Will Bark for Bluebell Springs Book 1 A Small Town Brother's Best Friend Romance
After a hard breakup and accepting her successful author career is on a downward spiral, all Kira Mason craves is the comfort of her late mom’s hometown bookstore.
Too bad no one warned her it was for sale.
Or that the handsome stranger who saves her from drowning in a nearby lake not only turns out to be her brother’s best friend, but also the man planning to buy it.
Except real estate investor and contractor Beckett Campbell doesn’t want the bookstore; only the building.
It should be easy to hate the man responsible for erasing her mother’s legacy.
Only, the unfairly sexy military veteran has infiltrated her entire family and won them over tenfold. Including her faithful dog who’s dubbed Beckett as his new best friend.
The harder Kira tries to steer clear of the man who served with both of her brothers, the more their paths seem to collide. If only he weren’t so nice, so thoughtful, so caring, so considerate, maybe her heart would remain safe behind the iron fortress she built around it.
Because falling for any man ever again–especially her brother’s best friend–is a risk her battered heart can’t afford to take.
If you enjoy small town romances packed full of heart, heat, and hilarity, with friendships that run deep, family–both blood and found–who always have your back, themes of healing and overcoming, and a loveable four-legged friend who steals the spotlight, then you’ll love this first book in the Bluebell Springs Will Bark for Pizza.
This was easily the best ARC I have read in a while. This was a cozy romance that had just the right amount of steamy romance. It literally took me 12 hours to read this book. I am a sucker for brothers' best friend trope and then you add in a dog and the story line just got 100% better. This had joy, laughter and sadness all rolled into one great book. This book had me laughing and crying all on the same page. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and give it a 5 star read.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book.
🐶📚🥵 Kira is a writer and she has an adorable pupper named (Husker) bubbies, through time she heals past relationship pains with her best buddy and a handsome handy man Beckett. This was a cute story perfect for a summer read. There were sometimes I felt like the story needed to move on quicker but that could also be my impatience to get to the good part 😏. Also sometimes I felt the main characters constant avoidance of things irritating, but I have gone through some similar issues and am at my bluntness stage. I liked through family and friends she was able to heal and realize she was the badass all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“A swoony small-town romance where the dog steals the show and the brother’s best friend steals your heart.”
Kira’s messy, relatable heartbreak paired with Beckett’s maddeningly perfect hero vibes had me hooked from page one. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and the dog is clearly the real star of the show. It’s equal parts swoony, hilarious, and heart-healing—💜
If I could give this another star I would!
This book has now taken the top seat of "favorite romance book EVER read!" ✨️
Thank you so much @carolinestone for accepting my ARC submission!
Kira, a paranormal romance author, and Beckett, a handyman, have the sweetest chemistry 💕. With brothers-best-friends dynamics, small-town vibes, and a little forced proximity, it was just so cute 🐾. Husker the dog completely stole my heart—his chapters were the cutest! 🐶
I loved how a dream brought Kira back to her small town ✨ and reshaped her life. I cannot wait for more in the Bluebell Springs series 📚.
Thank you, Caroline, for letting me be an ARC reader! 🙏 Happy Release Day! 🎉
I was very lucky to receive an ARC for this lovely book.
This book was so wholesome. I just loved it. An amazing end of summer, feel good read.
Kira, the FMC, was really relatable. She is an author struggling with writing a new book and after dreaming about her mom (who past away) she decides to return tl her hometown, Bluebell springs, for a visit and eventually decides to take over her mother's book store which was going out of business.
Husker, her dog, is her sidekick. He even has his own POV, which I loved!!
And Beckett, oh Beckett. He is the perfect, most green flag man out there. He falls first and he falls hard. He's there for her every step of the way during the re-opening of the store and finding her voice again for her next book.
4 ⭐️ - Small town romance - Brother's best friend - Slow burn (but when it burned, it b u r n e d) - He falls first - Green flag MMC
Caroline Stone has a very easygoing writing style. She painted an amazing picture of Bluebell springs and I can't wait for the following books. I am really curious if it will be about Luke and his new tenant. If Thoren and Alyssa will get there second chance. Or if maybe Owen and Lila will get together...
This book was so fun to read. I absolutely fell in love with Husker. As an animal lover myself it was refreshing to read a book that let a dog be such a main part of the book. In this book you get Brothers best friend, dog lover, slow burn but instant attraction, found family, forgiveness, so much packed in this book, but brought so perfectly in the storyline! The FMC Kira, is a famous indie author who writes under a pen name, that she didn’t think anyone in her hometown knew it was her, when she finds herself back in her home town to try and save her mothers book store, she finds so much more than she had ever bargained for. The MMC Beckett, is a handyman, that moved to her hometown to maybe settle down and flip a few rental properties, and one of those properties just happed to be Kira’s late mother’s bookstore! Beckett also served in the service along side her brothers and they were all best of friends to this day. Will Kira’s frustration over having to sell her mother’s beloved bookstore get in the way of Kira finally revealing her author name, and her feeling for the very handsome Beckett? You will have to read this book to find out! Oh, and don’t forget Husker and his obsession with treats esp Pizza, a dog after my own heart!!
I got this book as an ARC and I couldn’t put this book down—I finished it in just 24 hours! The chemistry between Kira and Beckett was electric, and while it’s a slow burn, every moment of build-up makes the payoff that much sweeter. What really stood out to me was Kira’s strength. As a domestic violence survivor, her journey to trust and love again felt raw, real, and incredibly inspiring. She didn’t lose herself in the process—she rediscovered parts of herself she thought were gone, and found love when she least expected it.
One of my favorite moments was seeing her brother’s reaction to her relationship, and how he made sure that she didn’t screw it up. It was heartfelt, supportive, and one of those scenes that just makes you smile. And I have to mention Husker’s POV—those chapters were such a clever, funny addition that made the story even more special.
This book is tender, uplifting, and emotional in all the best ways. If you love slow burns, strong heroines, protective heroes, and a dash of unique storytelling.
I can’t wait for more in this series, as this is just the first book! I am loving the vibe of Bluebell!
This was my first time reading a book by Caroline Stone, and it certainly won’t be my last. I received Will Bark for Pizza as an ARC, and from the very first page, I was hooked—I truly couldn’t put it down. This charming small-town romance is filled with heart and populated by characters you’ll instantly adore. The story of Kira and Beckett is a tail of healing and personal growth with a bit of humor. You will be surprised who falls first. While I enjoyed every part of the story, Huskers’ POV completely stole my heart. I can’t wait to return to Bluebell Springs and spend more time with its unforgettable residents.
Will Bark for Pizza, was a fun slow burn rom-com that has all the cozy feelings of a small town. Loved the chemistry between Beckett and Kira, both who have their own past traumas they are trying to work through. If you’re a dog lover the short Husker chapters will keep you laughing. I wish there would have been a prologue that gave us a little more insight to what happened a year prior at Aspen’s wedding. I feel like that would have given us a better idea of Kira’s mindset as she was returning to her hometown.
Thank you Book Sprout for the electronic ARC copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the honor of receiving “Will Bark for Pizza” ARC copy for my honest review. This is Caroline Stone’s debut novel but, also has other pen names. I loved the story the author told about Kira and Beckett. I’m torn about the chapters from the dog’s point of view. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Caroline Stone is also know as Jacqueline Winters and Kali Hart. I am going to definitely read her other books by these pen names.
This was such a fun and heartwarming read! I’m a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope, and this one hit all the right notes — the tension, the stolen glances, and the slow build that made their relationship feel real and earned.
Kira was such a relatable and likable main character, and Beckett had that perfect mix of charm and loyalty that made me root for him right away. But honestly? Husker the dog completely stole the show for me. Getting chapters from his POV was such a unique, adorable touch — it added humor, warmth, and a whole extra layer of heart to the story.
The chemistry between Kira and Beckett sparkled, but what I loved most was how the author balanced swoony romance with family dynamics and genuine emotional depth. By the time I finished, I was grinning like a fool.
If you love small doses of humor with your romance, strong but vulnerable characters, and a canine sidekick who might just be the best wingman ever, you’ll adore this book.
Thank you so much for choosing me to be one of the ARC readers!
I absolutely loved this feel good romcom! I fell in love with Bluebell Springs and all the quirky characters. I loved everything about Kira and Beckett’s story! I love a good slow burn and a brother’s best friend, and this was everything I needed and more! I can’t wait to see who comes next from bluebell!
Wow, I finished this early access in about 14 hours. I devoured its pages in record time. Unable to sleep. It had me up before the sun. to finish it. I am a sucker for brothers' best friend trope. Oh, and a dog lovers dream. I felt all the emotions each having their place. Joy, laughter, sadness. Want steamy scenes that hit in just the right way to curl your toes?This book got em! I am emotional and empathetic by nature and cried a few tears along the way. Having a harsh past of my own, I related to this book on many levels. I wholeheartedly recommend you give this book a read and a 5 star rewiew.
4.25 stars overall! The perfect palette cleanser read between series. The chapters from Husker really made the book for me 😊. I will say I loved the strong FMC and I loved how independent at heart she truly is but watching her soften up was actually incredible. 10/10 read for summer!
this was such a wholesome small town romance! it had me giggling and even tearing up a couple times. I loved feeling the romance bloom between Kira and Beckett! Husker's pov were perfect! I cant wait for more in this series.
I absolutely adored this book! First off, Huskers completely stole my heart—he reminded me so much of my own fur baby. The FMC was incredibly relatable, and I loved the witty banter between her and the MMC. The tension between Kira and Beckett was absolute chef’s kiss.
Beyond the romance, this story beautifully highlights the love of family, the strength of community, and the comfort of always having a place to call home. I only wish everyone could experience the warmth of such a close-knit town.
And I have to say, the unexpected third point of view ended up being my favorite part—it added such a fun and unique layer to the story.
A heartwarming, charming read that left me smiling the whole way through!
Thank you Caroline for the chance to ARC read this! 🔥Brothers best friend 🔥author FMC 🔥ex military MMC 🔥small town 🔥slow burn(in the best way) 🔥the doggy has is own POV❤️
This book, it’s everything I didn’t know I needed! Cozy small town romance with some spice. I love the forbidden trope of the brother’s best friend. This is the first book I’ve read with a dog’s POV, and it’s the cutest. I just wanted to snuggle with Huskers and give him all the pizza. It has the family and all the small town charm. The chemistry is perfect ❤️
I was given this book as an Arc read by Caroline Stone, and I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the engaging banter between the two MC'.s. It's rich in family tradition, forgiveness, trauma, laughter, love, and of course, finding YOUR person in the end. It is a slow burn, so if that's not your type of book, this one's not for you. I personally like a good slow burn every once in a while, enjoying that build-up and sexual tension. It"s a DPOV or should I say a TPOV 🤣 Some people didn't really enjoy the POV of her dog Husker, but I absolutely loved it. If you are an animal lover and own a dog, don't you just sometimes wonder what is going on in that head of theirs? I like a good book with twists in them otherwise its all the same monotonous crap.
In this book, Kira, a small town girl and big-time writer, is prodded by a dream about her mother. It's so real that it pushes her to take action and head home. She is also trying to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend who caused a deep rift in her family dynamics. She feels it's time to go home and mend what she broke, but she is scared that forgiveness she needs and wants won't be offered. But she finally takes the step and heads home to right the wrongs and hopefully build back the relationships she let crumble.
Beckett is a man who grew up in an unstable home life, with an alcoholic father and an enabling mother. He joined the military and found the people, the brothers who have his back, his found family. His life has been full of moving and a string of bad relationships, but he ends up in the same small town as Kira's brothers and family. Beckett is a property investor and finds this town peaceful, and it feels like a place he could settle down. But because of what happened in his past, he is having a hard time deciding if it's right for him.
When the two of them meet and collide, they both fight their mutual attraction due to past traumas, trust issues. Lets not overlook the fact that they are living together in her family home. But when Kira finds out he is set to purchase her Mom's bankrupt bookstore, it just solidlies her that she can't trust men. But they find their mutual attraction hard to fight, and they slowly overcome their fears and take a chance on each other. It's about friends who are your ride or die, your Goodbye Earl girls, no matter what you do. Even when you're not around or no matter how far away you go, you know that those people will always be there for you. It's about men who are your brothers in arms and found family. It's about finding peace, contentment and a place where you belong. It's about finding your people again, whether it's the family you were born into or the family you made for yourself. And trusting enough to open your heart again to another person and love. This romance was a little slice of heaven for me. I enjoyed how this book takes a look into family dynamics, how you can think that you messed up and no one will ever forgive you, and letting go of the past to find your future. It's an engaging, funny contemporary romance. It's about making amends and finding yourself and finally being at peace with where you are in life. It takes my love of books, my love of animals, my love of family traditions, and my love of pizza wraps it into one a great story. It's a romance about a man, a woman, a dog, and pizza. Its about when you find that person and love and how it can be chaotic and messy, but also fulfilling and empowering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May contain spoilers as this was my first time receiving and reviewing an advance reader copy (ARC), and I’m so honored it was for Caroline Stone’s debut novel.
Plot Summary: Kira returns to her small mountain hometown of Blue Bell Springs, Colorado, after a dream about her late mother nudges her to go back — even though her last departure was strained. She’s on an “apology tour” to make amends for past wrongs connected to a toxic, abusive ex. While facing her grief over her mother’s passing now the loss of her mother’s bookstore, and her own writer’s block, she meets Beckett — a man with his own scars, who served alongside her brothers and cousin. Beckett, swearing off both women and redheads after personal heartbreak, came to Blue Bell Springs to be with his chosen family and put down roots. Flipping houses is his way of creating stability, but meeting Kira flips his world in a different way — and might just be the missing piece he didn’t know he was searching for.
what i loved and enjoyed most I grew up in a small town, so small-town romances will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved the way this story captured the love, laughter, and everyday struggles shared between family and friends — plus the sweet, relatable life moments that make these kinds of books so comforting.
Husker’s point of view was adorable and unique. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of giving my own fur babies an inner dialogue, so I really connected with it. Learning the real-life inspiration for Husker had me in tears.
The “mom dreams” and subtle touches of her mother’s presence added a beautiful, almost paranormal layer. I’ve always believed that loved ones who pass stay with us, guiding us, and this book captured that sentiment perfectly.
Kira’s journey reconnecting with her family was a wonderful reminder that no matter how bad things get, true family will love you, welcome you back with open arms, and support your healing. Beckett’s storyline added a sweet found-family element — and while his comment about redheads being chaos made me laugh (and slightly offended me, ha!),.
This was predictable in the way the best wholesome romances are — sweet, hopeful, and full of heart. Kira’s feisty, flirty energy paired perfectly with Beckett’s kind, caring, and protective nature. Their banter was spot-on, and the side characters were just as lovable. I’m excited to see them get their own stories in future books.
What I didn’t love but still enjoyed: Aaron is mentioned several times with hints of something tragic, but we never learn what happened. I am not sure what's in store for Bluebell Springs, but I’m hoping🤞 I get answers in a Thoren story. 🤞 Also, Beckett’s grandma… whew. Her heart might be in the right place, but she wasn’t exactly the charming, quirky grandma archetype I adore in small-town romances. she did come in clutch, so that made up for her previous treatment of my girl Kira.
Sweet, heartfelt, and filled with laughter, Will Bark for Pizza is a lovely debut that blends romance, family, healing, and one very good dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When a healing heart meets a golden retriever… you get the kind of small town romance that feels like a hug in book form.
Kira returns to her hometown of Bluebell Springs a year after a brutal breakup, hoping to repair family ties and piece herself back together. Instead, she finds surprises waiting for her, including Beckett, the one man she shouldn’t be drawn to. Luckily she has Husker, her loyal dog who helps her navigate love, family and healing. With plenty of banter and a hopeful tone, this book captures exactly what you want from a cozy lakeside romance.
My take: Caroline Stone writes characters that feel alive on the page. Kira’s growth while carrying secrets was realistic and well written, and Beckett’s mix of steadiness and patience had me kicking my feet and hugging my Kindle. Their banter was so natural it almost felt like he was flirting with me! I also loved the unique touch of Husker’s POV chapters. They were clever and the perfect way to catch side conversations without dragging the pace.
What I loved:
Classic small town romance vibes, done really well
Tension and chemistry that kept me hooked
Honest representation of anxiety and trauma, balanced with humor and hope
What didn’t quite work for me: In the beginning, there were a lot of family members introduced close together, which made it tricky to keep track of who was who. Once I got past that, the story flowed smoothly.
Who should read this: Fans of Lucy Score or Jessica Peterson will feel right at home here. If you love small town romances with forced proximity, brother's best friend tension and a golden retriever MMC who builds his love interest a writing loft… this one’s for you!
Final verdict: A heartwarming and banter filled romance that balances emotional healing with love from a wet nose. I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
This was my very first time ever receiving an ARC and I’m so honored that this was Caroline Stone’s debut, but now I’m devastated that I’m going to have to wait to devour more of her stories. I am absolutely praying to have a story for Thoren and Alyssa!
This book is truly worth the read and some. It had so many great aspects. I love a brother’s best friend romance and I absolutely love when you get to have the MMC point of view. This book is set apart from all the others that I’ve read recently and probably ever by the surprise 3rd POV. Caroline truly crushed it with this story. It’s a slow-burn which I usually don’t like but this one was just set at the perfect pace. It wasn’t like you wanted to scream at the characters, you just wanted to live in the moment with them and felt like you were with the way that Caroline writes. I truly felt like I was in Bluebell Springs right along side the characters.
Kira and Beckett were absolutely two of the cutest characters, I loved that neither of them were shy. Kira was quick to hit Beckett with flirting back and Beckett was the greenest of flags for a MMC. This book wasn’t just some steamy romance novel, it had so many layers to it. The steam wasn’t the whole part of the story because there was truly a story and Caroline really took time to develop her characters. There were a lot of different topics like grief, addiction, sobriety, family challenges, self-esteem challenge, anxiety, and abusive partners. This story genuinely brings all the feels to you and it’s entirely worth the read. I hope this book releases in a physical form because it is one I absolutely want on more than just my Kindle Bookshelf.
Hopefully, the next books in this series come out quickly because I need Thoren and Alyssa like yesterday.
ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR - ALL OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN - potential spoilers ahead.
As someone who reads roughly 100 romance books a year I cannot thank this book enough for coming along at just the right time to pull me out of a recent serious reading slump. I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter.
This book had it all for me:
- centered around a writer/bookstore - saving a family business - brothers best friend romance - slow burn ( but when it finally burned it BURNED) - great secondary cast of characters that I hope we will see again in other books in this series - adorable dog sidekick
Kira is a fantasy romance writer (suffering from a serious case of writer’s block) who upon seeing her late mother in a dream is drawn to make a trip back to her hometown. Not an easy task when you’ve been on everyone’s sh!t list after a less than stellar drunken speech at your cousin’s wedding the year before.
Upon arriving back home she finds her mother’s book store closed and for sale. Her broken heart for her safe space filled with childhood memories takes a backseat to anger when she learns that her brother’s best friend Beckett is going to buy the building.
Speaking of Beckett, I need that TikTok green flag guy to wave the biggest one he has over this MMC. He was seriously so good for our heroine.
Will Kira overcome her block and write another book? Will she find a way to save her mom’s store and preserve a family legacy? Will she be able to put her past traumatic relationship experience behind her and take a chance on something new?
The story was a sweet, cozy, heartwarming read. The banter was perfection, the spice was just right and the dog absolutely stole the show!
Check the trigger warnings and do what’s best for you ❤️
What a wonderful start to a brilliant and cozy romance. I fell in love with Bluebell Springs and it's inhabitants. The togetherness that is a small town really shines in this book. I loved how the town came together to help Kira in so many ways. It was sweet and beautiful.
This book was a steady paced story about a woman struggling to get her life back on track. Her and her cute dog Husker travel home due to a dream. Scared that everyone still hates her after the last time she was home, she sneaks in to sleep in her moms old bookstore. But things are not as they seem and she finds that not everyone hates her.
Beckett is starting over fresh. He up and moved to be close to his brothers in arms. He wants to fit in and finds that life in a small town is really not what he expected. But with the help of friends he finds that this is what he needs.
I love the meet cute vibe that this book has. It has sweet vibes and lots of fun. This book is highly entertaining. It has an amazing cast of characters that are not only sweet, but funny. It has a stalker ex thing going on in the background that adds a bit of darkness to it, but it is not the main focus of the story. This book is full of healing and learning how to love yourself and know your self worth.
Caroline Stone has a way with words and her story telling is phenomenal. I love her characters and how she tells a story that is not only relatable, but is deep and has meaning. I love how she can take a serious story and add in funny elements to give it a fresh and fun vibe.
I highly recommend this read to those rom-com lovers out there.
Caroline Stone’s Will Bark for Pizza is a lighthearted and heartwarming story that combines humor, charm, and just the right amount of canine mischief. The book centers on a pizza-loving dog and the people whose lives he brightens, delivering a story full of laughter and warmth.
Stone’s writing style is playful and engaging, and the characters are endearing in their own unique ways. In particular, the flirtatious banter between Kira and Beckett adds a delightful romantic tension that keeps the story lively and entertaining. Their witty exchanges balance perfectly with the silly antics of the dog—and even Charlie the spider, who spins her own quirky charm into the mix—giving readers both heart and humor.
Beneath the jokes and pizza-loving chaos lies a sweet message about friendship, loyalty, and the unexpected ways love—and home—can show up. At its core, it’s about finding home, whether through the people who become family or the unexpected love that makes a place feel like home. Stone also reminds us that love, just like all good things, has its own timing—arriving in due time, often when we least expect it.
Whether you’re a dog lover, a pizza fan, or someone who enjoys a touch of romance mixed with humor, Will Bark for Pizza delivers a slice of joy. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after the last page.
Verdict: Funny, heartwarming, and irresistibly charming—with bonus sparks between Kira and Beckett (and Charlie’s delightful cameo) making the story even more delicious.
If you love dogs, small town romance, and self-discovery, then this book is for your.
Astrange from her family, Kira is headed back home after her late Mother visits her in a dream. She loads herself and her dog Husker up and they head to Bluebell Springs. She's sworn off men...and while staying on the DL, the first evening home she meets Beckett (ex military, brother's best friend).
Kira has to decide on be okay with another big loss or take the reigns and keep a legacy alive and to take another chance at love.
4.5 I absolutely loved Husker's POV chapters! So freaking cute! I also liked that Caroline touched on the loss of a mother. I related in many ways, from the dream to the signs of her being around and the sense of legacy. I also related to the feeling of losing yourself in a relationship that felt one-sided . The healing and finding who you are again. I loved that Beckett gave Kira space and never pushed. He really just heard her.
I would have liked to know more about Beckett's Mom - like her dynamics a little more than we got, and what exactly Nana did when she went for her visit to help Madeline. I loved how close Beckett is to his Nana! I'm glad Madeline woke up the heck up though! Some people just never learn.
It was a true pleasure getting to this ARC! Such a cute, slow burn rom com.
I could the next book leading into a Luke and possibly his new tenant. Sir, grumpy. But when I found out he was left at the alter, well, there definitely is more to his story!
I was so happy I got to read this as my first ever arc! Can I just say how great this book was. I don’t give out 5 stars like they are candy but this book had it all!
All the characters are in a small town (ahhh love love love small town romances.) Also BROTHERS BEST FRIEND TROPE!!!! This book was such a cozy romance that had all the feels. Bluebell springs now holds a piece of my heart. It took me only 2 days to read and was not hard to follow along.
Kira is our FMC and she’s an author that is struggling to come up with any more books. Her mom passed away 4 years ago and she has this dream that has her rushing home but not knowing why. Once she gets there it all makes sense on why her dream with her mom had her rushing home. Her mom’s bookstore was going out of business.
Beckett is our MMC. He’s a handyman, contractor, hottie and lover boy all wrapped into one. GREEN FLAG, YES PLEASE. He has a horrible childhood that made him who he is today. He also was in the Army (that’s how he met her brothers.)
Husker is the sweetest most food motivated dog I’ve ever read about lol. He’s an Alaskan husky but most people assume he’s a German shepherd. That boy LOVES him some treats. Don’t say treats too loud he may just show up. Best part about this book is the dog in my option. I love that he’s always there and yes the dog lives. 👏
Give this book a chance when it is available and you will not be disappointed!