What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Call It Puppy Love: A small town, steamy and sweet, age gap romcom
Coming May 14, 2024
In Don't Call It Puppy Love, Angie Lewis asks herself an age-old question; can a challenge to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday help her get over her decade long crush on her older brother's best friend?
UGH! That's it.
Being obsessed with my brother's best friend for the last 10 years has brought me nothing but heart ache. And maybe the midnight toast alcohol is still swimming through my system but this is a good idea.
I'll go on 25 dates before my 25th birthday. A stunt like that is bound to drum up someone who will look at me as an adult and treat me as such. In bed. Hoo-ha!
Okay, maybe I'm still drunk.
But this could work. Even though Holden Monaghan is an expert at picking up girls, heck even the app he developed to support animal shelters became a dating tool, he'll never see me as anything more than his buddy's little sister. Honestly, I get more kisses from his dog Fred than I've gotten from any man lately.
Except things seem to be changing with Holden. There's that time he caught me dancing, and how well we work together on the designs for his house. Oh and that time I took my shirt off in front of him. And we can't forget what happened when we shared a bed in a snowstorm. Maybe everyone in town can see what I can't, that what Holden and I have is more than puppy love.
Read Angie's brother Jimmy's story in Upstate Expectations - available now on Kindle Unlimited and Audible!
In Don't Call It Puppy Love, Angie Lewis asks herself an age-old question; can a challenge to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday help her get over her decade long crush on her older brother's best friend?
UGH! That's it.
Being obsessed with my brother's best friend for the last 10 years has brought me nothing but heart ache. And maybe the midnight toast alcohol is still swimming through my system but this is a good idea.
I'll go on 25 dates before my 25th birthday. A stunt like that is bound to drum up someone who will look at me as an adult and treat me as such. In bed. Hoo-ha!
Okay, maybe I'm still drunk.
But this could work. Even though Holden Monaghan is an expert at picking up girls, heck even the app he developed to support animal shelters became a dating tool, he'll never see me as anything more than his buddy's little sister. Honestly, I get more kisses from his dog Fred than I've gotten from any man lately.
Except things seem to be changing with Holden. There's that time he caught me dancing, and how well we work together on the designs for his house. Oh and that time I took my shirt off in front of him. And we can't forget what happened when we shared a bed in a snowstorm. Maybe everyone in town can see what I can't, that what Holden and I have is more than puppy love.
Read Angie's brother Jimmy's story in Upstate Expectations - available now on Kindle Unlimited and Audible!
- GenresRomance
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
7 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Erin Marie Bassett
10 books90 followersErin Marie Bassett is a geriatric millennial, wife and mother of two living in Chicago. (A mile west of Wrigley Field but she, like her husband and kids, are St. Louis Cardinal Fans). When she’s not reading or writing romance, Erin helps small businesses and local organizations use the magic words to connect with their communities. She volunteers hard at her kids school and she believes in the power of S.L.O.W. Living.
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 9, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from Good Girls PR and the author!
This book as a cute and fluffy read, and I enjoyed it once I was invested.
Angie, a young interior designer, needs to balance getting over her brother Jimmy's best friend (who she has had a crush since she was 15) by going on 25 dates before her birthday in May and starting to film the first season of the remodeling show she and her brother are starring in. Holden, Jimmy's best friend (and the unwitting object of Angie's affection), moved back to town after living in Florida, bought a house on a whim (that needs a little remodeling), and is known for his [respectful and consensual] serial dating. Chaos, flirty banter, and kisses from Fred the dog ensue.
Some fun additional tropes I enjoyed:
- snowstorm
- mutual pining
- small town romance (the nosiness of the town added a lot of fluff, think Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls)
This book as a cute and fluffy read, and I enjoyed it once I was invested.
Angie, a young interior designer, needs to balance getting over her brother Jimmy's best friend (who she has had a crush since she was 15) by going on 25 dates before her birthday in May and starting to film the first season of the remodeling show she and her brother are starring in. Holden, Jimmy's best friend (and the unwitting object of Angie's affection), moved back to town after living in Florida, bought a house on a whim (that needs a little remodeling), and is known for his [respectful and consensual] serial dating. Chaos, flirty banter, and kisses from Fred the dog ensue.
Some fun additional tropes I enjoyed:
- snowstorm
- mutual pining
- small town romance (the nosiness of the town added a lot of fluff, think Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls)
May 15, 2024
“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗲. 𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱. 𝗜'𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝘀𝘆𝗿𝘂𝗽 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗰-𝘁𝗮𝗰-𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.”
4/5 ⭐
small town, sibling's best friend, one bed, forced proximity.
first of all, erin makes so easy to love this book it's not even funny. i thought the amount of times angie reacted a certain way was so relatable that i was surprised at how real it felt. a lot of it felt just natural, most of the ways i would react as well.
anyways let's get to the good stuff. angie has been the "little sister" in town since forever. people seem to love her brother all over town and let's be honest, jimmy has a good reputation. enter holden in the chat, the best friend whom angie has always had a huge crush on; but hey nothing ever happens because she was always the little sister right? wrong. angie is all grown up now!
with angie's 25th birthday coming up, she has made a point to go in 25 different dates in order to finally find someone who will make her mind slip away from holden, however, he is always there. he will always show up, he will always try to make her feel cherished and honestly loved.
the premise of this book is obviously a beautiful love story so before i say anything else i would like to highlight that holden not only is one of the sweetest guys i have ever read about but he also focuses on saving dogs. so please go give these two lovely (and very relatable) characters your time and i promise you won't regret it!
4/5 ⭐
small town, sibling's best friend, one bed, forced proximity.
first of all, erin makes so easy to love this book it's not even funny. i thought the amount of times angie reacted a certain way was so relatable that i was surprised at how real it felt. a lot of it felt just natural, most of the ways i would react as well.
anyways let's get to the good stuff. angie has been the "little sister" in town since forever. people seem to love her brother all over town and let's be honest, jimmy has a good reputation. enter holden in the chat, the best friend whom angie has always had a huge crush on; but hey nothing ever happens because she was always the little sister right? wrong. angie is all grown up now!
with angie's 25th birthday coming up, she has made a point to go in 25 different dates in order to finally find someone who will make her mind slip away from holden, however, he is always there. he will always show up, he will always try to make her feel cherished and honestly loved.
the premise of this book is obviously a beautiful love story so before i say anything else i would like to highlight that holden not only is one of the sweetest guys i have ever read about but he also focuses on saving dogs. so please go give these two lovely (and very relatable) characters your time and i promise you won't regret it!
April 29, 2024
ARC Book Review:
🐶”Wherever we are together is where I am most at home.”🐶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet romantic read. Holden & Angie have that type of love that makes you want to roll your eyes but secretly envy their level of love they have for each other. There were a few times I wanted to shake Angie because she was just so blind to Holden and his feelings towards her! All in all this was a sweet read and the ending was perfect!
If you’re looking for a sweet romantic read with spring vibes then this book is just for you!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for the ARC.
Don’t Call it Puppy Love will be released on May 14!
🐶”Wherever we are together is where I am most at home.”🐶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet romantic read. Holden & Angie have that type of love that makes you want to roll your eyes but secretly envy their level of love they have for each other. There were a few times I wanted to shake Angie because she was just so blind to Holden and his feelings towards her! All in all this was a sweet read and the ending was perfect!
If you’re looking for a sweet romantic read with spring vibes then this book is just for you!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for the ARC.
Don’t Call it Puppy Love will be released on May 14!
May 12, 2024
“Wherever we are together is where I am most at home.”
Don’t Call It Puppy Love is an adorable brother’s best friend romance! Angie has been in love with Holden, her brother’s best friend, since she was 16. Now she is determined to get over her crush by the time she turns 25 years old with 25 dates before her 25th. When she is unexpectedly spending a lot more time with Holden though, it’s difficult to get over her crush.
Holden has been a playboy his entire life but now that he is buying a house he is ready to settle down and fill it. He is excited to have his best friend remodel his new house while Angie decorates it. As he spends more time with Angie his feelings for her begin to grow.
“I don’t need you to be good company, Angie, I just want to be in your company, in general.”
Thank you @erinmariebassett and @good.girls.pr for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥:”I’m not only about to see everything you’re trying to cover up but I’m going to taste it too.”
Don’t Call It Puppy Love is an adorable brother’s best friend romance! Angie has been in love with Holden, her brother’s best friend, since she was 16. Now she is determined to get over her crush by the time she turns 25 years old with 25 dates before her 25th. When she is unexpectedly spending a lot more time with Holden though, it’s difficult to get over her crush.
Holden has been a playboy his entire life but now that he is buying a house he is ready to settle down and fill it. He is excited to have his best friend remodel his new house while Angie decorates it. As he spends more time with Angie his feelings for her begin to grow.
“I don’t need you to be good company, Angie, I just want to be in your company, in general.”
Thank you @erinmariebassett and @good.girls.pr for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥:”I’m not only about to see everything you’re trying to cover up but I’m going to taste it too.”
September 22, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. This was such a cute story! I adored the date stories and even read a few of them aloud to my husband who also chuckled at them.
I enjoyed the design stories that kept the pacing consistent.
I LOVED Holden’s perspective.
The freaking group chats had me rolling with laughter every time.
The spice was SPICING. Knowing Holden is JUUUUUUUST a little animalistic over Angie just made it all so chefs kiss.
Half point deducted for the copy edits that were missed throughout and the mention of declawing brand new kittens on page 382, which I’m still really hoping is a typo.
I enjoyed the design stories that kept the pacing consistent.
I LOVED Holden’s perspective.
The freaking group chats had me rolling with laughter every time.
The spice was SPICING. Knowing Holden is JUUUUUUUST a little animalistic over Angie just made it all so chefs kiss.
Half point deducted for the copy edits that were missed throughout and the mention of declawing brand new kittens on page 382, which I’m still really hoping is a typo.
May 12, 2024
This was such a cute story that had a really fun plot! I adored the characters and found their jobs to be such an exciting new addition to the romance genre. As an avid watcher of HGTV I was in heaven!
It was a super quick read with a good amount of spice and some awesome banter!
The end felt a bit rushed to me and the beginning dragged quite a bit but it was still an enjoyable read. I think the balance was just off in this regard.
It was a super quick read with a good amount of spice and some awesome banter!
The end felt a bit rushed to me and the beginning dragged quite a bit but it was still an enjoyable read. I think the balance was just off in this regard.
May 30, 2024
This was a cute and fluffy romance book filled angst.
• Small Town
• Age Gap
• She falls first, he falls harder
• Unrequited Love / Pining
• Siblings Best friend
• Forced Proximity
• Millionaire MMC
• Protective MMC
• One bed
• Dual POV
We start with a young Angie who has been in love with Holden since she was 15. He is a player and has no interest in his best friends little sister.
Now she is turning 25, and she is ready to get over her childhood crush but forcing herself to do 25 dates before she turns 25.
Holden sees a girl from behind at a bar, when he goes to flirt with her. He was surprised to find out its Angie. He starts seeing her different.
• Small Town
• Age Gap
• She falls first, he falls harder
• Unrequited Love / Pining
• Siblings Best friend
• Forced Proximity
• Millionaire MMC
• Protective MMC
• One bed
• Dual POV
We start with a young Angie who has been in love with Holden since she was 15. He is a player and has no interest in his best friends little sister.
Now she is turning 25, and she is ready to get over her childhood crush but forcing herself to do 25 dates before she turns 25.
Holden sees a girl from behind at a bar, when he goes to flirt with her. He was surprised to find out its Angie. He starts seeing her different.
May 12, 2024
I knew this was going to be cute based on the blurb, and I was right! But while it was cute, there are some things that just didn't hit the spot for me. Let's talk about the things I liked first, though!
I loved Fred. And I loved how smitten he was for Angie. It's sad when your dog chooses someone else over you, but it's endearing when the MMC's dog chooses the FMC over him sometimes. I also loved Angie's female friendships. They all seem to support her and push her beyond her comfort zone in good ways. And while I'd be annoyed with the nosy town people if I was Angie, they did give me a Stars Hollow vibe, so you can't help but love them.
As for the things that didn't work for me, well. Quit reading here if you don't want a spoiler. Though I don't think it's anything major. If you don't want to keep reading, just know this was a cute read. If you want to know what stopped me from loving this book, continue at your own risk 🙃
.
.
.
The biggest issue I had with this book was how Angie wouldn't just freaking ask Holden what he wanted. Instead, she just kept assuming he meant something different when he didn't even actually say anything at all. It probably wouldn't have bothered me so much if it didn't take up so much of the book. Like, girl. Just freaking talk to him.
I also felt a little lost at times. I thought this was a standalone, and technically it can work as one, but I think you'd get a lot more backstory if you read Here For It first, which is Liz and Kyle's story. I hope that book gives you more of Jimmy and Nora because I loved them together.
These things didn't make me hate the book but they definitely took away some of the enjoyment.
I loved Fred. And I loved how smitten he was for Angie. It's sad when your dog chooses someone else over you, but it's endearing when the MMC's dog chooses the FMC over him sometimes. I also loved Angie's female friendships. They all seem to support her and push her beyond her comfort zone in good ways. And while I'd be annoyed with the nosy town people if I was Angie, they did give me a Stars Hollow vibe, so you can't help but love them.
As for the things that didn't work for me, well. Quit reading here if you don't want a spoiler. Though I don't think it's anything major. If you don't want to keep reading, just know this was a cute read. If you want to know what stopped me from loving this book, continue at your own risk 🙃
.
.
.
The biggest issue I had with this book was how Angie wouldn't just freaking ask Holden what he wanted. Instead, she just kept assuming he meant something different when he didn't even actually say anything at all. It probably wouldn't have bothered me so much if it didn't take up so much of the book. Like, girl. Just freaking talk to him.
I also felt a little lost at times. I thought this was a standalone, and technically it can work as one, but I think you'd get a lot more backstory if you read Here For It first, which is Liz and Kyle's story. I hope that book gives you more of Jimmy and Nora because I loved them together.
These things didn't make me hate the book but they definitely took away some of the enjoyment.
May 14, 2024
✨️ 4 🌶 2
*ARC REVIEW*
TW :
• Death/Cancer (mentioned)
• Sexual content
• Anxiety
Tropes:
• Small Town
• Age Gap
• Siblings Best friend
• Forced Proximity
• One bed
• Dual POV
"As you get older remember to trust your gut. Find a signature lipstick. Memorize two recipes and always have the ingredients on hand. Learn how to change a tire. Pick a favorite cocktail. Your family and friends will always be there for you. Don't forget we'll love and support you no matter what. We're here supporting you even if we're giving you space to grow. As our girl Ashanti says, I could never feel alone with you in my life."
Plot
Angie Lewis (24) is an interior designer in small-town Lakeville NY and has been obsessed with her brother Jimmy's best friend for the last 10 years but it has only brought heart ache with being one-sided so she creates a challenge of going on 25 dates before her 25th birthday.
Holden Monaghan (32), owns his own vet practice and designed the app 'Mans Best Friend'. He also has the cutest pup, Fred! He decides to buy his dream home and enlist Jimmy & Angie to help remodel. After a few recent run-ins, he's starting to really look at Angie and want more with her. One night she goes to his apartment to go over plans and gets snowed in. It might be cold but things heat up!
Things seem to be changing with Holden and Angie and everyone in town can see it. What Holden and Angie is more than puppy love!
Review
I recieved this as an ARC from Good Girls PR and I'm so glad I did! Lakeville was the epitome of small-town. You have the gossip group text, a local bar, and mom & pop shops including her best friend Maeve's bakery. The spicy scenes were pretty vanilla, had the fire yet care & innocence that are Holden and Angie.
Holden is just absolutely swoon-worthy! Looking out for her after her disastrous dates. Planting her favorite flower all over town, and they way he takes care of her and recreating her failed dates to make them better! 🥰
"I want a love like this. Someone who finds me irresistible. Who I find irresistible."
This line is pure gold! "I think love is like farts. If you try to force it you end up with shit."
Erin made this book feel cozy and relatable!
"When I think about my house I think about these moments. About my friends feeling welcome to stop in and stay. To bring food and for us to cook together."
-Feeling a pull to the place you grew up.
-Being 30s and still feeling like your life isn't together 😅
-Maeve is a best friend everyone needs and I love that she's also a Swiftie 🫶 (Everyone's life is a Taylor Swift song)
-Their scents being hot cocoa, and feeling like being under a warm blanket by the fire (ironic to be 2 things for winter and the hooked up during a snowstorm)
-The girls in her bedroom after the chili cook-off is peak friend group dating convo!
-At her 15th birthday, friend status groups separated and her Grandma saying not to waste perfectly good party supplies.
-The little descriptions: like her opening her sketchbook and it being stuffed with loose papers, getting lost in a pintrest pin pit, or her childhood room.
-The way she describes post-sex as feeling like the soft center of a cinnamon bun.
There did feel like there was some unneeded fluff details and i dont think she needed the subscriber count of the app, but overall I really liked this book and am interested to read the story of Jimmy and Nora!
*ARC REVIEW*
TW :
• Death/Cancer (mentioned)
• Sexual content
• Anxiety
Tropes:
• Small Town
• Age Gap
• Siblings Best friend
• Forced Proximity
• One bed
• Dual POV
"As you get older remember to trust your gut. Find a signature lipstick. Memorize two recipes and always have the ingredients on hand. Learn how to change a tire. Pick a favorite cocktail. Your family and friends will always be there for you. Don't forget we'll love and support you no matter what. We're here supporting you even if we're giving you space to grow. As our girl Ashanti says, I could never feel alone with you in my life."
Plot
Angie Lewis (24) is an interior designer in small-town Lakeville NY and has been obsessed with her brother Jimmy's best friend for the last 10 years but it has only brought heart ache with being one-sided so she creates a challenge of going on 25 dates before her 25th birthday.
Holden Monaghan (32), owns his own vet practice and designed the app 'Mans Best Friend'. He also has the cutest pup, Fred! He decides to buy his dream home and enlist Jimmy & Angie to help remodel. After a few recent run-ins, he's starting to really look at Angie and want more with her. One night she goes to his apartment to go over plans and gets snowed in. It might be cold but things heat up!
Things seem to be changing with Holden and Angie and everyone in town can see it. What Holden and Angie is more than puppy love!
Review
I recieved this as an ARC from Good Girls PR and I'm so glad I did! Lakeville was the epitome of small-town. You have the gossip group text, a local bar, and mom & pop shops including her best friend Maeve's bakery. The spicy scenes were pretty vanilla, had the fire yet care & innocence that are Holden and Angie.
Holden is just absolutely swoon-worthy! Looking out for her after her disastrous dates. Planting her favorite flower all over town, and they way he takes care of her and recreating her failed dates to make them better! 🥰
"I want a love like this. Someone who finds me irresistible. Who I find irresistible."
This line is pure gold! "I think love is like farts. If you try to force it you end up with shit."
Erin made this book feel cozy and relatable!
"When I think about my house I think about these moments. About my friends feeling welcome to stop in and stay. To bring food and for us to cook together."
-Feeling a pull to the place you grew up.
-Being 30s and still feeling like your life isn't together 😅
-Maeve is a best friend everyone needs and I love that she's also a Swiftie 🫶 (Everyone's life is a Taylor Swift song)
-Their scents being hot cocoa, and feeling like being under a warm blanket by the fire (ironic to be 2 things for winter and the hooked up during a snowstorm)
-The girls in her bedroom after the chili cook-off is peak friend group dating convo!
-At her 15th birthday, friend status groups separated and her Grandma saying not to waste perfectly good party supplies.
-The little descriptions: like her opening her sketchbook and it being stuffed with loose papers, getting lost in a pintrest pin pit, or her childhood room.
-The way she describes post-sex as feeling like the soft center of a cinnamon bun.
There did feel like there was some unneeded fluff details and i dont think she needed the subscriber count of the app, but overall I really liked this book and am interested to read the story of Jimmy and Nora!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
An unrequited ten year long crush on your brother's playboy best friend as you approach turning 25 will drive any woman to try something new in order to get over a man who hasn't seen her as anything more than a younger sister. That's how Angie finds herself on a quest to date 25 men before her 25th birthday. But as it happens, her brother's best friend Holden finally looks her way and he doesn't see her as a one-night stand. He finally sees her as the girl he has always wanted, but can Angie trust that his feelings for her are real?
That's the premise of "Don't Call It Puppy Love". The first half of this book held my attention and I was really hopeful. It's a trope I love but for me, I didn't fully connect with the characters and I didn't love the storylines. The spicy parts are great but the push and pull of their relationship was frustrating. Without giving away spoilers, I didn't fully understand the ease at which their relationship was accepted, there wasn't the depth I like when it comes to understanding where both characters are coming from (especially from Holden's perception) and the miscommunication opportunities felt forced at times. Overall, there was something missing for me but if you are looking for a quick read that has some nice tropes and a nicely bow-tied HEA, this might be for you.
Tropes & Elements:
➶ Brother's Best Friend
✨ Unrequited Love / Pining
✌🏻 Dual POV
🩷 She falls first, he falls harder
🛏️ One Bed situation
💪 Protective MMC
My rating: 2.75 out of 5 ⭐️
That's the premise of "Don't Call It Puppy Love". The first half of this book held my attention and I was really hopeful. It's a trope I love but for me, I didn't fully connect with the characters and I didn't love the storylines. The spicy parts are great but the push and pull of their relationship was frustrating. Without giving away spoilers, I didn't fully understand the ease at which their relationship was accepted, there wasn't the depth I like when it comes to understanding where both characters are coming from (especially from Holden's perception) and the miscommunication opportunities felt forced at times. Overall, there was something missing for me but if you are looking for a quick read that has some nice tropes and a nicely bow-tied HEA, this might be for you.
Tropes & Elements:
➶ Brother's Best Friend
✨ Unrequited Love / Pining
✌🏻 Dual POV
🩷 She falls first, he falls harder
🛏️ One Bed situation
💪 Protective MMC
My rating: 2.75 out of 5 ⭐️
May 15, 2024
Rating ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Don’t call it puppy love was an overall good and entertaining read. We follow Angie who is trying to get over the crush she has had on her older brothers best friend - a crush she’s had for the last TEN years.
Tropes:
🐶 Brothers Best Friend
🐶 Dual POV
🐶 Unrequited Love / Pining
🐶 Forced Proximity
🐶 One Bed
🐶 Small Town Romance
🐶 Forced to Work Together
🐶 Millionaire MMC
What I liked:
The MMC was fun to read and I loved getting to see his POV. There were a bunch of points that left me giggling throughout the book and I LOVE the forced proximity and one bed trope - i will fold for that every time and in every circumstance.
What I didn't:
I hate to say it but the FMC was just not it for me. I wished that we saw more growth in her character throughout the book, but she kinda just remained naive and blind to the things around her until everything was suddenly resolved at the very end. And even then, I'm not sure that she knew what was going on.
Overall, If you’re looking for some giggles, and a sweet, fun read, with mild spice and don’t mind a slightly annoying FMC, then you’d enjoy Don’t call it puppy love! I would love to see a book on Maeve, I enjoyed her character!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Don’t call it puppy love was an overall good and entertaining read. We follow Angie who is trying to get over the crush she has had on her older brothers best friend - a crush she’s had for the last TEN years.
Tropes:
🐶 Brothers Best Friend
🐶 Dual POV
🐶 Unrequited Love / Pining
🐶 Forced Proximity
🐶 One Bed
🐶 Small Town Romance
🐶 Forced to Work Together
🐶 Millionaire MMC
What I liked:
The MMC was fun to read and I loved getting to see his POV. There were a bunch of points that left me giggling throughout the book and I LOVE the forced proximity and one bed trope - i will fold for that every time and in every circumstance.
What I didn't:
I hate to say it but the FMC was just not it for me. I wished that we saw more growth in her character throughout the book, but she kinda just remained naive and blind to the things around her until everything was suddenly resolved at the very end. And even then, I'm not sure that she knew what was going on.
Overall, If you’re looking for some giggles, and a sweet, fun read, with mild spice and don’t mind a slightly annoying FMC, then you’d enjoy Don’t call it puppy love! I would love to see a book on Maeve, I enjoyed her character!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2024
Angie and Holden's story was so fun for me! Thank you, Erin and Good Girls PR for sending me an ARC!
I thought the premise of this story was really fun. Angie has been into Holden (her brother's best friend) forever, but she's decided to move on, and to do it, she's going to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. But then Holden moves back to town...and she can avoid him, right?
She and her brother have a tv show where they update people's homes around their small town, and they get roped into doing Holden's home he just bought. With this and other events, we get a lot of yummy forced proximity where Holden figures out he wants to fill his new home with a family, and he wants it to be with Angie. Angie's still not sure about things and is really stubborn about finishing her terrible dates.
I loved how Holden always seemed to be there for her when she needed it, whether it was with her awful dates or when she needed someone. I wish she could have been a little better to Holden. I also liked that Holden developed this app to help rescue dogs and kept it a secret.
Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Small Town
One Bed
🌶🌶.5
I thought the premise of this story was really fun. Angie has been into Holden (her brother's best friend) forever, but she's decided to move on, and to do it, she's going to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. But then Holden moves back to town...and she can avoid him, right?
She and her brother have a tv show where they update people's homes around their small town, and they get roped into doing Holden's home he just bought. With this and other events, we get a lot of yummy forced proximity where Holden figures out he wants to fill his new home with a family, and he wants it to be with Angie. Angie's still not sure about things and is really stubborn about finishing her terrible dates.
I loved how Holden always seemed to be there for her when she needed it, whether it was with her awful dates or when she needed someone. I wish she could have been a little better to Holden. I also liked that Holden developed this app to help rescue dogs and kept it a secret.
Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Small Town
One Bed
🌶🌶.5
May 13, 2024
DNF @10%
I was really excited to start my ARC review of this book bc the blurb sounded so fun and cute, but this book literally read like a 13 year old wrote it back in 2012. I’m sorry but literally this was so bad and I just couldn’t get past the bad writing. Also it literally was written like it was from 10 years ago with the weird apps, clothing, and way everyone talked. Idk I just can’t get past all that. We hop from an awkward 15 year old party that, let’s be honest, would never happen for many reasons, to present day new years to all over the place. I just can’t get over the fact that she all of a sudden wanted to make a New Year’s resolution and decided to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. That was so cringe and out of nowhere. Like what. Also there were so many side character add ins that I was so confused and didn’t know who any of them were. We had never heard of most of them before the “Tomb Raider texts” and I was confused to say the least. Honestly I tried to read this guy the bad writing, cringe things, and confusing stuff just made me stop.
I was really excited to start my ARC review of this book bc the blurb sounded so fun and cute, but this book literally read like a 13 year old wrote it back in 2012. I’m sorry but literally this was so bad and I just couldn’t get past the bad writing. Also it literally was written like it was from 10 years ago with the weird apps, clothing, and way everyone talked. Idk I just can’t get past all that. We hop from an awkward 15 year old party that, let’s be honest, would never happen for many reasons, to present day new years to all over the place. I just can’t get over the fact that she all of a sudden wanted to make a New Year’s resolution and decided to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. That was so cringe and out of nowhere. Like what. Also there were so many side character add ins that I was so confused and didn’t know who any of them were. We had never heard of most of them before the “Tomb Raider texts” and I was confused to say the least. Honestly I tried to read this guy the bad writing, cringe things, and confusing stuff just made me stop.
May 10, 2024
Thank you Erin and Good Girls PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
When I first read the blurb and the tropes for this book it was right up my alley! I love a good brother’s best friend but this ended up falling short for me!
I loved the idea of 25 dates before turning 25 but what I didn’t like is how the Angie automatically shut Holden down and didn’t even wanna talk to him about a relationship. I felt like Holden was doing everything he could to prove to her that he was falling for her but she ignored it all. I felt like Holden was a little bit of a pushover tbh, all he did was create an app to walk dogs how did that translate to picking up girls? I thought the writing was a little juvenile as well. I wish I felt more chemistry between them also.
I really enjoyed alot of aspects of this book, i loved the snowday scene, the airplane scene, Fred, Angie’s friend group, and the text message threads!!
When I first read the blurb and the tropes for this book it was right up my alley! I love a good brother’s best friend but this ended up falling short for me!
I loved the idea of 25 dates before turning 25 but what I didn’t like is how the Angie automatically shut Holden down and didn’t even wanna talk to him about a relationship. I felt like Holden was doing everything he could to prove to her that he was falling for her but she ignored it all. I felt like Holden was a little bit of a pushover tbh, all he did was create an app to walk dogs how did that translate to picking up girls? I thought the writing was a little juvenile as well. I wish I felt more chemistry between them also.
I really enjoyed alot of aspects of this book, i loved the snowday scene, the airplane scene, Fred, Angie’s friend group, and the text message threads!!
May 6, 2024
Um, hello?! Can I please be Angie?! Holden is swoon-worthy!! Not to mention, his sweet pup Freddy, who commands the cutest attention, ever! Don’t Call It Puppy Love is one of the cutest stories I’ve read in a long time! Angie and Holden spend the story in that “will they, won’t they” back and forth. I’m so here for that! Erin Marie Bassett paints an excellent picture of bringing together two very successful singles that have known each other since they were kids. The spice is spicy and the story line is adorable! I want to live in Lakeville and experience what it’s like to live in a super small town! Two of my favorite parts? Quoted Taylor Swift lyrics with references and the fact that the female main character Angie’s birthday is the publication date of the book!! Well done, Erin! Thank you to Erin and Good Girls PR for this advanced copy!!
May 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This was a cute and entertaining book filled with lots of angst. We start the book being introduced to Angie who has been in love her with her older brother's best friend Holden since she was 15. Holden has been a typical player and enjoyed a carefree dating life not realizing Angie was even an option.
I personally love the whole brother's best friend trope and did enjoy this book. Though at times these two really made me want to bang my head. There was A LOT of angst. I personally would have preferred a little more spice but it was a fun and easy read. I also prefer my male characters to be a little more morally grey, Holden was just such a nice outstanding guy other than his play boy ways. I enjoyed all the side characters and dynamic of the friends group and overall recommend you checking this out if you enjoy sweet angsty romance.
🌶️
This was a cute and entertaining book filled with lots of angst. We start the book being introduced to Angie who has been in love her with her older brother's best friend Holden since she was 15. Holden has been a typical player and enjoyed a carefree dating life not realizing Angie was even an option.
I personally love the whole brother's best friend trope and did enjoy this book. Though at times these two really made me want to bang my head. There was A LOT of angst. I personally would have preferred a little more spice but it was a fun and easy read. I also prefer my male characters to be a little more morally grey, Holden was just such a nice outstanding guy other than his play boy ways. I enjoyed all the side characters and dynamic of the friends group and overall recommend you checking this out if you enjoy sweet angsty romance.
May 11, 2024
Arc read and I thought it was super cute.
Brother’s best friend, age gap, forced proximity, yes please!!
I thought the characters were super cute together, but if my crush finally started paying attention to me, I don’t know if I’d keep going on those dates. Yes it would be scary to not know if he had changed from his casual dating days, but the kind of attention Holden was showing to Angie, I wanted her to focus on him!! Also, the frustration was real when she didn’t know how he felt but wouldn’t ask him or talk about things.
“Sure I want friendship and companionship and all that, but really I want a man who is going to slap my a$$ in the kitchen and smolder at me when we have to be in public”
Brother’s best friend, age gap, forced proximity, yes please!!
I thought the characters were super cute together, but if my crush finally started paying attention to me, I don’t know if I’d keep going on those dates. Yes it would be scary to not know if he had changed from his casual dating days, but the kind of attention Holden was showing to Angie, I wanted her to focus on him!! Also, the frustration was real when she didn’t know how he felt but wouldn’t ask him or talk about things.
“Sure I want friendship and companionship and all that, but really I want a man who is going to slap my a$$ in the kitchen and smolder at me when we have to be in public”
May 13, 2024
🐶 Don’t call it puppy love - ARC review🐶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is really cute - like Hallmark cute with the perfect little nosy but endearing small town people. Angie is the typical young sister pining after her brother's best friend, Holden. The chemistry and the banter between those two is really good. Add to that Fred ? 😍
While the pacing felt a bit uneeven at times, I appreciate reading this book!
It's a quick, charming read that will leave you with a smile on your face so don't hesitate and pick it up !
Thanks to @good.girls.pr and @erinmariebassett for sending me this ARC !
Funniest line ( who said romance was dead 😂) :
" I think love is like farts. If you try to force it you end up with shit"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is really cute - like Hallmark cute with the perfect little nosy but endearing small town people. Angie is the typical young sister pining after her brother's best friend, Holden. The chemistry and the banter between those two is really good. Add to that Fred ? 😍
While the pacing felt a bit uneeven at times, I appreciate reading this book!
It's a quick, charming read that will leave you with a smile on your face so don't hesitate and pick it up !
Thanks to @good.girls.pr and @erinmariebassett for sending me this ARC !
Funniest line ( who said romance was dead 😂) :
" I think love is like farts. If you try to force it you end up with shit"
May 14, 2024
the universe had other plans…
Angie has pined for Holden since she was 15. Now that she is turning 25, she is ready to put the crush to bed and the best way to do that is 25 dates before she turns 25... or so she thinks.
Holden has never looked at Angie as more than his best friend’s kid sister, until one night out with the group... then he can’t stop thinking of her and wanting to settle down.
This former playboy and this wallflower come together in the most lighthearted and cute ways. Definitely a fluffy romcom and a wonderful cleanser. I love seeing Holden buy a house and build it with the goal of settling down and having a family. The universe wasn’t going to let his chance with Angie slip away.
Angie has pined for Holden since she was 15. Now that she is turning 25, she is ready to put the crush to bed and the best way to do that is 25 dates before she turns 25... or so she thinks.
Holden has never looked at Angie as more than his best friend’s kid sister, until one night out with the group... then he can’t stop thinking of her and wanting to settle down.
This former playboy and this wallflower come together in the most lighthearted and cute ways. Definitely a fluffy romcom and a wonderful cleanser. I love seeing Holden buy a house and build it with the goal of settling down and having a family. The universe wasn’t going to let his chance with Angie slip away.
May 16, 2024
This book is super cute. You have Angie and Holden. Holden is Angie's older brother's friend. Angie has had a crush on Holden since she was 15 but he just sees her as Jimmy's baby sister.
Now almost ten years later Angie is doing a home improvement tv show with her brother and decides she needs to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. Holden, the playboy, sees a girl from behind and goes to flirt with her but then realizes it's Angie. From then he starts seeing her different and seems to be in places to be be there to help her. Such a cute story. Loved reading about them and you need to read to see if they end up getting past things and get together. Also loved Fred the dog too. Thank you Good Girl PR and Erin Marie Bassett for this book.
Now almost ten years later Angie is doing a home improvement tv show with her brother and decides she needs to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. Holden, the playboy, sees a girl from behind and goes to flirt with her but then realizes it's Angie. From then he starts seeing her different and seems to be in places to be be there to help her. Such a cute story. Loved reading about them and you need to read to see if they end up getting past things and get together. Also loved Fred the dog too. Thank you Good Girl PR and Erin Marie Bassett for this book.
May 8, 2024
While I think the premise of this book is cute, it wasn't my favorite. I think it was a cute story for someone who is getting into reading contemporary romance, but it felt a little juvenile for me. The characters are adults out of college but I got some childish vibes from them. While I did enjoy going back to the feeling of having a "teenage crush," I thought that as adults, the characters should have been able to communicate their emotions towards each other better. There were many cute moments that I truly enjoyed throughout this story, but I couldn't help but think that the characters were acting younger than their ages.
May 10, 2024
I received this book as an arc. It follows Angie who has a 10 year crush on her brother’s best friend, Holden. This book had really cute themes such as a small town, brother’s best friend, one bed (snowstorm), and mutual pining. I did feel there was a level of immaturity from the FMC and inconsistency of the character from being on an HGTV-esque TV show to trying to date 25 men, some things felt out of place. Holden’s interest in Angie did seem sudden, and I didn’t feel I had a great connection to either character. The story was very cute, and would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
May 10, 2024
I’m so saddened to write this review since I normally don’t publicize my DNFs. I was so intrigued by this story just by its synopsis. After starting the book I was having difficulty getting through it. I’m a fast reader so when I noticed it was taking me longer to get fully engrossed in the story I knew it wasn’t for me.
I think the storyline has great promise but I just wasn’t connecting to the characters as I hoped I would. I do hope this story grasps others in a positive way unfortunately I just wasn’t one of them.
Thank you to Good Girls PR for the opportunity to read this prior to its release in exchange for an honest review as an ARC reader.
I think the storyline has great promise but I just wasn’t connecting to the characters as I hoped I would. I do hope this story grasps others in a positive way unfortunately I just wasn’t one of them.
Thank you to Good Girls PR for the opportunity to read this prior to its release in exchange for an honest review as an ARC reader.
May 20, 2024
“Wherever we are together is where I am most at home.”
This was my first by this author and it was a nice cute read. The tropes are what drew me in from the start and I just smiled and got the feels for this story. Plus I mean puppies and shelter animals can it not get any cuter??? The small town feeling of everyone knowing your business definitely makes you hope for these two. Imagine everyone knowing who you are crushing on and how things are going. Overall a nice simple read to have on hand when you don't want something heavy.
Tropes:
Older Brother's Best Friend
Small Town Romance
Friends To Lovers
This was my first by this author and it was a nice cute read. The tropes are what drew me in from the start and I just smiled and got the feels for this story. Plus I mean puppies and shelter animals can it not get any cuter??? The small town feeling of everyone knowing your business definitely makes you hope for these two. Imagine everyone knowing who you are crushing on and how things are going. Overall a nice simple read to have on hand when you don't want something heavy.
Tropes:
Older Brother's Best Friend
Small Town Romance
Friends To Lovers
June 2, 2024
Synopsis:
Angie has been in love with Holden, her older brother’s best friend, since she was old enough to be in love. But for him she is just his friend’s little sister, a “kid”. Now as Angie’s New Year’s resolutions she decided to get over Holden and the best way is to go on 25 different dates before her 25th birthday. However, Holden is always there, even when she least expects him to be, ready to save the day like a knight in a shinning doctor’s coat.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/ 5
Spice: 🌶️.5/ 5
Thank you @good.girls.pr for sending this ARC. I started this book with the feeling that it was going to be a cute, make you feel good kind of read and that is exactly what I found. This is a story of an introverted girl with a massive crush for her brother’s incredibly hot and confident best friend. He likes to flirt and keep things casual and she is looking for a relationship, pretty simple. Until one day things start to change and Holden starts seeing Angie as something more.
I really enjoyed the read, it was well written, there was humor, banter and some spicy scenes. Nonetheless, Angie is a little too insecure for my taste, she hardly ever makes a decision without asking her friends and still ends up doing the opposite. Also, these insecurities lead to miscommunication and this is one trope I don’t like.
If you are looking for a cute easy read that includes dogs, small town, he falls hard, age gap, protective MMC, Swifty references, then this book is for you.
April 29, 2024
3.5
I was really hopeful for this as the premise was really cut but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. The story dragged on as the fmc couldn't come to terms that her forever crush might actually have feelings for her despite him telling her multiple times so. I found the mmc to be a bit underwhelming in that he just let his feelings be trumped by her inability to accept his actions. I wanted him to react sooner so as to not drag this out forever. Some of the side conversations were confusing to follow as they added nothing for me. Overall it was cute but not great.
I was really hopeful for this as the premise was really cut but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. The story dragged on as the fmc couldn't come to terms that her forever crush might actually have feelings for her despite him telling her multiple times so. I found the mmc to be a bit underwhelming in that he just let his feelings be trumped by her inability to accept his actions. I wanted him to react sooner so as to not drag this out forever. Some of the side conversations were confusing to follow as they added nothing for me. Overall it was cute but not great.
May 15, 2024
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 🌟🌟🌟
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 🌶🌶
Ｂａｎｔｅｒ：4/10
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎: Brother’s Best friend
𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓻 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮?: Standalone
**ARC reader thanks to Good Girls PR **
ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ:
This was cute! Fred is the absolute star of this book!
Angie is turning 25 and is trying to get over her decade long crush on her brother’s best friend Holden.
Holden is a reformed playboy who is starting to see Angie as more than a his best friend’s sister.
It’s honestly cute!
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 🌶🌶
Ｂａｎｔｅｒ：4/10
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎: Brother’s Best friend
𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓻 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮?: Standalone
**ARC reader thanks to Good Girls PR **
ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ:
This was cute! Fred is the absolute star of this book!
Angie is turning 25 and is trying to get over her decade long crush on her brother’s best friend Holden.
Holden is a reformed playboy who is starting to see Angie as more than a his best friend’s sister.
It’s honestly cute!
May 18, 2024
Angie has decided she’s going to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday. Why? To get over the unrequited crush she’s had on her brother’s best friend for 10 years. Holden has bought himself a house and Angie and her brother are going to renovate it for their tv show, so that means Holden and Angie will be spending time together. Holden is discovering that maybe Angie is more than just his best friend’s little sister. I really liked this book. Made me giggle.
May 18, 2024
Recibí este libro como un ARC y estoy súper agradecida de haberlo podido leer.
Este libro tiene todos los clichés que me gustan metidos en él.
¿Quién no va a querer leer un libro en el que se incluyen perritos, una sola cama y encima es en un pueblo pequeño?
Además, él es el mejor amigo del hermano de la protagonista
Es una historia romántica preciosa que no vais a querer soltar!!!
Era mi primera vez leyendo a la autora, pero no será la última
Este libro tiene todos los clichés que me gustan metidos en él.
¿Quién no va a querer leer un libro en el que se incluyen perritos, una sola cama y encima es en un pueblo pequeño?
Además, él es el mejor amigo del hermano de la protagonista
Es una historia romántica preciosa que no vais a querer soltar!!!
Era mi primera vez leyendo a la autora, pero no será la última
June 9, 2024
This was such a fun, easy read! Angie has had a crush on Holden since she was a teenager but he’s never seen her as more than his friends little sister. Determined to get over him, she decides to go on 25 dates before her 25th birthday in hopes of finding love. But Angie isn’t the little girl she once was and Holden takes notice. Holden was such a golden retriever book boyfriend and I loved them together!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews