The Dog Sitter: Feel good relatable fiction about starting over

by Eva Lesko Natiello

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Eva Lesko Natiello.

THE DOG SITTER is a wry, feel-good romp about a woman whose life has gone sideways, forcing her to take a 30-day dog-sitting job in New York City despite not being a dog person (or a people person, frankly), in this irreverent and insightful story about starting over.

Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.

That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrive unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unraveling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He taps her for his newest venture—which plunges her into Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant world—triggering a shameful secret.

Colleen is forced to confront the life she’s been living—and finally decide if she has the courage to seize the one that’s long overdue.

Sharp, propulsive, and delightfully offbeat, THE DOG SITTER is an irresistible portrayal of one woman’s serendipitous awakening, proving it’s never too late to start living authentically.

Perfect for fans of THE GUNCLE and THE WEDDING PEOPLE.

Genres: Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Eva Lesko Natiello is the award-winning author of The Memory Box, a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling psychological thriller about a woman who Googles herself and discovers the shocking details of a past she doesn't remember. The lives of three strangers collide in her her next psychological suspense, FOLLOWING YOU, about a popular TV host who goes missing en route to a New Year's Eve Party after a panicked decision lands her in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Eva lives and writes in suburban NJ, which provided the setting for the fictional town in her debut novel. She is particularly fascinated by misconceptions and how destructive even the most benign misunderstanding can be. When not writing suspense novels, she enjoys writing humorous musings about life’s ironies which can be found on her blog: writing from the intersection of oops, yikes and awe at evaleskonatiello.com.

Ms. Natiello is a native of Yonkers, New York and a graduate of UAlbany with a degree in psychology. Her professional experience includes cosmetics industry Public Relations and Communications executive.

According to Ms. Natiello, “The sign of a good day is when the creative process in some form—be it writing, painting, or singing—has pried its way into the mundane.”

Eva is always grateful to readers who take the time to write reviews and for choosing THE MEMORY BOX and FOLLOWING YOU for book club discussions. She's always thrilled to receive book club photos from readers and loves to post them on her website, so keep 'em coming!

Never miss news about upcoming books, events and the latest happenings by signing up for Eva's newsletter at https://evaleskonatiello.com!

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Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny and entertaining read. Colleen is a middle aged woman who is in quite the pickle. She's newly divorced, and also been evicted and needs a place to live, and a job. She gets hired to house sit for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo in NYC, while he’s out of town.  There's lots of characters to keep track of, but the antics and circumstances are so worth the read. I completely enjoyed it. Such a feel good read. I'd highly recommend giving it a try! 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Best known for her psychological thriller hit The Memory Box, New York Times bestselling author Eva Lesko Natiello (favorite author) makes a brilliant and hilarious pivot into comedy with THE DOG SITTER.

This 'first foray' into humor doesn't lose her signature sharp edge; instead, it blends witty social commentary with a chaotic, high-stakes plot that proves Natiello's versatility.

"It’s a 5-star romp that fans of the author's thrillers—and anyone who’s ever been at the mercy of a difficult pet (or owner)—will absolutely adore."

Intro:
A total genre pivot! When a woman takes a high-end house-sitting gig for 30 days, she expects a quiet getaway with a pampered pet. Instead, she gets a "chaotic and hilarious" comedy of errors involving suburban absurdity and a dog that might be smarter than the humans.

✍️ Highlights:
~Vibe:
A "cinematic bridge" between the high-stakes stress of Manhattan and the slow-burn magic of the Italian Riviera.

~Standout Points:
The transition from Natiello’s signature psychological tension to this wry, propulsive humor. Having read all her books, this "genre-bend" feels like a masterclass in versatility.

~Culinary Serendipity:
The truffle business (connecting NYC to Porto Venere) serves as a metaphor for digging deep to find something valuable buried under the surface.

👤 Characters
~Colleen: A "reluctant" protagonist whose life has gone sideways.
~Aldo: A high-maintenance canine.
~Massimo: Colleen's former boss and the editor of Savor Magazine.
~Quirky New Yorkers: Who all seem to have a key to the apartment where Colleen is hiding.

"Colleen might claim she's not a 'people person,' but the way she handles Massimo, Aldo, and the Italian coast makes her the most relatable protagonist of the year."

💡 Themes & Takeaways
~Themes:
Midlife awakening, starting over from zero, the burden of "shameful secrets," and the power of living authentically.

~Metaphor:
The "leash"—literal and figurative obligations. Colleen must decide if choosing herself means "abandoning" others, or if finally seizing her own life is her greatest obligation.

~Takeaway: "It’s never too late to start living authentically".

✨ Standout Points
~The Genre Pivot:
Author Eva Lesko Natiello is known for dark thrillers like The Memory Box; this shift to contemporary fiction is being hailed as "serendipitous" and "delightfully offbeat".

~Complex Relatability:
Colleen's "messy and mixed up" journey is deeply relatable for anyone who has felt they’ve lost the thread of their own life.

~Pacing:
Engaging with an intriguing story with twists that keep you flipping pages.

~Why Buy:
"If you’ve followed Eva Lesko Natiello from the dark halls of The Memory Box, you’ll be obsessed with how she applies that same sharp observation to a story filled with heart, pasta, truffles, and a very anxious dog."

Recs or Similar Books:
They all share that same blend of wit, "laugh-out-loud" moments, and genuine emotional stakes.

~The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
~Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
~The Guncle by Steven Rowley
~The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

🎤 Q&A Promo Hook
~"Stick around for my exclusive Q&A with Eva Lesko Natiello on my blog (May 19) where we dive into why she traded psychological thrillers for Italian truffles, a dog named Aldo, and more secrets!"

My thoughts:

~The Versatility:
"I’ve read everything Eva’s written, but The Dog Sitter is the sharp, wry, feel-good romp I didn't know I needed. It’s a total Lit-Lift for your TBR!"

~The Italy Connection:
"Pack your bags (mentally!) for Porto Venere. This book is a masterclass in setting, bridging the gap between NYC hustle and Italian coastal magic."

Eva Lesko Natiello (a long-time favorite) steps into her first foray into comedy, the vibe shifts from her usual psychological suspense with THE DOG SITTER. The standout is seeing Eva’s signature observational, sharp wit applied to humor rather than suspense. The pacing is snappy, and the humor is derived from a very relatable, real-world disaster. With fun characters, it's a masterclass in starting over, proving that a 'midlife awakening' can be just as propulsive as any psychological thriller. It’s lighthearted without being "fluffy," maintaining the smart prose her fans expect.

"It’s the ultimate summer escape that bridges the gap between a gritty New York City apartment and the vibrant, secret-filled coast of Porto Venere." Trust me, you will be salivating over the divine delicacies.

"Ever wondered what a thriller writer dreams up when she turns to comedy?" Catch my #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with @EvaLeskoNatiello (May 19) to find out!

Ready for the ride? ...

~The Lobby: "Going up! We’re riding along with Eva Lesko Natiello to talk truffles, New York attitude, and her latest genre-bend, The Dog Sitter."

~The Floor 10 Hook: "One woman, one high-maintenance dog, and a 30-day countdown to a midlife awakening. Is Colleen Fitzroy ready for the ride?"

~The Penthouse: "From the grit of Manhattan to the sun-soaked shores of Porto Venere—we’re hitting the top floor of contemporary fiction."

Special thanks to Fine Line Publishing for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #CoverCrush

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 19, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A-dog-rable! 🐶🐾🐕

"Feel good relatable fiction about starting over"

A blurb that actually get's it right for once!

Colleen recently got divorced, recently lost her house, and is in between jobs. She's just barely keeping it together when she gets a job opportunity by her ex-employer, Massimo Locatelli, to dog sit his English Setter, Aldo, while he attends business in Italy for the next month. She swore to herself she'd never have anything to do with the arrogant and misogynistic Massi ever again but times are tough and she doesn't have many choices especially ones that provide her a place to live for at least 30 days. Hopefully she can get her life sorted before he returns.

"How did people call him nice? "What a great guy. He's so nice." He's not nice. He's not a great guy. Was he nice as far as jerks go? Maybe. Everything is relative. Maybe he's the nicest asshole there was. That could be." 😂

The only problem is that she admittedly isn't a dog person. They drool, they smell, they demand, and worse: you have to pick up their poo. DISGUSTING!

Fake it 'til you make it, right?

This book is a coming of age story of a woman in her 40's that realizes her life didn't turn out as she once imagined it would.

I loved Colleen our snarky leading lady. She had me grinning ear to ear. Watching her discover her true self and finding her way after so many hardships was incredibly rewarding.

There is a small cast of characters that weave their way into Colleen's life that just add more charm to the story and they give Colleen more opportunity for her humor to shine.

My most favorite part of the book will come to no surprise to any of my friends. It was how her relationship with sweet Aldo evolved. For a woman that swore to not like dogs watching their budding friendship and loyalty to one another through so many hijinks made me want to hug my kindle. Aldo is the best boy ever!

Don't expect any *rom* to this com which made me enjoy this even more. This is all about Colleen finding herself without relying on or needing a man. Though she does make many fantastic friendships along the way.

A fun, lighthearted romp that I enjoyed immensely. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line Publishing for my complimentary copy.

[Mimi Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Sitter is one of those novels that draws you in with humor and ease, then gradually reveals something much more layered beneath the surface. What begins as a simple premise—a woman stepping into someone else’s life to care for a dog—evolves into a story with emotional depth and a quiet sense that things are not entirely what they seem.

At its center is Colleen, a character who is funny, complicated, and deeply human. She insists she’s fine even as her life is unraveling, and that tension between perception and reality drives the story in a way that feels both entertaining and quietly revealing. Her voice is a standout, sharp, observant, and just unreliable enough to keep you leaning in.

The writing has a keen observational edge, particularly around relationships, work, and midlife reinvention. The satire of workplace culture, especially the dynamics at SAVOR Magazine, is pointed without feeling heavy-handed, and the interactions with Massimo strike a perfect balance between exaggerated and believable. Beneath the humor, the novel thoughtfully explores power, gender, and self-perception in ways that feel relevant without being overt.

It’s also a genuinely fun read (I finished it in two days) with moments of humor that carry you through even as the story deepens.

Beneath that lighter tone, the novel explores questions of identity, reinvention, and what comes next when life doesn’t go according to plan. I found myself thinking about that long after finishing, especially the idea of how easy it is to avoid confronting what we really want, and how necessary those moments of reckoning can be.

The Dog Sitter is a smart, character-driven novel that balances wit with emotional insight. It feels light on the surface, but there is much more happening underneath, which makes it both satisfying in the moment and memorable well beyond the final page.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had no business being this good… but here we are.

I went into The Dog Sitter expecting something light and easy—and yes, it’s that—but it also has that “wait… why am I actually invested in her life?” effect. Colleen is freshly divorced, basically homeless, and making questionable life choices (relatable), and somehow ends up dog-sitting in NYC for a very important man with a very important dog.

And honestly… Aldo might be one of my favorite parts of the whole book. As a dog owner, I loved this. Because let’s be real—dogs don’t just sit there quietly while your life falls apart. They become the routine, the comfort, the emotional support, and occasionally the reason you don’t spiral completely. That part felt very real.

Colleen herself is a little chaotic, a little blunt, and very much in her “I did not plan for my life to look like this” era—and I liked her for it. The writing feels super conversational, like she’s just casually telling you everything while you’re sitting on her couch judging her decisions but also fully supporting her.

Also… the random people coming in and out? The situations she ends up in? Slightly unhinged in the best way. It keeps things interesting without feeling over-the-top.

What I appreciated most is that this isn’t some dramatic, life-changing overnight transformation. It’s messy, slow, uncomfortable growth. The kind where you’re figuring it out as you go and pretending you have a plan when you absolutely do not.

Overall, this was funny, a little chaotic, very relatable, and just a genuinely good time. If you like character-driven stories with humor, a little heart, and a dog that steals scenes… this one’s worth it.

[Louise Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley.

There's lots to like about The Dog Sitter. It was refreshing to have a woman in her forties front and centre.

Before Colleen's first husband, Patrick passed away, he made her promise that she'd never give up on her dreams. After she ends up homeless and divorced from her gambling addict second husband, she decides it's time for her Me Period.

Trying to get her life back on track, Colleen thinks she's interviewing for a job at Savor, a food magazine run by Massi, who she tried to get fired for being a misogynist when she temped as a receptionist there. However, the job is to actually be a live-in dog-sitter for Aldo, Massi's beloved dog while Massi's in Italy for a month. Inexplicably, despite having no experience, she gets the job.

I live in an apartment and it wouldn't be fair to have a dog so I'm drawn to books with pupsters and it was impossible not to fall for the emotionally complex Aldo.

I thought it was really interesting how reading back issues of Savor to Aldo led to Colleen thinking about the childhood food poverty she went through after her father passed away and the real reason she brings a carrot plant wherever she goes. Through Massi, she's reminded of just how much perfectly good food is wasted at fancy restaurants.

Since Patrick's death, Colleen has been so focused on making a success of being a voiceover actress, thinking that's what he meant when he asked her to make that promise but actually her dreams lead her in a completely different direction.

I was really enjoying The Dog Sitter but then it descended into a farce involving Massi's aunt, Gloria, which is why I only gave it 3 x Stars.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Lesko Natiello, the Author of “The Dog Sitter” has written a PAW-FECT, captivating and intriguing novel. The Genres for this book are : Satire, Humor, and Fiction. In this unusual and witty book, the author vividly describes the scenery, plot and the dramatic and colorful characters. The characters are complex, complicated, flawed, dysfunctional, and cause many shenanigans. One of my favorite characters is “Aldo”, the dog in the story also called “Al”. One of the female protagonists, Colleen Fitzroy, is left with no choices after a recent break-up, eviction, and job loss, to work for her former boss Massimo Locatelli, the editor of Savoy Magazine, to be “THE DOG SITTER” for his beloved dog, Aldo.(for 4 weeks, while Massimo is in Italy) Did I mention that Colleen is not exceptionally fond of dogs, and doesn’t have much experience taking care of them? Aldo is a big lovable dog, with a mind of his own, and Massimo constantly calls and face-times Colleen to see Aldo. Colleen did think that one of the advantages of doing this is she would have a luxurious place to stay, that is nice and quiet. Of course Colleen doesn't realize that an assortment of characters have a key/s to the apartment.

It seems that Massimo, his relatives and friends seem to have secrets, and he recruits Colleen for some other projects at the same time. Colleen is planing on using this reflective time to what she really wants to do in life. I enjoyed this delicious and witty story and highly recommend this book to others.

[ReadingIsFundimental · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Whimsical, heartfelt, suspenseful, The Dog Sitter is a joy to read from start to finish. The story follows Colleen Fitzroy, a lost soul whose grief and bad luck have shaped her into a woman she no longer wants to be. When an unexpected opportunity falls into her lap to care for a high-maintenance dog, she must decide whether her dislike for the furry creatures, or her hatred for the dog’s owner, Massi Locatelli, will keep her from taking the job. And a good thing she does, because what ensues is hilarious!

There are so many great lines here. I found myself pausing several times throughout to admire Lesko Natiello’s humor and observational wit. I also appreciated what a love letter this is to the dying art of magazine publishing. In a world of ai slop, there was a time when publications like Massi’s SAVOR, with their gorgeous photography and beautifully well-written prose, really meant something to the people who read them—not just as trusted authorities, but as cherished friends as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Lesko Natiello’s The Dog Sitter is a compelling blend of humor, and emotional growth. At the center of the story is Colleen, whose life has completely fallen apart. Forced to rebuild from the ground up, she faces the difficult reality of starting over.

The novel explores meaningful themes of midlife transformation and personal reinvention. As Colleen works through regret, uncertainty, and the collapse of the life she once knew, she gradually learns the value of embracing her true self and creating a future on her own terms. Along the way, she forms several genuine and uplifting friendships that help her grow stronger and more confident.

Aldo, the demanding and high-maintenance dog, adds plenty of humor and chaos to the story, while Massimo, Colleen’s former boss and the editor of Savor Magazine, brings added depth through his ties to her complicated past.

Overall, The Dog Sitter is an entertaining and heartfelt novel filled with humor, warmth, and self-discovery. Eva Lesko Natiello delivers an enjoyable, fast-moving story that feels both meaningful and delightfully fun to read.

[Jen Grá · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colleen is fresh out of a lacklustre marriage. Her ex-husband has gambled away their house, leaving her in enough of a bind to reach out about a job in the magazine, Savor, where she used to work. Nothing is as she expects and soon she finds herself the in-house dogsitter for the editor-in-chief (and her own personal nemesis), Massimo, whilst he is away in Italy for a month. As she puts her own life back together, the beats of the world Massimo left behind keeps gathering Collen up, whether she likes it or not.
I went into this with zero expectations and it caught me up for the ride straight away. None of the characters are as they seem and the story is richer for it. My only real gripe is that the wrap up could have been longer with the ending coming across as rushed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[April Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dog Sitter by Eva Lesko Natiello ended up being such an unexpected read for me. I went into this thinking it would be a light story centered around dog-sitting, but it had so much more emotional depth than I expected.

Colleen feels very real messy, overwhelmed, and trying to piece her life back together after everything seems to fall apart. I found myself rooting for her almost immediately. And honestly? Aldo completely stole the show. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will understand how comforting and healing they can be during difficult seasons of life.

The writing feels natural and conversational, almost like catching up with a friend who is telling you the wildest, most chaotic chapter of their life. It’s funny, heartfelt, emotional, and full of imperfect but lovable characters. Such a cozy, witty, comforting read that left me smiling by the end.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line Publishing for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Dog Sitter is a bit madcap. Colleen is in her 40’s at the end of her second marriage who is losing her place to live and needs a job. Even if that means dog sitting, a job for which she is wholly unqualified by her description. Even if that means said dog is Massimo’s dog, Massimo of SAVOR magazine where Colleen once worked and blundered out of of. Massimo is traveling to Italy for a month under strange circumstances and is hard up enough to agree to let Colleen dog sit Aldo.

Massimo lives in a posh apartment in NYC and the cast of characters in and out of the place are a riot but also hard to keep up with. An unexpected dinner party, Massimo’s college age daughter, a neighbor, Gloria an aunt who is an opera singer and a super duper super. A mystery begins to unfold surrounding shady dealings all while Colleen tries to navigate getting her own life on track while in the middle of unexpected, and strange adventures. There is a grief story line I was particularly drawn to, I would be interested to know more about that.

I enjoyed the story, but I found the characters hard to keep track of. I was lost in the sauce about midway but continued on as I enjoyed the characters and the outright wild ride.

[Bridget Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Received by NetGalley

3.75 ⭐️

This was a fun, light hearted read that is perfect for anyone who loves dogs, ever feels a bit lost and who has ever found themselves trying to get themselves to where they want to be in life. Colleen is fun, a bit of a hot mess express, but such a loveable character we can all relate to (haven’t we all faked it til we made it?) who has gotten herself into a new challenge (Aldo is adorable!!). This book explores Colleen in depth, who feels like an old friend by the end of the book.

I loved the realness of this book that wasn’t sugar coated and how much fun it packed in a fairly short book. Pick this book for something different (if you usually read romance or thriller!), and whimsy, fun and cozy vibes - you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Eva Lesko Natiello! This was my first Eva and won’t be my last.

[Average Readers Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley and Fine Line Publishing for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought overall the themes in this book were relatable, particularly surrounding finding yourself midlife, and learning to love the person you are. I thought it also touched on navigating grief well.

The storyline was also interesting and engaging, although I felt like it took a while to get to the point. Some parts in the storyline were a little all over the place, with the main character’s motivations at times unclear. The dialogue sometimes meandered, which took away from the ability to get to know the characters on a deeper level.

Overall, a fun read that’s also thoughtful with the themes it’s tackling. Aldo also warmed my heart.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun book! Colleen is down on her luck and desperately needs a job. She's recently divorced and her deadbeat ex has left her with no home, no money, and she's trying to find her way.
She accepts a month-long dog-sitting job but it's for her former boss who was a real problem. Oh, and she really doesn't like dogs. Aldo- the dog - has it good - deluxe NYC apartment, lots of attention, and so Colleen thinks this will be easy.
There are a lot of characters that come in and out of the apartment and things get complicated - quickly.
In the end, she finds her strength and sets herself on the path she's been seeking for a long time.
This is perfect for anyone who loves dogs and wants to cheer for the underdog.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DOG SITTER took off right from the 1st page and took me for a lively walk all the way to the end!
I LOVED the pacing and conversational feel of the storyline. I thought I knew Colleen...hey girl get yourself together this dog depends on you! But her journey is more complex and relatable. Who hasn't had a time in their life that felt messy and mixed up? The lively NYC location and scenery was spot-on and the characters and story twists were intriguing and complex and of course the love of a great dog gives a sense of purpose to a life messy or not. A super enjoyable, thoughtful, easy read and who doesn't need a little of that right now?

[Linda Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen is evicted from her home, divorced, out of money and out of options. When she accepts a position watching Aldo, the dog of a man she once worked for and detests, she has reached rock bottom. A parade of New Yorkers have keys to Massimo's townhouse. She finds she has to juggle their comings and goings in addition to taking care of Aldo.

Aldo, or as Colleen referred to him, Al is the star of the show. This book was non-stop fun and chaos. I loved The Dog Sitter. I received an advance copy of this book from the author.

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen is desperate for a job. Newly divorced and without a place to live, she swallows her pride and applies for a job with her previous employer. She doesn't even care what the job entails as long as it helps her get back on her feet. Being a dog sitter, however, wasn't on her list of possibilities. Still, she's desperate. She needs the money, and this job comes with a place to live since her boss will be out of the country for a month. So, even though she doesn't like dogs, she takes it. How hard can it be? Pretty hard, as it turns out. And along the way, she has to confront some hard truths about herself. A great story about picking yourself up and starting over with lots of humor thrown in!

[Carrie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, sad, unexpected and heartwarming, The Dogsitter is one of the reasons we read to escape our ordinary lives. The protagonist Colleen simply cannot get out of her own way, even as she valiantly struggles with a reset button to get her life back on track. It’s impossible not to love this book! I thoroughly recommend.

[Dee's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous read that is light but touches on themes like grief, mid-life self-love, and happiness. Aldo (the dog) had my heart! This felt a little all over the place with the story in some parts, but it didn't put me off. Overall, I'm glad I picked this up. It put a smile on my face.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory editing for the arc!

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a hoot! Colleen was a fun character, and I enjoyed being along for her journey of self-discovery in her Me Period. She’s not where she expected to be in her mid-forties, and I appreciated her openness and direct approach. I adored Aldo, the pup, the New York setting, and Massi’s fabulous apartment. The colorful cast of secondary characters was an added bonus.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight! Loved Colleen as she tries valiantly to fix her broken life, including dog sitting in NYC when she DOESN'T love dogs. Real and messy and wonderful and you'll fall in love with Aldo, her furry charge, as she ultimately does. And what a fab cover!

[Gwendolyn Zaczepinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was mostly entertaining with a unique premise, but it just lacked focus. It felt a bit all over the place at times.

[Jill Enders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! So glad I picked this book up. I could not put it down. I’m Colleen and I suspect a lot of women in my demographic are Colleen too! Rooting for her was like rooting for myself and left me with a good feeling about the messes I’ve gotten myself into.

[Marcy Lechner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The flamboyant characters made me laugh & kept me intrigued. The connection between dogs and their owners and sitters was spot on. An enjoyable read.