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Roger
Texas native Colt Burrow isn’t happy about his third cold, lonely Christmas in frozen Michigan. But when fate sends him a gift in the form of an abandoned puppy, he can’t keep his heart from melting. With the puppy’s companionship, he doesn’t feel so isolated anymore, and the holidays don’t seem as bleak. He even finds enough Christmas spirit to take Roger tree shopping. But just when Colt’s starting to hope Roger’s owner doesn’t show up… he does, and Colt doesn’t want to say goodbye.
Will Roger end up being Colt’s Christmas heartbreak… or his Christmas miracle?
Will Roger end up being Colt’s Christmas heartbreak… or his Christmas miracle?
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2017
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,018 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 25, 2017
Colt hates the cold, and he's pretty miserable in the days leading up to Christmas. He moved to Michigan from Texas three years ago, and he misses the more moderate weather and his family. He doesn't miss his ex, but he's tired of being alone too.
Enter Roger, a smart little pup who looks like a Jack Russell Terrier but is really a Feist. Roger is well mannered and cuddly. Even though Colt searches for Roger's parent and even considers taking Roger to a shelter, he secretly hopes Roger can stay. Roger brings much needed joy to Colt's life.
It isn't until two-thirds into the story (nearly the last chapter) that Roger meets Killian. The men interact twice before the story ends. There are no lingering glances, no kisses, no anticipation of any kind.
Since the story lacked relationship development, the sweet epilogue felt ho-hum.
This is a cute holiday story, but the focus is on boy and dog rather than boy and boy. Because I love dogs, I still enjoyed it, but if you're hoping for a passionate romance and are not a dog person, Roger might not be the story for you.
Enter Roger, a smart little pup who looks like a Jack Russell Terrier but is really a Feist. Roger is well mannered and cuddly. Even though Colt searches for Roger's parent and even considers taking Roger to a shelter, he secretly hopes Roger can stay. Roger brings much needed joy to Colt's life.
It isn't until two-thirds into the story (nearly the last chapter) that Roger meets Killian. The men interact twice before the story ends. There are no lingering glances, no kisses, no anticipation of any kind.
Since the story lacked relationship development, the sweet epilogue felt ho-hum.
This is a cute holiday story, but the focus is on boy and dog rather than boy and boy. Because I love dogs, I still enjoyed it, but if you're hoping for a passionate romance and are not a dog person, Roger might not be the story for you.
December 31, 2019
3.5 Hearts
Pretty much all the hearts go towards the too adorable Fiest, Roger.
Colt is kinda a curmudgeon. Having moved from sunny Florida to freezing Michigan to basically escape an ex boyfriend and start anew, he’s feeling a bit grumpy about the holidays. When he spots a dog shivering in the freezing snow in his backyard, Colt takes him in and his disposition starts to defrost. I mean, how can it not? Roger is smart, cute, and full of personality, and Colt quickly changes his tune about wanting to find Roger’s owner as he grows increasingly attached to the loveable pup.
This being fiction and a holiday story, you know Roger’s owner is going to be hot, single, and gay. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way, and despite this having absolutely no smex, the huge sweet factor was enough to leave me quite content and happy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Pretty much all the hearts go towards the too adorable Fiest, Roger.
Colt is kinda a curmudgeon. Having moved from sunny Florida to freezing Michigan to basically escape an ex boyfriend and start anew, he’s feeling a bit grumpy about the holidays. When he spots a dog shivering in the freezing snow in his backyard, Colt takes him in and his disposition starts to defrost. I mean, how can it not? Roger is smart, cute, and full of personality, and Colt quickly changes his tune about wanting to find Roger’s owner as he grows increasingly attached to the loveable pup.
This being fiction and a holiday story, you know Roger’s owner is going to be hot, single, and gay. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way, and despite this having absolutely no smex, the huge sweet factor was enough to leave me quite content and happy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
November 13, 2019
Re-read November 2019
Not a lot of romance in this. Roger, the dog, was cute, but it would have been nice if the actual romance had been on page....
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3.5 stars
This was cute, but more about Roger, the dog, than the romance. And I am more okay with that in a holiday short than in my regular shorts/novellas/books, so this was a nice read anyway.
Colt hasn’t been in the holiday mood since he moved 3 years ago. He needed to get away from his ex, but he ended up far away from his family as well.
When he finds a dog in his backyard he takes him inside since the dog is freezing. Colt sees the dog’s collar reads Roger, so he has to have an owner. Colt sets out to find this owner, so he goes by shelters and posts notes everywhere. But no one responds..
Just when Colt is ready to spend Christmas with Roger his doorbell rings. It’s Roger’s owner Killian and he desperately wants Roger back. But now Colt is all alone again…
Most of this book consisted of Colt caring for Roger. We get a tiny bit of romance at the end, but we only get to see the two together in an epilogue one year later. I do have to say that I liked the second half more than the first half. My heart broke for Colt when he was all alone again, and I just wanted him to be happy.
But Roger was cute and the epilogue was sweet, so I did end up liking this, despite its lackluster start.
------------------------------
An ARC of Roger was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Not a lot of romance in this. Roger, the dog, was cute, but it would have been nice if the actual romance had been on page....
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3.5 stars
This was cute, but more about Roger, the dog, than the romance. And I am more okay with that in a holiday short than in my regular shorts/novellas/books, so this was a nice read anyway.
Colt hasn’t been in the holiday mood since he moved 3 years ago. He needed to get away from his ex, but he ended up far away from his family as well.
When he finds a dog in his backyard he takes him inside since the dog is freezing. Colt sees the dog’s collar reads Roger, so he has to have an owner. Colt sets out to find this owner, so he goes by shelters and posts notes everywhere. But no one responds..
Just when Colt is ready to spend Christmas with Roger his doorbell rings. It’s Roger’s owner Killian and he desperately wants Roger back. But now Colt is all alone again…
Most of this book consisted of Colt caring for Roger. We get a tiny bit of romance at the end, but we only get to see the two together in an epilogue one year later. I do have to say that I liked the second half more than the first half. My heart broke for Colt when he was all alone again, and I just wanted him to be happy.
But Roger was cute and the epilogue was sweet, so I did end up liking this, despite its lackluster start.
------------------------------
An ARC of Roger was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 25, 2017
Texas transplant Colt Burrow has spent the last three years alone in Michigan after moving to get away from a painful breakup. But not having anyone to spend the holidays with has been making Colt into a bit of a grump.
A few nights before Christmas he finds a puppy by his back deck and because temperatures will be well below zero with the wind chill by morning, he decides to bring the dog in. Though wearing a tag that clearly shows the dog's name is "Roger" the side that would have shown contact information is scratched up and unreadable. So Colt holds on to the puppy while checking everywhere he can for the owner.
Roger ends up thawing the ice around Colt's heart and making the season a little brighter.
The only dark spot is the worry that Roger's owner will show up and take Roger away. Of course, Roger's owner eventually does shows up, but never fear - this story has a happy ending!
The story focuses more on Colt's transformation from cranky to good-tempered with an open heart and is told in a third person, single POV. I would have liked a little more fleshing out of the romance portion of the story because there's only a couple of interactions between Colt and Roger's owner, Killian, before the HEA epilogue - so that part felt a little forced. But it is only a 51 page novella and, like I said, the focus is definitely more on Colt.
All in all though, this is a cute, low angst, super quick, holiday read with warmth, some humor (especially for dog owners), and a HEA. Definitely more for those who love dogs and don't mind no sex and the romance on the back burner.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Roger provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
There was something painfully sad about spending the holidays alone.
A few nights before Christmas he finds a puppy by his back deck and because temperatures will be well below zero with the wind chill by morning, he decides to bring the dog in. Though wearing a tag that clearly shows the dog's name is "Roger" the side that would have shown contact information is scratched up and unreadable. So Colt holds on to the puppy while checking everywhere he can for the owner.
Roger ends up thawing the ice around Colt's heart and making the season a little brighter.
Roger had other ideas and climbed up into Colt’s lap, nearly knocking the cup out of Colt’s hand. Colt didn’t even mind the wetness or the weight when he stood up, and Roger laid his head on Colt’s shoulder. The joy in such a simple act made Colt’s chest swell. Such trust and unconditional love did Colt’s heart good, and the happiness of the day intensified.
The only dark spot is the worry that Roger's owner will show up and take Roger away. Of course, Roger's owner eventually does shows up, but never fear - this story has a happy ending!
The story focuses more on Colt's transformation from cranky to good-tempered with an open heart and is told in a third person, single POV. I would have liked a little more fleshing out of the romance portion of the story because there's only a couple of interactions between Colt and Roger's owner, Killian, before the HEA epilogue - so that part felt a little forced. But it is only a 51 page novella and, like I said, the focus is definitely more on Colt.
All in all though, this is a cute, low angst, super quick, holiday read with warmth, some humor (especially for dog owners), and a HEA. Definitely more for those who love dogs and don't mind no sex and the romance on the back burner.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Roger provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 14, 2019
This novella is pretty much about Roger the dog... and oh yeah there are two humans that are in it too! I absolutely loved this. In sixty short pages the the author via Roger stole my heart and made me cry three times. An awesome story, wonderfully developed characters and a matchmaking dog that was beyond awesome! Such a sweet and heartwarming tale!
December 22, 2017
3.8 Stars
Adorable...and absolutely nothing like anything else I've ever read by this author!
Adorable...and absolutely nothing like anything else I've ever read by this author!
December 31, 2017
This was a cute enough little short, although more about Colt and Roger than Colt and Killian. Killian doesn't enter until the last chapter, so really this a story about Colt finding Killian, as opposed to Colt and Killian. That's not bad per se, just be aware going in.
I love dogs, so Roger was obviously adorable. But they were really pushing the whole Christmas-miracle thing and how smart and special he was... and maybe I read too much paranormal. Cuz I kept trying to figure out the hitch. Colt kept saying how 'Roger' was a weird name for a dog and he got out of his crate and "winked" at Colt! And the blurb didn't mention the love interest name so obviously Roger is a dog shifter and the other MC! Not so. And they really went on and on about what type of dog he was so I thought that would be relevant. Nope.
So I was a bit disappointed that Roger just ended up being a regular old dog. Buy hey, still cute. Got pretty mushy in the epilogue and a bit heavy handed with the Christmas sap, but if you want a sweet little Christmas story about a dog then this is the story for you!
Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I love dogs, so Roger was obviously adorable. But they were really pushing the whole Christmas-miracle thing and how smart and special he was... and maybe I read too much paranormal. Cuz I kept trying to figure out the hitch. Colt kept saying how 'Roger' was a weird name for a dog and he got out of his crate and "winked" at Colt! And the blurb didn't mention the love interest name so obviously Roger is a dog shifter and the other MC! Not so. And they really went on and on about what type of dog he was so I thought that would be relevant. Nope.
So I was a bit disappointed that Roger just ended up being a regular old dog. Buy hey, still cute. Got pretty mushy in the epilogue and a bit heavy handed with the Christmas sap, but if you want a sweet little Christmas story about a dog then this is the story for you!
Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
December 20, 2017
For anyone who has ever loved a pet and understands the special place they hold in our hearts, Roger is the perfect Christmas love story. Sure it’s a romance with a happily ever after, but SJD Peterson reminds us that being receptive to love is as important as finding it. For one lonely, unhappy man, rediscovering the true meaning of the holiday is as simple as opening his heart to a lost dog.
Transplanted from Texas, Colt has left his friends, family and everything he knows to move to Michigan for his job. He’s closed himself off to his new community and resisted making connections to the people there. As we get to know Colt and see what a sweetheart he is, it’s clear he needs to make some changes but can’t quite figure out how to do it.
When Colt finds Roger wandering lost in a snowstorm, he reluctantly opens his home to the pup. We see Colt’s outlook change as Roger shows him how to find joy in his life again. Colt realizes that it isn’t necessarily where you are, who you’re with, or what you’re doing that makes life worth living, rather appreciating all those things is what makes it all special.
Colt finds a way to appreciate these new sensations, whether it’s the sun glistening off the new fallen snow or ruining his shoes in the street slush. SJD Peterson infuses so much humor into Cole’s character and makes him easy to like. (I had to laugh at the images of the native Texan coming to grips with the Michigan weather.)
Roger is a nice reminder of what the holiday season is all about. Seeing Roger’s love change Cole’s heart really made me smile, and left me with the unsettling urge to get another dog.
Transplanted from Texas, Colt has left his friends, family and everything he knows to move to Michigan for his job. He’s closed himself off to his new community and resisted making connections to the people there. As we get to know Colt and see what a sweetheart he is, it’s clear he needs to make some changes but can’t quite figure out how to do it.
When Colt finds Roger wandering lost in a snowstorm, he reluctantly opens his home to the pup. We see Colt’s outlook change as Roger shows him how to find joy in his life again. Colt realizes that it isn’t necessarily where you are, who you’re with, or what you’re doing that makes life worth living, rather appreciating all those things is what makes it all special.
Colt finds a way to appreciate these new sensations, whether it’s the sun glistening off the new fallen snow or ruining his shoes in the street slush. SJD Peterson infuses so much humor into Cole’s character and makes him easy to like. (I had to laugh at the images of the native Texan coming to grips with the Michigan weather.)
Roger is a nice reminder of what the holiday season is all about. Seeing Roger’s love change Cole’s heart really made me smile, and left me with the unsettling urge to get another dog.
December 19, 2017
***2.83 stars***
This is a very short, sweet story about how a little Mountain Feist brought some much-needed Christmas cheer and perspective into a lonely man's life. As soon as these two meet, things for Colt start to change. It's a little rough at first since Colt's heart is a bit hardened. However, with the help of Roger, the little lost dog, we get to see Colt start living again; opening up himself and enjoying life. I particularly enjoyed the scene where they were looking for a Christmas tree :)
IMO, this story has more to deal with Colt's growth and have very little to do with romance. In fact we don’t meet Roger's owner and said love interest, Killian, until almost the 57% mark. Even then, Killian is only in a few scenes. Therefore it is hard to delve into the chemistry between Killian and Colt when most of Colt's time was spent with Roger. Even with the Epilogue, which I felt wasn't needed, was just okay.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a cute book about a little lost dog that brings Christmas cheer to a somewhat hardened heart, then this book is for you. Oh, and the cover is just too cute!
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very short, sweet story about how a little Mountain Feist brought some much-needed Christmas cheer and perspective into a lonely man's life. As soon as these two meet, things for Colt start to change. It's a little rough at first since Colt's heart is a bit hardened. However, with the help of Roger, the little lost dog, we get to see Colt start living again; opening up himself and enjoying life. I particularly enjoyed the scene where they were looking for a Christmas tree :)
IMO, this story has more to deal with Colt's growth and have very little to do with romance. In fact we don’t meet Roger's owner and said love interest, Killian, until almost the 57% mark. Even then, Killian is only in a few scenes. Therefore it is hard to delve into the chemistry between Killian and Colt when most of Colt's time was spent with Roger. Even with the Epilogue, which I felt wasn't needed, was just okay.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a cute book about a little lost dog that brings Christmas cheer to a somewhat hardened heart, then this book is for you. Oh, and the cover is just too cute!
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2018
This was a short quick read that was ok. This is a author that I have read before. The problem for me was that it really wasn't a happy holiday read to me. Colt is spending his third Christmas alone after breaking up with his boyfriend and getting a new job in Michigan. When he finds a puppy under his deck after being unable to find his owner he keeps Roger. When his owner comes for him he is heartbroken. The book had no sparks between the characters to me. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
December 20, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
What a sweet little story! I loved every bit of it. I felt for Colt right away. He was so sad and so lonely, it was hard not to want to hug him. He had left Texas three years earlier after a big break up, and he misses his home and family. When he comes upon little Roger he finds himself feeling better…lighter. The snuggling and playing has a positive effect on him so much, he even gets a Christmas tree.
Unfortunately, the moment he’d been dreading arrives sooner rather than later. On Christmas Eve, Colt answers his door to Killian, Roger’s owner. Even though Colt is sad to have to say goodbye to Roger, he and Killian hit it off pretty well. They have coffee and talk awhile, and they exchange phone numbers. I’m not going to tell you how it all ends because it’s so sweet, you should read it for yourself.
I found Roger to be a short, very cute way to spend a half hour. At around 60 pages, it felt like just the right length. I loved how Roger changed Colt’s life in just a few days. I also loved the chemistry between Colt and Killian. There was no sex, only a kiss, but that kiss held such promise. The epilogue was charming and made me smile. It also wrapped up the story in a neat, Christmasy bow. I highly recommend giving Roger a read. It’s a real feel good story that I guarantee will make you say, “Awwww!”
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
What a sweet little story! I loved every bit of it. I felt for Colt right away. He was so sad and so lonely, it was hard not to want to hug him. He had left Texas three years earlier after a big break up, and he misses his home and family. When he comes upon little Roger he finds himself feeling better…lighter. The snuggling and playing has a positive effect on him so much, he even gets a Christmas tree.
Unfortunately, the moment he’d been dreading arrives sooner rather than later. On Christmas Eve, Colt answers his door to Killian, Roger’s owner. Even though Colt is sad to have to say goodbye to Roger, he and Killian hit it off pretty well. They have coffee and talk awhile, and they exchange phone numbers. I’m not going to tell you how it all ends because it’s so sweet, you should read it for yourself.
I found Roger to be a short, very cute way to spend a half hour. At around 60 pages, it felt like just the right length. I loved how Roger changed Colt’s life in just a few days. I also loved the chemistry between Colt and Killian. There was no sex, only a kiss, but that kiss held such promise. The epilogue was charming and made me smile. It also wrapped up the story in a neat, Christmasy bow. I highly recommend giving Roger a read. It’s a real feel good story that I guarantee will make you say, “Awwww!”
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
December 21, 2017
I love dogs. If a book has a dog in it, I'm almost guaranteed to turn into a melty pile of goo. Roger is no exception. I adore Roger and would quite happily take him home with me. I loved how Colt and Roger got to know each other, foibles and all. Frankly for me, that was the relationship. I would have loved more of Colt and Killian. I wanted the next half of the story. But that's just me being greedy.
December 30, 2017
This is a cute holiday romance though a lot of the love story is really Colt falling in love with Roger the dog. lol
It is sweet when the romance does happen though. A very snuggly quick Christmas read.
It is sweet when the romance does happen though. A very snuggly quick Christmas read.
January 8, 2018
Book & Author: Roger by SJD Peterson
Rating: 4 stars of cuteness!
This is a short story of a lost dog and the lonely man that finds him.
Colt hates the cold that Michigan winters bring, but Roger shows him a different side of the loneliness he’s been dealing with. I loved the sweet scenes between Roger and Colt. It was different to see such a development of character between a dog and a human, but it warmed my heart and kept me reading.
As wishes go, Colt’s only one is to both find Roger’s owner and never find Roger’s owner. He falls for the dog after a few short days and cannot see himself without him. I kept thinking that Roger was a little smart for a regular dog so maybe this was a sifter thing, but alas that was not that kind of story LOL!
Killian was an excellent addition to the story, and I’m so glad it was a happy ending for not just the guys, but for Roger as well. I do wish there was more story between Killian and Colt since most of the focus was on Roger and Colt, but it was an adorable story that I’d recommend if you are looking for something sweet and funny.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4 stars of cuteness!
This is a short story of a lost dog and the lonely man that finds him.
Colt hates the cold that Michigan winters bring, but Roger shows him a different side of the loneliness he’s been dealing with. I loved the sweet scenes between Roger and Colt. It was different to see such a development of character between a dog and a human, but it warmed my heart and kept me reading.
As wishes go, Colt’s only one is to both find Roger’s owner and never find Roger’s owner. He falls for the dog after a few short days and cannot see himself without him. I kept thinking that Roger was a little smart for a regular dog so maybe this was a sifter thing, but alas that was not that kind of story LOL!
Killian was an excellent addition to the story, and I’m so glad it was a happy ending for not just the guys, but for Roger as well. I do wish there was more story between Killian and Colt since most of the focus was on Roger and Colt, but it was an adorable story that I’d recommend if you are looking for something sweet and funny.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
December 22, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
So, Colt Burrow is a big ol’ grump and totally not into the Christmas spirit. That is until Roger finds him and begins to thaw Colt’s crankiness.
Roger was a bit unexpected in its delivery of this short holiday story, but still managed to be heartwarming all the same. Instead of focusing on holiday romance and new relationship, the reader follows Colt’s transformation from a lonely and jaded man to someone warm and caring. It happens through his interactions with a dog rather than another person. Roger’s presence in Colt’s life gives him something to take care of, cuddle with, and interact with while in search for the dog’s owner. Eventually he begins to hope Roger’s owner is never found, as his connection with the adorable and intelligent Feist grows. Of course, just when it looks like Roger is going to be his forever, Roger’s owner enters the picture. Colt’s heart breaks at the thought of losing Roger, and that is where the angst comes into play.
The thing is, there is a romantic element presented towards the end of the book, and an epilogue expanding on the romance, but really this story was more about a guy and a dog and the bond between man and animal, which is totally different than a romantic connection between two people. Dog lovers will probably adore this lovely little read. I did. Roger’s antics are adorable, and reading the worn-out Colt begin to experience the joys of the holiday with the sweet and quirky pup made me say aw more than once. But for the readers out there that are looking for that holiday romance with some sexy times, it will probably fall short. Colt and Roger’s owner only have like two interactions towards the final quarter of the book, and though there is a sweetness to the two, the story doesn’t focus on the development of that romance. It’s a… starting point. The epilogue shows the HEA, but since the relationship wasn’t present through the majority of the book, it was more of a and they all lived happily ever after kind of wrap up.
This story was cute, sweet and heartwarming with a dash of humor thrown in. It has all the makings of a feel-good holiday read, as long as the reader doesn’t mind the focus being on a guy and his dog, instead of a guy and a guy.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
So, Colt Burrow is a big ol’ grump and totally not into the Christmas spirit. That is until Roger finds him and begins to thaw Colt’s crankiness.
Roger was a bit unexpected in its delivery of this short holiday story, but still managed to be heartwarming all the same. Instead of focusing on holiday romance and new relationship, the reader follows Colt’s transformation from a lonely and jaded man to someone warm and caring. It happens through his interactions with a dog rather than another person. Roger’s presence in Colt’s life gives him something to take care of, cuddle with, and interact with while in search for the dog’s owner. Eventually he begins to hope Roger’s owner is never found, as his connection with the adorable and intelligent Feist grows. Of course, just when it looks like Roger is going to be his forever, Roger’s owner enters the picture. Colt’s heart breaks at the thought of losing Roger, and that is where the angst comes into play.
The thing is, there is a romantic element presented towards the end of the book, and an epilogue expanding on the romance, but really this story was more about a guy and a dog and the bond between man and animal, which is totally different than a romantic connection between two people. Dog lovers will probably adore this lovely little read. I did. Roger’s antics are adorable, and reading the worn-out Colt begin to experience the joys of the holiday with the sweet and quirky pup made me say aw more than once. But for the readers out there that are looking for that holiday romance with some sexy times, it will probably fall short. Colt and Roger’s owner only have like two interactions towards the final quarter of the book, and though there is a sweetness to the two, the story doesn’t focus on the development of that romance. It’s a… starting point. The epilogue shows the HEA, but since the relationship wasn’t present through the majority of the book, it was more of a and they all lived happily ever after kind of wrap up.
This story was cute, sweet and heartwarming with a dash of humor thrown in. It has all the makings of a feel-good holiday read, as long as the reader doesn’t mind the focus being on a guy and his dog, instead of a guy and a guy.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
November 22, 2018
I thought this was super, super cute! A sweet little Christmas story that made me smile.
December 4, 2017
Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2019
Lovely little Christmas nugget about Colt, grumpy because he is spending Christmas away from his family in Texas freezing in frigid Michigan. He finds a lost dog, Roger, who awakens Colt's Christmas spirit. Very cute.
December 20, 2019
This is more so a love story between Colt and Roger than anything else. Roger's owner doesn't even come into play until about the last 10%. And before Roger enters the scene, it's just Colt being a sad sack. The whole thing was just very bland.
January 9, 2019
Very cute!
December 21, 2017
2.5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Poor Colt… alone on Christmas again, and in the snow, again. He’s from Texas, where all of his family is located, but he’s moved to Michigan for a job that he actually loves. He’s got a small house, and seems friendly with his neighbors, but has no friends, no boyfriend, and no family nearby. He’s surprised to find a small dog huddling on his back porch in the snow, and is happy to bring his new little friend in the house to warm up. He and Roger, the dog’s name according to his tag, share some eggs and cuddle up on the couch for the night. Colt does what he can to find Roger’s owner, but he’s not chipped, his tag is scratched, and no one seems to know who he belongs to. As the days go by, Colt bonds with Roger and is saddened when his owner finally makes an appearance. Then he’s surprised at the spark of attraction between himself and Killian, Roger’s owner.
This was a very sweet story about a man and a dog. What it isn’t, is a romance. Killian doesn’t appear until 57% in to the story, and the meeting is brief. The two main characters spend very little time together, two scenes really, then a very short epilogue a year later. There is no character building for Killian, no emotional connection between them, and no physical connection, just attraction and potential. It’s like the first six chapters of a book, all of the time up to the romance, but then we don’t actually get to see the romance part of the story.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad story at all. I liked it, Colt is a lonely man, and I loved seeing him find companionship with Roger. He does transform with the help of Roger. Then I liked the potential I could see between Colt and Killian. Dog owners will certainly appreciate the humor of caring for such a smart little dog, and will likely enjoy that part of the story, as I did. But I really wanted more from this story! I get that it’s a short holiday story, I just wish Killian had been introduced earlier, and we’d seen the two men together more…
If you are looking for a story about a man finding companionship with a small, sweet dog, by all means read this book. Just know there is minimal romance in it. It’s still an enjoyable story though!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Poor Colt… alone on Christmas again, and in the snow, again. He’s from Texas, where all of his family is located, but he’s moved to Michigan for a job that he actually loves. He’s got a small house, and seems friendly with his neighbors, but has no friends, no boyfriend, and no family nearby. He’s surprised to find a small dog huddling on his back porch in the snow, and is happy to bring his new little friend in the house to warm up. He and Roger, the dog’s name according to his tag, share some eggs and cuddle up on the couch for the night. Colt does what he can to find Roger’s owner, but he’s not chipped, his tag is scratched, and no one seems to know who he belongs to. As the days go by, Colt bonds with Roger and is saddened when his owner finally makes an appearance. Then he’s surprised at the spark of attraction between himself and Killian, Roger’s owner.
This was a very sweet story about a man and a dog. What it isn’t, is a romance. Killian doesn’t appear until 57% in to the story, and the meeting is brief. The two main characters spend very little time together, two scenes really, then a very short epilogue a year later. There is no character building for Killian, no emotional connection between them, and no physical connection, just attraction and potential. It’s like the first six chapters of a book, all of the time up to the romance, but then we don’t actually get to see the romance part of the story.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad story at all. I liked it, Colt is a lonely man, and I loved seeing him find companionship with Roger. He does transform with the help of Roger. Then I liked the potential I could see between Colt and Killian. Dog owners will certainly appreciate the humor of caring for such a smart little dog, and will likely enjoy that part of the story, as I did. But I really wanted more from this story! I get that it’s a short holiday story, I just wish Killian had been introduced earlier, and we’d seen the two men together more…
If you are looking for a story about a man finding companionship with a small, sweet dog, by all means read this book. Just know there is minimal romance in it. It’s still an enjoyable story though!
December 23, 2017
Being a fifty-page short story, I won’t rehash the blurb.
This is super sweet and one of the more emotionally engaging holiday shorts I’ve read in a while. I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, writing short stories is NOT easy. The author has to trim away all the extraneous detail and par the book down to the base essence. I thought Peterson did an exemplary job in exactly that with Colt. Colt is wallowing a bit in self-pity, being away from his boisterous Texas family for Christmas. Everyone around him is perky and cheerful and not bothered by the cold. Colt is alone, cold, and along comes Roger and how could he not feel for the pup?
But then, I’m a sucker for a good dog story and we had a captivating little fellow in Roger.
When Roger’s owner shows up, I appreciated how Peterson added Colt’s mixed emotions – anger, resentment, relief that Roger’s Dog-dad really did care for him, sadness…the whole range. I thought demanding to know why Roger wasn’t microchipped and finding out Roger was, added a touch or realism. Both my dogs are chipped, and I’ve wondered if all chip readers work on all chips.
In some ways, the story was almost more about the dog and Colt, than it was about the two guys. Which was entirely okay, it gave the story a different feel and I liked that.
Okay, my review is starting to get as long as the story. Ultimately, this was super sweet, emotionally engaging, and has a very nice happy ending.
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!
This is super sweet and one of the more emotionally engaging holiday shorts I’ve read in a while. I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, writing short stories is NOT easy. The author has to trim away all the extraneous detail and par the book down to the base essence. I thought Peterson did an exemplary job in exactly that with Colt. Colt is wallowing a bit in self-pity, being away from his boisterous Texas family for Christmas. Everyone around him is perky and cheerful and not bothered by the cold. Colt is alone, cold, and along comes Roger and how could he not feel for the pup?
But then, I’m a sucker for a good dog story and we had a captivating little fellow in Roger.
When Roger’s owner shows up, I appreciated how Peterson added Colt’s mixed emotions – anger, resentment, relief that Roger’s Dog-dad really did care for him, sadness…the whole range. I thought demanding to know why Roger wasn’t microchipped and finding out Roger was, added a touch or realism. Both my dogs are chipped, and I’ve wondered if all chip readers work on all chips.
In some ways, the story was almost more about the dog and Colt, than it was about the two guys. Which was entirely okay, it gave the story a different feel and I liked that.
Okay, my review is starting to get as long as the story. Ultimately, this was super sweet, emotionally engaging, and has a very nice happy ending.
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!
December 22, 2017
4.5 Stars
Colt has been in Michigan for the past three years, after leaving his home in Texas to get away from seeing his ex, who broke his heart, flaunt his new boyfriend around town in front of Colt. But Colt hasn’t been able to move on and find someone else. He has a great job and great co-workers, but he’s lonely and maybe a bit depressed.
Finding Roger, a little dog, in his backyard brings instant cheer into Colt’s life, but he has to look for Roger’s owner. He can’t possibly keep him, but as the days go by Colt becomes more and more attached to Roger and Colt begins to hope Roger’s owner doesn’t show up to claim him.
My heart broke for Colt and I had tears in my eyes when Killian showed up to retrieve Roger. But Roger turned out to be a little Christmas miracle matchmaker.
This was a sweet story that I really loved, but I wish I could have seen more of Colt and Killian as a couple. While this story definitely works well as a short story, and I absolutely loved it, I just really wish this could have been a full-length novel. I don’t say this in a negative way, I just really loved Colt and I liked what I saw of Killian and I’d have loved to see more.
OMG!! I absolutely loved Roger to death! He was a sweet and adorable puppy and he stole the show in every scene he was in. This was a well-written and very enjoyable holiday read! Highly recommended!!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Colt has been in Michigan for the past three years, after leaving his home in Texas to get away from seeing his ex, who broke his heart, flaunt his new boyfriend around town in front of Colt. But Colt hasn’t been able to move on and find someone else. He has a great job and great co-workers, but he’s lonely and maybe a bit depressed.
Finding Roger, a little dog, in his backyard brings instant cheer into Colt’s life, but he has to look for Roger’s owner. He can’t possibly keep him, but as the days go by Colt becomes more and more attached to Roger and Colt begins to hope Roger’s owner doesn’t show up to claim him.
My heart broke for Colt and I had tears in my eyes when Killian showed up to retrieve Roger. But Roger turned out to be a little Christmas miracle matchmaker.
This was a sweet story that I really loved, but I wish I could have seen more of Colt and Killian as a couple. While this story definitely works well as a short story, and I absolutely loved it, I just really wish this could have been a full-length novel. I don’t say this in a negative way, I just really loved Colt and I liked what I saw of Killian and I’d have loved to see more.
OMG!! I absolutely loved Roger to death! He was a sweet and adorable puppy and he stole the show in every scene he was in. This was a well-written and very enjoyable holiday read! Highly recommended!!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 23, 2017
Because I usually have like 10 or 15 books waiting to be read I usually forget the blurb from when I ordered it. So as I was reading this I kept telling myself, "The dog is really a person. This is gonna be a shifter story of some sort." I mean, the dog has a human name. He is crazy smart and acts like a person. And so much of the story is spent on the relationship between Colt and Roger. I usually don't read shifter stories but hey, maybe I inadvertently bought one. Nope, the dog...is a dog. A crazily cute dog, but a dog nonetheless. His owner makes a brief appearance and boom the story is over. What I read I really like but this could have easily been 25% longer with a whole lot more of Killian.
January 21, 2018
Absolutely adorable. I love stories with dogs, and this hit the spot for a little low angst holiday read. Colt is a transplant from Texas to Michigan, and he hasn't really made a life for himself other than at work. He is somewhat grumpy and not in the holiday spirit at all, being separated from family and friends. He finds Roger, a Feist, on a cold night and quickly welcomes him into his house and heart. He does try to find Roger's owner, but secretly hopes that he can stay with him. As other reviews have pointed out, this is a story much more about Colt and Roger rather than Colt and Roger's owner, Killian. I personally didn't mind the lack of romance, but some might. My only wish is that it could have been longer to give more of a glimpse into Colt's life after meeting Killian.
December 2, 2023
This is a sweet story about a lonely man who finds a little friend on a bitterly cold cold night. He is very surprised but pleased. Though he did all he could to find the little guy's owner he was a lot less lonely with his new companion. This was an entertaining Christmas novella.
Roger is adorable and just the balm the frozen Texas transplant heart needed this far away new Michigan home. It's nice to visit one of this author's lighter stories. It's one of fourteen books and novellas I own by SJD Peterson. I look forward to reading a few more over this last part of 2023.
Roger is adorable and just the balm the frozen Texas transplant heart needed this far away new Michigan home. It's nice to visit one of this author's lighter stories. It's one of fourteen books and novellas I own by SJD Peterson. I look forward to reading a few more over this last part of 2023.
December 28, 2017
I can already hear the growls when I admit I am not a dog lover or lover of any animal, per se... but I am a sucker for a Christmas miracle... so, Roger gets a "thumbs up" from me! *sorry, couldn't help myself* LOL!!!
Push back all thoughts of reality and just go with the flow when reading this story, and I guarantee that you will finish it with a smile on your face and a happy, happy, joy, joy feeling in your heart!
Push back all thoughts of reality and just go with the flow when reading this story, and I guarantee that you will finish it with a smile on your face and a happy, happy, joy, joy feeling in your heart!
January 5, 2018
This is an absolutely adorable and uplifting Christmas story. I loved every single thing about this one - and I'm not even a dog person! The blurb really describes the story, but just let me say I loved Colt, his family, Roger and his owner. Roger and his antics will grab you by the heart :D
Such a sweet story that really is about the spirit of Christmas. Highly Recommended.
Such a sweet story that really is about the spirit of Christmas. Highly Recommended.
January 10, 2018
Aww Cute Xmas with a lost dog story!!!
I wish the MCs had more "screen time" together though ! They meet really late in the story so we have short romance here! But the author give us a sweet epilogue at least :)
I wish the MCs had more "screen time" together though ! They meet really late in the story so we have short romance here! But the author give us a sweet epilogue at least :)
June 17, 2018
Roger helps pull Colt out of his dumps. But Colt is sure he belongs to someone else and is sad to see Roger go home. But Roger isn't content with one man to love on him and does his best to have both Killian and Colt.
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