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Triple Dog Dare
When wealthy champion dog breeder Stu Hockersmith presents prize pup Lord Louis to lovely Bianca Jameson, he hopes to win her heart. Things don’t always go as planned. Bianca, oblivious to Stu’s amorous intentions, takes the adorable pooch back to California where she goes on to become a celebrated author, writing books about little Lo-Lou.
Bianca thinks she’s living the good life with her Norse god of a fiancé, former fashion photographer Lars Lundgren. When she realizes Lars has spent all their money and committed her to a new book with a looming deadline, Bianca pulls out all the stops to get the job done. But she doesn’t know about all of Lars’ deals.
To make matters worse, Stu is informed that gifting Lord Louis broke the kennel club bylaws and he now must get the pup back before his father’s legal team takes action against the woman he still loves.
Stu needs Lo-Lou to satisfy his father. Bianca needs Lo-Lou to finish her book. Lars needs Lo-Lou to work out a secret deal with a movie producer. Lo-Lou can’t be in three places at the same time. Or can he?
Bianca thinks she’s living the good life with her Norse god of a fiancé, former fashion photographer Lars Lundgren. When she realizes Lars has spent all their money and committed her to a new book with a looming deadline, Bianca pulls out all the stops to get the job done. But she doesn’t know about all of Lars’ deals.
To make matters worse, Stu is informed that gifting Lord Louis broke the kennel club bylaws and he now must get the pup back before his father’s legal team takes action against the woman he still loves.
Stu needs Lo-Lou to satisfy his father. Bianca needs Lo-Lou to finish her book. Lars needs Lo-Lou to work out a secret deal with a movie producer. Lo-Lou can’t be in three places at the same time. Or can he?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
51 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
K.S. Brooks
49 books59 followersK.S. Brooks has been writing for over thirty years. An award-winning author and photographer, she has written more than 20 titles, is currently the co-administrator for the superblog IndiesUnlimited.com, and is founder of "Authors for Hurricane Sandy Library Recovery" and the "Liberty Library" for soldiers and veterans.
Ms. Brooks penned her first book, a swashbuckling action-adventure based in 17th century France, when she was fifteen years old. Since then, despite working for a living in the electronics industry, Ms. Brooks continued to write. In 2001, she left the high-tech arena in Boston for the Eastern Shore of Maryland to pursue her writing.
That same year, her first novel, Lust for Danger, was published. That action-adventure novel won Ms. Brooks Honorable Mention in the Jada Book of the Year Awards, and invitations to speak at the Maryland Writers' Association Writers' Conference, the Bay to Ocean Writers' Conference, and numerous other venues. She has been honored by the Maryland Writers' Association three times by participating as a judge in its annual novel contest.
As the business world and health issues took up more of her energy, Ms. Brooks set her sights on moving West to an environment more suitable and affordable to a writing career. Since her relocation to the wilderness of northeastern Washington State, late in 2008, Ms. Brooks has completed the following works which have been published by Cambridge Books: the suspenseful romance, The Kiss of Night (2010), Night Undone (2011) and three children's books: The Mighty Oak and Me (2009), Postcards from Mr. Pish (2010), and Mr. Pish's Woodland Adventure (2011). She has six more novels planned in the original Agent Night Adventure Series, two in the Agent Night 'Cover Me' series, a horror novel, and a number of Mr. Pish children's books in the works.
In addition to her writing, Ms. Brooks is an award-winning photographer and poet. Her articles, photographs, poetry, and blogs can be found in books, magazines, newspapers, galleries, and web sites worldwide. She currently writes three different blogs, and is a guest blogger for a number of web sites and is currently Co-Administrator at http://www.IndiesUnlimited.com.
Ms. Brooks penned her first book, a swashbuckling action-adventure based in 17th century France, when she was fifteen years old. Since then, despite working for a living in the electronics industry, Ms. Brooks continued to write. In 2001, she left the high-tech arena in Boston for the Eastern Shore of Maryland to pursue her writing.
That same year, her first novel, Lust for Danger, was published. That action-adventure novel won Ms. Brooks Honorable Mention in the Jada Book of the Year Awards, and invitations to speak at the Maryland Writers' Association Writers' Conference, the Bay to Ocean Writers' Conference, and numerous other venues. She has been honored by the Maryland Writers' Association three times by participating as a judge in its annual novel contest.
As the business world and health issues took up more of her energy, Ms. Brooks set her sights on moving West to an environment more suitable and affordable to a writing career. Since her relocation to the wilderness of northeastern Washington State, late in 2008, Ms. Brooks has completed the following works which have been published by Cambridge Books: the suspenseful romance, The Kiss of Night (2010), Night Undone (2011) and three children's books: The Mighty Oak and Me (2009), Postcards from Mr. Pish (2010), and Mr. Pish's Woodland Adventure (2011). She has six more novels planned in the original Agent Night Adventure Series, two in the Agent Night 'Cover Me' series, a horror novel, and a number of Mr. Pish children's books in the works.
In addition to her writing, Ms. Brooks is an award-winning photographer and poet. Her articles, photographs, poetry, and blogs can be found in books, magazines, newspapers, galleries, and web sites worldwide. She currently writes three different blogs, and is a guest blogger for a number of web sites and is currently Co-Administrator at http://www.IndiesUnlimited.com.
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September 24, 2013
An excellent comedy novel - or is it chick lit? Maybe serial killer thriller? No, no. Space opera. No, wait, it had dinosaurs in it. Wait, what's the other thing with the "d"? The furry things? No, not that green pepper in the fridge. That's penicillin by now ... oh, dogs! It has dogs in it! Yeah, it's a comedy.
Triple Dog Dare takes a reader on a bumpy ride. Mind you, I wanted to slap most of the characters up at least four or five times while reading this, since I hate Hollywood types. But Brooks and Hise managed to both keep my interest and stop me from spending my life creating some sort of science-fictional device that would launch me into a story just to beat up a poncy git like Lars.
I had no idea what twists and turns this story would take and it seriously fooled me on a couple of points, and I've read everything Sherlock Holmes was ever in. Well, not that porno. Okay, yeah, that too .
You won't be sorry by giving Triple Dog Dare a try!
Triple Dog Dare takes a reader on a bumpy ride. Mind you, I wanted to slap most of the characters up at least four or five times while reading this, since I hate Hollywood types. But Brooks and Hise managed to both keep my interest and stop me from spending my life creating some sort of science-fictional device that would launch me into a story just to beat up a poncy git like Lars.
I had no idea what twists and turns this story would take and it seriously fooled me on a couple of points, and I've read everything Sherlock Holmes was ever in. Well, not that porno. Okay, yeah, that too .
You won't be sorry by giving Triple Dog Dare a try!
September 2, 2013
I was approached by the author and was asked for my honest review of this book. I was happy to do so, because they indicated that this was a romantic comedy. I had never read a romantic comedy before so I said I would be happy to do so. 2 weeks after agreeing to review the book they sent it to me. I looked at the title and cover and thought to myself "this is in no way a romantic book". I was leery at first and I won't lie to you, I didn't think I was going to like it. Well I've learned my lesson. Never judge a book by the title or the cover. There wasn't really any romance in this book, but their was a lot of comedy involved. Now, I've watched comedy on TV and have enjoyed, but again, I've never read one. This book by far, exceeded my expectations. There were some parts of the book that had me laughing out loud to the point I thought I was going to wake my family. Yes, sometimes I read very early in the morning when I can't sleep.
I'm going to say that the first few chapters start out slow because you have to lead up to the good stuff and understand the storyline. When I started those chapters, I was still kind of skeptical and was shaking my head thinking "my god, what have I gotten myself into" I'm like that will all books, just to be clear. I want the good stuff right off the bat.
I loved Bianca's Jameson's character. She's a writer of educational children's books about her dog Lo-Lou. She's not superficial and she is very trusting, especially when it comes to her money. Lars is the photographer for the books. He is very greedy, manipulative and self absorbed. He has everything in Bianca's name and spends it all. You'll see throughout the book that "what goes around comes around" Karma is a bitch.
Now we have Terri. She originally was out to get a story on Bianca and Lars and not a very good one. She then runs into Bianca and thats where this gets funny. The two characters have great chemistry together. They made me laugh so hard. They travelled from place to place trying to get a book completed in 2 weeks. I loved them together throughout the whole book.
Stewart Hockersmith and his family are members of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club. Throughout the book you will see Mr. Gerald Wingate try to get Stewart kicked out of the club. He's obsessed with ruining his career.
Then of course you have the 3 dogs, Lord Louis, Lord Robert and Trouble. I loved all three dogs. They each were unique in their own way and they have their own personality. You can only imagine what king of trouble, Trouble gets into, but I won't spoil that for you.
I'll state again that I really enjoyed reading this book and I give it 4 stars. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
I'm going to say that the first few chapters start out slow because you have to lead up to the good stuff and understand the storyline. When I started those chapters, I was still kind of skeptical and was shaking my head thinking "my god, what have I gotten myself into" I'm like that will all books, just to be clear. I want the good stuff right off the bat.
I loved Bianca's Jameson's character. She's a writer of educational children's books about her dog Lo-Lou. She's not superficial and she is very trusting, especially when it comes to her money. Lars is the photographer for the books. He is very greedy, manipulative and self absorbed. He has everything in Bianca's name and spends it all. You'll see throughout the book that "what goes around comes around" Karma is a bitch.
Now we have Terri. She originally was out to get a story on Bianca and Lars and not a very good one. She then runs into Bianca and thats where this gets funny. The two characters have great chemistry together. They made me laugh so hard. They travelled from place to place trying to get a book completed in 2 weeks. I loved them together throughout the whole book.
Stewart Hockersmith and his family are members of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club. Throughout the book you will see Mr. Gerald Wingate try to get Stewart kicked out of the club. He's obsessed with ruining his career.
Then of course you have the 3 dogs, Lord Louis, Lord Robert and Trouble. I loved all three dogs. They each were unique in their own way and they have their own personality. You can only imagine what king of trouble, Trouble gets into, but I won't spoil that for you.
I'll state again that I really enjoyed reading this book and I give it 4 stars. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
December 11, 2019
I really enjoyed “Triple Dog Dare.” It’s a fun and simple tale, and yet it's not without its complications and twists. Brooks and Hise build up some terrific characters who aren’t what they seem, which makes for interesting surprises throughout. The narrative unfolds rapidly, too, urging the reader along at the same pace. I’d say it’s a page turner, but that would make it seem as if it’s not layered and complex, which it is, in an easy way. It’s not laden and difficult to read, but it’s not without its demands. As I mentioned, the characters are terrific, they are alive and bounce off the page. But there are many of them and so the reader can’t simply go trippingly along without paying attention. If so, she may run into someone new without expecting to. Even the dog at the center of it all, Lo-Lou, has a well fleshed out storyline, filled with his own high jinks.
But let me get to the writing—my favorite part. Brooks and Hise have written something truly witty. It’s funny at times, ironic, sarcastic and overall comical. And these comedic shades are seamless. The pace, language, style all work elegantly here, showcasing both their talents. I couldn’t say whose contribution is whose, but their writerly voices work in symbiosis to give us a playful romp involving three dogs, a con man, a kennel club, an aging starlet and a whole host of others. “Triple Dog Dare” is certainly worth the risk—no pun intend. No, wait, yes—my play on words was absolutely intended.
But let me get to the writing—my favorite part. Brooks and Hise have written something truly witty. It’s funny at times, ironic, sarcastic and overall comical. And these comedic shades are seamless. The pace, language, style all work elegantly here, showcasing both their talents. I couldn’t say whose contribution is whose, but their writerly voices work in symbiosis to give us a playful romp involving three dogs, a con man, a kennel club, an aging starlet and a whole host of others. “Triple Dog Dare” is certainly worth the risk—no pun intend. No, wait, yes—my play on words was absolutely intended.
April 17, 2014
Triple Dog Dare is far removed from my typical genres of choice when it comes to books. Nonetheless, I have a lot of respect for its authors, K.S. Brooks and Stephen Hise and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did - I was more than pleasantly surprised.
For the most part, Triple Dog Dare reads like a romantic comedy(in the vein of Judd Apatow, though less raunchy), but there is a little bit of everything woven throughout the story. There are multiple threads in the plot, many of them seemingly unrelated, or at most loosely connected, that all satisfyingly come together at the end.
The book’s main focus is Stu Hockersmith, president of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club, and his past decision to gift the woman he loves, Bianca, with a dog named Lord Louis, one that legally belongs to the club. It is a decision that has now set an unstoppable and complex chain of events into motion. Bianca, along with her uber-narcissistic boyfriend Lars, has established a media empire and quite the fortune with little Lo-Lou. However, when Bianca learns she is in dire straights with her finances, she begins to see that Lars is not the man he makes himself out to be. Meanwhile, Terri, a now paparazzo who was once friends and coworkers with Bianca, is trying to dig up dirt on her ex-friend out of jealousy. What she finds, however, brings her and Bianca together in a way that she could never have imagined. Rounding out the main cast is Gerald Wingate is a man who is trying to use the fact that Stu gave Lord Louis to wrench the presidency of Oakwood Hills away from Stu and into his own grubby hands.
Triple Dog Dare is consistently laugh-out-loud funny(especially when you get into the later Lars chapters), and truly showcases the brilliant wit of Hise and Brooks. The chapters are kept short, constantly shifting back and forth through the characters, keeping the story constantly moving forward without ever hitting a lull. Some of the comedy aspects fall into the slapstick, not-quite-realistic category, but keep you way too entertained to care. If I had one complaint, it would be that the ending is a bit too neatly wrapped up, though I was still very satisfied with how it all turned out.
I can honestly say, as someone who would never have bought this book if not for its authors, that Triple Dog Dare is 100% worth the read. I can only hope that Brooks and Hise already have plans for future collaborations.
For the most part, Triple Dog Dare reads like a romantic comedy(in the vein of Judd Apatow, though less raunchy), but there is a little bit of everything woven throughout the story. There are multiple threads in the plot, many of them seemingly unrelated, or at most loosely connected, that all satisfyingly come together at the end.
The book’s main focus is Stu Hockersmith, president of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club, and his past decision to gift the woman he loves, Bianca, with a dog named Lord Louis, one that legally belongs to the club. It is a decision that has now set an unstoppable and complex chain of events into motion. Bianca, along with her uber-narcissistic boyfriend Lars, has established a media empire and quite the fortune with little Lo-Lou. However, when Bianca learns she is in dire straights with her finances, she begins to see that Lars is not the man he makes himself out to be. Meanwhile, Terri, a now paparazzo who was once friends and coworkers with Bianca, is trying to dig up dirt on her ex-friend out of jealousy. What she finds, however, brings her and Bianca together in a way that she could never have imagined. Rounding out the main cast is Gerald Wingate is a man who is trying to use the fact that Stu gave Lord Louis to wrench the presidency of Oakwood Hills away from Stu and into his own grubby hands.
Triple Dog Dare is consistently laugh-out-loud funny(especially when you get into the later Lars chapters), and truly showcases the brilliant wit of Hise and Brooks. The chapters are kept short, constantly shifting back and forth through the characters, keeping the story constantly moving forward without ever hitting a lull. Some of the comedy aspects fall into the slapstick, not-quite-realistic category, but keep you way too entertained to care. If I had one complaint, it would be that the ending is a bit too neatly wrapped up, though I was still very satisfied with how it all turned out.
I can honestly say, as someone who would never have bought this book if not for its authors, that Triple Dog Dare is 100% worth the read. I can only hope that Brooks and Hise already have plans for future collaborations.
September 15, 2013
Triple Dog Dare is all about threes. Three dogs is only the obvious. Another is three characters in love. Stu loves Bianca, although she has no idea. Bianca loves Stu. Bianca also loves Lars (or at least would say she does). Lars loves himself. I’ll call it a non-traditional love triangle because that will help me sneak in another three-ish word.
But the biggest three is the genre. Taken as a whole, the story best fits the chick-lit genre. In a blog post on the differences between chick-lit and romance, author Donna Fasano defined the genre this way:
Chick lit books focus on a female protagonist and her personal (and usually foible-filled) journey toward self-understanding and self-acceptance. In these books, the plot devices are the story. Whether the protagonist ends up with a man is not as relevant as the learning process she experiences through various situations that culminate in her resolving her issues, be they emotional, professional, etc. Chick lit is as famous for its upbeat, emotionally satisfying ending as romance fiction is for its HEA [Happily Ever After].
This definition fits Triple Dog Dare to a tee. But that foible-filled part, which gives a bit of comic relief, also applies to the other characters, especially Stu (who could have swapped gender with Bianca and kept this chick-lit) and Lars. There is enough humor beyond the norm for chick-lit to tag it with a secondary genre, maybe romantic comedy. Last, there is enough conflict and suspense here with no clue how that is going to resolve that I’m tempted to tag it with suspense, too. The suspense is diluted somewhat by the humor, but I’ve got to stay with this tortured three thing now, so suspense is it.
Okay. I’ve pushed the three thing far enough. Maybe I’ll do a two. As in two genders. This might be chick-lit (normally aimed a women), but boys, guys, uh (why isn’t there a good male equivalent to chick?) people of that other gender might like it too. I did.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
But the biggest three is the genre. Taken as a whole, the story best fits the chick-lit genre. In a blog post on the differences between chick-lit and romance, author Donna Fasano defined the genre this way:
Chick lit books focus on a female protagonist and her personal (and usually foible-filled) journey toward self-understanding and self-acceptance. In these books, the plot devices are the story. Whether the protagonist ends up with a man is not as relevant as the learning process she experiences through various situations that culminate in her resolving her issues, be they emotional, professional, etc. Chick lit is as famous for its upbeat, emotionally satisfying ending as romance fiction is for its HEA [Happily Ever After].
This definition fits Triple Dog Dare to a tee. But that foible-filled part, which gives a bit of comic relief, also applies to the other characters, especially Stu (who could have swapped gender with Bianca and kept this chick-lit) and Lars. There is enough humor beyond the norm for chick-lit to tag it with a secondary genre, maybe romantic comedy. Last, there is enough conflict and suspense here with no clue how that is going to resolve that I’m tempted to tag it with suspense, too. The suspense is diluted somewhat by the humor, but I’ve got to stay with this tortured three thing now, so suspense is it.
Okay. I’ve pushed the three thing far enough. Maybe I’ll do a two. As in two genders. This might be chick-lit (normally aimed a women), but boys, guys, uh (why isn’t there a good male equivalent to chick?) people of that other gender might like it too. I did.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
September 6, 2013
The subtitle for Triple Dog Dare is, "Three dogs. A world of trouble." That just about sums it up. The story is in the tradition of the old screwball comedies. Beautiful Bianca, a former journalist, is living in California with Lars, a fashion photographer with a shady past, and Lo-Lou, her West Highland terrier and their meal ticket. Bianca only wants to write stories that will help people; instead, Lars has her writing children's books featuring photos of Lo-Lou (as well as a generous helping of Bianca's cleavage -- for the dads, you understand).
On the other side of the country lives Stuart Hockersmith, the milquetoast heir to his family's fortune and head of a major show dog competition. Lo-Lou -- more formally, Lord Louis Hockersmith -- is from his family's litter of show dogs. Stu, smitten with Bianca, gave her the dog, in clear violation of the competition protocol -- and Stu's worst enemy is trying to use that to get the Hockersmiths thrown out of the show dog association.
Bianca realizes Lars has been lying to her about a lot of things; she leaves him and takes Lo-Lou with her, and in the process, gets into an accidental partnership with a photographer and former co-worker, Terri, who secretly hates her. Lars, now short of the dog he needs to clinch a possible film deal, picks up a badly-behaved Westie from the pound. And Stu tries to stave off his troubles by engineering a swap with Bianca of Lo-Lou for his runty brother, Lord Robert -- a.k.a. Lo-Bob.
Hilarity, as they say, ensues.
Triple Dog Dare is a delightful romp, with enough complications to keep you guessing until the very end.
Full disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Also, Brooks and Hise dole out the gruel, among other things, at Indies Unlimited. Neither of those facts affected my review.
***
(Review first published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...)
On the other side of the country lives Stuart Hockersmith, the milquetoast heir to his family's fortune and head of a major show dog competition. Lo-Lou -- more formally, Lord Louis Hockersmith -- is from his family's litter of show dogs. Stu, smitten with Bianca, gave her the dog, in clear violation of the competition protocol -- and Stu's worst enemy is trying to use that to get the Hockersmiths thrown out of the show dog association.
Bianca realizes Lars has been lying to her about a lot of things; she leaves him and takes Lo-Lou with her, and in the process, gets into an accidental partnership with a photographer and former co-worker, Terri, who secretly hates her. Lars, now short of the dog he needs to clinch a possible film deal, picks up a badly-behaved Westie from the pound. And Stu tries to stave off his troubles by engineering a swap with Bianca of Lo-Lou for his runty brother, Lord Robert -- a.k.a. Lo-Bob.
Hilarity, as they say, ensues.
Triple Dog Dare is a delightful romp, with enough complications to keep you guessing until the very end.
Full disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Also, Brooks and Hise dole out the gruel, among other things, at Indies Unlimited. Neither of those facts affected my review.
***
(Review first published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...)
August 31, 2013
If a book is written by either Hise or Brooks, you can be confident of a really good read. Put the two together, and you can be confident of an even better one: double the excellence!
These two authors have talent, skill, imagination, a solid sense of humour, and the ability to provide great entertainment.
Triple Dog Dare is a wonderfully light-hearted and funny story packed with ingredients: some hanky-panky, misunderstandings, an eensy bit of romance, a very gentle fun-poking at the dog-showing arena, but it’s also a story that manages to laugh at itself as well as with others.
It’s all a lovely embroilment of who is fooling who and who is going to be found out. Dogs—as you would expect—feature highly in this. One in particular. Well two. Or perhaps three… You could almost…almost…say they are the top-dog characters. They manage to annoy, please, enthrall, delude, irritate, endear, and just generally be the scene-stealing, show-stopping little darlings they always are.
This is witty, engaging, sharp, great fun, and written with tongue in cheek. The only disappointment was coming to the end!
These two authors have talent, skill, imagination, a solid sense of humour, and the ability to provide great entertainment.
Triple Dog Dare is a wonderfully light-hearted and funny story packed with ingredients: some hanky-panky, misunderstandings, an eensy bit of romance, a very gentle fun-poking at the dog-showing arena, but it’s also a story that manages to laugh at itself as well as with others.
It’s all a lovely embroilment of who is fooling who and who is going to be found out. Dogs—as you would expect—feature highly in this. One in particular. Well two. Or perhaps three… You could almost…almost…say they are the top-dog characters. They manage to annoy, please, enthrall, delude, irritate, endear, and just generally be the scene-stealing, show-stopping little darlings they always are.
This is witty, engaging, sharp, great fun, and written with tongue in cheek. The only disappointment was coming to the end!
August 31, 2013
Three dogs - a world of laughs!
Having read books by both Hise and Brooks before, I was very curious what this joint offering would be like. Each author has clearly played to their strengths, and there are laughs aplenty in this intricate yet easy-to-follow yarn. In places the situations reach Victorian levels of farce, and throughout this is a fast, light read to which it is easy to return. Perhaps most refreshingly for this reader, it was a real pleasure to chuckle, chortle and laugh so often in a story with no profanity. Even with one hilarious plot twist which I can’t reveal because it would be a spoiler, the issue is handled cleanly and for maximum comic effect - a story for the whole family.
In summary, Triple Dog Dare is a gem of a book where two talented authors have combined their skills to produce something which greater than the sum of its parts.
(Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am involved with the authors’ Indies Unlimited website, however I would never recommend a book which did not objectively deserve to be recommended.)
Having read books by both Hise and Brooks before, I was very curious what this joint offering would be like. Each author has clearly played to their strengths, and there are laughs aplenty in this intricate yet easy-to-follow yarn. In places the situations reach Victorian levels of farce, and throughout this is a fast, light read to which it is easy to return. Perhaps most refreshingly for this reader, it was a real pleasure to chuckle, chortle and laugh so often in a story with no profanity. Even with one hilarious plot twist which I can’t reveal because it would be a spoiler, the issue is handled cleanly and for maximum comic effect - a story for the whole family.
In summary, Triple Dog Dare is a gem of a book where two talented authors have combined their skills to produce something which greater than the sum of its parts.
(Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am involved with the authors’ Indies Unlimited website, however I would never recommend a book which did not objectively deserve to be recommended.)
May 31, 2014
Triple Dog Dare by KS Brooks and Stephen Hise is an amazingly hilarious adventure ride. So easy to get lost into this cunningly razor sharp storyline. Had me chuckling out loud during some of the clever lines and offbeat scenes. Great visuals and very well written, this is a great entertaining escape. Had so much fun that I didn't want to put this book down even though I was busy with other stuff to do.
The story reminds me of the comedy film Best of Show as the lines were witty and of course there are fancy well trained dogs ;-)
Brooks and Hise are a winning combination. As a team they work flawlessly at capturing a moment and making it hilarious.
Quote~
"Terri let slip one of her nervous giggles, and Bianca immediately elbowed her in response. Terri narrowed her eyes in a silent scolding, but Bianca took no notice and stepped out onto the balcony. Stu quietly watched the entire exchange. He smiled, but only inwardly, as this served to confirm his suspicions. Something was afoot."
September 1, 2013
This book is full of interesting characters (in both senses of the word - literary and figurative): beautiful and kind-hearted Bianca; the sinister, unlucky, and narcissistic Lars Lundgren; flamboyant trainer Andrew (to whom there's more than meets the eye); the wealthy, well-meaning (but somewhat emasculated) Stuart Hockersmith; and a host of other supporting characters. Add to that some adorable Westies and poke a little bit of fun at the show dog circuit, and you have the makings for a great beach read. At times funny, at times cringe-worthy, this book is definitely enjoyable. I also appreciated the fact that it was well-edited; so many Kindle books I read these days are sadly in need of a good editor.
January 29, 2014
Triple Dog Dare is a hilarious tale of love lost, love found and a peek into all of the things that could possibly go (wonderfully) right or (awfully) wrong for each (human and canine) player along the way.
The multitude of whacky characters are introduced at many different points of the story. Some you will immediately despise and some you will love from the very beginning. Love them or hate them, each character comes to life and is well developed in this light-hearted, comedic escapade.
I highly recommend Triple Dog Dare to anyone who wants to read an engaging and funny story, filled with edge-of-your-seat plot twists and roller-coaster type plot turns. It reminded me of a Mel Brooks movie - yes, it was that level of comedy!
The multitude of whacky characters are introduced at many different points of the story. Some you will immediately despise and some you will love from the very beginning. Love them or hate them, each character comes to life and is well developed in this light-hearted, comedic escapade.
I highly recommend Triple Dog Dare to anyone who wants to read an engaging and funny story, filled with edge-of-your-seat plot twists and roller-coaster type plot turns. It reminded me of a Mel Brooks movie - yes, it was that level of comedy!
September 2, 2013
Let me start off by saying this is not my normal genre, I like my books dark and evil. With that said...this book was a fun read. I loved the character development, the insight to each wonderfully good and bad person. Fell instantly in love with Stewie, Terri and (of course) Andrew. I will give a word of caution do not read this book if you're in a serious situation. I read most of this book in the ICU waiting room and had to hold back my chuckles. It did the job of transporting me from there to a awesome place. There's a small twist towards the end that will leave you thinking. Loved, loved, loved the book.
September 24, 2013
This romp by KS Brooks and Stephen Hise reminded me of those screwball comedies like Bringing up Baby. It's a fun story with great characters - light romantic comedy heavier on the com than on the rom. I liked how each character gets fleshed out first through his or her own eyes and then from the other characters' viewpoints. I liked and rooted for the unlikely partnership of Bianca and Terri, former rivals who must work together to save Bianca's bacon after Lars (Bianca's fiancé, whom I took particular delight in hating) puts her in an untenable position. Then the fur really starts flying. Overall, a fun novel to sink into.
November 23, 2019
I loved this book! It's a screwball romantic comedy (a genre we just do not see enough of these days) and a wild ride. Like any good roller coaster, it straps you in, kicks you in the ass and takes you for a hugely entertaining ride, depositing you at the station with a very satisfying sense of completion. The characters are a mixed bag, all very distinct with their own agendas; some you just want to tuck into your arm and take home with you, some you love to hate. This is a fun book that I will come back to again and again.
I was provided a free copy of the ARC in order to write a review.
I was provided a free copy of the ARC in order to write a review.
December 24, 2013
This was a fun read. The author did a good job with the character development. I really, really did not like Lars. I felt he deserved a worse fate for his deeds! I was also frustrated with Bianca and had trouble understanding how she let herself get into such a fix. The character I would like to know more about is Terri. She's smart, pretty but doesn't know it and worthy of perhaps a book of her own. Oh, and I did not expect the twist at the end....good job!
August 30, 2014
Funniest book I've read in a long time. A madcap romp from South Carolina to Hollywood and stops in between involving wonderful crazy characters. Even the dogs, all West Highland Terriers (Westies), had different and comical personalities. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved a dog AND who wants to laugh out loud from beginning to end.
January 25, 2020
The book started off slow for me, and I didn't think I'd like it. But I was pleasantly surprised. Once the story got going, I really enjoyed it. The scenes with Lars were rather comical. I can see this book as a disney movie, for some reason. I guess all the slapstick with the dogs and Lars's misadventures. Good job!
March 22, 2014
This was a mad cap comedy that really clips along. It was lots of fun and would really make a great movie. I wish I owned the movie rights. I don't usually read this kind of fiction - despite that, I was thoroughly entertained. 5 stars.
August 31, 2014
Fun to read
The dance of the dogs was a delight to follow, giving the story a sense of Charlie Chaplan type humor. I enjoyed the character development, and the play about "gay" had me rolling in the aisles.
The dance of the dogs was a delight to follow, giving the story a sense of Charlie Chaplan type humor. I enjoyed the character development, and the play about "gay" had me rolling in the aisles.
October 22, 2013
Brilliantly funny about a Swede, a comedic duo and an adventure that will make you laugh out loud.
May 12, 2014
I think this is an excellent comedy novel
Triple Dog Dare was lot of fun
And I don't like Lars ,he deserved a worse fate for his deeds!!!
Triple Dog Dare was lot of fun
And I don't like Lars ,he deserved a worse fate for his deeds!!!
August 4, 2014
Hilarious and one of the best reads in a long long time. My dog LilyPup was honored to have a character named after her in it!!!
September 3, 2014
Loved this book!
Hilariously written, this book kept me laughing all the way through! If you're looking for something to lift your spirits, this is the book to read!
Hilariously written, this book kept me laughing all the way through! If you're looking for something to lift your spirits, this is the book to read!
August 29, 2017
Cozy mystery times three
Things happen in threes in this lovely cozy mystery...three dogs, three schemes and three women pivotal to solving this mystery and bringing the wrongdoers to justice. Just as you think it's all tied up in a bow..one of the most colorful characters has a secret yet to be told.
Things happen in threes in this lovely cozy mystery...three dogs, three schemes and three women pivotal to solving this mystery and bringing the wrongdoers to justice. Just as you think it's all tied up in a bow..one of the most colorful characters has a secret yet to be told.
June 12, 2018
Perfect fun read
Good plot twists, quirky characters you like and root for, with smart dialogue to keep you entertained. Not too much thinking required, but nicely written.
Good plot twists, quirky characters you like and root for, with smart dialogue to keep you entertained. Not too much thinking required, but nicely written.
September 3, 2016
Triple Dog Dare is a rollicking, zany, funny read. All of the characters are chasing an adorable Westie terrier, a national championship dog that will make them rich.
From the beginning we know that Bianca’s fiancé, Lars, doesn’t deserve her. Lars is self-centered, egotistical, and always admiring his “Viking Adonis” looks. Bianca is horrified when she discovers that he has spent all of their money. Lars, as well, is putting pressure on Bianca to write another, successful, children book about Lo-Lou, her adorable prize pup. Lars will do all photographs in the book as usual, and Bianca will have to pose with Lo-Lou in scant clothing. She never understood why she had to show “cleavage” in children’s books. But Lars wouldn’t have it otherwise.
While trouble is brewing for Bianca, Stuart Hockersmith is still in love with her. During their brief dating he had given her Lo-Lou to remember him by, but he wished Bianca were still his. She had chosen Lars and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it to win her back. To compound the pain of missing Bianca, Miriam Addison, the influential patron of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club, and friend of the family, heaped her criticism on the girl he loves, “ . . .she was never right for you . . .She’s not one of us.” She suggests to Stuart that Lord Louis Mountbatten (aka Lo-Lou) must be returned period.
From that moment on, a fast paced, lighthearted and devil-may-care adventure takes place between Lars wanting to promote Lo-Lou, the matronly Miriam advocating returning the bloodline terrier, and Stuart’s rich parents expecting the dog to win the next Oakwood Hills show. Stuart fears asking Bianca to return his gift of the terrier, but he offers investing in her next book in exchange for Lo-Lou. He will give her another pup from the same litter that’s just as cute. That is until Stuart discovers that Lo-Lou has been changed physically. Now Stuart has a dilemma and the hunt is set to fool everyone with a reconditioned Lo-Lou.
The authors wrote an entertaining and well-written story that I couldn’t put down.
From the beginning we know that Bianca’s fiancé, Lars, doesn’t deserve her. Lars is self-centered, egotistical, and always admiring his “Viking Adonis” looks. Bianca is horrified when she discovers that he has spent all of their money. Lars, as well, is putting pressure on Bianca to write another, successful, children book about Lo-Lou, her adorable prize pup. Lars will do all photographs in the book as usual, and Bianca will have to pose with Lo-Lou in scant clothing. She never understood why she had to show “cleavage” in children’s books. But Lars wouldn’t have it otherwise.
While trouble is brewing for Bianca, Stuart Hockersmith is still in love with her. During their brief dating he had given her Lo-Lou to remember him by, but he wished Bianca were still his. She had chosen Lars and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it to win her back. To compound the pain of missing Bianca, Miriam Addison, the influential patron of the Oakwood Hills Kennel Club, and friend of the family, heaped her criticism on the girl he loves, “ . . .she was never right for you . . .She’s not one of us.” She suggests to Stuart that Lord Louis Mountbatten (aka Lo-Lou) must be returned period.
From that moment on, a fast paced, lighthearted and devil-may-care adventure takes place between Lars wanting to promote Lo-Lou, the matronly Miriam advocating returning the bloodline terrier, and Stuart’s rich parents expecting the dog to win the next Oakwood Hills show. Stuart fears asking Bianca to return his gift of the terrier, but he offers investing in her next book in exchange for Lo-Lou. He will give her another pup from the same litter that’s just as cute. That is until Stuart discovers that Lo-Lou has been changed physically. Now Stuart has a dilemma and the hunt is set to fool everyone with a reconditioned Lo-Lou.
The authors wrote an entertaining and well-written story that I couldn’t put down.
July 26, 2015
Not since the classic movie "Dog Show" have I enjoyed a doggy book more than this one and would join the support in making this the next really fun dog flick. Bianca Jameson is the hapless author of children's books involving a beautiful little Westie of champion lines (Lord Louis nicknamed Lo-Lou) given to her by secret admirer Stu Hockersmith, dog breeder, in the hopes of winning her interest. Stu's father is mucky-muck of the kennel club in which they are very deeply embroiled. Bianca has realized that her fiance, Lars Lundgren, while he's pushed her books into super popularity has also bankrupted them with over-expenditures she could ill-afford, padding his life-style and promising yet another book to her publishers. The little Westie, however, was given to Bianca violating kennel rules and must be returned according to Stu's powerful father, the Colonel, who is fighting some politics of his own with the boys at the club. While the book may begin a bit slow while all the characters are introduced, it rapidly becomes a supreme comedy while gently poking fun at the whole dog show agenda eliciting fond memories of the aforementioned movie. Witless, narcissistic Lars is fleshed out and at times becomes hilarious producing LOL situations. I recommended this book to my hubby who grudgingly began reading and is now casting the flick himself. I can give it no better recommendation and look forward to the next installment, whether it involves Lo-Lou, New Lou, or Fu-Lou. Great fun!
February 17, 2017
Somewhat humorous. Enough going on to make it entertaining. 3 star.
November 8, 2014
Doggedly Delightful
The authors have brought to life the wacky world of purebred dogs, their owners and those who feel envy when their competitors receive attention from the public. Lo Lou is a charming West Highland Terrier out of the Oakwood Hills Kennel that is the center of much of the craziness.
Bianca is a beautiful model who is controlled by Lars her photographer. Lars is an egotistical manipulator who only cares for himself. He has convinced Bianca her only job is looking beautiful and earning enough money to keep them living an opulent lifestyle.
Stuart, whose family owns the Oakwood Hills Kennel, sees how lost Bianca is and gives her their top dog Lo Lou. Bianca and Lo Lou become famous for writing and appearing in children's books. Bianca wants to make the world a better place. Lars wants to make money.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that occurred and laughed several times as Lars desperation to find Bianca turns into a comedy of errors with him as the loser. Give this book a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
The authors have brought to life the wacky world of purebred dogs, their owners and those who feel envy when their competitors receive attention from the public. Lo Lou is a charming West Highland Terrier out of the Oakwood Hills Kennel that is the center of much of the craziness.
Bianca is a beautiful model who is controlled by Lars her photographer. Lars is an egotistical manipulator who only cares for himself. He has convinced Bianca her only job is looking beautiful and earning enough money to keep them living an opulent lifestyle.
Stuart, whose family owns the Oakwood Hills Kennel, sees how lost Bianca is and gives her their top dog Lo Lou. Bianca and Lo Lou become famous for writing and appearing in children's books. Bianca wants to make the world a better place. Lars wants to make money.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that occurred and laughed several times as Lars desperation to find Bianca turns into a comedy of errors with him as the loser. Give this book a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
April 17, 2015
"Triple Dog Dare' by K.S. Brooks and Stephen Hise is a wonderful, hilarious read. It flows well and keeps the reader entertained from start to finish.
Bianca is living with her BF Lars, and her little dog Lo-Lou. She writes children's books and and he takes photo's of the dogs for the book. All isn't what it seems and you'll find out the true characters as you continue to read. Stuart Hockersmith comes into Bianca's life and you'll find that Lars hasn't been very truthful to Bianca.
Much more to this cute story. Love, story twists, and engaging characters.
Bianca is living with her BF Lars, and her little dog Lo-Lou. She writes children's books and and he takes photo's of the dogs for the book. All isn't what it seems and you'll find out the true characters as you continue to read. Stuart Hockersmith comes into Bianca's life and you'll find that Lars hasn't been very truthful to Bianca.
Much more to this cute story. Love, story twists, and engaging characters.
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