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Soul Mutts #1
Baker's Dozen
Her bakery is going to the dogs!
Abused and abandoned by her former owners, the unadoptable boxer, Baker, finds a safe haven at Pretty Paws, the only no-kill shelter in town. But when she's scared, she can't help defending herself, even from the people who want to help her.
Dumped by her cheating fiancé and mourning the loss of her mother to cancer, Maeve dreams of opening a bakery. But the only way she can afford that is to win a baking contest. Too bad her high school nemesis has entered too, and is using her rich daddy's money to stack the deck against Maeve.
When Maeve stops by Pretty Paws, Baker chooses the best batch of pastries with her super sensitive nose. It's not exactly love at first site, but when Maeve learns that time is almost up on Baker's stay at the shelter, she agrees to take her home for a couple of weeks, to reset the clock.
Can Maeve and Baker learn to trust each other, or will life find a way to crush their hopes for a fresh start?
Baker's Dozen is the first book in The Soul Mutts Series, heartwarming stories of lost dogs finding new homes with the humans they were born to heal.
Abused and abandoned by her former owners, the unadoptable boxer, Baker, finds a safe haven at Pretty Paws, the only no-kill shelter in town. But when she's scared, she can't help defending herself, even from the people who want to help her.
Dumped by her cheating fiancé and mourning the loss of her mother to cancer, Maeve dreams of opening a bakery. But the only way she can afford that is to win a baking contest. Too bad her high school nemesis has entered too, and is using her rich daddy's money to stack the deck against Maeve.
When Maeve stops by Pretty Paws, Baker chooses the best batch of pastries with her super sensitive nose. It's not exactly love at first site, but when Maeve learns that time is almost up on Baker's stay at the shelter, she agrees to take her home for a couple of weeks, to reset the clock.
Can Maeve and Baker learn to trust each other, or will life find a way to crush their hopes for a fresh start?
Baker's Dozen is the first book in The Soul Mutts Series, heartwarming stories of lost dogs finding new homes with the humans they were born to heal.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
183 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Lori R. Taylor
9 books11 followersLori R. Taylor is the founder of TruDog, a lover of all animals, and author of the Soul Mutts series. It’s her mission, vision, and passion to help humans understand the ways in which our canine friends make the world a better place. Lori’s been helping to build businesses all her life, but her work at TruDog made her remember a dream she’d had forever.
She had always wanted to be a writer, and TruDog proved what Lori had always known. Not just that dogs made the world a better place, because of course they did, but that humans needed them more than they could ever possibly know.
In addition to her work with TruDog, Lori has helped to raise over 5 billion dollars for the Disabled American Veterans. She’s not just an animal lover, Lori has a soft spot for unwanted or “broken” things and is their fiercest defender. Just ask Truman, the three-legged Great Dane that TruDog was named after.
As a little girl Lori dreamed of telling stories. She did that for brands for years. Now she’s doing it like she’s always wanted to, for you and with this series. Lori wrote Soul Mutts for you. Books to remind you of what you already know, but can’t wait to feel again.
She had always wanted to be a writer, and TruDog proved what Lori had always known. Not just that dogs made the world a better place, because of course they did, but that humans needed them more than they could ever possibly know.
In addition to her work with TruDog, Lori has helped to raise over 5 billion dollars for the Disabled American Veterans. She’s not just an animal lover, Lori has a soft spot for unwanted or “broken” things and is their fiercest defender. Just ask Truman, the three-legged Great Dane that TruDog was named after.
As a little girl Lori dreamed of telling stories. She did that for brands for years. Now she’s doing it like she’s always wanted to, for you and with this series. Lori wrote Soul Mutts for you. Books to remind you of what you already know, but can’t wait to feel again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 31, 2022
Maeve has a dream, to open a bakery. The only problem is nobody will lend her the money. Her last chance is to win the cash prize in a baking competition but nobody believes in her. She doesn't even believe in herself.
No-one except Baker. Baker is a dog that has had a tough life. Abused and abandoned she has found herself in an animal shelter, but nobody wants a dog that is so anti-social. Maeve gets roped into looking after Baker and they give each other the acceptance and healing they both need.
An entertaining way to kill some time. Not the best book ever written but sweet and life affirming and that's always worth the time.
No-one except Baker. Baker is a dog that has had a tough life. Abused and abandoned she has found herself in an animal shelter, but nobody wants a dog that is so anti-social. Maeve gets roped into looking after Baker and they give each other the acceptance and healing they both need.
An entertaining way to kill some time. Not the best book ever written but sweet and life affirming and that's always worth the time.
August 25, 2021
Dogs and Their Owners!
This book is the story of a young woman and her dog. The young woman wanted to open a bakery, but lacked the money to do so. She noticed a dog at the local adoption center had an uncanny ability to select the best tasting pastries and was finally able to adopt him. She worked at developing a recipe for a special pastry and entered a contest where first prize would give her the funds she needed to open her bakery.
This sweet story tells of deception by another participant and how this deception resulted in a nearly fatal ending for a contest judge and the dog belonging to another participant. Read this book to get the details. I enjoyed this book and plan to read other books in this series.
This book is the story of a young woman and her dog. The young woman wanted to open a bakery, but lacked the money to do so. She noticed a dog at the local adoption center had an uncanny ability to select the best tasting pastries and was finally able to adopt him. She worked at developing a recipe for a special pastry and entered a contest where first prize would give her the funds she needed to open her bakery.
This sweet story tells of deception by another participant and how this deception resulted in a nearly fatal ending for a contest judge and the dog belonging to another participant. Read this book to get the details. I enjoyed this book and plan to read other books in this series.
November 5, 2021
A light cozy mystery. Sweet rescue dog story.
July 13, 2021
I loved this book
I have volunteered with an animal rescue group for many years. I believe the author captures the thoughts, fears, and hope of rescue dogs in this book. One scene in the book actually happened to me in the kennel area. This book rings with authenticity. If you love animals and a story about love, redemption, and second chances, you will love this book.
I have volunteered with an animal rescue group for many years. I believe the author captures the thoughts, fears, and hope of rescue dogs in this book. One scene in the book actually happened to me in the kennel area. This book rings with authenticity. If you love animals and a story about love, redemption, and second chances, you will love this book.
December 19, 2022
3.5 out of 5 stars
July 16, 2021
Maeve's life is in tatters: dumped by her boyfriend, hounded by unreasonable clients, unable to fulfil her dream of owning a bakery, and sassed at every turn by her high school enemy. Life starts to turn around when Baker the boxer is foisted upon her. Even though she fears dogs, she tries to make a home for the little one but then a horrible mistake thrusts them apart. Will Maeve ever get her happily ever after?
I loved this story. It balanced pure sweetness and wholesomeness with some downright nasty shenanigans. Though there was a mystery, it wasn't the focus of the plot.
Recommended. Definitely for pet lovers.
I loved this story. It balanced pure sweetness and wholesomeness with some downright nasty shenanigans. Though there was a mystery, it wasn't the focus of the plot.
Recommended. Definitely for pet lovers.
August 8, 2021
Loved it!
I love stories that have interaction with pets. In this story the pet is a dog who happens to be one of two main characters. Since Maeve was bitten by a dog when she was a child she has been terrified of them. It would take a special bond with a special dog to change that. She is about to enter a baking contest and she needs Baker, the dog, to help her win. Great story. I just really enjoyed it.
I love stories that have interaction with pets. In this story the pet is a dog who happens to be one of two main characters. Since Maeve was bitten by a dog when she was a child she has been terrified of them. It would take a special bond with a special dog to change that. She is about to enter a baking contest and she needs Baker, the dog, to help her win. Great story. I just really enjoyed it.
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July 13, 2021Good story
I liked the story because I have boxers and I had one that was terribly abused before I got her. She never liked other people and it took both of us time to get really comfortable with each other. She was one of my best companions. I got her at 13 weeks old and she was 12 years old when she crossed the rainbow bridge.
Love and patience works for people and dogs.
I liked the story because I have boxers and I had one that was terribly abused before I got her. She never liked other people and it took both of us time to get really comfortable with each other. She was one of my best companions. I got her at 13 weeks old and she was 12 years old when she crossed the rainbow bridge.
Love and patience works for people and dogs.
July 16, 2021
I loved it!
This is a romance novel-between a dog and a woman. They are both broken and looking for someone to care and love. ‘Baker’s Dozen’ was a really sweet story and since I am an animal lover, I sniffled a little bit off and on all the way through the story. I already pre-ordered the next book.
This is a romance novel-between a dog and a woman. They are both broken and looking for someone to care and love. ‘Baker’s Dozen’ was a really sweet story and since I am an animal lover, I sniffled a little bit off and on all the way through the story. I already pre-ordered the next book.
August 10, 2021
Maeve and Baker are a special team
Maeve is terrified of dogs. Baker has been badly treated by many humans. In this heart touching story, they learn about friendship and about trust, and learn that, together, they bring out the best in each other. Be prepared for some tears and lots of smiles.
Maeve is terrified of dogs. Baker has been badly treated by many humans. In this heart touching story, they learn about friendship and about trust, and learn that, together, they bring out the best in each other. Be prepared for some tears and lots of smiles.
October 29, 2021
A fun start to this series
This was such a fun book to start this series. Take one dog fearing gal whose dream is for a bakery of her own and just lost her boyfriend and bring in one very sad dog who has faced too much hardship. They have their ups and downs with a long time nemises. Fun ending.
This was such a fun book to start this series. Take one dog fearing gal whose dream is for a bakery of her own and just lost her boyfriend and bring in one very sad dog who has faced too much hardship. They have their ups and downs with a long time nemises. Fun ending.
January 4, 2022
Cute
This is such a cute book. Love the shelter and adoption aspects and learning to overcome your fears. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is such a cute book. Love the shelter and adoption aspects and learning to overcome your fears. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 18, 2022
A dog who saves the day!
January 1, 2023
Baker's Dozen was exactly the right pace for right now, even though I thought it would be too light at first.
Like a dual POV romance novel where the second love interest is the dog, Baker's Dozen switches perspectives between Maeve and Baker (the title and cover boxer) to tell a love story between two once bitten, twice shy characters. I really liked that the story is partly from Baker's point of view, since we often don't get the dog's perspective in these types of stories. This was a cute take on a few common tropes.
However, I do need to say, I didn't exactly feel like Lori R. Taylor has ever been around a dog before. There are a few elements that, as a lifelong dog owner, I find implausible at best, although they did add some (unintended) humor to the story. The biggest one is that you can't just tell a dog to "sniff but not eat" treats to do a smell test for to compare food. I'm sorry, what dog, even an incredibly intelligent one who understands human speech, would do that? Uh...
Despite these quirks, I did enjoy my first foray into the Soul Mutts series. I'll definitely read the other books when the opportunity arises (especially since I've downloaded them all already), but I can imagine that this is a series I want to distance the books of at least a little bit so it doesn't get too repetitive.
Like a dual POV romance novel where the second love interest is the dog, Baker's Dozen switches perspectives between Maeve and Baker (the title and cover boxer) to tell a love story between two once bitten, twice shy characters. I really liked that the story is partly from Baker's point of view, since we often don't get the dog's perspective in these types of stories. This was a cute take on a few common tropes.
However, I do need to say, I didn't exactly feel like Lori R. Taylor has ever been around a dog before. There are a few elements that, as a lifelong dog owner, I find implausible at best, although they did add some (unintended) humor to the story. The biggest one is that you can't just tell a dog to "sniff but not eat" treats to do a smell test for to compare food. I'm sorry, what dog, even an incredibly intelligent one who understands human speech, would do that? Uh...
Despite these quirks, I did enjoy my first foray into the Soul Mutts series. I'll definitely read the other books when the opportunity arises (especially since I've downloaded them all already), but I can imagine that this is a series I want to distance the books of at least a little bit so it doesn't get too repetitive.
Want to read
July 23, 2021#ad currently free (7/23/21) on Amazon https://amzn.to/3x58322
November 11, 2021
Sweet read
An easy fun read that will leave you smiling, made a change from reading romance.
A sweet mistreated do that finds her forever home.
An easy fun read that will leave you smiling, made a change from reading romance.
A sweet mistreated do that finds her forever home.
October 3, 2021
Cute story line for dog lovers
I would have scored this book 4 out of 5 if not for the horrible errors of dropping from the 3rd person narrative into a 1st person narrative in the middle of a sentence in several cases such as "She closed her eyes and rested my forehead on the wheel of her beat-up Honda instead." And several spelling errors.
Storyline was cute enough that I enjoyed the characters enough to try the next book in the series. Here's hoping that the next book is just as enjoyable and the errors have been fixed.
I would have scored this book 4 out of 5 if not for the horrible errors of dropping from the 3rd person narrative into a 1st person narrative in the middle of a sentence in several cases such as "She closed her eyes and rested my forehead on the wheel of her beat-up Honda instead." And several spelling errors.
Storyline was cute enough that I enjoyed the characters enough to try the next book in the series. Here's hoping that the next book is just as enjoyable and the errors have been fixed.
October 4, 2021
Best book I have read in a while
This is not like most books. Someone geo killed Its a great boom about a abuse dog. The dog just can't get along with anyone. Doesn't want to be around any one. Then there's a woman who is scared of dogs. This is about how they came together. One of the best books I have read. You will to if you like dogs.
This is not like most books. Someone geo killed Its a great boom about a abuse dog. The dog just can't get along with anyone. Doesn't want to be around any one. Then there's a woman who is scared of dogs. This is about how they came together. One of the best books I have read. You will to if you like dogs.
Want to read
July 17, 2021Her bakery is going to the dogs!
Abused and abandoned by her former owners, the unadoptable boxer, Baker, finds a safe haven at Pretty Paws, the only no-kill shelter in town. But when she's scared, she can't help defending herself, even from the people who want to help her.
Dumped by her cheating fiancé and mourning the loss of her mother to cancer, Maeve dreams of opening a bakery. But the only way she can afford that is to win a baking contest. Too bad her high school nemesis has entered too, and is using her rich daddy's money to stack the deck against Maeve.
When Maeve stops by Pretty Paws, Baker chooses the best batch of pastries with her super sensitive nose. It's not exactly love at first site, but when Maeve learns that time is almost up on Baker's stay at the shelter, she agrees to take her home for a couple of weeks, to reset the clock.
Can Maeve and Baker learn to trust each other, or will life find a way to crush their hopes for a fresh start?
Baker's Dozen is the first book in The Soul Mutts Series, heartwarming stories of lost dogs finding new homes with the humans they were born to heal.
Abused and abandoned by her former owners, the unadoptable boxer, Baker, finds a safe haven at Pretty Paws, the only no-kill shelter in town. But when she's scared, she can't help defending herself, even from the people who want to help her.
Dumped by her cheating fiancé and mourning the loss of her mother to cancer, Maeve dreams of opening a bakery. But the only way she can afford that is to win a baking contest. Too bad her high school nemesis has entered too, and is using her rich daddy's money to stack the deck against Maeve.
When Maeve stops by Pretty Paws, Baker chooses the best batch of pastries with her super sensitive nose. It's not exactly love at first site, but when Maeve learns that time is almost up on Baker's stay at the shelter, she agrees to take her home for a couple of weeks, to reset the clock.
Can Maeve and Baker learn to trust each other, or will life find a way to crush their hopes for a fresh start?
Baker's Dozen is the first book in The Soul Mutts Series, heartwarming stories of lost dogs finding new homes with the humans they were born to heal.
July 14, 2021
Maeve's boyfriend just dumped her, her business as a website graphics designer is on fumes, and the loan officer laughed her out of the bank when she tried to get a loan to start a bakery. But there's a baking contest coming up that will brighten her future. When a rescue dog shows an unerring ability to pick the best of her experimental products, a relationship is born. But Maeve is scarred from a childhood dog attack, and the dog has been abused. Can they learn to trust each other?
This book intrigued me because it's structured like a romance novel. Chapters switch from Maeve's point of view to Bakers (a female boxer). I didn't think I'd like that, but Baker isn't a cutesy-pie saccharine voice; she's mature, self-protective, and withdrawn. Until Maeve comes along.
So that's the good. The bad is that the characters range from 1 - 2 dimensional. Especially Jassie, the nemesis, is cartoonishly evil. And I regret to say there are a good number of typos in the book. So, a medium rating from me.
This book intrigued me because it's structured like a romance novel. Chapters switch from Maeve's point of view to Bakers (a female boxer). I didn't think I'd like that, but Baker isn't a cutesy-pie saccharine voice; she's mature, self-protective, and withdrawn. Until Maeve comes along.
So that's the good. The bad is that the characters range from 1 - 2 dimensional. Especially Jassie, the nemesis, is cartoonishly evil. And I regret to say there are a good number of typos in the book. So, a medium rating from me.
July 15, 2021
Fear
Fear is a horrible thing! Fear of being attacked by a dog stays with you forever. A dog's fear is usually earned by abuse. When a human and a dog with mutual fear get together, it takes a lot of love and trust to over come it. When that trust is given and shared it is a beautiful thing. This story is about a terrified woman and an abused dog and how they came to trust and need each other. A great emotional story.
Fear is a horrible thing! Fear of being attacked by a dog stays with you forever. A dog's fear is usually earned by abuse. When a human and a dog with mutual fear get together, it takes a lot of love and trust to over come it. When that trust is given and shared it is a beautiful thing. This story is about a terrified woman and an abused dog and how they came to trust and need each other. A great emotional story.
August 2, 2021
What an emotional rolorcoastor so well written. A clean cozey full betrayal and abandonment by human to human and human to dog until a chance encounter brings them together. Both frightened of one another both entrusting of one another. Can each learn to trust and let caring into their lives. Acquire " Baker's Dozen " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have and don't forget to have extra tissues on hand. Kat
July 22, 2021
Great story
Loved the characters and the story. It tugged at my heart and kept my interest. The only negative is a serious need for proofreading. Small words are frequently missing in sentences and several times pronouns change from 3rd person to 1st person. I hope the author updates the book because it's such a good story.
Loved the characters and the story. It tugged at my heart and kept my interest. The only negative is a serious need for proofreading. Small words are frequently missing in sentences and several times pronouns change from 3rd person to 1st person. I hope the author updates the book because it's such a good story.
July 29, 2021
Bk 1, The Soul Mutts Series, EBK-M, Kindle @ 2020, read 7/27/21. Fiction, Contemporary, Animal/People Relationships, Rescue Dogs, Dreams, Fears, Baking. A woman who recently lost her mother, and ended her relationship with her cheating boyfriend, dreams of leaving her dead-end job and opening a bakery. Then a dog comes into her life. 3☆'s = Good.
August 7, 2021
I love dogs and cats!
I just love this story, I fell in 🥰 love with Baker. She made the most beautiful and perfect companion for Maeve and I really enjoyed reading about the 2 of them bonding and helping each other to lose their fears.
It's really true that 🐕 dogs can give so much love ❤ and all they ask is to love them as much as they love you.
I just love this story, I fell in 🥰 love with Baker. She made the most beautiful and perfect companion for Maeve and I really enjoyed reading about the 2 of them bonding and helping each other to lose their fears.
It's really true that 🐕 dogs can give so much love ❤ and all they ask is to love them as much as they love you.
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July 17, 2021Heartfelt
Great story of two souls, a lady and a dog, who didn't trust anyone, could they trust each other? Very well written, hard to put down. Tugged at the heart strings, but has a happy ending. If you love animals, you will enjoy this story.
Great story of two souls, a lady and a dog, who didn't trust anyone, could they trust each other? Very well written, hard to put down. Tugged at the heart strings, but has a happy ending. If you love animals, you will enjoy this story.
July 26, 2021
Good dog!
Good story that I would have liked to give 5 stars. However, it needed editing for grammatical errors and the characters could have been more fully developed. I liked the dog's point of view.
Good story that I would have liked to give 5 stars. However, it needed editing for grammatical errors and the characters could have been more fully developed. I liked the dog's point of view.
July 27, 2021
Delightful!
What an enchanting story. I have always had dogs since I was a child. So many times I have wondered what they were thinking about, so I found this book a delight. It was well written and well edited. Every dog lover should read this.
What an enchanting story. I have always had dogs since I was a child. So many times I have wondered what they were thinking about, so I found this book a delight. It was well written and well edited. Every dog lover should read this.
August 8, 2021
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. I would love to continue reading this series because it involves two of my favorite things:: dogs and baking!!!
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. I would love to continue reading this series because it involves two of my favorite things:: dogs and baking!!!
August 28, 2021
Sweet story. The relationship between the dog and the person who was deathly afraid of dogs was a bit too 'insta-love' for my taste, and the villain's motives were less than clear - but a pleasant, light read nonetheless. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews