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Love Off Leash #1
Caring for Riggs
Love dogs and smoking hot men? The Love Off Leash series is for you. Different authors. Unrelated stories. Shared theme of new love and pets.
Love, loss and finding a forever home.
After years abroad, Kyle Skelton returns to New York to plan his grandfather’s funeral. Weighed down by guilt about neglecting the prickly old man who once looked after him, Kyle is determined to find a good home for Gramps’s senior dog. The last thing he needs as he confronts his complicated past is the distraction of the handsome next door neighbor who’s been taking care of Riggs.
Darrell Baines is prepared to despise his neighbor’s grandson on sight. He believes this stranger is only interested in valuable things Vince may have left behind. But after witnessing the renewed bond between Kyle and Riggs and learning more about the unhappy teenager who fled New York years earlier, Darrell’s hard stance softens. It’s easier to forgive when Kyle is heaping blame on himself.
Darrell is almost too comfortable in his quiet routine, while Kyle has never found a place that felt like home. As these opposites walk their dogs together, unexpected friendship grows. A late night adventure adds passionate fuel to the fire, but Kyle is only passing through so a chance for anything more than a fling seems impossible.
When Kyle’s never-met father arrives for the funeral and Rigg’s health takes a turn for the worse, Kyle’s emotional turmoil reaches critical mass. Will his fragile new bond with Darrell be the powerful lifeline he has always needed?
Love, loss and finding a forever home.
After years abroad, Kyle Skelton returns to New York to plan his grandfather’s funeral. Weighed down by guilt about neglecting the prickly old man who once looked after him, Kyle is determined to find a good home for Gramps’s senior dog. The last thing he needs as he confronts his complicated past is the distraction of the handsome next door neighbor who’s been taking care of Riggs.
Darrell Baines is prepared to despise his neighbor’s grandson on sight. He believes this stranger is only interested in valuable things Vince may have left behind. But after witnessing the renewed bond between Kyle and Riggs and learning more about the unhappy teenager who fled New York years earlier, Darrell’s hard stance softens. It’s easier to forgive when Kyle is heaping blame on himself.
Darrell is almost too comfortable in his quiet routine, while Kyle has never found a place that felt like home. As these opposites walk their dogs together, unexpected friendship grows. A late night adventure adds passionate fuel to the fire, but Kyle is only passing through so a chance for anything more than a fling seems impossible.
When Kyle’s never-met father arrives for the funeral and Rigg’s health takes a turn for the worse, Kyle’s emotional turmoil reaches critical mass. Will his fragile new bond with Darrell be the powerful lifeline he has always needed?
99 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
131 books697 followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 14, 2017
My first Contemporary story from Bonnie Dee was a winner. Caring for Riggs is short but packs a punch.
It's a story about lost chances and second chances. About settling for less when you can have more, or wandering around the world because going back hurts too much. It's about loss and grief, but also about hope and newfound love. And DOGS! Don't forget the dogs.
Kyle and Darrell meet under not so great circumstances, and make not so great first impressions. But appearances can be deceptive and soon they hit it off.
I enjoyed the time they spent together; the sexy times, the quiet times getting to know each other, the walks in the park, the time they spent with the dogs...I even teared up during one particular scene.
Because of the short length I was afraid we wouldn't get a strong ending. Do not worry. There is an epilogue, and then another one...and then another one! Dee used every page to full advantage and came up with a very fitting and strong HEA without making it insta-lovey.
My only niggle, which is a completely personal thing, is the way Kyle handled the issue with his father. Obviously, Kyle is a better person than me.
I recommend this for a short, emotional, sexy story, low on the angst, high on sweetness and feels. I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
*Review posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
May 16, 2017
I was so excited to see a new Contemporary by Bonnie Dee! She's the author of one of my favorites Het Contemporary Romance Novels Finding Home, so when I saw Caring for Riggs come up, I jumped at the chance to review, and so glad I did! Caring for Riggs is the story of Kyle who left everything behind including his Gramps at a young age. He'd always told himself that he'd come back but never did until fate forced his hand. His grandpa had passed away alone with his elderly dog, Riggs. When he returned, he met his Gramps' neighbor Darrell. Darrell had taken over helping Gramps and Riggs and harbored some resentment towards Kyle for not being there for his grandpa. What ensues is an emotional story of forgiveness, second chances, and new beginnings.
What I loved:
-The story hooked right from the get go. Sometimes it takes a few pages to feel the story and writing out before settling in, but I was able to jump right in.
-Dogs. If I see a dog on a cover chances are I will stop and read the blurb.
-Dual POVs.
-Relationship development. For a novella, Kyle and Darrell's relationship was exceptionally written. We felt their attraction, we saw them get to know each other, and we saw their connection in and out of the bedroom.
-No contrived drama. This emotional story was surprisingly low angst and had a slice of life feel to it. Though be warned there will be tears!!
-It also made me think. It made reevaluate my turbulent relationship with my father. If something were to happen... how would I feel about not having been a part of his life... and things of that nature.
-The end. I'm a sucker for a great epilogue, and this was a goodie! I love when we're given glimpses into couple's future and this one well, I don't want to spoil, but I'll say it made me teary.
All in all, I give Caring for Riggs to enthusiastic thumbs up. It's hard to deliver a full story in under 100 pages, and Bonnie Dee did just that. She gave us a beautifully written novella about family and love. 4 Stars.
What I loved:
-The story hooked right from the get go. Sometimes it takes a few pages to feel the story and writing out before settling in, but I was able to jump right in.
-Dogs. If I see a dog on a cover chances are I will stop and read the blurb.
-Dual POVs.
-Relationship development. For a novella, Kyle and Darrell's relationship was exceptionally written. We felt their attraction, we saw them get to know each other, and we saw their connection in and out of the bedroom.
-No contrived drama. This emotional story was surprisingly low angst and had a slice of life feel to it. Though be warned there will be tears!!
-It also made me think. It made reevaluate my turbulent relationship with my father. If something were to happen... how would I feel about not having been a part of his life... and things of that nature.
-The end. I'm a sucker for a great epilogue, and this was a goodie! I love when we're given glimpses into couple's future and this one well, I don't want to spoil, but I'll say it made me teary.
All in all, I give Caring for Riggs to enthusiastic thumbs up. It's hard to deliver a full story in under 100 pages, and Bonnie Dee did just that. She gave us a beautifully written novella about family and love. 4 Stars.
May 12, 2017
This is a short sweet story about two men and the dogs in their lives. Kyle arrives in Chicago to plan his grandfather's funeral and clean out his apartment. As a kid, Gramp's place was a welcome refuge from Kyle's dysfunctional parents and when Kyle left Chicago at age 16, he always planned to return. But life intervenes, with Kyle's career as an event planner taking him all over the world, and Gramps dies before he returns, alone in his apartment with his elderly dog Riggs by his side.
Gramp's next door neighbor Darrell had been caring for him and Riggs along with his own dog Lacey and at first resents the return of the prodigal grandson. But before very long, Darrell and Kyle begin a steamy friends-with-benefits relationship:
Kyle is at the point in his life where he realizes that maybe the life he's leading isn't the life we wants. He has no permanent home and not a lot of friends. At Gramp's funeral he wonders: "Who would attend mine if I died tomorrow?" Throughout the story, Kyle comes to realize he needs to make amends, own up to his actions and move forward. Darrell, a lawyer who works remotely, has a good balance in his life and I liked how their relationship is not angsty or ridden with miscommunication and they work through some issues to make a life together.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Gramp's next door neighbor Darrell had been caring for him and Riggs along with his own dog Lacey and at first resents the return of the prodigal grandson. But before very long, Darrell and Kyle begin a steamy friends-with-benefits relationship:
He hardly knew Darrell, yet Kyle felt secure in his embrace, as if Darrell wasn’t with a stranger at all and Kyle was arriving home after a long absence. Such an odd feeling to have.
Kyle is at the point in his life where he realizes that maybe the life he's leading isn't the life we wants. He has no permanent home and not a lot of friends. At Gramp's funeral he wonders: "Who would attend mine if I died tomorrow?" Throughout the story, Kyle comes to realize he needs to make amends, own up to his actions and move forward. Darrell, a lawyer who works remotely, has a good balance in his life and I liked how their relationship is not angsty or ridden with miscommunication and they work through some issues to make a life together.
A job was a job, but a person to care about… That was everything. Maybe he hadn’t been running away all these years. Maybe he’d been running blindly toward something he’d been unable to find–until now.A solid 4 stars for Caring for Riggs and I look forward to reading other books in this series focusing on smoking hot men and their dogs!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
May 18, 2017
Short and sweet. Got the job done without a lot of angst or fuss. Puppies playing in the epilogue definitely didn't hurt.
June 6, 2017
I've read and enjoyed Bonnie Dee when she's writing alone and with her various partners. This was a short romp she wrote alone. Riggs was the saddest little thing but he was loved. I was pushed to tears a few times by our four legged friends. As for the humans they were fine enough but not as in-depth as I look forward to from Dee's other works. I would almost say this with a cute novella with a very sweet ending. Kudos for having characters of color who were neither caricatures or stereotypes. If you're in the mood for short and sweet go for it.
August 27, 2017
I do love a love story where the catalyst for the MC’s is the love of pets, it adds a purity to the tale before I even read a word. I was expecting a sweet, somewhat lighthearted, opposites-attract kind of thing. It was that, but it also was so much more. There were some very touching moments and bittersweetness that made the story read so real and took it from escapist fluff to a story that gave me sincere feels and an honest interest in the future of the MC’s and their furry loved ones.
Kyle has always been a rolling stone and when he comes “home” after his Grandpa’s passing to deal with the mechanics of death of a loved one he dealt with all the inevitable feelings of guilt, loss, etc. He had regrets for not coming home sooner, not being more available which were completely legit and normal feelings. Kyle has never really had roots because his parents weren’t the kind that provided that, but his grandfather took him in and loved him and provided for him the best he could. When Kyle gets the chance to take off and see the world, there’s no reason he shouldn’t and his grandfather never seemed to begrudge him the opportunity he took advantage of. Grandpa is gone before we begin but the author did a great job of making him a presence throughout the story.
Riggs is Kyle’s gramps elderly pup and Kyle loves him dearly as he’s known Riggs most of his life. Gramps neighbor Darrell has been watching over Riggs and in the beginning he doesn’t have the best of opinions of Kyle. Darrell has been feeling pretty protective of Grandpa (Vince) and Riggs and only sees Kyle as the flighty, wayward grandson.
While Kyle is a man without roots, Darrell is a man with very deep ones. They were opposites in many ways but in a complementary way that becomes more apparent as they get to know one another. I love reading books where the relationship evolves that way. Caring for Riggs is a quiet book in that it focuses on the growth of the characters feelings within themselves and for each other rather than any overt actions that move the story along.
The sweetness between these guys grows slowly making it easy to believe especially with everything that Kyle is going through. Darrell is a natural caretaker and Kyle really needs that is his life right now. They may not have come together during the happiest of times, but it was very opportune anyway. Given the solemnity of the reason the two met, the book is pretty angst free in the romance department and man is it refreshing to read about two grown ass men acting like grown ass men. They communicated and took care of business. All of the answers didn’t come easy but there was no manufactured drama to take away from the organic relationship that was building.
There were a lot of great “moments” in Caring for Riggs and I can’t recommend it enough for a sincere feel good read. You’ll get the lovely fluff you need with an added dose of authenticity that makes it all the better.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Kyle has always been a rolling stone and when he comes “home” after his Grandpa’s passing to deal with the mechanics of death of a loved one he dealt with all the inevitable feelings of guilt, loss, etc. He had regrets for not coming home sooner, not being more available which were completely legit and normal feelings. Kyle has never really had roots because his parents weren’t the kind that provided that, but his grandfather took him in and loved him and provided for him the best he could. When Kyle gets the chance to take off and see the world, there’s no reason he shouldn’t and his grandfather never seemed to begrudge him the opportunity he took advantage of. Grandpa is gone before we begin but the author did a great job of making him a presence throughout the story.
Riggs is Kyle’s gramps elderly pup and Kyle loves him dearly as he’s known Riggs most of his life. Gramps neighbor Darrell has been watching over Riggs and in the beginning he doesn’t have the best of opinions of Kyle. Darrell has been feeling pretty protective of Grandpa (Vince) and Riggs and only sees Kyle as the flighty, wayward grandson.
While Kyle is a man without roots, Darrell is a man with very deep ones. They were opposites in many ways but in a complementary way that becomes more apparent as they get to know one another. I love reading books where the relationship evolves that way. Caring for Riggs is a quiet book in that it focuses on the growth of the characters feelings within themselves and for each other rather than any overt actions that move the story along.
The sweetness between these guys grows slowly making it easy to believe especially with everything that Kyle is going through. Darrell is a natural caretaker and Kyle really needs that is his life right now. They may not have come together during the happiest of times, but it was very opportune anyway. Given the solemnity of the reason the two met, the book is pretty angst free in the romance department and man is it refreshing to read about two grown ass men acting like grown ass men. They communicated and took care of business. All of the answers didn’t come easy but there was no manufactured drama to take away from the organic relationship that was building.
There were a lot of great “moments” in Caring for Riggs and I can’t recommend it enough for a sincere feel good read. You’ll get the lovely fluff you need with an added dose of authenticity that makes it all the better.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
May 22, 2017
A sweet romance with two nice guys and two dogs. I normally don't give 4 stars to a short story, but there were dogs involved. ☺
Read
May 17, 2017I'm going to give this a try because it's Bonnie Dee and the blurb sounds awesome :-)!!
I really hope this book fulfills its promise; I've had too many failed attempts at reading an M/M book that featured dogs on the cover. As ADORABLE as pups are, them being on the cover have usually signified the kiss of death where the book was concerned :-/. ALL duds so far. I am very confident (and super hopeful) that this one is way, waaaaaaaay different ;-)!!
I really hope this book fulfills its promise; I've had too many failed attempts at reading an M/M book that featured dogs on the cover. As ADORABLE as pups are, them being on the cover have usually signified the kiss of death where the book was concerned :-/. ALL duds so far. I am very confident (and super hopeful) that this one is way, waaaaaaaay different ;-)!!
May 17, 2017
This book was unexpectedly touching and bittersweet. I loved the MCs and all the four-legged babies: Lacey, Riggs, Lump.
I got all teary eyed at one point, but the ending was absolutely lovely. There's a lot of depth packed into this novella.
I got all teary eyed at one point, but the ending was absolutely lovely. There's a lot of depth packed into this novella.
January 12, 2023
I have a real soft spot for senior dogs, having had more than my share over the years, so when I read the blurb and it mentioned Riggs, I knew I'd need to read 'Caring for Riggs'. Kyle has a lot of baggage from a tough childhood with a father who had no time for him, and a grandfather who had difficulty showing him how much he cared. After two years of taking care of a crotchety old man, and Riggs, plus being the one to find Vince dead, Darrell is more than prepared to despise Kyle.
Kyle is feeling pretty guilty when he gets to his Gramps's apartment. He knows he should have done better to stay in touch, but whenever he called, Gramps acted like it was no big deal, and he wasn't missing Kyle at all. It doesn't matter anymore, and Kyle will do his best to take care of everything for his grandpa, now. The spark of desire he feels for Darrell is unexpected but not unwanted, although Darrell can't say the same, at least not in the beginning. Darrell works from home and except for his Yorkshire terrier, Lacey, he has become almost as reclusive as Vince was. Darrell can't help but feel for Kyle as he gets to know him, and his desire grows stronger the more time he spends with him.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Kyle is feeling pretty guilty when he gets to his Gramps's apartment. He knows he should have done better to stay in touch, but whenever he called, Gramps acted like it was no big deal, and he wasn't missing Kyle at all. It doesn't matter anymore, and Kyle will do his best to take care of everything for his grandpa, now. The spark of desire he feels for Darrell is unexpected but not unwanted, although Darrell can't say the same, at least not in the beginning. Darrell works from home and except for his Yorkshire terrier, Lacey, he has become almost as reclusive as Vince was. Darrell can't help but feel for Kyle as he gets to know him, and his desire grows stronger the more time he spends with him.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
June 22, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I went into Caring for Riggs expecting a bit of fluff with a happy ending. I thought it would be a light read before bed, but I got quite a bit more. Kyle had left Chicago and Gramps behind for a party-planning career in Europe. His mother was dead. His father was never in his life, and Gramps was distant and not terribly nurturing. Now, Kyle is faced with a feeling of guilt for leaving and not being in regular contact with him, no matter how Gramps acted. Kyle touched me. There was so much more to him than the well dressed, cosmopolitan man he appears to be. His grief seems to have taken him off guard, and it truly crashes into him when he begins to clear Gramps’ closet and finds a box full of memories. I liked how he loved Riggs, even though he’d been apart from him for years. His chemistry with Darrell is off the charts, and he seemed surprised by it.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I went into Caring for Riggs expecting a bit of fluff with a happy ending. I thought it would be a light read before bed, but I got quite a bit more. Kyle had left Chicago and Gramps behind for a party-planning career in Europe. His mother was dead. His father was never in his life, and Gramps was distant and not terribly nurturing. Now, Kyle is faced with a feeling of guilt for leaving and not being in regular contact with him, no matter how Gramps acted. Kyle touched me. There was so much more to him than the well dressed, cosmopolitan man he appears to be. His grief seems to have taken him off guard, and it truly crashes into him when he begins to clear Gramps’ closet and finds a box full of memories. I liked how he loved Riggs, even though he’d been apart from him for years. His chemistry with Darrell is off the charts, and he seemed surprised by it.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
May 12, 2017
Blurb is almost as long as the story itself, so I won't rehash.
My warning, you will need a box of tissues handy.
This is about first impressions aren't always right, building trust, and finding a forever home – for people and the furry four-legged buddies.
Darrell and Kyle are both content with their lives, until they are brought together with the passing of Kyle's grandfather, Vince. While it's not said outright, I think Darrell needed to take care of Vince, that while Darrell had a strong, supportive, loving family, there was still a void. The passing of Vince and appearance of Kyle, emphasized that loneliness.
Kyle, raised by a drug-addict mother, a crochety grandfather, he’s high-school drop-out, gay, had his knocks in life and managed to pull himself up by the bootstraps and make a name for himself as an event coordinator. While making other people happy, the passing of Vince makes Kyle realize he's more alone than ever – until he meets Darrell.
My one complaint with the story was the some of the repetition – for example, I think I counted Kyle describing how Rigg's came home with him and Vince about three times. There were several other items that were repeated, and I would have liked to have read other aspects of Kyle, Vince's or Darrell's lives as character builders.
I'll maintain, short stories are some of the more difficult things to write, because you have a limited number of pages to pack in a lot. I think Dee succeeded. The sadness in both guys is present, the dogs...oh my gosh, yes, dogs that will make you chuckle, roll your eyes, and cry; Dogs really can bring out the best in us, and they do so in spades in this story.
This came to mind: "Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. They depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart."
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
My warning, you will need a box of tissues handy.
This is about first impressions aren't always right, building trust, and finding a forever home – for people and the furry four-legged buddies.
Darrell and Kyle are both content with their lives, until they are brought together with the passing of Kyle's grandfather, Vince. While it's not said outright, I think Darrell needed to take care of Vince, that while Darrell had a strong, supportive, loving family, there was still a void. The passing of Vince and appearance of Kyle, emphasized that loneliness.
Kyle, raised by a drug-addict mother, a crochety grandfather, he’s high-school drop-out, gay, had his knocks in life and managed to pull himself up by the bootstraps and make a name for himself as an event coordinator. While making other people happy, the passing of Vince makes Kyle realize he's more alone than ever – until he meets Darrell.
My one complaint with the story was the some of the repetition – for example, I think I counted Kyle describing how Rigg's came home with him and Vince about three times. There were several other items that were repeated, and I would have liked to have read other aspects of Kyle, Vince's or Darrell's lives as character builders.
I'll maintain, short stories are some of the more difficult things to write, because you have a limited number of pages to pack in a lot. I think Dee succeeded. The sadness in both guys is present, the dogs...oh my gosh, yes, dogs that will make you chuckle, roll your eyes, and cry; Dogs really can bring out the best in us, and they do so in spades in this story.
This came to mind: "Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. They depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart."
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
May 19, 2017
4-1/2 Stars
Caring for Riggs is the second book released in the Love Off Leash series of standalone contemporary romances. Caring is only the second contemporary work of Bonnie Dee's that I've read but it won't be the last. It may not be as light as the first in the series, Hot Under the Collar by Summer Devon, but it's also by no means dark but it is certainly as fun and entertaining.
Some might say that Caring is about second chances since Kyle returns after the death of his grandfather and meets the dog-loving neighbor that's been caring for Riggs the dog. Personally, I don't know as I would tag it "second chances", instead I would say it's about realizations and readjusting to what is important in life. Kyle hasn't forgotten his grandfather but he did take for granted that there would always be a tomorrow to come back to. Unfortunately there wasn't and with the help of dog-loving neighbor Darrell and Riggs the dog Kyle talked his grandfather into bringing home all those years ago those realizations lead to readjusting.
You don't have to be a dog lover or even a pet lover to enjoy Caring for Riggs, all you have to do is love a great story. As I started off with, Caring may not be super lighthearted but it is packed full of heart which is not always easy to do in a novella. When you reach the final page you know you have experienced something amazing and it just might help you to realize or remember who or what is truly important at the end of the day. If you can learn a lesson without actually being taught one all while enjoying a wonderful romance story, well that's the mark of a good book and a talented author.
Caring for Riggs is the second book released in the Love Off Leash series of standalone contemporary romances. Caring is only the second contemporary work of Bonnie Dee's that I've read but it won't be the last. It may not be as light as the first in the series, Hot Under the Collar by Summer Devon, but it's also by no means dark but it is certainly as fun and entertaining.
Some might say that Caring is about second chances since Kyle returns after the death of his grandfather and meets the dog-loving neighbor that's been caring for Riggs the dog. Personally, I don't know as I would tag it "second chances", instead I would say it's about realizations and readjusting to what is important in life. Kyle hasn't forgotten his grandfather but he did take for granted that there would always be a tomorrow to come back to. Unfortunately there wasn't and with the help of dog-loving neighbor Darrell and Riggs the dog Kyle talked his grandfather into bringing home all those years ago those realizations lead to readjusting.
You don't have to be a dog lover or even a pet lover to enjoy Caring for Riggs, all you have to do is love a great story. As I started off with, Caring may not be super lighthearted but it is packed full of heart which is not always easy to do in a novella. When you reach the final page you know you have experienced something amazing and it just might help you to realize or remember who or what is truly important at the end of the day. If you can learn a lesson without actually being taught one all while enjoying a wonderful romance story, well that's the mark of a good book and a talented author.
July 2, 2017
Caring for Riggs by Bonnie Dee is a sweet male/male contemporary romance. Kyle Skelton is home for the first time in years, unfortunately, it’s to plan his grandfather’s funeral. Darrell Baines has lived next door to Kyle’s grandfather and taken care of him and his senior dog Riggs while Kyle’s been away. Darrell expects Kyle to be cold, how else could he abandon his grandfather? But the two of them find something very different in each other. Something neither knew they were looking for.
First, I adore books with animals: cats, dogs, whatever. Pets just make characters more relatable for me. So, Caring for Riggs had an immediate boost. Overall, it was a fine short, cute book. I connected with the main characters. Kyle and Darrell’s relationship was given enough room to grow in their limited time together that their romance made sense. Their affection for one another was deep and realistic. All in all, Caring for Riggs is a cute novella.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
First, I adore books with animals: cats, dogs, whatever. Pets just make characters more relatable for me. So, Caring for Riggs had an immediate boost. Overall, it was a fine short, cute book. I connected with the main characters. Kyle and Darrell’s relationship was given enough room to grow in their limited time together that their romance made sense. Their affection for one another was deep and realistic. All in all, Caring for Riggs is a cute novella.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
July 10, 2017
Short, sweet, "bonding-over-a-dog" romantic novella
While the author included some character depth along with pet-centered theme, this one just didn't quite pull me in as much as I thought it would. This author often writes something I enjoy, but doesn't quite have either the character connections (either emotional or physical) that blow me out of the water.
3.5 stars rounded down because I was expecting a bit more out of the premise.
While the author included some character depth along with pet-centered theme, this one just didn't quite pull me in as much as I thought it would. This author often writes something I enjoy, but doesn't quite have either the character connections (either emotional or physical) that blow me out of the water.
3.5 stars rounded down because I was expecting a bit more out of the premise.
May 28, 2017
Very enjoyable! Kyle and Darrell are a good fit even though they don't seem so at first. This story has some sad parts, but it ends well. Good for Kyle being persistent with his Dad. Loved the dogs! I hope eventually Darrell will travel with Kyle.
May 18, 2017
Beginning was good. Mid to end was too rushed. The time jumps at the end ruined everything that the beginning created.
May 18, 2017
I didn't hate it...
December 28, 2017
3.5 Stars
July 14, 2019
Very cute! Enjoyed.
May 16, 2017
This is short and sweet. Due to the length, I know that there will be 'quick path' to relationship. But I appreciated that Kyle didn't just leave his job and changed everything for the sake of love. It felt quite realistic to me. Even if the ending felt rushed with several time-jumps.
May 29, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews