A New Leash on Love

by Jaime Clevenger, Aurora Rey

Rocky Springs is the last place Kit Hartman wants to be. But when the home renovation show that was supposed to be her big break gets canceled, she has no choice but to return to the sleepy little mountain town and take a job in the family business. The only good news is that she finally has time to adopt a dog.

Olive might be a perfect dog someday. For now, she’s a naughty handful. And when she knocks down an attractive stranger at the dog park, Kit realizes she’s in over her head. Especially since the stranger is someone she recognizes.

Shawn McCoy never expected to run into Kit at the dog park, let alone offer to help train her dog. But helping everyone in Rocky Springs is what Shawn does best—and keeping busy means there’s no time to think about a life or an identity that breaks the mold.

For two people who don’t think life in Rocky Springs will ever change, this holiday season might be one that changes everything.

Genres: Audiobook, Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Fiction, Lesbian Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Jaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.

Reviews

[JulesGP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, low key story about two people, Kit and Shawn, giving themselves another chance at finding happiness. I especially liked the character of Shawn, everyone’s favorite person, who has forever set their own dreams aside to be there for others. But Milo and Olive, the two doggoes, are the real stars of the book. Their cuteness and shenanigans made me smile. My only gripe about the book is that I wished somebody had slugged Kit’s horrible brother. I needed that scene. Lori Prince, the narrator, is great as always.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️. This is a story about Kit Hartman a renovation remodel er. Kit has come back home to a small Colorado town to recover from recent surgery. She’s also lost her job on a TV show on HGTV. She adopts a cute dog who’s a holy terror in her house. Kit seeks out an old HS friend Shawn McCoy who’s a handy woman about town to help her tame her wild new dog. Shawn works with her sister at their family bakery. Shawn has lived in this town her whole life, always helping her family and many townspeople who need favors and help with odd jobs.

I have mixed feelings on this book. In the beginning I thought both women were strong characters, both doing any task that came their way including many traditional male jobs. Then the whole story shifted and both Kit and Shawn showed their true selves and their insecurities. And each seemed to morf sexually into different roles. That confused me, maybe the writing style wasn’t clear in the beginning or maybe it’s me assuming something different than the authors meant.

I did enjoy both dogs, they were cute and added to the story. Both Kit and Shawn’s family were introduced but left me with several plot lines unfinished.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A New Leash on Love is a small-town sapphic romance that pairs Kit, a former home improvement show designer, with Shawn, a steadfast town fixture who has never left Rocky Springs. Kit’s return to her hometown is meant to be temporary as she plans to jumpstart her next big career move, but her connection with Shawn throws her plans into question. Shawn’s deep ties to the community and family dynamics set a compelling contrast with Kit’s desire to leave.

The characters are well-drawn and likable, with natural chemistry that builds over time. However, the story does feel a bit predictable, and the romantic progression, while sweet, is somewhat overshadowed by repetitive conflicts. I also felt that some side plots, particularly involving Kit’s family dynamics and Shawn's college application, lacked resolution, which left the ending feeling a little incomplete. I will admit I was hoping for these to be resolved in the second book of this series, Frosted by the Girl Next Door, which coincides with another romance between Shawn's sister, Tara and Kit's friend, Casey.

Despite these small issues, this is a very sweet and easy read. With its cozy small-town setting and a mix of humour, heart, and a few steamy moments, it’s perfect for readers looking for a feel-good holiday romance.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sapphic Bookshelf]

This is a sweet and steamy read. There’s some light bdsm with authentic exploration that includes a heavy focus on consent. I think many people will see themselves in Shawn who has a habit of prioritizing other’s happiness and comfort over their own. There’s two adorable dogs that make the best side characters. And Lori Prince absolutely crushes the audiobook narration!

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit has returned home to her parents and the family company after having major surgery, giving her time to recuperate, and also to lick her wounds after the home renovation show she had been in was cancelled. For company, she gets a shelter dog, Olive, a forlorn little creature.
Shawn has been working with the family baking business for many years, always feeling stuck in Rocky Springs. Being knocked over by a very lively Olive, and then offering to help train her, brings the reward of getting to know Kit.
This is a lovely story, both Kit and Shawn are lovely, and add in Kit’s friend Casey, and Shawn’s sister Tara, and it really makes this feel alive. Casey and Tara’s story ‘Frosted by the Girl Next Door’ is my next read, both stories happening simultaneously.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Leash on Love

If you've read "Frosted by the Girl Next Door," this is Shawn and Kit's story. We got a hint that something might be going on with them, and now we get to find out what.

Personally, I think the best romances start with a dog. Enter Olive - the little hellion that started Shawn and Kit on their romantic holiday journey. Very cute 🥰 This story covered some heavy topics (pls. read with care), but it was also fun and sweet and spicy! I mean, wow🌶🔥🥵

Both books really offer a bit of everything, topped off with some holiday cheer

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


I was surprise to get a book with Shawn and Kit they are the characters who were somewhat starting something in the background of Frosted Girl Nextdoor. Kit was reluctant to return home but since what she thought what was going to be her big break didn’t happen she decides to take a job in her family business. She finally gets to adopt a dog name Olive but is a handful when she gets offer to train her by Shawn who always tends to lend a hand. They get to know each other as they realizes Rocky Springs may never change doesn’t means that life can change for the better I like that it’s was low on drama characters have chemistry a cozy romance.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Christmas book played out in Rocky Springs. This time with the 2nd McCoy sibling, Shawn, and Casey's friend Kit.

Shawn and Kit get together thanks to the dog Kit is adopting, Olive. Initially they never think it can become serious between the two of them since Kit is dead set to leave Rocky Springs and Shawn is so stuck in that town. Their chemistry is so strong so they fall for each other and they both get a chance to develop and finally get a chance to be the person they have aimed for all along.

I recommend this book and you should also read Frosted by the Girl Next Door by the same authors.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this 2nd book in this series

was great to be back in rocky springs and this time learning more about shawn and kit

shawn was literally swept off her feet ..... by kits dog.... kit has only just had her dog for couple of days and already knows she is out of her depth but with shawn offering to help train her dog maybe it wont be so bad...

but shawn use to be kits brothers best friend when younger so though kit takes the offer of help she is also staying as far away from shawn as she can...

its not going to be easy as kit is refurbishing casey new shop which is right next door to the shop that shawn works in and its the best cupcake shop in town....

with family drama abound for kit and her growing attraction to shawn her plans of leaving are getting harder

as for shawn her life is just going to get more complicated

really loved being back in this town with the same characters plus getting to know a few more.... i did have a tear for one scene that seemed very poignant to shawn.. that scene was so well written...

looking forward to reading more from these two authors they write so well together

[Amanda Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to first thank Bella Books via Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read A New Leash on Love by Jamie Clevenger and Aurora Rey. This opinion is solely my own. I can not say enough positive things about this book! Love HEA? Read this book! Love Holiday Romances? Read this book! Love books that include adorable puppies? Read this book! Love books with a LOT of spice? Read this book! This book follows Kit, who has to return to her conservative stuffy hometown because of a failed television show and Shawn the hometown "help everyone who needs it." It follows their trials in trying to navigate their relationship while figuring out what each wants for their future. And there is an adorable pain in the but dog, that of course brought them together, named Olive. I absolutely loved this book! I gave it 5 stars and will definitely recommend it to anyone interested.

[Scriptmonkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently finished A New Leash on Love and...no, not that one. The other one. Not that one either. Nope, try again. Yeah, there it is. That's the one. TIL there are several romance books with that title. At least I assume the others are romance. Maybe one is actually about the dog.

If someone had handed me this book with the covers torn off and asked me who wrote it, I would have had no problem identifying Jaime Clevenger's unique style--and by unique I mean: a butch/non-binary presenting individual not feeling fulfilled sexually until they get strapped (typically packing silicone heat while wearing clothes prior) and engage in a simulacrum of heteronormative sex.

Now, whatever gets you off is fine except, as I've noted before, in Jaime's books, when the character finally puts on "my cock", it rarely comes off and pretty much every sex scene after includes it. It is the culmination of sex in their books. The pinnacle of lovemaking. I think it should be a fun and valuable asset, not the endgame apotheosis.

Aurora Rey is a co-writer on this book and the companion book Frosted by the Girl Next Door but I'm not familiar enough with her style to identify the personal tropes.

In any case, on with the book!

I think we should ask the Bard, ol' Willie Shakes, for a quote to encapsulate this novel. Take it away, Bill!

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Harsh but fair. I was thinking Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy would be apropos, but Macbeth it is.

You see, the main characters are, to put it kindly, excruciatingly boring. Banality should not be weaponized like this.

Now, I can hear you bleating, but their painful backstories! Hey, a painful back story is a herniated disc between the L4 & L5 vertebrae. What these two people have is fundamentally fluff. If the story had dealt with Kit's job loss and hysterectomy in the present, that might have been powerful. Instead, it's just stuff in the background that she uses as an excuse for her choices until she doesn't because of little more than a Good Will Hunting style, "It's not your fault!" therapy session with her mom.

Shawn has her own two-piece set of traumatic baggage with the dead father and the girlfriend that killed herself. This has a more substantial impact on Shawn's behavior and choices (compared to Kit) because it happened some 20 years earlier. Except...except... as with Kit... in the end, it doesn't really matter. She also gets a mom therapy session and--problem solved! (more or less).

These core character bits aren't the only places where the sound and fury signify nothing.

Kit and Shawn insist that Casey (Kit's friend who also moved there independently because that happens) opening a sex shoppe (books, toys, some clothing?) is a fantastic idea! Just what the town needs! A boon to commerce! Apparently, the internet hasn't come to Rocky Springs yet. Do tourists come to small towns to pick up sex toys? Everyone they show going into the store acts like they are sneaking in (publicly so)--if only computers existed to have those items delivered directly to their door in discrete packaging. Sigh.

Shawn and Kit lament the small conservative town they live in except it's really only three people.

Some old business guy.
Shawn's grandfather.
Kit's brother.

The old business guy complains about the sex shoppe opening up, but does nothing and it opens to land office business it would seem.

Shawn's grandfather complains about the sex shop opening next to the family's cupcake shop but does nothing.

Kit's brother appears to be embezzling funds and is a general jackass. Nothing happens.

Shawn frets for half the book about coming out as non-binary--despite that their family has seemingly gleefully accepted them and Tara (Shawn's sister) when they said they were lesbians, and the townsfolk never say a discouraging word (in the text). Moreover, in terms of characters presented on the page, half are queer which makes it seem that half the population of the town is queer. Yes, Shawn's ex killed herself because her parents were going to ship her to a pray the gay away camp, but that was all backstory with no emotional connection built to that character.

To top it all off, when Shawn does reveal their non-binary status--wait for it--no one cares. I mean, they are supportive, but no one freaks out. Tara only gets upset because Shawn didn't tell her earlier--she had to hear it from Kit. Oh, spoiler, that was supposed to have been a big moment--except it wasn't. It was the excuse to have the couple break up for a bit--but then they unbroke up in a few pages.

Of course, they end up together and Shawn finally goes to school while Kit opens up her own interior design/construction/renovation business. I wasn't quite sure. However, early on, we did get to see Kit's talent on full display. While she was with Casey, setting up her sex shoppe, Kit says "We can put the cash registers there and a small gift-wrapping station behind it." GENIUS! It must have taken years of schooling and practical experience to provide that insight for the client.

Ah, there are also two dogs, but they are mere plot devices. They kind of forgot them once their personal problems cropped up. Olive's behavioral issues fade when Kit and Shawn's behavioral issues take center stage. All of this is only appropriate because of course the dogs don't really matter. Nothing matters. Everything is ephemera. They exist to manufacture a plot point and then dissipate. Well, that's love for you.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is love enough to make you stay in the town you hate? Will the girl of your dreams finally make you leave everything you know behind? A lovely small town, low angst romance with good non-binary rep and some divine spice sprinkled in!

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Shawn McCoy has lived in Rocky Springs her entire life. Now, at 35, she wonders if staying and neglecting her own dreams was worth it. Working the counter of the family cupcake shop surely isn’t exciting. Life is about to get interesting though when Kit Hartman blows back into town. Having left Rocky Springs for Hollywood, Kit ended up trading a job in her family’s construction company for a spot as a design specialist in an HGTV home improvement show. A show Shawn religiously watched. Hollywood seems far away though when the show is cancelled and Kit shows up at the cupcake shop. The two reconnect immediately and when Kit impulsively adopts a tiny dog, Shawn is the first to volunteer to help her corral the tiny terror into a somewhat behaved pet. Kit is everything Shawn has dreamed about except for one thing: she wants to leave Rocky Springs again as fast as she can. Shawn is determined to show Kit that their home town has much to offer, but does it? Really?

A New Leash On Love is the ‘sister’-story to Frosted By The Girl Next Door by the same authors, which was published simultaneously by Bold Strokes Books. The latter focusses on the story of Shawn’s sister Tara and Kit’s friend Casey. Both books can be read as standalones but its fun knowing both sets of characters and seeing the overlap between the stories that unfold in the exact same timeframe.

I adore Shawn’s journey of self-discovery throughout the book. Kit encourages her to think outside of the life she settled into. It results in many steps towards feeling more like herself. One of the biggest is coming out as nonbinary and I love that the authors immediately switched to using they/them pronouns when writing about Shawn in the middle of the book. Their realization that Kit accepts them just as they are and more than matches their desire to explore in (and outside of) the bedroom is sweet and beyond hot!

There are a few spots in the story where I would have loved to dive deeper. Kit has been struggling with her health having had a hysterectomy. To recover after the surgery she came back home. I thought the hesitation of progressing her relationship with Shawn into the physical was very realistic. Although I put tiny question marks in the margins when Kit’s hesitations disappeared like snow in the sun when they actually got to be physical. No mentions of a scar or other sensitivities. I think adding that would have made Kit’s experience feel even more real.

Another big storyline is the relationship between Kit and her awful, toxic brother Adam. She discovers that his way of doing business is not entirely clean, but in the end we don’t see that really resolved. Adam is a horrible character though and I would have loved to have seen him getting his due.

Overall this is another lovely, low angst story from Rey and Clevenger. It’s a really nice way to spend a few hours ignoring the cold, dreary winter weather and transporting your mind, once again, to the quaint town of Rocky Springs!

[Women Using Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of small-town-return-to-home-during-the-holidays romances will surely be drawn to Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey’s new collaboration. They make a good team and provide readers with a heartwarming story that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Their charming story world situated in Rocky Springs, Colorado creates an inviting atmosphere of family, friendship, community, and romance, making the storytelling flourish. Romantic tensions and emotional connections are amplified through the holiday themes, making A New Leash on Love an ideal love story for this upcoming holiday season.

Besides getting the nostalgic setting right, Clevenger and Rey also give readers characters that are worthy of their attention. Kit Hartman, the lead in this romance, is a likable, charming young woman. Her predicament—returning home after a major career setback—mirrors real-life challenges many face. This relatability fosters a deeper emotional connection among readers, making her journey more engaging. It also opens doors to sub-plots, like reconnection, personal growth, and the magic of unexpected love. However, it’s Kit’s struggle to reconcile personal ambitions with familial obligations that really strikes a chord with readers. It’s a theme that transcends generations and works well to capture the engagement of readers.

Kit’s romantic interest, Shawn McCoy, is also a noteworthy character. Shawn, a likable, warm and generous woman, is always at the ready to offer support and friendship to those around her. She’s navigating personal challenges of own, though, and her literal (and perhaps serendipitous) run-in with Kit at the dog park provides a nice distraction. It’s easy to see this “new” relationship has the potential to develop into something deeper, and readers are definitely there for it. Clevenger and Rey use it to showcase the beauty of unexpected connections. It makes the storytelling magical and entertaining.

The dynamic between Kit and Shawn is engaging and compliments the romance quite nicely. Though its beginnings are rooted in community and shared experiences, it serves as a catalyst for something more, ultimately illustrating how unexpected encounters can lead to significant changes in life. Furthermore, their bond shines a light on how small towns, even though they can be small minded and intrusive, can still be a safe place to return and find all the things one truly needs. Their friendship turned romance offers solace, self-discovery and the space to grow. Most importantly, it offers them a new beginning, making their romance a journey of transformation and love. Readers find this delightfully enchanting.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Olive. She’s a quirky, energetic little dog and adds layers of humor, warmth, and connectivity to the storytelling. She’s a great secondary “character” and compliments the overreaching story quite well. Clevenger and Rey use her to drive the story forward and illuminate certain themes, such as unconditional love and companionship. She also provides an avenue to slip in subplots, giving the storytelling comic relief as well as emotional depth. Ultimately, she enhances the human relationships within the story, making her a dynamic and memorable character that resonates with readers.

Final remarks…

A New Leash on Love is a story of unexpected adventures and new beginnings in a place that offers familiarity and family. Through relatable experiences and rich character development, it provides a captivating exploration of identity, community, personal growth, and love. This charming, inviting holiday tale resonates on a multitude of levels and showcases that love and acceptance are often the best gifts we can receive. I give this one a big 👍🏻.

Strengths…

Relatable characters
Lovable dog
Immersive story world
Engaging plot
Heartfelt romance

[Fiona Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A New Leash on Love Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey bring to light two very different characters, both of whom are at a crossroads in their life and in need of finding their next step. The main difference is that Kit knows that she needs to find out what comes next but Shawn is stuck, thinking she is happy even though she is giving up on her own desires through a need to help everyone around her. The two women had grown up together with Shawn being friends with Kit's brother.

Following the end of the ending of the television show that had been meant to give Kit her big break in California and while recovering from surgery, Kit is forced to return to her mountain hometown of Rocky Springs to stay in the cottage at the back of her parents place while working as an interior designer for her parents' business, alongside her obnoxious brother. She doesn't know what she wants to do next, but she does know that there's no way she wants to stay in Rocky Springs long term.

Meanwhile, Shawn is living in Rocky Springs with her dog, Milo and part owner (alongside her sister) and cashier for the local bakery that specialises in making cupcakes. She thinks she is content with her life and will do anything to help anyone whenever needed. However, in doing so, she has given up on her own dreams including the opportunity to go to college when she was younger. She has no intention of ever leaving Rocky Springs.

The two women are reunited when Kit's newly adopted dog, Olive, escapes her control while walking in the park before bumping into Shawn and sending her coffee flying. When Shawn offers to help train Olive the two women start to spend more time together and a bond quickly forms. However, neither of them knows where any relationship could go given that Kit has no intention of staying in Rocky Springs and Shawn has no intentions of leaving.

With the two women spending more and more time together including Shawn taking Kit on an "I Heart Rocky Springs Tour" to try to convince her that living in the mountain town isn't so bad and Kit starting to plant seeds of an idea that could encourage Shawn to consider leaving town. A roller-coaster of emotion ensues with the two women quickly becoming hot and steamy while also beating down their own internal fears about how any relationship could work long term.

With a bit of Christmas spirit, a little family angst and lots of spice, A New Leash on Love is a wonderful comforting story of new beginnings. A fantastic comfort read for the holiday season that leaves you rooting for the two main characters to find a way to make things work.

I am grateful to Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey and the publishers for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily and any opinions are my own.

[Pippa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kit Hartman is a capable interior designer and builder who escapes to Rocky Springs after the cancelation of a hit home renovation show in LA. Completely upending her life, she moves back home, dealing with family in their construction business and using the time to find her feet again. She’s always wanted a dog, and now seems like the perfect time to take on the small scrappy dog from the shelter. Who can resist Olive, a dog with gumption!

Shawn McCoy has put professional and personal dreams on hold to stay and look after family. Now working in the best bakery in town with a culinary award winning sister, Shawn is everyone’s go to gal when they need a hand. So helping Kit train her wayward pet rescue is all part of Shawn’s daily routine.

The dog is a clever way to push the protagonists together. There is a natural chemistry between the main characters, and what I really liked, was the respect they had for one another, including their differences. Both main characters need help in different ways to overcome personal and professional obstacles, and the authors do a lovely job of building a natural romance between them. I also appreciated how learning about the family and the other characters in the book was so easy and how the plotting and characterisations melded together so well. It made it an easy book to read, despite family histrionics, and a delightful way to spend a day during the holidays.

I figured two well-known, prolific queer authors wouldn’t lead me astray, and they didn’t! Even more telling, it is impossible to see the tug and pull of two different authors in the writing. This is a charming book set in small town America, complete with a homecoming and a breaking out, all tied up with a naughty dog. Perfect!

ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey bring warmth, charm, and just the right amount of spice to A New Leash on Love, a holiday romance that centers LGBTQIA+ characters in a small-town setting. With heartfelt moments and relatable dynamics, this story captures the complexities of connection, community, and taking chances on love.

The protagonists, two of the very few openly queer individuals in their quaint hometown, share an instant chemistry that feels authentic and endearing. What starts as casual companionship over the holidays quickly evolves into a deeper connection, as both characters navigate their growing feelings. Their budding romance is peppered with moments of humor, vulnerability, and genuine intimacy, creating a delightful balance between emotional depth and lighthearted fun.

The book shines in its relatability, particularly for readers in the LGBTQIA+ community who might recognize the challenges and joys of finding connection in less-than-diverse environments. The authors’ attention to detail in building the protagonists’ personal struggles and shared moments adds layers to the narrative, making their journey not just romantic but profoundly human.

While the story’s focus is on the romantic journey, the larger question of whether their relationship can thrive beyond the confines of their hometown adds a meaningful tension. This theme resonates with anyone who has grappled with balancing personal growth and romantic commitments, making the story universally appealing.

Clevenger and Rey deliver a cozy, festive romance that is as empowering as it is swoon-worthy. A New Leash on Love is a must-read for fans of holiday romances and LGBTQIA+ stories, offering a sweet reminder of the magic of taking risks for love.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful Rocky Springs story, this time following Shawn and Kit, the sibling and best friend respectively of the leads in Frosted by the Girl Next Door.

This was such a lovely, cosy, gentle read. There’s a proper meet-cute involving dogs (the best kind!) and a bit of instant attraction (not quite insta-love, but definitely insta-crush!) between Kit and Shawn. They were a really balanced, well-matched couple, and they fell into step with each other really quickly.

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What I really liked about their story is that most of the intrigue, drama, and unknowns came from their stories as individuals, such as Kit working out her next steps career-wise, and Shawn coming out as non-binary. While they were still figuring out their relationship, it acted more as a through-line than as the main plot itself.

I thought it was really fun to see a lot of the Rocky Springs characters from another perspective! Tara in particular came across very differently, and I really enjoyed seeing the different aspects of these characters. The timeline runs alongside the other book, so it was nice to see plenty of nods and references to the plot of Frosted. This one definitely felt like a companion to Frosted to me, but it would be interesting to see if someone who read them the other way round felt the same way.

Overall this was a really lovely romance story, that added to the world already created in Frosted by the Girl Next Door.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey pair up again delivering two spicy holiday romances. I still fondly remember reading their last pairings, The Mile High City Romances from 2021. Shawn McCoy never left her small hometown of Rocky Springs, Colorado. Shawn at 35 still works in the family bakery just like in high school. Kit Hartman has returned to the town she always wanted to leave. She worked in LA as a designer on a HGTV show till it was canceled. Now she has returned temporarily and is working in her family construction business.

Kit isn’t planning on staying in town and Shawn doesn’t want a fling but a relationship. But the two can’t ignore sparks and chemistry between each other. I like that the story stays in the small town and the focus is on their possible relationship and Shawn coming out as non-binary. I think the story got a little muddled in dealing with Kit’s brother Adam. It’s like the authors couldn’t make up their mind on how big of a villain to make him and still get the ending they wanted. But overall I like the characters and their family relationships.

I love this book and ‘Frosted by the Girl Next Door’ which features a romance for Tara who runs the bakery with Casey are happening at the same time. And it doesn’t matter which book you read first, it is fun to read the other and see where the characters meet up or have overlapping events. Neither book is a spoiler for the other. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this world by this pair. Fantastic job by Rey and Clevenger. This basically follows the same timeline as Frosted by the Girl Next door.

Kit Hartman moved back to Rocky Springs after her show got cancelled and to recover from everything. She adopts a dog now that she has time, but still doesn't intend to stay, as she couldn't wait to leave. When she runs into Shawn McCoy, a relationship is the last thing she wants or needs so she thinks a casual thing will work while she's in town.

Shawn McCoy never expected to run into Kit at the dog park, let alone be knocked over but seeing Kit again, all grown up has her glad she did. She never left town after everything and Kit doesn't intend to stay, but Shawn can't resist getting involved with her. Besides Shawn has other ideas and wants her to fall in love with Rocky Springs and her.

It was nice to see Kit and Shawn, especially evolve throughout the book. This was a great, low angst book with finding yourself and pleasing yourself rather than everyone else. I only wish there was a good resolution with Kit's brother, Adam. All that was mentioned was a bookkeeper, that's it.

I would recommend this book most definitely. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kit and Shawn are thrown together after Kit returns to her small hometown. Kit is a minor celebrity back home after her appearance as a designer on a home improvement show and hopes to make a go of it at her family's construction business after the show ends. Shawn has never left town and has the same job she had in high school but has become a community fixture, always helping anyone she can. Kit is itching to leave again as soon as she can but Shawn is not interested in the world outside of Rocky Springs.
I enjoyed this one, the characters are nicely written and their storyline well developed. The side characters each add a bit with the exception of Kit's brother Adam who seems very one dimensional to me. I liked their progression and felt like it was a natural lead up to the end if slightly unexciting. They have a few hiccups in their relationship and I think there may have been a couple too many for me. There is also one major plot point that felt unresolved with Kit's dad and brother so I was a bit disappointed not to see that resolved. I liked this story though and would recommend to anyone looking for an upbeat romance with likable characters and a few spicy scenes, it is a quick fun read would be great to curl up with during the holidays.

[Florénce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis the season folks, the season where it’s not only socially acceptable but highly encourage to wear nothing but comfy cloths all day, listening to nothing but Christmas songs, stuffed myself to death (figuratively) with nothing but hot soup and hot chocolate and indulge in nothing but Christmas themed books.

A new leash on love was exactly what I envisioned it would be, a typical but winning formula - a cozy small-town romance with adorable fur babies, low angst romance between two MC, spry grandparents and unfortunately a misogynist character that had me wishing I could wrangle his certain body parts until he ceased to exist in the book but I was just rambling. Kudos to clever wordplay at the title, it had me chuckle because Olive was a maniac when unleashed and unguarded, in fact he nearly mulled our MC Shawn to death (figuratively) when they first met.

All in all it was sweet story but I felt like the pacing could be faster. One thing that had me confused and unsatisfied was the plot between Kit and Adam, I would probably had to re-read back but it seemed the issue was left unresolved? Also I just realized there’s another book set in the same timeline with Tara, well guess I know what’s next on my agenda.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in small-town Colorado
This is another Christmas f/f romance book by Rey / Clevenger set in the small town of Rocky Springs in Colorado.
The two main characters Kit and Shawn first seem to be worlds apart: Kit who left the town to seek a career in LA until she is forced to return home but only temporarily and Shawn, the people-pleaser, who never left town and stayed to help her family and friends. Kit‘s new dog kind of brings them together and their dogs have an immediate friends-affair. The humans - as always - take a bit longer to acknowledge their attraction and to find out that they have a lot in common: both are at a crossroad in their lives. Question is whether they travel the road alone, stop moving at all or - and this is a big challenge - to find a way to travel together. And after years one of them eventually stands to their queer identity which is a good addition to the mix.
Two cute dogs, two main characters who have chemistry and once they give in to it have their attraction heat up their houses and bedrooms make up for a relaxed holiday read.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Leash on Love is set in the same world as Frosted by the Girl Next Door from the same authors, however, you do not need to have read the other novel before reading this one; both can be read as stand alone stories. This novel follows two incredibly likable and realistic main characters, is light on angst and unnecessary drama, and highly features two adorable dogs. It is set in winter, with a holiday backdrop, but the holidays are not the primary focus of the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a classic contemporary romance story.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.

[Michelle Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sweet romance by Jamie Clevenger and Aurora Rey.
This duo pairs well together. I have enjoyed all the books they have written together.
This was a low angst, and friends to lovers Christmas season read.
This book did a great job at self care, exploring themselves and growing. The secondary characters were well done, pertinent to the story.
This book runs concurrently with their first book, and I was happy that there weren't any repeat scenes as MCs in both books as sisters working together.
I hope to see more books from this duo in the future, I enjoy their books separately and when they collaborate.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, small-town romance. Kit’s reluctant return to Rocky Springs leads to an unexpected connection with Shawn, thanks to her mischievous new dog, Olive. Kit and Shawn’s chemistry is genuine and heartwarming and the story balances romance and self-discovery. While the pacing felt a bit rushed in places, it’s an enjoyable, cozy read perfect for fans of sweet, small-town romances.

Free ARC via NetGalley

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Thank you to nergalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review

I usually live Aurora Rey and I really liked Frosted by the girl next door. But I found this book to be a bit too repetitive for me. It felt like most of what I was reading was them going back and forth on dating and having a relationship to the point I got bored. I like the setting and Christmas time vibes, but this book didn't call to me. I still recommend Frosted by the Girl Next Door!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A New Leash on Love is a small-town sapphic romance with Kit, who is returning to her hometown, and Shawn, who's never left.
The characters were easy to like, the story kept flow really well and the narrator was quippy enough to keep the story rolling. I wish I would have felt like the whole story resolved itself, there were a number of side plots that I would have liked to spend more time on, but overall, a really nice, easy read.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Kit and Shawn. They meet when Kit is walking her adopted dog. The dog pulls on the lease and off the dog goes. Shawn sees what is going on and tries to help Kit. They finally catch the dog. Over time Kit hopes her dog will be a better dog but it doesn’t look that way Shawn offers to help train her dog. They start dating. They fall in love.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to see a story from another perspective and see how Shawn and Kit overcame their obstacles and if they were ready for what comes next.

Add in A dog and it’s a recipe to hook most

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.