What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Off Leash #3
Chilling with Max
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.
High tension meets laid back in a collision of opposites.
Grant Edgerton hasn’t had free day in years. From overachieving student to workaholic real estate developer in a high-pressure firm, he’s striven for success to the point of developing a stomach ulcer. When he literally crashes into a dog walker and his charges, it’s time to let loose the hounds of change. After failing to land a very important client, Grant takes an afternoon to play.
Max Thompson rolls through life’s curves with easy grace. Dog walking supplements his gigs as a musician, and he’s content with his easy come, easy go existence. He’s fluid to the point of not standing firm for anything, until an eye-opening encounter with an uptight businessman shakes his cool.
As lust stirs, then love grows, Grant begins to reevaluate what it really means to be successful in life. And as Max teaches Grant to chill, he learns some things are worth making an effort to hold on to.
High tension meets laid back in a collision of opposites.
Grant Edgerton hasn’t had free day in years. From overachieving student to workaholic real estate developer in a high-pressure firm, he’s striven for success to the point of developing a stomach ulcer. When he literally crashes into a dog walker and his charges, it’s time to let loose the hounds of change. After failing to land a very important client, Grant takes an afternoon to play.
Max Thompson rolls through life’s curves with easy grace. Dog walking supplements his gigs as a musician, and he’s content with his easy come, easy go existence. He’s fluid to the point of not standing firm for anything, until an eye-opening encounter with an uptight businessman shakes his cool.
As lust stirs, then love grows, Grant begins to reevaluate what it really means to be successful in life. And as Max teaches Grant to chill, he learns some things are worth making an effort to hold on to.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2017
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
132 books701 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 24, 2017
The first book in this series, Caring for Riggs, was delightful; Riggs was a senior dog missing his person, an older gentleman who passed away and whose prodigal grandson returned to settle his grandpa's affairs and ended up falling for the next-door neighbor.
The Max of Chilling with Max, however, is not a dog but a person, one of the MCs to be exact. Max is a part-time dog walker, part-time musician. He doesn’t have grand ambitions. He’s happy to play his guitar and spend time with his cat.
Grant is Max’s opposite. He’s a successful real estate developer and has an ulcer from being stressed out all the time. He works constantly and has no patience for romance; he doesn’t even talk to his neighbors.
This is a fairly typical opposites-attract story, with laidback Max winning over intense Grant. The guys jump into bed the first time they hang out. Almost all the sex is fade to black, which was fine since I never connected with the MCs and was not feeling their chemistry.
What we’re told about Grant and Max is all surface. There was no spark, and it was hard to believe that Grant would have such a big change of heart within days of meeting Max.
The ending was rushed; even the epilogue fell kind of flat.
There’s nothing wrong with this novella; it’s a cute story, just not particularly memorable.
The Max of Chilling with Max, however, is not a dog but a person, one of the MCs to be exact. Max is a part-time dog walker, part-time musician. He doesn’t have grand ambitions. He’s happy to play his guitar and spend time with his cat.
Grant is Max’s opposite. He’s a successful real estate developer and has an ulcer from being stressed out all the time. He works constantly and has no patience for romance; he doesn’t even talk to his neighbors.
This is a fairly typical opposites-attract story, with laidback Max winning over intense Grant. The guys jump into bed the first time they hang out. Almost all the sex is fade to black, which was fine since I never connected with the MCs and was not feeling their chemistry.
What we’re told about Grant and Max is all surface. There was no spark, and it was hard to believe that Grant would have such a big change of heart within days of meeting Max.
The ending was rushed; even the epilogue fell kind of flat.
There’s nothing wrong with this novella; it’s a cute story, just not particularly memorable.
October 9, 2017
I was pretty disappointed in this, if I'm being honest.
I like Bonnie Dee and I've read a ton of her stories, especially her historicals, and I was expecting something more than what I got with Chilling with Max.
It was so... blah. I had to force myself to read it because the MCs had so little chemistry together and the story just never engaged me. I kept putting the book down and doing almost anything to avoid reading it, which is never a good sign.
I always say that I don't love books where the MCs have sex right away (I like the slow burn), but here they hook-up almost immediately. The sex is mostly fade-to-black, which doesn't help, but I really never saw these two MCs together.
The story was also all telling and very little showing. Though I found it boring, many aspects of the story felt rushed at the same time. It was weird.
All in all, just a miss for me. Not horrible, but not something I would revisit.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I like Bonnie Dee and I've read a ton of her stories, especially her historicals, and I was expecting something more than what I got with Chilling with Max.
It was so... blah. I had to force myself to read it because the MCs had so little chemistry together and the story just never engaged me. I kept putting the book down and doing almost anything to avoid reading it, which is never a good sign.
I always say that I don't love books where the MCs have sex right away (I like the slow burn), but here they hook-up almost immediately. The sex is mostly fade-to-black, which doesn't help, but I really never saw these two MCs together.
The story was also all telling and very little showing. Though I found it boring, many aspects of the story felt rushed at the same time. It was weird.
All in all, just a miss for me. Not horrible, but not something I would revisit.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 24, 2017
*3.5 stars*
Although I didn't love this as much as the first book in the series, Caring for Riggs, it was still cute.
Chilling with Max is an "opposites attract" story. Max is a dog walker, pretty laid back, not very ambitious, and pretty content with his life. Grant, on the other hand, is very driven, and leads a very stressfull life trying to make it big as a real estate broker.
A chance encounter is the trigger for Grant to start reevaluating his life's choices.
I liked that part of the story a lot. And I loved, loved, LOVED the dogs.
I was very invested during the first part of the story, although it was mostly Grant...chilling with Max! But in the second half, there was a lot going on and due to the short lenγth, none of these things were explored in depth. The steam was there but kind of muted.
All in all, I felt a connection between Grant and Max, but I lost it somewhere along the way.
Still, this is an enjoyable, low angst, sweet story. If you 're a fan of the author, you should go for it.
Although I didn't love this as much as the first book in the series, Caring for Riggs, it was still cute.
Chilling with Max is an "opposites attract" story. Max is a dog walker, pretty laid back, not very ambitious, and pretty content with his life. Grant, on the other hand, is very driven, and leads a very stressfull life trying to make it big as a real estate broker.
A chance encounter is the trigger for Grant to start reevaluating his life's choices.
I liked that part of the story a lot. And I loved, loved, LOVED the dogs.
I was very invested during the first part of the story, although it was mostly Grant...chilling with Max! But in the second half, there was a lot going on and due to the short lenγth, none of these things were explored in depth. The steam was there but kind of muted.
All in all, I felt a connection between Grant and Max, but I lost it somewhere along the way.
Still, this is an enjoyable, low angst, sweet story. If you 're a fan of the author, you should go for it.
Read
November 14, 2017A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Chilling With Max was a cute little novella, and I enjoyed reading it. It’s a traditional opposites attract story and I love that trope. I always get a kick out of the moment when the characters finally find a middle ground, and this was no exception.
Grant and Max were good characters. I liked them both. I was very fond of Max. I love a man who loves animals. Also, he was described as having a top knot. In my mind’s eye, I was actually seeing a “man bun,” and you may know what that means. Brock O’Hurn. **Drool. Sigh. Squeal** There was chemistry to spare, from their first meeting all the way to the end. Their banter was cute and amusing. Their love/sex scenes were hot with an underlying sweetness. I also enjoyed reading about Grant’s transition once he finally realized he needed to stop and smell the roses.
There were a few background characters worth mentioning. Max comes from a huge blended family, and a few well intentioned siblings are there for him to help sort out his feelings about Grant. Grant’s an only child, but his parents are supportive and give him the same sort of advice Max’s family gave him. A few of Grant’s co workers are featured, and with the exception of one man, Jerry, they’re jerks. That’s fine, though. Even a lovely book about love and romance needs a jerk or two. All of these people fulfilled their roles nicely. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by a lot of names. Names aren’t even necessary, and you’ll still understand what’s going on.
The small conflict is rather predictable, but it’s ok. It’s necessary to move the story to it’s climax, and that climax was just like it should have been. Once again, predictable, but comforting. It made me happy, and I’d have loved to be able to keep reading if the story had been longer.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
December 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
This series of books is a bit of a change for author Bonnie Dee. If you are looking for a historical story, you won’t find it here. Her Love Off Leash series is pure contemporary romance, but it holds the same captivating writing style that makes her historicals so popular. These are character driven short stories, with little to no angst, and full of romance. Chilling with Max is an opposites attract story with a solid HEA.
Grant Edgerton is uptight. He carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, both real and imagined. Working for a high stakes real estate developer, Grant has lost the reasoning of why he wanted to put deals together to begin with. At heart he’s a fixer. Grant is someone who sees a problem and immediately wants to try and find a way to make things better. Only thing, sometimes what he is trying to fix, isn’t really broken. Grant’s a good guy, an overworked, underappreciated, mess of a guy. In dog terms, he’s the highly strung pure bred who has too much energy and wants to please everyone.
Max Thompson comes from a large, convoluted mutt of a family. He’s a musician who supplements his income by walking the dogs in an expensive Manhattan apartment building. He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, rolling with life’s punches and never taking anything too seriously.
But both of these guys are a lot more than that, and a chance encounter followed by subsequent points of contact prove that there is a simmering attraction between the two. Bonnie Dee takes us on a journey of self-discovery, almost, with these two men who, when encountering their polar opposite, manage to turn the mirror inward and then meet the other man halfway. This is a pretty lighthearted story for all the introspection. I liked these guys. I enjoyed their story. It’s a well-paced, well written, short story. It is a bit of a slow burn, there is no “sheets on fire” chemistry here, but there is attraction and friendship and a slow roll up of a relationship. This story is almost a comfort that fate will put the person who is just right for you at just the right place at just the right time.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
This series of books is a bit of a change for author Bonnie Dee. If you are looking for a historical story, you won’t find it here. Her Love Off Leash series is pure contemporary romance, but it holds the same captivating writing style that makes her historicals so popular. These are character driven short stories, with little to no angst, and full of romance. Chilling with Max is an opposites attract story with a solid HEA.
Grant Edgerton is uptight. He carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, both real and imagined. Working for a high stakes real estate developer, Grant has lost the reasoning of why he wanted to put deals together to begin with. At heart he’s a fixer. Grant is someone who sees a problem and immediately wants to try and find a way to make things better. Only thing, sometimes what he is trying to fix, isn’t really broken. Grant’s a good guy, an overworked, underappreciated, mess of a guy. In dog terms, he’s the highly strung pure bred who has too much energy and wants to please everyone.
Max Thompson comes from a large, convoluted mutt of a family. He’s a musician who supplements his income by walking the dogs in an expensive Manhattan apartment building. He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, rolling with life’s punches and never taking anything too seriously.
But both of these guys are a lot more than that, and a chance encounter followed by subsequent points of contact prove that there is a simmering attraction between the two. Bonnie Dee takes us on a journey of self-discovery, almost, with these two men who, when encountering their polar opposite, manage to turn the mirror inward and then meet the other man halfway. This is a pretty lighthearted story for all the introspection. I liked these guys. I enjoyed their story. It’s a well-paced, well written, short story. It is a bit of a slow burn, there is no “sheets on fire” chemistry here, but there is attraction and friendship and a slow roll up of a relationship. This story is almost a comfort that fate will put the person who is just right for you at just the right place at just the right time.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
September 30, 2017
Rounded up to 3.5 stars.
I’ve read number one in the series, Caring for Riggs, somehow missed number two (which I need to go back and read), and got my hands on number three, Chilling with Max. These are all stand alones so they can easily be read out of order.
Blurb sums the book fairly well so I won’t rehash. And with it being a short(er) story, I don’t want to give away too much.
Chilling with Max is short and sweet with just the perfect amount of first date jitters and angst. Both men have been seeking “something”, they know they eventually want a long-term relationship, but both men have personal issues to overcome. For Grant, it’s his over-developed work ethic, his need to please his parents (only child), to prove he’s worthy of the job assignment even though the company is obviously trying to screw him over.
Max comes from a very large blended family, he rolls with life’s punches, and enjoys being a part-time musician and dog-walker. He makes enough to keep a roof over his head and food in the fridge.
These two opposites are strongly attracted to each other, but as with all things in life, there are a few hiccups along the way. The Misunderstanding the fledgling relationship hit was well written, had the just the right amount of loggerheads, and was topic/plot appropriate. It worked really well.
My couple of small quirks with the book was the dogs seemed to have a smaller roll in this when compared to Caring for Riggs. I kind missed that. And this quirk is entirely mine and I know others don’t mind as much – the female Best Friend or Sister “Tell me EVERYTHING!” trope just grates on my nerves.
Ultimately, an enjoyable, well-paced, solid romantic read that would be perfect for a rainy Saturday, to unwind at night, or for traveling.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I’ve read number one in the series, Caring for Riggs, somehow missed number two (which I need to go back and read), and got my hands on number three, Chilling with Max. These are all stand alones so they can easily be read out of order.
Blurb sums the book fairly well so I won’t rehash. And with it being a short(er) story, I don’t want to give away too much.
Chilling with Max is short and sweet with just the perfect amount of first date jitters and angst. Both men have been seeking “something”, they know they eventually want a long-term relationship, but both men have personal issues to overcome. For Grant, it’s his over-developed work ethic, his need to please his parents (only child), to prove he’s worthy of the job assignment even though the company is obviously trying to screw him over.
Max comes from a very large blended family, he rolls with life’s punches, and enjoys being a part-time musician and dog-walker. He makes enough to keep a roof over his head and food in the fridge.
These two opposites are strongly attracted to each other, but as with all things in life, there are a few hiccups along the way. The Misunderstanding the fledgling relationship hit was well written, had the just the right amount of loggerheads, and was topic/plot appropriate. It worked really well.
My couple of small quirks with the book was the dogs seemed to have a smaller roll in this when compared to Caring for Riggs. I kind missed that. And this quirk is entirely mine and I know others don’t mind as much – the female Best Friend or Sister “Tell me EVERYTHING!” trope just grates on my nerves.
Ultimately, an enjoyable, well-paced, solid romantic read that would be perfect for a rainy Saturday, to unwind at night, or for traveling.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 18, 2019
4-1/2 Stars
Carefree vs workaholic, who will win out? You know sometimes it is just impossible to be strictly one or the other but it doesn't become clear until fate intervenes. Well, fate, destiny, right place right time, whatever term you believe in, Chilling with Max is a sweet opposites attract journey of finding that one person who gets you even before you get yourself(kind of).
Is Chilling as good as the author's other Love off Leash series entries, Caring for Riggs & Snow Angels with Bear? Probably not but that might be down to me having read them first. Chilling is still an amazing read that had me hooked from the getgo. Max and Grant really worked well together and despite their opposing views on how to face the world in the beginning it becomes clear that bumping into each other was the best thing for both.
There are a few things in Chilling that some might find predictable(I won't say what moments because I don't want to spoil the boys' journey), which may be true but for me I have read thousands of books and seen fives times as many movies so very little surprises me anymore in the world of fiction. Predictable(or not) doesn't make or break a story, doesn't mean it isn't good, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey because I find it's the journey the author takes the characters on from page one to the end and not the ending that makes the story a winner. Chilling with Max is definitely a winning gem in my book.
Carefree vs workaholic, who will win out? You know sometimes it is just impossible to be strictly one or the other but it doesn't become clear until fate intervenes. Well, fate, destiny, right place right time, whatever term you believe in, Chilling with Max is a sweet opposites attract journey of finding that one person who gets you even before you get yourself(kind of).
Is Chilling as good as the author's other Love off Leash series entries, Caring for Riggs & Snow Angels with Bear? Probably not but that might be down to me having read them first. Chilling is still an amazing read that had me hooked from the getgo. Max and Grant really worked well together and despite their opposing views on how to face the world in the beginning it becomes clear that bumping into each other was the best thing for both.
There are a few things in Chilling that some might find predictable(I won't say what moments because I don't want to spoil the boys' journey), which may be true but for me I have read thousands of books and seen fives times as many movies so very little surprises me anymore in the world of fiction. Predictable(or not) doesn't make or break a story, doesn't mean it isn't good, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey because I find it's the journey the author takes the characters on from page one to the end and not the ending that makes the story a winner. Chilling with Max is definitely a winning gem in my book.
December 30, 2019
“Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.” ~ unknown
Grant Edgerton, of 'Chilling with Max' by Bonnie Dee, has been working so hard on his career that he has lost touch with the small, gratifying things that enrich his soul. Grant's relentless pace is halted when he has a serious confrontation with his boss. When a shaky deal doesn't go through as soon as his boss thinks it should, he uses this to oust Grant from of his position.
This crisis gives Grant time to reevaluate his life. He has seriously neglected his love life for a long time and never stopped to consider how lonely he was; but with more time on his hands, he begins to realize how much he would like to have someone in his life. Grant meets Max Thompson, who works as a dog walker as well as a musician. They hit it off well, but they are so different, Grant wonders how it could work for them, at least on any kind of permanent basis. They dance around each other for a while, not wanting to admit that they would like the attraction to become much more, but neither one wants to make the commitment. Max and Grant give in to the strong physical attraction; the sex is phenomenal but their differences continue to cause waves in their relationship. A phone call from a client Grant has been trying to book for months interrupts their lovemaking and Grant tells Max he has to leave, they get into a serious discussion about values and priorities, leaving both of them angry and hurt.
Bonnie has written a good story with a classic theme—don't rush through life. Take time to enjoy the pleasures that make life worth living. Max and Grant are an opposites-attract couple who learn to compromise to make their relationship work because doing so is worth the reward. Thanks, Bonnie, for a short, sweet story with a happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Grant Edgerton, of 'Chilling with Max' by Bonnie Dee, has been working so hard on his career that he has lost touch with the small, gratifying things that enrich his soul. Grant's relentless pace is halted when he has a serious confrontation with his boss. When a shaky deal doesn't go through as soon as his boss thinks it should, he uses this to oust Grant from of his position.
This crisis gives Grant time to reevaluate his life. He has seriously neglected his love life for a long time and never stopped to consider how lonely he was; but with more time on his hands, he begins to realize how much he would like to have someone in his life. Grant meets Max Thompson, who works as a dog walker as well as a musician. They hit it off well, but they are so different, Grant wonders how it could work for them, at least on any kind of permanent basis. They dance around each other for a while, not wanting to admit that they would like the attraction to become much more, but neither one wants to make the commitment. Max and Grant give in to the strong physical attraction; the sex is phenomenal but their differences continue to cause waves in their relationship. A phone call from a client Grant has been trying to book for months interrupts their lovemaking and Grant tells Max he has to leave, they get into a serious discussion about values and priorities, leaving both of them angry and hurt.
Bonnie has written a good story with a classic theme—don't rush through life. Take time to enjoy the pleasures that make life worth living. Max and Grant are an opposites-attract couple who learn to compromise to make their relationship work because doing so is worth the reward. Thanks, Bonnie, for a short, sweet story with a happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Read
October 9, 2017Every cloud has a silver lining, the saying goes and Grant learns this firsthand when thanks to flop at his high powered job he meets Max. Grant is goal oriented and overachiever. Max is happy go lucky, easy going guy. Grant hasn't dated in over a year. Max is king of short term relationships.
Outwardly they have nothing in common, but they both feel the spark from the first meeting.
One date becomes two and more. They are soon embarking on building a relationship.
It's a cute, unassuming story, following them as they get to know each other. Both characters grow during the story. They make serious decisions and their uncertainty in face of future is charmingly represented. Experiencing upheaval in his professional life, Grant slowly rediscovers everything he had ignored while trying to climb the corporate ladder. Max is in love for the first time. He is afraid, but ultimately takes the chance on Grant.
It is a sweet story which would be better with more even pacing. As it is, some scenes are wonderfully detailed and some feel a little rushed. It might be nice choice for readers looking for uncomplicated, sweet love story.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Outwardly they have nothing in common, but they both feel the spark from the first meeting.
One date becomes two and more. They are soon embarking on building a relationship.
It's a cute, unassuming story, following them as they get to know each other. Both characters grow during the story. They make serious decisions and their uncertainty in face of future is charmingly represented. Experiencing upheaval in his professional life, Grant slowly rediscovers everything he had ignored while trying to climb the corporate ladder. Max is in love for the first time. He is afraid, but ultimately takes the chance on Grant.
It is a sweet story which would be better with more even pacing. As it is, some scenes are wonderfully detailed and some feel a little rushed. It might be nice choice for readers looking for uncomplicated, sweet love story.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews