Nell loves her quaint bakery-turned-bookshop and her adorable dog, Daisy. Her nan constantly asks if there’s a chap in her life, but dating just isn’t for her. Except, maybe there is someone . . .
Six months ago, a chance encounter brought Nell and Owen together. For an hour every day, they walk their dogs and talk about their lives. Everything from books to Ted Bundy to family drama.
And then, when the walk is over, they leave each other behind.
Only, they don’t.
Secretly, they can’t stop thinking about each other, even if they’re not sure how to say it.
But just as Nell thinks they’re about to take their friendship to the next level, Owen misses one of their walks. And before she knows it, a week has gone by.
She knows Owen, and he would never miss a walk. Something is definitely wrong.
But Nell doesn’t even know his last name. Or his phone number. She’s got to find a way to track him down and tell him how she really feels before it’s too late.
But even when she finds him, falling in love is never going to be a walk in the park, is it?
I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was advertised as a hilarious and heartwarming summer romance. And let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to that! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I did not want to put it down at all. I loved every second of it and constantly found myself smiling at what was happening.
Nell and Owen are super cute and I loved the chemistry that they had. And Collie and Daisy were definitely just as great! I appreciate that Nell had an actual personality and was an amazing FMC, instead of being a generic basic FMC that you often find.
This book made me laugh and it made me cry (iykyk).
And the ending?? That ending was so unexpected but also perfectly based on the characters.
The only comment that I have was that I wish there was more details for setting up the scenes. Sometimes it just skips some of the scene building/story building that could be there to show more of what is happening.
"who do you think you're competing against?" "maybe the version of me you've been imagining"
This book was such an easy,cute and lighthearted story and if you're in the mood for it well it's a sign for you to start it!
I really loved to met and getting to know Nell and Owen and their dogs! These characters were both so relatable and cute. I need to mention Nell's Nan as well because she was one of the best in this story! This book's so romcom and the ending was perfect for their story so I will repeat myself again if you are in the mood for these vibes well, this book could be a good option !
Thanks to NetGalley, Charlotte Barnes and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A love story between two people who met at the dog park, and how they fell in love every day during their walks.
I absolutely loved how big of characters the dogs were in the book - Collie (a beagle) and Daisy (a bulldog) -there’s a Corgi later on in the book with a small cameo, so bonus stars for that one!
There’s a huge miscommunication trope here and honestly that one just gets on my nerves bc come on guys - just talk it out here. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the book as a whole though (because again, did I mention the dogs?)
LOVED: - A book about dog lovers unapologetically for dog lovers <3 I got upset when some side characters didn't understand the love they had for their dogs. - Nell's bookshop. *HOW does it FEEL to live MY dream?!* The dog book club was so cute! - NAN!!!! Probably my favorite character!! I loved her wisdom, her quirky love for serial killer dramas, and her moxie. - The plot was entertaining, albeit quiet. I was never bored!
LIKED: - Owen and Nell's relationship started as a friends before they even knew they were friends. It was just such an easy relationship right from the start because they understood each other's souls without knowing their last names. Even with others coming into the mix (some innocently, some not so innocently), they choose each other based off their strong friendship. - No open-door intimate scenes. Mentions of being intimate and the morning after.
MEH: - The pacing was a bit all over the place. Sometimes there were seconds in between chapters, sometimes weeks. And when the chapters opened, it was sometimes in the middle of a situation which threw me off. - The blurb for the book made me think that Nell trying to find Owen after he disappeared would be the main plot of the story, but if was only the first half. I was just clueless for what the second half would entail. - I really really really think Lisa did not deserve ANY of Owen's *Mr. Nice Guy.* - The misunderstanding conflict in the third act could have been resolved SO QUICKLYYYY
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced electronic reader's copy. All opinions are my own*
Many thanks to Netgalley for this book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.
In this book we meet Owen and Nell who meet one day at the dog park with their respective dogs becoming friends also. The book fast forwards to months later with the two of them walking their dogs together multiple times a week but neither of them have asked the other out. Then just when Owen plans to ask Nell out, Collie, Owen’s dog passes away. A week goes by and Owen goes by Nell’s bookstore and she finds out about Collie’s death and her own dog Daisy tries to cheer him up. Nell and Owen begin dating which is very easy for them to fall into with them getting to know each other for the past several months and the two of them already knowing each other’s quirks. Then Lisa, Owen’s ex girlfriend comes around who he adopted Collie with and wants to get back together and they talk over Chinese food which he doesn’t tell Nell about. Then the day before Nell is supposed to meet his family Owen runs into Benji a single doctor that Nell meet at the dog park prior to officially dating Owen but never dated herself. Then Lisa is invited to his mom’s surprise birthday party by the guest of honor herself and Nell finds out about the Chinese food and Owen becomes insecure about Benji and they basically break up. Nell has a pregnancy scare which turns out to be false and Owen ends up proposing after some advice from his mom who apologized for inviting Lisa and Nan Nell’s grandmother. Nell admits to not wanting to be married and instead invites Owen to move in. Three months later they adopt a corgi named Duke. I only gave this book three stars because of Collie dying (I don’t like to read about pets dying especially since my own sweet dog is getting up in age ) and the breakup which seemed unnecessary. Loved the rest of the book otherwise.
Two young (30 ish) people who meet during their daily dog walk in the park bring Nell and Owen together. Up to now, all they had was their beloved pet dogs, Daisy and Collie, their reason for getting up in the morning and living. Collie is a hilarious beagle who loves to dig up flowers and steal food and . Nell works in a bookshop, a bookshop funded by her nan, and Daisy, her bulldog, accompanies her to work each day, and Owen works in an office They generally meet up each day after work at Green Fields Dog Park, just walking the dogs and generally chatting and laughing about life in general. But if only life was that simple, what follows is a somewhat hilarious and sometimes difficult time for them both. They both want to ask each other out but can't build up the confidence to do so! You find yourself wondering if these two young people will eventually get together, then bam something so sad happens! is this going to be what it takes? As I read through this book, I found that I was really engaging with the characters and became involved in their lives. Through good and sad times, this is a really enjoyable read. If you enjoy reading rom-coms and you love dogs, then this is the book for you. It's warm, funny, and sad, and when a book centres around dogs and a bookshop, what's not to like! A paw shaped five-star read from me.
This was a sweet walk-in the park love story between two very introverted and dog loving people named Nell and Owen. They harbor a deep love for their dogs. Their friendship and relationship is formed around their two pups. It reminded me of Pongo and Perdita ❤️ I did like Nell’s relationship with her Nan. Her character was so funny and you just want to have afternoon tea with Nan and listen to all her stories. ❤️ At times the story did feel rushed especially with Nell’s trauma of dealing with her parents and grandpas sudden death. There was also a lot of drama surrounding Owen’s family as well. He talked so poorly of all of them and I wish we understood more of the backstory of where his feelings originated. And what about that ending? It was definitely different and I still don’t know how I feel about it 🫤 Also poor Benji 💔 He was such a sweet character and I hope him all the best because he deserves the best after getting the backhand from Nell. Overall this was a fun read and will make you want to stop at your local pet shelter or go for a walk at the park 🐶🐱🐕 Thank you NetGalley, Choc-Lit Books and Charolette Barnes for this ARC.
A Walk In The Park is a really cute, closed-door, friends-to-lovers story that will warm your heart! Nell and Owen meet in their local dog park and begin a months-long friendship, meeting nearly every day to walk their adorable dogs, Collie and Daisy. Both secretly nurse massive crushes on each other, but neither is brave enough to ask the other out. Owen's friends finally convince him to set a deadline, and he arranges for a bunch of flowers to be delivered on a certain date. Even if he hasn't mustered the courage to pop the question by then, the flowers will do it for him. The story adds a bit of drama with a manipulative ex and a handsome paediatrician, but it all leads to the all-important happily ever after. The chemistry between Nell and Owen is sweet, and their journey from friends to lovers is charmingly depicted. As a dog owner, I do feel the need to give a content warning for pet loss. It hit me hard since Roscoe, my 15-year-old dog, had just been to the vet the same day I read it. However, the topic is dealt with very sensitively. If you're looking for a light, heart warming read with lovable characters and an adorable dog park setting, A Walk In The Park is the perfect pick!
This was my first time reading something by this author and I was very pleasantly surprised. The story was well-written and entertaining and kept my attention from start to finish. It's a sweet and fun romantic comedy that will give you all the feels. Nell and Owen meet while walking their dogs and they strike up a friendship. As their friendship grows, Nell realizes she feels something more and is ready to tell Owen, but he doesn't show up for their regular dog walk. And then he continues to miss their walks and she begins to worry. In the time she's gotten to know him, she knows without a doubt he would never miss the walks. But how can she find him - she doesn't have any contact information and she doesn't even know his last name. Such a sweet story! I loved getting to know Owen and Nell, they were really cute together and had amazing chemistry. A charming story with a lot of heart! I look forward to reading more of this author's work! I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The characters of Collie and Daisy are simply so much better written than the two human characters. Perhaps it is because the chapters never seem to cut off when they are a part of the action. There isn't anything with them that is just told; everything is shown fully.
Don't get me wrong, I love messy characters. I loved the realism of a budding relationship, the way exes and miscommunication play a huge role. I loved the way Nell learned to advocate for herself, the way Owen learned to stop being a pushover. That is super apparent in the finale, where Owen's "big gesture" is denied (thank goodness). The development is awesome, and I'm sure this will be a lovely read for someone who needs something fluffier than a Samoyed after a blowout.
The writing just left much to be desired.
As always, thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
So, I enjoyed most of this book but... "utterly hilarious"? Funny in places, yes, but also terribly sad in others - and that's the one thing I didn't like at all. I just wasn't prepared to read about something that completely ruined my mood for the day (also making me reluctant to resume my reading the next day). Anyway, no complaint about the romance or anything other than that. I really liked both main characters, plus Nell's nan and (of course) the dogs, and I loved the way it ended so I would still recommend it - only to people whose mood can't get ruined as easily as mine.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a lovely, romantic read which I couldn’t put down. It’s all about Nell and Owen and their chance meeting while walking their dogs. I enjoyed the way the book was written from both of the characters perspectives as this definitely added to the romantic tension and helped to see both of their points of view. I loved the characters especially Nell’s Nan and Daisy. The ending was brilliant and had me in tears but the chat Owen had with Nell’s Nan was perfect. I’m hoping for a sequel so we can see what happens next and maybe hear more about Owens family which I think may be interesting. Thanks to NetGalley, Charlotte Barnes and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I really needed a break from my usual books (my Storygraph and goodreads account show mostly psychological thrillers). This was a complete change and was a simple love story. It's from different points of view the will they won't they and it was interesting to see Owen getting advice from his mates at a pub quiz when it's normally the female characters getting advice from their friends. I really enjoyed how it was written and even though there's talk of sex the story doesn't go into the detail which I felt was refreshing as so many love stories include all the details and sometimes it's just works better to assume. I'd look at reading other books from Charlotte Barnes.
People are inclined to walk their dogs same time, same place every day. That’s how Nell and Owen and their dogs, Collie and Daisy, first met in the local park. Soon the walks together became an anticipated regular occurrence. Both wanted, but were hesitant, to suggest meeting beyond the park, until one day Owen is missing. Misunderstandings nearly destroy the budding relationship before they are able to resume the daily walks together finally giving an unexpected ending.
eARC generously supplied by Choc-Lit/Joffe Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
Recently Nell opened her own book shop and is very happing running it with her dog Daisy for company, but she has never been very lucky with romance, but maybe that will be about to change when on a walk in the local dog park she meets Owen with his dog Collie. Both Owen and Nell are shy, and very reluctant to take their budding romance further, especially when Owen’s ex fiancée appears on the scene. This is a nice romance, but it lost one star as I was willing them to get together and talk to each other. Will they ever manage it?
A Walk in the Park by Charlotte Barnes is an England-based romance. The meet-cute was adorable, as I can only imagine meeting someone during my daily dog walks and eventually falling in love (a girl can dream). However, the book was lacking in my opinion. The blurb of the book made me think the book was going in one direction when, in reality, it went the opposite way. Also, I typically enjoy a good third-act breakup, but this one was simply not it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely amazing. Love every bit of this book. The prologue with Collie the beagle had me in stitches as she reminded me of my own pup. I was sad when she died as she was a very energetic, mischievous dog. I couldn't help but tell Owen off (even though it's a book and not a real person) when it came to Lisa. Lisa is manipulative and I wish Nell had hit her. The proposal though omg that was so sweet and romantic. Could definitely read this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loved, loved this story! A real, light hearted genuine romance, not only between their humans but also the real hero's of the book, Daisy and Collie. This unusually seemed a totally believable story with characters acting as your real friends would. You'll be laughing, shedding a tear and cheer while reading. Enjoy!
I usually avoid romance novels of any kind, and especially when described as hilarious. But this book was a real treat. It synced perfectly with my sense of humor. And the storyline was original. I’m headed straight to Amazon to see what else I can find written by this author.
I'll say this was a cute romance, but that's it. I was bored halfway. I didn't like any of the characters and I was wishing for it to be over the whole time.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had me laughing and crying. Owen and Nell meet when walking their dogs. The descriptions of the dog's antics are first rate, and the way they interact with their humans is so heartwarming. Sit down with this book and you will not notice the time go by. An excellent read.
I loved this book SO much and I honestly think Nell and I are the same person she’s just out there living our dream life! This is the perfect romcom for dog lovers- all the descriptions of huffs and licks and so on are all so relatable and vivid in my brain! This book made me cackle, sob, and even snort at one point! It was truly a treasure and I enjoyed it immensely! 💕💕
If you’re a dog lover be sure you grab yourself a copy for an easy breezy summer read!