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Love Bites #1
Love Bites
The last person Ashley Baldwin expected to see when she walked into Ridgeview Animal Clinic was the gorgeous ex-love-of-her-life, Peyton Maxwell. Their break-up in college had been an explosive one, and now, some twelve years later, Ashley was still picking up the pieces of her broken heart.
Peyton Maxwell knew better than anyone that life rarely turned out the way you planned. After spending more than a decade away from her hometown, she'd finally decided to move back in order to raise her young daughter closer to family. She was just beginning to settle into her new job when Ashley walked into an exam room at the vet clinic and back into her life. Peyton thought she'd put that part of her life firmly in the past, but one look at her former lover and it all comes rushing back.
Ashley has waited a long time for answers, but walks away from their encounter with only questions. Could it really hurt to pursue a friendly, platonic relationship as Peyton suggests? Or will Ashley find herself rekindling a flame that never really died?
Peyton Maxwell knew better than anyone that life rarely turned out the way you planned. After spending more than a decade away from her hometown, she'd finally decided to move back in order to raise her young daughter closer to family. She was just beginning to settle into her new job when Ashley walked into an exam room at the vet clinic and back into her life. Peyton thought she'd put that part of her life firmly in the past, but one look at her former lover and it all comes rushing back.
Ashley has waited a long time for answers, but walks away from their encounter with only questions. Could it really hurt to pursue a friendly, platonic relationship as Peyton suggests? Or will Ashley find herself rekindling a flame that never really died?
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2015
46 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Lila Bruce
16 books62 followersLila Bruce makes her home in the mountains of North Georgia, where the air is sweet and the summers are hot. Growing up in a military family, she traveled extensively as a child, living everywhere from Maine to Mississippi, Germany to Georgia, and a few parts in between. Lila loves to read and write contemporary lesbian romances, and is a sucker for a happy ending. When not writing, she spends her days adding to her ever-growing pack of basset hounds, consuming unhealthy amounts of coffee, and dreaming of the day she's able to leave her evil day job behind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 17, 2016
A very nice and entertaining story. Lila Bruce gets better with each new book.
July 12, 2020
I’m neither a dog nor a cat person. After dealing with 4 kids’ shit and still handling mine, can you judge and execute me? However, I do read and watch movies featuring animals as I’m interested in their persons so tolerating the fictional four legged fur balls isn’t too bad after all.
This masterpiece by Bruce is the best that I have read in Lesfic/Mainstream genre. The best you say, Farah when you’re not a fan of the four legged cutie pies? Yes, it’s the best! Leo from Right Here, Right Now by Ms.Dog Lovin Beers had me watching clips of Terrier Mix for days and a few none of your business sessions with Ms.Alicia Redhead, Blue Eyes Wright. Beers successfully blows me away with her dedication to feature dogs in her writings but Bruce does a Buzz Lightyear, by giving the dogs... their very own POVs and she does it excellently. The leads are pretty okay but you will not care about them, just Moose and Elvis as they charm their way through sausages, pizza crusts, anything with peanut butter and my hear+funny bone.
Love Bites caused some serious stomach cramps from laughing, just what a Book Doctor would recommend to read during breaks from meetings with stiffy Govt officials. Stop thinking, don’t do any research, just purchase it, put on a pantyliner[seriously] and Go Nuts.
Lila Bruce is awesome, her plots are quite interesting and original, she makes me laugh and her books are cheaper than the usual 9.99 price tag- the digits that usually accompany Lesfic books + they’re available on KU. Still not convincing enough? This is my third by her, I bought Chasing Shadows and Hurt audio immediately after finishing the ebooks, that’s how special she is to me. Too bad this isn’t available in audio but it has a sequel❤️❤️❤️
This masterpiece by Bruce is the best that I have read in Lesfic/Mainstream genre. The best you say, Farah when you’re not a fan of the four legged cutie pies? Yes, it’s the best! Leo from Right Here, Right Now by Ms.Dog Lovin Beers had me watching clips of Terrier Mix for days and a few none of your business sessions with Ms.Alicia Redhead, Blue Eyes Wright. Beers successfully blows me away with her dedication to feature dogs in her writings but Bruce does a Buzz Lightyear, by giving the dogs... their very own POVs and she does it excellently. The leads are pretty okay but you will not care about them, just Moose and Elvis as they charm their way through sausages, pizza crusts, anything with peanut butter and my hear+funny bone.
Love Bites caused some serious stomach cramps from laughing, just what a Book Doctor would recommend to read during breaks from meetings with stiffy Govt officials. Stop thinking, don’t do any research, just purchase it, put on a pantyliner[seriously] and Go Nuts.
Lila Bruce is awesome, her plots are quite interesting and original, she makes me laugh and her books are cheaper than the usual 9.99 price tag- the digits that usually accompany Lesfic books + they’re available on KU. Still not convincing enough? This is my third by her, I bought Chasing Shadows and Hurt audio immediately after finishing the ebooks, that’s how special she is to me. Too bad this isn’t available in audio but it has a sequel❤️❤️❤️
December 1, 2015
When I started reading this I was like what the heck I'm reading from a dog's point of view I thought I brought a book with humans :). Then I was like oh I'm getting both point of views and then I starting getting hooked. Every time I started reading from Moose point of view I kept looking at my dog and wondering what he was thinking. Truly enjoyed this one though and wouldn't mind reading more about this couple.
December 17, 2015
When I crave to read other works by the same author after her book, it is a good book. Love Bites is one such book. There were many reviews that commented that they love Moose's (the dog) perspective. I like the creativity too, but I'm sometimes thrown off realizing it's the dog talking not the human...
June 10, 2016
My third work by Lila Bruce, and second novel (one of the three is a short story). If I only counted the book length works, the two of them I’ve read, I’d find that my overall rating for the author would be somewhere near 4.65 stars. Including the short story, the overall rating would be closer to 3.7666667. All of which is exciting, I’m sure.
So, this book here. There are three points of view, if I recall correctly. Well, I know there are at least three, and I think only three. The book opens up with one of the three. Obviously enough. And if I had not read something prior by this author, I might have immediately stopped reading. Well, probably not, but it’s hard to continue when the book opens with a character saying how much they hate cats. I mean, that’s just super off putting, you know? I’d like to say that I understood what was going on right around when this character lifted their hind leg and scratched their ear, since that would be fitting, but I caught on earlier.
Viewpoint one: Moose Baldwin. Dog. Specifically the dog of one Ashley Baldwin, who joking calls Moose her boyfriend. Since this cat-hating was expressed through the view point of a dog, I figured I’d not allow that to put me off. The perspective from the dog’s point of view as actually quite good and well constructed. Enjoyable even. For the most part.
Viewpoint two: Ashley Baldwin. High school teacher. Long term resident of, if I recall correctly, small-ish town Georgia (I say small-ish as it is for the most part, but it is also near two colleges). She’s spent the last twelve years attempting to move on with her life but finding it difficult to do so. Move on, that is, from a bad breakup which occurred near the end of College with her longish term girlfriend, who she actually first meet, if the stories are matching up right in my mind, back in high school. Part of the break up was based on how Ashley wanted kids and a house. With, I assume, a white picket fence. Peyton Maxwell, this so far unnamed ex-girlfriend, expressed the view that she didn’t want that. Couldn’t give that to Ashley. Expressed, or implied the opinion (it’s murky) that she didn’t like kids. So, that’s what Ashley has been attempting to move on from. Attempting relationships, breaking them off, trying again, repeat. (There was some comment somewhere along the line that all Ashley had was her dog – her parents, that she was somewhat estranged from, live in Florida now; and yet there are at least two best friends who pop up in the story. I might have misunderstood the comment. Since one of them’s off for the summer ‘elsewhere’, so the comment might have been related to that).
Well, I just distracted myself there, sorry.
Viewpoint three: Peyton Maxwell. Ex-girlfriend of Ashley Baldwin. Recently moved back to Georgia from Texas with her daughter Daisy, in the last six months I believe, and taken a position as a vet at Ridgeview Animal Clinic. There are ‘reasons’ for her return, for return it is, one of which involves living closer to her parents. One may or may not involve being near Ashley again.
Book opened, as noted, in the viewpoint of Moose. Which I mention because he’s at the animal clinic. For fleas. They wander back, when called, to an exam room. Get all settled. Find a vet come in and . . . it’s that ex-girlfriend. Moose, unlike himself, growls and instantly takes a dislike to the vet. Largely due to how tense and flustered his person is when this newcomer entered (plus he doesn’t particularly like meeting new people anyway). Ashley and Peyton somewhat nervously bounce off each other, Peyton offering to get another vet to cover, Ashley saying no, etc. etc. Visit over. Both flustered. At some point the possibility of being platonic friends came up, mayhap on this visit.
Friends:
Ashley – Cassie (fellow teacher, going off for the summer), Melanie - she only seemed to turn up at Cassie’s grill party as someone to rub her hands against Peyton’s leg and make her feel all uncomfortable and drool over how hot Peyton is.
Peyton – um, her parents? Other than attempting to become friends again with Ashley, I don’t recall any specific friends mentioned.
Moose – Elvis – Cassie’s dog. And some others, but Elvis is the one he runs into most often.
Glad I finally tried this book here. I rather liked the first book I had read by Bruce, but the second one – the short story, was such a letdown that I’d been kind of burned and was distrusting my initial impression of the author. Like maybe I had tricked myself into liking the first book or something. But this one was quite good. Solid characters, story-line, pace, humor. Not sure I’ve read a book like this one before. Oh, right. Of course I have. Before I go too far done the road of vagueness, I mean a book involving two people who appeared to love each other but broke apart, only to bump into each other again years later and have sparks fly again. The other book I’d read that had that specific relationship arc, though the stories themselves were different, was “The Thousand Mile Love Story” by Natalie Vivien.
So, this book here. There are three points of view, if I recall correctly. Well, I know there are at least three, and I think only three. The book opens up with one of the three. Obviously enough. And if I had not read something prior by this author, I might have immediately stopped reading. Well, probably not, but it’s hard to continue when the book opens with a character saying how much they hate cats. I mean, that’s just super off putting, you know? I’d like to say that I understood what was going on right around when this character lifted their hind leg and scratched their ear, since that would be fitting, but I caught on earlier.
Viewpoint one: Moose Baldwin. Dog. Specifically the dog of one Ashley Baldwin, who joking calls Moose her boyfriend. Since this cat-hating was expressed through the view point of a dog, I figured I’d not allow that to put me off. The perspective from the dog’s point of view as actually quite good and well constructed. Enjoyable even. For the most part.
Viewpoint two: Ashley Baldwin. High school teacher. Long term resident of, if I recall correctly, small-ish town Georgia (I say small-ish as it is for the most part, but it is also near two colleges). She’s spent the last twelve years attempting to move on with her life but finding it difficult to do so. Move on, that is, from a bad breakup which occurred near the end of College with her longish term girlfriend, who she actually first meet, if the stories are matching up right in my mind, back in high school. Part of the break up was based on how Ashley wanted kids and a house. With, I assume, a white picket fence. Peyton Maxwell, this so far unnamed ex-girlfriend, expressed the view that she didn’t want that. Couldn’t give that to Ashley. Expressed, or implied the opinion (it’s murky) that she didn’t like kids. So, that’s what Ashley has been attempting to move on from. Attempting relationships, breaking them off, trying again, repeat. (There was some comment somewhere along the line that all Ashley had was her dog – her parents, that she was somewhat estranged from, live in Florida now; and yet there are at least two best friends who pop up in the story. I might have misunderstood the comment. Since one of them’s off for the summer ‘elsewhere’, so the comment might have been related to that).
Well, I just distracted myself there, sorry.
Viewpoint three: Peyton Maxwell. Ex-girlfriend of Ashley Baldwin. Recently moved back to Georgia from Texas with her daughter Daisy, in the last six months I believe, and taken a position as a vet at Ridgeview Animal Clinic. There are ‘reasons’ for her return, for return it is, one of which involves living closer to her parents. One may or may not involve being near Ashley again.
Book opened, as noted, in the viewpoint of Moose. Which I mention because he’s at the animal clinic. For fleas. They wander back, when called, to an exam room. Get all settled. Find a vet come in and . . . it’s that ex-girlfriend. Moose, unlike himself, growls and instantly takes a dislike to the vet. Largely due to how tense and flustered his person is when this newcomer entered (plus he doesn’t particularly like meeting new people anyway). Ashley and Peyton somewhat nervously bounce off each other, Peyton offering to get another vet to cover, Ashley saying no, etc. etc. Visit over. Both flustered. At some point the possibility of being platonic friends came up, mayhap on this visit.
Friends:
Ashley – Cassie (fellow teacher, going off for the summer), Melanie - she only seemed to turn up at Cassie’s grill party as someone to rub her hands against Peyton’s leg and make her feel all uncomfortable and drool over how hot Peyton is.
Peyton – um, her parents? Other than attempting to become friends again with Ashley, I don’t recall any specific friends mentioned.
Moose – Elvis – Cassie’s dog. And some others, but Elvis is the one he runs into most often.
Glad I finally tried this book here. I rather liked the first book I had read by Bruce, but the second one – the short story, was such a letdown that I’d been kind of burned and was distrusting my initial impression of the author. Like maybe I had tricked myself into liking the first book or something. But this one was quite good. Solid characters, story-line, pace, humor. Not sure I’ve read a book like this one before. Oh, right. Of course I have. Before I go too far done the road of vagueness, I mean a book involving two people who appeared to love each other but broke apart, only to bump into each other again years later and have sparks fly again. The other book I’d read that had that specific relationship arc, though the stories themselves were different, was “The Thousand Mile Love Story” by Natalie Vivien.
December 1, 2015
Great story and great characters - both human and canine. I loved the author's unique idea of writing part of the story through Moose's point of view - very entertaining!
There were a few grammatical errors scattered throughout - mostly words out of sequence (i.e. 'what I am doing' instead of 'what am I doing'), however nothing too disconcerting.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
There were a few grammatical errors scattered throughout - mostly words out of sequence (i.e. 'what I am doing' instead of 'what am I doing'), however nothing too disconcerting.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
February 22, 2017
Cute romance told via Ashley, Peyton and yes Ashley's dog Moose. An enjoyable read. It's one of those books when you just want an easy read on a nice sunny afternoon. I would recommend this book.
November 30, 2015
It's sweet, it's cute, it's funny... it's a very nice story with the most lovely and adorable main characters, including the dogs!
January 11, 2016
This was a sweet vanilla story. No real angst here. I mean, you've got a dog's POV, so how angsty that can be, right? Quite the opposite - the dogs were funny, especially Elvis, I must say. Moose was a bit annoying with his hatred of Peyton.
As a proud dog owner myself, I was quite pleased with a dog's POV, because it was unusual. First I thought it was weird, but it wasn't really. Don't worry, though, it's not only a point of view from a dog. The main point of view is from the third person. There are just bits and pieces of the word from Moose's eyes.
It was fun, I enjoyed it.
As a proud dog owner myself, I was quite pleased with a dog's POV, because it was unusual. First I thought it was weird, but it wasn't really. Don't worry, though, it's not only a point of view from a dog. The main point of view is from the third person. There are just bits and pieces of the word from Moose's eyes.
It was fun, I enjoyed it.
July 14, 2020
Some of narration of the story is from the perspective of Ashley's daschund dog, Moose, which is unique and hilarious!
The second chance relationship between Ashley (a high-school English teacher) and veterinarian Peyton is supposed to be the main storyline, but the dog characters really overtake the story, leaving the relationship and family dramas somehow not as well developed, even as it ends in HEA.
This is a little unfortunate because getting to know these two as a couple never seems to come to full fruition in the narrative.
They book actually skips over Ashley getting to know Peyton's daughter, Daisy, entirely. Which I think was a huge missed opportunity. Especially considering the backstory of Ashley wanting kids and Peyton not (one of the reasons they broke up years ago) and how they come to terms with the situation.
(There's a lot of angst and miscommunication, and deliberate avoidance of the topic when Ashley thinks Daisy is a dog, not a child and Peyton just lets her think this to sleep with her, only to blow up when she revealed it and made it seem like Ashley was being unreasonable!)
I sadly felt the relationship was under developed and couldn't connect with them or feel their spark. Ashley was neurotic and Peyton was arrogant and blew up at Ashley, and they never really dealt with these issues.
But it is a very fun kindle unlimited read!
The second chance relationship between Ashley (a high-school English teacher) and veterinarian Peyton is supposed to be the main storyline, but the dog characters really overtake the story, leaving the relationship and family dramas somehow not as well developed, even as it ends in HEA.
This is a little unfortunate because getting to know these two as a couple never seems to come to full fruition in the narrative.
They book actually skips over Ashley getting to know Peyton's daughter, Daisy, entirely. Which I think was a huge missed opportunity. Especially considering the backstory of Ashley wanting kids and Peyton not (one of the reasons they broke up years ago) and how they come to terms with the situation.
(There's a lot of angst and miscommunication, and deliberate avoidance of the topic when Ashley thinks Daisy is a dog, not a child and Peyton just lets her think this to sleep with her, only to blow up when she revealed it and made it seem like Ashley was being unreasonable!)
I sadly felt the relationship was under developed and couldn't connect with them or feel their spark. Ashley was neurotic and Peyton was arrogant and blew up at Ashley, and they never really dealt with these issues.
But it is a very fun kindle unlimited read!
May 20, 2019
I am bit cautious with books that have "the break up and fall in love again" theme. It is hard to find that balance between telling the reader how our protagonist meet in the past, how they changed during their separation period and how they get their new relationship to work.
Lila Bruce does this exceptionally having flashbacks triggers that show you how Payton's and Ashley's meet as teens, why they broke up and how their break up affected current events.
What really gave this book a 5 stars was Moose perspective adding a comedic side that immediately drew me in and earned a spot on my favorite shelve. Moose is Ashley's dog.
Lila Bruce does this exceptionally having flashbacks triggers that show you how Payton's and Ashley's meet as teens, why they broke up and how their break up affected current events.
What really gave this book a 5 stars was Moose perspective adding a comedic side that immediately drew me in and earned a spot on my favorite shelve. Moose is Ashley's dog.
September 4, 2021
5/10
It was a cute one.
I was a bit put off by the dog’s POV since it reminded me too much of late 90’s early 2000’s kid’s films. I wasn’t a big fan of that vibe. While I did get used to it eventually, and thought it was fun at some points, I still disliked it.
The MCs were okay, though apparently not much memorable. I literally finished the book last night and now, after 24 hours I’m wrecking my brain trying to remember who were they and what was even happening.
So, the MCs. Ashley and Payton were nice enough but still too 2D for my taste. It is a short story, though, and it showed. Daisy, Payton’s kid, seems the nicest and I would wanna get to know her the most. I feel like many things are just left unsaid. Or half-said. The romance was not that believable (then again I’m not a fan of second change romance) but I rolled with it so it must be bearable.
Still, I would recommend it if you think you want a bit of everything.
A bit of dogs, romance, family problems, relationship problems, kids, dogs, dogs again, can’t believe I’m saying this but - too much dogs. There’s dogs here. And they take up a large percentage of the story not leaving much space for the stuff you really came for (romance being realistic I guess for me since it is supposed to be a rom-com and not just com-but-not-really-com).
It was a cute one.
I was a bit put off by the dog’s POV since it reminded me too much of late 90’s early 2000’s kid’s films. I wasn’t a big fan of that vibe. While I did get used to it eventually, and thought it was fun at some points, I still disliked it.
The MCs were okay, though apparently not much memorable. I literally finished the book last night and now, after 24 hours I’m wrecking my brain trying to remember who were they and what was even happening.
So, the MCs. Ashley and Payton were nice enough but still too 2D for my taste. It is a short story, though, and it showed. Daisy, Payton’s kid, seems the nicest and I would wanna get to know her the most. I feel like many things are just left unsaid. Or half-said. The romance was not that believable (then again I’m not a fan of second change romance) but I rolled with it so it must be bearable.
Still, I would recommend it if you think you want a bit of everything.
A bit of dogs, romance, family problems, relationship problems, kids, dogs, dogs again, can’t believe I’m saying this but - too much dogs. There’s dogs here. And they take up a large percentage of the story not leaving much space for the stuff you really came for (romance being realistic I guess for me since it is supposed to be a rom-com and not just com-but-not-really-com).
October 25, 2019
I have a few things that distracted me from fully enjoying this book. I mean, the story and banter is good, but I can't help but dislike Peyton's character.
Peyton is sanctimonious and a gaslighter and she didn't deserve to end up with Ashley in the end.
Peyton is sanctimonious and a gaslighter and she didn't deserve to end up with Ashley in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2016
A perfect read!
I loved the way Moose expressed his emotions, how he communicated with his friends, his action of jealousy and how the dogs gave clues about what was going on with them. Moose and Elvis stole my heart. The undeniable chemistry between the characters was well described and the plot was fast paced. I liked how it was written from the point of views from the dogs and the leading ladies. A perfect story, a great romance, light and entertaining. Read it, you will love it and it lets you smile.
I loved the way Moose expressed his emotions, how he communicated with his friends, his action of jealousy and how the dogs gave clues about what was going on with them. Moose and Elvis stole my heart. The undeniable chemistry between the characters was well described and the plot was fast paced. I liked how it was written from the point of views from the dogs and the leading ladies. A perfect story, a great romance, light and entertaining. Read it, you will love it and it lets you smile.
December 8, 2015
Sweet
I thought this was a wonderful story. I really liked the characters (animals and humans alike) and the light banter throughout the book. Peyton's mom was a hoot.
I thought this was a wonderful story. I really liked the characters (animals and humans alike) and the light banter throughout the book. Peyton's mom was a hoot.
May 17, 2020
I almost read this book a couple years ago and decided not to because normally I don’t like scenes written from an animal’s POV. That was my mistake. Moose’s sections were hilarious and easily the best part of this mostly light hearted second chance romance.
January 5, 2019
There are dog people and there are cat people and a mix of both. I am a dog person and I loved Moose and Elvis. I laughed at the dog banter, it was so much fun. The human romance I thoroughly enjoyed and loved the second chance, full of humour, a little angst and over all a feel good story that made me smile.
May 19, 2020
I loved reading the dogs' POVs in this "let's try this a second time" romance novel.
May 7, 2019
two of those stars are for the chapters from the dog's pov
also, for some reason, i read those chapters in ryan reynolds' voice....
also, for some reason, i read those chapters in ryan reynolds' voice....
June 6, 2019
So it really interesting reading something again after some time. I really noticed how my taste has changed. So when I reread something I focus on the parts that seem memorable or enjoyable for instance I've reread Truth and Measure about every 5-6 months and I remember a few scenes very fondly but genuinely wanted to know what happened next and absolutely had to finish reading it.
With Love Bites I did enjoy it but at some point, it became a chore. I'm not really sure why.
With Love Bites I did enjoy it but at some point, it became a chore. I'm not really sure why.
December 12, 2015
Addition to a previous review
This is just a short addendum of a previous review.
I hope to hear about Moose, Elvis, Daisy and their mommies. This story was charming and would like a sequel if possible.
Thank you!
This is just a short addendum of a previous review.
I hope to hear about Moose, Elvis, Daisy and their mommies. This story was charming and would like a sequel if possible.
Thank you!
December 2, 2015
What a refreshing point of view, through the eyes of her beloved dachshund! I do hope there will be more like this in the future.
November 30, 2015
A nice feel good romantic story.
December 5, 2015
Detailed score: 3.5
Unremarkable but some nice, sweet vanilla to pass the time away
Unremarkable but some nice, sweet vanilla to pass the time away
February 8, 2016
A really cute story told partially from a dogs perspective. I loved this author's sense of humor.
September 29, 2022
Love Bites by Lila Bruce, narrated by Paige Reisenfeld and PJ Freebourn
This audiobook was right up my alley!
If you are looking for a cute, funny and romantic story to cheer you up, search no more. Love Bites does exactly what it says on the tin.
Ashley and Peyton dated back in college and broke up 12 years ago to never see each other again until one day Ashley takes her dog Moose to the animal clinic only to realise that the veterinarian is no other than Peyton. After their initial surprise, both women start reconnecting… but will they be able to leave their differences aside and find happiness in each other?
This is a second-chance romance with the setting of a small town. The original take on this story is that some parts are told from the perspective of Ashley’s dachshund dog Moose who is outright hilarious:
“I glanced over to see an Irish Setter walking gracefully toward me, her red hair shimmering in the late evening sunlight. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. For just a moment, I lost the ability to speak and just stared at her like some dumb basset hound—no offense to Elvis.
“So,” she said, her tone low and sultry, “are you just going to stand there all day, or are you going to come sniff my butt?”
Moose‘s obsession with stealing food, disdain for Peyton – who put him on a diet – and unconditional love for Ashley, introduces a cuteness factor that makes this story very special. He definitely steals the show. The human cast is very likable and Ashley and Peyton’s chemistry is very strong so it’s very easy to root for their happily ever after.
On paper, this audiobook shouldn’t have worked for me. I normally don’t like two narrators and, in this case, one of them is male which it’s strange for a Sapphic romance. However, it makes absolute sense as PJ Freebourn reads the chapters from Moose’s point of view and Paige Reisenfeld narrates both female main characters. Mr. Freebourn absolutely pulls off the different voices for the dogs and Moose’s own voices for the humans. If the book was already funny, his performance makes it absolutely hilarious.
Highly recommended if you are looking for a cute romance that will make you laugh. 5 stars.
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
This audiobook was right up my alley!
If you are looking for a cute, funny and romantic story to cheer you up, search no more. Love Bites does exactly what it says on the tin.
Ashley and Peyton dated back in college and broke up 12 years ago to never see each other again until one day Ashley takes her dog Moose to the animal clinic only to realise that the veterinarian is no other than Peyton. After their initial surprise, both women start reconnecting… but will they be able to leave their differences aside and find happiness in each other?
This is a second-chance romance with the setting of a small town. The original take on this story is that some parts are told from the perspective of Ashley’s dachshund dog Moose who is outright hilarious:
“I glanced over to see an Irish Setter walking gracefully toward me, her red hair shimmering in the late evening sunlight. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. For just a moment, I lost the ability to speak and just stared at her like some dumb basset hound—no offense to Elvis.
“So,” she said, her tone low and sultry, “are you just going to stand there all day, or are you going to come sniff my butt?”
Moose‘s obsession with stealing food, disdain for Peyton – who put him on a diet – and unconditional love for Ashley, introduces a cuteness factor that makes this story very special. He definitely steals the show. The human cast is very likable and Ashley and Peyton’s chemistry is very strong so it’s very easy to root for their happily ever after.
On paper, this audiobook shouldn’t have worked for me. I normally don’t like two narrators and, in this case, one of them is male which it’s strange for a Sapphic romance. However, it makes absolute sense as PJ Freebourn reads the chapters from Moose’s point of view and Paige Reisenfeld narrates both female main characters. Mr. Freebourn absolutely pulls off the different voices for the dogs and Moose’s own voices for the humans. If the book was already funny, his performance makes it absolutely hilarious.
Highly recommended if you are looking for a cute romance that will make you laugh. 5 stars.
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
December 28, 2019
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩🏫🐕👩👧👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I swear … I’ve got some amazing friends (Thank you so much !!!) … => As a surprise Christmas gift, between other paperbacks, I received « Love Bites » by Lila Bruce … I haven’t had the occasion to read it before … You know what ?? It would have been a huge mistake I delay the reading any longer ‘cause … I LOVED IT !!! Hell, yeah … I just loved it !!
The book, a second-chance in love romance, is really very funny due to the author’s smart-ass humor but also very touching … It’s a well balanced result … and a very original one too since there’s original triple POV narration system : from Ashley’s POV (classic « third person » perspective), from Peyton’s POV (classic « third person » perspective as well), and, he most surprising one, from … Moose’s POV (from the « first person » perspective) !!!
Seriously, I’ll re-read this book when I’ll need toimprove my mood, no way I got the blues with this book which, I’m sure, could be the scenario of an hilarious rom-com …
I just can’t wait to read the short story « Easier Said Than Done: A Love Bites Christmas » (Love Bites #1.5) which was also part of the surprise …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩🏫🐕👩👧👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I swear … I’ve got some amazing friends (Thank you so much !!!) … => As a surprise Christmas gift, between other paperbacks, I received « Love Bites » by Lila Bruce … I haven’t had the occasion to read it before … You know what ?? It would have been a huge mistake I delay the reading any longer ‘cause … I LOVED IT !!! Hell, yeah … I just loved it !!
The book, a second-chance in love romance, is really very funny due to the author’s smart-ass humor but also very touching … It’s a well balanced result … and a very original one too since there’s original triple POV narration system : from Ashley’s POV (classic « third person » perspective), from Peyton’s POV (classic « third person » perspective as well), and, he most surprising one, from … Moose’s POV (from the « first person » perspective) !!!
Seriously, I’ll re-read this book when I’ll need toimprove my mood, no way I got the blues with this book which, I’m sure, could be the scenario of an hilarious rom-com …
I just can’t wait to read the short story « Easier Said Than Done: A Love Bites Christmas » (Love Bites #1.5) which was also part of the surprise …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢👩🏫🐕👩👧👩⚕👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
February 4, 2022
The two main characters had a fallout long ago, which was painful for both. They meet again when Ashley takes her dog to the vet and discovers the new vet is her ex, Peyton. The dogs provide comic relief since one perspective in the book is that of Ashley’s dog, Moose, a dachshund. Moose and Elvis (another dog) get a fair bit of time, but it was amusing to get their perspectives on their humans (as well as on food and dog life in general).
One of the reasons for the break up long ago was that Ashley wanted children but Peyton didn’t. That leads to Peyton keeping a big secret from Ashley, and Ashley making a big mistaken assumption about Daisy. This scenario had a lot of comic potential, but the author didn’t really go there much, just enough to make me wonder when Ashley would figure out who Daisy was. Overall, this was an entertaining read with the requisite problem and a satisfying conclusion for all concerned.
One of the reasons for the break up long ago was that Ashley wanted children but Peyton didn’t. That leads to Peyton keeping a big secret from Ashley, and Ashley making a big mistaken assumption about Daisy. This scenario had a lot of comic potential, but the author didn’t really go there much, just enough to make me wonder when Ashley would figure out who Daisy was. Overall, this was an entertaining read with the requisite problem and a satisfying conclusion for all concerned.
February 7, 2022
This was a funny and very entertaining read. I liked that the story was not only told from both Peyton and Ashley’s point of view, but also the dog Moose’s. It’s very interesting to see how he views the world compared to his owner.
I totally love how different the two set of parents are, and that Peyton’s mom stuck up for Ashley when she told her the truth about the two of them. Ashley’s mother on the other hand is rather cold hearted.
Also the confusion in that Ashley first think Daisy is a dog is rather humorous. I think how they reconnect and find back to each other through some difficulties along the way is very sweet. And I can honestly say this book made me laugh through tears more than once.
I totally love how different the two set of parents are, and that Peyton’s mom stuck up for Ashley when she told her the truth about the two of them. Ashley’s mother on the other hand is rather cold hearted.
Also the confusion in that Ashley first think Daisy is a dog is rather humorous. I think how they reconnect and find back to each other through some difficulties along the way is very sweet. And I can honestly say this book made me laugh through tears more than once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
Yeah, it seems that animals do talk to each other,hmm!
Are we not glad we cannot understand what they are saying? Maybe, a little a bit like warning not to turn, walk or swim because they smell the danger ahead? Moose is a dash hound and belongs to Ashley. Dr Peyton Maxwell is the doctor that told Ashley that Moose was fat. How dare she,now Moose cannot get those delicious peanut butter dog biscuits anymore! What is happening! But it seems as though that they knew each other before Moose and now both have feelings toward each other again! What? Enjoy!
Are we not glad we cannot understand what they are saying? Maybe, a little a bit like warning not to turn, walk or swim because they smell the danger ahead? Moose is a dash hound and belongs to Ashley. Dr Peyton Maxwell is the doctor that told Ashley that Moose was fat. How dare she,now Moose cannot get those delicious peanut butter dog biscuits anymore! What is happening! But it seems as though that they knew each other before Moose and now both have feelings toward each other again! What? Enjoy!
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