What do you think?
Rate this book
Cruickshank #2
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction
From the author of Dog Days Forever, a heartfelt, holiday contemporary romance, in which a young woman returns to her small hometown and ends up fostering a pregnant dog with—of all people—the man she used to love.
Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along…like ever. Not when they were children, not when they were teenagers, and definitely not as adults…though that last part might be more Lucy’s doing than Theo’s. It was the summer after she graduated college when their antagonism towards each other boiled over into something... hot.
That is until Lucy left town in a flash, leaving everything behind for warm Los Angeles. But now she’s returned after seven years following a bad breakup, and a newfound disillusionment with La-La Land.
As for Theo, he doesn’t know and doesn’t care about whatever happened to make Lucy come back. His lingering resentment is enough to keep her at arm’s length until she inevitably leaves again. The problem is, being around each other has proven that their friction isn’t going anywhere, especially when it leads to some pretty intense heat.
The two have no idea what they’ve rekindled, but things get even more complicated when they rescue a pregnant dog together, taking on joint responsibility of caring for her.
Lucy and Theo must find a way to overcome their past, first for the sake of the dog and her litter, and for their own wounded hearts.
Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along…like ever. Not when they were children, not when they were teenagers, and definitely not as adults…though that last part might be more Lucy’s doing than Theo’s. It was the summer after she graduated college when their antagonism towards each other boiled over into something... hot.
That is until Lucy left town in a flash, leaving everything behind for warm Los Angeles. But now she’s returned after seven years following a bad breakup, and a newfound disillusionment with La-La Land.
As for Theo, he doesn’t know and doesn’t care about whatever happened to make Lucy come back. His lingering resentment is enough to keep her at arm’s length until she inevitably leaves again. The problem is, being around each other has proven that their friction isn’t going anywhere, especially when it leads to some pretty intense heat.
The two have no idea what they’ve rekindled, but things get even more complicated when they rescue a pregnant dog together, taking on joint responsibility of caring for her.
Lucy and Theo must find a way to overcome their past, first for the sake of the dog and her litter, and for their own wounded hearts.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
24 people are currently reading
6821 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Richard
15 books323 followersShannon Richard lives in Tallahassee, FL with her adorable rescue dog Teddy—not that she’s biased or anything. She enjoys experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen or perfecting an old one, typically done with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand. She has no shame for the amount of reality T.V. she indulges in, listens to entirely too many podcasts, and is now a plant lady.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 12, 2024
I am such a sucker for a cute holiday story with doggies in it and this story sounded perfect along with its holiday romance story. I’m going to refrain from calling it a Hallmark story because it was way too hot and spicy (definitely R-rated) to be a Hallmark story, for those that are interested in that kind of info. From pretty much the get-go, I kept wondering, “where are the puppies”, and “bring on the puppies”. GIVE ME THE PUPPIES!!! For the record, the puppies don’t show up until almost the end ot story. Uuuggghhh!!!
The book summary introduces the MC’s, Lucy and Theo and pretty much lays out the primary storyline. There is also an ensemble of other characters that are a mixture of friends and relatives that definitely add to the story. Love Wes, Lucy’s widower dad; in the Hallmark movie version (I totally see this becoming a PG-rated Hallmark movie) I see a younger Sam Elliot. The story starts out with the typical friends to lovers to frenemies trope based on the history of Lucy and Theo.
There is also a secondary storyline of Lucy trying to decide if she’s staying or going. Lucy has a habit of coming in and out of Cruickshank, NC every few years. She’s home this time, after seven years, because of a bad break up in Los Angeles, but six months later, she has an opportunity to go to NYC. Around the same time, she is offered to stay on for another semester at the local high school where she has been teaching drama. And then finally, the puppies!!! Well not exactly, but Theo and Lucy rescue a pregnant doggie that they name Bear because she’s huge and she looked like one with all the caked-on mud she had on her when they found her.
The chapters flip back and forth between Lucy and Theo and the character development of the two was good, the character development for most of their friend group seemed kind of flat. However, while I didn’t hate Lucy, she bugged the #%!! out of me for most of the story, which was really annoying. That’s just me though, and my lack of sympathy for immature grown @$$ adults. My fave characters were actually the two teenagers, Gia and Chloe, who were funny and kind of cute in their typical teenager exuberance. The pacing kind of dragged a little in some parts, but not to the point of being boring, just slow. The storyline was the typical holiday romcom with a sweet “Mama Bear” doggie sprinkled on top as kind of a garnish, which was a little disappointing.
I’m looking an overall rating of 3.4 that I will be rounding down to a 3star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #AvonandHarperVoyager #PuppyLoveatMistletoeJunction
The book summary introduces the MC’s, Lucy and Theo and pretty much lays out the primary storyline. There is also an ensemble of other characters that are a mixture of friends and relatives that definitely add to the story. Love Wes, Lucy’s widower dad; in the Hallmark movie version (I totally see this becoming a PG-rated Hallmark movie) I see a younger Sam Elliot. The story starts out with the typical friends to lovers to frenemies trope based on the history of Lucy and Theo.
There is also a secondary storyline of Lucy trying to decide if she’s staying or going. Lucy has a habit of coming in and out of Cruickshank, NC every few years. She’s home this time, after seven years, because of a bad break up in Los Angeles, but six months later, she has an opportunity to go to NYC. Around the same time, she is offered to stay on for another semester at the local high school where she has been teaching drama. And then finally, the puppies!!! Well not exactly, but Theo and Lucy rescue a pregnant doggie that they name Bear because she’s huge and she looked like one with all the caked-on mud she had on her when they found her.
The chapters flip back and forth between Lucy and Theo and the character development of the two was good, the character development for most of their friend group seemed kind of flat. However, while I didn’t hate Lucy, she bugged the #%!! out of me for most of the story, which was really annoying. That’s just me though, and my lack of sympathy for immature grown @$$ adults. My fave characters were actually the two teenagers, Gia and Chloe, who were funny and kind of cute in their typical teenager exuberance. The pacing kind of dragged a little in some parts, but not to the point of being boring, just slow. The storyline was the typical holiday romcom with a sweet “Mama Bear” doggie sprinkled on top as kind of a garnish, which was a little disappointing.
I’m looking an overall rating of 3.4 that I will be rounding down to a 3star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #AvonandHarperVoyager #PuppyLoveatMistletoeJunction
March 18, 2025
i was really liking it but then it just...kept going
January 5, 2025
Thank you @avonbooks and author @shan_richard for this beautiful gifted copy
TITLE: Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction
AUTHOR: Shannon Richard
PUB DATE: 10.15.2024
From the author of Dog Days Forever, a heartfelt, holiday contemporary romance perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, and Susan Mallery, in which a young woman returns to her small hometown and ends up fostering a pregnant dog with—of all people—the man she used to love.
Heartwarming
Holiday romance
Second chance
Dual POV
This was a lovely and steamy holiday read I enjoyed. It was perfect and I loved Lucy and Theo - i found myself rooting for them and hoping for their HEA. I also love the puppies - they just made it all the more heartwarming and sweet.
TITLE: Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction
AUTHOR: Shannon Richard
PUB DATE: 10.15.2024
From the author of Dog Days Forever, a heartfelt, holiday contemporary romance perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, and Susan Mallery, in which a young woman returns to her small hometown and ends up fostering a pregnant dog with—of all people—the man she used to love.
Heartwarming
Holiday romance
Second chance
Dual POV
This was a lovely and steamy holiday read I enjoyed. It was perfect and I loved Lucy and Theo - i found myself rooting for them and hoping for their HEA. I also love the puppies - they just made it all the more heartwarming and sweet.
September 19, 2024
Such a cute small town holiday romance with a love of dogs 💚💓
November 11, 2024
When a woman, Lucy, returns to the town she used to live in, she ends up caring for a pregnant dog, sharing the care with the man, Theo, that she used to love.
It’s been seven years since she has returned to her town, but she returns there to heal her broken heart after a breakup.
When Theo finds out that she has left Los Angeles to return to their hometown, his attitude is enough to keep him from contacting him, believing that she will inevitably leave again. But, despite that, they end up trying to attempt to avoid each other, at least until they don’t.
But when they find themselves rescuing a dog, a pregnant dog, they end up sharing the responsibilities of caring for her and her puppies.
Published: 15 Oct 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Avond and Harper Voyager / Avon
October 20, 2024
I very much enjoyed this small town, second chance, dual POV holiday romance full of a great cast of secondary characters, some rescue dogs and all sorts of holiday charm. Not to mention a baker/bartender MMC and a curvy singer who struggles with where she belongs. Great on audio and perfect for fans of Susan Mallory and Mary Kay Andrews. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy. This has some recurring characters but can be read as a standalone.
Steam level: some open door scenes
Steam level: some open door scenes
July 21, 2024
This is a nice, festive holiday romance that gives our main characters,Theo and Lucy, a second chance at a fulfilling and satisfying romance.
My favorite parts were obviously the fact that we incorporate plenty of four-legged doggy moments and a backdrop of the lovely Christmas season. A nice read to get me into the holiday spirit.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/15/24.
My favorite parts were obviously the fact that we incorporate plenty of four-legged doggy moments and a backdrop of the lovely Christmas season. A nice read to get me into the holiday spirit.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/15/24.
December 21, 2024
Yikes.
My favorite character was the pregnant dog.
My favorite character was the pregnant dog.
December 22, 2024
A copy of this book was mailed to me and I was excited because the cover was cute. I mean, there's dogs on the cover!! The title was cute and I thought it was going to be a sweet romance that involved a dog or dogs. Well, I was wrong.
There are dogs but they don't appear until about halfway through the book. How disappointing! As far as the sweet romance that the title may have implied? Nope. This book wasn't a sweet romance but story that included smut and didn't do anything for me as a reader but make me cringe and roll my eyes. Oh, and by the way, I don't remember any place in the book called Mistletoe Junction. I remember a song about a mistletoe junction being played in the bar but that was it. So, where did we get this title from???
I had zero connection to Lucy and Theo, the main characters. There were a lot of secondary characters in the book too and it was difficult keeping track of who was related to who and dating or married to who. I just kinda gave up on trying to keep it all straight.
This book which I was excited to read ended up being a disappointment. I won't recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
There are dogs but they don't appear until about halfway through the book. How disappointing! As far as the sweet romance that the title may have implied? Nope. This book wasn't a sweet romance but story that included smut and didn't do anything for me as a reader but make me cringe and roll my eyes. Oh, and by the way, I don't remember any place in the book called Mistletoe Junction. I remember a song about a mistletoe junction being played in the bar but that was it. So, where did we get this title from???
I had zero connection to Lucy and Theo, the main characters. There were a lot of secondary characters in the book too and it was difficult keeping track of who was related to who and dating or married to who. I just kinda gave up on trying to keep it all straight.
This book which I was excited to read ended up being a disappointment. I won't recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
September 6, 2024
This second chance romance story is part of a series. I feel the need to mention this because on Goodreads it’s listed as a stand-alone. However when I began reading this I could immediately pick up on the shared history and coupling up of others in their friend group. While this can be read as a stand-alone, it will leave you with the feeling that you’re starting a movie half way through the film. It feels like a lot of characters (specifically in their friend group) to keep track of them all and differentiate at the start of the book.
I really wanted to love this book but it just fell flat of me. The introduction to so many characters at the start of the book, the immediate physical relationship that seemed to be the foundation of this romantic relationship for quite a while, the lack of dogs until almost half way through the book (perhaps my expectations weren’t met, but the cover had me thinking they’d be in the story from the beginning) and as much as I wanted to be, I didn’t feel super invested in the characters.
Perhaps it’s my current reading mood or the disappointment of unmet expectations but something about this felt underwhelming. It was ok and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try a new to me author with this dog loving story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this story. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warning: brief mention of past experience with bulimia and verbally abusive relationship, has been worked through with the help of a therapist
I really wanted to love this book but it just fell flat of me. The introduction to so many characters at the start of the book, the immediate physical relationship that seemed to be the foundation of this romantic relationship for quite a while, the lack of dogs until almost half way through the book (perhaps my expectations weren’t met, but the cover had me thinking they’d be in the story from the beginning) and as much as I wanted to be, I didn’t feel super invested in the characters.
Perhaps it’s my current reading mood or the disappointment of unmet expectations but something about this felt underwhelming. It was ok and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try a new to me author with this dog loving story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this story. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warning: brief mention of past experience with bulimia and verbally abusive relationship, has been worked through with the help of a therapist
December 4, 2024
This wasn't quite 4 stars for me, but a solid 3.85. It was cute and cozy and exactly the type of story I look for during the holidays.
This book is PERFECT for the holidays! Curl up with a hot cocoa and this book, and you will be melting at the cuteness. All the hallmark feels...but MUCH spicier! I found the banter to be so much fun, it makes me miss the early days of dating someone. The only thing that threw me was the title x puppies... the puppies didn't show up until the end of the story. The emphasis was more so on a 2nd chance romance and taking care of a cute pregnant mama dog together.
Theo is Mr Green Flag. You want a cinnamon roll MMC, this is it. This guy is the definition of “if he wants to he would”
The supporting characters that stole the show were Gia and Chloe. They were so funny and I found them to be a perfect representation of besties in middle school/high school years.
I enjoyed the secondary story line of Lucy staying/going. With a book like this you know how it's going to end, but it's nice to see a character have this inner dialogue with herself, deciding if staying in her small town surrounded by all the people she loves will be enough, or if she will take another shot at "the big city" (first LA, now possibly NYC) just to discover that the big city isn't so great after all... and that it CERTAINLY does not have a talented baker making cupcakes that quite literally are inspired by HER! Seriously, what more could you want?!
This book is PERFECT for the holidays! Curl up with a hot cocoa and this book, and you will be melting at the cuteness. All the hallmark feels...but MUCH spicier! I found the banter to be so much fun, it makes me miss the early days of dating someone. The only thing that threw me was the title x puppies... the puppies didn't show up until the end of the story. The emphasis was more so on a 2nd chance romance and taking care of a cute pregnant mama dog together.
Theo is Mr Green Flag. You want a cinnamon roll MMC, this is it. This guy is the definition of “if he wants to he would”
The supporting characters that stole the show were Gia and Chloe. They were so funny and I found them to be a perfect representation of besties in middle school/high school years.
I enjoyed the secondary story line of Lucy staying/going. With a book like this you know how it's going to end, but it's nice to see a character have this inner dialogue with herself, deciding if staying in her small town surrounded by all the people she loves will be enough, or if she will take another shot at "the big city" (first LA, now possibly NYC) just to discover that the big city isn't so great after all... and that it CERTAINLY does not have a talented baker making cupcakes that quite literally are inspired by HER! Seriously, what more could you want?!
October 4, 2024
4⭐️s. Cute romance for dog lovers. I love a second chance romance and puppies of course.
Lucy and Theo have always had a type of rivalry. But sometimes, that rivalry can become flirty. Too bad it scared Lucy and she left town for seven years. Theo, despite his hesitation to have his heart broken again, takes a chance on whatever Lucy will give him. Lucy is a flight risk even though all of her friends and family are here.
As more and more leads Lucy to every opportunity for growth at home, she might just stay put. A job she loves, the chemistry that is very much stronger than ever with Theo, and a pregnant dog in need. Theo will have to let go of that fear and be the knight Lucy needs to help her plant roots.
Bear would like to argue that frosty face pups are just as cute. Which do you prefer, frosty pups or puppies?
Thank you to @netgalley @shan_richard and @harpercollins for the advanced reader copy!
#netgalley #shannonrichard #puppyloveatmistletoejunction #advancedreadercopy #arc #bookreview #puppylove #bookstagram
Lucy and Theo have always had a type of rivalry. But sometimes, that rivalry can become flirty. Too bad it scared Lucy and she left town for seven years. Theo, despite his hesitation to have his heart broken again, takes a chance on whatever Lucy will give him. Lucy is a flight risk even though all of her friends and family are here.
As more and more leads Lucy to every opportunity for growth at home, she might just stay put. A job she loves, the chemistry that is very much stronger than ever with Theo, and a pregnant dog in need. Theo will have to let go of that fear and be the knight Lucy needs to help her plant roots.
Bear would like to argue that frosty face pups are just as cute. Which do you prefer, frosty pups or puppies?
Thank you to @netgalley @shan_richard and @harpercollins for the advanced reader copy!
#netgalley #shannonrichard #puppyloveatmistletoejunction #advancedreadercopy #arc #bookreview #puppylove #bookstagram
November 17, 2024
Read This Book If…you want a Hallmark movie to have a little spice!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction by Shannon Richard
Genre: holiday romance
Series: no series declared, but there is at least one previous book
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Setting: small town in North Carolina
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Tropes: second chance romance, friends with benefits, brother’s best friend, “it’s just sex”
My Thoughts:
I did not realize there was another book before this one and I really wish I did. There is a HUGE cast of characters introduced in the first few chapters and it was honestly overwhelming.
Also, if you’re going to market this as a holiday/dog-centric romance, those things should happen before the halfway mark. I kept waiting for the puppies to be introduced and it took foreverrrrr.
For the positives, I thought this was a really cute read! It felt like a Hallmark movie, expect there were a few spicy scenes sprinkled throughout. They get together pretty early on and it’s mostly internal turmoil keeping them from committing.
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction by Shannon Richard
Genre: holiday romance
Series: no series declared, but there is at least one previous book
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Setting: small town in North Carolina
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Tropes: second chance romance, friends with benefits, brother’s best friend, “it’s just sex”
My Thoughts:
I did not realize there was another book before this one and I really wish I did. There is a HUGE cast of characters introduced in the first few chapters and it was honestly overwhelming.
Also, if you’re going to market this as a holiday/dog-centric romance, those things should happen before the halfway mark. I kept waiting for the puppies to be introduced and it took foreverrrrr.
For the positives, I thought this was a really cute read! It felt like a Hallmark movie, expect there were a few spicy scenes sprinkled throughout. They get together pretty early on and it’s mostly internal turmoil keeping them from committing.
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!
November 27, 2024
I enjoyed this romcom story! A few brief spicy scenes, but not too many, leaving the author to really focus on the story rather than it just being a steamy cheap novel. There were pets involved, which is always great. I wanted to read this novel to get into the Christmas spirit. However, other than it taking place from autumn to winter, it had nothing to do with a Christmas novel. That was disappointing to me. Therefore 3,5 stars rounded up.
December 23, 2024
I loved the dual POV, small town setting of reaquainted love, and the first 1/3 of the book. But I found the storyline a bit scattered and actually had very little to do with dogs or the holidays, which was the point of my picking it up.
December 15, 2024
Perfect story to get you in the holiday season!
I really loved reading Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction.
A second chance romance that pulled me in from the first page to the last page.
The banter between the main characters is hilarious.
The romantic tension was so much fun to follow.
The dogs and puppies…..well, what can I say? They were so adorable.
All in all, a perfect slow burn read with just the right amount of spice.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really loved reading Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction.
A second chance romance that pulled me in from the first page to the last page.
The banter between the main characters is hilarious.
The romantic tension was so much fun to follow.
The dogs and puppies…..well, what can I say? They were so adorable.
All in all, a perfect slow burn read with just the right amount of spice.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2024
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
There's a lot of predictable, clichéd parts to this book, and yet, it was cute enough that I did not find it terrible. One of the main characters was annoyingly indecisive, though, and her background, even though it's important to the plot of the book, never really felt fleshed out enough. The basic story is that Lucy is back in her small town in North Carolina after a stint in California, where she ran away to after having a friends with benefits situation with Theo that she wasn't as serious about as he was. Now, after a bad breakup in California, she's taken up a temporary teaching position at the local high school. Predictably, sparks fly again between Lucy and Theo, and her old issues of not wanting to commit to something serious and to staying in town resurface.
The story is cute enough, formulaic as it is. It doesn't take long for the sex to start again between Lucy and Theo, and I appreciated that there wasn't this long, drawn-out buildup to the inevitable sex like many other books have. Their relationship, even with a lack of commitment, was cute, and I found myself rooting for them, despite how annoyed I was with Lucy's inability to commit. The dog is introduced pretty far into the book, which was a bit disappointing given the title and the cover, but it's still a heartwarming dog adoption story.
Lucy's inability to commit to the relationship, even though it's obvious that she's going to change her mind before the end of the book, irritated me. I get that she's supposed to have some trauma from her failed relationship in California, but that's sort of just mentioned a few times, without going into enough detail for what seemed like a major traumatic event in her life. I wish that part were explored more, since it's obviously causing problems in her relationship with Theo. It just felt like a frustrating plot device that was dragging the book out until its inevitable conclusion after she comes to her senses.
The supporting characters, even though they seem very loving and supportive, felt a bit one-dimensional, and there's quite a few people in Lucy and Theo's lives, particularly in their friend group. There's too many supporting characters for them to really get much attention individually, and it felt like I started reading a book in the middle of a series that explores these other characters' lives or something, even though this wasn't clear from the book or this Goodreads page.
There's a predictable conflict near the end, and while it's understandable that there'd be hurt feelings, it's also quite ridiculous that it wasn't easy to see coming, given what's happened in the story up to that point. Of course, they make up, and there's a ridiculously happy ending that also felt bit abrupt, after some suspense involving a potential major injury and a home birth situation that get resolved quite quickly and neatly.
Overall, it's a cute book that I enjoyed more than I thought I would, having a pretty predictable, formulaic plot. The dog aspect was cute, though I wish it were introduced sooner. I wish the many other characters in the book were more than just these one-dimensional plot helpers, and I wish Lucy's past were described a bit more given its importance, but it's a fun, breezy holiday read.
There's a lot of predictable, clichéd parts to this book, and yet, it was cute enough that I did not find it terrible. One of the main characters was annoyingly indecisive, though, and her background, even though it's important to the plot of the book, never really felt fleshed out enough. The basic story is that Lucy is back in her small town in North Carolina after a stint in California, where she ran away to after having a friends with benefits situation with Theo that she wasn't as serious about as he was. Now, after a bad breakup in California, she's taken up a temporary teaching position at the local high school. Predictably, sparks fly again between Lucy and Theo, and her old issues of not wanting to commit to something serious and to staying in town resurface.
The story is cute enough, formulaic as it is. It doesn't take long for the sex to start again between Lucy and Theo, and I appreciated that there wasn't this long, drawn-out buildup to the inevitable sex like many other books have. Their relationship, even with a lack of commitment, was cute, and I found myself rooting for them, despite how annoyed I was with Lucy's inability to commit. The dog is introduced pretty far into the book, which was a bit disappointing given the title and the cover, but it's still a heartwarming dog adoption story.
Lucy's inability to commit to the relationship, even though it's obvious that she's going to change her mind before the end of the book, irritated me. I get that she's supposed to have some trauma from her failed relationship in California, but that's sort of just mentioned a few times, without going into enough detail for what seemed like a major traumatic event in her life. I wish that part were explored more, since it's obviously causing problems in her relationship with Theo. It just felt like a frustrating plot device that was dragging the book out until its inevitable conclusion after she comes to her senses.
The supporting characters, even though they seem very loving and supportive, felt a bit one-dimensional, and there's quite a few people in Lucy and Theo's lives, particularly in their friend group. There's too many supporting characters for them to really get much attention individually, and it felt like I started reading a book in the middle of a series that explores these other characters' lives or something, even though this wasn't clear from the book or this Goodreads page.
There's a predictable conflict near the end, and while it's understandable that there'd be hurt feelings, it's also quite ridiculous that it wasn't easy to see coming, given what's happened in the story up to that point. Of course, they make up, and there's a ridiculously happy ending that also felt bit abrupt, after some suspense involving a potential major injury and a home birth situation that get resolved quite quickly and neatly.
Overall, it's a cute book that I enjoyed more than I thought I would, having a pretty predictable, formulaic plot. The dog aspect was cute, though I wish it were introduced sooner. I wish the many other characters in the book were more than just these one-dimensional plot helpers, and I wish Lucy's past were described a bit more given its importance, but it's a fun, breezy holiday read.
April 6, 2025
What do you do when your second chance at love interferes with your need to be anywhere but here? That’s the question Lucy Buchanan is trying to answer before she falls any more helplessly in love with Theo Taylor.
Lucy Buchanan is back home again, itching for the school semester to end so she can jet off to wherever her whim might take her. No one can understand why she wants to bolt, but deep inside, Lucy’s fighting her past, trying to get as far away from it as she can, even despite her growing feelings for Theo. While running from your past isn’t the best option, I do understand Lucy’s need to do exactly that. There’s a lot of pain in her past, and being home only brings it that much closer to the surface.
Theo Taylor has been doing his thing, baking the town’s most sought-after pastries, and trying to forget he ever met Lucy Buchanan. Her return home throws him into chaos, not knowing whether he should forgive her or continue to treat her like the enemy. His reluctance to fully give in is understandable, considering she ran off on him the last time they were together. Theo’s a great character. His love of baking, coupled with the way he is with his much younger sister really made me love him.
Bear is the lynchpin that holds Theo and Lucy together. When they discover this poor, scraggly dog and discover she’s pregnant, they decide to join forces and bring the puppies into the world safely. But the question still hovers over them – what happens next? Is this it for them or could there be a chance for something more?
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction is a super cute holiday romance that will tug at the hearts of softies everywhere. I’m a huge animal lover and the idea of a pregnant dog out wandering in the cold alone nearly did me in. I discovered this morning that this is actually the second in this series, which makes me happy because I really want to know more about this fantastic group of friends. The first in the series is going onto my list, and I’m hoping there might be a third in the works as well.
Lucy Buchanan is back home again, itching for the school semester to end so she can jet off to wherever her whim might take her. No one can understand why she wants to bolt, but deep inside, Lucy’s fighting her past, trying to get as far away from it as she can, even despite her growing feelings for Theo. While running from your past isn’t the best option, I do understand Lucy’s need to do exactly that. There’s a lot of pain in her past, and being home only brings it that much closer to the surface.
Theo Taylor has been doing his thing, baking the town’s most sought-after pastries, and trying to forget he ever met Lucy Buchanan. Her return home throws him into chaos, not knowing whether he should forgive her or continue to treat her like the enemy. His reluctance to fully give in is understandable, considering she ran off on him the last time they were together. Theo’s a great character. His love of baking, coupled with the way he is with his much younger sister really made me love him.
Bear is the lynchpin that holds Theo and Lucy together. When they discover this poor, scraggly dog and discover she’s pregnant, they decide to join forces and bring the puppies into the world safely. But the question still hovers over them – what happens next? Is this it for them or could there be a chance for something more?
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction is a super cute holiday romance that will tug at the hearts of softies everywhere. I’m a huge animal lover and the idea of a pregnant dog out wandering in the cold alone nearly did me in. I discovered this morning that this is actually the second in this series, which makes me happy because I really want to know more about this fantastic group of friends. The first in the series is going onto my list, and I’m hoping there might be a third in the works as well.
November 8, 2024
Give me a book with dogs on the cover and I am all in. Give me a book with a friend group, a second chance romance, and dogs? Even better!
I had high hopes for this story and for the most part it delivered. Lucy and Theo are complex characters with snappy banter, a sort of frenemies-to-lovers journey, steamy chemistry, and a friend/relative group who isn't shy about giving their two cents. The main characters are multi-layered, especially Lucy who has an abundance of emotional baggage to work through. Other favorites are Theo's teen sister and her bestie, Lucy's dad, and friends, Gavin and Sasha (who I really hope are on target for a book of their own).
The secondary characters are enjoyable but also plentiful. It took me a while (several chapters) to sort through who they all were and what were the connections that tied them all together. It was distracting and confusing. For a standalone book (which is how this is marketed), it felt a bit like beginning the story in Chapter 15. I later discovered that Lucy's sister, Caro has a previously published book titled Dog Days Forever. I don't know if reading that first would have helped keep everyone straight in Puppy Love but I enjoyed Lucy's book enough to download Dog Days and plan to read it soon.
I adored Mama Bear, the pregnant rescue dog and her puppies. Did I mention I'm a total pushover for dogs and puppies in a book? I loved how much of Lucy's and Theo's character growth was tied to their shared custody of and deepening feelings for Bear.
If you enjoy second-chance romance, large friend groups with shared history (think Jill Shalvis), rescue dogs, adorable puppies, heart-tugging emotional depth, significant character growth, and cupcakes (drool warning - both for the delicious cupcakes and Theo, the baker who makes them), give Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction a try. But maybe read Dog Days Forever first.
I had high hopes for this story and for the most part it delivered. Lucy and Theo are complex characters with snappy banter, a sort of frenemies-to-lovers journey, steamy chemistry, and a friend/relative group who isn't shy about giving their two cents. The main characters are multi-layered, especially Lucy who has an abundance of emotional baggage to work through. Other favorites are Theo's teen sister and her bestie, Lucy's dad, and friends, Gavin and Sasha (who I really hope are on target for a book of their own).
The secondary characters are enjoyable but also plentiful. It took me a while (several chapters) to sort through who they all were and what were the connections that tied them all together. It was distracting and confusing. For a standalone book (which is how this is marketed), it felt a bit like beginning the story in Chapter 15. I later discovered that Lucy's sister, Caro has a previously published book titled Dog Days Forever. I don't know if reading that first would have helped keep everyone straight in Puppy Love but I enjoyed Lucy's book enough to download Dog Days and plan to read it soon.
I adored Mama Bear, the pregnant rescue dog and her puppies. Did I mention I'm a total pushover for dogs and puppies in a book? I loved how much of Lucy's and Theo's character growth was tied to their shared custody of and deepening feelings for Bear.
If you enjoy second-chance romance, large friend groups with shared history (think Jill Shalvis), rescue dogs, adorable puppies, heart-tugging emotional depth, significant character growth, and cupcakes (drool warning - both for the delicious cupcakes and Theo, the baker who makes them), give Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction a try. But maybe read Dog Days Forever first.
January 20, 2025
It's been seven years since Lucy fled Cruickshank, leaving her family, friends, and Theo behind. But now she's back, and the question is for how long as old feelings rise to the surface.
I enjoyed Dog Days Forever and was excited to find myself back in Cruickshank. This is such a great small town with a tight knit group of friends who are family. I got that vibe even more, this time around, as we celebrated the holidays with this group and even took on a crisis together. I loved how close they were and how involved in each other's lives they were. Hey, you can't have a small town romance without some meddling, and this meddling came straight from the heart.
I also liked Theo and Lucy together. They had history and chemistry, and I truly believed they could only be happy with each other. Lucy was returning home with many wounds from the tough industry out in LA and a toxic ex-boyfriend. Being great at her new job was something and being able to return to the safety of friends and family was another plus, but it was the way Theo saw all her parts as good that helped her stay on that road to recovering and reclaiming herself.
As promised by the cover and title, there was a fun doggie storyline. I absolutely adored Bear and was thrilled to see her rise to mild internet fame. But her presence helped Lucy and Theo leave the past behind and move forward together.
Overall, this was a fun and heartwarming trip back to Cruickshank which was filled with love, holiday cheer, and puppies, LOTS of puppies.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I enjoyed Dog Days Forever and was excited to find myself back in Cruickshank. This is such a great small town with a tight knit group of friends who are family. I got that vibe even more, this time around, as we celebrated the holidays with this group and even took on a crisis together. I loved how close they were and how involved in each other's lives they were. Hey, you can't have a small town romance without some meddling, and this meddling came straight from the heart.
I also liked Theo and Lucy together. They had history and chemistry, and I truly believed they could only be happy with each other. Lucy was returning home with many wounds from the tough industry out in LA and a toxic ex-boyfriend. Being great at her new job was something and being able to return to the safety of friends and family was another plus, but it was the way Theo saw all her parts as good that helped her stay on that road to recovering and reclaiming herself.
As promised by the cover and title, there was a fun doggie storyline. I absolutely adored Bear and was thrilled to see her rise to mild internet fame. But her presence helped Lucy and Theo leave the past behind and move forward together.
Overall, this was a fun and heartwarming trip back to Cruickshank which was filled with love, holiday cheer, and puppies, LOTS of puppies.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
February 6, 2025
I received an advanced copy of Puppies at Mistletoe Junction by Shannon Richard from the publisher Avon via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What It’s About: Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along and in a small town where they’re in the same circle of friends, it’s hard to avoid one another. And sometimes hate can cause flames to ignite. One night the summer after they graduated, they hook up, again and again. Until Lucy leaves everything behind to go to LA. But now, after seven years, she’s back following a bad break up. But Theo doesn’t care, or so he says, but sometimes friction can start a spark.
My Thoughts: I read a lot of holiday books in December, so this was requested because this is my vibe often. I read the description and thought what is more holiday-esqe than puppies at Christmas. Here’s what I’ll tell you, the dog doesn’t come until like 40% in (this was too long of a wait for me), if I was gonna read cheesy, I wanted my puppies! Here’s what I liked: I really liked Lucy’s story where she is trying to figure out her life, after a big dip in the road. Can someone who always dreamed of being famous be satisfied working as a teacher in small town North Carolina? This question was pursued thoughtfully and I liked that. I didn’t love the third act break up, it felt ridiculous. I also found the book very cheesy (of course!), but there were some elements that seemed excess, like social media storylines. I wanted a bit more, but felt the universe showed some promise and would be interested in some of the other couple’s story. Yes, there is a dog but honestly not as memorable a character as I dreamed.
Who Should Read It: People who are seeking cheesy holiday fiction.
Summary: Frenemies reconnect when one of them moves back home after a long absence.
What It’s About: Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along and in a small town where they’re in the same circle of friends, it’s hard to avoid one another. And sometimes hate can cause flames to ignite. One night the summer after they graduated, they hook up, again and again. Until Lucy leaves everything behind to go to LA. But now, after seven years, she’s back following a bad break up. But Theo doesn’t care, or so he says, but sometimes friction can start a spark.
My Thoughts: I read a lot of holiday books in December, so this was requested because this is my vibe often. I read the description and thought what is more holiday-esqe than puppies at Christmas. Here’s what I’ll tell you, the dog doesn’t come until like 40% in (this was too long of a wait for me), if I was gonna read cheesy, I wanted my puppies! Here’s what I liked: I really liked Lucy’s story where she is trying to figure out her life, after a big dip in the road. Can someone who always dreamed of being famous be satisfied working as a teacher in small town North Carolina? This question was pursued thoughtfully and I liked that. I didn’t love the third act break up, it felt ridiculous. I also found the book very cheesy (of course!), but there were some elements that seemed excess, like social media storylines. I wanted a bit more, but felt the universe showed some promise and would be interested in some of the other couple’s story. Yes, there is a dog but honestly not as memorable a character as I dreamed.
Who Should Read It: People who are seeking cheesy holiday fiction.
Summary: Frenemies reconnect when one of them moves back home after a long absence.
November 14, 2024
The cutest cover ever! I mean... who doesn't want to see this sticking out of their holiday stocking? Love AND puppies?!? Yes, please!! What you're really going to find in these pages is a couple who've struggled for years to figure out their situationship. And with every great ending puppies are included. I would to thank Avon Publishing for sharing this read with me. It was a sweet gift. Grab your copy where books are sold.
~Tanja
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
~Tanja
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
July 11, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I loved it. It has zipped right up there as my favorite book of the holiday season this year and I read Christmas books all year so that's really saying something. Okay, so it didn't hurt that the cover is so darn appealing. After all who can resist a huge lug of a dog and her adorable puppies?
A second chance romance that everyone seems to know is going on except for the main players. Seven years ago, Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor were romantically involved. Keep in mind this couple doesn't get along, never has from the time they met during childhood all the way through everything they've been through together. From teasing to arguments, it's not happening. But is this just a front for how they really feel for each other again. With Lucy back from LA with a bad breakup under her belt she can't help noticing how Theo has matured but this doesn't stop them from being on each other's last nerves again. With smoldering looks and mistletoe kisses it may be cold outside but this couple doesn't need a fireplace to keep themselves warm. The star attraction of the show was Bear, a huge dog Lucy found that brings the couple together more than ever. It's not all bows and ribbons in this one though as we have some angsty scenes. An exciting feel-good spicy romance perfect for holiday reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A second chance romance that everyone seems to know is going on except for the main players. Seven years ago, Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor were romantically involved. Keep in mind this couple doesn't get along, never has from the time they met during childhood all the way through everything they've been through together. From teasing to arguments, it's not happening. But is this just a front for how they really feel for each other again. With Lucy back from LA with a bad breakup under her belt she can't help noticing how Theo has matured but this doesn't stop them from being on each other's last nerves again. With smoldering looks and mistletoe kisses it may be cold outside but this couple doesn't need a fireplace to keep themselves warm. The star attraction of the show was Bear, a huge dog Lucy found that brings the couple together more than ever. It's not all bows and ribbons in this one though as we have some angsty scenes. An exciting feel-good spicy romance perfect for holiday reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 15, 2024
There is nothing better than getting in the mood for the Christmas season than reading, Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction by Shannon Richard. Theo sounds like the man of every woman's dream. He's tall and handsome. He runs his family's Irish Pub. Half Korean and half Irish he's good looking. He's also a bit cocky especially with darts. Then, there is Lucy. She is doing a temporary job while back home. There she gets weird vibes and jealousy feelings seeing the woman that Theo will be dating. Theo and Lucy both have this thing where they notice things about each other but keep it to themselves. Their feelings are about to burst sooner or later. Their romantic tensions which they ignore are fun to follow. I love how nervous they get. It's both cute and funny. Their lives take an even more interesting turn when they co-parent a pregnant dog and her puppies. Spending time together reveals a lot and feelings they hide will be exposed. I loved this slow burning romantic story. Shannon Richard writes well, and her characters literally pop off the pages. I felt like I was just in a Tessa Bailey or Ali Hazelwood novel but with a cross of Susan Mallery in the mix. If you are looking for a cute, hilarious, romantic yet heartwarming tale, this is it!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 22, 2024
*I received this free in a Goodreads giveaway*
This was cute. I have the same criticism I have for most romance novels.... Not enough conflict. I read the book and thought "what is keeping this couple apart?" For most of this book, the answer is nothing. And then when there actually is conflict, I thought it was minimal (but not unrealistic. I could see it happening in real life) and is resolved rather quickly.
I liked the dog aspect of the book as well... though there is no dog until about half way through and no puppies until the very end. It brought a sweetness to the story that I really liked.
One note on the cover. It is very misleading. First off, there are no puppies until the end and, though I appreciate the double entendre about puppy love, it is misleading here. And the cover looks like a children's book with puppies playing with Christmas decorations. If a child picks up this book, they are in for a real education.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The characters were fun and relatable. I was never to a point when I was dying to know what happened so I went with 3 stars.
This was cute. I have the same criticism I have for most romance novels.... Not enough conflict. I read the book and thought "what is keeping this couple apart?" For most of this book, the answer is nothing. And then when there actually is conflict, I thought it was minimal (but not unrealistic. I could see it happening in real life) and is resolved rather quickly.
I liked the dog aspect of the book as well... though there is no dog until about half way through and no puppies until the very end. It brought a sweetness to the story that I really liked.
One note on the cover. It is very misleading. First off, there are no puppies until the end and, though I appreciate the double entendre about puppy love, it is misleading here. And the cover looks like a children's book with puppies playing with Christmas decorations. If a child picks up this book, they are in for a real education.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The characters were fun and relatable. I was never to a point when I was dying to know what happened so I went with 3 stars.
April 6, 2025
Lucy Buchanan needs to be home for at least a little while in order to get her life back on track. But she keeps running into Theo Taylor, the guy she's always fought with since grade school. Now he's a renowned baker and she loves what he makes, but must he always get on her last nerve?
As if that wasn't bad enough, he insists on challenging her to games of darts--even after she beats him badly. But he's not all bad. After all, when Lucy finds an abandoned dog behind the bakery, Theo helps her calm the dog and eventually get her to the local vet where they learn she is pregnant with lots of puppies. She can't turn that dog over to a shelter. Not with those big brown begging eyes. But she can't manage without Theo's help, so they jointly agree to midwife the dog through her pregnancy and the birth of the pups, even if only to make sure they go to good homes.
What, then, happens between Theo and Lucy? Will they get over their teasing and discover those other feelings they have for each other? Or will she go on to NYC where she's been offered an apartment-sharing situation while she pursues a singing career?
As if that wasn't bad enough, he insists on challenging her to games of darts--even after she beats him badly. But he's not all bad. After all, when Lucy finds an abandoned dog behind the bakery, Theo helps her calm the dog and eventually get her to the local vet where they learn she is pregnant with lots of puppies. She can't turn that dog over to a shelter. Not with those big brown begging eyes. But she can't manage without Theo's help, so they jointly agree to midwife the dog through her pregnancy and the birth of the pups, even if only to make sure they go to good homes.
What, then, happens between Theo and Lucy? Will they get over their teasing and discover those other feelings they have for each other? Or will she go on to NYC where she's been offered an apartment-sharing situation while she pursues a singing career?
September 18, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was a super cute, dog loving, Christmas holiday, second chance, banter, small town romance.
Featuring a woman afraid of being stuck and a man in love with her since they were kids what could go wrong? She comes back from running away the first time and she tries to figure out what she wants to do while teaching theater at the school.
He is trying to avoid her at all costs but it’s just inevitable for them to keep running into each other. Is it worth spending so much energy avoiding, or is it better to just jump in?
They decide to rekindle what they had before she left and they both realize quickly that it is becoming more than what she expected.
Her family and friends want her to stay and he wants her to stay. Can she?
Finding a dog abandoned and pregnant in an alleyway, getting offered an extension to her teaching job, but then offered to move to New York and reached out to by an agent for singers, can she stay?
This was a feel good, cozy, loving book that I enjoyed.
Featuring a woman afraid of being stuck and a man in love with her since they were kids what could go wrong? She comes back from running away the first time and she tries to figure out what she wants to do while teaching theater at the school.
He is trying to avoid her at all costs but it’s just inevitable for them to keep running into each other. Is it worth spending so much energy avoiding, or is it better to just jump in?
They decide to rekindle what they had before she left and they both realize quickly that it is becoming more than what she expected.
Her family and friends want her to stay and he wants her to stay. Can she?
Finding a dog abandoned and pregnant in an alleyway, getting offered an extension to her teaching job, but then offered to move to New York and reached out to by an agent for singers, can she stay?
This was a feel good, cozy, loving book that I enjoyed.
October 23, 2024
Wonderful story!
I really enjoyed this book. Lucy is carrying a lot of baggage from her life experience, and it has taken a lot for her to get past it. When she is back in town and keeps running into her old flame Theo, those sparks reignite, but she's afraid to go beyond the physical and risk hurting anyone, including herself.
Theo is ok with just the physical (and there's a lot of open door physicality in this book!) at least for a while. As time moves on, he can't help but imagine his future once Lucy moves away. The two of them find a wonderful dog, Bear, and that just adds to their story.
While set at Christmas, this isn't as much a holiday story as it is a second chance romance, small town, plus dogs, cats and families. How can it not be a winner?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. Lucy is carrying a lot of baggage from her life experience, and it has taken a lot for her to get past it. When she is back in town and keeps running into her old flame Theo, those sparks reignite, but she's afraid to go beyond the physical and risk hurting anyone, including herself.
Theo is ok with just the physical (and there's a lot of open door physicality in this book!) at least for a while. As time moves on, he can't help but imagine his future once Lucy moves away. The two of them find a wonderful dog, Bear, and that just adds to their story.
While set at Christmas, this isn't as much a holiday story as it is a second chance romance, small town, plus dogs, cats and families. How can it not be a winner?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
I always read a couple holiday-themed books this time of year, and this was far better than my other selection this year. Cute characters, though there is a bit much of the usual "problems would be solved if you'd talk to each other" nonsense. I did have a hard time keeping some of the side characters straight - not sure if this is part of a series, but there was clearly a lot of interconnected history that I lacked.
With a title including "puppy love", I expected lots of cute dog and pup content. Alas, there was not nearly as much of this as I expected or wanted. The promised rescue dog didn't show up until more than a third of the way through the book, and the puppies
Overall though, a cute but not overly themed holiday romance, with a sprinkling of dog fur. A strong 3.5 stars, round up to 4.
With a title including "puppy love", I expected lots of cute dog and pup content. Alas, there was not nearly as much of this as I expected or wanted. The promised rescue dog didn't show up until more than a third of the way through the book, and the puppies
Overall though, a cute but not overly themed holiday romance, with a sprinkling of dog fur. A strong 3.5 stars, round up to 4.
December 30, 2025
Obviously bought this because hello what appears to be a mix but likely great Pyrenees puppy doggies all over the cover !!!!! I also bought this before we lost Luna so I wasn’t really sure of reading it - it def made me miss her tons and also want a puppy to fill the void but it was so darn cute - I mean how could you possibly go wrong with a dog rescue , bakery, romance, puppies and Christmas!?? Answer YOU CANNOT! Lucy and I seem to be very much the same- guarded with people open with pets, all about rescue, agree if I find your dog / animal in bad shape you don’t deserve to have them back! I would love to have the relationships and friendships described here long term and made much simpler with small town living as it is easier to be around and get around - and you already know I’m a sucker for small town settings! Loved this and really truly enjoyed it! I saw at the end her other work appears to also include a dog so you know what I’ll be adding to my TBR!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews