Ruff Road to Romance

A Rescue Dog Romance #4

by Casey Griffin

She promised to seek adventure. He’s vowed to atone for his mistakes. Can this dog-loving duo sniff out forever?

Lily Baker wants her own life. Dedicated to her family but tired of sacrificing her day-to-day, she escapes from England to America to visit her aunt, swearing to live by the rules of a self-help book on living boldly. But her manual doesn’t cover what to do when her relative sends a sexy lawyer to collect her at the airport.

Ethan Summers regrets focusing solely on his career. Still troubled by the case that kept him from his father’s deathbed, the attorney is driven to rebuild bridges and be there for his mother. But when his skeptical sister backs out of helping him move their mom from Seattle to San Francisco, he saves a seat in his Beamer for the beautiful Brit he’s just barely met.

With Lily eager to dig up excitement and Ethan determined to show his impromptu partner a good time, the unexpected pair sets off with his new rescue dachshund in search of fun. But as they’re plagued by a series of mysterious misfortunes, the guilt-ridden man’s past may see them both buried six feet under.

With burgeoning love and their lives on the line, will the unlikely couple solve the mystery so they can roll over into happily ever after?

Ruff Road to Romance is the hilarious fourth standalone book in the Rescue Dog Romance comedy series. If you like pun-slinging characters, family-forward outlooks, and thrills of the furriest kind, then you’ll adore Casey Griffin’s steamy car ride.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

Casey Griffin spent her childhood dreaming up elaborate worlds and characters. Now, she writes those stories down. As a jack-of-all-trades, her résumé boasts registered nurse, heavy equipment operator, English teacher, photographer, and pizza delivery driver. She’s a world traveler and has a passion for anything geeky. With a wide variety of life experiences to draw from, she loves to write stories that transport readers and make them smile. Casey lives in Southern Alberta with her family, and when she’s not traveling, attending comic conventions, or watching Star Wars, she’s writing every moment she can.

Get your FREE story when you sign up for Casey's newsletter at www.CaseyGriffin.com

Reviews

[Books nd Bruises · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the blurb and saw some ‘mysterious misfortunes’ mentioned, I did not expect to go on an adventure this big. To my surprise, it was even better than the blurb made me expect.

Lily is in desperate need of a break of everyday life. Ethan on the other hand, needs a life changing event to turn his life around. Add sweet big mouthed -or should I say big snout-ed- Molly to the mix, and we got ourselves a recipe for trouble, wholeheartedness and adventure.

The trip leads to self discovery, deep conversations and some sweet puppy love. It’s a fun quick read with cute quotes!

I voluntarily review this book after receiving a free copy. My opinion however is entirely my own.

[Angela Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this novel as the blurb caught my attention. A road trip and a romance, but a mystery thrown in for good measure too. There are plenty of comedy moments which had me lol from the start. Not many authors can make me do that so hats off to Casey. I thought it was well written and the plot flowed seamlessly. I also liked the developing relationship between Lily and Ethan. The real star was Molly, she stole the show. It made me want to rush out and buy a puppy, immediately!

[Visionary Druid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Lily Baker is tired of being a doormat to her overbearing and selfish family. She impulsively travels to California under the pretense of visiting her aunt. Lily discovers a handsome stranger waiting to pick her up at the airport. She reluctantly agrees to help Ethan relocate his ailing mother from Seattle, Washington, to California. However, their impromptu road trip is fraught with mishaps and accidents. Will this trip be what Lily needs? Or will she return home in utter defeat?
Ethan Summers is Seattle’s former golden boy attorney. He has never forgiven himself for choosing his career over his family. Before he can move to California, Ethan needs to settle some loose ends in Seattle and to collect his mother. When Lily is volunteered to accompany him, he promises to make the trip worthwhile. However, things do not go exactly as he planned. Not to mention some dachshund puppy hijinks. Will Ethan and Lily survive their road trip? Or will Ethan find something equally precious along the way?
Lily is a heroine I easily relate to. She is a pushover, a people pleaser, who does not have much confidence in herself. I empathize with Lily’s feelings. I understand how it feels to have family who walk all over you and disregard your thoughts and opinions. It can be dispiriting. What I admire the most about Lily is her willingness to change. She no longer wants to be at her family’s beck and call or have them take advantage of her nature. Instead, Lily wants to live her own life free from such handicaps.
Ethan is such a great redeemable hero. I admit that I never cared for his snobbish behavior in the first book, PAWS OFF THE BOSS. However, at the end of book three, A WEDDING TAIL, it became obvious that Ethan was slowly changing. I love how he wants to mend the rift between himself and his sister. Ethan regrets not being there when Piper needed him the most. What I adore the most about Ethan is his faith in Lily. He wants her to have more faith in herself. Ethan knows when to push and when to draw back.
RUFF ROAD TO ROMANCE is the fourth book in Casey Griffin’s dachshund-themed, contemporary series, A RESCUE DOG ROMANCE. This story can easily stand alone. But I highly recommend reading the previous three books, especially PAWS OFF THE BOSS. The first novel emphasizes the tenuous relationship that the Summer siblings have. I am so stoked that the author wrote more in this fun and entertaining series! Molly, the dachshund puppy, stole the show. She reminds me of the fun times I had with my doxies at that age!
RUFF ROAD TO ROMANCE is a hilarious tale of two people’s misadventures, which leads them to discover not only themselves but love. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for this series! There are never too many dachshund-related stories!

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can guarantee this book will not only have you at the edge of your seat, but will make you laugh, cheer, and love not only Ethan and Lily but especially Molly. Lily heads to San Francisco from England to get away from her over-bearing and demanding family and hopes that being away will help her find herself and what she wants out of life. Lily Aunt volunteers her to help out a down on his luck lawyer who wants to reunite his mom and sister. What was supposed to be a nice, fun, leisurely road trip full of adventure turns out to be life threatening as Ethan’s past comes barreling at them. I love the chemistry between Lily and Ethan, they each have their own baggage to get through when suddenly their lives are in danger as things start to happen. I love that we are able to see why they are the way they are and how much they grow in the story, add in an adorable dachshund and you can't help but laugh out loud. I loved the humor, lily's clumsiness and shyness, and I also loved how carrying but respectful Ethan is in the story. Both Ethan and lily make the other a better version of who they started out, and together they get through some of the most terrible situations. I love that Ethan is fighting to correct a wrong and that Lily doesn't shy away when danger knocks on their door. I especially loved the interactions with Molly, so cute. I'm a dachshund lover and breeder myself so this book captivated me. I was enthralled with the drama, danger, excitement, adventure, romance, suspense, and funny moments. I was captivated at how strong, determined, persistent, easy-going and wonderful person Lily is. But most importantly I was moved by how passionately Ethan fought for what needed to be done, and how moved I was that he would risk so much and refused to turn a blind eye to the real issue and help an innocent. I love that Ethan cares so much for not only his mom, sister, lily, molly but also for others who are in need of his help. This book will hook you until the end.

[Sandra A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read several of the author's other books in this series before, so I was very excited to start reading this one, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, I guarantee you will enjoy this book! Things start off with a bang when Lily, one of the main characters, flies from the UK to San Francisco, ostensibly for a vacation visit with her aunt, but really to escape her overbearing, helicopter-parenting mother, and her demanding, self-absorbed brothers so she can figure out what she really wants to do with her life. When she gets persuaded to volunteer and assist down on his luck lawyer Ethan on an out-of-state road trip, things start to go off the rails. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a leisurely car ride with some sightseeing along the way turns into a fiasco-filled trip complete with a mystery and unknown villains aplenty. Add in a lovable, newly rescue-adopted dachshund puppy named Molly, a boatload of humor, action, suspense, and romantic tension, and this book is a joy to read! From the minute I started chapter 1, I was hooked, and continued reading straight through until I reached the end. Both Lily and Ethan are great characters - they aren't perfect, but that only makes them human. I liked the fact that the author takes the time to develop their characters, and lets us learn why they are the way they are. This isn't a case of insta-love, and it's actually a relief to not have them both jumping into bed by chapter 2. There are also characters from the previous books that appear in this book, and those books are also terrific, so I would highly recommend beginning with the first book in the series and reading them in order, but really, each story stands alone so you can start with this book and read it on its own if you want. This book is a lot of fun to read, and will keep you guessing till the very end. I received an ARC copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read the book the cover 'Got me'!

I am a cover junkie. Sometimes covers don't appeal to me.

Sometimes even if it is a well known to me author and the cover doesn't lure me I still consider if I want to turn the pages.

Although I was not taken by the cover at first after reading the book I have to applaud the cover artist.

The depiction of Lilly (the main Character) and her red hair turning into the highway is spot on. And Molly the puppy being held onto by Ethan is just cute.

This story is just that 'cute'.
And I live the title.

But it is so much more.

The two main characters have thier own sets of baggage that could keep them from making a commitment to each other.

But a Happily Ever after is awaiting!

One of the things I've loved about this series is how each book ties in to the others.

Book 1 is Piper and Aiden's story.

Ruff Road to Romance introduces the reader to Piper's brother Ethan.

All the books feature stories set around the dog rescue.

And each story has a Suspense story that weaves into the Romance.

There is a brief very well written and tasteful Love scene.

If you love a little humor a few chuckles and some Suspense and Romance you must check out the series.

Each book is written as a stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Jessica Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! I didn’t really have any idea how this was going to go with the dog rescue concept and an adventure all tied into a mystery rom-com but this was so good and so worth it. I’m really looking forward to what the rest of this series has to offer.

Ruff Road to Romance is Griffin’s 4th book in her Rescue Dog Romance series. It brings us Lily, the predictable, helpful, family friendly push over who is on a mission to be more outgoing, and Ethan, the goal-oriented, adventure enthusiast whose life has been upended by an infamous crime boss. They make for an odd pair but they fit together so perfectly! I couldn’t get enough of their relationship. They really brought out the best in each other and they were really thrown some crazy curveballs on their adventure roadtrip. I think Griffin did an amazing job balancing mystery, romance, comedy. One of my favorite parts was reading about Molly, Ethan’s dachshund. Her involvement in everything and her “dialogue” through Lily always had me smiling.

I enjoyed this so much and I think it’d make a great read for anyone looking into romance with some mystery and comedy throughout. I definitely recommend this!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily decides to do something for herself for a change, so she books a flight from London to San Francisco to visit her aunt. Little did she know that when her aunt arranged for a road trip with hunky lawyer, Ethan, she wouldn't get just a little adventure in her life. Shortly after they are on their way to Seattle, Lily and Ethan will suffer one close call after another. To top it off, Ethan is the target of a criminal who will stop at nothing to protect his identity. Then there is Molly, I absolutely adored the sweet, mischievous little darling.
Wonderful and well written characters, especially Lily and Ethan. Both of them are trying to find something missing in their lives, but it seems that the cards are stacked against them. I think they are compelling and realistic in the way they interact with one another. Laugh out loud funny romantic comedy with action, a mystery, some suspenseful moments, and some surprising twists in the plot.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily is on a plane from the UK flying to San Francisco to spend 2 weeks with her aunt. She is tired of her family making decisions for her and her friend Chloe has a list of things she should do to become the new Lily. Her aunt has arranged for Lily to be picked up by the brother of one of her volunteers. Ethan is an excellent lawyer, often involved with putting crime bosses away. He needs to go to Seattle to bring his ailing mother back to San Francisco. His sister cannot go along so it is agreed that Lily will ride with him and he will show her some interesting sites along the way.
This book is so much fun! Mystery, romance, and adventure abound. Ethan and Lily have Ethan’s new rescue dachshund, Molly, along with them and she is so entertaining. Each adventure Ethan planned seems to involve risky behavior. The water rafting, rock climbing and hiking almost get them killed. Ethan needs a new life as much as Lily and it is fun to see what their new lives might look like.

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rufffffff Road to Romance 🐶🐶🐶

Thank you Ms Griffin for allowing me the honour to read and review this book. I received this ARC and I’m leaving my honest and voluntary review.

Oh wow! I loved this Ruff Road to Adventure the Hero and Heroine were on. I had some laughs and I also couldn’t help but put my sleuthing cap on and try to solve the mystery with a bit of suspense thrown in too!
I don’t think the mystery would or could have been solved without our little dachshund friend Molly 😂

If this is the last book in the series, I hope not…but if it is I would love an Epilogue to tie all four books together with a look into what happened to all of the Heroes and heroines and their families.
And especially with this book to tie up all ends. As I would like to know what happens to certain people in this story.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves some adventure. You can read as a stand-alone, but it is soooo much better if you read the books in order.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road Trip . . .

Lily Baker is so tired of her mother’s smothering and her brothers always demanding something. She needs some time for herself. She needs some fun and adventure. So she leaves the UK for a visit to her aunt in San Francisco. Her aunt arranges for a sexy lawyer, Ethan Summers, to pick her up at the airport. He tells her he is making a trip with his sister to move their mom from Seattle to San Francisco. But Piper is pregnant and the doctor said he is not to travel. So with her aunt’s encouragement, Lily goes with him instead and can do some sightseeing on the way.

But things go wrong. What should have been a quiet ride back, with time for pointing out some of the sights, it instead turns dangerous. Ethan is being targeted by a criminal. But never fear. His sweet little rescue dachshund puppy named Molly will save the day. Add in fast pacing, action, and humor, and you have a perfect story to hold your attention.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5 stars~

I was pleasantly surprised by just how action-packed and exciting this book was. There was lots of suspense with some truly shocking twists. I never knew what was coming next, and the eventual villains completely surprised me. I would’ve enjoyed receiving a bit more context on the Phantom’s case, but I would still give the mystery aspect of the novel five stars.

The rest of the book was decent, but not great. The beginning was too over the top for me. It was just overly goofy and unrealistic. The personal conflict between Lily and Ethan also felt very contrived. Their romance was sweet though, even if Ethan was a tad indecisive. Molly, the dog, was my favorite character with her loving nature and helpfulness throughout the book.

Overall, this was an adorable, exciting romance full of unexpected turns. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted mysteries with plenty of chemistry.

*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. I have read all the other Rescue Dog Romance books in the series. Even though each story/book stands alone Casey does bring all the prior main characters into the next book. This book, like the others before it, brings you romance, mystery and a rescue dog. I read this book in one sitting. I didn’t want to stop reading. It’s like you become a part of the story. As you read Lily and Ethan’s story you will be pulled in, routing for them to fall in love, all the while trying to solve the mystery surrounding them. No spoilers. I can only tell you there will be things along the way that you don’t expect at all. I hope that Lily and Ethan are in the next Rescue Dog Romance book so we find out what happens to them!

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller of a Road Trip Adventure Mixed with a Great Romance!

This book has a bit of everything and I was very happy to be along for the ride. What started out as a road trip for Ethan to show Lily the sights with adorable Molly the dachshund puppy along for the ride turned into thrilling adventures with all kinds of "bad guys" after them. As they managed to find their way out of the various troubles - some quite funny especially with Molly's heroic help-Lily and Ethan found major personal growth and each other along the way. This book is part of a series and although some characters do repeat you do not need to read them all as this book works completely as a standalone. Enjoy!

I received an ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily, Ethan,and Molly Ethan's rescue daschund set off on a trip to bring his mother home and turns into a harrowing adventure of mishaps.

The story is funny, scary, and has you hoping for a budding romance to break out. Lily left England and her family for a chance at seeing America on her vacation while visiting her aunt.

Her encounter with Ethan doesn't start on a good note, yet she still takes off on road trip with him, only to encounter slashed tires, a broken climbing rope and paochers shooting at them. All of this stems from Ethan's attempts to free a criminal falsely accused.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful heartwarming fast moving book! I had previously read the first 3 and fell in love. This book is no exception!

Casey, has us falling in love with Molly the wonderful puppy! (and who could not fall for a wee ball of fur!). Not only that the adventure of the 2 main characters Ethan and Lily is not only an adventure that keeps you needing to turn the pages, but a romance that wants you to ensure that the story ends on a happy note.

Casey has a wonderful way of spinning tales and making us not want to put down the book.
Thanks so much Casey.

I read this book free for my honest opinion!

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Lily end up together on a road trip with Molly, his new puppy. She is escaping a domineering family in England, coming to see an aunt in the U.S. He is a lawyer, trying to move his mother from Seattle to San Francisco, when his sister backs out and instead he and Lily are turned into a team. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and banter. The storyline has drama, family influences, big decisions, steam, reconciliations, surprises, danger from past cases and so much more. Loved how this story grabs you right from the start and does not let go. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wacky and wonderful.

Lily is on an airplane for the first time to seek adventure and be bold. She has stagnated at home, becoming Cinderlily, and has with some guidance from others decided to visit her aunt in the USA.
I loved this story from page one, where we get to experience her flight and attempt at flirting - absolutely cried with laughter. Ethan appears a bit staid in the beginning but there’s an adventurer hiding behind the suit. The journey to Seattle turns into one crazy scenario after another, with many a wrong assumption made as to who could be behind it all.
I loved Molly the Dachshund and all her snark and attitude!

[Ann Tosti · Rating 5 out of 5]

He just wants to clear his conscience so he can move on, and move on with all his family close. She wants to find herself, without the pressure her family puts on her. What they get is an adventure, one with a lot more danger than they would have expected- and more people after them than anyone might think. But it just goes to push themselves to be more, and to fight for what they really want. It was wonderful, I couldn't put it down!

*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily needs a break from her normal life, so she sets off for the US to stay with her Aunt. Only her aunt is not the one that picks her up. She sends Ethan. When they get to the rescue center Ethan finds out his sister can not go with him to move their monther here so Lilys Aunt suggests Lily goes with him and his rescue dog Molly. Now the fun, mystery and drama begins. This book was really good. Amazing writing and wonderful characters.
I am voluntarily leaving my review for a copy I received from Hidden Gems.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruff Road to Romance is a stand alone book in the A Rescue Dog Romance series. The characters from previous books play only a small part, and it has an independent storyline. There were definitely a bunch of over the top moments with one thing going wrong after another, but I loved how the story was as much about Lily and Ethan figuring out what they want out of life as much as it was the relationship between them. I really liked how the story ended.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pawfectly Wonderful!
Loved this series and this storyline. It’s full of adventure and insightful thoughts from Molly, the true star of this book. The humans, Lily and Ethan are a fun couple with plenty of twists and turns on their journey. I enjoyed every minute reading it and am highly recommending this for your reading enjoyment and pleasure. PEACE. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dog Mom Reads A Lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another grate book in this series that I enjoyed reading but I have one complaint just like the book that came before it Lilly Mom got on my last nerve by chapter 7 I could not stand any time the mother was brought into the story she was to overbearing controlling pain in the aress and Everytime she was talking to Lilly I felt miserable away from that aspect of the book I really enjoyed the the rest of the story it was a exciting adventurous and fun book

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the last book of this series, I thought this time I could truly enjoy a sweet, peaceful and relaxing romance story, then the truth was…oh my Gosh! It’s another thriller-mixed-romance book! It’s so exciting I was sweating all the time while reading the book.

I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny book with a touch of suspense and of course romance. Lily needs a break from her everyday life and heads off to America from England to visit her aunt. She is asked to help Ethan a down on his luck lawyer, and there the fun begins, Can't forget the beautiful dog Molly. I received this book for free and am happy to leave a review.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruff Road to Romance was an epic road trip story with a large helping of mystery, romance, and evil villains. We follow Lily, Ethan, and Molly the rescue dog. It was action packed and an excellent read. Highly recommend. The whole series was great but this one in particular would do fine as a standalone.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the characters especially with Molly. Molly stole my heart. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Definitely worth recommending it.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet romantic comedy . The characters are sweet and likeable and chemistry is good . This is a good book you will love it . . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery and a love story.
Lily is on her first trip overseas, to visit her Aunt in America. She agrees to a road trip to help out Ethan, but things don't run smoothly.Who is after them and why?

A great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun storyline and entertaining with a smooth flow throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and kept me interested.

I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.