This book was adorable. I enjoyed listening to it. The characters were fantastic and their jobs as vets unique, I haven't read many titles involving a vet, let alone multiple. If you live animals, love a good second chance story or simply want a fun, entertaining read, I recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

This was a cute novel. If I am being honest, I chose this book because I am a huge dog lover. So I appreciated that part of the story. With that being said, for some reason, I found the romance part to be a little bit unrealistic. So that is why I am not giving this book 5 stars, I am sad to say. I did enjoy the audiobook narrator though. And of course, I do like Farrah Rochon as a writer, so I will still be reading more of her books in the future. This one

The second I saw this title and the author, I knew I needed to read this! I absolutely loved Pardon My Frenchie and didn't even realize there was a second book on the way. Thanks so much for accepting my ARC application.

Lately I've been in my second chance era and have not been able to enjoy most of them as I felt the FMCs would be too forgiving too soon. With this story, however, Farrah emulated my idea of a perfect conflict for our characters. Evie's feelings about Bryson ghosting her never went away with his genuine but lacking substance apology. She didn't forgive and forget as most other FMCs do. She tried to ignore (my favorite response), reasoned, acknowledged, questioned, and then understood his reason all while still holding it in the back of her mind and heart during their journey. It definitely felt realistic, or at least what my version of realistic would be in that situation.

Also I came in to the story thinking there was only one POV since there was one narrator but to my pleasant surprise there were two POVs, Evie and Bryson. This helped me to accept Bryson's apology and gage the accuracy of Evie's feelings towards him by having both accounts of their interactions.

I've never enjoyed an FMC's friend group as much as I've enjoyed this trio. There was no nagging, only encouragement and good vibes with hilarious conversations. I do not generally read all books in a series, but I definitely cannot wait to read about Ridley's story. She was such a fascinating character to me and I'm excited to see what Farrah has in store for her!

I loved getting a view into the veterinary/non profit world through the main characters! Every dog cameo was really cute, and the second chance romance aspect was well done. There was a “third act breakup” that I did not enjoy because it felt like a conflict that was resolved multiple chapters before. However it was a very short breakup so it’s not story ruining. The resolution to the main conflict of saving the animal shelter was so sweet and the best solution IMO.

The narrator of this audiobook I felt did a great job of acting emotions for each character. There were several prolonged pauses that felt a little awkward and weren’t solved by speeding up the audiobook, but I think these were more editing choices than done purposely by the narrator. Overall I enjoyed listening to this story! Thanks to Hachette Audio for an early copy!

3.75 ⭐️
Pugs and Kisses is an adorable second-chance romance and perfect for dog lovers!

I loved our FMC, Evie, who is a successful veterinarian with a passion for animals. I thought she was funny, determined, and had a strong sense of self. I enjoyed reading her POV and watching her efforts to save the animal sanctuary. Bryson, our MMC, was not as strong a character, a bit lackluster, but I thought Rochon wrote the characters with great chemistry. I really liked the audiobook narrator as well.

That said, at points, the writing felt a little cliche and predictable. I was also frustrated that the third act conflict stemmed from issues that were at the center of their original breakup eight years prior, meaning that Bryson hadn't resolved those feelings or shown character development in all the time they were apart. Because of that, I thought the actual resolution felt forced with shallow promises of change.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Forever for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pugs and Kisses 🎧 by Farrah Rochon

🐶 second chance
🩺 cute doggies
🐶 cheating ex
🩺 close friend group
🐶 NOLA

The first thing I loved about this book was the beautiful cover! It’s beautiful and along with Farrah’s descriptions of NOLA and its food, I’m ready to plan my next trip.

This book follows Evie and Bryson as they reunite almost a decade after a summer fling. They join forces to help save the animal shelter they used to volunteer at in college. They are both dealing with very different family issues but finally find some common ground and reconnect.

This book is so cute!! I loved the story. I found it unique and fun. It reminded me of an old school classic rom com with cute dogs, lovely side characters, and steamy passion!!

My only issue with this book was how quickly they got together after a decade of being separated. I would have appreciated slightly more longing with no 3rd act miscommunication/breakup.

I thought the narrator did a wonderful job. At first I was nervous it would be too robotic but I ended up loving her voice and inflections for different characters. There were a few places where the volume seemed louder than others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the early audiobook copy!

Earlier this year, I read the first book in this series and found it to be okay but I was interested in the next installment. The positive in this is that I thought the plot progression was better. However, I found the romance to be a bit rushed. Especially since its been years between the main two and the female lead was still angry about the past throughout the novel. I also felt the male lead needed better character development as he let his insecurities affect the relationship in the past and present. Overall, I found this sequel to be a slight improvement but definitely felt there were changes needed. I did get both e-book and audio arc so I tandem read both and I found the audiobook to be good so I recommend this route if you are interested!

This was, in my opinion, the PERFECT romance. As someone who absolutely loves dogs (and has one named Evie - and my last name happens to be Williams), this book was literally written for me I'm pretty sure. 🥳

I'm not joking when I say I loved everything about this. I love when a romance book doesn't make marriage and children a part of the story. Let them enjoy their love and their dogs. Whatever may come, may come, but it makes me so happy when romance books end without an epilogue where they have a bunch of kids or the FMC is pregnant.

I will definitely be checking out Pardon my Frenchie for Ashanti's story, and the way I would die to get another book with the third friend (I am blanking on her name right now!! 🤦🏻‍♀️)

This is published 7/15 and I am going to need all my dog lovers to check this one out STAT. 🐶💞

I loved the concept of Second Chance romance between two veterinarians who have a love for rescues. It was a cozy, cute story of reconnecting after years apart and huge misunderstanding that drove a wedge between their friendship. If you have a love of dogs and want a feel-good story, this one is for you! The narrator also did a great performance portraying both characters, which can be hard to do if it is a single narrator.

OMG! Pugs & Kisses was such a cute and light read. I enjoyed how P&K was equally character and plot driven and the 3rd act breakup (I know I know..) was actually necessary.

I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a great job! Especially distinguishing between female and male POV.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette for the ALC

A big thank you to Netgally, Hachette, author and narrator for the ARC audiobook of pugs and kisses.

An enjoyable read of a cute romance based around a dog rescue and a mission to save the rescue. loved this story plot. Also liked the female main character who fun fact, has the same 1st name as me lol 😆.

The narrator of this audiobook was great. She used great vocal expression and variety in her voice range. It is difficult to come across good narrator's and she was definitely a good one.

This book is released this month July and i recommend a listen to or a physical copy read of it.

Thanks again to Netgally, Hachette, author and narrator I appreciate the opportunity to review.

As a Pug-Mummy, just the title of this book alone had me hooked! A must-read for dog-lovers. I was invested in the characters and definitely rooting for Evie and Bryson as they worked together to save the animal rescue shelter.

The excellent dialogue and banter had me chuckling aloud, and the outstanding audio narration really brought the characters to life. With a storyline that flows effortlessly and reaches a satisfying conclusion, this was a highly enjoyable book.
This cosy, feel-good rom-com was just what I needed!

Thank you to Hachette for an advance audio copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, lighthearted, second chance romance. Evie and Bryson and both likable characters who were young and insecure the first time around. As adults, things are different and you can respect and relate to the growth of the characters.

I listened to I the Audiobook, it was an easy listen and the narrator did a good job capturing the emotions of the characters.

I am really hoping Farrah will give us a book three of this series 😊.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the audio arc!

I rated this 3.5 stars and rounded up to 4.

Pugs and Kisses is a great sequel to Pardon My Frenchie with Evie as the FMC. Evie just broke up with her fiancé and needs a new job. Her mentor owns a dog sanctuary that is on the verge of being closed down due to lack of funds. Evie tries to save the sanctuary with a former lover.

I enjoyed reading this story about Evie finally putting her wants/needs first. It is a great reminder that when one door closes, another opens. I look forward to a 3rd book involving Ridley.

The narrator did a fabulous job and really brought the characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachet Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🐾🅴🅸🅶🅷🆃 🅽🅰🆁🆁🅰🆃🅸🆅🅴 🅽🅾🆃🅴🆂🐾
|| 𝙋𝙐𝙂𝙎 & 𝙆𝙄𝙎𝙎𝙀𝙎 by Farrah Rochon ||

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Marissa Hampton
𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 7 hrs, 56 mins
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: July 15, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Contemporary Romance, Black Romance, Pets

Thank you @hachetteaudio for the gifted audiobook. Here are 8 narrative notes about this puppy-filled, sweet, second-chance romance:

𝟭. 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿?
- Yes, I enjoyed the romantic banter and dog-infused storyline. Farrah’s writing is sweet, funny, and relatable.

𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
- Evie is easy to root for as she navigates heartbreak and career upheaval. However, I root for Bryson the most because he has it all yet feels small and insignificant.

𝟯. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲?
- Because it’s not just about circling the block on love, but it’s about understanding one’s purpose through community and healing.

𝟰. 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵, 𝗰𝗿𝘆, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
- Yes, a moment near the end with Bryson having an elder dog in surgery made me gasp & close my eyes. I’ve been there.

𝟱. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
- Yes. Marissa’s voice is warm and expressive matching the humor, heart, and healing of the story.

𝟲. 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿?
- Why, of course. Marissa’s narration was smooth, distinct, and unique.

𝟳. 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆?
- What happened outside of the romance. Her life? Her parents? Job? Cameron! Also, what about those side characters? I already miss them.

𝟴. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁?
- Any reader that enjoys second-chance romance, loves dogs, and heartfelt stories about community.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏷 #PugsAndKisses #FarrahRochon #HachetteAudio #8NarrativeNotes #BlackRomance #ContemporaryRomance #RomanceAudiobook #SecondChanceRomance #CandiceReads #HaleYeahBooks #BlackGirlsRead #WellReadBlackGirl #bookreview

Picture this: You just walked in on your fiancé with another woman, quit your job, and then run into the man who broke your heart years ago while trying to soothe your horrible day with some puppy snuggles. Yep, that’s what happens here…

This book is filled with sweet dog antics, slow-burn romance, witty banter, and fantastic female friendships. There are some truly wonderful moments in this romance that made me smile but there were also parts that didn’t fully work for me.

One of my personal struggles with second-chance romances is the reason why the couple broke up in the first place. Often, it’s due to miscommunication or something that feels a bit silly or immature, and unfortunately, that’s the case here.

Now, Bryson definitely has some good qualities, but I didn’t always find him very mature in his relationship with Evie. He asked a lot of her before she was emotionally ready to give it.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Marissa Hampton, and she did a fabulous job bringing the characters to life. I do wish there had been a second narrator for Bryson’s POV to better distinguish the dual perspectives, but overall, the audiobook was very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC of this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual POV
Single narrator
Second chance romance
Forced proximity

This book was so cute and so funny. I found myself laughing out loud several times. The narrator did an AMAZING JOB! Her inflection was appropriate and she wasn’t boring to listen to. The FMC was very understanding, more than I would have been lol for a second chance romance. I love how the title ties in to the story, the author was very clever with this.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review! Thank you Hachette Audio & Net Galley for this opportunity.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7659808158

oh how I love this story!!!! it’s full of so much heart, humor, love, tenderness, and puppies!

I love the way Evie stands up for herself and what she wants. she truly won’t settle for any less than she deserves and I love seeing her defend herself and her happiness throughout this story. and Bryson is such an amazing MMC! he loved Evie so much, willing to be whatever he can to her just to be in her life and keep her happy. I absolutely love the way they both love and comfort each other in the most honest, tender ways.

I also am obsessed with the puppies in this story! and how much the characters are dedicated to helping animals. just the perfect story for people who love spicy, lovely romance with puppy characters 🥰

the audiobook was phenomenal! the narration and production was done so well and let me fully immerse myself in this story. I cannot recommend the audiobook enough!!!

thank you so much for the alc!!!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

A second chance romance between two vets, set in New Orleans. I don't normally love second chance romances, but I enjoyed this one a lot. The two leads were both likeable and I understood the motivations of their younger selves and why things didn't work out the first time for them. Plus there were cute dogs!

As for the audiobook, Marissa Hampton was an excellent narrator. This book is written in dual 3rd person close POV and although it was 3rd person she shifted her voice enough to really tell the difference between the two main characters, which is always an impressive feat to me. The emotional parts of the book were so good, she made me tear up a few times. A good listen overall.

Big thanks to hachette audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review

So I took a chance because this isn't usually the style of book I go for. And boy am I glad I did.

The author's writing style is just delightful. Her voice and the way she brings the characters to life. Lovely.

The story itself was a light read. Second chance romance centered around two very strong willed individuals and dogs. Evie had her own things going on from overbearing parents, to her ex being a scumbag, to work trouble. Bryson had his issues of being head over heels for Evie still and just being so insanely hot that everyone around him melts. I know tough.

There are pretty low stakes in this one, the biggest being the animal rescue they both learned in being on the verge of shutting down. Second to that is if these two can put their past issues aside to work together to save it.

Technically the second book in the series as Evie's best friend had her story in the first book. But they are stand alone so it's really no problem to read them out of order. Which is exactly what I am doing as I immediately had to go snag the other book that also has an adorable dog on the cover.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.