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A Walk in the Park
Listening Length: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Two hearts on the mend and one adorable mutt get a new leash on love in this romantic short story from award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon.
Andre Monroe is ready to move on from heartbreak, and the first step is bringing home his rescue pup. He’d bonded instantly with the playful Zeus and was already planning their first adventures. But one thing he definitely hadn’t daydreamed about was Zeus accidentally being promised to someone else - or that he might go home empty-handed and brokenhearted all over again.
Janelle Johnson is not giving up her claim to Zeus. He already has a hold on her heart (and his own Instagram handle). After the year she’d had, she needed this dog. But when she sees the disappointment of the big, burly handsome man who’s clearly just as in love with the dog as she is, she proposes a deal to Andre - for one month they’ll co-parent the dog. How hard could it be?
Both of them agree to the unusual arrangement. Sharing a dog with a complete stranger isn’t quite the walk in the (dog) park they imagined, but as they work together to give Zeus a loving future, their four-legged friend might not be the only one who’s found a happily ever after.
Two hearts on the mend and one adorable mutt get a new leash on love in this romantic short story from award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon.
Andre Monroe is ready to move on from heartbreak, and the first step is bringing home his rescue pup. He’d bonded instantly with the playful Zeus and was already planning their first adventures. But one thing he definitely hadn’t daydreamed about was Zeus accidentally being promised to someone else - or that he might go home empty-handed and brokenhearted all over again.
Janelle Johnson is not giving up her claim to Zeus. He already has a hold on her heart (and his own Instagram handle). After the year she’d had, she needed this dog. But when she sees the disappointment of the big, burly handsome man who’s clearly just as in love with the dog as she is, she proposes a deal to Andre - for one month they’ll co-parent the dog. How hard could it be?
Both of them agree to the unusual arrangement. Sharing a dog with a complete stranger isn’t quite the walk in the (dog) park they imagined, but as they work together to give Zeus a loving future, their four-legged friend might not be the only one who’s found a happily ever after.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 10, 2022
26 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Weatherspoon
33 books2,978 followersAfter years of meddling in her friends’ love lives, Rebekah Weatherspoon turned to writing romance to get her fix. Raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon now lives in Southern California where she will remain forever because she hates moving.
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
July 3, 2023
the setup…
There’s utter chaos at the animal rescue center when Andre Monroe and Janelle Johnson each show up to claim their adopted dog. Problem is, a rogue fired employee assigned the same animals to multiple people and things are pretty ugly at the scene. Andre and Janelle were assigned the lovable Zeus and both work hard to appeal to the other to be the dog’s new parent. When someone suggests they consider co-parenting, it’s their only option as both really need and bonded with this pet. And, their immediate attraction to each other sweetens the proposition.
the heart of the story…
I was hoping this would be the story promised by the cover and it far surpassed my expectations. What I hadn’t anticipated was both Andre and Janelle’s need for the dog to move forward after individual heartbreak, in addition to being completely devoted to Zeus’s well being. It’s a short story and I don’t typically expect a lot of character development but these two were so well crafted I adored them as much as the dog!
the narration…
Both narrators were new to me and it didn’t matter as they fully engaged with their characters. They made me want to be friends with both Janelle and Andre and served up the story nicely.
the bottom line…
If you’re looking for a feel good moment, one where when you reach the end of the story and are still smiling, then give this little gem a chance. Their co-parenting was lovely and the developing romance was sweet. What could be better than two people wanting to give a dog his best life in the meantime?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
There’s utter chaos at the animal rescue center when Andre Monroe and Janelle Johnson each show up to claim their adopted dog. Problem is, a rogue fired employee assigned the same animals to multiple people and things are pretty ugly at the scene. Andre and Janelle were assigned the lovable Zeus and both work hard to appeal to the other to be the dog’s new parent. When someone suggests they consider co-parenting, it’s their only option as both really need and bonded with this pet. And, their immediate attraction to each other sweetens the proposition.
the heart of the story…
I was hoping this would be the story promised by the cover and it far surpassed my expectations. What I hadn’t anticipated was both Andre and Janelle’s need for the dog to move forward after individual heartbreak, in addition to being completely devoted to Zeus’s well being. It’s a short story and I don’t typically expect a lot of character development but these two were so well crafted I adored them as much as the dog!
the narration…
Both narrators were new to me and it didn’t matter as they fully engaged with their characters. They made me want to be friends with both Janelle and Andre and served up the story nicely.
the bottom line…
If you’re looking for a feel good moment, one where when you reach the end of the story and are still smiling, then give this little gem a chance. Their co-parenting was lovely and the developing romance was sweet. What could be better than two people wanting to give a dog his best life in the meantime?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
March 15, 2022
This was so cute! There was a mix up at the shelter and our hero and heroine end up being approved for the same dog. They both are set on adopting Zeus, so they agree to coparent the dog and fall for each other in the process. This was short and sweet and there isn't really much more to say! I loved a plot that revolves around dogs and it was fun watching the two characters fall in love. They both have pasts they're still recovering from, but they can't help falling head over heels for each other. Definitely a short and sweet read!
July 18, 2023
Many thanks to Jonetta for putting me on to this sweet novella.
A happy result from an unhappy incident means Janelle and Andre find themselves sharing a dog from the rescue centre, despite the fact that they do not know each other at all. Both of them are recovering from bad break ups, both want a cute dog to help them recover, and they end up co-parenting Zeus, the cutest dog ever.
It is apparent from the beginning the way this book is going to end, but there is a lot to enjoy along the way. All of the characters are well drawn, the dialogue is funny, Zeus is adorable and what more does anyone need? Well, since this was an audiobook good narrators helped too. Marissa Hampton and Chinua Hawk read alternate chapters and do it excellently.
Very enjoyable and recommended for anyone who wants to read a delightful love story.
A happy result from an unhappy incident means Janelle and Andre find themselves sharing a dog from the rescue centre, despite the fact that they do not know each other at all. Both of them are recovering from bad break ups, both want a cute dog to help them recover, and they end up co-parenting Zeus, the cutest dog ever.
It is apparent from the beginning the way this book is going to end, but there is a lot to enjoy along the way. All of the characters are well drawn, the dialogue is funny, Zeus is adorable and what more does anyone need? Well, since this was an audiobook good narrators helped too. Marissa Hampton and Chinua Hawk read alternate chapters and do it excellently.
Very enjoyable and recommended for anyone who wants to read a delightful love story.
March 12, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
This was adorable! One of the best audible original romance novella's I've listened to. A mixup at the animal shelter results in strangers Andre and Janelle agreeing to share custody of a rescue dog, and may end up finding love along the way. This was sweet, funny, and a little bit sexy with great fat representation for the hero AND heroine! We don't get a ton of plus size heroines, but even fewer heroes so it's refreshing to see. The hero even works in comics and I am always here for geeky heroes. Definitely worth a read!
This was adorable! One of the best audible original romance novella's I've listened to. A mixup at the animal shelter results in strangers Andre and Janelle agreeing to share custody of a rescue dog, and may end up finding love along the way. This was sweet, funny, and a little bit sexy with great fat representation for the hero AND heroine! We don't get a ton of plus size heroines, but even fewer heroes so it's refreshing to see. The hero even works in comics and I am always here for geeky heroes. Definitely worth a read!
March 28, 2022
4.5 adorable stars!
This was the cutest most adorable story!! That fateful day when two people tried to adopt the same dog only to come to the conclusion to co parent. Total strangers thrown together through a sweet dog. I loved this more than I thought, but I love RW’s words so that’s not surprising. The cover of this book totally drew me in! I love the larger body representation.
This was the cutest most adorable story!! That fateful day when two people tried to adopt the same dog only to come to the conclusion to co parent. Total strangers thrown together through a sweet dog. I loved this more than I thought, but I love RW’s words so that’s not surprising. The cover of this book totally drew me in! I love the larger body representation.
March 12, 2022
At first glance, I thought that chick was Jill Scott on the cover 😝. I love some Jill Scott.
💥A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon is absolutely delightful. It features Andre and Janelle who received the exact adoption email about a dog named Zeus.
I chuckled and smiled through this novella-length audiobook. Very likable characters and an excellent connection/chemistry despite their adversarial first impression. This is another winner from R Rebekah weatherspoon and it’s on audible plus. What a cute audiobook.
March 11, 2022
This was a really cute….as unconventional as it was…a rescue dog named Zeus brought two perfect strangers Janelle & Andre together.
February 10, 2023
Ummmmm help I need an entire series 🥰 listening to this felt like cuddling about twenty puppies 🥺 the narrators were fantastic and it was such a quick read. Plus there was a sex scene!! God bless
August 22, 2022
2022 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Black Love
Super cute listen. Read via audible plus (narrated by Marissa Hampton and Chinua Hawk).
Super cute listen. Read via audible plus (narrated by Marissa Hampton and Chinua Hawk).
March 20, 2022
This was adorable as heck and only 2.5 hours, quick and sweet listen. Andre was a really realistic cinnamon roll and Janelle was so much fun.
April 11, 2022
This was just there, but really fun
March 21, 2022
Note: At the time of this review, the audiobook is included for Audible Plus members.
I loved this sweet & sexy novella. Super cute & low angst meet cute romance. Weatherspoon’s ability to evoke those “just starting out flutters” was perfect. Andre & Janelle are both out of breakups and decide a dog is the best way to go for companionship. Unfortunately, the shelter has promised Zeus to both of them - so the answer is coparenting. Fun fur baby adventures turn into more for this couple.
Narration:
This was my first time listening to either Marissa Hampton or Chinua Hawk and I enjoyed them both. Great matches for Weatherspoon’s style and characters. Delightful listen.
I loved this sweet & sexy novella. Super cute & low angst meet cute romance. Weatherspoon’s ability to evoke those “just starting out flutters” was perfect. Andre & Janelle are both out of breakups and decide a dog is the best way to go for companionship. Unfortunately, the shelter has promised Zeus to both of them - so the answer is coparenting. Fun fur baby adventures turn into more for this couple.
Narration:
This was my first time listening to either Marissa Hampton or Chinua Hawk and I enjoyed them both. Great matches for Weatherspoon’s style and characters. Delightful listen.
August 7, 2024
Rebekah had me from the moment I saw two fat Black leads, and it never disappointed. A bit instalovey, but its a novella so that's almost expected. Really liked both the narrators. It was a cozy listen while I finished work for the week.
December 25, 2023
Meet Cute - couple falls in love sharing a dog, due to a mistake at the shelter.
October 3, 2025
I wouldn't be mad at a meet-cute like this in real life. This was a cute and cozy novella, straightforward, with good communication, good vibes, a dash of spice, a premise that could only happen in fiction, and a lovable canine. Not mad at it.
June 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s. Listened to audiobook.
November 29, 2022
AHHHH they were so cute and I loved seeing two plus sized main characters. I love dogs and I love black people, what more could you need?🤷🏿♀️❤️
October 17, 2023
Cute. Short & Sweet
August 28, 2023
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
I was already aware that it was a novellette so I knew to expect something short and fast paced, but I still wish we got more. While it was very nice to see the slow start of them setting everything up with the dog, the mood was ruined a little when the pace picked up with them hooking up and the little time-skips. Even just one more chapter in between would have been enough to make it more evenly paced, I think.
I was still going to rate it five starts because while I felt that way, it didn’t actually bother me that much and I really enjoyed the story. But then I got to the epilogue, and the one year time skip did throw me off because we missed out on the actual relationship. That’s such a big jump that leaves me with so many questions…
I was already aware that it was a novellette so I knew to expect something short and fast paced, but I still wish we got more. While it was very nice to see the slow start of them setting everything up with the dog, the mood was ruined a little when the pace picked up with them hooking up and the little time-skips. Even just one more chapter in between would have been enough to make it more evenly paced, I think.
I was still going to rate it five starts because while I felt that way, it didn’t actually bother me that much and I really enjoyed the story. But then I got to the epilogue, and the one year time skip did throw me off because we missed out on the actual relationship. That’s such a big jump that leaves me with so many questions…
July 28, 2023
It's refreshing to find a romance with mature characters and no gratuitous conflicts keeping them apart! I really enjoyed the reader as well.
April 14, 2022
A well written short story about an accidental pairing.
June 19, 2022
A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon is a cute and quick listen. It features Andre and Janelle who received the exact adoption email about a dog named Zeus. They show up at the rescue centre at the same time, both ready to take their dog home. They decide to share him for one month, then decide who will get to keep him. Well, you know how that will go. This was a fun story. Both characters were dealing with some heartbreak and trouble, but their immediate chemistry helps them work through their sharing plan easily. The way they deal with Zeus was similar and showed them how much they have in common. There were some laughs, smiles and nodding of my head as I listened to this one. Of course, I always love when a dog is involved in bringing two people together. There is a steamy scene as they realize how they feel about each other. A nice book to listen to while working in the yard.
July 2, 2025
This was ridiculously adorable omg! I loved the premise and idk if it’s implausible or just not the best idea for a multitude of valid reasons to co-adopt a dog with a stranger, but it was cute okay and this is a romance safe space lol. I only wish it was more… swoony? I wanted to go “aww” to the humans as much as the pup!
rating: ★★★★
released: 10 March 2022
genre: contemporary romance
pov: dual first person
MCs: Janelle + Andre ♡
audio narrated by Marissa Hampton + Chinua Hawk
rating: ★★★★
released: 10 March 2022
genre: contemporary romance
pov: dual first person
MCs: Janelle + Andre ♡
audio narrated by Marissa Hampton + Chinua Hawk
did-not-finish
July 25, 2023DNF at 30%. Nothing wrong. Just not feeling it.
November 13, 2024
Very nice, quick read.
November 18, 2022
This was super cute! I highly enjoyed listening to Andre and Janelle's story about a dog adoption center mix up! Co-(dog)parenting turned love with plus size representation. I live for this!
March 14, 2022
So dang cute and sweet, I could hardly stand it. With some sweet heat too. Read the blurb. It's all you need to know. Happy reading!
May 7, 2025
First book by this author. This was a good meet cute story. I enjoyed the narrator's voices.
November 4, 2023
I loved this 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews