📖 Book Review 📖 Is Farrah Rochon a D.E.A.R. situation? After Pardon My Frenchie, the answer is a resounding yes! Dr. Evie Williams, vet and best friend extraordinaire is back with her own feature in Pugs & Kisses. Breakups are hard - especially when your ex is a cheating liar - but a new furry companion in the shape of a pug/beagle mix always makes life a little sweeter…so does the unexpected return of a former crush. New Orleans is a city that still has socioeconomic divisions and Evie and Bryson did not come from the same circle, but a beloved animal shelter named The Sanctuary brought them together years ago. Now that Bryson is back in the Big Easy and The Sanctuary is at risk of closing its doors, the two are on a mission! Farrah Rochon harmoniously combines my three favorite things into the perfect rom com: dogs, activism, and NOLA!

A cute slow burn, second chance romance with adorable pups as sidekicks? Yes please!

Evie walking into HER house to find her fiance in bed with another woman is not how she was expecting her day to go. Neither did she expect to run into the man who broke her heart and ghosted her while volunteering at the shelter where they met shortly after. But that's what happens. Evie is determined to keep her distance from Bryson, now a hotshot veterinary surgeon, while she figures out what to do with her life. Having left her job because her ex owns the veterinary clinic she worked at, it's not long before something falls into her lap: her mentor and the owner of the shelter asks for her help raising money to save it. The only thing is, he's asked Bryson too. Hell bent on keeping things in the past, Evie begrudgingly says yes to helping, but it's not long before she can no longer ignore the feelings Bryson gave her all those years ago - and now. She can't move forward with him until she knows why he left in the first place, and are the people they are now still compatible enough to be together?

This was a cute romance, and I really loved the banter between Evie and Bryson. I think the author did a really good job of showing how strong their friendship had been/is now, and how that played into the strength of them starting something new. I also loved how the story wrapped up, and how it set up for the next book in the series.

I did feel a bit of a disconnect with the parents storyline. Both Bryson and Evie have slightly strained relationships with their parents. And while Evie got a little bit of resolution with her mom, Bryson's issues weren't really addressed in a serious sense, moreso just in an offhand way. I also felt like the majority of the plot happened in the last 40% of the book, which I don't mind but it could be a very slow start for other readers.

I would recommend this to slow burn romance lovers, especially those who love dogs in a story!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Pugs and Kisses was a cute story. I really enjoyed the second chance romance as well as the supportive friendships throughout.

I really liked how dogs were part of the story. Bits of romance was nice too. The book was a little too many pages than I liked. The cover looked good too.

I fell in love with the title (how adorable is that?), and then fell in love with the book itself. Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses is the ultimate serotonin boost: a feel good, dog filled, sweet second chance romance that hit every one of my soft spots. The writing is just so flowy and warm, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I was totally locked in from page one. And we can all agree that any book featuring romance AND dogs is going to hit.

Evie and Bryson? Instant chemistry, rich backstory, and such beautifully messy, vulnerable conversations. It’s been nearly a decade since their college summer fling, and their reconnection comes with a big helping of regret, reflection, and some very satisfying groveling (which I loved). Their emotional journey unfolds at the perfect pace, making every moment feel earned.

The plot was so well done! Both main characters are veterinarians (yes to Black vet rep 🙌), and they’re brought back together to help save the dog sanctuary they volunteered at back in college. I was totally invested in every twist and turn, and the way it all came together at the end was perfect. Also, the dynamic between their rescue dogs, Waffles and Bella, was just as charming as their own romance.

Evie’s growth post breakup was one of my favorite arcs. Watching her break free from the expectations placed on her and find her own joy again? Ugh, I loved it. And Bryson, with all his baggage, acknowledging it and actually putting in the work to heal? We love a self-aware king.

Also, can we talk about the New Orleans setting? It was vibrant. From the food to the bayou, Farrah Rochon brings the city to life, grounding the romance with a strong sense of place and real world issues like gentrification. It added so much texture to the story, and although I have never been to Louisiana, I desperately want to go now.

And yes, I totally think Book 3 is going to be Ridley and Von and YES, I need it immediately.

🚨TW/CW: On page pet death (not the MCs pet), cheating (Evie’s ex + her parents’ history), strained parent relationships.

If you loved Pardon My Frenchie, this one might just top it (Evie was the perfect choice for a spin off). If you haven’t read the first, this still stands beautifully on its own, but you’ll want to go back and meet the whole friend group after! This series is aging like fine wine and I have no notes. Just smiles, swoons, and a heart full of puppy love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Farrah Rochon, and Forever for the eARC of this book.

Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses is the kind of feel-good romance that sneaks up on you. It is equal parts tender, funny, and full of heart. Set against the lively backdrop of New Orleans, Rochon gives readers a second-chance love story wrapped in the cozy charm of rescue dogs and old friendships.

Evie and Bryson’s chemistry feels both natural and earned, making their emotional journey as satisfying as it is swoon-worthy. Rochon doesn’t rush the romance. Instead, she lets it build slowly, mixing in just enough banter, vulnerability, and pug-fueled chaos to keep the story grounded and sincere.

This book isn’t just about love between two people. It is about rebuilding, rediscovering what makes you feel alive, and letting go of what no longer fits. Pugs and Kisses is the perfect comfort read for anyone who believes in second chances, happy endings, and the healing power of a wagging tail

This book really is perfect for dog lovers and second chance romance readers.
I loved everything about it.

4.5/5

As a dog lover, I was obsessed with this book. The romance was excellent at advancing the plot plus who doesn’t love a second chance romance. At times, the main male’s characters reasons for the past annoyed me but I got over it.

I also liked the three friends and how their stories interact. While you can read as a stand alone, I look forward to reading the others. Thank you NetGalley!

I devoured this book in a day because I literally could not put it down. There is so much to like about this book, I have no complaints. The title instantly lured me; the cover and synopsis were an added plus. I love a good second-chance romance, and this book delivered that perfectly. Reading about Evie and Bryson had me cheesing. I also loved the friendship dynamic with Evie and her girlfriends. The writing and pace were great; most importantly, I never got bored. I also loved the black veterinarian representation. This book is perfect for dog lovers and romance fans. I would definitely recommend and check out other books by this author.

This book is the perfect follow up to Pardon My Frenchie! I was invested in the characters who were reflective and funny! I loved the connection to Pardon My Frenchie. Loved the setting in New Orleans! The fact that both lead characters were black Vets made the story attractive. They were both likeable and I loved that they openly communicated throughout. It felt very healthy and open. It's a very romantic and sweet former almost lovers turned lovers story and I read in two days. Also, the cover art is so cute!

We first met Evie in Pardon my Frenchie, the best friend of Ashanti the owner of Barkingham palace doggy daycare. I am so glad the veterinarian got her own story and may I say it was slightly better than the OG?

From the outside, veterinarian Evie Williams appears to have the perfect but boring life. She is desperate to figure out a way to shake it up, but gets more than she bargained for when she finds her fiancé in bed with another woman. Suddenly, Evie is without a fiancé or a job, and isn’t sure what her next steps should be. That is, until her college crush, Bryson Mitchell, returns to town.
Now, a nationally recognized veterinary surgeon, Bryson is stunned when he encounters Evie Williams for the first time in half a decade. When they learn the animal shelter where they used to volunteer is in danger of closing, the two must work together to save it. It has Bryson wondering, can he and Evie also save the friendship they once shared and finally bring it to the next level?

For fans of dogs, second chance romance and New Orleans his book will have you swooning, laughing and aweeeing over and over again. While a stand alone, I do recommend meeting the friend group in the first book prior to picking this one up. I have no notes or criticism just smiles and butterflies

Such a cute, cozy story with not much drama. This was much needed 🥰 loved the cute pets and friendships in the book so much. Also, it shows the struggle that one has when entering a relationship with a financial gap between the partners and how people feel when they're the poorer side. Overall it really is worth reading

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

SKIP CHAPTER: 22, 28

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

This is the first book that I've received from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) so let's hope it delivers 💖💖 also thank you Netgalley for the early copy 🫶🏻

Sinopsis en español:


Desde fuera, la veterinaria Evie Williams parece tener la vida perfecta pero aburrida. Ella está desesperada por encontrar una manera de sacudirlo, pero obtiene más de lo que esperaba cuando encuentra a su prometido en la cama con otra mujer. De repente, Evie está sin prometido ni trabajo, y no está segura de cuáles deberían ser sus próximos pasos. Es decir, hasta que su enamorado de la universidad, Bryson Mitchell, regrese a la ciudad.

Ahora, un cirujano veterinario reconocido a nivel nacional, Bryson se queda atónto cuando se encuentra con Evie Williams por primera vez en media década. Cuando se enteran de que el refugio de animales donde solían ser voluntarios está en peligro de cerrar, los dos deben trabajar juntos para salvarlo. Bryson se pregunta, ¿pueden él y Evie también salvar la amistad que una vez compartieron y finalmente llevarla al siguiente nivel?




Reseña:

Disfruté del libro, me gustó que ambos protagonistas fueran veterinarios, es muy raro leer esto. La lectura es ligera, rápida, entretenida y con hea asegurado.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

this is sadly a dnf for me. i’ve been intrigued by this author since her debut and the cover + synopsis were interesting but 30% through i don’t feel the need to continue picking this up. i’m still 100% down to read any of her other books though 💫

Evie Williams is one of the few black female veterinarians in New Orleans. She comes home one day to find her fiancé in bed with another women, and promptly throws him out. Unfortunately they also worked together at the same vet clinic, so she's quit her job, too. Her old flame Bryson is now a renowned veterinary surgeon, and he is back in New Orleans. He ghosted her 8 years ago after a wonderful summer working together at the Sanctuary, a local animal rescue. There is still a lot of chemistry, but they agree to work together to try and save the Sanctuary, which is going broke. Can they keep the relationship strictly business? Great characters in a beautiful New Orleans setting (and dogs!) all work together to make this romance work. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

Farrah Rochon never fails when it comes to a quiet RomCom. I love the characters, their history and their destined love story. Book one is this series was a hit, but I admittedly didn’t considered that it would be a whole “love for animals” based series. Main characters and supporting characters are keeping us entertained. I needed more on The Sanctuary in the ending and I’m absolutely anxiously awaiting Rid’s storyline. Five, quickly earned, stars.

Review coming soon. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

A perfectly fun romance for dog lovers. I loved the first book and went into this one blind expecting what I expect will be book three. I’m still excited for that one, but this one did not disappoint. Love the cast of characters and New Orleans as the setting. It grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Next one please.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

Farrah Rochon's "Pugs and Kisses" offers readers a delightful escape to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where romance and four-legged friends create a heartwarming narrative that's as refreshing as it is charming.

Rochon crafts a sweet love story that balances romance with the undeniable joy that comes from our canine companions. What makes "Pugs and Kisses" stand out is its ability to deliver a romance that feels both authentic and uplifting. Rochon's writing style is accessible and engaging, making this the perfect choice for readers seeking a light, enjoyable read that still delivers emotional depth. "Pugs and Kisses" proves that sometimes the most refreshing love stories are the ones that remind us of simple pleasures—good company, beautiful surroundings, and the unconditional love of a dog.

If you're looking for a sweet escape that combines romance with puppy love in one of America's most captivating cities, "Pugs and Kisses" delivers a reading experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

I just love this author and she wrote another book I could not put down. We meet Evie as she discovers her fiancée cheating which throws her a huge curveball considering she also works with him. With her life in shambles, she runs into her college fling Bryson. He ghosted her years ago due to his own issues and now he is back in her life, hoping for a 2nd chance. Evie is hesitant but eventually relents. But of course the road to an HEA is never smooth and it wasn’t here. I loved reading about their background and also upbringing because it explained why and how they got to where they were.

But the best part was their dog love and antics. I loved reading about their love and devotion to their dogs and how their careers allowed them care and love on dogs as well.

Loved the tidbits about the food in NO and feeling like I was right there with them. Such a well written story! Enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from Ms. Rochon.