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NOL Series #0.5
Collie Jolly
A sunny dog trainer. A grieving New Orleans photographer. The unruly pup that brings them together.
Ashley’s never owned a dog, much less trained one. But she’s not about to let that little detail stop her—especially during the holiday season—from applying for this dog training job. Her new gig is the perfect way to survive the recession while strolling the festive streets of New Orleans with a cute pooch. The biggest challenge? Heeling a growing attraction to her stunning shut-in of a boss.
When her girlfriend died a year ago, Madison found herself overwhelmed by grief and her girlfriend’s rambunctious puppy. Now the dog is an unmanageable, attention-starved reminder of everything Madison has lost. She’s still afraid to face the world, but her vibrant new dog trainer—with the help of a furry sidekick—is determined to bring light, laughter, and Christmas cheer back into Madison’s life.
Collie Jolly is a fun, sweet, heartwarming f/f holiday romance filled with the magic of New Orleans at Christmastime.
Ashley’s never owned a dog, much less trained one. But she’s not about to let that little detail stop her—especially during the holiday season—from applying for this dog training job. Her new gig is the perfect way to survive the recession while strolling the festive streets of New Orleans with a cute pooch. The biggest challenge? Heeling a growing attraction to her stunning shut-in of a boss.
When her girlfriend died a year ago, Madison found herself overwhelmed by grief and her girlfriend’s rambunctious puppy. Now the dog is an unmanageable, attention-starved reminder of everything Madison has lost. She’s still afraid to face the world, but her vibrant new dog trainer—with the help of a furry sidekick—is determined to bring light, laughter, and Christmas cheer back into Madison’s life.
Collie Jolly is a fun, sweet, heartwarming f/f holiday romance filled with the magic of New Orleans at Christmastime.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
27 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Landry
22 books61 followersLeigh Landry is a contemporary romance author who writes happy endings, supportive friendships, and adorable pets. Once a musician, freelance writer, and English teacher, Leigh now spends her days writing and volunteering at an animal rescue center in the Heart of Cajun Country.
Learn more about Leigh and grab a free story collection at: http://leighlandryauthor.com
Learn more about Leigh and grab a free story collection at: http://leighlandryauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 15, 2020
Finally another festive win! But you can't really go wrong with Doggo's now, can you?
A sweet read.
Madison is still grieving her girlfriends sudden death a year ago. The Border Collie puppy her girlfriend got just a month before she passed has become a year old handful that chews and won't listen and is in desperate need of some training.
Ashley isn't really a dog trainer, per say. But she's unemployed at the moment so applies only to find herself enamoured with both the dog, and the woman.
There's quite a bit of head hopping and back and forth because of the circumstances of Madison struggling with her grief and the issues with the dog she feels guilty for. She also feels he would be better with another owner. But seeing Ashley bond with him makes her think of lots of warm wonderful things.
If you like doggo centric romance, set around the festive season - you'll like this!
A sweet read.
Madison is still grieving her girlfriends sudden death a year ago. The Border Collie puppy her girlfriend got just a month before she passed has become a year old handful that chews and won't listen and is in desperate need of some training.
Ashley isn't really a dog trainer, per say. But she's unemployed at the moment so applies only to find herself enamoured with both the dog, and the woman.
There's quite a bit of head hopping and back and forth because of the circumstances of Madison struggling with her grief and the issues with the dog she feels guilty for. She also feels he would be better with another owner. But seeing Ashley bond with him makes her think of lots of warm wonderful things.
If you like doggo centric romance, set around the festive season - you'll like this!
February 15, 2020
How Much Is That Doggie…
Madison’s lover died nine months ago leaving behind her Border collie puppy behind. Because she is so lost in her grief she has decided to adopt the dog out. Unfortunately, she hasn’t put any sort of training into him, making him an unadoptable bundle of trouble. She decided to hire a dog trainer to help out. Ashley has a plan, several in fact. The one, five and ten year plans to ensure her long term plan stays on tract. Problem is, she just lost her job and needs a new one fast. When she sees an ad for a dog walker/trainer she is convinced that she is the one for the job. Only falling in love with her boss and the dog aren’t part of the plan…
This is an adorably sweet and sappy love story that will fill you with Awwws and mushiness. Its really well written, so interesting, the characters are every bit as loveable as the dog and it’s a tale you will want to read again and again! It is the perfect book for a lazy day or whenever you need a fun way to relax!!
Madison’s lover died nine months ago leaving behind her Border collie puppy behind. Because she is so lost in her grief she has decided to adopt the dog out. Unfortunately, she hasn’t put any sort of training into him, making him an unadoptable bundle of trouble. She decided to hire a dog trainer to help out. Ashley has a plan, several in fact. The one, five and ten year plans to ensure her long term plan stays on tract. Problem is, she just lost her job and needs a new one fast. When she sees an ad for a dog walker/trainer she is convinced that she is the one for the job. Only falling in love with her boss and the dog aren’t part of the plan…
This is an adorably sweet and sappy love story that will fill you with Awwws and mushiness. Its really well written, so interesting, the characters are every bit as loveable as the dog and it’s a tale you will want to read again and again! It is the perfect book for a lazy day or whenever you need a fun way to relax!!
May 22, 2022
I strayed from my TBR (what's new) and finished this short and sweet holiday story in a day. I'm happy I did because it's one of the best Christmas romances I've read thus far!
It follows a pretty classic format for this type of story, in the best way; it feels familiar, feel-good and warm with a big of angst along the way. There's of course the trouble with work (Ashley is let go of her tech job), slightly strange meeting circumstances (she applies to be Madison's dog trainer, despite having no experience), the tragic past (Madison's girlfriend died a year prior) the build-up of chemistry between the characters, the oh-so-avoidable misunderstanding (...), and of course the kiss-and-make-up.
The misunderstanding in this had me frustrated (as they always do), especially because it was very immature on the character's part, but like any good cheesy holiday romance, our characters get a happily ever after.
Representation-wise, there is only one character who was explicitly described as a person of colour, Ashley's roommate Theresa. I definitely think it could have had more diverse characters, but I liked how the protagonist Ashley is bisexual and the author actually uses the word "bi"!
Despite some dire circumstances, in general it's a feel-good book about overcoming hardship, branching out, and love.
CW: car accident, recession, job loss, cheating (ex), past death, near-death experience
It follows a pretty classic format for this type of story, in the best way; it feels familiar, feel-good and warm with a big of angst along the way. There's of course the trouble with work (Ashley is let go of her tech job), slightly strange meeting circumstances (she applies to be Madison's dog trainer, despite having no experience), the tragic past (Madison's girlfriend died a year prior) the build-up of chemistry between the characters, the oh-so-avoidable misunderstanding (...), and of course the kiss-and-make-up.
The misunderstanding in this had me frustrated (as they always do), especially because it was very immature on the character's part, but like any good cheesy holiday romance, our characters get a happily ever after.
Representation-wise, there is only one character who was explicitly described as a person of colour, Ashley's roommate Theresa. I definitely think it could have had more diverse characters, but I liked how the protagonist Ashley is bisexual and the author actually uses the word "bi"!
Despite some dire circumstances, in general it's a feel-good book about overcoming hardship, branching out, and love.
CW: car accident, recession, job loss, cheating (ex), past death, near-death experience
December 17, 2021
Today, she only wanted to add in one tiny new element to his training and practice the stuff he already knew in a public setting to see if he could maintain his focus.
The Good
– Sweet, low angst, some light humour
– Quick, easy read
– Average writing style, solidly readable
– Kind, likeable protagonists
The Bad
– I want more Border Collie Content™
– Telling over showing issues
Short answer: no, he most definitely could not.
Story—★★★★☆ (3.5 Stars)
Characters—★★☆☆☆ (2.75 Stars)
Writing Style—★★★☆☆ (3.25 Stars)
Themes and Representation—★★★☆☆ (3.5 Stars)
Enjoyment—★★★★☆
Collie Jolly is a sweet, easy to read Christmas romance with low-angst (and a border collie!!)
Madison has a border collie who needs training. Ashley is fresh out of a job. She has zero experience in dog training, but she's a go-getter with a can-do attitude. She quickly falls in love with her doggy charge and his owner. But Madison has left out a key detail: she's training Bacchus so he's easier to rehome.
Both Ashley and Madison are kind, decent women, and it's easy to like them both. Landry does a good job developing their individual histories and quirks, especially in such a short space. Their budding romance is sweet and gentle, there's only a touch of heat near the end. There's the typical roadbump of misunderstanding on their romance journey, but Landry doesn't dramatize it or dwell on it longer than necessary. In fact, Collie Jolly always moves at a smooth pace, and this makes it an easy read.
Landry is unfortunately a bit too reliant on telling over showing, so a lot of things that work on paper don't wind up working as well in execution. An example is Ashley and Madison's personalities: we're told about them, but when we see the women in action, their voices sound a little same-y. Overall, Landry has an average, easily read style. She fits in some nice setting details and some great banter. There are a few word choice issue, particularly with "felts," but given this is an indie book and I see SAME DAMN ISSUES in books from the Big 5 (4? someone absorbed someone else recently, right?) publishing houses, I can't complain. Collie Jolly is written in third person, past tense, in alternating points of view between Ashley and Madison.
In terms of representation, both main characters are sapphic, with Ashley explicitly being bisexual. There are various other queer supporting characters. Ashley's roommate, Theresa, is the only character of colour. Collie Jolly centres around opening your heart and daring to want something.
I think my only real disappointment was the lack of Bacchus content, the border collie in question. If I'm reading a book centred on a specific animal, I want a healthy dose of content! Listen, I grew up SPECIFICALLY reading animal books. If you're centring a specific dog, you are targeting—at least in part—an audience who loves that specific dog! I love border collies, I have a border collie (in this case, VERY ironically named Callie) and I want that sweet border collie content. I want to hear about how the intelligence in his eyes is strangely sapient at times, the quickness he executes commands with, and that fluffy ass you gotta keep brushed.
Overall, Collie Jolly is a sweet little novella, and a nice light holiday romance to lift your spirits.
Overall—★★★☆☆ (3.5 Stars)
Recommended For...
Recommended for dog lovers!
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the start of this, up to just passed half way, then I felt pacing slipped a bit. After that, one of the mains then did something I disagreed with, it wasn’t one of those, “oh that’s a daft decision” it was a “what you are doing is wrong!” Actions, that for me didn’t really fit in with the character. There is forgiveness but I wasn’t fine with it. I’m not sure how else the writer could have done things but it soured my enjoyment….. well maybe soured is too strong. Tainted certainly.
December 20, 2024
This was a really quick, sweet holiday novella but it all seemed to be wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking!
January 30, 2025
short and sweet! it’s kinda odd reading a christmas romance in january… i’m willing to read them from october to december apparently but right after the holidays is silly. anyways, good dog, good characters with nice depths, decent romance, well written. read in like less than two hours lol
December 27, 2020
Cute. Want a Collie now.
A cute little Christmas tale. Plus a doggo! A few minor inconsistencies that bothered me, but easy little plot and read. Not great character dev. Kept getting the MCs mixed up. Because there was nothing really distinctive about either of them. 🤷🏻♀️
A cute little Christmas tale. Plus a doggo! A few minor inconsistencies that bothered me, but easy little plot and read. Not great character dev. Kept getting the MCs mixed up. Because there was nothing really distinctive about either of them. 🤷🏻♀️
February 16, 2020
Cute holiday romance
This is a pretty cute Christmas romance between two women. Madison is dealing with the grief of losing her girlfriend a year before and finds it hard to even look at Bacchus, the collie Callie had gotten just months before her passing, so in an effort to get Bacchus adopted, Madison hires Ashley as a dog trainer/walker. Ashley has never worked with dogs before, being a graphic designer, but she’s always loved them and sees dogs as a kind of magic that keeps families together. Bacchus helps bring them together and find new paths for their future.
This is a pretty cute Christmas romance between two women. Madison is dealing with the grief of losing her girlfriend a year before and finds it hard to even look at Bacchus, the collie Callie had gotten just months before her passing, so in an effort to get Bacchus adopted, Madison hires Ashley as a dog trainer/walker. Ashley has never worked with dogs before, being a graphic designer, but she’s always loved them and sees dogs as a kind of magic that keeps families together. Bacchus helps bring them together and find new paths for their future.
February 10, 2023
A happy re-read. Needs at least one more edit - but I still loved the overall concepts (though personally I still like bunnies and cats more than doggos). My only big questions with it are: WHY/HOW did she get this job! And why is it so cold in New Orleans?
I originally gave this book three stars, but for a year and a half I recommended it to people and thought fondly of it, so I gave it a re-read and decided it is worth five stars since I can't seem to get it off my mind. It is a hallmark movie made book, and I love it like a kid loves Christmas.
I originally gave this book three stars, but for a year and a half I recommended it to people and thought fondly of it, so I gave it a re-read and decided it is worth five stars since I can't seem to get it off my mind. It is a hallmark movie made book, and I love it like a kid loves Christmas.
December 9, 2019
I kind of like this one. *wink*
December 26, 2020
I was really excited about this book. However, with a continuity error every other page and a lack of character development for one of the MCs, I just wasn't feeling it. The plot itself was also slightly frustrating. Would've been better as just a hallmark movie.
December 6, 2021
Uma história de natal com sáficas, um cachorro perfeito e um final feliz. Eu não preciso de mais nada 😭💕
December 10, 2019
Christmas can be a time for healing.
When you think this is a jolly book, think again. Yes, the collie is jolly. And so is Ashley, most of the time. But I think the overall mood of the book is rather sad. Madison is still coping with the death of the woman she loved. And so not ready to love someone else again. Not even Bacchus, the dog her partner adopted shortly before she dies. So, it is a troubled love story. But, still a wonderful story! I liked the characters, main and side characters as well. And Bacchus is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When you think this is a jolly book, think again. Yes, the collie is jolly. And so is Ashley, most of the time. But I think the overall mood of the book is rather sad. Madison is still coping with the death of the woman she loved. And so not ready to love someone else again. Not even Bacchus, the dog her partner adopted shortly before she dies. So, it is a troubled love story. But, still a wonderful story! I liked the characters, main and side characters as well. And Bacchus is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 17, 2020Content Warnings
May 31, 2020
Sweet tale that was lovely - too short for 5*s - and surprisingly sassy and funny. I love the style of writing and will look for more by LL. Thank you.
January 11, 2025
A Sapphic romance, a cute dog, and the festive season – what more could you need!
Collie Jolly has a great short yet cute storyline, and despite its length the plot is fairly detailed and flows well.
Set in New Orleans, Ashley is a bi main character who has just lost her job. In need of work to pay the bills, she accepts a position as a dog trainer, despite never having trained an animal before, let alone a mischievous Collie named Bacchus! Meanwhile Bacchus’s owner Madison, needs him gone; he’s too painful a reminder of all that she lost a year ago. But she knows she stands no chance of re-homing an unruly dog; Ashley is her chance to solve the problem that is Bacchus once and for all.
It should be obvious by now that aside from the romance, what ties all the elements of this story together is ultimately the cute dog! The story is told from Ashley and Madison’s alternating viewpoints, as you follow a heartwarming femme/femme Christmas romance. Collie Jolly is a feel good book, it’s relatively low angst, and a quick and easy read depicting how even after loss it is possible to re-open your heart to love, and the joys of living.
This is a book that I could see myself re-reading each time the festive season roles around, if only for the feel good factor and the cute dog.
Collie Jolly has a great short yet cute storyline, and despite its length the plot is fairly detailed and flows well.
Set in New Orleans, Ashley is a bi main character who has just lost her job. In need of work to pay the bills, she accepts a position as a dog trainer, despite never having trained an animal before, let alone a mischievous Collie named Bacchus! Meanwhile Bacchus’s owner Madison, needs him gone; he’s too painful a reminder of all that she lost a year ago. But she knows she stands no chance of re-homing an unruly dog; Ashley is her chance to solve the problem that is Bacchus once and for all.
It should be obvious by now that aside from the romance, what ties all the elements of this story together is ultimately the cute dog! The story is told from Ashley and Madison’s alternating viewpoints, as you follow a heartwarming femme/femme Christmas romance. Collie Jolly is a feel good book, it’s relatively low angst, and a quick and easy read depicting how even after loss it is possible to re-open your heart to love, and the joys of living.
This is a book that I could see myself re-reading each time the festive season roles around, if only for the feel good factor and the cute dog.
February 12, 2020
A border collie rounds up some ladies who were lost.
If it hadn't been for losing her job at web company Ashley may have not had a chance to see if could save a border collie and it's owner. Of course it did not help that both of them are keeping vital information from each other. Both hurt the other but help from friends persuade them to see if things could be repaired . Enjoy!
If it hadn't been for losing her job at web company Ashley may have not had a chance to see if could save a border collie and it's owner. Of course it did not help that both of them are keeping vital information from each other. Both hurt the other but help from friends persuade them to see if things could be repaired . Enjoy!
December 14, 2020
This story is the definition of short and sweet. I mean, a queer seasonal romance with dogs and supportive friend groups? It's the perfect Christmas romance! Collie Jolly isn't too serious, but it still packs an emotional punch. I appreciated that both main characters were well-developed, despite this book being under 200 pages.
My only complaint is that I wanted more! I really enjoyed how this was written, so I'll be downloading more from Leigh Landry ASAP!
My only complaint is that I wanted more! I really enjoyed how this was written, so I'll be downloading more from Leigh Landry ASAP!
March 9, 2024
Cute and short and sweet, perfect the week I have had.
Sidenote: one of these characters is bi, and after watching a video essay on the problems within WLW fiction, I couldn't notice it. That it is less common for both female characters to both be lesbians, and worse yet, how little the word 'lesbian' is even used. And now that I am aware of it, I have to ask...who else has noticed this? Is the community still too afraid of certain words and ideas and less accepted terms?
Sidenote: one of these characters is bi, and after watching a video essay on the problems within WLW fiction, I couldn't notice it. That it is less common for both female characters to both be lesbians, and worse yet, how little the word 'lesbian' is even used. And now that I am aware of it, I have to ask...who else has noticed this? Is the community still too afraid of certain words and ideas and less accepted terms?
December 26, 2021
Collie Jolly is a wonderful feel good wlw romance. Ashley and Madison are realistic and relatable characters who show impressive emotional growth as the story progresses. Add all that to heart fluttering chemistry, a charming New Orleans setting, and adorable canine antics and you have an entertaining and delightful read.
January 3, 2022
Cute Read
I love HEA and anything with pets. This book was a sweet journey back from grief, connection for two lost souls and a happy ending for Bacchus. I was happy when I saw it was part of a series because it was a sort of short story but then the next two books aren't about these characters. I would like to see where life leads them, Theresa and Bacchus.
I love HEA and anything with pets. This book was a sweet journey back from grief, connection for two lost souls and a happy ending for Bacchus. I was happy when I saw it was part of a series because it was a sort of short story but then the next two books aren't about these characters. I would like to see where life leads them, Theresa and Bacchus.
January 14, 2023
The Dog Makes Three
Ashley had been laid off and she had to find a job. She had never owned a dog and definitely knew nothing about training one. But she’s applies for the job anyway. Madison had lost her soul mate almost a year ago. She desperate to get the dog her girlfriend had gotten weeks before her death trained. A healing operation is in order and Ashley is on a mission.
Ashley had been laid off and she had to find a job. She had never owned a dog and definitely knew nothing about training one. But she’s applies for the job anyway. Madison had lost her soul mate almost a year ago. She desperate to get the dog her girlfriend had gotten weeks before her death trained. A healing operation is in order and Ashley is on a mission.
December 23, 2020
Sweet story about our protagonist Ashlet, who has lost her job during thanksgiving holidays. In the search of a new job that is where she meets Madison. I would not consider the book as a Christmas one, because is not mentioned until the end of the story.
August 30, 2021
Was a lovely story. Author way of writing was easy to follow and to root for both of them. The climax of the story was something i did not see coming, i kinda of did just not the way it happened. Excited to read more of this author.
December 31, 2021
This was a perfect lesbian romance book for the holidays. It’s a feel good novel and the pain that Madison has to overcome to open herself up again feels very real. All in all a great heartwarming read.
December 18, 2024
4 stars. Bacchus was the true star of this book! What a cute dog. This whole story was cute as hell and really sweet. Loved Ashley and Madison and their adorable romance. This was just a joy to read from beginning to end.
December 24, 2020
A holiday story with the usual beats, yet it holds a nice shine thanks to a good doggo and the way Landry writes both women (and their support networks, especially).
Full review as part of my Short Stories 366 project up on my blog, here.
Full review as part of my Short Stories 366 project up on my blog, here.
December 23, 2020
Unusual But Sassy Holiday Tale
Great animal in the romance mix. I thought enjoyed my reading and was disappointed when ended as I could have continued reading.
Great animal in the romance mix. I thought enjoyed my reading and was disappointed when ended as I could have continued reading.
March 1, 2021
Cute but not really memorable. Pretty drama free which was nice.
I will try to read more from this author.
I will try to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews