Librarian Sarah Newsome can locate a reference book in less than three minutes, but three years may not be long enough to heal after the death of her Labrador retriever Sam. When Sarah joins a pet grief support group, she expects to find folks mourning their animals, like Sister Mary Margaret the Saint Bernard and Severus the snake, but she's shocked that her old college crush Ben is a member.
Ben Becker's as surprised to be in a pet grief support group as he is to see Sarah there. She was the one who got away back in college, all because she was convinced he lied. And now? He really is telling a whopper, and it's way too late to admit it.
As the weeks pass, Sarah increasingly relies on the comfort of the group and a renewed relationship with Ben, but there's no official handbook for healing. Will Severus' owner stop stockpiling frozen rodents for his slain serpent? Will Sister's owner abstain from crossing herself every time she mentions her dearly departed dog? And will Sarah risk her battered heart to give Ben another chance once she learns the hairy truth?
Read now and find out in this second chance romance in the “quirky, hilarious, endearing” Love & Pets sweet romantic comedy series by USA Today bestselling author A.G. Henley!
The Love & Pets Series:
1. The Problem with Pugs 2. The Trouble with Tabbies 3. The Downside of Dachshunds 4. The Lessons of Labradors 5. The Predicament of Persians 6. The Conundrum of Collies
A.G. Henley is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and fantasy books and stories, including the Love & Pets adult romantic comedy series. The first book in her young adult Brilliant Darkness series, THE SCOURGE, was a Library Journal Self-e Selection and a Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist. She’s also a clinical psychologist, but she promises not to analyze you... much.
הספר הרביעי בסדרה החמודה "Love & Pets". שרה מצטרפת לקבוצת תמיכה לאנשים שמתאבלים על מות חיות המחמד שלהן, בעקבות מותו של סם, כלבה האהוב. היא פוגשת שם את בן בקר, איתו יצאה לזמן קצר בקולג', ונפרדה ממנו כי חשבה שהוא משקר לה ועדיין לא נפרד מחברתו הקודמת. האם בן השתנה? האם שרה תסכים לתת לבן הזדמנות שניה? ספר קליל וחמוד.
This was one of the better ones in the series but I don`t think I will continue. Love to hate to love story from dual perspectives. Some funny moments and quirky side characters.
To be honest I finished this one two weeks ago and I had no time to update. Already I don´t remember much what speaks volumes by itself.
A.G. Henley managed to take a rather sensitive subject and make it funny while still being sensitive. Whether you've lost a pet or a person, if you're seeking a support group, you're seeking someone to share that loss with. This group had its share of secrets and misunderstandings, but it was nice to see them own up to them in the end.
Witty, well-written, and clean, I recommend this book.
I received and advance copy, and this is my honest opinion.
– I didn't like Sarah, and I hated that she only seemed to have two moods: the I-miss-Sam mood and the I-hate-Ben's-lying-ass mood. Her having two friends getting married was confusing, and I wish the story had focused less on the planning of said weddings and more on developing her and Ben's past history. – "The bet" was just thrown in there, with little to no explanation, and if we think about it, the idea of him/ his friends thinking infiltrating any group of grieving people was fun is pretty gross. – Brent's storyline was pointless.
The ending wasn't even enjoyable. You could clearly see that she wasn't ready to forgive him just yet, but with his very public ambush at the wedding, she was forced to go on that stage and offer him the most awkward forgiveness ever just so he could shut the hell up.
If you love animals and you haven’t read any of this series, you’re really, really missing out. And this book helped me realize I can still be crazy over pets even though mine have been gone for a handful of years. Sarah Newsome lost her sweet Labrador, Sam, three years ago and it still feels like yesterday. She's hoping that the pet grief support group, Lost Paws, can help her move forward. Imagine her surprise though, when Ben Becker shows up for the group.
Ben and Sarah met in college, and Ben has always considered her the one that got away. They only dated a few times, but Sarah was pretty much it for Ben. Until she saw a text and thought he was lying to her. When Ben sees Sarah again, he hopes being in this group will give him a second chance with her. But there’s a secret he's keeping that he knows could destroy their fledgling relationship. Hello rock, meet hard place.
Gah! I adore everything about this book! From the witty wordplay with idioms to the colorful, quirky, larger-than-life, endearing secondary characters, and some hilarious, truly memorable scenes. One of the places this author excels brilliantly is in bringing her characters to life with their flaws, peculiarities and vulnerabilities. It secures them in the reader's heart, even when less than likable, and invests the reader fully in the story.
This story is bursting with the humor and heart we love in our romances. Although Sarah and Ben's relationship has a tame rating, there's no lack of the chemistry and connection between them that never fails to capture my heart, and it's just one more way I was spellbound to the story and its outcome.
If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know what these characters are dealing with as they work through their grief. But it's so beautifully balanced with wit and humor that it leaves the reader happy, inspired and fulfilled by the end, making her glad to have taken the journey. Run to the 1-Click and start reading this book today. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt, humorous, uplifting, phenomenal story!
MY RATING GUIDE: 3-3.5 Stars. TLOL was a Sweet, Quick and Easily read Second Chances novel with low angst/“drama” and a HEA. 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
THE LESSONS OF LABRADORS, bk 4 in AG Henley’s Love and Pets RomCom series. Sarah Newsome, 28, a Fort Collins, CO community librarian joins a Pet Grieving group 6mos after the debilitating death of her golden lab, Sam.
Ben Becker, 28, is a software engineer who briefly dated Sarah during his senior year in college before a debacle with his ex suddenly ended any possible relationship. Ben, allergic to most pets, is attending 1 session of a local Pet Grief group to cover a poker debt between friends. Ben hadn’t intended to return to the group after the initial session but he sees Sarah, from six years ago, attending.
Comments ~ 1) I’ve previously read and enjoyed the other books in this series. The titles are loosely connected but each book stands alone with its own HEA and no cliffhangers. I’ve enjoyed certain titles more than others. My favorite titles are THE PROBLEM WITH PUGS, THE TROUBLE WITH TABBIES, THE DOWNSIDE OF DACHSHUNDS, and THE PANDEMONIUM OF PETS. 2) LESSON OF LABRADORS features a group of people struggling with grief over the loss of their pets while simultaneously dealing with other life issues and working through their feelings. 3) For the most part, TLOL is low angst with only slight misunderstanding issues (emotional drama/angst and avoidable misunderstandings being two of my romance pet-peeves); although the story’s conflicts are provided by the two MCs (I prefer the when the conflicts occur outside the MCs as in a proximity/danger or similar manner). 4) TLOL is a very slow burn, Second Chances story with minimal steam - sweet rather than sexy.
READER CAUTION ~ Suitable for all readers. PROFANITY - Yes. Once or twice? VIOLENCE - None. SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No. Minimal/Mild Kissing.
This is book four of the Love & Pets Romantic Comedy Series but it is a stand-alone novel. This story centers around Ben and Sarah who knew each other in college but are meeting again at a pet bereavement group. While this is cute, I actually didn't enjoy it as much as the previous book (The Downside of Daschunds). While I did enjoy the overall story, I just couldn't connect with the some of the characters as in previous novels. This was especially true for Ben (the main male character). For a grown man, he was whimpish and unsure of himself...just didn't cut it for me. Also, while the story centers at a pet bereavement group, the antics of pets as in the previous novel were pretty much non-existent except in one scene. It was cute and I didn't feel like I wasted my time hence, 3 stars in stead of 2. I won't read again but will still check out other books of the series not read yet as I really enjoyed book 3 of the series. I received a free copy of the book from the author at my own request and am leaving this review voluntarily.
As always A. G. Henley delivers! If you enjoy reading to escape your everyday routine and romp with characters who are relatable then this book is for you.
All she wanted was to find a way to move forward. Her grief was all encompassing. People said time would heal her. "Get another dog" they said. "Move on" they said. But "they", those well meaning friends, coworkers, and family don't understand. Maybe a support group will provide her with new friends who understand as they are suffering the same loss she is. But wait a minute....what is he doing here?
Enjoy The Lessons of Labradors. Allow it to transport you to a fun and loving place where the problems of life are solved with ease and love can conquer all.
I received an advanced reader copy but the opinions and review are my own.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados. Me ha gustado la parte del duelo y del grupo de apoyo para personas que han perdido una mascota. Creo que el grupo era muy interesante (un poco estereotipado, la verdad, pero tampoco me ha molestado mucho) y los temas de los que se hablaba también me han gustado. En general, todo lo que sea superar una pérdida me gustará siempre si está bien narrado. Lo que no me ha terminado es la relación. No me han entusiasmado ni Ben ni Sarah como personajes, así que su historia tampoco me ha acabado de gustar. Además, el final me ha parecido extremadamente precipitado. Ella tenía una idea en la cabeza, entonces sus seres queridos le dicen que no piensan como ella y al segundo ya ha cambiado de opinión. No me lo he creído, la verdad. En general las historias de las parejas de esta saga no me están volviendo loca, la que más me ha gustado es la del segundo libro.
This was an adorable story. The plot was refreshing and the characters charmingly quirky. Maybe I loved it so much because I’ve had four Labrador kids but if you’re an animal lover I don’t see how this would be a mistake to read.
The last person Sarah wanted to see at her first pet grief support group is her ex-boyfriend. Even if it was in college and six years ago, this isn’t where she wants to run into Ben. Ben never got over her and he’s hoping for a second chance. He wants one so badly he lies about grieving for his Labrador because Sarah is there grieving hers. Only problem is that they broke up because.... he lied to her.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
This is definitely a book for pet lovers! Sarah joins Lost Paws, a grief support group for those who have lost pets. Along with Sarah’s Labrador Sam, others are grieving dogs, cats and even a snake! It’s a diverse group from all walks of life, led by Bev, a slightly unusual licensed professional counselor. There Sarah meets Ben, an old flame from college days who she refers to as the liar! The characters in the group are well defined and the group dynamics are awesome. Friendships develop, oddities are discovered, and there are even two weddings!! This was not my usual cozy mystery, but I still really enjoyed the copy I received from author, A.G. Henley to preview. If you love animals then this is the book for you!
Most of us have been devastated by the death of a beloved pet at some time in our lives. They have a way of becoming family to us. This delightful romantic comedy takes on this serious subject and does a brilliant job!
Being single and living far from her family, Sarah is hit hard by the death of her lab, Sam. After six months she still can’t move on. Sarah is sure her friends are tired of her grief. So she decides to attend a pet grief support group even though she isn’t really comfortable talking in front of strangers.
At the very first session she is surprised to see her most serious college boyfriend. She fell hard back then, until she caught Ben lying to her. It’s been six years since then but looking at him, he still looks great, but she can feel the hurt like it was recent.
Ben is happy to see Sarah. To him their breakup was all a misunderstanding. He didn’t lie but could never convince Sarah of that. He really wants a chance to rekindle their relationship but he has a secret that could destroy things again.
Ben isn’t at the group because he lost a pet. In fact he has terrible animal allergies. Ben lost a bet to his brother and his payment was to attend this group. Ben really wants to make things right with Sarah, but he has already started things with a big lie.
Another fun, sweet read in the Love & Pets series despite the serious subject. Sarah Newsome is having a hard time coping with the loss of her best friend, her labrador Sam. She joins a support group, Lost Paws, in the hopes of finding some solace. Instead, she finds her ex-boyfriend from college, Ben. Ben & Sarah's flame went out when she caught him in a lie all those years ago. But is he different now? Can she learn to trust him again? Or is she setting herself up for another loss by testing the waters with Ben again? With a great cast of characters, some laugh-out-loud situations, and the bittersweet memories of passed-on pets, The Lessons of Labradors is sure to hit you in all of the feels.
How do you write about a pet grief support group, add in second chance romance, add in humor and a list of quirky characters? Just ask A G Henley! She makes it all work in her wonderful story. Sarah attends the pet grief support group, Lost Paws, when she can’t get over the loss of her beloved lab, Sam. There she sees Ben who she met in college and dated until he lied to her. He is attending the group while keeping a big secret. There are many secondary characters in this group that add to the humor. Can Sarah ever learn to trust Ben? Will the group lessen her grief? This is one more win for A G Henley in this series! I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Good book! I liked it but didn't enjoy it as much as the previous book 'The Downside of Dashcunds' hence why I put 4 stars rather than 5. I really liked the protagonists Sarah and Ben. Sarah is a very kind, caring and thoughtful person, which is why I found it a little hard to understand why she wouldn't listen to him about his ex-girlfriend. I could definitely understand why she was mad at him about his lies at the Lost Paws group and felt another chapter at the end would have been beneficial to see them grow as a couple together. I really liked Ben. He was a genuinely nice person and he knew he was doing the wrong thing.
I also really liked the concept and could definitely understand the groups' feelings as I have a dog myself.
I am a huge fan of this series. I am also a huge animal lover and it’s such fun to see the quirks of different breeds of dogs and cats be the catalysts of these love stories. When I started this book I was unsure how it would fit in with the lighthearted nature of the series, as we begin at a pet lovers grief support group. And yet in a way it was actually the perfect background for the two main characters Sarah and Ben to both reconnect and fall in love. If you want specifics you’ll have to pick up your own copy but it is most assuredly worth it! Very much looking forward to the next installment!! I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
It was definitely puppy love with Sarah for her lab Sam.
She seems to be having a really hard time with her loss
Sam apparently came into her life after a painful breakup with a guy at the end of college. She thought he might have been the One- until it seemed he’d lied about his breakup with his ex girlfriend.
Is a Chance second meeting at a grief group for folks who’ve lost beloved pet another chance for Ben and Sarah, or is it just another lie from Ben
As I finished the previous book and it briefly mentioned an old Labrador. I thought to myself, “I won’t be able to read the next one”. But, I had preordered and when I reached out to AG, she reassured me. This story dealt with this hard topic, really well. It was moving, yes I cried, but I also laughed. (Special thanks to Snake Boy). There are subplots so that made it easier too. When all was read and done, do you know what? This was my favorite of the series. So far at least.
Sarah's a nice gal who has lost her beloved yellow lab Sam. Ben lost his black lab Bailey long ago in childhood. Ben and Sara have a chance meeting at Lost Paws a pet bereavement group operated by a lady named Bev. The group opens as strangers to start, and become friends while seeking compassion and help from their specific losses. Romp through their stories with many smiles and an occasional belly laugh. If you are a pet lover you should enjoy each turn of a page. If not, I am sure you will have a giggle or three when you hear about Baloney, Cheese, and later on - Mustard!
I was a little worried about this book, since it seems to have an extra pet connection that the previous ones haven't had, with the whole theme of the pet death support group, and I have never really had a pet connection that would allow me to understand their situations. However, this book was really well written and I definitely enjoyed it. It's a second chance romance and I really liked the characters.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I generally enjoy the books in this series. They combine rom/com humor and animals. This one, however, didn't really feel like it had much substance. There was a lot of focus on the two side characters weddings, and not much on telling us the two main characters backstory in detail or their interactions once they met up again. I appreciate the grief group being central to the plot but overall this book just fell flat for me.
Two people meet again after college. This time at a Lost Paws meeting for those who are grieving the loss of their pets. Unfortunately, Sarah is skeptical of Ben's advances. Once he lied to her and she never forgot it. Now, was he living another lie? A very tender story with lots of tips about living with grieving, be it a pet or a loved one. I liked all the characters, even Brent, the rude one!
Sarah is still grieving the death of her dog Sam. So she joins a pet grieving group, and her college ex-boyfriend, Ben walks in. Problem is that Ben is there under false pretenses and he fails to tell Sarah the real reason he is there. Needless to say that does come to light and causes problems. Can they settle their issues and get together or do they both lose
A delightfully funny and playful read the caracters are vibrant and charming. I found it one of those reads that takes you away from the stress of the day and lieves you with a lighter heart and soul something we could all use now and then. So aquier a copy and start enjoying the "The Lessons of Labradors "as much as I have. ☺😉 Kat
A great addition to a fun series. Reading this book was a great way to unwind after a long day. The characters are so relate able and charming. As a pet lover, I found myself tearing up at times and then laughing out loud at others. Looking forward to snuggling up with my Bruno and reading the next book this summer!
Wow, it's been a really long time since I disliked a book as much as I disliked this one. It felt very poorly thought out to me, none of the characters were particularly likable and were all very one-dimensional. Finishing this was a huge struggle because there was nothing particularly redeeming about it, not even the HEA at the end.
I’m a true cat lover but nothing but could have prepared me for the joy and humor of the tail of The lessons of Labradors. I think I read this and the full series almost non stop. A must read for all animal lovers and those not aware that they are .... 6 stars for the series. Can’t wait for the next Pussey cat book😸
Ben might have avoided the truth sometimes but he was adorable! Sarah is surrounded by living friends but misses her dog Sam. They meet up after six years in a pet support group made up of an eclectic mix of individuals. I loved the camaraderie of the characters in this story. Lots of laughs a few tears and puppy kisses all round.
Another in this lightweight, pleasant love stories Mixed with a dog theme. While I found Annoying the main character’s longing for a walk down the aisle, all the folks are basically decent people. Easy escapist summer reading.