I love Farah Rochon's books and this book just added to my loved books! The connections to the characters, the setting and the supportive cast of friends all made this so good to read. In being a fur baby mother, I was also able to connect to the characters in that way. I found myself rooting for this relationship and enjoying the banter between both Evie and Bryson. I listened to an advanced audio copy and enjoyed the narrator for this story. Thank you to Hachette Audio! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

📖 Bookish Thoughts
I really wanted to like this one. The premise was super cute. Second chance romance, dogs, and a hometown reconnection. But the execution just fell flat for me.

I didn’t feel the chemistry between Bryson and Evie at all. Both characters felt immature, and the romance never pulled me in. The family drama completely overshadowed everything else. Evie’s dynamic with her mom was frustrating. She kept backing down, and when she finally stood up for herself, she gave in right after. That moment was supposed to be powerful, but it ended up feeling silly.

Also, I am a certified hater of the third act breakup. This one really took the cake. It made no sense and added nothing to the story. I’m giving it 3 stars because the narrator was great and kept me engaged when the plot didn’t.

💌 What You Can Expect:
• Second chance romance
• Animal shelter setting
• Family conflict
• Dogs

📆 Pub Date: July 15, 2025
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ loved it! great chemistry and characters, though a few moments didn’t fully hit. still highly recommend.
🌶️: light spice, with 1 or 2 scenes, focusing mainly on emotional connection and minimal explicit detail.

evie williams thought her life was safe, steady, maybe a little boring until she catches her fiancé in bed with someone else and ends up jobless all in the same week. stuck and unsure of what’s next, the last person she expects to see back in town is her old college crush, bryson mitchell. he’s now a big-deal vet surgeon, and when they find out the animal shelter they both used to love is at risk of shutting down, they team up to try and save it. but working together brings old feelings bubbling back, and suddenly evie’s wondering if this messy new chapter might just lead to something better than she ever planned.

this was such a fun, easy read and i absolutely flew through it in an afternoon. i’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one delivered in all the ways i wanted. the characters had great chemistry, the story had just the right amount of emotion without getting too heavy, and the whole vibe was sweet and warm. it didn’t try too hard, which made it even more enjoyable. this was the best feel good read with just enough emotion.

the audio really added to the experience. even though i usually prefer dual narration, marissa hampton did a great job as a single narrator. she brought a lot of personality to each character and made it easy to stay engaged. i felt like there was a pretty distinct different between the two POVs. the pacing worked well, and it never felt flat or slow.

big thanks to netgalley, hachette, and forever audio for the early copy.

tropes: second chance, workplace romane, opposites attract, forced proximity
triggers: death of an animal, sick animals, past miscarriage, infidelity, strained parental relationship

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I love the sweet little surprise of this happening to the same world as Pardon My Frenchie. Although, it doesn’t have to be read first as this is a standalone.

Pugs and Kisses is a cute, cozy book that feels like a warm hug. There is not a lot of drama, which was much appreciated after my last few reads. It was an easy read any romance and dog lover should take the time to delve into!

Bryson is a man who has been pinning and yearning after Evie for years. So much so, after she got in another relationship he left the state.

The narration was excellent. The narrator made the book cute and swoony by delivering all the lines with the necessary emotion.

Will say, this book deals with the death of a pet!

Tropes:
- Cute dogs
- Slow burn
- Second chance

Pugs and Kisses by Farrah Rochon
Narrated by Tyla Collier & Jaime Lincoln Smith

This audiobook?? Adorable. Heart-melting. Pure serotonin with a side of puppy paws. 🐾💕

Pugs and Kisses is everything you want in a cozy, feel-good rom-com. The meet-cute is chaotic (in the best way), the banter is flirty and fun, and yes—the pugs 100% steal the show. If you’re looking for something light, low-drama, and high on charm, this one will make your heart do that soft little squish thing.

Narration review? On point.

Tyla Collier brings sweet, grounded energy to the heroine—funny, warm, and totally relatable.

Jaime Lincoln Smith has that smooth, swoon-worthy voice that’ll have you grinning every time he speaks.
Together? Their chemistry ✨snaps✨.

Listen if you love:
🐶 pet matchmaking gone slightly off the rails
💌 accidental romance that turns very intentional
💕 dual POV with dual narrators (we love to see it)
🎙️ audiobooks that feel like a rom-com movie in your ears

It’s the kind of listen you throw on during a walk, a bath, or while cleaning—but suddenly you’re smiling like an idiot because the characters are just that cute.

Pugs and Kisses by Farrah Rochen
Contemporary diverse romance. Own voice. Subsequent to Pardon My Frenchie but not listed as a series.
Walking into her home to find her finance naked in bed with someone else is the start to some major life changes for Evie Wilson. She kicks him out but that also means she needs to find a new job since they work together at a veterinary clinic. The good news is that Evie can get a puppy now and that’s one of the first things she does. Then she volunteers at a shelter she hasn’t had time to get to in over a year. She’s happy to revisit the shelter and help the community.
Bryson Mitchell is ready to move home after years of speaking engagements across the country on an innovative vet procedure. Finding out Evie is still in town and no longer engaged is all he needs to start hoping for a new future.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook narrated by Marissa Hampton. The performance is engaging and includes different voices for the main characters and a few of the secondary. Evie comes through as wounded, angry and powerful as she refuses to be used and reorganizes her life to get past the bumps. More than once she figures out a problem and turns it around and her strength is heard as she makes decisions. Bryson is famous and a well experienced speaker, but in the audiobook he’s heard as a bit softer since we know his feelings. Smart since we didn’t like the brashness of the ex.
I listened at 1.5 and higher to more closely match my reading speed.

A successful woman. Two successful veterinarians and their compatible dogs who care about community. Loved their volunteer hours and projects. And of course, their romance. It’s was sad knowing he walked away even though he thought it was the right thing to do. Glad he moved back home to Louisiana at the right time. Meant to be.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.

This was anotehr fun book from Rochon, second in series and I like the core group of friends and this series is animal focused which isn't always for me but I love it!

This could’ve easily been a 5-star read for me if there had been less language (f-bombs were thrown around like confetti) I do prefer my reads to be completely clean, but I will say the two open-door scenes were short and easy to skip, so they didn’t ruin the story for me.

While I don’t personally need them, I really appreciated the trigger warnings at the beginning. I thought it was thoughtful and respectful for those who do.

The narration was great! Perfectly matched for Evie’s character and really brought the story to life. This was a cute second-chance romance, and honestly, the title alone is what drew me in. Who could resist that? Perfect for any dog lover!

Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

Thank you @readforeverpub @hachetteaudio and @farrahrochon for my gifted copies!

I loved diving back into this world. I mean, I am a big biased because I call NOLA home, but Farrah writes such fun and heartfelt stories and New Orleans shines as another character.
Evie, a veterinarian, has just gone through a major transition. Her fiancé, who she’d been with for four years is cheating. She happens to be a vet at HIS clinic. So she has to find a place to live AND work.
Bryson, her summer romance from eight years ago, works at The Sanctuary where they spent that summer. He’s a renowned animal surgeon now and they’re about to see each other again as they both work to save The Sanctuary when it looks like it will be closing. Cue the swoons, humor, and heat!
I loved this one, even more than its predecessor Pardon My Frenchie. There’s something about a second chance that’s so satisfying.
As a New Orleanian I loved all the nuances about the place we love- restaurants, shops, and locals all have a spotlight.
I also listened to the audiobook and Marissa Hampton narrated the heck out of this one. Dual POV and incredible range.
Keeping my fingers crossed for another in this series! 🤞Ridley & Von

Adorable rom-com!
This book was so adorable, funny, with just the perfect blend of emotional build ups.

I love a good second chance romance in this way, that there was an opportunity for these two to hook up or be together and someone along the way missed their opportunity.
Life has brought both characters back together and this time EVERYTHING gets addressed!

I love reading a book where they are both vets and both are equally yet in different ways obsessed with animals. There are such funny moments and funny banter. I also love the individual growth (even though the MMC went through more development, AS HE BETTER!) both characters went through.

Will def be recommending this book to all my friends.

With an explosive first chapter, I was hooked right away! Evie is a strong FMC. After an abrupt break-up she is reconnected with an ex who thought he wasn’t enough for her. Watching them reconnect and decide how they will combine their resources to save their beloved Animal Sanctuary is a cozy tale.

Thank you to Hatchette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this book in advance of it’s release!

You guys!! This is SUCH a cute story and includes dogs as a main focus! It was so much up my alley and I loved every minute except one and when you read it you will know.

Such a cute and cozy story about such great friendships and relationships and just respecting others. It was just what I needed as a fast and fun summer read. I loved learning more about NoLa and all the different places there, as well as about the characters lives.

I also listened to this one as an audiobook and the narrators were integral in making the stories of the characters come alive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this audiobook ARC!!

Audiobook Review 🎧
4.5 ⭐️
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙳𝚊𝚢

This was my first read by @farrahrochon and I loved it. I’m a cat person but this doggie love plot stole my heart. This book is based here in New Orleans which I loved as well. This was a romance between two black veterinarians who are LSU grads. Geaux Tigers!!! The main character evie comes from a life of privilege but is very unhappy. Her fiancée of 10 years has cheated on her and the one love of her life just walked back into town. Look Bryson is every southern girls dreams; Ex athlete, country man, and renowned world famous surgeon. They are forced together by their mentor in an effort to save the animal shelter that holds so many precious memories for them. This was suck a cozy read and much needed for me. @marissachanelhampton did such a good job on the narration of this one.

💕thank you @netgalley and @readforeverpub for my ALC.

🏷️#booklover #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readingtime #ilovebooks #bookblogger #bookblog #booknerdigans #bookishfeatures #bookphotography #yalit #yabooks #currentlyreading #igreads #instaread #bookworm #bookdragons #puppies #vets #edsheeran #blackdoctors

This was such a fun read. I absolutely loved that almost all the main characters were Vets. I feel like we get a lot of doctor books but not per doctor books so this was a fun change of pace. The writing was great and the story was fun. I do wish I got a little bit more out of the breakup and rekindle. Like they were so far into the 3rd act it seemed really rushed. Everything else I loved and I hope this is a series and we get the friends book who came back from London.

Pugs and Kisses is the perfect summer read, a second chance romance about two philanthropic veterinarians. Evie is devastated when she discovers her fiancé in bed with another woman. But then her college crush moves back to town and she finds out he is trying to save the shelter they used to volunteer at. There's lots of funny dog stories, clever banter and heartwarming character growth in this story, and even some hints that there might be another book in the series in the future!

Marissa Hampton did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook, she really brought out the emotion and personality of both of the main characters.

After a devastating betrayal, veterinarian Evie’s life takes an unexpected turn when Bryson, her college crush, returns to town. Working together to save their beloved animal shelter, they must decide if they can also rescue their past relationship.

This book is adorable! It’s fun and fast-paced with well-developed and relatable characters. The romance is swoony. I love Evie and Bryson together—they’re perfectly matched. The audiobook narration is entertaining.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this cute second chance romance. They’re both veterinarians who met when they were both volunteering. Now, they’re back years later to try to save their mentor’s vet clinic. They’re not only saving the clinic but their love for one another.

Thank you @readforevepub and @farrahrochon for the free arc and @hachetteaudio and @netgalley for the free alc 💖.

🗓️Out tomorrow! 7/15/25

✨What it is about:
After her life falls apart, veterinarian Evie Williams reconnects with her college crush, Bryson Mitchell. As they team up to save a struggling animal shelter, old feelings resurface, offering a second chance at love.✨

💭My thoughts:
Another super cute story by Farrah Rochon! I really enjoyed reading Pardon My Frenchie last year, and was so excited to get the chance to read her new novel early. I have to agree with Ali Hazelwood: everything Rochon writes is such a joy to read!
This was such a sweet story with low stakes, perfect for dog lovers like me. I loved seeing Evie and Bryson reconnect through a shared goal and rekindle both their friendship and romance. It’s an uplifting story about two successful vets (and fellow dog lovers), finding their way back to each other and getting a second chance at love. Heartfelt and cozy, it made for a perfect escape read.
🎧 The audiobook is just under 8 hours, and Marissa Hampton does a great job with the narration. She really brings out the emotion in the story and sets the right tone from the start. Her pacing draws you into Evie and Bryson’s world, and she captures the ups and downs of their relationship in a natural, relatable way. Overall, she made it easy to get completely wrapped up in their story. I definitely recommend this audiobook!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
🐾Dogs
🐾Second chance romance
🐾Lighthearted / feel good story
🐾Female friendships
🐾Dual POVs
🐾Slowburn
🐾Small town

⚠️CW: Infidelity on the page, mentions of death of a pet, sexual content.

This is a feel good second chance romance for animal lovers ❤️ In college Evie & Bryson connected at an animal shelter they volunteered at, which created a sense of found family for the two. After a misunderstand (that I as the reader found to be immature & lacked good communication) the pair separated on bad terms only to be thrown together in present day in an attempt to save the shelter.

I absolutely loved the role the dogs played in this novel, as a dog mom it just melted my heart and really drew me in as the reader. The second chance aspect of this novel was done really well and the pacing felt natural, I enjoyed the honest and open conversations Evie & Bryson had after their reconnection.

The audiobook for this novel was stellar! Marissa Hampton absolutely brought this novel to life & her voice just matched Evie's personality for me.

Thank you Hachette Audio for the ALC