So, I thought this was a cute little story. It had me laughing throughout the book especially during the chapters with the dog's perspective. I didn't really care for the FMC but I normally never do so that's more a me thing. Overall it was a cute story.

Genie is granted a wish for her birthday and she ends up accidentally turning her golden retriever into a human. Her family and friends help her figure out what she needs to do to turn him back into a dog.

This was a cute story and I’m glad Genie was able to heal from her past trauma. I’ve always wanted to be able to talk to my dog and have him talk back so I loved that aspect. It’s definitely a cheesy, sweet romance. It’s also a closed door romance.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

This is a 3.5 for me.

This book had some great moments and tackled some tough subjects (bullying, miscarriage, etc.).

I had an issue with the FMC, Genie. She felt childish at the beginning. She didn't seem to take the situation seriously. She really didn't help Rory with his feelings and understand him until the man group. It seemed to take almost the whole book for her to sort herself out too.

At the very beginning of her birthday dinner, she had far too many drinks and was able to get home perfectly fine. once she started talking to Miles, that was when she started feeling the drinks. that part didn't make sense to me.

She finally started growing on me, but it took more than half the book to feel that way.

Miles and Rory were the best parts of the book. Miles was so down to earth, and his loyalty was top notch. Rory was awesome with the way he handled the whole situation.

I received this ARC through Netgally, and I read it in exchange for an honest review.

First off, huge thank thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

I went into this under the mindset of, “It’s been a minute since I’ve read a good Magical Realism!” and this one just gave me the absolute giggles. Upon reading the premise, I knew it would keep my interest, but paired together with the delightfulness that is British Rom-Com humor? Oh, chef’s kiss. I highlighted waaaay too many quotes that were just me straight up giggling about the mind of a dog being voiced out as a human.

This book was totally unserious (while still actually touching upon some serious topics!) and gave me such a genuine laugh, while also having some truly heartwarming & impactful moments. When you first envision a book where a golden retriever is going to turn into a human, you’re maybe a little hesitant… but Rory’s character was a treat. I kept looking at my own golden retriever during Rory’s dialogue, and wondering if this must be what it’s truly like inside the brain of a dog! (The "eating vomit" comment, or the "Is this kennel cough?" seriously, if you have a dog, you will be laughing!)

I also just loved the way that we are eased into this book — Genie is breaking that “fourth wall” and speaking directly to us to tell us this ridiculous tale that she doesn’t think we’ll believe. (I mean, seriously, I highlighted the first line because I was enthralled that this was the tone we’d be taking — “I’m going to tell you a story that you are not going to believe.”) Starting us off like this not only prepares you for what’s going to happen to Rory, but also sets the stage for the magic within her family.

I love a sweet friends to lovers, even if Genie had me wanting to bang my head against a wall sometimes, haha. Stella Hayward, girl, you know how to write a chapter where we get all swoon, only to run straight into a brick wall, and then be forcing us to think, “Can I squeeze in one more chapter to finally see if this is the one where she’ll finally tell Miles?” Hahaha.

The underlying theme too of Genie needing to find herself again (while also trying to find how to change Rory back into a dog) was heartwarming. I also love the family dynamics here too.

Overall, this was an adorably silly & comedic read that also tugged hard at my heartstrings. I am glad I got the chance to read it, and fill my soul with a very entertaining Magical Realism :) “Maybe it’s only when something truly impossible happens to you that you will really start to believe that anything is possible.”

I really enjoyed this book! I'm not a big romance reader, but this was the perfect type of read for a cozy, self-love self-care weekend where you cozy up with a good book and a nice cup of tea or a latte. This is such a cute story, with great characters, and I LOVED the dog theme. I will be reading more of Hayward's books ASAP!

Overall a cute story, but I think I'm realizing more and more that contemporary is not really my favorite genre. But if you are a contemporary person I think you will find this a delight 😊

This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review may contain spoilers

There was so much to love in this book: the sweet romance, the whimsical tone, Rory and Nanna Maria (absolute scene-stealers!), and the rich tapestry of subplots that added depth and heart to the main storyline. I genuinely enjoyed how the narrative wove multiple arcs together; it made the story feel full and dynamic, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold.

The slow-burn, closed-door romance between Genie and Miles was beautifully done, the yearning was palpable, and left me feeling giddy. Their chemistry was tender and well-paced, and I appreciated that their relationship was built on more than just attraction.

Humor, warmth, and moments of genuine personal growth were packed into this story, making it a fun and heartfelt read. I was wholeheartedly rooting for the characters, each one distinct and endearing in their own way.

Reading The Good Boy was an enjoyable experience, definitely worth a read if you're in the mood for something cozy, romantic, friends to lovers, and full of heart

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#TheGoodBoy #NetGalley.

What a magical book! A single girl accidentally wishes that her dog was a human and then spends the rest of the book trying to turn him back with the help of the handsome boy next door.

Yes, you have a good idea how it’s going to turn out (or do you?) but it’s still very charming. Stella Hayward manages to capture the voice of a golden retriever turned human, perfectly. Rory the human is perfect and so was this book.

The FMC accidentally turns her dog, Rory, into a human, but he doesn’t enjoy being human at all. So Genie starts looking for ways to turn him back before it’s too late.

The first part of the book is more lighthearted, with plenty of funny moments, while the second half becomes more serious—focusing on the heroine’s search for meaning and direction in life.

Overall, I liked the book and appreciated how it explored important themes, but the romantic subplot really annoyed me, especially toward the end. The characters are already thirty, yet they couldn’t confess their feelings for almost the entire story! And the situation with Claudia-from-work felt really inappropriate to me. I get that both of them were hesitant because of past experiences, but dragging a third person into it out of insecurity was just too much, in my opinion.

And I would gladly watch a movie based on the book!

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓friends to lovers
✓magical realism
✓slow burn
✓closed door

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager (Avon) for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a very cute, if not a bit silly, quick pick me up of a read. I would definitely recommend this for anyone needing a good silly romcom moment. The idea was very unique, not exactly my favorite style but that's personal preference, and over all it was really well done!

OK this was a cutie. I love a romcom with a little magic thrown in! Main character Genie is part of a magical family... but isn't much of a believer. So when her grandmother gifts her a single wish on the eve of her 30th birthday, she thinks nothing of it. Cut to her cuddling her best friend, Rory, on the couch at midnight and wishing Rory -- a golden retriever -- was human.
The focus of the book is Genie trying to figure out how to take care of the now-human Rory -- the sweet angel doggie who she promised to protect and love, now trapped in a big human body. And Rory doesn't want to be in a human body, he wants to be a dog!! Luckily Genie has plenty of help, mainly in the form of her best guy friend Miles, who is obviously perfect for her.
Lots of goofy stuff happens which made me laugh out loud -- I especially loved Rory teaching Genie how to behave at the dog park... and at the beach. Perfect cozy satisfying read!

What a great ROMCOM!!! I loved how the dog turns into a human and it really made me laugh. This was such a fun read! It kind of gave me 13 going on 30s vibes with the wish. Such a great idea!

I really wanted to love this. I thought the premise was pretty cute, and I love a good magical realism situation. I laughed out loud multiple times at some of these jokes, and I kept shaking my head chuckling about how ridiculous this all was. I thought the breaking of the "fourth wall" was actually very funny, and I love a cringe joke. I was OK with the plot and premise until about the halfway point, and then it just became repetitive. I was becoming exceedingly frustrated with the two main characters being unable to talk about their feelings and constantly putting themselves in the same situations over and over again. The plot was wildly silly and then the themes would feel almost too serious at times. I understand having a ridiculous plot to talk about deeper issues, but it almost felt like those serious things (parental deaths, miscarriages, potential infidelity) were treated as joke.

This is very trivial, but I I was also extremely bothered by the FMC drinking 6 margaritas one night and taking 6 tequila shots in a row at another point yet somehow only being slightly drunk or tipsy? And the talk of pill roulette at the club was a choice.

Overall this was a silly, fun read. I'd recommend for a quick summer read. Very silly premise, but a good reminder to live life in the moment and go after your dreams.

This was surprisingly special. The cover made me think regular rom com, which it certainly was, but with just something extra special too. A little more depth than a basic rom com. This was really sweet and definitely a new favorite. 🥰

This starts out as a light-hearted, even silly, romp when Eugenie celebrates her thirtieth birthday. In an inebriated state, she makes the wish, bestowed upon her by her psychic grandmother, to transform her beloved dog, Rory, into a human. What ensues reflects the struggles Rory has with becoming human. He is alternately hilarious and wise in his insights into the human condition and human relationships.

I almost abandoned this book in the first few chapters due to the juvenile tone of the writing and character development, but I am happy I persevered. Eugenie turns out to be a more complex character than at first blush and her devotion to Rory and her friendship with Miles, her neighbor, sustain the storyline to its conclusion.

This novel is pure escapism in its magical aspects but also delves into some weighty emotional issues. Overall, it was a moderately enjoyable read.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper for this ARC.

A dog turns into a human?
That's what made me read it.

I laughed, cried, laughed again, and then cried some more.

I don't know what else to write.

The heroine accidentally makes the wrong wish, and her dog becomes a man...

Aside from the magic in the book, it's a rather heartfelt romance that makes you think.

You won't find strong chemistry or passion here; it's about finding oneself, forgiving people from the past, and understanding what truly matters.

I love the friends to lovers trope. It's slow and comfortable; the characters didn’t annoy me. They were likable, of course, they were a bit slow and indecisive, but many people are like that.

I enjoyed the writing style, with the heroine addressing the readers. It felt like listening to someone else's story, with elements of magic, but still a sense of reality

It reminds me of those films where bodies switch, animals become humans, and all the time magic teaches the characters something.

⭐️4,25/5

• Friends To Lovers
• Closed door
• Single POV
• Dog and cat
• Depression and loss of loved ones (in the past)
• Magic

This book was so much fun. I loved the premise and the characters were all perfect. I realized I love some physic or magical elements to a romance book and it was well done - not too much. I liked how the author dealt with the grief without making it so in your face that it was hard to enjoy the story. Overall, loved it and can't wait to read more by Stella.

I was excited and honored to receive an ARC of *The Good Boy: A Novel* by Stella Hayward in exchange for my honest review. The book is an easy and charming read that allows the reader to set reality aside and enjoy a touch of magical realism.

On the eve of her 30th birthday, Genie, the main character, is granted a wish that mistakenly turns her golden retriever, Rory, into a human. Genie sets out on a quest to help Rory return to his dog form. Along the way, she confronts her mental health struggles, discovers her true self, and rebuilds her confidence. In classic rom-com fashion, including a quest adjacent quest that involves admitting her feelings for her best friend and neighbor of 15 years, Miles.

There are some hilarious moments as Rory navigates the challenges of being human. As he adjusts to his new form, Rory shares the wisdom he gained from Genie's loving care, reminding us that "things that love look after one another."

The Good Boy made me laugh and, surprisingly, brought some tears. It is ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers stories, closed-doors romance (no spice), and dogs (a golden retriever character!). The Good Boy reminds us that “Magic is hope.”

I ended up putting this one down around the 38% mark, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I usually love a good romcom, but this one just didn’t click with me the way I hoped. Instead of finding it funny or lighthearted, I mostly felt sad for Miles and Rory. Gen came across as pretty self-focused, which made it harder for me to connect with her character. I also felt like the story was a bit longer than the premise needed. I might circle back to it later, but for now, I’ve got a lot of other books higher up on my TBR that I’m excited to dive into.

thank you netgalley and author Stella Hayward for allowing me to read your book.

what a fun little book about magic, believing in yourself, and allowing yourself to find the magic in the world again.

i thought this book was going to be a little different than what it was, but im glad it didnt go the way that i thought it would go. rory is the bestest boy , humans dont deserve dogs both in fiction and in reality, but for us (humans) to have dogs makes the world so much more bearable. miles, i liked him and wished we were able to get into his inner thoughts, but the main female character, genie. yeah she is kind of insufferable, it took me forever to like her. yes, her tragedy was awful but her "life is always going to be awful" was tiresome by the 20-25% of the book, i would of figured by then we would of got some growth from her. nonetheless, the growth didnt come until later.