What a heartwarming book. Each story was fun to read & filled family dynamics,new found love & rescue dogs…what more do you need :)

The Two of Us is a compilation of stories from two award winning authors, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. Each author brings a story about partnership, purpose and pets. Who could go wrong with a cuddly new friend and romance?

The first story up is from Lori Foster titled, The Odd Couple. Ford and Skye are neighbors who notice each other but really don’t interact until she stops over asking for help. He isn’t that keen on helping her but when his friends convince him, he wonders why he hadn’t made an effort to get to know his intriguing neighbor before now. Skye isn’t one to keep relationships outside of the convenience factor. Always having a date at the ready for social events is a plus. When the latest guy won’t take the hint to beat it, she goes off to enlist the help of her neighbor to pretend to be her current boyfriend. Skye and Ford embark on a ruse to throw off her suitor but wind up finding what each had been searching for this entire time. Throw in some old friends and new furry friends and this story has longevity and a happy ending for the characters.

Force of Nature is the second story written by Maisey Yates. It features Lydia and Remy and is a story about what makes a family. Remy didn’t have a good home life, his parents really couldn’t be bothered with him so he found a family that could. The Clay family welcomed him in to their home with open arms. He found a family without really looking. Lydia had a crush on Remy for as long as she could remember, and when he moved into their home it was the best of both worlds. Too bad he had no idea just how strong her feelings for him were. When Remy’s father dies and his animals become front and center in her world she knows who she needs to enlist help from. Remy doesn’t want a dog, but somehow Lydia convinces him as only she could. Remy and Lydia find that love happens at different times for different people but when the connection is real, the rest doesn’t matter.

I was so excited to read this book. It contains 2 novellas from two of my favorite authors.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster
I absolutely loved the story and the characters of Ford and Skye. They were neighbors who had encountered each other here and there. But it wasn’t until Skye had a huge favor to ask. She saw Ford out in the backyard with his friends so she went over to ask her favor. She wasn’t essentially asking Ford, she was asking if any of the men could help her. I gave her so much credit for starting out with if you’re married I don’t want your help. Showed her moral character right from the get-go.
Well, Ford did decide to help her out with this favor that she needed. It brought them so much closer. So much closer that, they even adopted dogs together. Dogs that could not be separated because they were so attached to each other.
You have to read this book to understand the connection that they had, that neither one of them was expecting.
And Maybelline just stole my heart!
I absolutely LOVED it!

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates

This is Lydia and Remy’s story. They definitely had extreme different backgrounds. Remy came from an abusive father and a mother that neglected him. Lydia however, came from a loving family. So loving that when Remy needed a place to live, they took him in and made him a part of the family. This was very hard for Lydia because she crushed and then fell in love with him. Of course in Remy’s eyes, she was off limits. He considered her to be like a little sister, and she was also the little sister of his best friend.
But now at the age of 27 Lydia asks Remy for a huge favor.

I don’t do spoilers so you’re gonna have to read this book to find out what happens.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster Neighbors Ford and Skye knew each other to wave and say hi but didn't really talk other than that. Skye went over to Ford's house when he had friends over to see if any of them were single because she had a favor, to get rid of a guy friend that wouldn't leave her alone. Ford had agreed to be the pretend boyfriend and the quickly became friends and so much more. They had a love for animals also. This was such an enjoyable story and I just loved all the characters. This is a really fun quick read.
Force of Nature by Maisey Yates was also a really enjoyable story an another quick read. It's about a couple that have known each other since childhood. Remy lived with Lydia and her family when he was in high school and best friends with her brother. Lydia has had a crush from the moment she met him years ago. Remy was always afraid of relationships because his family was so bad. I just love this sweet enjoyable story.
Thank you for the ARC.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster****
Force of Nature by Maisey Yates*****
Both of these stories are great, easy to read, charming community, interesting storyline and character depth. Heartwarming experiences, steamy, emotional and very entertaining.

What a fun read! I always love a good Lori Foster story but I was also introduced to Maisey Yates. Love and animals. You can’t go wrong! Read it!

Two novellas by different authors tied together through a shared passion for looking after and adopting animals.

These novellas felt rushed to me, particularly as they both saw the starts of relationships right through to weddings. I understand the format, but it felt like relationship development was kind of thrown out the window. Particularly in Lori Foster's The Odd Couple. Another thing that bothered me was how prominent virginity was in Force of Nature, with how it was thought about by the mmc making me uncomfortable - it was bordering on purity culture.

Otherwise, these two stories were enjoyable as a break away from heavy drama.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

great stories! there's two stories in this book and both are great! cute and sweet romantic stories that make you feel happy. I had fun with these. both stories just give you a little lift to your spirit. they're fun and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed them. the characters were great and had cute animals in them too.

Two stories by two amazing authors. Two short tales that both have moments that will make you smile, and also give you a warm feeling inside. There was love abounding…love between a man and a woman, and their amazing capacity to love all animals. I was taken in by all the abounding love.

This is a wonderful two-for. Instead of just one great story, we get two from two different authors. And of course who doesn’t love rescue animals!!
Odd Couple is one of my fave tropes with the fake boyfriend. Always love how those turn out and as always, Lori Foster provides us with a great story and lovable characters.
Force of Nature is also a good one yet very different from the other. This is a new author for me. It’s was an emotional read at times and I enjoyed it. Has a little spice to it as well so that’s always a treat. I would read something from her again.

I adored both the books. The characters are just plain adorable. The pets are such a good addition. I read this in one go and can't say I was disappointed.


I received this ARC from NetGalley and Kensington to read/review.

Amazing insta love stories by two amazing authors! Definitely a must read! 5 stars for each one!!
Lori's story is about two neighbors, Ford and Skye, who do the occasional hello, and he helps her out when needed. When she shows up while his friends are there, and has an unusual request, she needs a fake boyfriend pronto because the guy she was hanging with won't take her no for an answer. When Ford finally decides to help her out, just in time, these two share a connection, and what was once fake is turning real quick!
You will enjoy their story so much! Don't miss out!
Now onto Maisey's story, another hit in my opinion! Here you have a hero, Remy, who didn't have the best upbringing, until his best friends family took him in and away from his horrible life. He never thought about Lydia in any way other than his best friends little sister. When she shows up at his door, with a dog, that used to belong to his dad, he's not sure about this. You see, Lydia is an animal lover who saves all animals, including a raccoon! He gives in and decides the dog needs him! Then Lydia explains her current situation, and now he can't stop thinking about that, and deep down inside wanting to be the one to help her with it!
Lydia is just the person he needs in his life to show him that he is worthy of love, and she's the one to show him.
I loved this one, they're both great stories! Grab these asap!

The Two of Us is a duel book by two authors.
Lori Foster the “Odd Couple” is a great read. Skye and Ford are neighbors on limited contact until Skye is in need of backup to rid her life of a nuisance boyfriend. Ford steps up to the plate to be her fake boyfriend only to get more than he bargained for. Clever, warm read.
Maisey Yates “Force of Nature” is a grow Into womanhood experience for Lydia and a healing of past wounds and heart for Remi. Long suppressed emotions rise to the surface and lead to healing. Good spicy read.
I was given an advanced reads copy of this book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

this book contains two stories from some of my favorite authors. both stories were very good. I enjoyed the book very much.

The Two of Us by Lori Foster contains two novellas: The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates. Both are easy reads.

The Odd Couple - Lori Foster
Ford and Skye are next door neighbors but had never formally introduced themselves until the day Skye walked over to request a favor from Ford or one of his friends who were visiting. Ford accepted the "business arrangement."
Skye is a loner and doesn't want friends. Neither Ford nor Skye is interested in relationships. When Skye's twin sister, Laylee, shows up at her door and wants to stay for a while, things begin to change for everyone. Ford and Skye decide to each adopt a rescue dog, Laylee quits her job and asks to live with Skye, and life becomes a little chaotic. Ford and Skye both learn a lot about themselves as they try to bring some kind of order into the lives.
I love the characters and the dogs in this story. Great read!

Force of Nature - Maisey Yates
Remy and Lydia have been friends for many years. Remy actually lived with Lydia and her family while he was in high school because he had a bad home life with his mother and father.
One day Lydia brings a dog from the animal shelter to Remy's house and wants Remy to take it. He doesn't want to but accepts it after she tells him that the dog had belonged to his deceased father. The dog had been abused and was in poor health. Remy identified with the dog because he had also been abused by his father.
Lydia helps Remy take care of the dog, Hank. As time goes along, their feelings about each other become more than just a friendship. Remy begins to worry about whether or not it would be inappropriate to get into a relationship with Lydia.
I loved the characters and the dog in this story. Great read!

The Odd Couple is a sweet, short story about a reluctant hero and the women who captures his heart without even trying. Add in an unexpected, odd pairing of two pups who will not be separated, and you get laughs and love in its purest form. I really liked Ford and Skye and their journey to find their HEA. Watching Ford fall hard for Skye was so heartwarming. There are wonderful secondary characters, and I wanted so much more of all of them. A must read for all animal and HEA lovers. There is also a second book included "Force of Nature" by Maisey Yates. I enjoyed this book as well and you won't be disappointed with either.
I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster: Ford and Skye are neighbors. Ford reluctantly agrees to do Skye a favor and as they spend more time together, their feelings for each other start to grow. Things get interesting when Skye decides to adopt a rescue dog, and Ford does the same. This is such a fun story full of humor, new relationships, new friendships, family dynamics, and more! The adorable dogs and their crazy antics cause havoc for Ford, Skye, their friends, and Skye’s twin sister.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates: Lydia Clay and Remy Lane have known each other since childhood. Remy is Lydia’s brother’s best friend. Remy’s childhood was less than ideal, and he spent most of his time with the Clay family, never even imagining a future with Lydia. But when Lydia finds Remy’s father’s old dog, Hank, at the shelter she works at, she decides that the best place for Hank would be with Remy. He’s reluctant at first, but takes Hank in. Lydia always had a crush on Remy but never let him know. As Lydia and Remy spend more time together, feelings start to grow. Remy is reluctant to act on his feelings, though, because he fears he could be just like his father and wouldn’t want Lydia to be a part of that kind of relationship. A story of healing, new beginnings, and a HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a quick read but a fun read. Ford and Skye have been neighbors for awhile and even though they are friendly with each other they have maintained a certain distance. Ford is thrown for a loop when Skye approaches he and his friends for a favor, which changes everything. No longer holding himself back, Ford gets to have everything he's ever wanted but was too afraid to go after.

This was a quick, heartwarming read by two authors that centered around both couples love of animals. First, we have Skye and Ford who are neighbors who end adopting two unlikely dogs that are best friends. Since the dogs won’t be left without each other, Skye and Ford come up with a plan to keep them together as much as possible. Does their plan include their own happily ever after?

Then we have Remy and Lydia. Lydia who was an animal lover and Remy, who was a rancher and very business like with his animals. But, when Remy’s absent and abusive father passed away and left behind his dog, Hank, Remy had little choice to take the dog in. Lydia always had feelings for Remy but he felt that he wasn’t good enough for the daughter of the only family that he grew up with. Will Remy finally admit that he does deserve his own happiness?

These two books are great. First book by Lori Foster has the dogs that steal the show. I didn't mind that at all. Second book by Maisey Yates is a very sad book about abused animals being rescued and showed all the love that they had been missing their whole life.