Once Upon a Puppy

by Lizzie Shane

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Pub Date May 25 2021 | Archive Date Sep 01 2023

Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever

Romance

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Description

Opposites attract when a straitlaced lawyer and whimsical party planner must fake-date as co-parents of a rambunctious Irish wolfhound in the second book of this im-paw-ssibly charming small-town romance series. Connor Wyeth has a plan for everything. But when he adopts Maximus, an unruly Irish wolfhound mix, he gets more than he bargained for. If he doesn't act fast, the big dopey mutt is going to destroy his house. The only person Max ever listens to is the volunteer who used to walk him at the shelter—a perennially upbeat woman whose day job is planning princess parties for little kids. Connor couldn't ever imagine that she'd be able to tame such a beast as Max, but he's desperate enough to try anything. Deenie Mitchell isn't looking forward to spending more time with uptight, rules-oriented Connor—no matter how attractive he is. But when her sister announces her engagement, Deenie realizes he's the perfect person to impress her type-A family. When she learns he needs a plus-one for his law firm's work events, an unlikely alliance is formed. But as they play the perfect couple, the friendship—and the feelings—that are forming start to feel all too real. Opposites may attract, but can the man with a plan for everything and the misfit who makes her own rules ever find common ground?

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781538735916
PRICE	$6.99 (USD)
PAGES	352

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Additional Information

Average rating from 80 members

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Featured Reviews

Kaye C, Librarian

With a title of "Once Upon a Puppy" you know you are in for a fluffy, sweet romance. Connor is a lawyer with a plan for everything in his life. He works hard and expects everything else to fall into place. He adopts Max, a full grown Irish wolfhound, and doesn't have time to train him. Deenie Mitchell is a free spirit with wanderlust. She has returned home from traveling to be with her beloved aging aunt. She is glittery and plans princess birthday parties in addition to helping her friend set up a dog adoption business. Connor hires Deenie to train Max.

Connor and Deenie are opposites especially at first. Throwing in a fake dating troupe that is advantageous to both, it is hard to separate the lines between friendship and more. This is a clean read for language and intimacies occur off the page. I enjoyed both main characters especially as there were real back stories for their life choices. Family members, friends and even dogs make the book have more depth than I was expecting.

This is a happy, low angst romance. Especially enjoyable for those wanting mature people but not explicit descriptions. Second in the "Pine Hollow" series but I easily read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review. (4.5 stars rounding up)

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Jessica P, Reviewer

I really adored The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane and was so excited when I saw the series was continuing with Once Upon a Puppy. We follow free-spirited Deenie and her complete opposite Connor as they decide to fake date. They do this so Connor can make partner at his firm by showing he's well rounded, and so Deenie will have a date to her sister's wedding festivities. Cue the sparks!

If you are someone who hasn't tried a small town romance book I highly suggest starting with this series. Once Upon a Puppy can be read as a standalone if you haven't checked out the first book yet, but I did love following the characters in town in this second installment. This book felt so cozy and was very comforting, which everyone could use right now. I really loved the opposites attract energy between Deenie and Connor and how they individually grew throughout the story. Of course I loved Connor's adorable giant dog, Maximus. If you want a book that feels like a big warm hug, check out Once Upon a Puppy!