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Forget the Past #1
Rescue Me
When the universe screws you over, adopt a dog.
Paige Herbert doesn’t know how she lost control of her life. Friday morning, she had her future planned. Sunday night, she’s jobless and staring at her half-naked fiancé and a woman wearing her green robe.
Taking refuge in her childhood home, Paige decides this time around her life partner will have four legs instead of two. But her newly rescued pit bull is in bad need of obedience training…and the perfect guy for the job has Paige forgetting the past.
Dash Lamont doesn’t want to go back to jail. Out on parole and working at an animal shelter, he’s focused on living life by the rules. And number one on the list: avoid temptation.
And then, in walks Paige.
The woman parks in the middle of Dash’s well-ordered life, demanding his attention with her offbeat conversation, sinful curves, and dream of a refurbished classic Chevy. Despite his decision to keep his distance, he somehow finds himself agreeing to her plea for help.
As the two spend more time together, awkward attempts at flirting, late-night dancing to jazz music, and a chance taken at a Halloween party lure the hesitant pair down a sensual road.
But when sins of the past work against the newly budding romance, Dash will need to decide whether to take his chance on love or stay in his safe lane, watching as Paige drives off without him.
If you like Helen Hoang, Lauren Landish, Christina Lauren, and Talia Hibbert you’ll love this fun contemporary romance!
Paige Herbert doesn’t know how she lost control of her life. Friday morning, she had her future planned. Sunday night, she’s jobless and staring at her half-naked fiancé and a woman wearing her green robe.
Taking refuge in her childhood home, Paige decides this time around her life partner will have four legs instead of two. But her newly rescued pit bull is in bad need of obedience training…and the perfect guy for the job has Paige forgetting the past.
Dash Lamont doesn’t want to go back to jail. Out on parole and working at an animal shelter, he’s focused on living life by the rules. And number one on the list: avoid temptation.
And then, in walks Paige.
The woman parks in the middle of Dash’s well-ordered life, demanding his attention with her offbeat conversation, sinful curves, and dream of a refurbished classic Chevy. Despite his decision to keep his distance, he somehow finds himself agreeing to her plea for help.
As the two spend more time together, awkward attempts at flirting, late-night dancing to jazz music, and a chance taken at a Halloween party lure the hesitant pair down a sensual road.
But when sins of the past work against the newly budding romance, Dash will need to decide whether to take his chance on love or stay in his safe lane, watching as Paige drives off without him.
If you like Helen Hoang, Lauren Landish, Christina Lauren, and Talia Hibbert you’ll love this fun contemporary romance!
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2020
541 people are currently reading
3247 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Connolly
40 books1,206 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 20, 2023
3.75
but wtf is this cover
but wtf is this cover
March 10, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down because of the third act
A book that centers around a woman whose world has fallen out from under her connecting with an adorable pittie rescue that she personally saved and an ex-con who works at the animal rescue that helps her train her new animal life companion? This was a no-brainer for me to try and I did enjoy so much of these characters and their slow burn romance. Some bumps along the way and the third act did bring my overall rating down though. Also, this story is labelled as grumpy/sunshine and while I do think the h leaned more into sunshine, I didn’t feel the H was grumpy so much as uncertain and trying to protect himself.
Written in first person, dual POV. No true ow drama (there is a brief interaction between the h, H, and the H’s most recent f’buddy but no drama from it and no scenes of the H with this woman) and another time the h is made to think the H is with an ow by that woman, but the reader knows this isn’t the case, but it’s still painful given h had just been cheated on. Om drama caused by h’s ex-fiance who wants her back after he cheated on her. Both are experienced (h had only been with her ex and not much on H other than he had been with this ow after being released from prison).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Cute animal sidekick and discussion of a dog breed’s bad reputation
☆ MMC with low self-esteem
☆ MMC trying to manage his post-prison life paired with FMC who isn’t sure what to do with hers
☆ FMC who comes across as neurodivergent but no diagnosis mentioned
☆ FMC with a scar
☆ Positive parent rep on FMC’s side and toxic family on MMC’s
☆ Judgements about MMC’s past (not from FMC)
☆ Some exploration of New Orleans
☆ Lots of talk about cars and animal training
I thought that Paige (h) and Dash (H) made for an engaging match. They begin as strangers with a meeting thanks to Paige wanting to adopt a dog, then hiring Dash as an animal trainer, turning into a somewhat awkward friendship that transitions (also somewhat awkwardly) into a relationship. The attraction is present on both sides from the start, but Paige is coming off a years-long relationship ending shockingly and Dash feeling inferior in general but specifically to Paige. Dash needed some hugs and to be given the chance to be adored (which Paige and her dog do). Because of the different way that Paige thinks and sometimes behaves, there is an innocence to her at times, but she also speaks her mind. I especially adored how Paige never judged Dash and particularly not at times he was certain she would.
Once they start exploring their connection on a more intimate level, these two sparkled for me. I loved all the physical touching, when Paige would be protective of Dash, and when he’d be possessive of her. I thought the steam was done well and I actually liked that it didn’t overwhelm their romance once it began. Still, some of the uncertainties on Dash’s side were hard and I do wish that he had discussed his family background with Paige and more of his intrusive thoughts. The reader eventually knows these facts, but I don’t recall it being discussed between them. Vulnerabilities in general were tough topics for both characters and tended to be avoided for much of the book.
Paige definitely had more support than Dash, even though she only had one close friend. Her parents being protective of her was very well fleshed out, though one specific element came as a surprise and wasn’t revealed until later. Dash’s roommate was a great character and I couldn’t help but think that more time spent with them supporting each other would have added to the book. Even though I didn’t like Dash’s sister and thought that she made poor choices (same with the rest of his family), she was protective of her brother. Pumpkin was the star of the book however and even though I can’t usually picture what I’m reading, her doggy grin and antics were easy for me to imagine.
The third act was a frustrating development and there is a brief separation. I’m almost never a fan of a third act breakup and in this case, with characters who needed people building them up, I definitely did not love it. I did find Dash’s arc with Paige’s parents delightful and equally adored Paige’s with her work options. But hashing things out between them occurred too quickly, then we’re transitioning right into an albeit very cute epilogue 8 months later that’s their HFN. I was still wanting them making up though, seeing the two of them together possibly around others with more security in their feelings and solidity in their romance as a whole. I did like both characters and the story, but personal preferences in a couple areas left me feeling slightly dissatisfied.
A book that centers around a woman whose world has fallen out from under her connecting with an adorable pittie rescue that she personally saved and an ex-con who works at the animal rescue that helps her train her new animal life companion? This was a no-brainer for me to try and I did enjoy so much of these characters and their slow burn romance. Some bumps along the way and the third act did bring my overall rating down though. Also, this story is labelled as grumpy/sunshine and while I do think the h leaned more into sunshine, I didn’t feel the H was grumpy so much as uncertain and trying to protect himself.
Written in first person, dual POV. No true ow drama (there is a brief interaction between the h, H, and the H’s most recent f’buddy but no drama from it and no scenes of the H with this woman) and another time the h is made to think the H is with an ow by that woman, but the reader knows this isn’t the case, but it’s still painful given h had just been cheated on. Om drama caused by h’s ex-fiance who wants her back after he cheated on her. Both are experienced (h had only been with her ex and not much on H other than he had been with this ow after being released from prison).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Cute animal sidekick and discussion of a dog breed’s bad reputation
☆ MMC with low self-esteem
☆ MMC trying to manage his post-prison life paired with FMC who isn’t sure what to do with hers
☆ FMC who comes across as neurodivergent but no diagnosis mentioned
☆ FMC with a scar
☆ Positive parent rep on FMC’s side and toxic family on MMC’s
☆ Judgements about MMC’s past (not from FMC)
☆ Some exploration of New Orleans
☆ Lots of talk about cars and animal training
I thought that Paige (h) and Dash (H) made for an engaging match. They begin as strangers with a meeting thanks to Paige wanting to adopt a dog, then hiring Dash as an animal trainer, turning into a somewhat awkward friendship that transitions (also somewhat awkwardly) into a relationship. The attraction is present on both sides from the start, but Paige is coming off a years-long relationship ending shockingly and Dash feeling inferior in general but specifically to Paige. Dash needed some hugs and to be given the chance to be adored (which Paige and her dog do). Because of the different way that Paige thinks and sometimes behaves, there is an innocence to her at times, but she also speaks her mind. I especially adored how Paige never judged Dash and particularly not at times he was certain she would.
Once they start exploring their connection on a more intimate level, these two sparkled for me. I loved all the physical touching, when Paige would be protective of Dash, and when he’d be possessive of her. I thought the steam was done well and I actually liked that it didn’t overwhelm their romance once it began. Still, some of the uncertainties on Dash’s side were hard and I do wish that he had discussed his family background with Paige and more of his intrusive thoughts. The reader eventually knows these facts, but I don’t recall it being discussed between them. Vulnerabilities in general were tough topics for both characters and tended to be avoided for much of the book.
Paige definitely had more support than Dash, even though she only had one close friend. Her parents being protective of her was very well fleshed out, though one specific element came as a surprise and wasn’t revealed until later. Dash’s roommate was a great character and I couldn’t help but think that more time spent with them supporting each other would have added to the book. Even though I didn’t like Dash’s sister and thought that she made poor choices (same with the rest of his family), she was protective of her brother. Pumpkin was the star of the book however and even though I can’t usually picture what I’m reading, her doggy grin and antics were easy for me to imagine.
The third act was a frustrating development and there is a brief separation. I’m almost never a fan of a third act breakup and in this case, with characters who needed people building them up, I definitely did not love it. I did find Dash’s arc with Paige’s parents delightful and equally adored Paige’s with her work options. But hashing things out between them occurred too quickly, then we’re transitioning right into an albeit very cute epilogue 8 months later that’s their HFN. I was still wanting them making up though, seeing the two of them together possibly around others with more security in their feelings and solidity in their romance as a whole. I did like both characters and the story, but personal preferences in a couple areas left me feeling slightly dissatisfied.
September 1, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Rescue Me” is an absolutely delightful, heartwarming story. Paige is a quirky, spunky, completely entertaining heroine, who cares nothing for convention or Dash’s criminal past.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Rescue Me” is an absolutely delightful, heartwarming story. Paige is a quirky, spunky, completely entertaining heroine, who cares nothing for convention or Dash’s criminal past.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 23, 2024
It's a book
There are two good scenes. Both of them are dealing with her ex. The writing just over all is lazy and subpar. It just reads like a daydream. Dash isn't real and, neither is Paige even though she tries so hard to be. Of course, they are fiction but they are cardboard cutouts of people rather than dimensional people. When an author gets it right the book doesn't resemble a movie but rather a memory of real life. You don't just see the tire tracks, hear the car peel out and smell the burnt rubber. You are the hero giving chase or at least riding co-pilot as she does. Your blood is racing and your eyes are glued to the page. This ain't that.
There are two good scenes. Both of them are dealing with her ex. The writing just over all is lazy and subpar. It just reads like a daydream. Dash isn't real and, neither is Paige even though she tries so hard to be. Of course, they are fiction but they are cardboard cutouts of people rather than dimensional people. When an author gets it right the book doesn't resemble a movie but rather a memory of real life. You don't just see the tire tracks, hear the car peel out and smell the burnt rubber. You are the hero giving chase or at least riding co-pilot as she does. Your blood is racing and your eyes are glued to the page. This ain't that.
March 29, 2023
Wow this book is so freaking adorable. If your in the mood for a reformed bad boy romance read this. Only fault I found with this book is that in a good chunk of the book, the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next felt like a jump. Almost like there should have been more about what went on but probably would have been a filler chapter so then it was just passed over all together. It kind of made some scenes feel unfinished. Otherwise if you let that feeling go you have a really solid plot.
November 25, 2025
I read the second in this series before the first, but it didn't really affect the stories at all.
This is a sweet and easy read. Paige and Dash were sweet, and I enjoyed seeing how they'd figure things out.
Howrver, there were too many times in this book when the author cut off a scene too quickly. She'd go back to it in the character's memory a few pages later, but it was irritating to read thay way.
This is a sweet and easy read. Paige and Dash were sweet, and I enjoyed seeing how they'd figure things out.
Howrver, there were too many times in this book when the author cut off a scene too quickly. She'd go back to it in the character's memory a few pages later, but it was irritating to read thay way.
July 16, 2022
I’m a big fan of Lauren Connolly’s more recent work, but when I realized this one had a pitbull as a side character? I jumped on it! Much like the dog, this book is sweetly heartwarming while also packing a bit of muscley punch.
Dash started working with animals while he was still in jail, and now that’s out on parole, the animal shelter is one of the few jobs that’ll take him. It’s something he finds fulfilling, if a bit boring, at least until Paige walks in. Paige found an injured pitbull while out on a run and is convinced that they’re meant to be together. Newly arrived back in her hometown of New Orleans, after discovering her fiancé was cheating on her, she’s back to living with her parents and determined to put her energy into someone more predictable. So Pumpkin – named for her color and because she’s attached to a squeaky pumpkin toy – comes home with her. But when she realizes she needs more help with her, she goes back to Dash for lessons. Dog lessons turn into friendship and then something else, but how can an ex-con and the daughter of a judge bridge their two worlds?
Paige is, well, weird. She knows she’s quirky and a bit of an oddball, but she still can’t help but wish people would overlook her tendency to put her foot in her mouth. She’s the type of person who seriously refers to her dog as her life partner. And, much like with her job as an editor, she’s able to quickly winnow out the good inside a dog (or person) and ignore the rest. Paige’s family is loaded. Her father is a prominent judge and her mother restores classic cars – aka, an absolute nightmare for Dash, who went to jail for boosting cars for his uncle’s chop shop. He loves cars so much he stashes car magazines under his mattress instead of the usual guy suspects. He knows nothing good can come with associating with her but he can’t quite seem to resist her – or her obvious love for Pumpkin. Even though he’s served his time, Dash can’t forgive himself for the mistakes he made, though he’s committed to never making them again. He’s so used to judging himself that he can’t help but assume Paige is judging him, too, though that’s the farthest thing on her mind. Paige likes him, likes how he interacts with Pumpkin and with her, and things just naturally flow in a romantic direction. And for Dash, figuring out that life can be more than just survival can be a very rough ride. Their chemistry together is great and the ways they found to incorporate their mutual love for cars was, uh, interesting to say the least.
It’d be hard to ignore the blatant comparison between society’s instinctive reaction to pitbulls and how felons are treated, and for the most part, I think it works well. Most of it is Paige’s ability to cut through the noise and respond to the heart of a person, even if that person isn’t wholely receptive to it. As the proud parent of possibly the derpiest pitbull mix on the planet, I’ve heard a lot of the anti-pit sentiment so can certainly sympathize with Paige over that. The side characters are pretty delightful as well, even Paige’s pushy ex. Her mother is an absolute hoot, and Dash’s roommate Cole is obvious sequel material.
Overall, a cute pitbull, a heartwarming slow burn romance, and some vintage cars make this a fun read.
Content notes:
“I’m sure I can get this right. Pumpkin is meant to be mine, and I’m meant to be hers. We’ll figure out things together.”
Dash started working with animals while he was still in jail, and now that’s out on parole, the animal shelter is one of the few jobs that’ll take him. It’s something he finds fulfilling, if a bit boring, at least until Paige walks in. Paige found an injured pitbull while out on a run and is convinced that they’re meant to be together. Newly arrived back in her hometown of New Orleans, after discovering her fiancé was cheating on her, she’s back to living with her parents and determined to put her energy into someone more predictable. So Pumpkin – named for her color and because she’s attached to a squeaky pumpkin toy – comes home with her. But when she realizes she needs more help with her, she goes back to Dash for lessons. Dog lessons turn into friendship and then something else, but how can an ex-con and the daughter of a judge bridge their two worlds?
“You’re giving me a book?” He sounds incredulous.
“I’m giving you my number. In a book. So technically, yes.”
Paige is, well, weird. She knows she’s quirky and a bit of an oddball, but she still can’t help but wish people would overlook her tendency to put her foot in her mouth. She’s the type of person who seriously refers to her dog as her life partner. And, much like with her job as an editor, she’s able to quickly winnow out the good inside a dog (or person) and ignore the rest. Paige’s family is loaded. Her father is a prominent judge and her mother restores classic cars – aka, an absolute nightmare for Dash, who went to jail for boosting cars for his uncle’s chop shop. He loves cars so much he stashes car magazines under his mattress instead of the usual guy suspects. He knows nothing good can come with associating with her but he can’t quite seem to resist her – or her obvious love for Pumpkin. Even though he’s served his time, Dash can’t forgive himself for the mistakes he made, though he’s committed to never making them again. He’s so used to judging himself that he can’t help but assume Paige is judging him, too, though that’s the farthest thing on her mind. Paige likes him, likes how he interacts with Pumpkin and with her, and things just naturally flow in a romantic direction. And for Dash, figuring out that life can be more than just survival can be a very rough ride. Their chemistry together is great and the ways they found to incorporate their mutual love for cars was, uh, interesting to say the least.
“But honey, she’s a”—Mom lowers her voice to a whisper—“pit bull.”
It’d be hard to ignore the blatant comparison between society’s instinctive reaction to pitbulls and how felons are treated, and for the most part, I think it works well. Most of it is Paige’s ability to cut through the noise and respond to the heart of a person, even if that person isn’t wholely receptive to it. As the proud parent of possibly the derpiest pitbull mix on the planet, I’ve heard a lot of the anti-pit sentiment so can certainly sympathize with Paige over that. The side characters are pretty delightful as well, even Paige’s pushy ex. Her mother is an absolute hoot, and Dash’s roommate Cole is obvious sequel material.
Overall, a cute pitbull, a heartwarming slow burn romance, and some vintage cars make this a fun read.
Content notes:
January 13, 2026
3.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Rescue Me☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “I can feel you comin' from a mile away. My pulse starts racin' from the words that you say. And you say so many of them like you don't have a clue” 🎶
Paige Herbert’s (h) life falls apart in a single weekend, leaving her unemployed, betrayed, and fleeing back to her childhood home. Swearing off men, she decides her next companion will have four legs instead of two, adopting a stubborn pit bull who needs serious training. Enter the charming dog trainer who makes starting over feel possible. As Paige rebuilds her life, she just might discover that love shows up when you least expect it.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Dash being a grump actually made sense to me. He’s not rude for the sake of it. He’s closed off because he’s terrified of being judged for his past, for being on parole, for never quite feeling like he belongs anywhere. Paige’s dad unfortunately proves his fears right. What could’ve been framed as concern comes off as belittling instead. He pressures Paige to look elsewhere, as if Dash is some downgrade, which is wild considering she upgraded from a cheater who didn’t value her at all. That moment really solidified why Dash keeps people at arm’s length. Dash does send Paige mixed signals, but it felt rooted in insecurity more than manipulation. He genuinely doesn’t know how to respond to someone like her being interested in him. His self-esteem is low, he’s self-deprecating, and he can’t wrap his head around the idea that someone would want to be around him without an ulterior motive. That part of him felt very real.
Where the book lost me a bit was how Dash never really got proper closure. We never see him fully confront his parents, talk through his feelings, or even properly address his uncle and the debt situation. Those loose ends mattered, and they weren’t handled in a satisfying way. I still enjoyed the book, but those questions lingered. The book itself is an easy, quick read. Once Pumpkin enters the picture, everything moves fast. Paige wanting to be friends with Dash felt natural. Yes, she’s attracted to him, but she’s more interested in knowing him. He doesn’t mind her quirks, her rambling, her awkwardness, or the way she struggles to communicate sometimes. She’s isolated by nature, but once she finds her people, she fully opens up. That’s what she finds with Dash. The strongest part of the book is watching two people from completely opposite worlds slowly understand each other. Dash initially judges Paige too. He assumes she’s rich, spoiled, incapable, someone who doesn’t know how to take care of a dog or handle real life. But as they grow closer, those walls fall. He realizes she wants genuine connection, not just to flirt or seduce him. That growth worked.
That said, I wish we’d explored Dash more deeply. We spent a lot of time on Paige and her career struggles, but not enough on Dash’s inner world, his time in prison, or how that shaped him. I connected far more with Paige than with him. Her nervous rambling, her social fumbling, her inner dialogue felt relatable. Dash, by comparison, stayed a bit out of reach. I liked him, but I wasn’t in love with him. I probably would’ve given this four stars if Dash hadn’t abruptly cut Paige off and broken up with her out of nowhere. Especially after she talked about moving back to New York while still clearly including him in her future. He didn’t include her in his vision at all. He just assumed she’d choose New York over him, which felt shallow and unfair. That’s not Paige, and he should’ve known that by then. And the sister pretending to sleep with him to sabotage them? Absolutely not. That whole miscommunication was unnecessary drama and added frustration instead of tension. At least her parents eventually accepted him, which was the bare minimum after her dad essentially branding him a criminal.
Side Note: I desperately needed more Charlie. He’s such a grounding presence in Paige’s life, and the fact that she openly admits life would’ve been easier if she could fall in love with him says a lot. But easy isn’t what she needed. Charlie is her platonic soulmate, no question, but Dash is her person, even when he pushes her away. That dynamic worked for me. And Pumpkin. Listen. I have seven dogs, but Pumpkin wins. That dog is elite. I loved how Pumpkin became the emotional center of the story, grounding both Dash and Paige and forcing them into each other’s orbit. Unknowingly a matchmaker, incredibly cute, no notes.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
I enjoyed the book. It was sweet, easy, and comforting in parts. I just wanted more depth from Dash and less last-minute chaos.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Rescue Me☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “I can feel you comin' from a mile away. My pulse starts racin' from the words that you say. And you say so many of them like you don't have a clue” 🎶
Paige Herbert’s (h) life falls apart in a single weekend, leaving her unemployed, betrayed, and fleeing back to her childhood home. Swearing off men, she decides her next companion will have four legs instead of two, adopting a stubborn pit bull who needs serious training. Enter the charming dog trainer who makes starting over feel possible. As Paige rebuilds her life, she just might discover that love shows up when you least expect it.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
It’s been a while since someone asked me to do something with no ulterior motive. At least, I don’t think she has one.
Dash being a grump actually made sense to me. He’s not rude for the sake of it. He’s closed off because he’s terrified of being judged for his past, for being on parole, for never quite feeling like he belongs anywhere. Paige’s dad unfortunately proves his fears right. What could’ve been framed as concern comes off as belittling instead. He pressures Paige to look elsewhere, as if Dash is some downgrade, which is wild considering she upgraded from a cheater who didn’t value her at all. That moment really solidified why Dash keeps people at arm’s length. Dash does send Paige mixed signals, but it felt rooted in insecurity more than manipulation. He genuinely doesn’t know how to respond to someone like her being interested in him. His self-esteem is low, he’s self-deprecating, and he can’t wrap his head around the idea that someone would want to be around him without an ulterior motive. That part of him felt very real.
“I realized you were right. I was shoving away the things I loved. I thought they would tempt me into doing something rash, and I’d go back to jail.”
Where the book lost me a bit was how Dash never really got proper closure. We never see him fully confront his parents, talk through his feelings, or even properly address his uncle and the debt situation. Those loose ends mattered, and they weren’t handled in a satisfying way. I still enjoyed the book, but those questions lingered. The book itself is an easy, quick read. Once Pumpkin enters the picture, everything moves fast. Paige wanting to be friends with Dash felt natural. Yes, she’s attracted to him, but she’s more interested in knowing him. He doesn’t mind her quirks, her rambling, her awkwardness, or the way she struggles to communicate sometimes. She’s isolated by nature, but once she finds her people, she fully opens up. That’s what she finds with Dash. The strongest part of the book is watching two people from completely opposite worlds slowly understand each other. Dash initially judges Paige too. He assumes she’s rich, spoiled, incapable, someone who doesn’t know how to take care of a dog or handle real life. But as they grow closer, those walls fall. He realizes she wants genuine connection, not just to flirt or seduce him. That growth worked.
“Love is being there for someone. Being strong for them. Caring about their happiness. Supporting their hopes and dreams. Love isn’t selfish. Love isn’t fear.”
That said, I wish we’d explored Dash more deeply. We spent a lot of time on Paige and her career struggles, but not enough on Dash’s inner world, his time in prison, or how that shaped him. I connected far more with Paige than with him. Her nervous rambling, her social fumbling, her inner dialogue felt relatable. Dash, by comparison, stayed a bit out of reach. I liked him, but I wasn’t in love with him. I probably would’ve given this four stars if Dash hadn’t abruptly cut Paige off and broken up with her out of nowhere. Especially after she talked about moving back to New York while still clearly including him in her future. He didn’t include her in his vision at all. He just assumed she’d choose New York over him, which felt shallow and unfair. That’s not Paige, and he should’ve known that by then. And the sister pretending to sleep with him to sabotage them? Absolutely not. That whole miscommunication was unnecessary drama and added frustration instead of tension. At least her parents eventually accepted him, which was the bare minimum after her dad essentially branding him a criminal.
“Hmm?” my friend answers, clearly half asleep.
“I need you to wake up, get dressed, and bring me some pizza. Major life decisions are being made, and I require the presence of my best friend.”
“Okay.”
Side Note: I desperately needed more Charlie. He’s such a grounding presence in Paige’s life, and the fact that she openly admits life would’ve been easier if she could fall in love with him says a lot. But easy isn’t what she needed. Charlie is her platonic soulmate, no question, but Dash is her person, even when he pushes her away. That dynamic worked for me. And Pumpkin. Listen. I have seven dogs, but Pumpkin wins. That dog is elite. I loved how Pumpkin became the emotional center of the story, grounding both Dash and Paige and forcing them into each other’s orbit. Unknowingly a matchmaker, incredibly cute, no notes.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
I enjoyed the book. It was sweet, easy, and comforting in parts. I just wanted more depth from Dash and less last-minute chaos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
Dash is a tortured soul because of his past mistakes. Paige's life looks golden on the outside, but things haven't always been easy for her. Loved Pumpkin. Paige's parents only want what is best for her and they don't think that Dash is it, at first. Dash is a nice guy and his family is a real pain. The only one that really seems to care about Dash is his sister. Paige is trying to get her life together and she thinks Dash will be part of that. He doesn't think he is good enough and doesn't deserve her love. Can they make it?
June 9, 2021
Oh my gosh! To call this series “Forget the Past” seems so very accurate. Paige and Dash are both working very hard to move beyond the mistakes of their pasts. Even Pumpkin’s all about a new lease on life. There is an angsty, emotional story. It didn’t quite bring me to the point of tears, but it yanked hard at my heartstrings. It’s a rocky road that Paige and Dash walk, and I loved joining them for the journey.
July 23, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Ex-Con
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: Forget the Past, book 1
Thoughts - a book for the dog lovers 🥰 I loved how many different ways this book says not to judge a book by its cover. It was so sweet seeing both Dash MMC and Paige MFC gain confidence as the story develops. I love her parents occupations as well as the snippets we have of Cole (can’t wait for book 2). Definitely recommend of your after a different type of second chance book, where everyone is redeemable.
Plot - Paige is moving across country two weeks early so may as well surprise her fiancé too… except she was one surprised when a strange woman opens the door in her robe. So Paige does what any person wanting a greasy start does, adopts the most beautiful, scrumptious dog to start over with her.
* Found Family
* ⚠️ Trigger warnings
* Ex Con
* Animal rescue
“Do you want me naked? Because I want you naked.”
Genre: Ex-Con
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: Forget the Past, book 1
Thoughts - a book for the dog lovers 🥰 I loved how many different ways this book says not to judge a book by its cover. It was so sweet seeing both Dash MMC and Paige MFC gain confidence as the story develops. I love her parents occupations as well as the snippets we have of Cole (can’t wait for book 2). Definitely recommend of your after a different type of second chance book, where everyone is redeemable.
Plot - Paige is moving across country two weeks early so may as well surprise her fiancé too… except she was one surprised when a strange woman opens the door in her robe. So Paige does what any person wanting a greasy start does, adopts the most beautiful, scrumptious dog to start over with her.
* Found Family
* ⚠️ Trigger warnings
* Ex Con
* Animal rescue
“Do you want me naked? Because I want you naked.”
September 5, 2020
Sweet, romantic and charming. Also hot as hell!
September 26, 2020
[1.5 star] even though i finished the book, i find it pretty flat, kind of anti-climatic.
February 19, 2024
Rant and slight spoilers incoming - You've been warned!
You would think...hope...pray that I had learned my lesson with contemporary romances by now. I'm not even talking about sports romances or mafia romances or men in uniform...just straight up contemporary romances where two people meet and spend time together and fall in love.
I bought Rescue Me because at first glance it looked cute, and I just wanted a cute little romance about a woman and her dog and the dog trainer she falls in love with. What I got was a book that not only reminded me of everything that I hate about contemporary romances, but also one that made me realise just how tired I am of seeing these same tropes over and over and over again. And they're bad tropes!
And I thought I had done my research for this book! I looked at the negative reviews for any of my typical pet peeves (no pun intended). Evidently it was not enough to save me from this train wreck.
The Rock Bottom Trope
Why? Seriously, why is it that every single romance based in the modern world - and this isn't just limited to contemporary romance, though I see it in this genre the most - seems to have an fmc at rock bottom with no home, no job, and probably struggling financially? Just, why? What is so wrong with having an fmc who just once is not at her worst when she meets the love interest? Just. Once. But noooo. I have to read about stupid, quirky, socially inept, yet somehow still competent and interesting, snowflaky little Paige living with her loving parents and hating it because "they baby her too much."
The Low Self Esteem/Broken Heart Because the Ex Cheated Trope
I am so, sososososososo tired of the fmc meeting the mmc while she's broken hearted or working on herself shortly after her ex cheated on her. Believe it or not, no drama or tension will be lost if the two characters meet when they're both in a mental space where they're ready - and possibly even looking - for a relationship.
The "I think I'm like other girls, but the author, all the other characters, and the readers can clearly see I'm not" fmc Trope
Paige read like a Mary Sue character who was perfect when the author wrote her, and then the author realised Paige needed some flaws, and added her quirkiness in as an afterthought to make her "unique."
I'm sorry to have to be the one to break it to you, but you cannot realistically portray a character with flaws if you only add the flaws in after you've created the character! The character has to be created with their flaws in mind!
And I get that I'm supposed to believe that the reason for Paige's quirkiness is because she had a sheltered upbringing with overprotective parents, but that's not the kind of quirky that she is! She doesn't have social anxiety or agoraphobia, which would have made sense. She's just fucking weird.
I can maybe buy that her sheltered upbringing made her a bit of a doormat in her previous relationship. But you expect me to believe that even after moving to a different city, away from her restrictive parents, and having a career in a competitive industry, she's still just as quirky as a sixteen year old because of her sheltered upbringing? ... Is she just stupid, and didn't learn anything from her time going out clubbing and just living in New York fucking City? Is that it? Because I'll buy that.
The Aged-Up Main Character Trope
I see a lot of books that read like YA in terms of character maturity and emotional intelligence, and I can't help but think that the only reason the characters are adults is for the sake of being able to include more explicit sex scenes in the book.
Let me be clear: It is no less creepy for an mmc to be sexually attracted to an fmc with the emotional maturity of a child, just because she's in an adult female body.
I genuinely felt sorry for Dash as a character, because he is forced to fall in love with someone whose entire gathering of maturity fits in a teaspoon.
I stopped reading at the bar scene because I just couldn't fucking take it anymore.
DNF at 30%, 1 star because I made it past the first 10%.
You would think...hope...pray that I had learned my lesson with contemporary romances by now. I'm not even talking about sports romances or mafia romances or men in uniform...just straight up contemporary romances where two people meet and spend time together and fall in love.
I bought Rescue Me because at first glance it looked cute, and I just wanted a cute little romance about a woman and her dog and the dog trainer she falls in love with. What I got was a book that not only reminded me of everything that I hate about contemporary romances, but also one that made me realise just how tired I am of seeing these same tropes over and over and over again. And they're bad tropes!
And I thought I had done my research for this book! I looked at the negative reviews for any of my typical pet peeves (no pun intended). Evidently it was not enough to save me from this train wreck.
The Rock Bottom Trope
Why? Seriously, why is it that every single romance based in the modern world - and this isn't just limited to contemporary romance, though I see it in this genre the most - seems to have an fmc at rock bottom with no home, no job, and probably struggling financially? Just, why? What is so wrong with having an fmc who just once is not at her worst when she meets the love interest? Just. Once. But noooo. I have to read about stupid, quirky, socially inept, yet somehow still competent and interesting, snowflaky little Paige living with her loving parents and hating it because "they baby her too much."
The Low Self Esteem/Broken Heart Because the Ex Cheated Trope
I am so, sososososososo tired of the fmc meeting the mmc while she's broken hearted or working on herself shortly after her ex cheated on her. Believe it or not, no drama or tension will be lost if the two characters meet when they're both in a mental space where they're ready - and possibly even looking - for a relationship.
The "I think I'm like other girls, but the author, all the other characters, and the readers can clearly see I'm not" fmc Trope
Paige read like a Mary Sue character who was perfect when the author wrote her, and then the author realised Paige needed some flaws, and added her quirkiness in as an afterthought to make her "unique."
I'm sorry to have to be the one to break it to you, but you cannot realistically portray a character with flaws if you only add the flaws in after you've created the character! The character has to be created with their flaws in mind!
And I get that I'm supposed to believe that the reason for Paige's quirkiness is because she had a sheltered upbringing with overprotective parents, but that's not the kind of quirky that she is! She doesn't have social anxiety or agoraphobia, which would have made sense. She's just fucking weird.
I can maybe buy that her sheltered upbringing made her a bit of a doormat in her previous relationship. But you expect me to believe that even after moving to a different city, away from her restrictive parents, and having a career in a competitive industry, she's still just as quirky as a sixteen year old because of her sheltered upbringing? ... Is she just stupid, and didn't learn anything from her time going out clubbing and just living in New York fucking City? Is that it? Because I'll buy that.
The Aged-Up Main Character Trope
I see a lot of books that read like YA in terms of character maturity and emotional intelligence, and I can't help but think that the only reason the characters are adults is for the sake of being able to include more explicit sex scenes in the book.
Let me be clear: It is no less creepy for an mmc to be sexually attracted to an fmc with the emotional maturity of a child, just because she's in an adult female body.
I genuinely felt sorry for Dash as a character, because he is forced to fall in love with someone whose entire gathering of maturity fits in a teaspoon.
I stopped reading at the bar scene because I just couldn't fucking take it anymore.
DNF at 30%, 1 star because I made it past the first 10%.
June 13, 2022
I enjoyed this one a lot. Two people with major but understandable issues who learn to communicate like grownups. The heroine is an oddball, and you love her, without straying into stereotypical lovable oddball territory. The hero appreciates that her thought processes are constantly surprising to him without excessive cooing over how adorable it is. But you can tell that someone, probably her dirtbag ex but also probably others as well, made her feel bad about it. There's a sort of emotional flinch sometimes when she realizes she's said something strange, but she doesn't know what, that feels a lot like a response to emotional abuse. Which I would totally believe of the dirtbag ex. She sketches in some of his controlling behavior for the reader without going into heavy detail. It makes sense for the character, because one, she just wants to move on with her life, not dwell on a relationship that in hindsight had been falling apart for a while. But two, there are a lot of times when she misses the nuance of what's going in a situation. To the hero it comes across as innocence or naivete. But it left me thinking that things with the ex were worse than she recognized.
That all sounds kind of heavy, and there were definitely heavy elements, but also joyful ones, too. Pumpkin the "Halloween tie-dye" (aka: brindle) pit bull, whom the heroine repeatedly refers to as her life partner, sometimes to the confusion of others, was definitely a bright spot. I also enjoyed her love of books.
As much as I enjoyed this, it really could have used another round with an editor. (Ironic, considering the MC was an editor for an NYC publishing house before losing her job just before the book starts.) The usual culprits, no egregious typos that I noticed, but plenty of spots with extra words. And she had a slight problem with rein/reign. She used reign when she meant rein three times! Although she did manage to use rein correctly at the beginning of the book.
Other than the need for a bit more proofreading, this was good, and I look forward to the next book, which features the MMC's roommate, who is writing a book, and a librarian.
That all sounds kind of heavy, and there were definitely heavy elements, but also joyful ones, too. Pumpkin the "Halloween tie-dye" (aka: brindle) pit bull, whom the heroine repeatedly refers to as her life partner, sometimes to the confusion of others, was definitely a bright spot. I also enjoyed her love of books.
As much as I enjoyed this, it really could have used another round with an editor. (Ironic, considering the MC was an editor for an NYC publishing house before losing her job just before the book starts.) The usual culprits, no egregious typos that I noticed, but plenty of spots with extra words. And she had a slight problem with rein/reign. She used reign when she meant rein three times! Although she did manage to use rein correctly at the beginning of the book.
Other than the need for a bit more proofreading, this was good, and I look forward to the next book, which features the MMC's roommate, who is writing a book, and a librarian.
July 17, 2020
Hes the man from the ads doppelganger!
I received this book for free for an honest review from Library thing.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was fun and entertaining and it had a doggo as the side character! Dash thinks he's a horrible person because of his past while Paige will have none of that! An slimy ex trying to get Paige back, and 1 slightly judgy parent are not going to stop this romance.
Now its not a 100% perfect book no book is, there are a few discrepancies (i think? Maybe i am reading it wrong...) like she said she was not aloud to go out to visit friends after school or go to parties.. but she had sleep overs with one friend. But these are simple things I found easy to ignore and read on so if your like me and can do that and want a nice romance novel you may like this book.
My only thig is.... why is it the men in stories always like the women at first just because of her looks.... qWq.... but then so do the women..... ok second note I skip the sex scenes in books *i am an adult!* i just find reading them not my thing.... so i was gonna say I like that the author waited till further in the book before they jumped each others bones. I always felt it was unrealistic when the first or second chapter they do it... unless its a already in a relationship which usually they aren't.
Sorry for the weird book review I am never sure what to write.
I received this book for free for an honest review from Library thing.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was fun and entertaining and it had a doggo as the side character! Dash thinks he's a horrible person because of his past while Paige will have none of that! An slimy ex trying to get Paige back, and 1 slightly judgy parent are not going to stop this romance.
Now its not a 100% perfect book no book is, there are a few discrepancies (i think? Maybe i am reading it wrong...) like she said she was not aloud to go out to visit friends after school or go to parties.. but she had sleep overs with one friend. But these are simple things I found easy to ignore and read on so if your like me and can do that and want a nice romance novel you may like this book.
My only thig is.... why is it the men in stories always like the women at first just because of her looks.... qWq.... but then so do the women..... ok second note I skip the sex scenes in books *i am an adult!* i just find reading them not my thing.... so i was gonna say I like that the author waited till further in the book before they jumped each others bones. I always felt it was unrealistic when the first or second chapter they do it... unless its a already in a relationship which usually they aren't.
Sorry for the weird book review I am never sure what to write.
September 29, 2022
This was a really sweet NOLA romance. I kept seeing Read Me on #Bookstagram, so I decided to grab the entire series. I absolutely loved seeing Dash and Paige’s romance develop. I loved their patience with one another, and I loved their relationship with Pumpkin. I also loved the quirkiness of Paige. Most times, I think it’s over done in a story where it becomes annoying. This story danced that line quite a bit, but I would say I did laugh out loud at some of her lines.
However, I didn’t enjoy how they kept dredging out the same point. We got it; they’re from different places in the world and have different lived experiences. We didn’t need it literally every other chapter. To me, it really hurt the story as I wanted more of the great romance that was evolving. There were also parts of the story that were clearly breadcrumbs for the series that I kinda wish was left out, but I’m excited to see how they play out in the future.
However, I didn’t enjoy how they kept dredging out the same point. We got it; they’re from different places in the world and have different lived experiences. We didn’t need it literally every other chapter. To me, it really hurt the story as I wanted more of the great romance that was evolving. There were also parts of the story that were clearly breadcrumbs for the series that I kinda wish was left out, but I’m excited to see how they play out in the future.
April 13, 2025
Rescue Me is a sweet, quick read.
Dash was a reformed bad-boy. He was honest with Paige about his history from the start. It was a refreshing change for someone's past not to be a big secret revealed at the end.
Paige was quirky and adorable. Somehow this couple worked really well together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Audiobook listen: great narration. Both narrators brought the characters to life. Easy story to follow.
Dash was a reformed bad-boy. He was honest with Paige about his history from the start. It was a refreshing change for someone's past not to be a big secret revealed at the end.
Paige was quirky and adorable. Somehow this couple worked really well together.
"You're giving me a book?" He sounds incredulous.
"I'm giving you my number. In a book. So technically, yes."
Would she gasp? Moan? Whisper dirty things in my ear?
"Do you think this place has nachos?"
Apparently, our minds are on different tracks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Audiobook listen: great narration. Both narrators brought the characters to life. Easy story to follow.
Read
March 14, 2024Dnf on page 40!! I got creepy watpad vibes from this book! Like who are you to tell me I can’t adopt a dog sir!!?😖😖😖
April 8, 2024
It’s giving pit bulls and parolees fangirl vibes, and I am not here for it.
June 26, 2021
A likeable, if not thrilling, read
3 stars
This was my first Lauren Connolly read and it got off to a good start. The writing was hugely engaging and I was interested from the first page. Paige was a great lead character. She was in a tough place what with a cheating boyfriend, losing her job and moving back with her parents - and yet she still came across as a strong, independent woman who didn’t wallow in her misery - as much as you would probably forgive her for doing so.
As we move through the book we begin to see that Paige is a little bit quirky. Kinda awkward and ditsy. I’m all for this in a heroine - even if it came out of the blue for me. Perhaps I just missed it at the beginning but I’m still always game for an awkward heroine.
I had zero problems with Dash being an ex-con - but other than that I didn’t really find him all that interesting. Perhaps ‘bad-boy’ ex-con might have been a bit of a cliche but at least it would have been something.
I liked our two characters together although they didn’t singe the pages enough for my liking. They were nice together and a good opposites attract / good girl - bad boy pairing.
I feel I have to add in something about Pumpkin the Pitbull. This book does touch on the debate about whether pitbulls are inherently dangerous and seems to try hard to show them as loveable. So I thought it was very tasteless for the author to use the breeds bad reputation to create drama between chapters. “She was laughing. But that was before the attack.” Only for you to read the next chapter and find they were playing with a tennis ball or some such. Just a bit cheap, in my opinion.
Despite liking the characters and the writing, I couldn’t give this book more than 3 stars as it really didn’t hold my attention. I’d read a chapter, pop the book down and then not read another chapter for about a day. It just didn’t capture me. I’m pleased to see that many other reviewers adored the book so hopefully it was just the headspace I was in while reading - and if you fancy it and pick it up, I hope you love it.
December 26, 2024
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/4gB6yjW.
Paige has agreed to move home with her long-time boyfriend, buy a house together, and leave her job as an editor in New York. But, when she is fired instead of being allowed to work remotely she decides to surprise her fiancée by coming home a week early. When she arrives at the front door of their new home to be greeted by another woman...wearing her robe. Mortified, Paige goes home to her parents house and the next day finds an adorable Pit badly hurt. After calling animal services and waiting for them to arrive she decides she will be this sweet girl's new owner. But, the grump who is taking care of her at the shelter doesn't think she is up to the task, still, Paige offers to pay him to train her new girl.
I am firmly under the impression that buying and reading books are two completely different hobbies. Still, this is a book that I got during one of my random buying escapades. When I got this book it had a very different cover, sporting one of the main characters, Dash.
I can very firmly say I loved this book. Dash is a bit of a grump, but only on the outside. The more we get to know him the sweet and lovey he becomes. Even if he does try to ruin everything by being stupid. I won't spoil that though. Paige is wonderful and sees the best in people. Probably why she stuck with her looser ex for so long. Between Dash's love of cars, which he shares with Paige's mother, Paige's love of reading, and the pup who lives up to the true pit nature they are nothing short of perfect. Yes, I do mean lovable, slightly dense, and a cuddle bug for the pit nature. I have a brindle pitty and she's the sweetest, and stupidest, girl you will ever meet.
While the characters themselves are amazing there is plenty to keep you entertained throughout the book as well, from Paige's ex trying to make a return to Dash's past creeping up on him. Each instance presents a potential hurdle in Dash and Paige's blooming relationship.
Paige has agreed to move home with her long-time boyfriend, buy a house together, and leave her job as an editor in New York. But, when she is fired instead of being allowed to work remotely she decides to surprise her fiancée by coming home a week early. When she arrives at the front door of their new home to be greeted by another woman...wearing her robe. Mortified, Paige goes home to her parents house and the next day finds an adorable Pit badly hurt. After calling animal services and waiting for them to arrive she decides she will be this sweet girl's new owner. But, the grump who is taking care of her at the shelter doesn't think she is up to the task, still, Paige offers to pay him to train her new girl.
I am firmly under the impression that buying and reading books are two completely different hobbies. Still, this is a book that I got during one of my random buying escapades. When I got this book it had a very different cover, sporting one of the main characters, Dash.
I can very firmly say I loved this book. Dash is a bit of a grump, but only on the outside. The more we get to know him the sweet and lovey he becomes. Even if he does try to ruin everything by being stupid. I won't spoil that though. Paige is wonderful and sees the best in people. Probably why she stuck with her looser ex for so long. Between Dash's love of cars, which he shares with Paige's mother, Paige's love of reading, and the pup who lives up to the true pit nature they are nothing short of perfect. Yes, I do mean lovable, slightly dense, and a cuddle bug for the pit nature. I have a brindle pitty and she's the sweetest, and stupidest, girl you will ever meet.
While the characters themselves are amazing there is plenty to keep you entertained throughout the book as well, from Paige's ex trying to make a return to Dash's past creeping up on him. Each instance presents a potential hurdle in Dash and Paige's blooming relationship.
September 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
I had a lot of fun reading this book. Both the FMC and MMC really stood out to me as characters. And their romantic chemistry? Adorably perfect.🩷
I especially loved Paige as a FMC. She was 100% neurodivergent-coded, and I will die on this hill. Social cues and interactions went over her lovely girl head, making it hard for her to connect with others. I myself completely fell in love with her bubbly personality and passionate nature. I especially loved how unapologetically herself she was. It made me feel better about my own neurodivergency.
Dash as a MMC was also such a good character. The whole "reformed bad boy with a soft heart" thing was what initially drew me to this book. But he flipped the script on that character type. Turns out, he really isn't a bad boy. Like the pitbulls that are at his shelter, he may appear intimidating, but is anything but. Dash as a character is a sweetheart with low self-esteem. Paige brings out his confidence and pushes him to dream bigger. In turn, he helps Paige see the beauty in her uniqueness. They really just complete each other (along with Pumpkin the pittie as the cherry on top).😆🐶
What prevented me from marking this book a 5 star review was the fact that the characters were separated for the last 15% of the book because of a third-act break up. I understand that in context, the breakup was bound to happen. But I hated that the rest of the book was them not being a couple up until the last chapter and epilogue. It makes me sad that I can't enjoy my characters being happy up until the very end.
This won't deter me from reading the next book. I am so psyched to read Cole's story! Hopefully, it lives up to Dash's and Paige's! 🐥💕
I had a lot of fun reading this book. Both the FMC and MMC really stood out to me as characters. And their romantic chemistry? Adorably perfect.🩷
I especially loved Paige as a FMC. She was 100% neurodivergent-coded, and I will die on this hill. Social cues and interactions went over her lovely girl head, making it hard for her to connect with others. I myself completely fell in love with her bubbly personality and passionate nature. I especially loved how unapologetically herself she was. It made me feel better about my own neurodivergency.
Dash as a MMC was also such a good character. The whole "reformed bad boy with a soft heart" thing was what initially drew me to this book. But he flipped the script on that character type. Turns out, he really isn't a bad boy. Like the pitbulls that are at his shelter, he may appear intimidating, but is anything but. Dash as a character is a sweetheart with low self-esteem. Paige brings out his confidence and pushes him to dream bigger. In turn, he helps Paige see the beauty in her uniqueness. They really just complete each other (along with Pumpkin the pittie as the cherry on top).😆🐶
What prevented me from marking this book a 5 star review was the fact that the characters were separated for the last 15% of the book because of a third-act break up. I understand that in context, the breakup was bound to happen. But I hated that the rest of the book was them not being a couple up until the last chapter and epilogue. It makes me sad that I can't enjoy my characters being happy up until the very end.
This won't deter me from reading the next book. I am so psyched to read Cole's story! Hopefully, it lives up to Dash's and Paige's! 🐥💕
June 29, 2023
A surprisingly good read.
This was a really good read. Dash is on parole having recently got out from prison for stealing cars, he works at a dog shelter and is struggling to make ends meet. Paige has lost her job and finds out her fiancé is cheating on her, so is forced to move back to her parents house, after finding an abandoned dog in a street, she decides she wants to keep the dog and goes to the shelter where it’s being held, meeting Dash.
After Paige convinces Dash to help her train her new dog, Pumpkin, the two start spending a lot of time together, they are both drawn to one another, but are from totally different worlds, but are they as different as they think?
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, I thought Paige was amazing, so different from the usual heroines we get in these type of books, she was a breath of fresh air, I really liked Dash as well. It’s a bit of a slow burn, the two don’t really get together till about the 50% mark, so a good bit of chemistry is built up between them. The book has a small bit of angst as well, it’s mainly from outside factors, and Dash’s lack of self worth, but things are sorted out pretty quickly.
A first read from this author and I definitely recommend it, I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
This was a really good read. Dash is on parole having recently got out from prison for stealing cars, he works at a dog shelter and is struggling to make ends meet. Paige has lost her job and finds out her fiancé is cheating on her, so is forced to move back to her parents house, after finding an abandoned dog in a street, she decides she wants to keep the dog and goes to the shelter where it’s being held, meeting Dash.
After Paige convinces Dash to help her train her new dog, Pumpkin, the two start spending a lot of time together, they are both drawn to one another, but are from totally different worlds, but are they as different as they think?
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, I thought Paige was amazing, so different from the usual heroines we get in these type of books, she was a breath of fresh air, I really liked Dash as well. It’s a bit of a slow burn, the two don’t really get together till about the 50% mark, so a good bit of chemistry is built up between them. The book has a small bit of angst as well, it’s mainly from outside factors, and Dash’s lack of self worth, but things are sorted out pretty quickly.
A first read from this author and I definitely recommend it, I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
August 18, 2021
I find Lauren Connolly's writing style so easy to enjoy, and I read this pretty quick as a result.
Dash was a tortured soul who I just wanted to hug, and although there were some serious opposites attract/grumpy sunshine vibes in this book, Paige was also a complex character with her own history that meant they connected so well.
I just adored their friendship and their romance, and their chemistry was incredible. The extra almost taboo element (because of Paige's parents) was an interesting addition to the book, too.
Pumpkin was the cutest!! I was expecting a little more focus on the animal shelter and the training, but it kind of took a backseat, especially later in the book. Not an issue, but something to note if you're reading this thinking it will be super focused on rescue animals. Pumpkin was more of a device just to get Dash and Paige to meet.
The only thing I didn't love was the conflict. I don't like when characters are separated by one of them potentially moving cross-country. It just isn't a conflict I enjoy much, and I also didn't think the misunderstanding to do with Dash's sister was necessary. But overall there was so much to love about this book!
Dash was a tortured soul who I just wanted to hug, and although there were some serious opposites attract/grumpy sunshine vibes in this book, Paige was also a complex character with her own history that meant they connected so well.
I just adored their friendship and their romance, and their chemistry was incredible. The extra almost taboo element (because of Paige's parents) was an interesting addition to the book, too.
Pumpkin was the cutest!! I was expecting a little more focus on the animal shelter and the training, but it kind of took a backseat, especially later in the book. Not an issue, but something to note if you're reading this thinking it will be super focused on rescue animals. Pumpkin was more of a device just to get Dash and Paige to meet.
The only thing I didn't love was the conflict. I don't like when characters are separated by one of them potentially moving cross-country. It just isn't a conflict I enjoy much, and I also didn't think the misunderstanding to do with Dash's sister was necessary. But overall there was so much to love about this book!
September 3, 2023
This is the first book in the Forget the Past series but I started with Read Me before getting into this one. It didn't affect the story that I read it out of order. There are mentions of other characters but nothing is really given away.
I'm glad I read Read Me first. I really connected with those characters and loved the story. I didn't find Rescue Me as good and I don't know if I would have continued with the series if I had started with this book. Read Me felt more polished with a deeper story. Rescue Me is a sweet story but I didn't feel the chemistry between the 2 characters and the misunderstandings were getting a bit much. Thankfully Paige always tried to explain herself better so the confusion between her and Dash didn't get out of hand.
I didn't feel like Dash was a very strong character and wasn't developed very much. The emphasis was on Paige and his interactions with her rather then on all the baggage he had from his past.
It's a sweet story about a woman and her dog who meets a man who is crazy about her without her realising it for a while. Quick and easy to get through but not as memorable as Read Me.
I'm glad I read Read Me first. I really connected with those characters and loved the story. I didn't find Rescue Me as good and I don't know if I would have continued with the series if I had started with this book. Read Me felt more polished with a deeper story. Rescue Me is a sweet story but I didn't feel the chemistry between the 2 characters and the misunderstandings were getting a bit much. Thankfully Paige always tried to explain herself better so the confusion between her and Dash didn't get out of hand.
I didn't feel like Dash was a very strong character and wasn't developed very much. The emphasis was on Paige and his interactions with her rather then on all the baggage he had from his past.
It's a sweet story about a woman and her dog who meets a man who is crazy about her without her realising it for a while. Quick and easy to get through but not as memorable as Read Me.
December 14, 2023
I love this book to bits!
- ex-con hero working at a dog rescue/ adoption center
- heroine saving an unlovable pit pull when mending her broken heart
- dog training content!
- doggie content overload!
- their meet-cute is one of the best!
- class different: ex-con & judge's daughter/ car thief & car restoration guru (heroine's mother)
- dramatic side characters but somehow realistic at the same time
- The personal growth of both main characters throughout the story is magnificent
- The protagonist (heroine's ex) is a crown
- The sex scenes are 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
- Love the honesty of the heroine with her not being bratty and unreasonable, or not-like-the-other-girls
I like how the writer handled the judgy behaviour of the judge (no pun intended) because, in the real world, I may be the same if one of my siblings dates an ex-con. No matter what, all's well that ends well.
- ex-con hero working at a dog rescue/ adoption center
- heroine saving an unlovable pit pull when mending her broken heart
- dog training content!
- doggie content overload!
- their meet-cute is one of the best!
- class different: ex-con & judge's daughter/ car thief & car restoration guru (heroine's mother)
- dramatic side characters but somehow realistic at the same time
- The personal growth of both main characters throughout the story is magnificent
- The protagonist (heroine's ex) is a crown
- The sex scenes are 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
- Love the honesty of the heroine with her not being bratty and unreasonable, or not-like-the-other-girls
I like how the writer handled the judgy behaviour of the judge (no pun intended) because, in the real world, I may be the same if one of my siblings dates an ex-con. No matter what, all's well that ends well.
January 1, 2026
Paige meets Dash when she comes into the dog rescue where he works to adopt a pit bull. Dash is on parole after serving prison time, but Paige doesn’t care about that. She hires him to help her train her dog, and they strike up a friendship that turns into more…
This was free on Stuff Your Kindle Day last week, and when I couldn’t sleep last night, it was easy to start on my phone. This was a pretty good read. I enjoyed Paige, who is quirky and awkward, and I liked Dash as well. Told in duel POVs, it was good to get both of their voices. It was cute to see Paige falling in love with a rescue dog and getting stronger on her own after catching her fiancé cheating on her. The storyline with Dash’s criminal history didn’t play a part in the story until towards the end, but it felt very realistic to me. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read, although it was spicer than I expected or wanted. This is my last book of 2025–#224! 🥳📚
Book: 4⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
This was free on Stuff Your Kindle Day last week, and when I couldn’t sleep last night, it was easy to start on my phone. This was a pretty good read. I enjoyed Paige, who is quirky and awkward, and I liked Dash as well. Told in duel POVs, it was good to get both of their voices. It was cute to see Paige falling in love with a rescue dog and getting stronger on her own after catching her fiancé cheating on her. The storyline with Dash’s criminal history didn’t play a part in the story until towards the end, but it felt very realistic to me. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read, although it was spicer than I expected or wanted. This is my last book of 2025–#224! 🥳📚
Book: 4⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
September 1, 2021
*3.5 stars*
To start with the things I liked, I liked Paige’s personality most of the time, I liked that she acknowledged her privilege and tried to make things right. I also think Dash and Paige were cute together and the dog training scenes were cute too. However, I think Dash was judgmental toward Paige like I understand why he might feel inferior but Paige never judged him once but he judged her a lot and kept making assumptions about her which was annoying.
I also think the final conflict was resolved too easily which was anticlimactic. There were some things that were never fully explained like the full reason Dash went to jail. I thought there would be more details about Dash’s past and family but nothing really happened with that. Overall it was a decent read that could’ve benefited from more depth.
To start with the things I liked, I liked Paige’s personality most of the time, I liked that she acknowledged her privilege and tried to make things right. I also think Dash and Paige were cute together and the dog training scenes were cute too. However, I think Dash was judgmental toward Paige like I understand why he might feel inferior but Paige never judged him once but he judged her a lot and kept making assumptions about her which was annoying.
I also think the final conflict was resolved too easily which was anticlimactic. There were some things that were never fully explained like the full reason Dash went to jail. I thought there would be more details about Dash’s past and family but nothing really happened with that. Overall it was a decent read that could’ve benefited from more depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Such a fun and sweet read!
This was my first Lauren Connolly book and I absolutely adored it (thank you instagram). I swear my TBR is bigger than ever before but, I’m not mad about it! This book was so sweet, so fun and just down right cute!
I absolutely loved our main characters, Dash and Paige, and how well they fit together. Paige, is totally thrown for a loop when she catches her fiancée cheating and decides to move back in with her parents. Upon, this life altering experience she also adopts a dog (which I just love so much) and quickly falls in love with her dog trainer, Dash.
I won’t give away too many details but, these two are complete opposites of each other but, perfect for each other in every way. Their friendship and love is so authentic and pure, it was truly so sweet to read. I can’t wait to read the second book!
This was my first Lauren Connolly book and I absolutely adored it (thank you instagram). I swear my TBR is bigger than ever before but, I’m not mad about it! This book was so sweet, so fun and just down right cute!
I absolutely loved our main characters, Dash and Paige, and how well they fit together. Paige, is totally thrown for a loop when she catches her fiancée cheating and decides to move back in with her parents. Upon, this life altering experience she also adopts a dog (which I just love so much) and quickly falls in love with her dog trainer, Dash.
I won’t give away too many details but, these two are complete opposites of each other but, perfect for each other in every way. Their friendship and love is so authentic and pure, it was truly so sweet to read. I can’t wait to read the second book!
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