What do you think?
Rate this book
Worst in Show
Aspiring fashion designer Cora Lewis should have known better. Entering her grandpa’s extremely adorable—and totally unruly—pups in a dog show? What was she thinking? Oh, right. Her grandpa is injured, his beloved pet shop is losing the fight against the upscale dog boutique across the street, and his business and home are on the line. She needs that prize money to save the day—and if the only way to win is to train with her strongest adversary, then she’ll suck it up and ask for help.
Rival store owner Leo Salinger is everything Cora is not: successful, wealthy, and overly ambitious. She would never guess that he is the kind and witty pen pal she's met on a local message board. But somewhere between teaching pups to heel, fetch, and stay, Cora and Leo are finding a little competition can ignite a serious attraction. Can they stop this sexy spark . . . before all her dreams go to the dogs?
Rival store owner Leo Salinger is everything Cora is not: successful, wealthy, and overly ambitious. She would never guess that he is the kind and witty pen pal she's met on a local message board. But somewhere between teaching pups to heel, fetch, and stay, Cora and Leo are finding a little competition can ignite a serious attraction. Can they stop this sexy spark . . . before all her dreams go to the dogs?
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2024
46 people are currently reading
9075 people want to read
About the author
Anna E. Collins
10 books425 followersANNA E. COLLINS is a Seattle-area author who writes stories about the lives and loves of women. Once upon a time she was a teacher with a master’s degree in educational psychology. Nowadays, plotting fiction and raising humans are her main pursuits. Find her (and her canine sidekick) on Instagram, @aeccreates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
August 17, 2024
Worst in Show by Anna E Collins
Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’s Happy Paws pet store, trying to keep it solvent. When a new Canine King goes in across the street, she gets worried about the competitiveness of her grandfather’s shop. When she finds out it’s owned by a popular home town man just one year ahead of her in school, her worry intensifies. A dog show prize motivates Cora to enter her grandfather’s rescue dogs. No surprise, Leo Salinger, from the new store enters his dog too and soon Cora and Leo agree to train their dogs together. Can the two stores coexist and can Cora and Leo find more in common?
The dogs and their uniqueness and funny antics are the cutest in this story. Leo is such a good guy with his positive attitude and willingness to read across street and include all his new neighbors in everything. I didn’t like Cora’s petty tricks and jokes but those are always a no for me. Both Cora and Leo have back family issues that are only touched on at a surface level but do muck up the works for the couple. Leo plays hero in the contest. Such a hero.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’s Happy Paws pet store, trying to keep it solvent. When a new Canine King goes in across the street, she gets worried about the competitiveness of her grandfather’s shop. When she finds out it’s owned by a popular home town man just one year ahead of her in school, her worry intensifies. A dog show prize motivates Cora to enter her grandfather’s rescue dogs. No surprise, Leo Salinger, from the new store enters his dog too and soon Cora and Leo agree to train their dogs together. Can the two stores coexist and can Cora and Leo find more in common?
The dogs and their uniqueness and funny antics are the cutest in this story. Leo is such a good guy with his positive attitude and willingness to read across street and include all his new neighbors in everything. I didn’t like Cora’s petty tricks and jokes but those are always a no for me. Both Cora and Leo have back family issues that are only touched on at a surface level but do muck up the works for the couple. Leo plays hero in the contest. Such a hero.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
May 19, 2024
I requested this for the cute dogs on the cover, but I stayed for the rivals-to-lovers romance!
This book has:
•The rivals-to-lovers and close proximity tropes: The leads are competing owners of pet stores, and their stores are across the street from one another 😋
•Tons of flirty sabotage
•Adorable dogs 🐶
•Two nerdy leads who solve each other's riddles on an anonymous online server
If you're looking for a sweet low-stakes romance with adorable rescue dogs, look no further!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has:
•The rivals-to-lovers and close proximity tropes: The leads are competing owners of pet stores, and their stores are across the street from one another 😋
•Tons of flirty sabotage
•Adorable dogs 🐶
•Two nerdy leads who solve each other's riddles on an anonymous online server
If you're looking for a sweet low-stakes romance with adorable rescue dogs, look no further!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2025
After DNFing a book, reading another that I liked but didn’t *love*, and starting a thriller but not getting into it at ALL, Worst in Show by Anna E. Collins was exactly what I needed. This was a lighter read with just a little steam (think step up from Hallmark closed door romance), adorable dogs, and characters I loved. We have a little bit of an enemies-to-lovers situation going on with Leo opening a competing pet store right across the street from Cora’s grandpas, as well as some family drama thanks to Cora’s parents. The steamy parts were just enough without being over the top, and I loved that the attention was more focused on saving the pet store as well as the family dynamics.
The only viewpoint in the book is Cora, so it worked really well that Elise Arsenault was the only narrator for the audiobook. She was pleasant to listen to and I thought her narration fully embodied my image of the character. I felt as though you could see where this one was going from a mile away, at least with a couple of aspects, which also gave me some of those Hallmark vibes I love. Overall, this was a super cute read with some nice elements and it was the type of light and fluffy you can easily get lost in without having to think too hard.
Read this if you enjoy Hallmark movies but with a TOUCH of steam, reading all about cute dogs, and small town feels.
The only viewpoint in the book is Cora, so it worked really well that Elise Arsenault was the only narrator for the audiobook. She was pleasant to listen to and I thought her narration fully embodied my image of the character. I felt as though you could see where this one was going from a mile away, at least with a couple of aspects, which also gave me some of those Hallmark vibes I love. Overall, this was a super cute read with some nice elements and it was the type of light and fluffy you can easily get lost in without having to think too hard.
Read this if you enjoy Hallmark movies but with a TOUCH of steam, reading all about cute dogs, and small town feels.
September 24, 2024
The scenes with the dogs were the best part of this book. There just weren’t enough of them for my taste. On the other hand, the steamy, descriptive sex scenes were way too abundant.
So, no, this novel wasn’t my cup of tea.
So, no, this novel wasn’t my cup of tea.
December 28, 2024
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️ | TikTok | IG |A rivals-to-lovers, laugh out loud romcom with dogs, do I really need to say more?
What I loved…
- rivals to lovers
- petty af pranks, sabotage, and scheming that I absolutely adored
- banter that will have you giggling and kicking your feet
- SLOW burn romance - the kind that has you swooning when they finally hold hands!
- DOGS - there is a cute ethically bred Australian Shepard, but the real stars of the book? The ugly and brilliant rescue mutts!
- You’ve Got Mail - anonymous online forum flirting
- developed MC’s that didn’t feel flat (Parental trauma anyone?)
- a 3rd act conflict (not a breakup!) that felt real and relatable
The reasons this wasn’t a 5⭐️ read…
- Pacing towards the end got a little slow - the 3rd act conflict dragged a bit and then the resolution felt rushed.
- there was a scene with some self-love and an IG post that felt a little too taboo (read: kinda skeezy) for a silly romcom.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
What I loved…
- rivals to lovers
- petty af pranks, sabotage, and scheming that I absolutely adored
- banter that will have you giggling and kicking your feet
- SLOW burn romance - the kind that has you swooning when they finally hold hands!
- DOGS - there is a cute ethically bred Australian Shepard, but the real stars of the book? The ugly and brilliant rescue mutts!
- You’ve Got Mail - anonymous online forum flirting
- developed MC’s that didn’t feel flat (Parental trauma anyone?)
- a 3rd act conflict (not a breakup!) that felt real and relatable
The reasons this wasn’t a 5⭐️ read…
- Pacing towards the end got a little slow - the 3rd act conflict dragged a bit and then the resolution felt rushed.
- there was a scene with some self-love and an IG post that felt a little too taboo (read: kinda skeezy) for a silly romcom.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2024
Rival pet store owners fall in love in this You've got mail retelling that is heartfelt and full of humor. Perfect for fans of authors like Julia London and Stefanie London's dog series. It was also good on audio narrated by Elise Aresenault. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! A new favorite for me by this author!
Steam level: fade to black/mild details
Steam level: fade to black/mild details
August 13, 2024
3.5/5 stars
eARC provided by Net Galley!
I really liked this book! It was very cute enemies-to-lovers feat. rescue dogs! Heart eyes everywhere!! The main characters were all so well developed and had real issues. I really liked how well developed even the dogs personalities were. The miscommunication trope is used but it did not really bother me in this story the way it normally does.. It was more like we could have communicated better but it made the story more real to me! There is a minor third-act break-up and parts of the story did feel rushed. Like we would mention things that the characters did not like and we would talk about it but not like go into making changes in those behaviors and why we were acting that way. My biggest thing with the main relationship is the MMC I wish we knew about his more recent life issues. Felt like we dropped bombs and then just ignored them cause the plot was moving to fast for them. All and all I did really enjoy reading this book and will be look for others by this author!
eARC provided by Net Galley!
I really liked this book! It was very cute enemies-to-lovers feat. rescue dogs! Heart eyes everywhere!! The main characters were all so well developed and had real issues. I really liked how well developed even the dogs personalities were. The miscommunication trope is used but it did not really bother me in this story the way it normally does.. It was more like we could have communicated better but it made the story more real to me! There is a minor third-act break-up and parts of the story did feel rushed. Like we would mention things that the characters did not like and we would talk about it but not like go into making changes in those behaviors and why we were acting that way. My biggest thing with the main relationship is the MMC I wish we knew about his more recent life issues. Felt like we dropped bombs and then just ignored them cause the plot was moving to fast for them. All and all I did really enjoy reading this book and will be look for others by this author!
April 21, 2024
This was ok! I liked the rival pet stores plot. And the chancing/running from dreams theme.
Where things fell off was the pacing. We’re talking 70 percent of the book with no kissing!! And the tension was nowhere. I really struggled to keep my interest up, but I wanted to see the pay off.
Which was kinda awkwardly described…oof.
Overall this was simultaneously a let down but also kinda fine.
Where things fell off was the pacing. We’re talking 70 percent of the book with no kissing!! And the tension was nowhere. I really struggled to keep my interest up, but I wanted to see the pay off.
Which was kinda awkwardly described…oof.
Overall this was simultaneously a let down but also kinda fine.
July 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Thanks so much to Anna and Read Forever Publishing for making me a part of the street team for this book!
I'm a sucker for a good rivals-to-lovers romance and this book really leans into that. I can't lie, sometimes I felt frustrated at Cora because it didn't feel like her competitive nature was reciprocated by Leo. But love the trope nonetheless. Plus, it is so hard to be rivals when your dogs are besties! Loved that element of the story (all of the pups were incredible).
I found myself feeling really invested in these characters. Honestly, I wanted to have a better understanding of both Cora and Leo's pasts. We got snippets of them, but I feel like they both had pretty interesting childhoods that were worth being explored (not to mention, their childhoods were kind of the root of many of their issues). But I feel like it would have been fulfilling to me as a reader to get a better sense of them as people.
The pet shops in this book really reminded me of my friend's family's shop (The Healthy Pet House in Maplewood, MO). Loved being able to connect with the content in that way.
I think this was a really fun read and was not what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be a little bit more focused on the dog show (I mean, look at the cover) but I still think it was an enjoyable read. The main thing that really detracted from my reading experience was that the ending felt a bit rushed. With the third-act breakup and a heroic return all crammed into the last 50ish pages, I just didn't feel totally satisfied with the resolution.
I will be checking out more fo Anna E. Collins' books after this! I am so thankful to have been a part of this street team and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Thanks so much to Anna and Read Forever Publishing for making me a part of the street team for this book!
I'm a sucker for a good rivals-to-lovers romance and this book really leans into that. I can't lie, sometimes I felt frustrated at Cora because it didn't feel like her competitive nature was reciprocated by Leo. But love the trope nonetheless. Plus, it is so hard to be rivals when your dogs are besties! Loved that element of the story (all of the pups were incredible).
I found myself feeling really invested in these characters. Honestly, I wanted to have a better understanding of both Cora and Leo's pasts. We got snippets of them, but I feel like they both had pretty interesting childhoods that were worth being explored (not to mention, their childhoods were kind of the root of many of their issues). But I feel like it would have been fulfilling to me as a reader to get a better sense of them as people.
The pet shops in this book really reminded me of my friend's family's shop (The Healthy Pet House in Maplewood, MO). Loved being able to connect with the content in that way.
I think this was a really fun read and was not what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be a little bit more focused on the dog show (I mean, look at the cover) but I still think it was an enjoyable read. The main thing that really detracted from my reading experience was that the ending felt a bit rushed. With the third-act breakup and a heroic return all crammed into the last 50ish pages, I just didn't feel totally satisfied with the resolution.
I will be checking out more fo Anna E. Collins' books after this! I am so thankful to have been a part of this street team and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
August 15, 2024
Thank you to Forever Pub for the gifted copy of Worst in Show.
Such a delightful book. Forever Pub is on a roll with their dog-themed romcoms this year and I for one am ON BOARD. I really like the characters, most of the story, the setting, and all the dogs!! The female lead, Cora, is well developed and interesting. I love her journey and where she ends up. Her supporting cast — her grandfather, her two best friends, her absentee parents — help flesh out her character without being caricatures themselves. I don’t think the male lead was as well developed here, probably because of the single POV. This is a story that really could have used his voice as well.
Speaking of his voice… this is marketed as YGM with dogs, but it really isn’t. In the YGM formula, dual POV is an absolute MUST to create meaningful conflict. Since we only hear from her and HE’S the one who figures out that they know each other online, it all kind of fizzles and I completely missed when he realized it. All that to say, this book is still works well — you could probably have removed the lackluster YGM plot line and still had a complete and compelling story.
Overall, I really enjoyed Worst in Show and would recommend it to dog lovers and romcom fans alike. It’s got all the doggos you could want, plus a perfect ending and many scenes that had me in stitches (so funny)… just don’t expect an epic YGM moment at the end!
Overall ratings
Exact star rating: 3.81
10-pt star rating: 4
5-pt star rating: 4
Attribute ratings
Characters: 3.5
Atmosphere/Setting: 4
Writing Style: 4
Plot/Pacing: 3.5
Intrigue: 3.5
Logic: 4
Enjoyment: 4
Such a delightful book. Forever Pub is on a roll with their dog-themed romcoms this year and I for one am ON BOARD. I really like the characters, most of the story, the setting, and all the dogs!! The female lead, Cora, is well developed and interesting. I love her journey and where she ends up. Her supporting cast — her grandfather, her two best friends, her absentee parents — help flesh out her character without being caricatures themselves. I don’t think the male lead was as well developed here, probably because of the single POV. This is a story that really could have used his voice as well.
Speaking of his voice… this is marketed as YGM with dogs, but it really isn’t. In the YGM formula, dual POV is an absolute MUST to create meaningful conflict. Since we only hear from her and HE’S the one who figures out that they know each other online, it all kind of fizzles and I completely missed when he realized it. All that to say, this book is still works well — you could probably have removed the lackluster YGM plot line and still had a complete and compelling story.
Overall, I really enjoyed Worst in Show and would recommend it to dog lovers and romcom fans alike. It’s got all the doggos you could want, plus a perfect ending and many scenes that had me in stitches (so funny)… just don’t expect an epic YGM moment at the end!
Overall ratings
Exact star rating: 3.81
10-pt star rating: 4
5-pt star rating: 4
Attribute ratings
Characters: 3.5
Atmosphere/Setting: 4
Writing Style: 4
Plot/Pacing: 3.5
Intrigue: 3.5
Logic: 4
Enjoyment: 4
August 3, 2024
This was a cute rom-com novel. It had an enemies to lovers plot and centered around dogs. This was a little slow for me. It was predictable and I found that it did drag in spots. I am more of a cat lover than a dog lover so dog lovers may like this one a little more than me. My other critique was that the romance was slow to come in this book. However it was a light read and did have some funny moments. This one was just ok for me but I think it would be a perfect beach read for someone who loves dogs and romance books.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this Arc.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this Arc.
June 30, 2024
I knew I had to get my hands on this book as soon as I saw the adorable cover. And it did NOT disappoint!
Dogs, enemies to lovers (competing pet store owners - to be exact), close proximity, the perfect amount of spice, flirty pranking and sabotaging, fall and Christmas setting, and not to mention the sweet old grandpa. How could I NOT love this? I’m convinced this book was written for me.
Extra bonus points that it brought back fun memories of when I worked at a local mom and pop pet store as a teen.
This was a super fun, easy read that I highly recommend for all dog + rom com lovers like myself! 🫶
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the digital ARC!
Dogs, enemies to lovers (competing pet store owners - to be exact), close proximity, the perfect amount of spice, flirty pranking and sabotaging, fall and Christmas setting, and not to mention the sweet old grandpa. How could I NOT love this? I’m convinced this book was written for me.
Extra bonus points that it brought back fun memories of when I worked at a local mom and pop pet store as a teen.
This was a super fun, easy read that I highly recommend for all dog + rom com lovers like myself! 🫶
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the digital ARC!
July 12, 2024
Worst in Show is a proper rivals to lovers romance. I had a feeling I'd like this one, but I ended up absolutely loving it. It's most certainly on my favorites list. I laughed, I cried, and I loved this one endlessly. This is both a love story and a story of empowerment, as we see Cora take the courage to live her own life. It's a feel good tale, one I couldn't put down until the last page was turned.
Cora and Leo were terrific, endearing leads! I so loved Cora as a protagonist, and getting to follow alongside her arc; and I loved Leo as her love interest. I enjoyed their bickering, turned bantering, turned swoony chemistry-ing, heh! Their romance is fabulously paced. I believed in it every step of the way. There's some angst thrown it, which served to heighten my enjoyment. I sat at the edge of my seat, holding my breath, desperately hoping for a happily ever after at the end of this rollercoaster ride. I was so incredibly locked into this story.
There's You've Got Mail vibes, which I adore as it's one of my favorite films! I expected a certain reveal to come around the same time as it does the movie, but the book surprised me in the best way by going down a different path in its reveal. It worked perfectly!
I have no notes, just all the love. This is a book I will return to again and again, especially on the days I need to good pick-me-up. An absolute comfort read!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me a complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Cora and Leo were terrific, endearing leads! I so loved Cora as a protagonist, and getting to follow alongside her arc; and I loved Leo as her love interest. I enjoyed their bickering, turned bantering, turned swoony chemistry-ing, heh! Their romance is fabulously paced. I believed in it every step of the way. There's some angst thrown it, which served to heighten my enjoyment. I sat at the edge of my seat, holding my breath, desperately hoping for a happily ever after at the end of this rollercoaster ride. I was so incredibly locked into this story.
There's You've Got Mail vibes, which I adore as it's one of my favorite films! I expected a certain reveal to come around the same time as it does the movie, but the book surprised me in the best way by going down a different path in its reveal. It worked perfectly!
I have no notes, just all the love. This is a book I will return to again and again, especially on the days I need to good pick-me-up. An absolute comfort read!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me a complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
August 10, 2024
Enjoyed this so much!
It's You've Got Mail with competing pet shops -- plus caring for a grandparent and a dog show. It's sweet and banter-y and everything you love about YGM with it's own spin. I really love Anna's books and this one was no exception.
The story follows rivals-to-lovers Cora -- an aspiring fashion designer -- and Leo, a wealthy, ambitious (and handsome) man who is opening up the shiny new upscale pet boutique across the street. Not only are they competing for their town's business, but they're soon training their pups (together) to face off in a local dog show. Cora is desperate to win to save her grandpa's shop, and Leo is trying to prove his worth to his high-expectation family.
The more time the two spend together training their pups, planning pranks, and (unknowingly) communicating with each other online via the town's neighborhood message board, the more they connect, and begin to cheer FOR each other, rather than AGAINST each other. It's sweet and sexy, smart and fun. It's got heart and humor and heat.
Such a great read!
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the e-ARC (and to Forever for the physical copy) in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WORST IN SHOW is out 8/13!
It's You've Got Mail with competing pet shops -- plus caring for a grandparent and a dog show. It's sweet and banter-y and everything you love about YGM with it's own spin. I really love Anna's books and this one was no exception.
The story follows rivals-to-lovers Cora -- an aspiring fashion designer -- and Leo, a wealthy, ambitious (and handsome) man who is opening up the shiny new upscale pet boutique across the street. Not only are they competing for their town's business, but they're soon training their pups (together) to face off in a local dog show. Cora is desperate to win to save her grandpa's shop, and Leo is trying to prove his worth to his high-expectation family.
The more time the two spend together training their pups, planning pranks, and (unknowingly) communicating with each other online via the town's neighborhood message board, the more they connect, and begin to cheer FOR each other, rather than AGAINST each other. It's sweet and sexy, smart and fun. It's got heart and humor and heat.
Such a great read!
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the e-ARC (and to Forever for the physical copy) in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WORST IN SHOW is out 8/13!
March 21, 2025
It's like if someone made a Disney channel original movie about dog shows without actually ever going to a dog show and then added a bunch of sex.
August 14, 2024
This was really cute!! I loved all the dogs, especially Cholula, she won me over immediately in the first few chapters. They brought such a fun vibe to the story! I loved Cora, she was such a sweetheart and I loved her love for her grandfather and his store.
It did take me a while to like Leo but he did win me over by the end. I really didn’t like Cora’s parents and Leo’s family, they treated them both so poorly when the two of them were just trying to live their lives.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
It did take me a while to like Leo but he did win me over by the end. I really didn’t like Cora’s parents and Leo’s family, they treated them both so poorly when the two of them were just trying to live their lives.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 18, 2024
This book has absolutely everything I love about a good rom com…enemies to lovers, small town atmosphere, and a slow burn romance, plus some I didn’t know I needed (adorable dogs and a plot with You’ve Got Mail vibes). This book was fun to read and kept me entertained throughout with the competing pet stores and the amateur dog show plot lines.
This book is out now and would be such a great cozy fall read as it takes place on and around Halloween. Also, it has DOGS!! Need I say more??
This book is out now and would be such a great cozy fall read as it takes place on and around Halloween. Also, it has DOGS!! Need I say more??
October 7, 2024
I had high hopes for a book filled with adorable dogs, and I'm glad that aspect delivered. However, I found the story and characters to be lacking, despite an interesting premise. Cora came across as quite unlikable, and I don't think that was the intention. I was expecting more banter and pranks between her and Leo, but it felt like Leo surrendered while Cora kept on attacking. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. I was hoping for a more compelling rivalry and a slow burn, but it didn't quite live up to that.
October 31, 2024
Of course I had to read this romance featuring dogs! I basically have no other choice but to read these kind of books at this point 😆. But I’m glad I did read this one because I found it very cute. The dogs aren’t overly featured, definitely more side characters, but they still added to the wholesomeness of this book.
I love a good enemies/ rivals to lovers trope, so that was also a nice touch. Although there was a little more angst than I expected for a romcom like this. At some points I actually wasn’t a fan of the MMC (he’s got daddy issues), and the FMC seems to continue to resent him even after the romance starts blooming. But I guess it made for a little bit more of a realistic storyline.
I think I would have really loved this book if there hadn’t been that angst, and maybe featured the dogs personalities a bit more. (That’s definitely just a me thing, though.) Overall a cute read if you’re looking for a light romance!
I love a good enemies/ rivals to lovers trope, so that was also a nice touch. Although there was a little more angst than I expected for a romcom like this. At some points I actually wasn’t a fan of the MMC (he’s got daddy issues), and the FMC seems to continue to resent him even after the romance starts blooming. But I guess it made for a little bit more of a realistic storyline.
I think I would have really loved this book if there hadn’t been that angst, and maybe featured the dogs personalities a bit more. (That’s definitely just a me thing, though.) Overall a cute read if you’re looking for a light romance!
Want to read
April 19, 2025Pre-Read Thoughts: My partner picked this up as an anniversary gift as our local romance bookstore as a "Blind Date with a Book," so let's see how good his taste is or if I have to break up with him (LOL, jk, jk).
March 26, 2025
ummmm wait why was this so cute???
January 24, 2025
This book was so immaturely written, I didn't know whether it was young adult or not or if had been written by a young adult.
This book aside, WHY are the male characters always muscular and bruiting but never go to the gym, or there's no mention of other physical labor- no progressive overloading activity that would ensure them the muscle that they are always described to have. On the flip side, the female characters, are always skinny, desirable and eating/drinking whatever they choose- at least there was a mention here of the character (Cora) wanting to unbutton her jeans. God forbid, we flip the script and have a muscular woman represented- or at the least realistic language about what it takes to attain this lifestyle. Okay I know that was not specific to this book, but maybe the plot and character development was so awful- this is what i had to focus on.
Anyway, Cora is depressing, lacks any self confidence what so ever, she's self destructive and honestly annoying (thanks for continuing to represent main female characters in this light). Leo is one dimensional.
The dogs (as always) were a delight.
Summary: Cora and Her grandfather own a pet store, Leo opens a competing pet store franchise across the street. First Cora hates Leo, then big surprise they fall for each other while training their dogs for a local dog show. Spoiler alert, Leo sells the store, marries Cora and they take over Happy Paws- but Cora still gets to go to design school because she's put off her dream for so long (or just self destructed until her man savior (eye roll, again) convinced her to do so.
Also 357 pages - this story could have been told in 250 tops.
This book aside, WHY are the male characters always muscular and bruiting but never go to the gym, or there's no mention of other physical labor- no progressive overloading activity that would ensure them the muscle that they are always described to have. On the flip side, the female characters, are always skinny, desirable and eating/drinking whatever they choose- at least there was a mention here of the character (Cora) wanting to unbutton her jeans. God forbid, we flip the script and have a muscular woman represented- or at the least realistic language about what it takes to attain this lifestyle. Okay I know that was not specific to this book, but maybe the plot and character development was so awful- this is what i had to focus on.
Anyway, Cora is depressing, lacks any self confidence what so ever, she's self destructive and honestly annoying (thanks for continuing to represent main female characters in this light). Leo is one dimensional.
The dogs (as always) were a delight.
Summary: Cora and Her grandfather own a pet store, Leo opens a competing pet store franchise across the street. First Cora hates Leo, then big surprise they fall for each other while training their dogs for a local dog show. Spoiler alert, Leo sells the store, marries Cora and they take over Happy Paws- but Cora still gets to go to design school because she's put off her dream for so long (or just self destructed until her man savior (eye roll, again) convinced her to do so.
Also 357 pages - this story could have been told in 250 tops.
April 6, 2024
4.5 stars
Rivals to lovers. Dogs galore. A City boy and a small town girl.
What more could I ask for?
Cora has been helping her grandpa with his struggling pet store, Happy Paws, when Leo opens a competing store, Canine King, across the street. After a not-so-meet-cute in the park involving misbehaving dogs and a stolen ice cream cone, Cora's impression of Leo leaves a lot to be desired. Cora will do whatever she has to to keep Happy Paws afloat, including entering one of her grandpa's three unruly dogs in the winter fest dog show to win the $15,000 prize- even if she needs Leo's help to train for it.
I loved the banter and competitiveness between the characters, both in person and on the online server. The romance between them was so sweet, I was smiling, giggling, kicking my feet watching them fall in love. I also enjoyed how relatable each character's problems with their respective parents felt. I appreciated that the conflict between the couple was real issues two people who have lived full lives- just now meeting, trying to merge those lives, and still learning who each other is- would experience instead of just miscommunication.
A light and easy read sure to delight pet lovers and fans of You've Got Mail alike.
Rivals to lovers. Dogs galore. A City boy and a small town girl.
What more could I ask for?
Cora has been helping her grandpa with his struggling pet store, Happy Paws, when Leo opens a competing store, Canine King, across the street. After a not-so-meet-cute in the park involving misbehaving dogs and a stolen ice cream cone, Cora's impression of Leo leaves a lot to be desired. Cora will do whatever she has to to keep Happy Paws afloat, including entering one of her grandpa's three unruly dogs in the winter fest dog show to win the $15,000 prize- even if she needs Leo's help to train for it.
I loved the banter and competitiveness between the characters, both in person and on the online server. The romance between them was so sweet, I was smiling, giggling, kicking my feet watching them fall in love. I also enjoyed how relatable each character's problems with their respective parents felt. I appreciated that the conflict between the couple was real issues two people who have lived full lives- just now meeting, trying to merge those lives, and still learning who each other is- would experience instead of just miscommunication.
A light and easy read sure to delight pet lovers and fans of You've Got Mail alike.
June 11, 2024
2.5 Stars.
🐩 The vibes:
- Enemies
- Pranks
- Dogs
🐕 My thoughts:
This book has themes of You’ve Got Mail- in that there are rival pet shops across the street from eachother (one being a local shop and the other being a franchise boutique). There’s also an element of an anonymous chat room between the lead characters which felt like a wink to You’ve Got Mail.
Let’s start with the good. I liked the dogs. I liked the grandpa. I liked the set up of the rival shops.
Unfortunately there was a lot going on in this story that I just couldn’t connect with.
This couple felt quite toxic to me. I didn’t like them together. The jealousy. The little digs. The fights. The way that they take shots at eachother any chance they can but then instead of communicating- they turn to the physical connection of their relationship instead of talking about it.
I found Cora especially difficult and frankly just unlikable. I felt like she was the role of “mean girl” to Leo so many times. She beats him down time and time again and then he is the one who is apologizing- which left me even more confused. Unfortunately I didn’t see any growth in her character.
Cora’s parents were a hot mess; the dog show training felt a bit forced for me; and overall- I wasn’t invested in any of the plotlines.
My main question here is regarding the dog Cap. Is he ok? It sounded like he was having seizures but it wasn’t fully explained what was going on.
Note- open door; language
Release date: August 13, 2024
Thank you so much to Anna E. Collins Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever; and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
🐩 The vibes:
- Enemies
- Pranks
- Dogs
🐕 My thoughts:
This book has themes of You’ve Got Mail- in that there are rival pet shops across the street from eachother (one being a local shop and the other being a franchise boutique). There’s also an element of an anonymous chat room between the lead characters which felt like a wink to You’ve Got Mail.
Let’s start with the good. I liked the dogs. I liked the grandpa. I liked the set up of the rival shops.
Unfortunately there was a lot going on in this story that I just couldn’t connect with.
This couple felt quite toxic to me. I didn’t like them together. The jealousy. The little digs. The fights. The way that they take shots at eachother any chance they can but then instead of communicating- they turn to the physical connection of their relationship instead of talking about it.
I found Cora especially difficult and frankly just unlikable. I felt like she was the role of “mean girl” to Leo so many times. She beats him down time and time again and then he is the one who is apologizing- which left me even more confused. Unfortunately I didn’t see any growth in her character.
Cora’s parents were a hot mess; the dog show training felt a bit forced for me; and overall- I wasn’t invested in any of the plotlines.
My main question here is regarding the dog Cap. Is he ok? It sounded like he was having seizures but it wasn’t fully explained what was going on.
Note- open door; language
Release date: August 13, 2024
Thank you so much to Anna E. Collins Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever; and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
July 5, 2024
Worst in Show || Anna Collins
“A little bit against my will, and definitely against my judgement. I want Leo. I want to talk to him, to touch him, to kiss him, to ride next to him in the car, to chase dogs through tunnels with him. I’m not sure when this happened, I just know that it did.”
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC, the quote mentioned is not from a finished edition.
Cora Lewis is helping her grandfather run his small business pet store, Happy Paws, and things aren’t going well, as the business is more often in the red than not. On top of that, Cora had aspirations to be a clothing designer, but can’t let her grandfather down. Leo Salinger is opening a branch of his family’s commercial pet store across the street from Happy Paws. When the two run into each other in the park while walking their dogs (think One Hundred Dalmatians meet cute) you would think sparks fly, but they don’t. Cora sees Leo as her rival and will do what needs to be done to best him.
When Cora’s grandfather breaks a hip and Cora has to take over the store in his absence, she thinks all hope is lost until an opportunity to win 15 thousand dollars in a dog show that winter appears. However, Leo is also competing. He offers to let Cora train alongside him at his aunt’s farm when they get banned from a training facility. Cora is desperate to win, so she agrees. Will the time together bring them closer or will the competition alienate them further?
I really enjoyed this book, and it had me squealing and kicking my feet at times. It was the perfect amount of slow burn to make the eventual coupling worth it. I really enjoyed the process to getting to a happy ending and thought it was tastefully done. I don’t always love an epilogue but this one was adorable. I highly recommend this book for my romance lovers.
-romance
-single POV, 1st person POV
-rivals to lovers
-open communication
-adorable furry companions
-happily ever after
-small town romance
Spice 3.5/5
“A little bit against my will, and definitely against my judgement. I want Leo. I want to talk to him, to touch him, to kiss him, to ride next to him in the car, to chase dogs through tunnels with him. I’m not sure when this happened, I just know that it did.”
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC, the quote mentioned is not from a finished edition.
Cora Lewis is helping her grandfather run his small business pet store, Happy Paws, and things aren’t going well, as the business is more often in the red than not. On top of that, Cora had aspirations to be a clothing designer, but can’t let her grandfather down. Leo Salinger is opening a branch of his family’s commercial pet store across the street from Happy Paws. When the two run into each other in the park while walking their dogs (think One Hundred Dalmatians meet cute) you would think sparks fly, but they don’t. Cora sees Leo as her rival and will do what needs to be done to best him.
When Cora’s grandfather breaks a hip and Cora has to take over the store in his absence, she thinks all hope is lost until an opportunity to win 15 thousand dollars in a dog show that winter appears. However, Leo is also competing. He offers to let Cora train alongside him at his aunt’s farm when they get banned from a training facility. Cora is desperate to win, so she agrees. Will the time together bring them closer or will the competition alienate them further?
I really enjoyed this book, and it had me squealing and kicking my feet at times. It was the perfect amount of slow burn to make the eventual coupling worth it. I really enjoyed the process to getting to a happy ending and thought it was tastefully done. I don’t always love an epilogue but this one was adorable. I highly recommend this book for my romance lovers.
-romance
-single POV, 1st person POV
-rivals to lovers
-open communication
-adorable furry companions
-happily ever after
-small town romance
Spice 3.5/5
August 13, 2024
I'm always here for adorable dogs. That's one of things you get in this You've Got Mail inspired romance, Worst in Show. Cora Lewis wants to work in fashion, but dropping out of dental school, she's back working with her grandfather in his pet store. Across the street their mom & pop store is about to face some big name recognition in the newly opened King Canine, a local branch of a nationwide chain. The rival store owner, Leo, seems to be everything that Cora hates. After her grandfather falls down the stairs, Leo is there to help Cora. Maybe he isn't so bad after all.
Worst in Show is a really sweet romance. I loved the mischievous dogs and the way the romance blossomed between Leo and Cora. I appreciated the family issues they each had that they talked about this one another. No family is perfect after all. Sometimes it's harder to deal with family than it is just going along with things, as illustrated by this book. It's letting your true feelings out though that will set you free. Although I enjoyed those two topics, this novel is a middle of the road novel for me. It was easy to read, had some hard hitting moments, but I don't think it'll stay with me in the long term.
If you're looking for a steamy novel, this one isn't it. I would rate it like a Lifetime movie. Steamier than Hallmark, but not as crazy as Netflix can be. Lifetime is kinda in the middle. I wasn't surprised by the lack of sex scenes in the book because it didn't seem to be its central focus. Although this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, at times it felt like a friends-to-lovers romance because they were focused on maintaining their friendship for a good portion of the novel.
T
hank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
Worst in Show is a really sweet romance. I loved the mischievous dogs and the way the romance blossomed between Leo and Cora. I appreciated the family issues they each had that they talked about this one another. No family is perfect after all. Sometimes it's harder to deal with family than it is just going along with things, as illustrated by this book. It's letting your true feelings out though that will set you free. Although I enjoyed those two topics, this novel is a middle of the road novel for me. It was easy to read, had some hard hitting moments, but I don't think it'll stay with me in the long term.
If you're looking for a steamy novel, this one isn't it. I would rate it like a Lifetime movie. Steamier than Hallmark, but not as crazy as Netflix can be. Lifetime is kinda in the middle. I wasn't surprised by the lack of sex scenes in the book because it didn't seem to be its central focus. Although this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, at times it felt like a friends-to-lovers romance because they were focused on maintaining their friendship for a good portion of the novel.
T
hank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
April 3, 2024
Worst In Show by Ana E. Collins
Enemies-to-lovers. Pet Stores. Prank wars.
This was an adorable little read. I enjoyed the rom-com very much, the book description was scary accurate about being similar to You've Got Mail. I have watched that movie too many times, and this novel gave me very similar vibes.
The trope is very city boy meets small town girl. Cora Lewis is forced to move back to Illinois when her ever-aging grandfather Harvey requests her help with his crumbling pet shop, Happy Paws.
The Independent pet store is struggling with money, with a new successful business opening up across the street. Canine Kings, a rival pet store that belongs to a canine chain of shops.
A dog competition. A $15k grand prize reward.
Cora runs into one Leo Salinger, while also getting witty messages from a mysterious online handle. Getting kicked out of agility classes with said jerk who thinks something is wrong with her dogs. This part took me back to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Their banter is funny and cute.
While I could see the ending coming, I enjoyed every minute of the ride. I would recommend this one to all pet lovers. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
Enemies-to-lovers. Pet Stores. Prank wars.
This was an adorable little read. I enjoyed the rom-com very much, the book description was scary accurate about being similar to You've Got Mail. I have watched that movie too many times, and this novel gave me very similar vibes.
The trope is very city boy meets small town girl. Cora Lewis is forced to move back to Illinois when her ever-aging grandfather Harvey requests her help with his crumbling pet shop, Happy Paws.
The Independent pet store is struggling with money, with a new successful business opening up across the street. Canine Kings, a rival pet store that belongs to a canine chain of shops.
A dog competition. A $15k grand prize reward.
Cora runs into one Leo Salinger, while also getting witty messages from a mysterious online handle. Getting kicked out of agility classes with said jerk who thinks something is wrong with her dogs. This part took me back to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Their banter is funny and cute.
While I could see the ending coming, I enjoyed every minute of the ride. I would recommend this one to all pet lovers. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
August 13, 2024
This one is for the dog lovers; the small town, rivals-to-lovers, rescue dogs in tutus, lighthearted romance lovers. Who could possibly resist a trio of imperfect pets and the people that love them? Not me, that’s for sure.
Yes, there are human characters too. Cora and Leo are both dealing with parent issues. For Cora it’s indifference, if not abandonment. For Leo, it’s an overbearing father who wants to dictate his life. They start out as competitors, slowly become friends, and soon discover they could and want to be more. But, the pet store business is dog-eat-dog (Yes, I went there) and they have plenty of obstacles to jump over (I know, I know).
WORST IN SHOW is pure fun. Anna E. Collins gets all the barks and treats for crafting this sweet book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Yes, there are human characters too. Cora and Leo are both dealing with parent issues. For Cora it’s indifference, if not abandonment. For Leo, it’s an overbearing father who wants to dictate his life. They start out as competitors, slowly become friends, and soon discover they could and want to be more. But, the pet store business is dog-eat-dog (Yes, I went there) and they have plenty of obstacles to jump over (I know, I know).
WORST IN SHOW is pure fun. Anna E. Collins gets all the barks and treats for crafting this sweet book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2024
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Worst in Show
Author: Anna E Collins
Romance
Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC! Such a cute romcom. Cora is trying to save her grandfathers pet shop. She decides to enter into a dog show to try and win the prize money to save the shop. Leo has opened a dog boutique across the street which is making matters much worse for her. Somehow they end up teaming up to practice for the show, even though they are also competing! It was adorable. If you love dogs and pets you will enjoy this fluffy romcom read. I kept smiling during the whole thing because it was so silly. Overall I really enjoyed it and I will definitely check out more from this author.
Worst in Show
Author: Anna E Collins
Romance
Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC! Such a cute romcom. Cora is trying to save her grandfathers pet shop. She decides to enter into a dog show to try and win the prize money to save the shop. Leo has opened a dog boutique across the street which is making matters much worse for her. Somehow they end up teaming up to practice for the show, even though they are also competing! It was adorable. If you love dogs and pets you will enjoy this fluffy romcom read. I kept smiling during the whole thing because it was so silly. Overall I really enjoyed it and I will definitely check out more from this author.
May 19, 2024
I really enjoyed “Worst in Show” by Anna E. Collins and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Both Cora and Leo were cute and likable characters. The story follows aspiring fashion designer Cora Lewis, who enters her grandpa’s unruly pups in a dog show to save his pet shop. Despite their rivalry, Cora and Leo, the successful owner of an upscale dog boutique, find themselves drawn to each other. The blend of humor, romance, and adorable pups made this book a delightful read. The chemistry between Cora and Leo was captivating, and their banter kept me hooked. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for the ARC in exchage for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews