This book was so, so cute! I might be biased because I have such a soft spot for animals, but overall this book was more than just a romance with puppies on the side. 

I really enjoyed Hazel as a character. Her life isn’t fully together and some things REALLY fall apart, but she was resilient and persevered through it all. She was intent on not taking handouts, providing for herself, and her dogs, and generally just being a decent person. What’s not to love about that?

Even when she and Linc fall in love, she still wants to provide for herself and earn what she has rather than just letting Linc buy her things. It was awesome to see Hazel’s independence take center stage all the way through the end of the book, while also not getting that “picture perfect” ending I had assumed was coming.

Of course I have to say something about the dogs too! Each one had their quirks and uniqueness that made them so lovable. And the book showcased how dogs and their nature can be heavily influenced by environment and the people around them - not every person can have four or five dogs in a house and have them all get along and behave/listen to commands. The pack clearly respected Hazel and it showed. It was so refreshing to see dog ownership/fostering portrayed from this lens rather than the dogs being absolute terrors. 

If you’re looking for a cute, easy romance read that also involves animals, this is the book for you!