What do you think?
Dog Person: A Love Story
“Not since A Dog's Purpose have I been so besotted by a novel's canine. Just like a good dog, Harold and this beautiful book will break your heart open and mend it all at once.”—Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of Jane & Dan at the End of the World
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog named Harold is determined to help his grieving owner, Miguel, find a reason to go on after loss. Now if only Miguel would stop getting in Harold’s way by being so very . . . human.
Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she left Harold with a final to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.
Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.
Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who’s also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . and he can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold is quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing his own happy ending.
Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog named Harold is determined to help his grieving owner, Miguel, find a reason to go on after loss. Now if only Miguel would stop getting in Harold’s way by being so very . . . human.
Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she left Harold with a final to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.
Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.
Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who’s also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . and he can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold is quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing his own happy ending.
Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Camille Pagán
17 books1,865 followersI’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 812 reviews
April 13, 2026
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ After the death of his owner, Amelia May, Harold is troubled with completing the task of finding love for her partner, Miguel, since he hardly ever goes out, especially to the bookstore he and Amelia owned. But the place is struggling financially, and when a renowned author is a no-show for the bookstore’s event, Miguel is desperate to save the place his late partner loved with her whole heart. So he and Harold set out to find the missing author, but instead find his sister, Fiona, and her eleven-year-old daughter, Amelia. Harold is pleased with this new development because he thinks there may be sparks flying between lonely, heartbroken Miguel and the secretive Fiona (who doesn’t like dogs), but time is something Harold doesn’t have, and Miguel is set on being alone forever. Can Harold help Miguel find love again so he can have his happy ending?
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Happier by Marshmello, Bastille
1:26 ───ㅇ───── 3:34
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ TL;DR: I didn't love it because it could have been better imo, but I'm not mad that I read it.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The first half of this book was great. I was hooked from the very beginning because 1) I love it when dogs or any animal, really, is the narrator, and 2) the premise for this story was right up my alley because books about finding love again after loss will always be my favorite. I was anticipating this to break my heart, and I was super excited for that.
Although it was still touching, it didn’t break my heart, and I think it’s because the second half of the book felt like it dragged on. I fear we lost the plot because nothing that happened felt like it was supposed to happen. Does that make sense? Almost as if everything was spontaneous and had no reason to be there, that’s what the second part felt like. And I thought it was odd that Harold sounded more like a puppy than an aging dog. I thought he would sound like Shadow from Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (gosh, I love that movie), and at times he did, but he also sounded quite...young? Eh, I'm not making any sense. You can just forget I said anything. 😂
Don’t get me wrong–I didn’t hate it or anything. But it did get tedious to read about the will-they-won’t-they because it’s obvious they will, but they won’t. Why? I don’t know. I mean, it was obvious there was attraction and maybe some sparks flying, but I wasn’t completely sold on the romance. Maybe the reason is that we only got to see them together from Harold’s perspective, and not knowing how they were feeling about one another, and what they thought about the whole situation and their possible romance. So that part was a bit disappointing.
Also, why did Amelia May not think ahead and write a will or something stating that all her royalties from her romance novels (yeah, she was an author. Who isn’t?) will go to Miguel and the bookstore? She knew she was terminally ill, yet she didn’t plan on where her money would go or talk to her accountant or lawyer or just someone about what she wanted it to go to. That wasn’t very bright. I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but all the problems Miguel faced wouldn’t have existed if Amelia had thought things through. But I guess that’s why it was an issue, because we need conflict to get the ball rolling. It just didn’t make sense to me.
Anyways, I think the only characters I liked in the book were Harold and Dane. Oh, and the other employees at the bookstore, but they didn’t really show up that much. I also liked Miguel’s sister, but like the employees, she was hardly there. Miguel, Fiona, and Amelia (Fiona’s daughter) were okay, but I didn’t like them. Miguel seemed kinda selfish and a bit rude, especially when the third-act conflict happens, and he does nothing–and I mean nothing–to fix the situation. Like, girl, I’m sure you can do better, I swear. Fiona didn’t annoy me or anything, but she wasn’t exactly my favorite character either. But her daughter, Amelia, was kinda annoying and acted more like an adult than Miguel or her mother, which says a lot. 😅
But I did think it was cool that this took place in the great year of 2003. I’m biased, of course, because that’s the year I was born, so of course I think it’s a great year. 😏
All in all, I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst since my luck with books lately hasn’t been the greatest. 🤷♀ I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but I certainly didn’t love it, which is a shame. 😢
-‘๑’- Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of a loved one & mentions kidnapping.
Swearing: You know what…I don’t think there was.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning the couple "mating," which I thought was funny. (🌶/5)
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Happier by Marshmello, Bastille
1:26 ───ㅇ───── 3:34
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ TL;DR: I didn't love it because it could have been better imo, but I'm not mad that I read it.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The first half of this book was great. I was hooked from the very beginning because 1) I love it when dogs or any animal, really, is the narrator, and 2) the premise for this story was right up my alley because books about finding love again after loss will always be my favorite. I was anticipating this to break my heart, and I was super excited for that.
Although it was still touching, it didn’t break my heart, and I think it’s because the second half of the book felt like it dragged on. I fear we lost the plot because nothing that happened felt like it was supposed to happen. Does that make sense? Almost as if everything was spontaneous and had no reason to be there, that’s what the second part felt like. And I thought it was odd that Harold sounded more like a puppy than an aging dog. I thought he would sound like Shadow from Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (gosh, I love that movie), and at times he did, but he also sounded quite...young? Eh, I'm not making any sense. You can just forget I said anything. 😂
Don’t get me wrong–I didn’t hate it or anything. But it did get tedious to read about the will-they-won’t-they because it’s obvious they will, but they won’t. Why? I don’t know. I mean, it was obvious there was attraction and maybe some sparks flying, but I wasn’t completely sold on the romance. Maybe the reason is that we only got to see them together from Harold’s perspective, and not knowing how they were feeling about one another, and what they thought about the whole situation and their possible romance. So that part was a bit disappointing.
Also, why did Amelia May not think ahead and write a will or something stating that all her royalties from her romance novels (yeah, she was an author. Who isn’t?) will go to Miguel and the bookstore? She knew she was terminally ill, yet she didn’t plan on where her money would go or talk to her accountant or lawyer or just someone about what she wanted it to go to. That wasn’t very bright. I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but all the problems Miguel faced wouldn’t have existed if Amelia had thought things through. But I guess that’s why it was an issue, because we need conflict to get the ball rolling. It just didn’t make sense to me.
Anyways, I think the only characters I liked in the book were Harold and Dane. Oh, and the other employees at the bookstore, but they didn’t really show up that much. I also liked Miguel’s sister, but like the employees, she was hardly there. Miguel, Fiona, and Amelia (Fiona’s daughter) were okay, but I didn’t like them. Miguel seemed kinda selfish and a bit rude, especially when the third-act conflict happens, and he does nothing–and I mean nothing–to fix the situation. Like, girl, I’m sure you can do better, I swear. Fiona didn’t annoy me or anything, but she wasn’t exactly my favorite character either. But her daughter, Amelia, was kinda annoying and acted more like an adult than Miguel or her mother, which says a lot. 😅
But I did think it was cool that this took place in the great year of 2003. I’m biased, of course, because that’s the year I was born, so of course I think it’s a great year. 😏
All in all, I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst since my luck with books lately hasn’t been the greatest. 🤷♀ I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but I certainly didn’t love it, which is a shame. 😢
-‘๑’- Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of a loved one & mentions kidnapping.
Swearing: You know what…I don’t think there was.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning the couple "mating," which I thought was funny. (🌶/5)
July 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
😭😭😭😭 will be snuggling my dog until further notice
😭😭😭😭 will be snuggling my dog until further notice
March 29, 2026
Giving my dogs extra kisses today
April 18, 2026
This review has taken me a while to write. This is the first book I've read by Camille Pagán and I don't think it was a great place to start. I was expecting something cute and this book had a few giggle moments, but overall I found it a bit repetitive and sad. I think the cover may have fooled me.
The story is told from the perspective of an elderly dog whose person passed 6 seasons ago and he was left with the task of helping her partner find love again. The problem is that her partner doesn't want to find love or even leave the house, so what's a dog to do? I was expecting cute doggy antics trying to get people to fall in love, but this is an older dog not a rambunctious pup. There is a young girl who was a great character and I really enjoyed her parts.
Unfortunately, our MMC comes across as a bit of a curmudgeon. He is grieving the loss of his partner and worried about finances and the possibility of having to close his book shop. He is basically grieving, stressed, financially strapped, and closed off to others. Then he meets our FMC. We don't get to know her very well, but somehow we are supposed to belief the feelings grow quickly and deep. I just didn't feel it. We see the behavior of the MMC through Harold, the dog, but we never really get his perspective. What about her interested him? We also never really get the perspective of the FMC, so everything just feels very surface level.
The storyline was good and of course, there is growth of characters. There are a couple of side characters that I liked a lot, but again some of the romance bits there also felt thrown in without basis. I think if we had a little bit more of the human main character's perspectives I would have enjoyed this one a lot more. Also, some of the repetition of thought needed to be edited out.
3.25 stars because I did giggle and tear up a couple times each.
Side note: I received an ebook of this one from NetGalley, but the formatting made it very difficult to read. It basically looked like one big long paragraph and I kept losing my place. I do not know if that will be changed for the published version, but I hope it is. In order to finish and review this book I purchased the audio version. It was narrated by Mark Bramhall and he did a wonderful job. It was a much better listening experience.
trigger warning:
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story is told from the perspective of an elderly dog whose person passed 6 seasons ago and he was left with the task of helping her partner find love again. The problem is that her partner doesn't want to find love or even leave the house, so what's a dog to do? I was expecting cute doggy antics trying to get people to fall in love, but this is an older dog not a rambunctious pup. There is a young girl who was a great character and I really enjoyed her parts.
Unfortunately, our MMC comes across as a bit of a curmudgeon. He is grieving the loss of his partner and worried about finances and the possibility of having to close his book shop. He is basically grieving, stressed, financially strapped, and closed off to others. Then he meets our FMC. We don't get to know her very well, but somehow we are supposed to belief the feelings grow quickly and deep. I just didn't feel it. We see the behavior of the MMC through Harold, the dog, but we never really get his perspective. What about her interested him? We also never really get the perspective of the FMC, so everything just feels very surface level.
The storyline was good and of course, there is growth of characters. There are a couple of side characters that I liked a lot, but again some of the romance bits there also felt thrown in without basis. I think if we had a little bit more of the human main character's perspectives I would have enjoyed this one a lot more. Also, some of the repetition of thought needed to be edited out.
3.25 stars because I did giggle and tear up a couple times each.
Side note: I received an ebook of this one from NetGalley, but the formatting made it very difficult to read. It basically looked like one big long paragraph and I kept losing my place. I do not know if that will be changed for the published version, but I hope it is. In order to finish and review this book I purchased the audio version. It was narrated by Mark Bramhall and he did a wonderful job. It was a much better listening experience.
trigger warning:
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 12, 2026
Well, I didn't cry, but the epilogue makes me feel like maybe I will see my boy one day again.
Review up soon~ish.
Prereading notes:
It’s been just over 2 months since I lost my boy, Arnie, to a brain tumor. Hope this isn’t too difficult of a read for me.
Review up soon~ish.
Prereading notes:
It’s been just over 2 months since I lost my boy, Arnie, to a brain tumor. Hope this isn’t too difficult of a read for me.
November 1, 2025
I took a minute to write this review because I had to stop crying. One word…. Heartwarming. Written from the POV of a dog, Harold, who is getting older. His owner Amelia died of cancer 6 years ago, her partner Miguel now runs their bookstore solo. That’s another thing! It takes place in an independent bookstore! And the dog tries to help Miguel find love again after Amelia’s passing. The bookstore is on the verge of extinction. So they have to save the shop and find love. Literally it does not get more heartwarming.
Can you even with all of the sweetness??? The story is exactly as adorable as it sounds. I don’t think Harold’s breed is ever mentioned, but he’s probably a mutt because he is a rescue. But his inner dialogue is very golden retriever energy. He is just as loving, loyal, and unconditionally loving as we know our dogs to be. There is also a 12 year old girl in it- single mom Fiona is our FMC, although I didn’t feel intense chemistry between them it would have been inappropriate in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the ARC. Book to be published April 6, 2026.
Can you even with all of the sweetness??? The story is exactly as adorable as it sounds. I don’t think Harold’s breed is ever mentioned, but he’s probably a mutt because he is a rescue. But his inner dialogue is very golden retriever energy. He is just as loving, loyal, and unconditionally loving as we know our dogs to be. There is also a 12 year old girl in it- single mom Fiona is our FMC, although I didn’t feel intense chemistry between them it would have been inappropriate in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the ARC. Book to be published April 6, 2026.
November 27, 2025
I have read a bunch of Camille Pagán's novels and they have all been enjoyable. However, I feel like Dog Person is her best one yet! This is a sweet and thoughtful story about love, grief, and books, told through the perspective of Harold, who is an old dog.
Harold was tasked with helping widower Miguel find new love. Meanwhile, Miguel is trying to save the bookstore he and his late wife Amelia own. His efforts lead him to an interesting situation that may help with the store and also fulfill Harold's mission. However, there are some complications that come about while Miguel is still dealing with his grief.
I really enjoyed the story overall. It's so quirky, entertaining, and full of surprises, but also heartfelt and sad at times. It was interesting reading it through Harold's perspective, even though I wonder how he so clearly understood what everyone was saying.
This delightful novel releases in April. Perfect for a spring read. (Or perhaps a listen while walking your dog.)
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Harold was tasked with helping widower Miguel find new love. Meanwhile, Miguel is trying to save the bookstore he and his late wife Amelia own. His efforts lead him to an interesting situation that may help with the store and also fulfill Harold's mission. However, there are some complications that come about while Miguel is still dealing with his grief.
I really enjoyed the story overall. It's so quirky, entertaining, and full of surprises, but also heartfelt and sad at times. It was interesting reading it through Harold's perspective, even though I wonder how he so clearly understood what everyone was saying.
This delightful novel releases in April. Perfect for a spring read. (Or perhaps a listen while walking your dog.)
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Miguel: Oscar Isaac
Fiona: D'Arcy Carden (I had her in mind as soon as Fiona was introduced in the story!)
Dane: Fred Hechinger
Fiona's daughter: Olive Abercrombie
Miriam: Rosa Salazar
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TW: Old dog getting sick and dying. Potential loss of business. Child running away from home.
August 29, 2025
I just...didn't love this book. I got invested in the story - beloved dog has a mission to find Miguel a new love after Amelia May, their person dies. I liked Harold the dog. I did not particularly like either Miguel or the dead Amelia May.
Through a series of unlikely events, Miguel meets Fiona, and sparks fly. Fiona has an overly precocious daughter named Amelia Mae. I didn't particularly like her much, either. Of course, Fiona and Miguel meet-cute, feel an attraction, get it completely wrong and stomp away from each other, feelings hurt.
Mostly, I don't like books where the whole premise is flawed. Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore.
Which makes the dead and sainted Amelia May kind of a horrible person in my book. Miguel is pretty passive and clueless and I don't get his appeal at all. I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended.
Through a series of unlikely events, Miguel meets Fiona, and sparks fly. Fiona has an overly precocious daughter named Amelia Mae. I didn't particularly like her much, either. Of course, Fiona and Miguel meet-cute, feel an attraction, get it completely wrong and stomp away from each other, feelings hurt.
Mostly, I don't like books where the whole premise is flawed. Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore.
Which makes the dead and sainted Amelia May kind of a horrible person in my book. Miguel is pretty passive and clueless and I don't get his appeal at all. I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended.
August 24, 2025
I've read all of Camille Pagan's books, and this is by far her absolute BEST. I started at 11 AM this morning and just finished. 5 PM. Bawling.
Dog Person, told from a dog's perspective, captures the richest emotions---love, loss, found families, and healing....all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan nails every single trope.
A special shout out to firecracker Amelia who at 12 deserves her own novel.
Kudos, Camille! I laughed. I cried. I rooted for these complex characters. Love stories don't come any bigger than this. Five furry tails for this extraordinary tale that's sure to win readers' hearts.
Dog Person, told from a dog's perspective, captures the richest emotions---love, loss, found families, and healing....all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan nails every single trope.
A special shout out to firecracker Amelia who at 12 deserves her own novel.
Kudos, Camille! I laughed. I cried. I rooted for these complex characters. Love stories don't come any bigger than this. Five furry tails for this extraordinary tale that's sure to win readers' hearts.
June 18, 2026
This is story for dog lovers and book lovers everywhere. It's a hopeful story about life after loss and the amazing love of a dog.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Bramhall, and the book is from the POV of Harold, the dog. Mark did a great job voicing the older dog.
It's a feel good story despite the backdrop of grief. Harold is funny dog, he had me cracking up!
And that ending! Wow. 🥹
A book with a dog at the center of the story is the easiest 5 stars to give.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Bramhall, and the book is from the POV of Harold, the dog. Mark did a great job voicing the older dog.
It's a feel good story despite the backdrop of grief. Harold is funny dog, he had me cracking up!
And that ending! Wow. 🥹
A book with a dog at the center of the story is the easiest 5 stars to give.
April 9, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really wanted to love this one, but didn’t really enjoy the style of writing and it felt more like a mid-grade level to me. Thank you to Ballantine for the opportunity!
I really wanted to love this one, but didn’t really enjoy the style of writing and it felt more like a mid-grade level to me. Thank you to Ballantine for the opportunity!
July 24, 2026
*3.5 Stars!*
I am the biggest dog lover!!! So, I went into this one with pretty high hopes and while it didn't end up being the super emotional story I was expecting it to be, I still had a great time reading it! Harold, of course, stole the show here! His narration was the best! So heartfelt and hilarious at the same time and I loved getting to see the world through his eyes. His doggy thoughts had me giggling multiple times throughout the book and not only is this a dog book, it's also a book about books! Which I also love! I'm always very into found family and small groups of people making a little community and the bookstore felt like that. The romance was also very sweet, and I liked that there was a good balance of grief and healing and I was so rooting for Miguel to open his heart again!
There were only a few things that didn't work for me with this book...the biggest being the pacing. I feel like it felt pretty consistently slow and even though I still felt engaged, it never gave me that feeling where I don't want to put it down or can't wait to pick it back up again. The final stretch felt like it slowed down even more for me, but it also had the biggest emotional moment, too. I was also pretty frustrated with Miguel for a lot of the book, and I felt like Amelia Mae's dialogue sounded much older than her age. Even with those things, this was still a really warm and touching story, and I cannot express enough how much I loved this being told from Harold's POV and how great of a narrator he was. I think that if you love dogs, bookstores, and stories about grief + healing, this is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eBook!
I am the biggest dog lover!!! So, I went into this one with pretty high hopes and while it didn't end up being the super emotional story I was expecting it to be, I still had a great time reading it! Harold, of course, stole the show here! His narration was the best! So heartfelt and hilarious at the same time and I loved getting to see the world through his eyes. His doggy thoughts had me giggling multiple times throughout the book and not only is this a dog book, it's also a book about books! Which I also love! I'm always very into found family and small groups of people making a little community and the bookstore felt like that. The romance was also very sweet, and I liked that there was a good balance of grief and healing and I was so rooting for Miguel to open his heart again!
There were only a few things that didn't work for me with this book...the biggest being the pacing. I feel like it felt pretty consistently slow and even though I still felt engaged, it never gave me that feeling where I don't want to put it down or can't wait to pick it back up again. The final stretch felt like it slowed down even more for me, but it also had the biggest emotional moment, too. I was also pretty frustrated with Miguel for a lot of the book, and I felt like Amelia Mae's dialogue sounded much older than her age. Even with those things, this was still a really warm and touching story, and I cannot express enough how much I loved this being told from Harold's POV and how great of a narrator he was. I think that if you love dogs, bookstores, and stories about grief + healing, this is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eBook!
May 28, 2026
I’m probably the exact audience for this book because I love dogs and I love books, so putting those two things together was already a good start for me. But honestly, this also just came along at the perfect time. I’ve been reading a lot of heavier books lately and this felt like such a refreshing change of pace.
Harold absolutely made this story for me. The whole book is told from his perspective, and watching him try to basically manage these humans and push Miguel back toward actually living again was equal parts funny, sweet, and occasionally a little heartbreaking. The bookstore atmosphere worked really well for me too. The struggling bookstore, the missing author situation, the family dynamics… it all just made for a really cozy reading experience.
What I liked most was that even though this book deals with grief and loneliness, it never felt emotionally draining. It stayed hopeful and warm the whole way through, which was exactly what I needed right now.
I listened to this on audio narrated by Mark Bramhall and thought he was such a great fit for Harold’s voice and personality.
If you like books involving animals that still have good bones to the story, I think there’s a really good chance this one will work for you too.
Harold absolutely made this story for me. The whole book is told from his perspective, and watching him try to basically manage these humans and push Miguel back toward actually living again was equal parts funny, sweet, and occasionally a little heartbreaking. The bookstore atmosphere worked really well for me too. The struggling bookstore, the missing author situation, the family dynamics… it all just made for a really cozy reading experience.
What I liked most was that even though this book deals with grief and loneliness, it never felt emotionally draining. It stayed hopeful and warm the whole way through, which was exactly what I needed right now.
I listened to this on audio narrated by Mark Bramhall and thought he was such a great fit for Harold’s voice and personality.
If you like books involving animals that still have good bones to the story, I think there’s a really good chance this one will work for you too.
August 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I just finished this book and had to give myself a moment for the tears to dry from my face before I could write this.
As a dog person, I was hooked from the start. Getting the story from the point of view of a dog was such a joy. Pair that with a cozy bookstore setting and it felt like this book was written just for me. On the surface, it is a heartwarming, feel-good story, but it also an emotional deep dive into grief, loss, and what it means to find family in unexpected places. It’s about love, resilience, and the determination to make things better.
Harold, the dog, absolutely stole my heart. Seeing the world through his eyes made me laugh, cry, and want to reach through the pages just to give him a belly rub and tell him he was the best boy.
Miguel, our main character, felt so real to me. His personality was layered and believable. I could feel his pain and his joy, and I loved watching his flaws and redemption play out.
I loved the community and found family that put their arms around him when he needed them the most.
This book is full of unforgettable characters and moments that will stay with me long after I turned the last page. I cannot wait to share this one with all my dog loving friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I just finished this book and had to give myself a moment for the tears to dry from my face before I could write this.
As a dog person, I was hooked from the start. Getting the story from the point of view of a dog was such a joy. Pair that with a cozy bookstore setting and it felt like this book was written just for me. On the surface, it is a heartwarming, feel-good story, but it also an emotional deep dive into grief, loss, and what it means to find family in unexpected places. It’s about love, resilience, and the determination to make things better.
Harold, the dog, absolutely stole my heart. Seeing the world through his eyes made me laugh, cry, and want to reach through the pages just to give him a belly rub and tell him he was the best boy.
Miguel, our main character, felt so real to me. His personality was layered and believable. I could feel his pain and his joy, and I loved watching his flaws and redemption play out.
I loved the community and found family that put their arms around him when he needed them the most.
This book is full of unforgettable characters and moments that will stay with me long after I turned the last page. I cannot wait to share this one with all my dog loving friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2026
Review to come later. Right now, after reading ending of this incredible book, I’m crying. Both happy and sad tears, I am grateful to have read this book.
April 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
"I've fulfilled my purpose."
This story was beautiful😭🫶
Anything dog related in books or movies make me cry🥲 This was no exception.
Dog person for life🐕💞
"I've fulfilled my purpose."
This story was beautiful😭🫶
Anything dog related in books or movies make me cry🥲 This was no exception.
Dog person for life🐕💞
March 24, 2026
A light hearted story told from a dogs POV where one of his owners passes away but he takes it upon himself to help the widow find love again. This also had a plot about the lengths that indie bookstore owners have to go through to survive (which I loved)! This takes place in 2003 during the introduction of e-books which I thought was cool as well.
June 23, 2026
Oh my gosh I’m balling my eyes out. Why was this book just so good. The story was so beautiful and emotional and raw. It makes me want to go home and hold my dog and cry and hold all my family so close. I loved that this book was told by the POV of the dog. I loved getting that side of the story and watching as the dog keeps his last promise to his owner who passed away to help her partner find love again. It was so heartbreaking and so beautiful and sitting here writing this I honestly don’t have the words to describe the feeling this book gave me. It was both comforting and sad but so real and so honest. It left me looking at the world in a different way.
August 14, 2025
Dog Person was such an emotional and completely charming read!
Camille Pagán blends humor and heart beautifully in this unique story told from the perspective of Harold, an elderly dog determined to help his grieving human, Miguel, find love again.
Harold’s voice is endearing and surprisingly insightful, and his efforts to bring Miguel and Fiona together are both funny and touching. The relationships feel real, the emotional beats land, and the writing strikes a perfect balance between lightness and depth.
It’s a story about love, loss, and second chances with a dog’s view that somehow makes it all hit harder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Camille Pagán blends humor and heart beautifully in this unique story told from the perspective of Harold, an elderly dog determined to help his grieving human, Miguel, find love again.
Harold’s voice is endearing and surprisingly insightful, and his efforts to bring Miguel and Fiona together are both funny and touching. The relationships feel real, the emotional beats land, and the writing strikes a perfect balance between lightness and depth.
It’s a story about love, loss, and second chances with a dog’s view that somehow makes it all hit harder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 5, 2025
The dog dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
Oh this was such a heartwarming and bittersweet book! Even knowing before going into the story that the dog is older and closer to crossing the rainbow bridge, I wasn’t prepared. 🥹
This story did wonderfully in depicting grief and healing of losing a loved one. We meet Miguel who lost Amelia a little over a year before the story starts and he’s trying to figure out life without her, alongside their pup Harold. This story is a reminder for dog lovers (not that we need it) of how much a dog can save us and be there for us in the hardest of times. The entire story is told from the POV of Harold and it was just so sweet. Don’t expect a masterpiece in the writing style and but do expect to see the world through the eyes of a pup. 🥹
Seeing Miguel learn to love again and take that first step forward was beautiful to see. I do wish we could have gotten more depth in the romance aspect of this book but it was limited due to it being the POV of Harold. Overall though it’s a good read. It gets 5 starts for making me sob in the epilogue.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Ballantine and Camille Pagan for the eARC copy!
This story did wonderfully in depicting grief and healing of losing a loved one. We meet Miguel who lost Amelia a little over a year before the story starts and he’s trying to figure out life without her, alongside their pup Harold. This story is a reminder for dog lovers (not that we need it) of how much a dog can save us and be there for us in the hardest of times. The entire story is told from the POV of Harold and it was just so sweet. Don’t expect a masterpiece in the writing style and but do expect to see the world through the eyes of a pup. 🥹
Seeing Miguel learn to love again and take that first step forward was beautiful to see. I do wish we could have gotten more depth in the romance aspect of this book but it was limited due to it being the POV of Harold. Overall though it’s a good read. It gets 5 starts for making me sob in the epilogue.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Ballantine and Camille Pagan for the eARC copy!
May 22, 2026
Told from the point of view of an elderly dog named Harold, this story follows his mission to find a new love for his owner's partner after her sad passing. What follows is a sweet tale of second chances and connection, as well as grief and longing. Have your tissues ready!
Advanced reader copy provided by Delacorte Press. All opinions are my own.
Advanced reader copy provided by Delacorte Press. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2026
A cute story with a dog and a bookstore. Of course I loved it. Good as an audiobook.
August 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Dog Person** by Camille Pagán
This book had me in my feels from page one, and I was *so* not prepared for how much it would hit. “Dog Person” isn’t just about dogs (though there’s a very good pup involved) — it’s about connection, grief, and finding pieces of yourself you didn’t know were missing until they show up in the form of an unexpected friendship.
We follow a woman whose carefully curated, “everything’s fine” life gets a little sideways after a chance encounter with a dog owner. What starts as small talk turns into this beautifully messy, heart-tugging journey through loss, love, and the awkward-but-healing steps of starting over. It’s emotional without being heavy-handed, funny in the kind of way where you laugh and then immediately feel your throat tighten, and so real it’s like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s life.
Pagán’s writing is warm, sharp, and *low-key unputdownable*. I devoured this in a day because I just had to know where the characters would end up — and honestly, I’d hang out with them again in a heartbeat.
✨ *ARC Review — huge thanks to the publisher, Camille Pagán, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this early.*
This book had me in my feels from page one, and I was *so* not prepared for how much it would hit. “Dog Person” isn’t just about dogs (though there’s a very good pup involved) — it’s about connection, grief, and finding pieces of yourself you didn’t know were missing until they show up in the form of an unexpected friendship.
We follow a woman whose carefully curated, “everything’s fine” life gets a little sideways after a chance encounter with a dog owner. What starts as small talk turns into this beautifully messy, heart-tugging journey through loss, love, and the awkward-but-healing steps of starting over. It’s emotional without being heavy-handed, funny in the kind of way where you laugh and then immediately feel your throat tighten, and so real it’s like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s life.
Pagán’s writing is warm, sharp, and *low-key unputdownable*. I devoured this in a day because I just had to know where the characters would end up — and honestly, I’d hang out with them again in a heartbeat.
✨ *ARC Review — huge thanks to the publisher, Camille Pagán, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this early.*
January 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: A few years ago I went through a phase and read every one of Pagan's published books. She writes real characters who are quirky, fun, sad, searching, and just living life. This book, unlike her others, revolves around a man Miguel, and his dog. The dog Harold is the narrator. He's brilliant, of course. And the humor in how a dog interprets some things ("mating", smiling, squirrels, lol) is a welcome break in witnessing Miguel's grief. Miguel lost his partner Amelia and his business is failing. Harold is determined to make good on his vow to Amelia to take care of Miguel.
As Miguel and Harold go on an adventure to find his favorite author they encounter the author's sister and her tween daughter. Of course, attraction grows, but guilt and grief rise. Miguel and Harold, and their loyal group of employees/friends, work to right the business and allow new friends and love into their circle. Definite tears at the end but the journey was worth it. Oh, and Miguel owns a book store. Between the books and dogs, I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
As Miguel and Harold go on an adventure to find his favorite author they encounter the author's sister and her tween daughter. Of course, attraction grows, but guilt and grief rise. Miguel and Harold, and their loyal group of employees/friends, work to right the business and allow new friends and love into their circle. Definite tears at the end but the journey was worth it. Oh, and Miguel owns a book store. Between the books and dogs, I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
July 29, 2025
Dog Person by Camille Pagán is a wonderful contemporary fiction that is about hearts, healing, and the true love of our canine friends.
I am a dog person to the core, always will be, so I knew I had to read this book. It brought the full gambit of emotions: love, loss, emptiness, and hope. I love that it was told with the viewpoint of Harold, the very adorable, loyal, and insightful canine.
I loved everything about this story and hope that others will also come away with an uplifting feeling, one of promise and peace.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
I am a dog person to the core, always will be, so I knew I had to read this book. It brought the full gambit of emotions: love, loss, emptiness, and hope. I love that it was told with the viewpoint of Harold, the very adorable, loyal, and insightful canine.
I loved everything about this story and hope that others will also come away with an uplifting feeling, one of promise and peace.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
August 2, 2025
3.5 This was such a sweet and heartwarming read, I love reading books through a dogs pov. That’s what got my attention with this book and made me want to read it, I LOVE the book and movie a dogs purpose and this sounded cute and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It’s absolut an old dog named Harold that Amelia adopted years ago and when she dies Harold wants to find Miguel someone else to love before his time is up too.
Just the concept and plot is so sweet and the ending and especially the epilogue broke me. That epilogue was not necessary that’s honestly what makes this a 3.5 instead of 3😭 all the characters are really likeable and I recommend this book to anyone that’s a dog person. Overall it’s just a hopeful and heartwarming read but sadly I just didn’t connect with the story that much, but I had a good time
Thank you for the e-arc Netgalley 💕
Just the concept and plot is so sweet and the ending and especially the epilogue broke me. That epilogue was not necessary that’s honestly what makes this a 3.5 instead of 3😭 all the characters are really likeable and I recommend this book to anyone that’s a dog person. Overall it’s just a hopeful and heartwarming read but sadly I just didn’t connect with the story that much, but I had a good time
Thank you for the e-arc Netgalley 💕
July 21, 2025
"I've always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It's a warm hug made of sound." -Harold
This book is also like a warm hug. I don't think I've ever read a book like this before. You so easily fall in love with every character in this book, including the furry one! I wish I could go back and read it all over again for the first time. Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
This book is also like a warm hug. I don't think I've ever read a book like this before. You so easily fall in love with every character in this book, including the furry one! I wish I could go back and read it all over again for the first time. Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
November 2, 2025
I knew from the minute I received this arc that this was my perfect book — the title, the premise, the heart. All of it. Ten stars if I could.
The fact I got to read it cuddled up with my own aging pup made it even sweeter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early look. I preordered so I can read it again later when I need a good cry-hug.
The fact I got to read it cuddled up with my own aging pup made it even sweeter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early look. I preordered so I can read it again later when I need a good cry-hug.
August 19, 2026
"There are 2 types of people in this world, dog people and people who just haven't met the right dog yet."
This was cute. A story from a senior dog's POV on trying to figure out where his lady owner (who passed) has gone to and why his man owner is so sad. Nothing too crazy or extra memorable but the ending had me fighting back tears and hugging my own fur baby a little tighter so for that I give a 3.75.
This was cute. A story from a senior dog's POV on trying to figure out where his lady owner (who passed) has gone to and why his man owner is so sad. Nothing too crazy or extra memorable but the ending had me fighting back tears and hugging my own fur baby a little tighter so for that I give a 3.75.
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