She’s built her career on perfection. This Christmas, everything’s about to go off leash.

Amanda Barnard has the ideas, clients, and confidence of a rising star in advertising. She’s built her career on resonant campaigns and flawless execution, believing success is simply a matter of showing up prepared. But when a company-wide email announces her long-awaited promotion has gone to her coworker, Amanda realizes she’s been valued for all the wrong reasons.

Given one shot to “prove her leadership” and earn her place at the top, Amanda takes a pro bono assignment. With just days before Christmas, saving the failing Hamilton Animal Shelter is a challenge unlike any she’s faced. Worse, Elias Exley, the shelter’s guarded but maddeningly perceptive veterinarian, her reluctant counterpart, isn’t making it any easier.

Amanda is sure her holiday fostering campaign, the Twelve Days of Dogmas, will save the shelter and her future. But when a timid Labrador named Merry is the only dog remaining after the kickoff event, Amanda’s left with no choice but to foster her.

Thirty dogs, viral mishaps, and a boss who won’t give her credit are enough to send Amanda’s campaign veering off script. Amid the mayhem, she’s falling for Merry. And with every passing Dogmas event, it’s harder to dislike Elias. Especially when he and Merry seem to be the only ones who believe Amanda doesn’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of herself.

If Christina Lauren and Roxanne St. Clair teamed up to write a book about Emily in Paris saving an animal shelter, this would be it. Perfect for pet lovers who want every animal to have a happy home, and readers who appreciate women who know their worth and aren't afraid to demand respect.