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A Girl's Best Friend
Animal shelter manager Tyra Haines is absolutely committed to the pets under her care. Despite having limited resources and staff, her boundless compassion and patience make her good at her job. But when the county decides to drastically cut the shelter's funding, the lives of her beloved animals hang in the balance. Tyra is ready to do whatever it takes to save her shelter and the animals she loves.
Software engineer Jackie Keppel took the plunge and adopted a child from the foster care system. Seven-year-old Mia is a sweet girl, perceptive and smart. But she's old enough to know she can't just trust anyone, and Jackie struggles to connect with her. Remembering her childhood dog, Jackie takes Mia to adopt her own, determined to give her the love she never received from her own parents. But when they arrive at the shelter, Jackie meets beautiful, easygoing Tyra, unearthing feelings she thought she'd buried—feelings of being attracted to women.
Jackie finds herself returning to the shelter again and again just to see Tyra. When she learns about the budget cuts, she finds that she's invested in both the shelter and the passionate woman who runs it. But can Jackie overcome the legacy of her parents' bigotry? And can Tyra find a way to save the lives of the shelter pets?
Software engineer Jackie Keppel took the plunge and adopted a child from the foster care system. Seven-year-old Mia is a sweet girl, perceptive and smart. But she's old enough to know she can't just trust anyone, and Jackie struggles to connect with her. Remembering her childhood dog, Jackie takes Mia to adopt her own, determined to give her the love she never received from her own parents. But when they arrive at the shelter, Jackie meets beautiful, easygoing Tyra, unearthing feelings she thought she'd buried—feelings of being attracted to women.
Jackie finds herself returning to the shelter again and again just to see Tyra. When she learns about the budget cuts, she finds that she's invested in both the shelter and the passionate woman who runs it. But can Jackie overcome the legacy of her parents' bigotry? And can Tyra find a way to save the lives of the shelter pets?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2016
70 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 29, 2016
Oh, it was a sweet book. There wasn't much angst in the relationship between the two guys, but there were HEAPS of it when it came to the animals. I cried a lot more for them than I did for the MCs. So what does it say about the book? ;-)
The relationship development didn't satisfy me. I don't know if everything was internalised or what, but years of discomfort don't just go away after one lovely experience, no? There was no deep addressing of Jack's fearful closeted-ness. And I didn't like it. I loved that Jack became so much more confident; I loved how far he had come. But how? When? Huh?
Tyson's part was still believable. He didn't have any baggage as such, and he had an optimistic take on life.
It felt to me that the whole focus of the story was on Mia and the animals in the shelter. The MCs were the secondary characters, as they had to take a backseat to the whole another main story that was "SAVING THE ANIMALS IN NEED".
For that reason, I'm deducting 1.5 stars. The rest 0.5 has been chopped off for taking me to punctuation heaven and then snatching it back from me. Though, it was a great effort to keep all the commas in check.
P.S. - Oh! There should have been an epilogue to show how Mia got secure in her new life and started calling Jack and Tyson Dad and Daddy...:-P
The relationship development didn't satisfy me. I don't know if everything was internalised or what, but years of discomfort don't just go away after one lovely experience, no? There was no deep addressing of Jack's fearful closeted-ness. And I didn't like it. I loved that Jack became so much more confident; I loved how far he had come. But how? When? Huh?
Tyson's part was still believable. He didn't have any baggage as such, and he had an optimistic take on life.
It felt to me that the whole focus of the story was on Mia and the animals in the shelter. The MCs were the secondary characters, as they had to take a backseat to the whole another main story that was "SAVING THE ANIMALS IN NEED".
For that reason, I'm deducting 1.5 stars. The rest 0.5 has been chopped off for taking me to punctuation heaven and then snatching it back from me. Though, it was a great effort to keep all the commas in check.
P.S. - Oh! There should have been an epilogue to show how Mia got secure in her new life and started calling Jack and Tyson Dad and Daddy...:-P
Want to read
June 29, 2018**Update: Changing my review, removing rating, because I am annoyed... This Author has the same exact books under the pseudonyms, Savannah Swan & Cora Jay and changed the character Genders From F/F to M/F to M/M. To me personally, it just seems really dishonest to take the exact same books with the exact same wording (basically plagiarizing your own work) and then republishing them all with different gender pronouns, I personally do not feel comfortable reading this authors books and will no longer be purchasing or reviewing them either.***
May 23, 2017
Nothing to write home about.
July 27, 2016
*** Not only is this lovely story heartwarming, but we learn along the way.
Work at home, handsome but lonely man, Jack,
has adopted a sweet 7 Yr. old girl, Mia, and they are settling into their new life. Tyson works at the Animal shelter and loves his work.
He has a knack for finding perfect matches of people and pets.
When beautiful black man, Tyson "sees the white guy and brown skinned girl", he goes over to help. He figures there is a story there, and there is.
They adopt a dog, Harold,
and in the process, little Mia gets to understand her adoption better. The dog helps her tremendously to come out of her shell and begin to enjoy her life. Meanwhile, Tyson and Jack are attracted to one another. We get to see their inner struggles as they heal also. Of course we get some terrific hot sexiness, too !
Different things are also happening, like the lack of funds for the shelter, so we get a great story to go along with the wonderful characters.
This tale is not extremely deep, but it's heartwarming and makes you feel good, with the M/M romance, the family formed and all are better off than when they began.
ENJOY !
===================
It's a less than 3 hour read.
====================
Work at home, handsome but lonely man, Jack,
has adopted a sweet 7 Yr. old girl, Mia, and they are settling into their new life. Tyson works at the Animal shelter and loves his work.
He has a knack for finding perfect matches of people and pets.
When beautiful black man, Tyson "sees the white guy and brown skinned girl", he goes over to help. He figures there is a story there, and there is.
They adopt a dog, Harold,
and in the process, little Mia gets to understand her adoption better. The dog helps her tremendously to come out of her shell and begin to enjoy her life. Meanwhile, Tyson and Jack are attracted to one another. We get to see their inner struggles as they heal also. Of course we get some terrific hot sexiness, too !
Different things are also happening, like the lack of funds for the shelter, so we get a great story to go along with the wonderful characters.
This tale is not extremely deep, but it's heartwarming and makes you feel good, with the M/M romance, the family formed and all are better off than when they began.
ENJOY !
===================
It's a less than 3 hour read.
====================
June 16, 2016
The Dogs Were Sweet, The Story Was Weak This was a sweet, simple love story about an introverted man who has just adopted a 7-year old girl and a man who has devoted his life to the care of animals. Neither man has realized they are missing something in their life that would make them whole. Rory Wilde really gets a person's passion for animals, all the dogs are well drawn out for the reader. The adopted child was sweet enough but we were given absolutely no backstory that would have made her situation more meaningful. Wilde didn't dig too deep into many of the parts of this story that could have given it more punch. Everything about these two men and how they connect was just too darn easy. What about their parents? How do they feel about this budding romance? I'm being picky because this tale had some good bones but it was missing muscle
May 16, 2016
I'm sure there is a good story in here since, but as it is, the dialogue and narrative have an unnatural and stilted voice to them. I didn't feel even the slightest hint of emotion throughout the book, no happy, no sad and certainly none of the love. The only thing I really felt was cold. And yes, I know this is fiction, but who moves a man you've known for 5 minutes into a house with a child you've only just adopted. Please, a little realism. Overall, it feels like this book was written with hunched shoulders when what the author really needs to do is relax and be more natural.
June 18, 2016
Whole lotta lackluster writing here. All showing, no telling, shallow character development, hardly any chemistry between the MCs, they barely communicate, and their "romance" boils down to the two of them being tired of being single, wanting a partner, and each one deciding that the hot gay guy in front of him fits the bill. Kinda sad, really.
March 23, 2017
Refreshing to have characters that weren't all white. Wish the book hadn't been so rushed, took a while for the uhaul, but when it arrived, it was fast. Needed to be a longer book, pacing was uneven because of it.
At one point one of the main characters is referred to in a sentence as a man. I assume this to be a typo. It was jarring.
Overall cute and endearing story.
At one point one of the main characters is referred to in a sentence as a man. I assume this to be a typo. It was jarring.
Overall cute and endearing story.
May 11, 2016
Full disclosure I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Are you a dog lover? Do you like stories involving children? Are you all about the angst? Then this story is for you. It is emotional, sweet, touching, and a story of two men who are brought together by a little girl and a fluffy puppy.
This is a well thought-out love story of two lonely men who meet by happenstance. During a time in their lives when they both are busy and stressed about life changing events. They are an interracial couple, but it doesn't come up as an issue in any way. Their issues involve much more complex concerns. How can Jack allow himself to date - openly date a man? His past, especially with his homophobic parents keep impacting his present and future. As much as he wanted to and went through to adopt a seven year old little girl, he still found it extremely hard to reconcile the fact that he thought the perfect second parent would be a loving caring man.
Tyson is a long time worker at a No-Kill County Animal Shelter. Up until now they have been operating on a shoestring budget. Yet they were still able to cobble together a variety of activities that include: fostering out some animals, training and maintaining both paid and volunteer staff,as well as holding obedience classes, in particular for new adoptees. But they especially cared for unwanted disabled or elderly animals. Tyson and the other workers try to make life as comfortable as possible for these often thrown away pets.
But amongst all the animals Tyson's favorite is an elderly lady who greets him excitedly with eyes slightly cloudy with cataracts and smiles with a white grizzled muzzle. Helping animals like the Labrador mix Leah makes everyday worth while for Tyson. He'd adopt Leah in a second if he were allowed. His life is basically caring for the animals at the shelter and making great pet matches with families and singles. He wishes he could do some matchmaking for himself sometimes.
When Jack comes to the shelter with Mia to select a dog that he hopes can bridge the gap between them. He hopes he can forge a little family with the help of a canine. Jack recalls many days of his childhood spent with a loving canine companion. He wants Mia to experience the same thing. So far their relationship has been difficult. Jack doesn't have the best social skills. He works from home most days so he doesn't have the daily interactions that would enable him to read people better. He does his job well, affording him the ability to telecommute, own a nice size house with a large yard, and have the time care for a child and now a dog. But which dog should they select?
Luckily Tyson is a great matchmaker and soon an overly quiet & subdued young girl is transformed into a laughing and playing young lady with two exuberant Australian Shepherd mixes. The two men share an instant mutual, but silent attraction to each other. Each wondering if the other is gay? But both are reluctant to make a wrong move. Right now Jack's life full getting to know his newly adopted daughter and now training a puppy. Tyson on the other hand, is struggling with a fiscal shortfall which will mean big changes to the shelter. How does Tyson overcome the monetary crisis? Who can he count on? Where is the money they are usually allocated going to instead of the Shelter? Tyson is tireless in his bid to not only keep jobs and programs, but in particular all of their animals, especially those having the hardest time finding a home, the elderly and disabled.
When the two men finally acknowledge their mutual attraction with a date they learn things about themselves they hadn't realized. Their relationship isn't smooth sailing due to Tyson's preoccupation with keeping the shelter funded and Jack's sometimes unintentional insensitivity. Reaching their HEA is not easy, but with the adopted love of a beautiful little girl, a rambunctious puppy, and new ways of living their lives enable Tyson & Jack to meet the variety of obstacles and challenges that come their way.
I can't wait to read another book by this author Rory Wilde. It was well thought out. A true animal lover wrote it. The training methods employed were unique, entertaining and educational. The genuine love and affection Tyson feels for his charges was sometimes heartbreaking. This was a beautiful story of ingenuity. I will definitely be rereading it and this new author's future books. The cover is very appealing for dog lovers and the dogs are very important to the story line. I highly recommend it.
This is a well thought-out love story of two lonely men who meet by happenstance. During a time in their lives when they both are busy and stressed about life changing events. They are an interracial couple, but it doesn't come up as an issue in any way. Their issues involve much more complex concerns. How can Jack allow himself to date - openly date a man? His past, especially with his homophobic parents keep impacting his present and future. As much as he wanted to and went through to adopt a seven year old little girl, he still found it extremely hard to reconcile the fact that he thought the perfect second parent would be a loving caring man.
Tyson is a long time worker at a No-Kill County Animal Shelter. Up until now they have been operating on a shoestring budget. Yet they were still able to cobble together a variety of activities that include: fostering out some animals, training and maintaining both paid and volunteer staff,as well as holding obedience classes, in particular for new adoptees. But they especially cared for unwanted disabled or elderly animals. Tyson and the other workers try to make life as comfortable as possible for these often thrown away pets.
But amongst all the animals Tyson's favorite is an elderly lady who greets him excitedly with eyes slightly cloudy with cataracts and smiles with a white grizzled muzzle. Helping animals like the Labrador mix Leah makes everyday worth while for Tyson. He'd adopt Leah in a second if he were allowed. His life is basically caring for the animals at the shelter and making great pet matches with families and singles. He wishes he could do some matchmaking for himself sometimes.
When Jack comes to the shelter with Mia to select a dog that he hopes can bridge the gap between them. He hopes he can forge a little family with the help of a canine. Jack recalls many days of his childhood spent with a loving canine companion. He wants Mia to experience the same thing. So far their relationship has been difficult. Jack doesn't have the best social skills. He works from home most days so he doesn't have the daily interactions that would enable him to read people better. He does his job well, affording him the ability to telecommute, own a nice size house with a large yard, and have the time care for a child and now a dog. But which dog should they select?
Luckily Tyson is a great matchmaker and soon an overly quiet & subdued young girl is transformed into a laughing and playing young lady with two exuberant Australian Shepherd mixes. The two men share an instant mutual, but silent attraction to each other. Each wondering if the other is gay? But both are reluctant to make a wrong move. Right now Jack's life full getting to know his newly adopted daughter and now training a puppy. Tyson on the other hand, is struggling with a fiscal shortfall which will mean big changes to the shelter. How does Tyson overcome the monetary crisis? Who can he count on? Where is the money they are usually allocated going to instead of the Shelter? Tyson is tireless in his bid to not only keep jobs and programs, but in particular all of their animals, especially those having the hardest time finding a home, the elderly and disabled.
When the two men finally acknowledge their mutual attraction with a date they learn things about themselves they hadn't realized. Their relationship isn't smooth sailing due to Tyson's preoccupation with keeping the shelter funded and Jack's sometimes unintentional insensitivity. Reaching their HEA is not easy, but with the adopted love of a beautiful little girl, a rambunctious puppy, and new ways of living their lives enable Tyson & Jack to meet the variety of obstacles and challenges that come their way.
I can't wait to read another book by this author Rory Wilde. It was well thought out. A true animal lover wrote it. The training methods employed were unique, entertaining and educational. The genuine love and affection Tyson feels for his charges was sometimes heartbreaking. This was a beautiful story of ingenuity. I will definitely be rereading it and this new author's future books. The cover is very appealing for dog lovers and the dogs are very important to the story line. I highly recommend it.
August 1, 2016
So, I really loved this one. Made me teary eyed so many times. I do see the issues that others had with it. The chemistry was low key, and slow burn, until it was just I love you. Seemed a bit fast. The writing was great and, at the end, I was left with a warm, fuzzy feeling about this family, but there was a sense of nonchalance and flatness to the romance. Having said that, I loved it for what it did well. You must love dogs to love this book. There is a huge focus on the animal shelter, and on the dogs. The tie-in of Jack dealing with the adoption of his new (African American) daughter, and the adoption of Harold (puppy) to facilitate her transition into her new home was well done. Loved seeing Mia open up and become more confident as she cared for Harold.
Tyson was an amazing character, and a very strong advocate for dogs and the animal shelter. The angst of the numerous attempts at funding had me on the edge of my seat, and every time something didn't work out I shed a few tears. So really, the stuff with the animals was the most intense part of the book, but I loved Tyson and Jack's shy courtship, and I loved the family scenes with Tyson, Jack, and the kids (puppy included).
BTW, two things stood out to me that kind of irked me the wrong way. 1. And Loved the book, but those two instances didn't sit right with me.
Tyson was an amazing character, and a very strong advocate for dogs and the animal shelter. The angst of the numerous attempts at funding had me on the edge of my seat, and every time something didn't work out I shed a few tears. So really, the stuff with the animals was the most intense part of the book, but I loved Tyson and Jack's shy courtship, and I loved the family scenes with Tyson, Jack, and the kids (puppy included).
BTW, two things stood out to me that kind of irked me the wrong way. 1. And Loved the book, but those two instances didn't sit right with me.
May 17, 2016
To be honest I don't really know how to review or rate this book.
It's not that it was a bad book or bad writing, no, far from it.
I definitely enjoyed reading it. And the slow pace this book showed was somehow fitting and didn't cut into my enjoyment. I still couldn't put it down and had to read it in one go.
But personally, I was missing a bit of the romance, especially for a so called romance book.
We have Tyson, the manager of a no kill shelter and that is what dominates the whole story, especially when their budget is cut short. So the most parts are about the financial struggle of the shelter, what they can do to "survive" and the care and love for the animals. It was moving in a lot of parts and practically from the first szenes I wanted to adopt Leah, the old Labrador mix or later the three legged Shi Tzu Bobsey.
On the other hand we have the relationship between the adopted seven year old Mia and her new dad Jack and the new puppy which they adopt at the shelter. And that's where and how the two MC's meet.
Both MC's were likable and seem to be really good people with their hearts in the right place. We get to know them quite well...but most of their interactions, even with each other, resolve about the budget problems and the shelter and how to keep it running and rescue the animals and not so much about building a realitionship.
I think what I loved most about the book was the passion Tyson showed for the shelter and the animals and the interactions between Jack and Mia and their puppy.
I finished this book with real thoughts about adopting an older dog and I can see that happening in the future when our stray cat won't be alive anymore.
It's not that it was a bad book or bad writing, no, far from it.
I definitely enjoyed reading it. And the slow pace this book showed was somehow fitting and didn't cut into my enjoyment. I still couldn't put it down and had to read it in one go.
But personally, I was missing a bit of the romance, especially for a so called romance book.
We have Tyson, the manager of a no kill shelter and that is what dominates the whole story, especially when their budget is cut short. So the most parts are about the financial struggle of the shelter, what they can do to "survive" and the care and love for the animals. It was moving in a lot of parts and practically from the first szenes I wanted to adopt Leah, the old Labrador mix or later the three legged Shi Tzu Bobsey.
On the other hand we have the relationship between the adopted seven year old Mia and her new dad Jack and the new puppy which they adopt at the shelter. And that's where and how the two MC's meet.
Both MC's were likable and seem to be really good people with their hearts in the right place. We get to know them quite well...but most of their interactions, even with each other, resolve about the budget problems and the shelter and how to keep it running and rescue the animals and not so much about building a realitionship.
I think what I loved most about the book was the passion Tyson showed for the shelter and the animals and the interactions between Jack and Mia and their puppy.
I finished this book with real thoughts about adopting an older dog and I can see that happening in the future when our stray cat won't be alive anymore.
November 5, 2016
This is quite a difficult review to write. I actually did like the writing and honestly Tyson, the manager of an animal shelter and his dogs were really sweet and likable.
Jack on the other hand was so awkward and strange, it is extremely hard to believe he was allowed to adopt a child.
His behavior was extremely stupid and besides his good looks it seems like a real mystery how Tyson could fall in love with him!
The book had some nice moments, but unless you get it for free and are extremely bored I could not really recommend reading it.
I definitely would give the author another chance, maybe this was just the wrong pick.
So 3 stars for a book that had some nice moments but did not convince after all.
Jack on the other hand was so awkward and strange, it is extremely hard to believe he was allowed to adopt a child.
His behavior was extremely stupid and besides his good looks it seems like a real mystery how Tyson could fall in love with him!
The book had some nice moments, but unless you get it for free and are extremely bored I could not really recommend reading it.
I definitely would give the author another chance, maybe this was just the wrong pick.
So 3 stars for a book that had some nice moments but did not convince after all.
May 13, 2016
A sweet romance with doggie complications.
An interesting read, more for the issues of animal rights and welfare than the romance.
What I'm taking away from this story is the sad state that can all too easily befall dogs and other animals, the love and also careless disregard we have for our furry, haired or scaled friends.
The romance aspect was about as exciting/ fun as watching grass grow and merely two dates short of insta-love.
Would I recommend this? Eh. For dog lovers I guess.
Would I re-read this? Nope.
An interesting read, more for the issues of animal rights and welfare than the romance.
What I'm taking away from this story is the sad state that can all too easily befall dogs and other animals, the love and also careless disregard we have for our furry, haired or scaled friends.
The romance aspect was about as exciting/ fun as watching grass grow and merely two dates short of insta-love.
Would I recommend this? Eh. For dog lovers I guess.
Would I re-read this? Nope.
no-thanks
May 24, 2016These notes are 99% just for me:
The kindle sample was decent. It seems like it could go either way, and I love dogs and kids. But based on other reviews it looks like it's probably pretty dull. Open to changing my mind if someone I trust gives it a raving review.
The kindle sample was decent. It seems like it could go either way, and I love dogs and kids. But based on other reviews it looks like it's probably pretty dull. Open to changing my mind if someone I trust gives it a raving review.
friends-say-no
June 6, 2017Friends didn't like it.
August 23, 2016
This was basically a harlequin romance with LGBT trappings.
The only good thing is that there were dogs.
The only good thing is that there were dogs.
May 12, 2017
Mehhhh. Not a terrible read, but I found Jackie's internalized homophobia irritating and hard to get through. The sex scenes were a little weird to me. The only things that really stirred my heart were the scenes with Leah. I did like how Mia's growth as a person kept coming up and seeing how she changed over the period.
May 16, 2016
This was my first time reading anything by Rory Wilde and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet M/M story. This story is emotional. touching ,sweet story about two men that is brought together by a little girl who's7 years old and a sweet fluffy puppy. Rory Wilde has given us a story that will suck you in and keep you there from start to finish ,and then will leave you wanting more from this author. The characters were well written and really blended together well and the story flowed smoothly. This is the story about two lonely men .who happens to meet accidentally at a time in their life where stress and be busy just left them no time for anything. But they are an interracial, but that ever comes up as an issue with either of them. But there is much more then that,how will Jack allow himself to date . How can he openly date a man ?It's hard for him because his parents are homophobic and their impacts his future and past. He really wants to and he even adopted a little girl ,he still figures the perfect second parent would be a loving and caring man.Then there's Tyson who has worked for a long time at an animal shelter with a no-kill policy ,but until now the shelter has been operating on just a medium budget .But they able to put together a fostering program ,that found homes for some of the older dogs and cats for them not to be killed. They even have a training for them and obedience classes ,and were able to paid and maintained paid and volunteer staff .But when Tyson matches Jack and his daughter to a dog ,there was one more match that Tyson wanted and that was jack for himself . Will that ever come about for them ? I could go on and tell you more about this sweet story ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this sweet story ,because you won't be disappointed .I can wait until the next book,
May 20, 2016
**Originally Posted on Kiki's Kinky Picks**
2.5 stars
The debut novel by Rory Wilde, Forever Home, shows great potential for this new author.
The components for a great book were there for this one, but Wilde didn’t quite manage to pull everything off. This book has, what I like to call, “great bones.” Likable characters and an interesting plot were there, so with a bit of tightening Wilde’s writing should be on point.
One issue is the pacing. Things moved very slowly, in general, and between Tyson and Jack. Now, I don’t need MCs to jump into bed together on the first page, but if you’re going to make me wait then there should be adequate sexual tension to tide me over. Tyson and Jack were immediately attracted to each other, but I wasn’t anxiously waiting for the explosion.
Additionally, I felt like there were quite a few things left unexplored or unresolved. Jack’s fear of being out, for instance. He had severe issues with internalized homophobia from his childhood, but he just sort of gets over it. Plus, I would have loved more on the development of the relationship between Jack and Mia.
Mia was my favorite part. She was so shy and sweet and I really wanted to know more about her. Her friendship with Harold (her puppy) was absolutely adorable. (Also, Jack referring to them as his kids just about melted my heart!)
All together, Forever Home is a cute book that has a lot going for it: puppy, kid, biracial couple–all great. The potential was just not fully realized. I’ll be keeping my eye out for future books by Rory Wilde. Hopefully with a bit more experience and some more discerning beta readers, Wilde’s books will become everything they have the “bones” to be.
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
2.5 stars
The debut novel by Rory Wilde, Forever Home, shows great potential for this new author.
The components for a great book were there for this one, but Wilde didn’t quite manage to pull everything off. This book has, what I like to call, “great bones.” Likable characters and an interesting plot were there, so with a bit of tightening Wilde’s writing should be on point.
One issue is the pacing. Things moved very slowly, in general, and between Tyson and Jack. Now, I don’t need MCs to jump into bed together on the first page, but if you’re going to make me wait then there should be adequate sexual tension to tide me over. Tyson and Jack were immediately attracted to each other, but I wasn’t anxiously waiting for the explosion.
Additionally, I felt like there were quite a few things left unexplored or unresolved. Jack’s fear of being out, for instance. He had severe issues with internalized homophobia from his childhood, but he just sort of gets over it. Plus, I would have loved more on the development of the relationship between Jack and Mia.
Mia was my favorite part. She was so shy and sweet and I really wanted to know more about her. Her friendship with Harold (her puppy) was absolutely adorable. (Also, Jack referring to them as his kids just about melted my heart!)
All together, Forever Home is a cute book that has a lot going for it: puppy, kid, biracial couple–all great. The potential was just not fully realized. I’ll be keeping my eye out for future books by Rory Wilde. Hopefully with a bit more experience and some more discerning beta readers, Wilde’s books will become everything they have the “bones” to be.
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 12, 2016
Hot cover!
I tried to get into this one. I love when kids and animals are involved in stories like this. Jack and recently adopted little Mia, who he was adorable with and she was so shy and cute.
Tyson was the manager at a local shelter that was needing some funding to keep the shelter afloat. That was basically the whole book. I mean, the ups and downs of appeals and grants and getting help. It broke my heart reading about the animals, Leah especially I was so glad things ended well for her and the family.
I also liked how real the relationship was between Mia and Jack. I can imagine it would be hard and time consuming. But Jack, even though he got frusterated at times, was really patient and understanding and he was really just a great new dad. I liked reading about that.
Other than that, the story was cute and it was a light read, not angsty or hard.
I tried to get into this one. I love when kids and animals are involved in stories like this. Jack and recently adopted little Mia, who he was adorable with and she was so shy and cute.
Tyson was the manager at a local shelter that was needing some funding to keep the shelter afloat. That was basically the whole book. I mean, the ups and downs of appeals and grants and getting help. It broke my heart reading about the animals, Leah especially I was so glad things ended well for her and the family.
I also liked how real the relationship was between Mia and Jack. I can imagine it would be hard and time consuming. But Jack, even though he got frusterated at times, was really patient and understanding and he was really just a great new dad. I liked reading about that.
Other than that, the story was cute and it was a light read, not angsty or hard.
June 23, 2016
Unfortunately this story didn't work for me. There were way too many things going on and not all of them came to any kind of satisfying conclusion. The timeline contradicted itself a couple of times and even some of the information given about the MCs didn't jive.
I didn't love the characters but I did like them, my problem with their relationship is that it all happened so fast. They barely saw much of each other before deciding to move in together and so much of their individual lives is missing making it hard for me to get to know them and connect.
I saw potential, the story concept was cute but the execution was lacking.
I didn't love the characters but I did like them, my problem with their relationship is that it all happened so fast. They barely saw much of each other before deciding to move in together and so much of their individual lives is missing making it hard for me to get to know them and connect.
I saw potential, the story concept was cute but the execution was lacking.
March 28, 2017
Hmmm...2.5stars
I really wanted to like this book and the characters but i found myself disliking Tyra fully. She came off great to start with, then all of a sudden selfish, single minded, and closed minded. I guess some would see her determined but really, all her issues were off the table to talk about. And Jackien who first came off as strong minded and independent all of a sudden stats dating Tyra and becomes a stepping stone. Maybe it was the length of the book that kept the characters from being fully developed but i cant say i liked this book and i gave it 3 stars cause i rounded up and it was free on kindleUnlimited. If it wasn't, i wouldn't bother a read.
I really wanted to like this book and the characters but i found myself disliking Tyra fully. She came off great to start with, then all of a sudden selfish, single minded, and closed minded. I guess some would see her determined but really, all her issues were off the table to talk about. And Jackien who first came off as strong minded and independent all of a sudden stats dating Tyra and becomes a stepping stone. Maybe it was the length of the book that kept the characters from being fully developed but i cant say i liked this book and i gave it 3 stars cause i rounded up and it was free on kindleUnlimited. If it wasn't, i wouldn't bother a read.
May 18, 2016
It was cute in the beginning and had the potential to be a good story ....but the "shelter troubles" over shadowed the MC's relationship and the budding father/daughter relationship.
I ended up skimming through the last 30% because the thing with Leah was depressing me and the mid-story instalove made me almost puke...*Shrugs*
I ended up skimming through the last 30% because the thing with Leah was depressing me and the mid-story instalove made me almost puke...*Shrugs*
August 14, 2016
There was no chemistry between the two mc's. And they both seemed a little emotionally and socially stunted. Everything felt weird and awkward.
January 22, 2018
This was a cute enjoyable romantic read, even if it lacked a lot of depth. I liked seeing how the relationship developed between the two men, but I felt there were a lot of plot points that were never fully developed that could have been such as Jack's relationship with his family, or Mia's indecisiveness. It felt like the author dangled a lot of threads but never resolved all of them. I am not one to argue over the pace of the relationship or how quickly the men moved in together since honestly it happens in M/F romances all the time and no one bats an eye. That is par for the course for these romances.
I did enjoy it but apart from the M/M romance nothing really stood out as overly unique to me or made it stand out from any other romance novel. I felt the dialogue was stitled and unnatural at some points and there didn't really seem to be a differnce in the two men`s voices. Were it not for the chapters being subtitled to say whose POV it was, in some areas one may have been hard pressed to tell. Still, it was a nice sweet read. It is not the worst thing I`ve read but I can`t say it is the best either. It is something I would likely re-read though but it would need to be a year or so before I even thought about attempting to do so.
I did enjoy it but apart from the M/M romance nothing really stood out as overly unique to me or made it stand out from any other romance novel. I felt the dialogue was stitled and unnatural at some points and there didn't really seem to be a differnce in the two men`s voices. Were it not for the chapters being subtitled to say whose POV it was, in some areas one may have been hard pressed to tell. Still, it was a nice sweet read. It is not the worst thing I`ve read but I can`t say it is the best either. It is something I would likely re-read though but it would need to be a year or so before I even thought about attempting to do so.
September 13, 2017
A Girls's Best Friend -- Cora Jay (29 chapters) Sept. 4, 2017
Note: This is a f/f sexual romance. If that stories aren't your thing, move along.
This was a quick, fun lesbian romance read, but be forewarned, there are a few scenes in this book that are sad.
As is my nature, I skimmed/skipped over the sexy bits (and there are several in this story,) because I like the story building, and ending more than those parts. But those of you who like the sexy bits will probably like the ones in here.
I also liked the interracial story mixed in with pet/animal shelter background. I won't pretend to know whether this couple was written as an honest portrayal (plus there really isn't enough background on either character to really know,) but I enjoyed their interplay.
There were only a few draggy places, and a couple of times that I think wrong names were used in a section. Overall, a pretty peppy, happy read.
Three stars.
Note: This is a f/f sexual romance. If that stories aren't your thing, move along.
This was a quick, fun lesbian romance read, but be forewarned, there are a few scenes in this book that are sad.
As is my nature, I skimmed/skipped over the sexy bits (and there are several in this story,) because I like the story building, and ending more than those parts. But those of you who like the sexy bits will probably like the ones in here.
I also liked the interracial story mixed in with pet/animal shelter background. I won't pretend to know whether this couple was written as an honest portrayal (plus there really isn't enough background on either character to really know,) but I enjoyed their interplay.
There were only a few draggy places, and a couple of times that I think wrong names were used in a section. Overall, a pretty peppy, happy read.
Three stars.
December 22, 2019
Contemporary M/M romance with an Animal Shelter manager finding love with a newly made dad who just adopted a sweet seven year old girl.
Tyson Haines is doing everything he can to save his Animal shelter from budget cuts when he meets the sweet software engineer Jack Keppel and his adopted daughter, Mia who are looking for a pet to help her transition into their new normal. They find a pet and a new dad to add to their newly made family.
201 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Tyson Haines is doing everything he can to save his Animal shelter from budget cuts when he meets the sweet software engineer Jack Keppel and his adopted daughter, Mia who are looking for a pet to help her transition into their new normal. They find a pet and a new dad to add to their newly made family.
201 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
June 6, 2017
I loved it. The way the author showed the emotional turmoil parents can cause a child with their beliefs was very well written. Seeing Jack overcome that was amazing. Also, having Jack adopt an older child was perfect. Babies may be cute, but seeing an older child learn and grow is one of the greatest things in life.
January 18, 2021
Having read some of the other reviews, I'm too weirded out right now too write a proper one of my own. Apparently there are M/M, M/F, and F/F editions of the book and that just seems really wrong somehow. Before finding out about that, I did enjoy the M/M version though- as an easy read of gay romance with bonus great dogs and a cute little girl.
maybe
February 9, 2024The author wrote the exact same book changing the pronouns. Someone says it was F/F first which means to me that these are pretty girly men. I heard it's also M/F but at least the author would have to change the homophobia part. But I think it's disingenuous to write the same book and sell it as three separate novels.
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