Double Dog Dare

Paws and Claws #2

by Argentina Ryder

An awkward introvert. A handsome veterinarian. What happens after your dream comes true?

Since his parents' death, Luke has retreated into an isolated lifestyle. The high point of his week is taking his foster dog to the vet's office, where he can talk to Doctor Chance and imagine what it would be like to hold him. To touch him. To kiss him.

Chance is smart, handsome, and rich, yet he doesn't date - ever. He's never found anyone who wants him for him. But there's something about Luke and his wry humor that makes Chance's heart beat faster.

Their mutual attraction is obvious to everyone except for them, until one night when a special dog brings them together, and they can't hide their longing for each other anymore. But their lives are vastly different, and neither one is capable of love—or are they? Can these two men who've both given up on romance accept the challenge and dare to love each other, or will real life crash down on them and force them apart?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Contemporary, M M Contemporary

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2022

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Argentina Ryder and I really enjoyed it. She did a wonderful job with her characters. I loved Luke and Chance. They both were lacking in their social skills so it made them clumsy and adorable together. Reading about what poor Sadie went through actually had me crying. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Exceptional story concerning several pertinent issues: mistreated dogs, animal rescue centers, the loss of loved ones and LGBTQ acceptance and rights.

However, these were infinitely overshadowed by numerous glaring editing errors. Most notable were inexcusable missing words and run-on words. Absolutely destroyed the book's flow and resulted in a .75 star deduction in my rating. A shame, really, because the story had SO much promise, charm and warmth.

Whoever edited this book at Contessina Publishing should be retrained. They did a horrible job.

As I am still furious at how awful the grammatical mistakes were, I will not even delve into the major plotline. The author does not deserve that privilege. I shall say that had these numerous overlooked errors been present, I would have most certainly would have garnered a sufficiently higher level of enjoyment from this print book I paid good money for. I shall not make that same mistake twice.

Reread completed 10/19/23. Don't ask me why.

[Kashonna Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book like the first in the series was ok. Luke & Chance were cute together and I loved the dog rescue. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the family drama. Even though it was heavily focused, it still pulled me away from enjoying the book fully.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pets are gifts to be cherished. Luke, prefers staying home and isolated from other people. The highlight of his day is visiting the Vets office with his foster dogs and seeing Dr Chance. Luke's sister Jessica dedicates her life to questionably legal pet rescues. They both are an emotional result of losing their parents early. Chance, was under pressure from his Mom to meet her and familial expectations. He felt everyone wanted a piece of him and there wasn't much left over. Luke, secretly crushed on Chance. Chance noticed Luke. Friends and family, recognize the potential for the men. Chance's family create a block of emotional challenges for him. They finally talked over the health of a rescue. Good story. Nice guys, they really see each other. Will Luke step out of his comfort zone to meet Chance's family? Will they accept Luke? Can Luke let go of his fears? Nice story. A few unanswered questions, maybe in future stories. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love any books about sweet dogs and a book with two MCs who adore dogs it just makes my heart melt into a puddle. We have Luke who rescues animals that have been abused or left homeless. He works with Chance, a vet who donates his services to help Luke and his sister with the abused and homeless animals. Luke has a huge crush on Chance and always volunteers to take the animals to be looked over by Chance. Luke and Chance are so sweet, they have a sweet friendship that develops into something more. I love how sweet Chance is with Luck and how sweet their relationship is. I am so in love with this series and this amazing cast of characters. It is such an adorably sweet series!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 3rd Person Dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Paws and Claws series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[Marruby Callaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly, this was a good story though a couple of things didn’t work for me. Luke and Chance were good together and I liked all the dogs (though I thought Luke should have adopted Sadie). What bugged me most was the way that all problems, no matter how large or persistent or who they were between, were immediately forgiven and forgotten as soon as even the semblance of “sorry” came out. It’s just not realistic or healthy for that to be true. Also of concern was how easily various characters made major changes to their lives without discussion or qualms. I don’t necessarily need a lot of drama or angst to go with these things, I think too many details just got swept under the rug. It was mentioned that Luke was on the spectrum and I felt like an opportunity was missed by not truly incorporating it into the plot. I actually did enjoy the MCs and most of the story, but the details sadly kept pulling me out of the experience.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one a lot more than the previous book. Luke was definitely an interesting guy, especially with the way he talks. I found it charming. Chance was a good guy. I’ve always been fascinated by the veterinarian profession, so much so that I watch a lot of Discovery and Animal Planet shows about it. Adding on the whole pet rescue aspect really just sealed the deal for me. Loved reading about that in this one. However, I’m not sure why Chance’s relationship with his parents, and I do include them both because his father’s cowardice was equal in the betrayal, was sort of brushed aside. Having a homophobic parent and another one who is too weak stand for you is something that should never be brushed off. Chance deserved some full closure there. I wanted an all out discussion and confrontation. Just some sort of ownership really but it never happened.

*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*

[Raven and Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is decent, kinda like the first one. I have a similar problem from both of them though although it’s a little more pronounced in this book. Chance and Luke are a good couple and I love the dogs and all of the rescues. The relationship of Luke and Jessica and their aunt who holds their trust fund feels a little off. But even more than that, Chance’s relationship with his parents and his grandmother bothered me. It’s not the fact that there is friction: it’s the little bit of victim blaming, “just get over it” attitude, as well as the “Oh I’m sorry so it’s all better now” stuff. I am not saying there has to be high levels of angst but real relationships that fractured don’t just go away, and I felt like these were made to do just that. Other than that, this is a god story and worth a read if you don’t have any familial trauma along those lines.

[smatchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book was pretty good. The only thing I didn’t like was the “grand gesture” at the end with the movie theater. I thought it was selfish of Chance to rent out the whole theater complex, when he could have just rented out one of the theaters, and escorted Luke in through the exit to avoid as much of the crowds as possible. Luke had just been to a huge family party, so Chance should have known he could do crowds in small doses without freaking out. I hate it when people decide what someone can tolerate for them. Plus the money spent on most of that could have gone to a good cause! I get that the author wanted to bake it big, and chance had the money, but neither of them seem like money wasters up to that point, so that whole thing just seemed a little ridiculous. Still recommended!

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke and Chance are good, successful men. They also find themselves dealing with an intrusive older woman - for Luke it's his aunt, for Chance his mother who is trying to direct his path. But Luke is just an introvert and Chance is a busy veterinarian, who is not sure love is in the cards for him and struggling with his sense of self because of the expectations of others. What they have in common is their love and work with animals. Luke and his sister foster rescued until they can be homed and Chance is the veterinarian that cares for their guests. And they are attracted to one another. That service to vulnerable animals brings them into one another's orbits. They just need to wake up and see that their feelings and interest in one another is mutual. This was an endearing slow burn to relationship story of two lovely men who not only love dogs but find love for one another. A love neither thought they had a chance at. Pun intended!
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Paws and Claws book series, and is a well written, sweet, funny at times, yet the scenes between Chance and Luke were hot, tender and touching. Argentina Ryder is a new to me author and I look forward to reading her books in the future. Luke is a highly functioning autistic man who has suffered loss. Chance is the only son of a very wealthy family who refuse to acknowledge he is gay and keep pressuring him to become "un gay" and marry someone his mother has picked out for him. Although both men have known each other for a long time, it is an injured, rescued dog that brings them together one night and both find that they is a spark. This book seems to end with a HEA, but is kind of leading you into the 3rd book in this series. I wonder who the main characters will be in it?

I received and ARC of this book an am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluffy pets are my weakness add in two mc’s that were sweet with a side of steam, and you get a good story. Luke and his sister rescue dogs that have been abused or left homeless. Chance is the vet that helps them take care of the dogs. Luke is on the spectrum and is somewhat quirky. That aspect felt fairly realistic. I loved that Chance didn’t even bat an eye at Luke’s quirkiness, just went with the flow. There is a great group of secondary characters that the guys surround themselves with. I loved catching up with Nolan and Harrison from the first story. Double Dog Dare was easy and fun to read, flowed smoothly.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet quick read. Luke and Chance are both super nice kind of regular guys who meet when Luke brings a rescue dog Sadie to Chance who is a vet. I adored how insecure they both were, and it led to such an awkward first kiss! There are very detailed descriptions so I could visualize both cute Luke and hot blonde Chance! This story is an easy read and is a natural slow burn which made it relatable and realistic. I received an arc, and I am looking forward to more romances in this series! Loved seeing Nolan and Harrison!

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luke is reclusive but is trying very hard to overcome this by taking his sister’s rescue dogs to see the vet he has a huge crush on.
Chance loves being a vet. He loves all the animals he treats and he likes interacting with the owners. He especially has a soft spot for Luke.
When a quick kiss sends Luke running, Chance thinks he has lost he best shot with Luke.

This is an enjoyable book to read but could benefit from some closer editing

I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another lighthearted romance featuring sweet pets. I love fluffy romance novels but the addition of fur babies is my kryptonite. I love the dog rescue that loosely ties this series together. That being said, Luke is an intriguing character and his place on the autism spectrum is a refreshing look into the struggles they face while also highlighting how special and wonderful these folks are. Chance takes the quirks in stride and is generally sweet to Luke. This was a nice quick read with little to no angst.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Luke and Chance. Luke and his sister foster dogs that his sister "rescues". Chance is the local vet that Luke takes all the dogs to for their checkups. When Luke brings in a dog who is severely injured he stays by the cage not wanting to leave until he knows she will recover. Chance winds up sitting with him. I think it's a really cute storyline on how they get together and even after a misunderstanding while at Chance's grandmother's birthday party. Looking forward to book 3. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Jo Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by this author and I found the same issue that I found with the first although this was a little bit better than that one. That issue is the the book just ends with no really outcome. I felt that this one did sort of end but not clearly enough. The main story line though was good and very realistic Luke and Chance were both dealing with issues in their personal lives but they finally manage to get their act together and move forward. I would read the first book before this one as there is some character crossover but can be read as a stand-alone

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story!

I loved this book. The story of Chance and Luke is one of two men who know each other through Chance’s work as a vet and become closer over the care of one special dog, Sadie. Sadie will bring them together but it won’t be an easy journey as a trip for his Grandmother’s birthday will leave Chance saying the wrong thing and hurting Luke. They will find their way back to each other and it will be a wonderful ending for all as even Sadie will get a happily ever after!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sweet, not confused about orientation, but not really forward enough to challenge expectations for Chance, and for Luke, the most amazing growth in his confidence, that is until an accidental overhearing of Chance messes with all his feelings, and he has plenty. Interestingly Luke has a much better thought process about the whole thing in the end. Chance gets the kick in the backside he deserves. I really enjoyed this story and the additional pet rescue related parts to this whole book. “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”

[Ken Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

App developer and his dog rescuing sister

Luke is on the autism spectrum, living with his younger sister in the house they grew up in, using the space to foster (or pre-foster) dogs rescued from bad conditions in Houston. Some of the animals need vet care, which is where Doctor Chance enters the plot. Ryder fills the novel with intriguing and informative situations as the men move towards better lives and the possibilities of HEA, while the many women supporting the story grow.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and nice, those are the two words that I can come up with for this book. I did enjoyed this book nearly as much as the first but there is something about this book that irked me, I’m just not sure what it was.
The writing is solid as is the storyline, it’s dual POV and is nice. It’s a read that could fill an afternoon and has cute dogs in it. This is just my opinion it is a good nice book.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute love story of a Vet and an Ap designer who helps rescue dogs in his spare time.
This is a sweet romance about two guys, both with their own issues who learn new things about themselves and the people around them, whilst falling in love.
It's about acceptance and learning to be your true self.
Enjoyed reading this story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I absolutely loved the first book but this one was just ok IMO. The characters and the relationship just didn't wow me. I found myself more interested in the little sister that was saving the animals. Without spoiloring I didn't particularly like the family situation and how either MC acted. I didn't hate it but I just didn't love it. I just felt like the plotline of the vet helping to save the animals that Luke's sister reacues had so much more swoony potential.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chance and Luke are both men that are hiding. Luke has withdrawn since the death of his parents. Chance is using his veterinary degree to hide from taking responsibility in his family's foundation. They are drawn together by their love of rescuing animals. This is a super sweet and simple love story and that is what charmed me the most about it. Both men take a chance on opening up to each other and end up so much better for it.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off a little slow for me but then developed into a sweet mm story of two lovely young men and a gaggle of dogs, what more could you ask for, except maybe a happy ending. My only complaint is the mystery of chapter 17 which, for me, was a complete copy of chapter 16. I don't know if I missed whatever should have been in chapter 17 but it didn't  seem to interfere with the story for me.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who could resist two cute guys and an even cuter dog? Not me! I really enjoyed Double Dog Dare.
Luke and his sister rescue dogs that have been abused or left homeless. Chance is the vet that helps them take care of the dogs.
From their first meet you could feel the connection between them.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the Paws and Claws series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is shy and hides away from everyone but he looks forward to seeing the vet for his foster dog. He wants to do so very much to them and with them. The vet feels the same but never takes that step. Everyone around them could see they wanted the other. Will they ever take that step? Will a dog bring them closer? How will that first step be like? See how they both get on

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect sunshine read after some dark stories lately. I loved these two guys brought together by their love for animals. The dogs let them meet regularly and give them ready made conversation topics that let them both get used to talking to each other. Watching that lead from a crush on Luke's part to mutual friendship to love was heartwarming. A sweet, feel good story.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vet and his client. I related to Luke so much, to the point where I prefer solitude to big crowds. So yeah, I loved the sweetness in the story, the love of dogs and taking it to actually saving dogs. The MCs are freaking cute, since that first kiss I was rooting for them. Dr Chance’s co workers meddle but they want the best for him. It’s family, friends and dogs with a nice romance.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Sweet and entertaining. Luke fosters dogs and takes them to the handsome vet Chance every week. Luke kinds has a crush on Chance. One special foster dog brings them closer together. They get to know each other better. Can they past their owm issues and become more? I highly recommend.