About a Dog

Bluff Point #1

by Jenn McKinlay, Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Fall in love with a little help from man’s best friend in New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay’s contemporary romance debut.

Mackenzie “Mac” Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine, after being left at the altar—and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend’s off-limits brother. Now, seven years later, she’s back to attend her best friend’s wedding—safe, or so she thinks, from the mistakes of her youth.

But Gavin Tolliver has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin, the town’s veterinarian, can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love…

Runtime: 9 hours, 33 minutes.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Animals

10 pages, Audio CD

First published May 30, 2017

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I just loved this book! It wasn't overly complicated but it was just a lot of fun to read. Once I started reading this book, I was almost instantly hooked. I couldn't get it out of my head and wanted to do nothing but sit down and read. I decided to read this book really just because of the title and description. It was really a pretty impulsive decision but one that worked out extremely well for me.

Mac is going back to her hometown in Maine for the first time in seven years. She moved away after being left at the alter and hasn't been back. She is back so that she can be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding. There are two weeks of wedding activities planned and Mac is determined to do anything that is needed including being paired with with the bride's little brother, Gavin.

Mac and Gavin have a past that nobody is aware of. Gavin is Mac's best friend's little brother and is supposed to be off limits. Gavin has grown up a lot in the seven years since Mac left town. He is a veterinarian and stays really busy. The chemistry between Mac and Gavin was intense from the very first time they were on the page together. I just loved every interaction between this pair.

I loved the characters. Mac and Gavin were just wonderful together. Mac has tried to live a very safe life in terms of relationships since being left at the alter. Gavin has never been able to get Mac out of his head and was really such a nice guy. A lot of secondary characters also play a large role in this story as well including other members of the wedding party and Mac's aunts who are busy reinventing themselves.

I am a huge dog lover so the fact that this book features a dog was a huge draw for me. As the book started, I did wonder when we would meet the dog and it does take a while but Tulip ended up being worth the wait. I love that Tulip is such an important part of the story. I also think that both Mac and Gavin's interactions with Tulip really helped show how caring they really are.

I would highly recommend this book to others. This book was both funny and romantic as well as incredibly entertaining. This is the first book that I have read by Jenn McKinlay but I am really looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via First to Read.

Initial Thoughts
I just loved this book. It was funny and romantic. Plus it has an adorable dog as a main part of the story.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to pick up About a Dog since it sounded like a cute romance with an adorable dog. Unfortunately, the heroine, Mac, made the story completely frustrating by continually pushing Gavin away. Off limits because he’s your best friend’s younger brother just didn’t seem like a good enough reason to try and stay away for the majority of the book. Even when they did get together, which seemed like it took forever, Mac still fought their connection.

Don’t even get me started on the useless “boyfriend” she had back in Chicago. Mac’s committed to somehow working things out with this loser even though he called for a break, and all her friends hated him.

I loved Gavin and that’s the only reason this is getting two stars instead of one.

The humor in the book missed the mark for me. It felt like pointless filler when I just wanted Mac to sort her shit out.

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: May 30, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance

For those of you who don't know, Jenn McKinlay is the author of many cozy mystery novels and About a Dog is her debut contemporary romance. Now, I will admit I was a bit skeptical when I purchased this novel because going from cozy mysteries to contemporary romance is a big jump. However, I am pleased to announce that I absolutely LOVED this book. It's sweet, funny, lighthearted, low on drama, and perfect for summer. Jenn McKinlay makes this book shine, and all my worries about it being a cheese-fest were quickly dismantled. There is nothing cheesy about this small town, second chance romance (with a little twist) and I was not only enamored by the story line, but by the characters too.

Mackenzie "Mac" Harris, is the heroine. She is smart, silly, and has a fun and eccentric family that is sure to make readers laugh their butts off. Not only this, she is sweet, kind, loving, and one of those types of friends that everyone wished they had. Returning to Bluff Point Maine- something she hasn't done since being jilted at the alter- does come off hard for her (rightfully so) but she needs to in order to be there for her best friends wedding. But it becomes even harder when she is forced to partake in wedding activities with an old flame, none other then her best friends brother. Avoidance is her main goal- avoiding Gavin and avoiding running into her ex and nemesis who stole her ex-fiance. But it doesn't work out well for her and she is forced (naturally) into getting to know him once again. So what happens when these love birds find each other again? A whole lotta fun! If you want to get down to the nitty gritty, you'll have to read for yourself!

Gavin- the vet of Bluff Point- has been in love with Mac since that night many years ago. And when he finally sees her after all these years, he know the love he felt then is just as real now. But getting her to see the light isn't all that easy. And it takes a dog, a lot of persuasion, and a fun group of people to make her see what is right in front of him...

Overall, this is a fun and light read and I adored it to pieces! I am so excited that this book is going to be a series (there are two more books after this one that have been announced so far) and the second they hit the shelves I am going to be buying them. Readers will fall instantly in love with Mac and Gavin, and find themselves wanting a dog like Tulip (she is one of the main attractions in the novel aside from Mac and Gavin) as well.

If you have read any of McKinlay's cozies then I would certainly recommend reading her contemporary romance as well. If not, that's fine! Because this little romance will delight you in so many ways and you may find a new romance author to fall in love with.

Recommended Read

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a Dog is Jenn McKinlay’s first foray into contemporary romance and it was a delightful, entertaining story. As soon as I saw the cover with the dog and read the blurb I knew I wanted to read it. Mackenzie Harris is returning to her hometown for the first time since her own wedding fiasco 7 years ago. Her groom left HER at the altar and now she’s back to be the maid of honor for her best friend. What has her anxious is that she is going to be seeing her friend’s younger brother Gavin, who comforted her after that horrible day and left him without a word. She’s going back and doesn’t know what to expect. Gavin is all grown up and now the town veterinarian, and definitely hotter and sexier as an older man.

I have to say that it was a light and easy read and had me smiling throughout with the witty dialogue and truly entertaining characters. The cast of individuals she has created play off of one another and made the pages fly. Mac is back with her elderly aunts and those two are a hoot crossing things off their bucket list. The two week visit prior to the wedding has Mac and her 3 best friends plus the groom and his, all together on multiple occasions and each time the tension between Mac and Gavin has sparks flying because there is no denying the chemistry. Add an adorable puppy named Tulip and you have another dimension where Gavin and Mac are thrown together, and let’s just say that they just can’t fight the inevitable.

Jenn McKinlay is better known for her mystery series but she can chalk up a winner in romantic comedy with About a Dog. Bluff Point, Maine is a small home town and has all the ingredients of quirky characters and everyone knowing your business. This story is a great beginning in this series and I look forward to reading more from her. I would highly recommend this book because it was funny, enjoyable and romantic.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ABOUT A DOG is the first book in the Bluff Point series by Jenn McKinlay. McKinlay has written many bestselling mysteries but this is her very first Romance book. I’m a big fan of all her Mystery series so when I heard that she would be writing Romance, I knew I had to try it.

First off, I will say that this book is very light-hearted. It’s a perfect summer read if you just want something that you can breeze through. There’s quite a lot of emphasis on friendship in this book and actually the first few chapters really focus on introducing the new cast of characters in a fun way. While I did enjoy the banter between them, I did think that the pacing lagged a little bit. I personally thought it took too long to introduce the hero because we were so focused on Mac and her friends. But, that being said, it means that readers can look forward to the next books in the series because they are already very familiar with the cast.

Like I mentioned earlier, there’s lots of good banter. This is one of the things that McKinlay is good at. The romance between Mac and Gavin is sweet. But the author does put a lot of emphasis on trying to be funny. Some jokes hit the jackpot while other scenes seem to come across as trying a little too hard. It might just be me, but I think you need to really be in a good mood to be 100% into this book. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to book two and more of McKinlay’s Romances!

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really not a big reader of romance novels however, I love Jenn McKinlay's cozy mysteries and I'm mad about dogs so I couldn't pass up reading her first foray into a new genre. "About a Dog" tells the story of Mac, a hard working, independent woman who returns to Bluff Point for her best pal Emma's wedding. Mac hasn't been back to visit Bluff Point since she was stood up at the alter seven years ago and ended up sleeping with Emma's baby brother, Gavin. The wedding has reunited a group of four gal pals along with the groom and his groomsmen and it's great to see the bond and camaraderie between all of these individuals.

Mac, who is trying like mad to avoid Gavin, has been paired up with him for almost all the activities planned for the two weeks leading up to the wedding. Gavin makes no secret that he still has deep feelings for Mac but Mac is afraid of ruining her friendship with Emma. Plus, she recently took a break from her past boyfriend-of-convenience and is unsure about jumping into something with Gavin.

I really enjoyed the characters and story line in "About a Dog." In fact, Mac is probably actually my fourth favorite person in the book and she is actually the MC. About 1/4 into the book, Mac finds a lost pit/boxer puppy. She is instantly smitten and immediately names her Tulip. Of course, Gavin is also the town vet so Tulip's presence finally forces some interaction between Mac and Gavin. Also, while in Bluff Point, Mac stays with her two elderly aunts who are positively mad and tons of fun. They love to watch Matthew McConaughey movies because of his "pec," trade in their sensible vehicle for a jacked up roadster, and have started listening and dancing to rap music. They love both Mac and Tulip and try to do some matchmaking of their own.

"About a Dog" is a really fun read and I'm anxious to get to the next book in the series when it is released. I really adored seeing a new side of the author and she should be applauded for stepping outside of her comfort zone and writing something new. This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs because Tulip clearly steals the show. It's a quick, light romantic read which I believe everyone needs from time to time.

I received "About a Dog" from Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

About a Dog is the start of Jenn McKinlay’s contemporary romance series, A Bluff Point Romance.

What I highly appreciated in this book was the female friendship between Mackenzie Harris (the heroine) and her Maine crew. The book opens with Mac and two of her best friends trying their bridesmaids dresses – and this closeness of sisterhood is very strong throughout the book. The girls have helped Mac when she was left at the altar too, seven years ago. Although that night Mac also got her consolation in a different form, in the arms of Gavin Tolliver, the younger brother of her other best friend, Emma.

Oh yes, I said younger brother! It was another thing that delighted me from this novel. That the hero is five years younger than the heroine. I don’t think I’ve read many romance with age-gap where the heroine is older. Or maybe I don’t particularly look for it. Still, it’s a lovely surprise. Gavin definitely had crush on Mac all those years ago, and now that Mac is back for his sister’s wedding, and he himself is out of a relationship, Gavin is on the mission to win Mac’s heart once and for all.

Unfortunately … this is where I struggled with the book. I didn’t feel like there was enough of Mac and Gavin’s interaction to build their relationship. Mac is busy with her girlfriends preparing themselves for the wedding. Then when the stray puppy, Tulip, appears as part of the plot device, it also takes a different turn. Sure Gavin becomes the puppy’s doctor, but there was a kind-of-mystery plot regarding Tulip’s ownership that takes Mac’s attention.

I wonder if this is because Ms. McKinlay is famous as author for cozy mysteries series, that she can’t help adding it to the book.

So yes, I liked the friendship and the dog was definitely adorable. But the romance itself doesn’t take center stage and I wasn’t as satisfied with it in the end.


A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls



The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Angie Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from publisher

3.5 stars

So right off the bat I want to say that I think About a Dog sacrificed reality for fun. And it worked; this was a feel good read that kept me in stitches through most of the book. I loved everything about the town. The two bars the ‘Maine crew’ stuck to while they were preparing for their friends’ wedding, the bakery where you could get Maine whoopie pies, and of course, the veterinary clinic where Gavin worked. And Gavin – I was head over heels for that man in no time. He was so sweet and persistent, and I loved how he just put it all out there for Mac. There was no holding back from the woman he’d always loved. I could just see his broken heart coming, and I was dreading it. So this book kicked off with a girl-time as the women tried on their bridesmaid dresses and then spent an evening out drinking and dancing, and while there were a lot of scenes like that in this book, they didn’t overwhelm the story. I enjoyed the time the gals spent together reminiscing, and they’re women who make you want to crash their girls night. I also loved Mac’s aunts. They were hilarious, and had found a second lease on life. Experiencing fun was the name of the game for the two of them. I also loved Tulip, who was the catalyst for bringing Gavin and Mac together more than once, much to Mac’s dismay. Mac ran hot and cold with Gavin often, and while I understood it at first, there came a point when I just wanted to grab her and shake her and tell her to woman up and tell your best friend you have the hots for her brother! Especially after Mac finally realized she was in love with him and wanted to be in it for the long haul. But I have to give Mac credit – when she finally decided to go after Gavin, there was nothing she wouldn’t do and no one she wouldn’t recruit to help her get her man back!

Now I will say there were times when I felt like this book was trying a bit too hard to be funny, and there were times when it got a bit outlandish. But like I said, if you know that going in and can adjust your expectations, I think you’ll have as much fun as I did with this book. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but since the secondary characters had a lot of page time in this book, I’m counting on lots more of Mac and Gavin as this series continues!

Overall, I thought About a Dog was a wonderful read about love, friendships and the family you make along the way. I think it would be the perfect book to slip into your beach bag this summer. And I’m really looking forward to the next installment!

This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rKyb55

Okay. I know you've seen this cover. How freaking CUTE is it?! I could not resist it. I didn't even make an attempt to resist it. I was all ohmigawd it's adorable I neeeeeed it *grabby hands*

I really was.

And About a Dog was a fun little read, too! Forbidden flings, crazy friends, adorable pups, a lickable veterinarian. Totally fun.

So. Mac's best friend is getting married and everyone's come home to celebrate and in Mac's case try not jump her best friend's baby brother...again. Yeah she kinda had a drunken fling with him 7 years earlier and damn if he isn't even hotter all these years later. Her best friend would totally freak so Gavin and his sexy veterinarian self is off limits. Maybe. Hopefully...


I had a good time with Mac and Gavin. They so needed a push to be together. She's older than him. She's his sister's best friend. She kinda lives in another state. And has commitment issues. And he's all sexy veterinarian being all hot taking care of wee little animals. I mean. Come on! Don't resist, girl! He's grounded and steady. And just what she needed.

There wasn't much heat except towards the very very end. But I enjoyed their chemistry and seeing them finally come together after all these years and figure things out.

Oh oh. And the vet bit. Damn. My vet isn't near as yummy. I loved all the animal parts. There's the cutest puppy that broke my heart and made me want to snuggle her so bad. And fall for the characters because of how much they adored her.

And there was a LOT of weddingness. Like two solid week's of bride demanded festivities. I totally woulda been like girl I don't love you that much. Sorry. But it was entertaining watching them catching up with each other, teasing, going on little adventures and doing wedding prep. I totally want some of their stories now. It's a good group of friends (male and female) who got a bit silly and over the top with each other but were just fun.

All in all, About a Dog was as cute as it's cover. It left me smiling and ready to see which of the friends will find their match next.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coffee Dates with About a Dog


First Date: Mac left Bluff Point after her fiance left her at the altar. In her grief, she slept with her best friend's younger brother. She fled Point Bluff and never looked back. She has never told anyone about that night. She now lives in the city and is in a relationship of sorts with a man who has asked that they take a break. Her best friend is getting married and as the maid of honor, she heads back home. With two weeks of activity will she be able to resist Gavin?

Second Date: Gavin is now the local veterinarian and all grown up.  Soft spoken, sexy and loves animals who could resist? I loved their first interaction after so many years. While Mac is pretending nothing happened Gavin is declaring his intentions. Oh boy!  Poor Mac is out of sorts between her attraction to Gavin and his declaration that he wants a repeat of their night together. Mac is damaged and as McKinlay peels back her layers we see the cracks brought on by her jilted fiance and the odd relationship she is currently in. We get to know several secondary characters and lordy but Mac's aunts are a hoot. When Mac finds an abandoned puppy she turns to Gavin for help. A suspenseful thread appears when a man claiming to be the dog owner shows up. Gavin and Mac soon find themselves tangled in the sheets and I felt their connection was genuine. Now if only Mac can accept it and find her happy.  I struggled a little in the middle of the book and wanted Mac to be less indecisive, confess to her bestie and tell her on a "sabbatical" boyfriend to beat it.

Third Date: A wedding, a jerk, and secrets revealed kept me flipping the pages during the last date. We see growth in Mac and witness her open up her heart and form attachments again. It was fun seeing Mac figure it all out. Threads regarding her previous fiance proved interesting and allowed Mac to make peace with it. Gavin was patient, delightful and determined. It was nice having a hero who is inherently good and loves animals. The pacing was off a little for me, and as much as I loved the setup one needs to take a break from reality to accept two weeks of pre-wedding activity. I will say that I ended my dates with a smile.


Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenn McKinlay makes her return to the romance world with About a Dog. The first book in her Bluff Point series will have you laughing out loud, swooning over a Veterinarian hero, and wishing you could jump into the pages and cuddle a puppy.

Mackenzie “Mac” Harris left her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine with her proverbial tail between her legs, after being left at the altar on her wedding day. It’s been seven years since she's been back, and the only reason she is returning is because her best friend Emma is getting married.

Gavin Tolliver has been in love with his older sister’s best friend for as long as he can remember. While he wasn’t happy to see her so devastated on her wedding day, he can’t deny that it gave him the opportunity to finally have a chance with Mac. Too bad she disappeared after a night of unforgettable passion. It’s been seven years since he has spoken to Mac. He only has two weeks to make her remember their time together and convince her to give them an actual chance.

After suffering his own heartbreak, Emma asks Mac to be Gavin’s plus one on at all the couples events, as a way to lift his spirits. Mac begrudgingly agrees, knowing that being with Gavin will make her remember that night so long ago. Gavin couldn’t be happier and plans on taking every opportunity to whisper sweet things into Mac’s ears. Ultimately, the two are brought together by a stray puppy Mac finds.

I’m a fan of Jenn’s cozy mysteries and I was super excited to find out she was writing a romance. I thought this was going to be a sweet romance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a closed door romance. If you’re looking for smexy times galore, this isn’t the book for you. In fact, the actual smexy times don’t happen until about 85% into the story. Something else which surprised me was some of the language choice. It’s like Jenn wanted to go all out, but held back a whole lot.

While About a Dog is a little predictable, it’s a whole lot of fun. This is a story with great characters who are amazing friends. It’s a perfect story for dog lovers and romance lovers alike. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a huge romance reader. Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, so I thought I would give her new romance series a try. I was not disappointed. I love the interaction between the main character, Mac Harris, and her friends. The characters are well-written and fun. Mi love the small-town setting, and there is also a dog! I am looking forward to Book 2, Barking Up the Wrong Tree..

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mackenzie (Mac) has returned to her hometown of Bluff Point Maine after a seven year absence. She was left at the alter and was so embarrassed, she ran. She has been asked to stand up in her best friend's wedding and she can't say no. She is sure that what happened seven years earlier, a one-night stand with her friend's brother, has been forgotten. Even though Emma does not know about the night, Gavin has never forgotten it. Mac tries not to be alone with Gavin, but it does not work out that way. With the help of a stray puppy named Tulip, Gavin and Mac find their way to each other. An enjoyable romance with some great characters, especially Mac's crazy aunts that she realized she had missed very much. There was some humour as well as a discussion about Animal Cruelty and being a responsible pet owner, that made this book more than just a romance. The camaraderie between these friends, the loyalty and the easy banter was very enjoyable. A great easy to read story.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5


Other person : Aren't you tired of reading books about dogs ?

Me: Are you kidding me?! What's more comforting than a story with a cute furry friend ? By the way, without the dog, I don't think I would have enjoy this book as much.

Other person : Why not ?

Me : It became interesting when Tulip entered in the protagonist's life. I had a hard time warming to the heroine. There's this totally adorable, kind and sweet hero who's in love with her since forever and who helped her cope with being left at the altar seven years ago, but she left him without a word after they slept together. Now I can understand she was not ready for a new relationship at the time, but it's "seeing" her now trying to avoid him and pushing him back for no good reason and still being embarassed by her attraction to him that really bothered me. She didn't seem to know what she wanted.

Other person : What about the other characters ?

Me: Well... Except for the hero, they didn't seem very mature to me. It's cool that Mac have a group of friends who makes her laugh and on which she can rely on, but the way some of them acted made me think of a bunch of teenager together. Even the heroine's twins aunts who was a good addition at first soon became dull with their juvenile behavior. The whole "boyfriend" thing was just too unbelievable.

Other person: Would you recommend this book ?

Me: Yes, because even if I was not totally convinced, there were some funny moments and I was still entertained. I think it could please someone who wants a light romance, low on angst and drama.

Other person : Will you read the next books ?

Me: I don't think so, because I didn't get attach to the next characters and I'm not sure about the pairing either.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald]

Got as far as chapter 4 and started wondering when Tulip the dog was going to appear. I randomly flipped the pages to find the part about her rescue, and ended up finding sex scenes instead.
Jumped ship and did not finish; not enough “dog parts” and too much other “adult” stuff.
Sigh. This is why I enjoy middle-grade novels more.😕

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a serious weakness for a book with a dog on the cover. This one was especially sweet!

One homeless puppy + a crazy wedding + sexy veterinarian = one fun read!!

Can't wait to read the next book in this series!!

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review can also be found in Chill and read

The story is just lovely and adorable, but not in the ugly, messy, full of sugar, hearts and flowers way!

Mackenzie -Mac- Harris has a wonderful job she loves in Chicago. Away from her home town, Bluff Point, Maine. A place she tends to avoid, given that her fiance left her standing at the altar for one of the town’s rich girls. Mac was devastated and found comfort in the arms of her best friend’s off-limit little brother. After those two, she would hardly return to Bluff Point, if it wasn’t for her best friend’s wedding, Emma.

Gavin Tolliver, Emma’s brother, had a crash on Mac since he was a toddler, most probably. Once he had the chance to take her in his arms he found heaven. When she left town for ever, he could not do much, but continue his life, having her always in his mind. This is how he became a veterinarian and took over of the town’s practice. When Mac returns to town, even for only two weeks, he makes it the purpose of his life to win her, once and for all. The fact that Mac finds an abandoned puppy comes really handy, as he has more reasons to be with her.

It is really romantic, as the young fellow becomes a very attractive man, kind and caring and full in love. His pursue of the lady is fair and honorable as she is his first love. He respects her and her choices, while he gives enough room only to make it a little smaller, so he can be remembered and loved.

The woman in the other hand, has felt rejection in a really large scale. Being left at the altar, when the ceremony is about to start is like a big punch in the gut! All her loved ones, her friends, her family, people she knew and respected witness this behavior and felt sorry for her. This is one thing a woman cannot stand, along with a broken hand. So, as most women in her shoes, she flees town, other may had got locked in the houses, and decides to stay away of caring relationships with men she is attracted to. She doesn’t want to get hurt again!

The nice touch in the whole story, is the little puppy that can melt an icy heart of needed. The little puppy is the means to have all the walls broken down, all the barriers crossed over and two hearts become one.

Beautiful story that no-one wants to miss! Waiting for the second book in the Bluff Point series!!! “About a dog” is McKinlay’s debut in Romance! Chill and read highly recommends her to continue!!!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every second chance should have a puppy involved…

This was a sweet, small town second chance romance. Mac and Gavin had a lot of history but it was old history. Having a relationship with her bestie’s little brother was NOT in the cards for Mac and facing him again after their last encounter was just icing on the ‘back home because I have to’ cake. Gavin, on the other hand was thrilled to see Mac again and maybe, hopefully, possibly, rekindle what never really got started…

I enjoyed this sweet take on an older woman/younger man and best friend’s brother romance trope. Gavin was almost too good to be true with his love and care of animals and a crush he never let go. He was determined to wear Mac down and he took me along for the ride…
Mac was a bit harder to warm up to despite her sarcastic look at life which I usually take to right away. Throwing in a wedding, quirky aunts and that too cute for words puppy, and of course Gavin (sigh), made this a solid, sunny beach kind of read. ~Diane, 3.5 stars

[Katy O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this one, and the narration was unobjectionable. BUT, I do think I would have probably enjoyed the story more at my faster visual reading pace because I got frustrated with a lot of the unnecessary drawn-out angst. I will read more in the series but in print vs audio. Overall, it was cute / sweet / fine. And there was a dog!

[Brian Frauenknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love all of Jenn McKinlay's books, and this was no exception. I absolutely adore Mac's aunts, Sarah and Charlotte. The antics those two get into had me rolling from laughter. This was an excellent first book and I can't wait to read book 2 in September!!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Gavin could reassure Mac and worries would go away, "Gavin reached over and took Mac’s hand in his. He squeezed her chilly fingers in his warm grip and Mac felt reassured. “Let’s save the panic until we have something to panic about,” he said." Oh Tulip, sometimes that dog ruins some moments, “huh? What?” He opened his eyes and saw Mac staring down at him and a slow smile spread across his lips. Then Tulip pounced and kissed him good morning on the mouth. “Ugh, blerg.” I liked this book, I thought it was really cute.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Back in 2011 I found some romance novels written by Jennifer McKinlay written for Harlequin. I am not sure when they were originally released but they were re released as e-books in 2014. I really enjoyed them so I was very excited when I heard she was starting a new romantic comedy series. I was over the moon to receive an early copy of the first book to review.

We meet Mackenzie “Mac” Harris as she returns to Bluff Point after leaving seven years prior when her groom left her standing at the altar. She returns to be her best friend, Emma’s maid of honor and hopes her past won’t rise up to smack her in the face. Gavin Tolliver, Emma’s little brother, was there for her when her wedding fell apart and has never gotten over the feelings he had for her. They reconnect because of the wedding but also because of Tulip, a stray puppy Mac rescues. It’s all About A Dog until suddenly it isn’t.

I loved, Loved, LOVED this story!

Mac and Gavin along with all their family and friends are wonderfully written. The friendships both new and old come together so naturally. Mac’s aunts were my favorite characters next to Mac and Gavin. These senior citizens are going through their second phase of being teenagers. Their antics will have you smiling ear to ear.

Being a dog lover I was taken by Tulip the moment Mac found her. As you may imagine by the title she is a key character to the entire story. She is just so darn lovable. If I didn’t have two dogs already I would rush right out to adopt one just like her.

Gavin and Mac have a secret. Something she has tried to forget and one Gavin wants her to remember very clearly. Emma has not had much luck in her relationships and tries to fight her feelings for Gavin but sparks just seem to fly whenever they are near each other. She even enlists her friends to be buffers and help her to never be alone with him. She is only in town for two weeks, there is no way they can be any more than friends. Yeah, right.

Jenn McKinlay has penned quite a romance with several twists. Lighthearted, funny and romantic. A totally entertaining story of life, love, and friendship. This series is out to a fabulous start. I can’t wait for Barking Up the Wrong Tree when it releases on September 26 and then Every Dog Has His Day comes out January 2, 2018.

I highly recommend an escape to Bluff Point soon and often.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book solely because of how much I enjoy the author's cozy Library Lover's Mysteries series. I appreciate those books both because of what they include (realistic details about day-to-day life in the public library) and what they don't (profanity and explicit sexual content.) I took a chance that this book, the author's debut contemporary romance novel, would also be light on swearing and sex. Unfortunately, though I liked the characters very much and enjoyed the plot, there were entire sections devoted to vulgar discussions and dirty jokes, as well as sex scenes with way too much detail for me. I didn't feel that any of these were essential to the plot, and I wished that the author's talent for dialogue could have been put to a more interesting and wholesome use. There are some really cringe-worthy euphemisms for male and female anatomy in this book, as well as some awkward descriptions of the heroine's attraction to the hero. I also noticed one instance of the dreaded "she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding" cliche, which is one of my all-time pet peeves.

I like this book for its characters and setting, and I do want to read the upcoming sequels. The wedding theme of this book reminded me of the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts, which I loved, and I always like to read interconnected stories about members of the same family or circle of friends. I just wish that there didn't have to be quite so much in-your-face sexuality that is neither amusing nor respectful.

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read, I really appreciated this opportunity to read About a Dog by First to Read. This was a very relaxing cute tale with group of longtime friends and a wedding, what could be more interesting. Throw in a little craziness and a past fling to make you look for more. This will be the perfect book to take along on a trip to lighten your day!

[Adria's Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews (Blog post MAY have additional content such as playlists, interviews, giveaways, etc).
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.

What’s it About? Poor Mac Harris has commitment issues. Seven years ago she got left at the altar and ended up spending some memorable time with her best friend’s younger brother, Gavin. Now Mac just wants to forget that happened but Gavin doesn’t want to forget, he wants to show Mac that their connection could turn into something more and it seems that the fates agree. Mac is back in town for her best friend’s wedding AND she’s found a cute pup named Tulip. Did I mention Gavin is a veterinarian? Yeah, lots of situations where these two end up in the same room.



Overall reaction to the story? About a Dog is one of those cute and fuzzy reads that you grab when you want something that will entertain but not get too heavy on the conflict. I enjoyed it more than I should but I do think the relationship needed more heat because it felt a little flat to me. With a set up like the best friend’s sibling trope, I expect more heat and definitely more tension between two characters like Gavin and Mac. However, even with the smoke but no fire romance, I still had a good time with this book. The characters are likable, and the situations while a bit unbelievable at times were entertaining and engaging.



Describe the hero in five words: Veterinarian. Sweet. Fun. Kind. Smart.

Did you like him? Yep.

Why? Some women love a man who loves babies. Me, not so much. It’s the men who love animals that get my engine going and a man like Gavin who works at saving them? Sign me up! This guy was a romantic at heart and he had no problem putting himself out there to show Mac that he was serious about wanting something real and lasting with her. How swoon worthy is that? Gavin knew that if he wanted a real chance with Mac that it was going to be an uphill battle but he totally went for it and I liked that about him, he didn’t shy away from the challenge that was convincing Mac that she could trust him.



Describe the heroine in five words: Smart. Loyal. Stubborn. Kind. Shy.

Did you like her? Yes.

Why? You can’t help but feel for Mac. She was left at the altar, had a booze filled one nighter with her best friend’s little brother, and now he wants a more permanent relationship with her. She’s in a tough spot but she manages to pull herself together to attend her best friend’s wedding. I liked her determination to make the people she cared about, in this case her best friend, happy by participating in numerous wedding centered activities. Not exactly fun for Mac at times but she wasn’t selfish enough to whine about it. She was inherently kind hearted but at the same time stubborn and afraid of what Gavin wanted and of course of putting herself out there again. I could understand that but come on girl, a veterinarian who isn’t afraid to put his heart on the line? She also needed to woman up towards the end, she kept quiet about some things that she really didn’t have a reason to keep quiet and almost lost everything.



Let’s talk about the romance: Okay so Mac and Gavin had a history, he had a massive crush on her when they were younger which turned into full blown love as an adult. Then when Mac got left at the altar she let her broken heart do the talking and slept with Gavin. He’s her best friend’s little brother AND he’s younger than her to boot so that makes him off limits in Mac’s mind for sure. But that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction. I loved that set up, the problem was that I felt there should have been more heat, more palpable tension between them than there actually was. That was the only mild disappointment in About a Dog. Other than that I enjoyed Mac and Gavin’s interactions with each other and their growth from friends to something more.



How about that supporting cast? Jenn McKinlay really knows how to bring in a memorable supporting cast! I fell in love with everyone from Gavin’s sister Emma, to friends Carly, Jillian Zach, and Sam, and especially little Tulip the puppy Mac rescues. All of them were warm, loving, and supportive even when they were dishing out reality checks. A lot of the laughs came from Mac’s aunts though; Sarah and Charlotte were a riot and a definite handful. I couldn’t get enough of them. They all brought a lot of heart to the story.





Click It or Skip It? Click it. About a Dog is one of those books that has a special kind of magic that makes you smile, love, and laugh all the way through.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I heard that Jenn McKinlay was writing a romantic comedy, in addition to her cozy mysteries, I knew I just had to read it. ABOUT A DOG, the first in the Bluff Point Romance series, did not disappoint! I found it to be the ultimate beach read: entertaining, humorous dialog; an easy read; characters you can love and characters you can hate; an adorable puppy; and romance with just the right amount of zing. The protagonist, MacKenzie “Mac” Harris, wants the world to see her as self-confident and someone who has figured out her life, but inside she’s still trying to get over being left at the alter in her small hometown, Bluff Point. After fleeing to Chicago to pick up the pieces, she’s done nothing but insulate herself from love and instead, has immersed herself in her career. Returning home, after being gone seven years, for her best friend’s wedding Mac’s plan is to get in and out of the town just as quickly as she can. The scenario sets the stage for the lively banter between the best friends along with humorous scenes that keeps the reader entertained and turning pages. Jenn McKinlay is wickedly witty and it translates to a fun book! I read with a grin on my face just about the entire book… except when it was appropriate to hate a character or worry about the lovable puppy.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and the close friendship Mac has with her two best friends. But it’s Mac’s two elderly aunts along with the rescue puppy, Tulip, the who steal each scene that they’re in! They each provide a nice subplot to go along with the main romantic theme between Mac and Gavin, without detracting from the story. The small town setting is quaint where everyone knows everyone’s business and as Mac finds out, no one forgets anything that happened in the past. Jenn creates great chemistry between Mac and Gavin, carefully building the tension until the conclusion. There is also a teaser chapter for the next book, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, which made me sorry it wasn’t available right then and there!

I was provided a copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for About a Dog: Bluff Point Series, Book 1 (audiobook) by Jenn McKinlay read by Allyson Ryan. This was a fun story. I really liked the characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. The narration was great too.

[Rebecca Alston · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT ! Very entertaining read. I burst out laughing . I got so angry I fisted my hands. I cried . Looking forward to reading the next one in the series .

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Jenn Mckinlay and I loved it. I honestly did not want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Heather L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt and humorous romance. It’s been a while since I read a 300 page book in almost an entire day (first six chapters last night), but once I got into it, it was hard to put down.