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Fur-ever Veterinary Romances #3
Puppy Love
Marley St. James is always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
From her curly red hair to her dimpled smile, she’s the ultimate girl next door. She’s also a dedicated veterinarian and a total catch… so why is she doomed to watch all her friends fall in love while her own Miss Right is MIA?
For Blaire Baker, love is a temporary insanity curable by marriage.
Newly divorced, Blaire is only interested in having fun and staying unattached. But when she brings her sick dog to Marley’s clinic, the excitable pup and meddling office staff entangle the two of them and the attraction is undeniable.
What do a hopeless romantic and a newly divorced cynic have in common? They’re both head over heels for a Shiba Inu with a big appetite and a knack for matchmaking in Puppy Love.
From her curly red hair to her dimpled smile, she’s the ultimate girl next door. She’s also a dedicated veterinarian and a total catch… so why is she doomed to watch all her friends fall in love while her own Miss Right is MIA?
For Blaire Baker, love is a temporary insanity curable by marriage.
Newly divorced, Blaire is only interested in having fun and staying unattached. But when she brings her sick dog to Marley’s clinic, the excitable pup and meddling office staff entangle the two of them and the attraction is undeniable.
What do a hopeless romantic and a newly divorced cynic have in common? They’re both head over heels for a Shiba Inu with a big appetite and a knack for matchmaking in Puppy Love.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
123 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books477 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 16, 2020
Probably my least favourite in the series, so far. There seemed to be a complete lack of animal antics, compared to the previous installments. Also the romance (or lack there of in my mind) seemed pretty shallow and the love interests felt all wrong for eachother. It didn't give me warm fuzzies. If anything they gave me anxiety lol.
Blaire the love interest was pretty nihilistic. She kept going on about the tenets of Buddhism and how everything is impermanent, and that means she keeps things casual because everything ends, and it's the only way to keep from suffering, to not get to attached.
Yes, her Buddhist friend later tells her she's an idiot and tries to correct the misinformation, and Blaire apologizes to Marley for saying it on their first ever date, but really she never does seem to change her mind on it, so I never felt I could trust, let alone LIKE her as a character. Her previous 10 year marriage ended and she acted like it was never really a good marriage to begin with, and acts entirely unfeeling about it, which amazed me.
Marley the vet was the opposite, who had been hurt and has some baggage and self esteem issues - but wanted something real in love. Yet she still goes after Blaire despite her being up front about her 'only casual' relationship goals who puts walls and timestamps on everything to end.
So the entire time I just kept thinking these two are so wrong for eachother. Why would I want to root for them??? They both end up looking like terrible characters! You can't understand them together since they are obviously at odds in their beliefs.
Marley comes off as spineless because she was lead on by a married woman for A YEAR previously - and then is clearly upset at Blaire's statements of impermanence and wanting to be casual, but just agrees to disagree and continues on with the relationship despite those giant red flag warning signs and lights flashing wildly!
No one came off looking good in this, and yeah it just didn't wow me, or make me feel good AT ALL.
Blaire the love interest was pretty nihilistic. She kept going on about the tenets of Buddhism and how everything is impermanent, and that means she keeps things casual because everything ends, and it's the only way to keep from suffering, to not get to attached.
Yes, her Buddhist friend later tells her she's an idiot and tries to correct the misinformation, and Blaire apologizes to Marley for saying it on their first ever date, but really she never does seem to change her mind on it, so I never felt I could trust, let alone LIKE her as a character. Her previous 10 year marriage ended and she acted like it was never really a good marriage to begin with, and acts entirely unfeeling about it, which amazed me.
Marley the vet was the opposite, who had been hurt and has some baggage and self esteem issues - but wanted something real in love. Yet she still goes after Blaire despite her being up front about her 'only casual' relationship goals who puts walls and timestamps on everything to end.
So the entire time I just kept thinking these two are so wrong for eachother. Why would I want to root for them??? They both end up looking like terrible characters! You can't understand them together since they are obviously at odds in their beliefs.
Marley comes off as spineless because she was lead on by a married woman for A YEAR previously - and then is clearly upset at Blaire's statements of impermanence and wanting to be casual, but just agrees to disagree and continues on with the relationship despite those giant red flag warning signs and lights flashing wildly!
No one came off looking good in this, and yeah it just didn't wow me, or make me feel good AT ALL.
February 5, 2025
I truly love this series of books. The story is so sweet and romantic. Marley has an issue from her childhood that she needs to get past and Blaire can help. They have great chemistry and they share a love of animals. Blaire didn’t expect to give her heart to someone again but Marley is irresistibly.
October 17, 2020
Romance, a cute couple and all the insecurities of puppy love.
This series of romances just keep getting better and new characters to love. Blaire is newly divorced, Marley just left a really bad platonic relationship. Neither one is sure love is in their future. Enter Toby the cutest dog who eats anything. Marley is the vet who makes him better and Blaire is driver for her Mothers dog. Their first meeting was full of nervous sparks. The journey these two rake is full of laughter, great chemistry and a friendship worth risking to love. The story that is weaved as they share life and try to date give depth to these two successful women. The cast of characters from the previous book are an added delight as we see where their lives have gone. The dialogue and close group of friends make for a book you won't want to put down. I have already preordered the next book in the series. This is a fun, so moving romance that just fill your HEART.
This series of romances just keep getting better and new characters to love. Blaire is newly divorced, Marley just left a really bad platonic relationship. Neither one is sure love is in their future. Enter Toby the cutest dog who eats anything. Marley is the vet who makes him better and Blaire is driver for her Mothers dog. Their first meeting was full of nervous sparks. The journey these two rake is full of laughter, great chemistry and a friendship worth risking to love. The story that is weaved as they share life and try to date give depth to these two successful women. The cast of characters from the previous book are an added delight as we see where their lives have gone. The dialogue and close group of friends make for a book you won't want to put down. I have already preordered the next book in the series. This is a fun, so moving romance that just fill your HEART.
October 17, 2020
Had a feeling I had read this book before through the first couple of chapters. Marley is too unsure of herself, self-sabotage.
November 19, 2020
Having now finished this book and sat on it for a few hours, I can see why other reviewers have called it the weakest in the series. Unfortunately, I have to agree.
Puppy Love still has many of the elements that make Cara Malone's books such pleasant reads. The writing is wonderful and well-edited, the smut scenes are steamy as hell, the fluff is sweet enough to rot you teeth, and the plot is well paced.
Puppy Love is not a bad book nor is it problematic. But in comparison to the rest to Foxy Lady and Lucky in Love, it's just kind of generic. Maybe even a little shallow. I'd say my disappointment in this book can be summed up in three bullet points:
1. There's not enough puppy love in this book! Compared to Lucky the rabbit from book 1 and Sonic the fox from book 2, Toby the shiba-inu from this book has little screen time. After all, he belongs to neither Blair nor Marley, but to Blair's mom. The animal companions of this series are some of the most memorable parts of these books. They're the hook of the series. Without a strong showing from Toby, the book suffers.
2. Marley is not a particularly memorable heroine. I felt that a lot of her flaws went underdeveloped and, when they were on screen, the made her seem immature and unstable. Truly, she didn't seem thirty-seven at times. Maybe that was the point, but in that case, the point just didn't work out. Instead, it made me wonder why Blair was really trying so hard to make it work with her.
(That said, I really loved Blair. As far as romantic leads go, she felt new and refreshing.)
3. The conflict in this book was weak as hell.
So all-in-all: 3 stars. Still enjoyable. Still finished it in two sittings. Still a worthwhile read if you've enjoyed the rest of the series. Yet just keep in mind that it's missing some of the charm of the previous installments.
Puppy Love still has many of the elements that make Cara Malone's books such pleasant reads. The writing is wonderful and well-edited, the smut scenes are steamy as hell, the fluff is sweet enough to rot you teeth, and the plot is well paced.
Puppy Love is not a bad book nor is it problematic. But in comparison to the rest to Foxy Lady and Lucky in Love, it's just kind of generic. Maybe even a little shallow. I'd say my disappointment in this book can be summed up in three bullet points:
1. There's not enough puppy love in this book! Compared to Lucky the rabbit from book 1 and Sonic the fox from book 2, Toby the shiba-inu from this book has little screen time. After all, he belongs to neither Blair nor Marley, but to Blair's mom. The animal companions of this series are some of the most memorable parts of these books. They're the hook of the series. Without a strong showing from Toby, the book suffers.
2. Marley is not a particularly memorable heroine. I felt that a lot of her flaws went underdeveloped and, when they were on screen, the made her seem immature and unstable. Truly, she didn't seem thirty-seven at times. Maybe that was the point, but in that case, the point just didn't work out. Instead, it made me wonder why Blair was really trying so hard to make it work with her.
(That said, I really loved Blair. As far as romantic leads go, she felt new and refreshing.)
3. The conflict in this book was weak as hell.
So all-in-all: 3 stars. Still enjoyable. Still finished it in two sittings. Still a worthwhile read if you've enjoyed the rest of the series. Yet just keep in mind that it's missing some of the charm of the previous installments.
October 15, 2020
Another worthy addition to the Fur-ever Veterinary series. This one features Marley (vet) and Blaire with Toby (matchmaking dog) and Ling (vet tech student) nicely fleshed out supporting characters among others. Ms. Malone's storyline is woven with humour, romance, self doubt, meddling family/friends and hot chemistry/sex. A wonderful escape from grim reality, I read slowly to savor the plot and easily recommend with 5 stars. Looking forward to more in the series.
This an un-solicited and voluntary review.
This an un-solicited and voluntary review.
January 28, 2021
This is a low-key, rather unconvincing romance.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
December 5, 2020
This is book three of the Fur-ever Veterinary Romance series, and it is a very sweet story.
Love this series. All the characters are so endearing. Also, another thing I love about this series is how the characters are interconnected, we met them in previous books and then we got to know their stories.
Marley is ready to have a steady partner and looks forward to it. Blair is newly divorced, so fun is what she has in mind. But what happens when she takes her mother’s dog to the veterinary clinic, and sparks fly when she meets the cute doctor? Will their goals at the end meet?
I loved the story, is very sweet but also very deep. Marley has so much guilt but also so much love to give, it is a story about redemption and giving the chance to love. It’s about growth as a person and overcome the past and all that keeps us from progressing and moving on. How even when we’re trying to make things right, we can be so wrong but is a human trait and the most important, is to learn from our mistakes and make the most of it. We also have some very interesting sexy times.
I loved Blair and Marley, although Marley got me worried for a minute there, she was doing quite the storm in a glass of water. But I am glad they talked.
Is a very sweet story with good character development. Was beautiful to watch them grow, individually and together. There is very little angst; it's a Book to be enjoyed in a comfy place with a nice cup of tea or the preferred beverage.
Because love is worth it, this is a must-read. Another great story from Cara Malone that I’d like to recommend.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
Love this series. All the characters are so endearing. Also, another thing I love about this series is how the characters are interconnected, we met them in previous books and then we got to know their stories.
Marley is ready to have a steady partner and looks forward to it. Blair is newly divorced, so fun is what she has in mind. But what happens when she takes her mother’s dog to the veterinary clinic, and sparks fly when she meets the cute doctor? Will their goals at the end meet?
I loved the story, is very sweet but also very deep. Marley has so much guilt but also so much love to give, it is a story about redemption and giving the chance to love. It’s about growth as a person and overcome the past and all that keeps us from progressing and moving on. How even when we’re trying to make things right, we can be so wrong but is a human trait and the most important, is to learn from our mistakes and make the most of it. We also have some very interesting sexy times.
I loved Blair and Marley, although Marley got me worried for a minute there, she was doing quite the storm in a glass of water. But I am glad they talked.
Is a very sweet story with good character development. Was beautiful to watch them grow, individually and together. There is very little angst; it's a Book to be enjoyed in a comfy place with a nice cup of tea or the preferred beverage.
Because love is worth it, this is a must-read. Another great story from Cara Malone that I’d like to recommend.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
October 11, 2020
I have loved every one of these books in Cara's Fur-ever veterinary romances. Written with love, humor and great friendships, each book is special. Puppy Love centers around Marley, the town's vet, who is ready to settle down as she has seen so many of her friends happy in their committed relationships. And with a sidekick like Ling, she's bound to get pushed out of her comfort zone! Enter newly divorced Blaire, who is not ready to be tied down again, when she takes her mom's puppy Toby to the vet. He has a tendency to swallow things he shouldn't and if you've ever owned a puppy, you can easily relate.
Although Marley and Blaire want very different things, there's undeniable chemistry immediately. Both characters are relatable and through their love of animals, a few nudges from friends and family, they find a way to each other. Another wonderful story from Cara Malone just waiting for you to enjoy. I know I did!
Although Marley and Blaire want very different things, there's undeniable chemistry immediately. Both characters are relatable and through their love of animals, a few nudges from friends and family, they find a way to each other. Another wonderful story from Cara Malone just waiting for you to enjoy. I know I did!
August 30, 2021
This isn't as strong as the first two in the A Fur-ever Veterinary Romance series. Marley is a veterinarian and just gotten out of an emotional but not physical year long relationship with a married woman. At 37 she seems unsure, a little needy and really wants to find someone to love her. Blaire brings in her mother's dog to meet Marley and they meet again at a bowling night. Blaire is looking for casual after a break-up of a ten year marriage. The relationship warms up but the there doesn't seem like much development between the couple. The dark moment seems repetitive from the 2nd book in the series. And there wasn't much in the way of heat either. Also animals have been a big focus in first two books but the dog (not puppy) is very much a side character as she doesn't belong to Marley or Blaire. An enjoyable couple of hours but not memorable.
February 24, 2021
Dogs Make Great Matchmakers
Marley St. James is a small animal veterinarian in a clinic that is increasing busy. When she turns to treat her clients dog, Toby, she’s confronted with mesmerising eyes and a gorgeous butch woman. Blair Baker is newly divorced and cured of marriage forever. The instant attraction is obvious to all around them and Ling, the receptionist and vet tech student sets them up for Rainbow Bowling night. A rocky road lies ahead fo two women who have been burned. Sweet romance with a little exciting erotic love. Recommend series.
Marley St. James is a small animal veterinarian in a clinic that is increasing busy. When she turns to treat her clients dog, Toby, she’s confronted with mesmerising eyes and a gorgeous butch woman. Blair Baker is newly divorced and cured of marriage forever. The instant attraction is obvious to all around them and Ling, the receptionist and vet tech student sets them up for Rainbow Bowling night. A rocky road lies ahead fo two women who have been burned. Sweet romance with a little exciting erotic love. Recommend series.
October 26, 2020
Fur-tastic!!!
I love this series. It’s a gift to see the connection between animals and their people. Marley and Blaire’s courage to open their hearts and tear down their walls was powerful and beautiful to witness. Cara Malone has a unique way of writing and her works are a very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and all of her books. Thank you Peace
I love this series. It’s a gift to see the connection between animals and their people. Marley and Blaire’s courage to open their hearts and tear down their walls was powerful and beautiful to witness. Cara Malone has a unique way of writing and her works are a very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and all of her books. Thank you Peace
November 25, 2020
Loved it!
I gave this a 5 star because it's a well written book and the characters are well written also. The main characters Blaire and Marley were so cute together. There were some really hilarious moments especially with Toby the dog and Rita the mother of Blaires was to cute. I would say anything this author writes I will definitely read. I can't wait for the next book in this series to get here.
I gave this a 5 star because it's a well written book and the characters are well written also. The main characters Blaire and Marley were so cute together. There were some really hilarious moments especially with Toby the dog and Rita the mother of Blaires was to cute. I would say anything this author writes I will definitely read. I can't wait for the next book in this series to get here.
October 22, 2020
Two agenda's from two different ladies.
What's it take to finally meet your forever and upon meeting she says "no strings attached ". Ouch! Of course you started by telling her you don't want a relationship, double Ouch! Will things progress to a dead-end or something else. You can only hope. Enjoy!
What's it take to finally meet your forever and upon meeting she says "no strings attached ". Ouch! Of course you started by telling her you don't want a relationship, double Ouch! Will things progress to a dead-end or something else. You can only hope. Enjoy!
October 17, 2020
A delightful new addition
Cute stories with cute animals are an instant win, and this soft, cozy story was perfect for a lazy Saturday morning. Just enough angst to make sure it had an arc, and a hea that was absolutely adorable. Exactly what 2020 needs.
Cute stories with cute animals are an instant win, and this soft, cozy story was perfect for a lazy Saturday morning. Just enough angst to make sure it had an arc, and a hea that was absolutely adorable. Exactly what 2020 needs.
October 25, 2020
As usual a fur ever love story
Well written,with a few bumps, plot twists and u-turns to make a live story interesting and need to see what happens next.chsrscters you feel you know and want to talk to and give advice to.grest romantic read!
Well written,with a few bumps, plot twists and u-turns to make a live story interesting and need to see what happens next.chsrscters you feel you know and want to talk to and give advice to.grest romantic read!
October 29, 2020
I recommend this series
Love books with animals and sweet love stories. This series has both these things. The characters are very likable and love animals. Thanks for another winner.
Love books with animals and sweet love stories. This series has both these things. The characters are very likable and love animals. Thanks for another winner.
November 14, 2020
Excellent!
Cara Malone delivers another winner in this tale of Marley and Blaire’s budding relationship. Well written with relatable characters and a storyline that pulls you along for the ride, this one belongs on your most read list!
Cara Malone delivers another winner in this tale of Marley and Blaire’s budding relationship. Well written with relatable characters and a storyline that pulls you along for the ride, this one belongs on your most read list!
February 6, 2021
Woofderful
An excellent book for dog lovers and isanyone who likes love stories. Enjoyed the mischief of Toby. A vet and a web developer fall in love and learn to make it work. Recommended.
An excellent book for dog lovers and isanyone who likes love stories. Enjoyed the mischief of Toby. A vet and a web developer fall in love and learn to make it work. Recommended.
April 2, 2022
It was a sweet story. Not too much drama. I know someone who went through a similar situation as Marley but unlike Marley, she didn’t know about another woman let alone a marriage and it ruined that person’s reputation.
December 19, 2024
life is too short to finish this.
these two women should not even try dating. they are misaligned from the beginning on pretty much every major life thing. maybe if this was a fwb plot I'd keep reading, but I just can't with this.
these two women should not even try dating. they are misaligned from the beginning on pretty much every major life thing. maybe if this was a fwb plot I'd keep reading, but I just can't with this.
Read
October 25, 2020Another really great love story by Cara Malone. The characters were great and I really enjoyed the story. I highly recommend it for those who like love stories.
November 7, 2020
Wonderful story
I have enjoyed this heartfelt love story of a lonely vet that meet the daughter of on her clients and fell in love.
I have enjoyed this heartfelt love story of a lonely vet that meet the daughter of on her clients and fell in love.
November 8, 2020
Very Enjoyable Another Winner
This is another great story about the Vets their friends and the animals. It takes all kinds of people to make a great story.
This is another great story about the Vets their friends and the animals. It takes all kinds of people to make a great story.
February 1, 2021
Lovely read, not a lot of angst, which is just what I wanted to read on this rainy day.
Cara Malone really doesn't disapoint.
Cara Malone really doesn't disapoint.
March 3, 2021
Super cute, nice story. I've read quite a few of hers and they just keep delivering, time after time. Cosy read for when you just want to curl up with a cup of tea.
March 10, 2021
Sweet pet-centered romance. There are a few moments of low-level angst, all of which resolve quickly. Ends with the expected HEA.
January 1, 2024
Ok, I picked this one for the cute animals and it turned out to be a cute read.
November 20, 2020
Loved this
October 29, 2020
Another great book from Cara Malone. I love her work because it's a type of stories you can relate too, plus this series has pets! So who doesn't love that?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews