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Domestic Equalizers #8
You Can Have My Heart, but Don't Touch My Dog
After two divorces, Sandi Walker, entrepreneur extraordinaire, is on her own and loving it. As a devout animal lover, she has made a success of the only gourmet pet food bakery in Midland, Texas. She’s also a pet foster parent and has fifteen assorted abused and unwanted animals at home. When a golden-colored stray dog with an abundance of personality appears at her door, she can’t refuse him and she can’t keep from falling in love with him. She names him Waffle and gives him a permanent home.
General Manager of the Flying C Ranch, Nick Conway, has searched for months for his lost dog, Buster. Giving up on ever finding him, he looks for a new dog and finds a puppy at a pet grooming shop. While he went to the shop to see a puppy, he also encountered a beautiful redheaded woman he can’t put out of his mind. Little does he know that she found Buster in an alley and has now claimed him as her own. Sparks fly between Sandi and Nick when he steals Buster and sues her in court for custody. It will take a mouthy parrot, a sitting judge, the matchmaking skills of the Domestic Equalizers and Cupid himself to resolve this conflict.
General Manager of the Flying C Ranch, Nick Conway, has searched for months for his lost dog, Buster. Giving up on ever finding him, he looks for a new dog and finds a puppy at a pet grooming shop. While he went to the shop to see a puppy, he also encountered a beautiful redheaded woman he can’t put out of his mind. Little does he know that she found Buster in an alley and has now claimed him as her own. Sparks fly between Sandi and Nick when he steals Buster and sues her in court for custody. It will take a mouthy parrot, a sitting judge, the matchmaking skills of the Domestic Equalizers and Cupid himself to resolve this conflict.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
22 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Dixie Cash
17 books241 followersDixie Cash is the pen name of Texas-born sisters Pam Cumbie and Jeffery McClanahan, a dynamic duo known for their humorous, character-driven novels set in the American South. Raised in rural West Texas among a colorful cast of cowboys, cowgirls, and larger-than-life personalities, the sisters blend Pam’s zany humor with Jeffery’s dry wit to create laugh-out-loud stories full of charm and heart. Deeply rooted in the world of country western music and small-town life, their collaborative writing brings Southern flair and comedic storytelling to the page. Pam lives in the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex, while Jeffery resides in a small town nearby.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 26, 2019
Sandi Walker, owner of the gourmet pet food store, La Barkery, takes in strays and animals no one else wants. Although she already has a houseful, when she finds a hungry dog scavenging in a dumpster she makes room for one more. The dog, who she names Waffles, soon captures her heart, but a handsome cowboy named Nick claims it is his dog. He takes her to court and wins, but the judge says she can be co-owner.
Among Sandi's menagerie is a foul mouthed African Grey parrot named Jake. She reluctantly gives Jake to her Aunt Edwina in Salt Lick, as a gift for Vic. Vic builds an elaborate cage for Jake to stay in when Vic is on the road driving his truck and the bird spends his time with the girls in the Styling Station. Of course he becomes a huge attraction.
Sandi's boyfriend of one year is defending the brutal killer of a sweet, elderly woman. She does not understand how Richard can defend such a monster. Not only this, but he does not like her pets and wants her to get rid of them.
Stuffy, out of shape, animal hating lawyer or sexy animal loving cowboy. Not a tough decision for Sandi.
Among Sandi's menagerie is a foul mouthed African Grey parrot named Jake. She reluctantly gives Jake to her Aunt Edwina in Salt Lick, as a gift for Vic. Vic builds an elaborate cage for Jake to stay in when Vic is on the road driving his truck and the bird spends his time with the girls in the Styling Station. Of course he becomes a huge attraction.
Sandi's boyfriend of one year is defending the brutal killer of a sweet, elderly woman. She does not understand how Richard can defend such a monster. Not only this, but he does not like her pets and wants her to get rid of them.
Stuffy, out of shape, animal hating lawyer or sexy animal loving cowboy. Not a tough decision for Sandi.
February 1, 2017
I have loved the Domestic Equalizer series for some time, so when I realized there was a new installment, I was eager to pick it up. Didn't take me long to read it, but I have to say, this one was tough...disappointing...and just average.
I felt like Edwina and Debbie Sue were sort of along for the ride, while their men, Vic and Buddy, barely even made the pages of the novel. Part of what makes these two so much fun is reading about their husbands trying to rein them in, or bail them out of trouble when it inevitably happens.
The love story between Nick Conway, the good-looking but aloof rancher, and Sandi Walker, Edwina's animal-loving-and-constantly-rescuing-strays niece, is tepid at best. It's obvious that it will be lust at first sight, but the whole issue of is-he-Waffle-or-is-he-Buster (the dog from the title) will keep them apart for a good bit of the book. Before anyone thinks I'm just finding all sorts of things to complain and moan about, I will say this: the authors know what it's like to love an animal, especially one who might be a bit different. THAT comes through in the book loud and clear, and I applaud them for that. It made it easier to overlook some of my other issues.
Which brings me to the biggie: EDITING - or rather, the lack thereof. I'm about 99% sure that this is a self-published work, which I have no problem with; it's the route many authors are taking these days, especially if they're not signed with one of the big six. But that doesn't mean an author should skimp on the basics that create a well-written book, and I am here to tell you, editing/proofreading is a BIG skimp in this novel. I can overlook a wrong word or two, maybe some missed punctuation here and there, but the amount of missed things in this book was just pitiful. Starting on page 24, with the word "would" spelled "wwould". Look, even Spellcheck should have caught that! Missing quotation marks were a huge issue, notably closing quotes - not a good thing with the amount of dialog in these books. Wrong words altogether, such as near the end when one character says "A bow knot if all I know how to tie" (again, spelled correctly, but *wrong word*). Finally, continuity issues! For example, a character wakes and realizes she's wearing nothing but her panties. Two pages later, she's easing herself out of bed, finds her clothes, and starts putting them on, starting with her bra and then "step[ping] into her panties..." HOW CAN SHE STEP INTO SAID PANTIES IF SHE WAS ALREADY WEARING THEM? I'm sorry, I know that's screaming at everyone, but I almost threw the book across the room at that point.
Please, Dixie Cash, aka Anna Jeffrey and Pam Cumbie, PLEASE hire someone to edit/proofread your next book.
Wish I could say I recommend this, but I just can't. Go find another one of the titles in this series, and enjoy that instead.
I felt like Edwina and Debbie Sue were sort of along for the ride, while their men, Vic and Buddy, barely even made the pages of the novel. Part of what makes these two so much fun is reading about their husbands trying to rein them in, or bail them out of trouble when it inevitably happens.
The love story between Nick Conway, the good-looking but aloof rancher, and Sandi Walker, Edwina's animal-loving-and-constantly-rescuing-strays niece, is tepid at best. It's obvious that it will be lust at first sight, but the whole issue of is-he-Waffle-or-is-he-Buster (the dog from the title) will keep them apart for a good bit of the book. Before anyone thinks I'm just finding all sorts of things to complain and moan about, I will say this: the authors know what it's like to love an animal, especially one who might be a bit different. THAT comes through in the book loud and clear, and I applaud them for that. It made it easier to overlook some of my other issues.
Which brings me to the biggie: EDITING - or rather, the lack thereof. I'm about 99% sure that this is a self-published work, which I have no problem with; it's the route many authors are taking these days, especially if they're not signed with one of the big six. But that doesn't mean an author should skimp on the basics that create a well-written book, and I am here to tell you, editing/proofreading is a BIG skimp in this novel. I can overlook a wrong word or two, maybe some missed punctuation here and there, but the amount of missed things in this book was just pitiful. Starting on page 24, with the word "would" spelled "wwould". Look, even Spellcheck should have caught that! Missing quotation marks were a huge issue, notably closing quotes - not a good thing with the amount of dialog in these books. Wrong words altogether, such as near the end when one character says "A bow knot if all I know how to tie" (again, spelled correctly, but *wrong word*). Finally, continuity issues! For example, a character wakes and realizes she's wearing nothing but her panties. Two pages later, she's easing herself out of bed, finds her clothes, and starts putting them on, starting with her bra and then "step[ping] into her panties..." HOW CAN SHE STEP INTO SAID PANTIES IF SHE WAS ALREADY WEARING THEM? I'm sorry, I know that's screaming at everyone, but I almost threw the book across the room at that point.
Please, Dixie Cash, aka Anna Jeffrey and Pam Cumbie, PLEASE hire someone to edit/proofread your next book.
Wish I could say I recommend this, but I just can't. Go find another one of the titles in this series, and enjoy that instead.
February 12, 2017
Let me say first of all I LOVE Dixie Cash and was so excited when I realized there was FINALLY a new book but this book just didn't do it for me. The characters weren't as zany as they normally are and the story was so so. I love animals... I have 3 dogs, 1 cat, a bunny, and a mini pig that live in my house, that's not counting my 9 horses, but Sandi was just too whinny for me. Jake was my favorite character.
Ironically as I was reading the part where Juanita was trying to talk Sandi into taking a pig, mine started kicking the door to come in.
Ironically as I was reading the part where Juanita was trying to talk Sandi into taking a pig, mine started kicking the door to come in.
March 30, 2019
I'm sad that this is the last book in this series. I love this laugh out loud series in which I felt the two main character's, Debbie sue and Edwina were my friends. This series was so great that I will definitely read it again!
June 28, 2024
I have enjoyed this series, but at the same time I'm glad to be done with it. I feel like as it went on I kept getting more irritated with the characters, although with this book it wasn't Debbie Sue and Edwina as much as Sandi and Nick. They just kept being judgy and jumping to conclusions and constantly ogling each other, and while it is still fun and breezy I kept rolling my eyes at them during their conversations. There were fun plot points and I have had a good time with this 8 book series, but I'm ready for a break.
February 12, 2017
3.5. This was soooo silly and over-the-top, but that's what these books are known for. I'm just reading this one many years after I've read the others, so my opinions may have changed. It was still a fun ride with some great characters except for one- Sandi drove me up a freakin' wall. I just couldn't root for her too much, and really wasn't sure what Nick saw in her. Oh well, I'd still read another if they continue to write!
February 27, 2020
For the most part I enjoyed this, particularly for the realistic comments about animal rescue & care, and the fact that the romantic threads were not sappy or overdone. The book seemed to wrap up somewhat abruptly, but many of the loose ends were, indeed, tied up. An enjoyable quick read. A star taken off or occasional sloppy editing and a continuity issue (which most readers may not notice).
March 17, 2022
You Can Have My Heart, but Don't Touch My Dog
Buster wandered off from his home and got lost for a long time before Sandi found him in the alley behind her shop and took rescued him. She named him Waffles because of his color. Nick was in her shop and saw him and realized it was Buster. The fight over who gets the dog began.
Buster wandered off from his home and got lost for a long time before Sandi found him in the alley behind her shop and took rescued him. She named him Waffles because of his color. Nick was in her shop and saw him and realized it was Buster. The fight over who gets the dog began.
October 17, 2017
I love these kookie, wacky books!
March 16, 2020
I guess it's funny with quirky characters, but there were small continuity errors and overall it was just meh
April 7, 2020
buster waffle
Excellent, one of the best in the series.. Please write more! these books are so funny. I can’t stop laughing!
Excellent, one of the best in the series.. Please write more! these books are so funny. I can’t stop laughing!
December 31, 2023
This book needed an editor. At one point a character’s NAME changed mid-sentence.
April 6, 2016
If you are looking for a romantic comedy that will keep you in stitches, than look no further, You Can Have My Heart, But Don't Touch My Dog by the sister author team of Dixie Cash is the one for you!
Twice divorced Sandi Walker is a devout pet lover and owner of a gourmet pet food bakery in Midland, Texas. Disillusioned with love, she turns her affections to being a foster pet parent to abused and unwanted animals. When a stray dog appears at her alley door, she doesn't hesitate to take him in, name him Waffle, and give him a permanent home.
Nick Conway is the general manager of the Flying C Ranch. He recently lost his dog named Buster, and he has heartbrokenly searched all over for him with no luck. Nick unexpectedly meets Sandi when he goes to a pet grooming shop to get a new puppy. Little does Nick know that Sandy has found his dog, and she has claimed him for her own!
Sparks fly between Nick and Sandi, but a little issue of loving the same dog causes a conflict that only the matchmaking skills of the Domestic Equalizers and Cupid himself can resolve!
In You Can Have My Heart, But Don't Touch My Dog, the sister author team of Dixie Cash weaves a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy that is so much fun to read. You can't help but get drawn into Sandi and Nick's story, it has a wonderful mixture of humor, drama, and romance that will appeal to pet lovers and fans of romantic comedies.
I loved the spark of attraction and the witty banter between Sandi and Nick, and when you add in the mutual love for their pets, and the crazy drama that ensues with the matchmaking help of the domestic equalizers, this fun story has a sweet mixture of romance and laugh-out-loud moments that definitely will put a smile on your face!
I have not read any of the previous books in The Domestic Equalizer Series, but after reading this book, I definitely will go back and check out the other books in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blast event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Twice divorced Sandi Walker is a devout pet lover and owner of a gourmet pet food bakery in Midland, Texas. Disillusioned with love, she turns her affections to being a foster pet parent to abused and unwanted animals. When a stray dog appears at her alley door, she doesn't hesitate to take him in, name him Waffle, and give him a permanent home.
Nick Conway is the general manager of the Flying C Ranch. He recently lost his dog named Buster, and he has heartbrokenly searched all over for him with no luck. Nick unexpectedly meets Sandi when he goes to a pet grooming shop to get a new puppy. Little does Nick know that Sandy has found his dog, and she has claimed him for her own!
Sparks fly between Nick and Sandi, but a little issue of loving the same dog causes a conflict that only the matchmaking skills of the Domestic Equalizers and Cupid himself can resolve!
In You Can Have My Heart, But Don't Touch My Dog, the sister author team of Dixie Cash weaves a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy that is so much fun to read. You can't help but get drawn into Sandi and Nick's story, it has a wonderful mixture of humor, drama, and romance that will appeal to pet lovers and fans of romantic comedies.
I loved the spark of attraction and the witty banter between Sandi and Nick, and when you add in the mutual love for their pets, and the crazy drama that ensues with the matchmaking help of the domestic equalizers, this fun story has a sweet mixture of romance and laugh-out-loud moments that definitely will put a smile on your face!
I have not read any of the previous books in The Domestic Equalizer Series, but after reading this book, I definitely will go back and check out the other books in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blast event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 6, 2016
I'll be honest. At first I didn't think I could get into this book. However, I read a few more chapters and the hilarity that ensued, with the tongue in cheek manner the author approached by the story suddenly grabbed me. After that, I was a lost cause. I couldn't stop reading, or laughing.
The situation that the author has given us is one that is very unique, but also exceptionally realistic. Those of us who are pet owners know just how easy it is to fall in love with them and want to do anything for them, anything to keep them. I loved how it was approached. It very much made the two of them come at the situation on equal footing, both believing they were right, and neither wanting anything but the best for Buffle (Buster/Waffle). I liked that they were both fighting for the same thing, and the more they fought the closer they got, without even noticing.
The two mains were really cute. They were both strong-willed, caring, passionate and cheeky. When they clash, it makes the situation hilarious, as they are two perfectly matched people, who just sling things at each other, without realizing how silly they are being. I love that they are both oblivious to the obvious, that they could and should be together, but both is too busy pointing out that the other needs a partner.
Buffle adds so much to the story as well. He has a spunky personality and you can tell he is very intuitive. He sees what is between them and he also noticed how silly they are acting, and his actions then add to just how awkwardly funny the situations and encounters are.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this story, and highly recommend it both if you are a pet lover and if you are in the mood for a ligh-hearted, funny read.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
The situation that the author has given us is one that is very unique, but also exceptionally realistic. Those of us who are pet owners know just how easy it is to fall in love with them and want to do anything for them, anything to keep them. I loved how it was approached. It very much made the two of them come at the situation on equal footing, both believing they were right, and neither wanting anything but the best for Buffle (Buster/Waffle). I liked that they were both fighting for the same thing, and the more they fought the closer they got, without even noticing.
The two mains were really cute. They were both strong-willed, caring, passionate and cheeky. When they clash, it makes the situation hilarious, as they are two perfectly matched people, who just sling things at each other, without realizing how silly they are being. I love that they are both oblivious to the obvious, that they could and should be together, but both is too busy pointing out that the other needs a partner.
Buffle adds so much to the story as well. He has a spunky personality and you can tell he is very intuitive. He sees what is between them and he also noticed how silly they are acting, and his actions then add to just how awkwardly funny the situations and encounters are.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this story, and highly recommend it both if you are a pet lover and if you are in the mood for a ligh-hearted, funny read.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 8, 2016
This was a very fun book to read, very lighthearted and well-rounded!
The characters were all very witty, with great personalities. The story-line was cute as well, man loses his dog, woman finds his dog and decides to keep him, until said man comes in to town and spots his long lost best friend. Well, now Sandi's simple life takes a detour straight to complicated-ville. But it just goes to show, anyone who loves their pets will ABSOLUTELY go the extra mile and do anything for their furbabies!
Sandi was an adorable character and easy to get along with while I read through the book, and Nick is an all-male, pure-bred cowboy, totally hunk-worthy.
The main characters aunt and her aunts friend were hilarious. I loved them, they reminded me of a few aunts of my own. This author writes their characters extremely relatable. I liked what these two characters brought to the book as a whole, and how they had a side job as being private investigators.
Out of the entire book though, I think my favorite character would have to be Jake..the parrot. LOL, I cracked up at everything that came out of that birds mouth, ha.
This is a book I'd recommend to my friends, thanks!
The characters were all very witty, with great personalities. The story-line was cute as well, man loses his dog, woman finds his dog and decides to keep him, until said man comes in to town and spots his long lost best friend. Well, now Sandi's simple life takes a detour straight to complicated-ville. But it just goes to show, anyone who loves their pets will ABSOLUTELY go the extra mile and do anything for their furbabies!
Sandi was an adorable character and easy to get along with while I read through the book, and Nick is an all-male, pure-bred cowboy, totally hunk-worthy.
The main characters aunt and her aunts friend were hilarious. I loved them, they reminded me of a few aunts of my own. This author writes their characters extremely relatable. I liked what these two characters brought to the book as a whole, and how they had a side job as being private investigators.
Out of the entire book though, I think my favorite character would have to be Jake..the parrot. LOL, I cracked up at everything that came out of that birds mouth, ha.
This is a book I'd recommend to my friends, thanks!
April 6, 2016
I waited quite a long time for another book in this series and it was worth the wait!!!! I love the writing team that is Dixie Cash!! Their stories have characters that you will love and will laugh with throughout the story. They put so much effort into the titles that you just know the story will be terrific. Sandi has a heart of gold and has never met a stray animal she doesn't want to help and love. When a stray dog arrives at her steps, she loves him and decides she will keep him, naming him Buster. Then there is Nick, who lost his dog and is heartbroken, so when he has finally come to the conclusion that his dog won't be back, he not only finds a dog, but a feisty redhead as well. Nick and Sandi find out that they have much more in common than they thought when Nick realizes Sandi has his dog and has no intention of giving him back. What follows next is hysterical fun with romance added in to make this a perfect story. Super summer read!!
October 22, 2016
Loved it. Loved it!
Another winner for Dixie Cash! It needs 10+ stars . If you haven't read any of their other books , this one works fine as a standalone . Of course, we have Edwina and Debbie Sue and the styling station which is central to the domestic equalizers novels . You will love Sandi and her menagerie of animals . Especially the parent, Jake , oo oops the African gray . His vocabulary is hilarious the way they have written . And of course , there is Nick . He and Sandi have quite the relationship … Not going to tell you anything else … Read the book and enjoy enjoy enjoy !
Another winner for Dixie Cash! It needs 10+ stars . If you haven't read any of their other books , this one works fine as a standalone . Of course, we have Edwina and Debbie Sue and the styling station which is central to the domestic equalizers novels . You will love Sandi and her menagerie of animals . Especially the parent, Jake , oo oops the African gray . His vocabulary is hilarious the way they have written . And of course , there is Nick . He and Sandi have quite the relationship … Not going to tell you anything else … Read the book and enjoy enjoy enjoy !
April 10, 2016
I love this series. It is always light hearted and full of jolting surprises. I love the team of Edwina and Debbie Sue. They get into more trouble than any two "detectives" should. And with this particular story, I love the fact that it brings to light the condition of abused and neglected animals. What a heartfelt story it turned out to be. But, it still has all the quirks of a Edwina and Debbie Sue that you can possibly have. They should be considered illegal!
April 29, 2016
The girls are back... Kind of
Keeping the humor, I enjoyed the book and the return of the girls. I was a little disappointed that his was more of a romance novel than the humorous misadventuring mysteries of the usual kind with the domestic equalizers. It was still funny and shared their wit though. I did miss the antics of Buddy and Vic trying to tame Debbie Sue and Ed.
Keeping the humor, I enjoyed the book and the return of the girls. I was a little disappointed that his was more of a romance novel than the humorous misadventuring mysteries of the usual kind with the domestic equalizers. It was still funny and shared their wit though. I did miss the antics of Buddy and Vic trying to tame Debbie Sue and Ed.
April 14, 2016
You Can Have My Heart, but Don't Touch My Dog review
This is the eighth book in The Domestic Equalizers series written by sister authors Dixie Cash. Their fans have waited forever for this book. I love the quirky humor. Jake the parrot is hysterical. Hope there will be another story soon
This is the eighth book in The Domestic Equalizers series written by sister authors Dixie Cash. Their fans have waited forever for this book. I love the quirky humor. Jake the parrot is hysterical. Hope there will be another story soon
April 19, 2016
Good to read another book in this series
I enjoyed reading about the characters of the first seven books of this series. I also enjoyed getting to. Know the new characters.
I hope they are more books in this series.
I enjoyed reading about the characters of the first seven books of this series. I also enjoyed getting to. Know the new characters.
I hope they are more books in this series.
July 6, 2016
Love Anna and Pam' Dixie Cash
This funny tale, gives readers a chance to read something light, humorous, a little suspense as to how it is all going to come together, and of course ROMANCE....keep on writing Dixie Cash I'm already anxiously awaiting the next book...
This funny tale, gives readers a chance to read something light, humorous, a little suspense as to how it is all going to come together, and of course ROMANCE....keep on writing Dixie Cash I'm already anxiously awaiting the next book...
September 5, 2016
I adore the domestic equalizers books. They are so hilarious. I have introduced other people to this series who love it as much as I do.
May 9, 2019
Might be my favorite in the series!! The parrot just steals the show! Maybe because I had an African Grey and could relate! Don’t miss this one!
July 24, 2016
cute...
October 30, 2016
Thanks for another funny story.
Another fun read from Dixie Cash! Jake the parrot steals the show in this light hearted story. Thanks for the laughs!
Another fun read from Dixie Cash! Jake the parrot steals the show in this light hearted story. Thanks for the laughs!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews