple. Skye and Ford even end up getting rescued pets and help each other out taking care of their dogs. They are soon doing more than hanging around each other. Is love about to hit them? Ford is the essence of manliness while Skye feels inferior to her even prettier twin. He has to convince her that she is just as beautiful and show how much he cares for her.

Lori Foster hits all the right notes in The Odd Couple, especially if you love watching a couple fall in love with each other.

Force of Nature – Maisey Yates

Lydia Clay loves to rescue animals and even has her own menagerie at her home, including a domesticated raccoon. When Hank the dog shows up at the shelter, she knows where to take him. The dog belonged to Remington Lane’s abusive father. He now has his own ranch and could easily take in Hank, though he pushes back when Lydia shows up with the dog. But she uses their old friendship and her animal skills to convince him. Lydia has had a crush on Remington since she was a teenager. Now he's looking at her like a man looks at an attractive woman. Will she get her chance with him?

Force of Nature is a sexy and cute tale about old friends turning into lovers. Remington is best friends with Lydia’s older brother. While he feels trepidation about kissing and bedding her because of the friendship, she makes it clear that he is the one she trusts. They go back and forth about the animals and take their friendship to the next level. Once they hit the sheets, will it lead to love and a potential future together? Lydia is determined to make Remington focus on her and make him an animal lover like her.

Both Lydia and Remington are strong-willed but only one will win the battle. Find out who wins by reading the sizzling hot Force of Nature.

If you like a romance mixed with some love for animals, then THE TWO OF US is the perfect read for you.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today