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Finding Love at the Doggy Spa #3

That Doggone Rock Star

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It can’t be the love of my life. Tell me it’s not him… Quick, hide me in the kennels!
Five years ago, he brought me out of my shell. Five years ago, we bonded over rock and roll in England. Five years ago he confessed his love…

And I turned him down.

Oh, the regret!

No one made me feel the way Rodney did. Like I was the greatest thing on the planet next to spaniels and shepherds (my words, not his).

But I pushed Rodney squarely into that dratted friend-zone.

Now Rodney is “Rod”, and a rock star. He's more hunky heartthrob than the awkward boy I once knew.

And he just showed up at my doggy spa with his crystal blue eyes, his annoying entourage, and a Rottweiler.

My heart is still on fire, but to him I’m just painful memories.

Is there any chance I can make this right? Or is this rock star too blinded by fame and pain to remember little Lizzie from the old days?

With a mashup of rock ‘n roll and sweet longing looks, it’s the Rottweiler who steals the limelight in this slow-burn romantic comedy!

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2022

13 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

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Elsie Woods

21 books99 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Sierra.
993 reviews
September 2, 2022
Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Lizzie & Rod’s points of view

– this deals with (past) loss of a sibling

Review:

I loved Lizzie, Rod, and Lizzie the dog! I loved Lizzie and Rod’s love story and not having all the details of their past straight away. I loved Lizzie the dog’s ability to cause trouble and humorous situations. I loved Rod’s bandmates and how they contributed to the humor and the serious moments with their personalities. I loved Lizzie the human’s friends and coworkers and how they tried to encourage Lizzie when they knew something was wrong/off with her. Some of my favorite scenes included: postcards, the dating app, phone calls with the parents, Lizzie the dog’s antics, falling on black ice, Lizzie’s date, and when Rod said something shocking and everyone in the vicinity reacted.

Lizzie is in charge of keeping the Doggy Day Spa running smoothly, both with the dogs and their high profile owners, which she does very well. She left England to get away from past hurts and move into a better future for herself and her family. Things were going smoothly, until her past comes into the doggy day spa…

Rod is a rock star who never forgot the girl he fell for back in England. He managed to track her down in America in order to see her once again, not that he’d tell her that. But that’s where his plans derailed. First, his dog (who happens to share the same name as the girl) freaks out over some boxes in the reception area of the doggy spa causing havoc among everyone there. Rod can’t get himself to speak what he planned to say the next time he saw Lizzie (the girl he fell for). Then, the pup refuses to listen to anyone except for Rod and Lizzie so Lizzie has to take the reins on her care. Rod is only going to be in town for a few days and still has so much left unsaid to Lizzie…

Can Lizzie reconcile her past with her future? Can Rod finally say what’s been on his heart and will Lizzie be willing to listen?
Profile Image for Katy.
1,207 reviews109 followers
January 22, 2023
Chapter one, and I already didn’t enjoy the FMC. The way Lizzie talked about British vs American makes it seem like we’re on two different planets! As if the UK doesn’t have ghosting and dating expectations?! And unfortunately, the comparisons continued throughout the book. Usually about “proper etiquette” between people or about situations. And every time, it took me out of the moment, leaving me to enjoy it less. I mean, she literally went out on a date with some random guy because it was the “right thing to do”! What?! However, I did enjoy her past walking into the dog spa she works at. You knew right away that they had a story worth figuring out! It’s been years since they’ve spoken. Rod was busy being famous all over the world, while she was in that tiny town in the mountains. Rod started stumbling over his words, and I enjoyed him instantly. Their reconnection is an instant connection, as if it was never gone. Because it wasn’t. Not that Lizzie would ever admit to that. She assumed that when he became famous, that canceled her out. His life no longer had space for her. Meanwhile, he literally got famous because that’s exactly how she had already made him feel. Even after they’ve reconnected, and he really tries to prove that he wants her in his life again, she continues with the same assumption. I knew his assistant (leach more like) was going to cause issues the moment we met her. But then she really didn’t? I mean, she could have, if Lizzie and Rod weren’t already too focused on the mile high mountain of assumptions and miscommunication between them! And when we finally find out why he never responded to her last postcard, I nearly screamed. Even now I want to yell about it! This read like a novella, but was over detailed. Like a…fluffed novella to make it full length. Honestly, if you take out the miscommunication and assumptions you’d have a really sweet novella! I'm so used to reading about dirty rockstars, living like gods, that this was a nice change of pace.

4/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Second Chance
Profile Image for Mariel.
374 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2022
That Doggone Rock Star (Finding Love at the Doggy Spa #3)
by Elsie Woods

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lizzie lives in Hampton Falls, Colorado and is the General Manager of the Dog's Paw Dog Spa, which is attached to a VIP hotel that caters to the rich and famous.
Her life is simple, but not her virtually nonexistent love life.
Rodney, a flash from the past and an old love interest, breezes into the spa one day, creating a commotion. For Rodney is now known as Rod, a trendy rock star, accompanied by his gorgeous Rottie pup. To make matters worse, he called his dog Lizzie!
Rodney and Lizzie were an item when they were young and both living in the UK, with dreams of how their lives would unfold together. But fate came calling, and they went their separate ways. Can they both put their past behind them and begin a new adventure?

That Doggone Rock Star is the third instalment in the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series but can be read as a standalone. Rod and Lizzie are likeable characters, especially Lizzie, with her adorable clumsy traits. They are typically English, surviving in an American environment. Elsie Woods has an entertaining writing style with chucklesome comments.
"I wave him off like I'm Marilyn Monroe and he just offered to stuff me in a cake for the president," is one of the best lines I have read lately!

This is a story highlighting that we only live once and how to avoid regrets. I think it is sad how they wasted years on confused emotions, instead of just admitting how they both feel. But time together brings those sensations back as if they had only spoken yesterday.
A light-hearted emotional read, with a cute cover, I couldn't help smiling when reading the descriptive scenes surrounding Lizzie the dog.

If you enjoy romance reads combined with a healthy dose of humour, then That Doggone Rock Star is for you.
5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for RedReviews4You Susan-Dara.
809 reviews25 followers
September 24, 2022
I received a review copy of this book, by an author I was unfamiliar and was blown away by the humor and situations I found as well as caring for all the characters -- human, nonhuman, principle and secondary. How is it possible I've never heard of this author or book before? But be sure that I am reading her whole back catalogue because I want to see what I missed.

Romantic Comedies with a Screwball twist has always been my favorite genera of film and novels and "That Doggone Rockstar" has all the best qualities of both comedy genera. Laugh Out Loud Moments, Misunderstandings, Friends who FINALLY realize they should be more, Personal Histories that create roadblocks that shouldn't be roadblocks, all told in clear writing that has a style and fingerprint that makes Woods' book stand out. Included in this is the two biggest sells for me -- DIALGOGUE that sparkles and is crafted so that each character stand apart from the rest and that each person in this book is REAL leaving me asking "When are they going to get their book". Even characters that appear only once, like a whole bus load of Rod Fans will make an impression on you in the best way because you'll recall your moment seeing you first Rock Star or Band and unable to anything other than just scream because you are seeing them. Not to mention Lizzie the dog who will steal your hear without saying a word!

This book will meet anyone's needs as a reader. A Google Clean read that has enough charge and tension to make you think about what isn't happing on the page (for a reference think of this like Hepburn and Grant's Bringing Up Baby) but which will draw you back just waiting for that first on screen aka page.

A FIVE STAR READ and one that had opened a whole new door to a wonderful author's work for me.
Profile Image for Adeline Russ.
Author 16 books3 followers
August 30, 2022
I received That Doggone Rockstar as an ARC and looked forward to reading it because I like stories that include beloved pets as part of the outcome. I did read the book from beginning to end. It was an easy read so I gave it three stars.
The heroine's old boyfriend, gone but not forgotten, shows up at the dog spa where she now works in a high end Colorado hotel somewhere in the middle of nowhere. He has spent the intervening years as a rock star - a status earned and launched on the merits of a song he wrote about her. His dog, a rambunctious Rottweiler, is named for his lost love. So far so good, but right here, I must say, a Rottweiler barreling at me unleashed would NOT be funny or cool or even okay.
Unfortunately, I never got any real sense of deep connection between the characters in their past or present that would cause them to yearn for a long lost love. The references to a dead brother in her past were vague. There didn't seem to be any other relationships between the past and present to show either of them what they might have missed in their (slightly) younger days. They could barely have or complete a conversation and that happened one too many times. like the clumsy trips, slips and falls. Neither one tried very hard to ignore the superficial distractions around them and communicate.
Lastly, I tried to get a sense of where the hotel is located because one minute it was high end, taxis were available and Michelin star restaurants were nearby. Aspen? Vail? That is not the middle of nowhere. And Hampton Falls is in New Hampshire, right where I expected to find it.




Profile Image for Terri McClean .
187 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2022
Elsie Woods has done it again. Her stories that are part of The Doggy Spa series are as adorable as any pup that crosses the threshold of the spa. These are clean cozy rom-com that anyone from 13-113 can enjoy. They are light hearted but filled with feeling at the same time. I usually read mystery and crime novels but I picked up one of her books because of the dog on it, And I found a book I could read without rolling my eyes at that improbability of it. Elsie Woods books are about real people in places and situations that could possibly occur. Her pups steal the show,by being dogs,no talking dogs here. Just dogs doing what they do best,being dogs and offering unconditional love.

I sat down to read this one ,figuring I'd have a couple jelly beans as a snack and read a few chapters before bed. Well the jelly beans are long gone, my pup put herself to bed,and it's 1:12 AM and I've finished the book. It was so enjoyable that I just kept reading it. Lizzie the human and Lizzie the dog will make you smile, sigh,and cheer them on. Even though this is part of a series you could enjoy this book all on its own. Though reading them in order gives you an idea of the growth of the spa and the people employed there.
There are many many books out there to read so I rarely actively search for an authors works, preferring to be surprised by what shows up on my list, but these ones, by Elsie , I do look up. They are just the perfect blend for those times I just want to relax and read for entertainment.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,054 reviews64 followers
September 21, 2022
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a wonderfully fun rom-com with an energetic Rottweiler named Lizzie. She will steal your heart and steal the spotlight in this book. She is full of life, and causes havoc everywhere she goes. I found myself chuckling out loud as I read this book. She causes chaos with her wild adventures, and she definitely causes peril to those around her (90 pounds of dog jumping and running around a roomful of people can be dangerous to those people)! Lizzie (the person) had her heart broken many years ago by her bestie, Rodney. She poured her heart out to him in a postcard of which no response was ever given. She moves her broken heart from her home in London to a small town in Colorado where she manages a high end doggy spa, but her heart is still pining for that bestie.
When Rodney (now known as Rod the rock star) walks into the spa with his dog named Lizzie (yes.. he named his dog Lizzie), she wants the earth to open up and swallow her. Both of them have misconceptions about the other one, and they are fighting their feelings for one another. The characters are funny. I love Rod's bandmates with all of their shenanigans as well. This was a sweet, clean romance with a little humor mixed in. I did love all of the characters, but as I stated earlier, Lizzie the dog will steal the show and your heart!
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,851 reviews47 followers
August 31, 2022
Seems like Lizzie doesn't have the greatest luck in the dating arena. Her coworkers are busy finding her a dating site match when we learn about the one she loved, but lost. That happened 5 years before she left England to come to America and work at the exclusive Dogs Paw Dog Spa. Enter a rambunctious Rottweiler named Lizzie and her owner, a rock star named Rod. A genuinely funny story follows that reveals the truth about Lizzie's past as well as so many calamities packed into just a few days! I know slipping on ice shouldn't be funny, but the author made weather related calamities and Rottie inspired escapades hilarious.

My only disappointment in the book was the forward movement in the story was set at a snail's pace. I loved the characters and Lizzie the dog! (In my mind I pictured her as an energetic sheepdog for some reason, probably because I have never known such an exuberant Rottweiler.) Fun story and great descriptions. A nice addition to the Doggy Spa series.
Profile Image for Nicole (all_bookedup).
489 reviews22 followers
October 15, 2022
4.5 Stars

Tropes:
Second Chance
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Opposites Attract

Dual POV

Can I just say, I love Lizzie, and Lizzie the dog?! I laughed so many times during their scenes. Especially when Lizzie the dog bulldozes through everyone and leaves a path of destruction behind. Lizzie and Rod's relationship was complicated, and at times I wanted to knock some sense into him. Especially when he told her she owed him money. But it all came together in the end.

I really liked the side characters. I loved how all of Lizzie's co-workers were concerned about her and they made it known and sat with her and find out what was wrong. The one that I really didn't like much was Tina, but that's okay!

I only took half a star away because I wanted to know the words to the song! I know I cannot be the only one! Also, I am left hanging as to why Miss. Chardonnay wanted to be called Madame!

Thank you to Elsie Woods for this ARC
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
October 9, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series, and this is Rodney and Lizzie’s story. Lizzie moved from England to get herself away from her past and hoping for a better life for herself and her family. Rodney, a rockstar arrives at Lizzie’s spa, far removed from the awkward boy he used to be and has his entourage in tow as well as his Rottweiler. Lizzie the dog, causes havoc with her humorous antics and situation. This is a well written story which is a slow burn, with regrets, humorous shenanigans, friendships, family, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive small town romance story.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
62 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2022
I’ve been a big fan of the “Finding Love at the Doggy Spa” series, and this is another great addition. Though this can be read as a stand-alone, it’s definitely worth it to read the whole series and find out the backstories for some of the other members of this charming cast of characters.
The overall tone and style of That Doggone Rock Star! is not as “light” as the rest of the series because it deals with some weightier issues. Having a “Lizzie the person” vs “Lizzie the dog” helped to create some lighter moments—not to mention the arrival of the circus! I also loved how supportive the Dogs Paw Dog Spa employees are to each other.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is a voluntary review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sarah Nielsen.
4,217 reviews20 followers
September 4, 2022
I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a really sweet romantic comedy. I really enjoyed returning to the doggy spa, it had a great familiar feel. Lizzie and Rodney’s story had a lot of humor, some sadness and a crazy dog, what’s not to like? The story had a good flow and even though I wished that we had gotten a bit more of a backstory in relation to her brother, I just enjoyed the story as a whole.
Profile Image for Zara.
297 reviews
August 29, 2022
This story is another delightful *tail* about the people of the Dog's Paw Dog Spa - and I admit I stayed up late so I could finish it! I've been looking forward to this story about Lizzie since reading the first book in this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her journey. Looking forward to the next one!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
3,111 reviews21 followers
November 10, 2022
DNF @ 28% Between the dog named Lizzie and the heroine named Lizzie….the only development thus far is Lizzie the fur baby is an out of control pup, and Lizzie the human is an awkward girl who cant voice a complete thought in front of Rodney. A quarter of the way through and nothing is happening. 2*too slow* stars!!!!
Profile Image for Miss Pippi the Librarian.
2,750 reviews60 followers
May 17, 2023
It is book four in Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series.
But you can totally read it as a standalone novel!
Just like the cover states it is a sweet romantic comedy with doggos, music, postcards, second chances, and music.

💙 💙 💙 💙 💙

Go check it out!
It is available in paperback or ebook.

That you for the eArc, Elsie!
All opinions are my own.
1,386 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2025
Romance and Rottweilers

Lizzie is the name of both the manager at the Doggy Spa and the famous Rottweiler owned by rock star Rod. It is such an interesting story of heartbreak, lost love, found love, and honesty with oneself and others. Sweet story with plenty of doggy laughs and a perfect happy ending.
4 reviews
September 8, 2022
I love Elsie's books. I always read them with a smile on my face! I love the Rottie in this one. With so many films and programs getting darker and darker themed, it's so refreshing to read such lovely books. It helps that I am a dog lover too! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for D..
1,820 reviews
September 12, 2022
Lizzie and Rod are fantastic. I had a lot of laughs with the struggle of days gone by and what to do now. These two are funny and the doggie makes it that much more fun. I received an arc and am voluntarily reviewing this book.
181 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2022
One Lizzie is enough but then add a second (fyi 90 pound Rottweiler) in a small town in Colorado, add a Rock Star and his band, and star crossed lovers and you have a recipe for lots of laughs, some angst, twists and one glorious HEA.
12.7k reviews190 followers
November 6, 2022
An absolutely adorable and delightful story that will have you hooked for more. Lizzie let’s her love go. Five years later, guess who’s back. Will there be a chance for them? Read the book and find out.
Profile Image for Rachel Schembri.
165 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2023
ending was abrupt.

It was very cute but the ending was very rushed also what if his band manager?? She stormed off the stage and nobody even said anything else after his band mate ran after her. Didn’t put her in her place, nothing ?
Profile Image for Laura.
1,361 reviews17 followers
September 28, 2022
Just another cute, fun and fast book in the series. There were some heartfelt moments because the book has a second chance trope to it, and I really liked how the author went about it. Especially in the end with the last performance. Lizzie (the dog) was such a hilarious pup. I liked the characters, the storyline and the way of writing. It was an easy read and I will definitely come back for more.

4/5 stars.
483 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2022
cute

What a sweet romcom about Lizzie and Rodney refalling in love after so many years apart… and the cute dog Lizzie really adds to the drama! Enjoy!
3,731 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book
12 reviews
September 17, 2022
I received an ARC of “That Doggone Rockstar” and I’m leaving a review of the book voluntarily. Anytime you mix in a doggie with personality and a HEA I’m in. Lizzie the doggie and her antics had Lizzie (the human) & Rod jumping through hoops to find their love, which had been deeply hidden and unannounced. The book has a great balance of laughter and tension. I’m what I call a “book gutter,” I read the beginning of the book, then the end and the middle, then I read the whole book from beginning to end. I know, but I can’t stand suspense. So the author, aka Elsie Woods, is sooooo good that even the best “book gutter” would have a hard time figuring out the book unless you read it from beginning to end. Believe me I tried, Lol! So for many that’s a plus. The reason for 4 stars is I do enjoy some romance and toe curling kisses and while the tension was there I had to wait for the smooches. But don’t let that dissuade you, especially if you’re a more patient person. As always Ms. Woods a great read!
Profile Image for Maggie.
4 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2022
Sweet clean story that’s enjoyable and easy to read.
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,829 reviews54 followers
May 18, 2023
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyQRR...
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...

The Doggone Rock Star by Elsie Woods is a romantic comedy. It's the third book from the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series.

This one is about Lizzie Mayes, the general manager of the Dog's Paw Dog Spa, and her crush Rod, the singer from the Ram Casters. They had been in love for years but none of them had said anything. Rod found out where she was staying in America and decided to come clean. Unfortunately, his ways confused everyone and caused more harm than happiness. Ultimately, he had to decide if he would go big or go home.

It's a cute clean romance with many funny accidents. The plot is simple and easy to follow. The whole story is focused on the two main characters and their love. We get a little background information about their pasts and their issues. The characters are great. Lizzie is a bit of a mess and it seems that she has no mouth filter. Rod was a surprise because he was too shy for a rock star.
I loved how he tried to make her see the truth and how sweet he was with her. My favorite moments were definitely the havoc the dog created and the big ending scene.

I enjoyed reading this book and I will rate it with 4 stars.
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