Hounding Hank

Matchmaking in Granville #2

by D.J. Jamison

An unexpected love will soon be Hounding Hank...

Matchmaking Mamas helped my best friend, Maverick, and his rival neighbor find love. If they can help those two, it should be a piece of cake to find me a guy, right?

The dating pool of available men is small, but finally after weeks of waiting, the Mamas come through for me. Hank is sweet and charming via text, and we instantly connect over our love of dogs.

And when I lay eyes on him for our first date--holy heck, is he hot!

It seems like a perfect match.

Until Hank gets a look at me and just about swallows his tongue--and not in a good way.

Hank was expecting to meet a woman. Instead, he got me.

The Matchmaking Mamas have epically screwed the pooch, and left Hank and me to clean up the mess. But there's a friendship in the making that might be worth all the trouble--if I can just keep my inconvenient attraction under wraps.

I don't want to hound Hank about my unreciprocated feelings, but the closer we get, the more I start to wonder...

Could Hank still be my Prince Charming, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Spicy

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2026

About the author

DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

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Reviews

[BookSafety Reviews]

I’d definitely been meeting too many of my dates at bars or parties, where the alcohol was flowing and a first date amounted to a hookup. I was a nice guy, so I always called for a follow-up date, and somehow I ended up in relationships without really even knowing these women.

It’s hard to say exactly why this rubbed me the wrong way so badly, but self-proclaimed nice guys are literally always assholes. Don’t call people you clearly have no interest in for a ‘follow-up date’ (gag) and you won’t be in shitty relationships. byeee DNF

Spoiler alert for more context:

Apparently the character is demiromantic which does explain why you'd maybe end up in relationships where you don't have any romantic interest in the other person without more of a connection beyond the initial physical attraction -- trying to follow the 'path' everyone else is taking, not getting why it's not working (heartbreaking and understandable), but unfortunately none of that come across at the point of the above quote in the book. He just sounds like a douche 'nice guy' on Reddit. So if you've read this book, please don't take my comments as hate on a demi character, I DNFd before that ever became clear because of him giving me the ick, because of inconsistent characterization, and for how he acted when he first met Jamie.

[Fabigail Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute romance. I think all these bi awakenings are a little far-fetched, but so is an adorable, homophobia-free small town full of twee small businesses and happy gay couples. Plus this one has dogs.

[Rebecca Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, holy cuteness overload!

I am absolutely loving this series so far. These matchmaking mamas… I genuinely can’t tell if they’re playing things off like accidents or if they’re secretly brilliant and making everything look like a mistake 😂 Either way, I am completely here for it.

Our two MMCs in this book were just the absolute sweetest. I also really loved the role reversal here. I feel like a lot of times with a bi awakening, the character experiencing it is the one who wants to slow things down and figure everything out. But not this time. In this one, the MMC who already knows he’s gay is the one who wants to take things slow and protect his heart, and I really appreciated that shift.

Overall, this was such a cute, very low angst story with tons of adorable puppies. I’m super excited to see where this series goes next and especially who’s going to steal Silas’s heart.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great, light 3 star read. Perfect for my mood and a rainy day.

Hank 🐾 Jamie

Hank and Jamie are set up on a date through the town matchmakers. They hit it off quickly over text and agree to meet at the dog park. When Hank sees Jamie he is shocked that he’s a ‘he’ and not a woman. They hang out together anyway and their friendship takes off from there.

The story follows these two dog lovers as they quickly become best friends, and Hank realizes that what he’s been missing his whole life, is Jamie.

❤️No third act breakup
🗣️Lots of communication
🥰 6 ft 3 dog groomer (Hank) and pint sized baker/caterer who secretly wants to have a dog treat business (Jamie)
🐾Both men have their own dogs and they are part of the story
👬🏽MM - Hank has only ever been w women so doesn’t understand his feelings for Jamie. He’s also never really been in love and has a bit of Demi-romantic ‘awakening’. Jamie is out and gay.
🫣No OM/OW. For different reasons, both have had trouble in relationships and are ready for more than hookups. Jamie is rightly concerned about Hank’s somewhat abrupt realization.
⚡️Insta - friendship to love.
🌶️Spice - This is open door but not overly graphic.
💗 Jamie wants Hank from the get-go and is worried about being able to be just “friends” w Hank. Hank is lovely and openly affectionate even before they’re together. Loved that there was zero hesitation once he became aware of his feelings. Lots of open conversations.
🐶small moments, genuine shared interests, no power imbalance
🏠Found friends/family - so many friends and family members
🌳Small town vibes
👥. Dual POV; HEA; living together

Overall, this was a low angst sweet read. It’s all largely unrealistic, but that worked for me today.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Matchmaking in Granville series, and it is fine to read as a standalone. However, it’s part of a much larger Nebraska small-town “universe” and has many callback characters that loyal readers will recognize and probably enjoy as well.This is an adorable and sexy bisexual-awakening, small-town MM romance. Hank and Jamie are lovely people with a strong desire for connection. Their growing intimacy is sweet and tender, with a side dish of yearning, especially for Jamie.

I’m eager to read on and curious to know if bad-boy Fox, the tattoo artist, does come to Granville. Because Jamie’s other bestie, wedding-planner Silas, could use a bit of spice in his life…

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, DJ & Neon Rainbow, for my copy of Hounding Hank. Readers return to Granville & the antics of the Matchmaking Mama's. Hounding Hank can be read as a standalone, but I loved all the cameos & nods to other books by DJ Jamison.

Hank & Jamie connect via text after being matched by the Matchmaking Mama's, but when they meet for the first time, things aren't what they thought. Hank is straight & thought Jamie was female. They decided to be friends, but feelings & jealousy get in the way which results in their HEA.

🐾 MM Romance
🐾 Dog Daddies
🐾 Oblivious 'Straight' Guy
🐾 Matchmaking Mix Up
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🐾 Small Town
🐾 Awakening
🐾 Hopeless Romantic
🐾 Jealousy
🐾 Cameos
🐾 Dual POV
🐾 Matchmaking Mamas Epigraphs

I cannot tell you how hilarious the Matchmaking Mama's are and the epigraphs 🤣 😂

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series isn’t really working for me. Too many cameos from other books, not enough serious issues, and while I usually love a good bi-awakening, I’m just not feeling it.

[Doro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love books like this, especially during hard times or after reading something emotional. This one is a quick and pleasant read. The characters are lovely, and the story is sweet with no angst! As always, the town has a unique charm. I love seeing the familiar characters from the other books. They bring the story to life. I absolutely love it!

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hounding Hank by DJ Jamison is the second book in her Matchmaking in Granville series. It is the story of a man who is sure he is straight and another man who shows him he is not as they find love together. Hank Reeves recently moved to Granville to help his brother, Corey, out. He loves dogs, especially his French bulldog Bruno, and has a job as a groomer at Bow Wow, a doggie daycare and grooming shop. Iola Fletcher is one of the busybody grannies in the town and together with her friends runs Matchmaking Mamas. She also has a terror of a dog, Ricky, and when she brings him in for grooming decides that Hank has to sign up for her matchmaking services. Hank has always been fairly solitary, usually finding a date that doesn’t really suit him but keeps seeing her until they finally break up because they weren’t a match, but he gets signed up anyway. Jamie Mathis is also a dog lover and has two labs, Lady and Tramp. He works for Darling Dish Catering and baking is his happy place. His hope is to one day own his own shop that makes doggie treats, which he bakes every night at home and gives out to friends and at the dog park. He desperately wants a boyfriend so he signed up with Matchmaking Mamas a long time ago but has not been matched. His best friend Maverick found his boyfriend through them and his other best friend Silas wants nothing to do with them. Hank got a match pretty quickly with a girl named Jamie and they started texting. He liked her right away and thought they could hit it off so they arranged to meet at the dog park with their dogs. Imagine his surprise when Jamie showed up and he was a man! There was no way this was going to work so they decided that maybe they could be friends. Jamie thought Hank was everything he wanted and was very disappointed but thought having him as a friend would be good. He was genuinely nice and Hank thought Jamie was cute. Granville was going to have a dog festival called Dogtober and Hank volunteers to help since his boss Sammi is busy so he organizes a meeting at the dog park and Jamie shows up. After an accident that brings them together Hank gives him an application to be a vendor for his dog treats. He also invites him to bring Lady and Tramp to the doggie day care so he can have more time for baking and even gets him a discount for the service. He also tells him that he doesn’t connect will with people but he has clicked with Jamie. They continue to see each other and soon Hank is taking Jamie’s dogs home with him after day care so Jamie can work and they often have dinner together and cuddle on the couch. But it’s just as “friends” because Hank continues to believe he is straight. However, that comes into question when Iola finally gets Jamie a date. Jamie has completely fallen for Hank but decides to go to put Hank behind him. Meanwhile Hank is out with his friend Fox and he finally gets Hank to realize his true feelings for Jamie which sends him to his house to confess that he doesn’t want him with another guy but to be with him and be his match because he cares for him. This leads to a very hot kiss and then to dates to take it slow and Hank goes all out for Jamie to prove that he may not be as straight as he thought and that he wants him. So they date and eventually have some hot love scenes as Hank learns what it is like to be with another man and they fit because he needs a connection and he has had that from the start with Jamie. They go out in public so everyone can see that they are boyfriends, meet each other’s families, and finally say I love you. Hank even helps him get his dream of having a shop to sell his dog treats and their future together is very bright. I really enjoyed this story. Hank is strong and protective but doesn’t understand why he can’t stay in a relationship with the women he dates. He loves dogs and his job and saw that Jamie fits with him right away but can’t get away from the thought that he is straight. Jamie is sweet and adorable but really wants a boyfriend. He sees that Hank could be the one for him but is sure it will never happen so he tries to see him as only a friend, but that’s hard. Once Hank realizes that Jamie is the one he wants and needs he goes all in and tries to show him how much he cares about him. Of course, Jamie is thrilled and is willing to see where their relationship will go and is so happy that they are finally together. Their friends are a big part in the story, not only in counseling them, but also add some fun and Hank’s brother Corey, along with their bosses, also play a part in it. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a man who is convinced he is straight, but soon learns he’s not when he meets another man he connects and fits with and they fall in love and are able to go on and build a life together.

[rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book was sooo cute, but that's no surprise. I usually love DJ Jamison's characters and worlds, and this was no exception. It was exactly what I needed at the time, and it just left me feeling all warm and cozy on the inside. I will say, and this is a similar issue I usually have with Jamison's work, but there are a loooooot of really unnecessary and boring work-related details. No matter what the main characters' jobs are, we always get pages upon pages of description of their day-to-day, and it's just so uninteresting, in my opinion.

I also just unfortunately didn't find these conversations witty or funny or entertaining. There were quite a few that were heartwarming and sweet and some romantic, and I especially loved Hank's jealousy (that was so funny, I wanted more of it), but there was just no energy to these conversations. I also really disliked the fact that for almost the first entire half of the book, Hank seems to see Jamie as just a friend, and is pretty wary about leading him on or anything. His jealousy was a really cute first step, but before that, there was little to nothing indicating his attraction to him. Maybe a line here or there, but that was pretty much it, so when Hank suddenly declares his undying love for Jamie after just their first kiss, it feels a little bit out of nowhere.

Still, this was a fun enough and easy time, and I always love getting even the tiniest cameos from the Foster Bros (though I still think Dalton could do a lot better -.-). It was just quick and sweet enough that I had an ultimately good time reading it, and I'm glad I get to have an ARC of this story to keep.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books with the Matchmaking Mamas, finding the “perfect person” for their clients, often with misunderstandings involved. New in town, Hank gets talked into letting the mamas find him a match. The name he gets is Jamie, and with flirty texts between them before they meet, things seem very promising — until they aren’t! Jamie is a cute guy, but Hank was expecting a woman, so —awkward! It’s unfortunate since they seemed to have a lot in common and did get along well together, feeling a connection. But Hank is adamant about being straight, Jamie can’t change his gender, but they decide to keep things in the friend zone. Not unexpectedly, over time spent together, Hank finds his position softening when he realizes he looks at Jamie differently than other guys, he has questions, and he gets jealous when Jamie is given another match. What the heck is happening?? With a little help from his cousin, Hank discovers he isn’t as straight as he thought, at least where Jamie is concerned, now he just has to convince Jamie that his change of heart is real.

Cute friends to lovers story with lots of dogs, dog treats, a busy catering business, and an upcoming dog festival with Jamie and Hank working together to pull it off, building their relationship along the way. Some spicy times, very supportive family and friends, some quirky townsfolk, and a new match-made couple to get their HEA. Bring on the next victim, Silas. Will he find his match or be the odd one out of his friend group? Need to wait and see, so maybe read this entertaining book and meet the supporting cast while waiting to see if Silas will speak to you.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie has waited patiently for love to find him. But he just never seems to have any luck. Even after signing up with Matchmaking Mamas. He’s waiting and waiting until finally he gets a message that he matched! Their texts prove there is definitely a connection between them. Easy conversations and lots of similar interests. But when Jamie arrives at their date, Hank isn’t expecting him. He’s expecting a woman. Turns out Hank got the wrong Jamie’s number. Jamie can’t help but be disappointed. And when the two of them strike up a friendship, it makes it harder for Jamie not to catch feelings. What is he going to do? Meanwhile, Hank thought it wouldn’t hurt to let the Matchmaking Mamas do their thing, but when they get it wrong, he can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Though, the connection he feels with Jamie makes Hank wonder if they can at least be friends! But things start changing for Hank the more time he spends with Jamie. Could it be that he is actually having feelings for Jamie? And maybe he isn’t straight after all? He’s never felt this way about anyone. Maybe it’s time to take a leap because he knows that losing Jamie is the last thing he wants. These two were so cute! Poor Jamie. He just wants to find love and just when he thinks he has a chance, it’s pulled out from him. But not for long! Hank definitely likes Jamie and I love that he comes to realize that his feelings for Jamie are so strong that he wants to fight for them. He wasn’t afraid to try after realizing what he was feeling. They were just very sweet all around! Another great story and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Jamie, who works for a caterer but would rather have his own dog biscuit business, is going through a dry spell, and has signed up for Matchmaking Mamas. The latter’s’ success rate is a bit tenuous, but they also sign up Hank, a dog groomer, who is totally straight. Somehow, they match the two up, and it results in a rather humorous first date. Afterward, neither can get over the other. When the Mamas match Jamie with another guy, Hank finally realizes that he in fact loves Jamie.

The gay-straight trope is interesting, except that Hank’s eagerness for sex with a guy is a bit much, and it resembles the story in the first installment, Meddling with Maverick. That said, I did enjoy the book. The two main characters are quite altruistic when it comes to the other and with the remaining characters, doing each other above-and-beyond favours. They are also to an extent clueless when it comes to the feelings of the other, being surprised to find out that their feelings are shared. Maverick and Silas from the previous installment are there to encourage Jamie or give him a shoulder to cry on. Hank is relatively new to town and doesn’t really have any friends beyond his boss, Sammi, and his brother, Corey, who also encourage them. Hank’s mother plays a short role, but Jamie’s family is totally chaotic but still on Hank’s and Jamie’s side, except they aren’t too thrilled with Jamie’s desire to bake dog biscuits rather than open a regular bakery. The book has little angst and the plot is straightforward.

Overall, I enjoyed the book.

[D.Talks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, D.J., for the opportunity!

⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5
🔥🔥/ 5

Couple: Hank and Jamie.

Structure: First person person, past tense, dual POV. Second book in a series.

What a sweet little story! Granville's inhabitants never fail to make us swoon.

One of the things I love most about D.J.'s stories is that there's so much pet love in them. As an animal lover (especially regarding dogs), it fills my heart with joy and warmth. This one involves just as much of that as Wild Card did.

I related so much to the way they spoiled their dogs. Hank liking dogs more than people and feeling more at ease around them. Jamie leaving his couch to his dogs and buying another one for humans, and telling Hank he couldn't sit on the dog's couch when he tried to hahaha Them having to stop their making out so Jamie would give his dogs food and pets and Hank waiting patiently and understanding. Honestly, that's the exact kind of relationship I'd love to have irl!

I gotta admit I think the story could've been a bit longer so we'd see more development regarding Hank's changes in feelings and sexuality realization. It did seem abrupt to me. But this is a sweet rom-com, meant to be angst-free, so I was very willing to roll with it.

This is the perfect book for animal lovers who are looking for nothing but a very sweet, warm time. Hank and Jamie will for sure sweep you off your feet 💚

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank and Jamie's romance was too cute to resist. Both men were doting dog owners whose career ambitions revolved around their four legged friends. Hank was new in town and looking to put himself back out there, while Jamie had been searching for love for a long while with sadly little to show for it. Hank had always assumed he was straight, so when the Jamie he'd been texting turned out to be a man, he automatically friend-zoned him without stopping to pay attention to the signals his heart was giving him. That could have been the end of the book right there, but the two decided to keep in touch as friends. What started as doggie play dates turned into dinners every week and cuddles on the couch. I don't think Hank realized how head over heels he was for Jamie until someone else pointed it out to him, and I was happy it didn't turn into a big freakout. Jamie was fully in the mindset of not reading into any gesture, more to protect his own heart than anything else, and thank goodness he had Maverick and Silas to point out the obvious. As thing shifted from friendly to romantic, I adored Jamie and Hank's cute dates nights and steamy after hours explorations. Jamie had some understandable trepidation about Hank changing his mind when they started getting intimate, but Hank was all in on Jamie and showed it through words and actions. That momentum carried them through the rest of the book, and I was thrilled by how sweet their happy ending turned out.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Matchmaking in Granville series and each book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Hank Reeves and Jamie Mathis. The matchmaking Mamas are at it again with these two dog lovers. Hank is a groomer at Bow Wow, a doggie daycare and grooming shop. New to town, he signs up for the matchmaking service. And it seems to be working. Right away he gets matched with Jamie and they start texting right away. As they hit it off, they agree to meet at the dog park. Only one tiny problem, Hank is not gay and Jamie is not a woman. Jamie is a baker who works at Darling Dish Catering. Baking is his passion and he enjoys making dog friendly treats for friends and their pets. He would love to do that full time one day. As Jamie is gay, he is not surprised to find out that Hank is a man when they first meet in person. As they seem to really get along well, they both agree to be friends. While they hang out with each other and care for the dogs, their relationship slowly grows closer. Jamie is aware that he wants more from Hank but he settles for what he has. It takes a matchmaking date for Jamie to help Hank see that he isn't as straight as he originally thought. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a cute, no angst story. I enjoyed watching Hank and Jamie's relationship grow. A wonderful read.

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute slow burn

This is part of a series but I didn't have any trouble coming in at book 2. It's a sweet bi-awakening and I like that Hank generally takes realising he's attracted to a man in stride (don't get me wrong, I like a bit of soul searching but it's also nice to see someone just kind of accept themselves without a lot of angst). I will admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Hank initially. He kind of came across as a bit meh. It makes sense once we get to know him better (and he is a total sweetie) but initially when we're learning about him and dating it doesn't paint him in a good light. Effectively, he says I go on dates with women, get tipsy/drunk, sleep with them and then cause I'm 'nice' end up dating them even though I'm not interested. That's not a whole lot of great right there. Once we learn more about him more and get to know him through his interactions with Jamie it makes more sense that he's just desperately trying to force a square peg into a round hole and forcing romantic situations where they didn't exist. He and Jamie were very sweet together, including just as friends. They have a great rapport and it's kind of funny to see them effectively date without realising. Once they actually give it a go they are absolutely adorable. The slow burn they have works really well too because of the way their relationship develops. It makes sense and feels right for their situation that things wouldn't happen immediately and it's nice to see them really build things up between them in a way that feels solid.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOUNDING HANK - DJ JAMISON

This is book two in the Matchmaking in Granville series, and those Matchmaking Mamas are at it again with their mix-ups and undeserved credit!

Hank is new to the area, and will admit he does much better socializing with the dogs he grooms rather than people, but that seems to be changing when one of the granny’s, who is his client, offers to matchmake for him and in a moment of weakness he agrees.

Jamie is still trying to find his special person, especially after his best friend just found his, but so far the matchmakers haven’t had much luck since gay men are not in abundance in Granville.

When Hank is given Jamie’s name and number, he assumes Jamie is a woman since he told the matchmaker several times he is straight. They text a few times before agreeing to meet at the dog park, but while Jamie believes he may have finally met his Prince Charming, Hank still has no clue he is getting a little flirty with a man.

They agree to find each other at the park by sending photos of their dogs, but Hank is really surprised when the animals actually belong to a man called Jamie. Let the awkward friendship begin. While they are both disappointed at the mix-up, they do agree to try and be friends because they did enjoy each other’s company via text. Hank invites Jamie to drop his dogs off to try the doggie daycare at the shop he works at, and as a thank you Jamie gives the owner Susan some of the gourmet bog biscuits he has been perfecting for the doggie bakery he hopes to have one day.

While Hank decides he is fine not dating anyone, Jamie is still hoping to find his true love. There are a lot of humorous moments shared and a bond has begun to form that is beginning to feel like more than friendship, but it isn’t until Jamie is matched with a new person, that Hank realizes he is jealous (with the help of his cousin), and decides to take a chance on love with Jamie.

There are great side characters, and a lot of heartwarming moments on the way to Hank and Jamie’s HEA. Another great book from this must read author.

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

This story was super cute and sweet with a biawakening. The Matchmaking Mamas once again managed another dating mix-up that eventually worked out for the best. Jamie saw his best friend find love and really wants that for himself. Hank was new in town and got bulldozed into trying Matchmaking Mamas. Neither was convinced that this was a good idea, but they thankfully followed through.

While Hank was surprised, I was glad that Jamie was the one there for their planned date. These two were perfect for each other, even when Hank was so sure that he was not interested. While their date didn't go as expected, I was glad that they kept running into each other and became friends. Both Hank and Jamie have baggage from past relationships, and Hank needed time to realize that Jamie was exactly what he needed. I was glad that Hank was so supportive of Jamie's dream of making dog biscuits and that his family finally saw the value in what he was doing. I loved how Jamie took Hank's brother under his tutelage and helped him find a job that he really enjoyed. I totally understood why Jamie wanted to take the changes in their relationship slowly, but loved how Hank was all in and ready to show Jamie how much he wanted him whenever Jamie was ready.

I really enjoyed reading this story and can't wait for the next one in the series.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Slow burn
- small town
- meddling townsfolk and 'Matchmaking Mamas'
- cameos from Granville series and others like Foster Bro Code
- bi-awakening/demi-awakening
- low angst



This was a lovely and entertaining read with likeable main and secondary characters. And it was just SO MUCH FUN!
I fell for Jamie as well as Hank hook, line and sinker and believed no matter the misunderstanding at first that they had a real chance together. I mean come on, after that texting exchange it was more than clear that they had some kind of connection.

I loved to watch them getting to know each other better and seeing Hank realise how good they fit together, as more than friends even if Jamie was not a woman. Hank had to learn that not the gender was important but the person itself. And when he realised how wonderful they fit and that he felt things he'd never felt before...he was all in. They were really cute together.


The pups were a wonderful bonus and a great way for those two to connect even more.

The cameos of some characters from other books were like little gifts for me and I was always delighted when I could tell where I knew them from^^


DJ's typical engaging writing style drew me even more into the story and made me not wanting to stop reading.


Perhaps the story is not too deep but it is a fun, easy to read and entertaining read, just what I was needing.

Definitely a recommendation from me.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one because when they met, Jamie was deliriously happy that he may get to be with this prime specimen and Hank was....disconcerted.

Like, Hank is genuinely straight by the start of this. No part of him was even questioning.

Gets told things like "I like watching you enjoy it.” and freezes💀

Meanwhile Jamie's just talking about watching him eat.

It's so funny. He's SO worried the twink might jump him.

Meanwhile said twink is being a stoic martyr who WILL get over the straight guy even if it kills him.

Then it's Mr Straight Guy who's having confusing feelings. Love when it works out that way.

I love that even when what he'd been hankering after finally happened, Jamie didn't immediately jump to it.

He was all... Aht, aht, take me on a date first and then we'll see😂

As if he wasn't dying from yearning a few minutes prior

People in love. So confusing.

Though I must admit I'm with the parents on this one. I'd also worry if my son's big business idea was to make gourmet dog treats.

To be fair, Granville has a lot of dog residents so maybe it's the best place for this.

This one's a delightful read, especially if you're in the mood for something fluffy.

And Silas is intriguing enough that I want to see who can catch him. Though if I know Iola.......

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this feel-good romance especially the side of chaos courtesy of the Matchmaking Mamas!

The setup alone had me hooked. What starts as a simple matchmaking success story quickly turns into a hilarious mix-up, and Hank’s reaction at that first meeting? Painfully awkward but so entertaining. From there, the story settles into something softer, building a really sweet friendship before anything else.

I especially liked the dynamic between the main characters. Plus the bit of a twist on the usual bi-awakening trope, with the emotional pacing feeling flipped in a way that made the relationship more interesting. It wasn’t rushed, and there was a genuine sense of caution and vulnerability, especially when it came to protecting feelings.

The whole book has a light, low-angst vibe, with plenty of humor and adorable dog moments sprinkled throughout. And honestly, the Matchmaking Mamas continue to be chaotic icons and I’m still not convinced their “mistakes” aren’t completely intentional.

A super cute, easy read that leans into sweetness, laughs, and slow-building connection. Definitely excited to see where the series goes next.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doggy daycare for the win (and the dodgy doggy dye-jobs!)

Another sweet but not too deep romance from DJ Jamison. Jamie and Hank are both looking for a relationship and the meddling grannies, who should know better but actually don't, decide to step in and find them matches. Obviously, it all goes wrong once the two men meet, after texting quite a bit beforehand, when Hank is suddenly confronted with a man named Jamie, not a woman as he'd expected.
What follows is a series of friends with dogs (and definitely no benefits) meetups, where Jamie falls more for Hank each time and Hank is completely clueless about his own growing feelings. It's obvious to us, of course, but neither Hank nor Jamie realise that Hank is falling just as hard as Jamie is.
They were both nice, kind men who deserved happiness and I'm glad they found it in each other, but the declarations of love came a bit quickly, with more telling than showing.
I enjoyed seeing best friends Jamie, Mav and Silas together again, and Hank's brother, Corey, also piqued my interest. While there's nothing to suggest that he's anything but straight, I wouldn't be unhappy if he found a man to look at him adoringly, like Jamie did at Hank.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is book two in the author’s Matchmaking in Granville series and I absolutely. Loved it!! Hank and Jamie, our two MCs were amazing enough on their own but their story with the big matchmaking snafu (par for the course with Iola and the Matchmaking Mamas) was so cute and made for a wonderful read but I also loved all of the little Easter eggs we got from other series just as much. Books like Truth or Darren—Linc and Darren, 7 Minutes in Kevin—Garrett and Kevin (both from Games We Play in Granville) and Wild Card (book two in the Foster Bro Code series) just to name a few. There were references to several others but these were the ones I remembered right offhand.

Don’t miss this book (or really any of the ones in the series mentioned), not only are they tons of fun but they’re also sweet and spicy too. This one was a little bit more of a slower burn than the ones above but we have Iola and her crew to thank for that! Thankfully, Hank and Jamie DID finally get their HEA and it was 100% angst and drama free which is always my catnip. If it is for you as well, check it out, you’re gonna love it! 4.5 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet, low angst story from DJ! I needed something light and fluffy like this to make me smile.

Hank and Jamie were the absolute cutest. I love the gay just for him trope. Hank never looked at another man before meeting Jamie. And even though initially he thought he had been matched with a woman, Hank couldn’t deny the chemistry between him and Jamie.

Despite being a bit devastated that he had been matched with the perfect man he couldn’t have, Jamie did like Hank as a friend. Their bonding over their dogs made it even easier for them to get along.

But Hank was straight no matter how much Jamie wished he wasn’t. And on top of that he was kind, attentive and sweet, basically everything Jamie wanted in a man.

The more time they spent together, the more Hank liked to be around Jamie. He couldn’t see it at first that he was falling for him, but when there’s a possibility that Jamie might find someone else, Hank couldn’t deny his feelings for him anymore.

Poor Jamie couldn’t believe his dream had come true. He finally found his Prince Charming even if the their initial meetup was a disaster.

I can’t wait to read Silas’s story. He’s gonna fall so hard that he won’t know what hit him 😏

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆

This was such a fun, lighthearted read! I can always count on this author's books to put a smile on my face while reading a book written by them. After seeing Maverick get his HEA now it's Jamie's turn! The Matchmaking Mamas are at it again and courtesy of a mix up, Jamie and Hank go on a blind date. I really loved the fact that they were friends before becoming more. I really felt like they gave themselves and their feelings ample time to develop, while also getting to know each other and spending time together. Hank's realization aided by his cousin Fox and the subsequent jealousy scene was really good! I love a great awakening and a bit of jealousy.
I loved how sure Hank was of his feelings and what he wanted after coming to the realization that he did have feelings. Jamie was a bit cautious at first but Hank reassured him with how he acted.

Everything is business as usual in Granville and it was great to see other couples from the area make an appearance in this book. It always brings a smile to my face when we see an old friend from other books/series.

This was a quick and fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed! I'm excited for cynical Silas's book next!

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, feel-good read. This author never fails to put a smile on my face.

The Matchmaking Mamas are back at it again, and thanks to a mix-up, Hank and Jamie end up on a blind date… except Hank thinks Jamie is a woman. Cue the awkward but adorable start to their friendship.

I really loved that these two built a friendship first. It gave their relationship time to grow naturally, and you could really feel that shift from friends to something more. Hank’s bi awakening was great, especially with a little help from his cousin and a perfectly timed jealousy moment. Once he realised his feelings, he was all in, and I loved how sure he was about what he wanted.

Jamie was a bit more cautious, which I actually appreciated. It was a nice role reversal, with him wanting to protect his heart while Hank was ready to dive in.

There’s plenty of humour, adorable dogs, and those classic Granville found family vibes. Seeing familiar characters pop up again just made it even better.

Overall, this was sweet, low angst, and just a really enjoyable read. I’m already excited for Silas’s story next.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet, Feel-Good Romance That Sneaks Up on You

Jaime and Hank’s story is one of those unexpectedly charming romances that just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. What starts as a matchmaking mix-up quickly turns into something so much deeper, built on friendship, trust, and a whole lot of heart.

Jaime is easy to root for—genuine, hopeful, and trying to navigate feelings he didn’t plan on having. And Hank? Watching his journey unfold, especially as he processes everything thrown at him, is what really makes this story shine. Their connection feels natural, growing from awkward beginnings into something meaningful and real.

The dog-loving bond between them adds such a fun and cozy layer to the story, and the small-town matchmaking chaos from the Mamas keeps things light and entertaining without taking away from the emotional core.

What really stood out is how this book balances humor with sincerity. It’s warm, it’s a little messy in the best way, and it leans into the idea that love doesn’t always show up how—or who—you expect.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

What a great story! The tale of Hank and Jamie is filled with love, laughter, great friends, lots of dogs and one big matchmaking mix up and is a whole lot of fun to read! Hank came to town to help his brother out and has a job working in a doggy daycare as a groomer. Jamie works for the local caterer and has two wonderful dogs and wants to find his forever man! Both have been caught by the Matchmaking Mamas and will get matched. Only it seems to be a mistake as Hank doesn’t date men. The two will become best friends though and it doesn’t take long before Hank starts to feel things that aren’t exactly friend feelings. It will take Jamie getting another match and some wise words from his cousin for Hank to see that while he may not be interested in all guys, he’s definitely interested in Jamie. Once he takes that final leap, the two are well on their way to their happily ever after with their three dogs, Hank’s brother Corey and Jamie’s wild family and I love how their story ends!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 This was a cute, low-angst, small-town romance. Poor Jamie gets matched to Hank—who expected Jamie to be a woman. The misunderstanding is just long enough to be funny for the reader but not cause too many plot problems. Hank and Jamie still have real time to get to know one another—and develop feelings!

I liked that Hank’s bi-awakening doesn’t cause him any outrage or horror—more just confusion because he feels like he should have known this about himself sooner. I appreciated the easy acceptance overall. I liked all the time spent together and the room to get to know one another.

Lady, Tramp, and Bruno are all adorable, along with all the other pets! I liked how Jamie figured out how to quietly follow his dreams, how Corey sorted things out, and how Jamie’s family wasn’t perfect but still loved him. It kept it low-angst while feeling real.

Looking forward to seeing how the Matchmaking Mamas mess things up with Silas. LOL.

I received an ARC from NEON Rainbow ARC reviews. This is my honest review.