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Finding Love at the Doggy Spa #0.5
Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa
If the Hallmark Channel and Animal Planet had a baby, it would be this book.
It's Christmastime. No time for playing around with romance. I’m a woman working my way up in the corporate world!
The only man in my life is Cornelius. My sausage dog. He goes with me everywhere, which really means that I accompany him everywhere.
Including to the vet, Dr. Chamberlain.
About Dr. Chamberlain… If ever there was a rugged dog lover hunk of man that just might make me change my mind about Christmas love, it would be him.
I don’t have time. Or patience. Or the right disposition for romance.
I'm an event manager and I’ve got parties coming out of my ears. Events where I’m supposed to bring a plus one… and Cornelius doesn't count.
But Dr. Chamberlain is a perfect fake date. If I look at him with longing eyes, that’s all just part of the plan, right?
That fluttering in my stomach must be from all the Christmas candy. It better not be feelings for the vet.
Cornelius, do not bite Santa! I’ll give you a treat…
Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa is a quick read that will warm your heart with giggles this season. Because puppy love and puppies are one of the world’s greatest combinations!
Start the series with this novella and come to love the antics of Tom, Claire, and four-legged Cornelius!
It's Christmastime. No time for playing around with romance. I’m a woman working my way up in the corporate world!
The only man in my life is Cornelius. My sausage dog. He goes with me everywhere, which really means that I accompany him everywhere.
Including to the vet, Dr. Chamberlain.
About Dr. Chamberlain… If ever there was a rugged dog lover hunk of man that just might make me change my mind about Christmas love, it would be him.
I don’t have time. Or patience. Or the right disposition for romance.
I'm an event manager and I’ve got parties coming out of my ears. Events where I’m supposed to bring a plus one… and Cornelius doesn't count.
But Dr. Chamberlain is a perfect fake date. If I look at him with longing eyes, that’s all just part of the plan, right?
That fluttering in my stomach must be from all the Christmas candy. It better not be feelings for the vet.
Cornelius, do not bite Santa! I’ll give you a treat…
Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa is a quick read that will warm your heart with giggles this season. Because puppy love and puppies are one of the world’s greatest combinations!
Start the series with this novella and come to love the antics of Tom, Claire, and four-legged Cornelius!
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2022
67 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 16, 2023
4.5 Cookie ⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, fake relationship, sweet, no steamage
This was super cute and fun! You gotta love a fake romance...They inevitably start to fall for each other, but are too afraid to say something in case the other isn't feeling it, but eventually it all works out. I love the dual pov, especially when Tom talks to himself like he's an old fart at twenty-nine.
If you're looking for a sweet, clean as a whistle, fake relationship book set in Christmastime with a side of dogs, then look no further.
*Thanks to Elsie Woods and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, fake relationship, sweet, no steamage
This was super cute and fun! You gotta love a fake romance...They inevitably start to fall for each other, but are too afraid to say something in case the other isn't feeling it, but eventually it all works out. I love the dual pov, especially when Tom talks to himself like he's an old fart at twenty-nine.
If you're looking for a sweet, clean as a whistle, fake relationship book set in Christmastime with a side of dogs, then look no further.
*Thanks to Elsie Woods and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
December 8, 2024
The funny moments yes, there were plenty. The chemistry between them, non existent. But it was a relaxing pass of time and even if you aren't a dog lover there are hilarious moments with them that you'll reconsider. So 4 stars just for the laugh.
December 30, 2025
мило, оцінка могла б бути вищою, але фінальна драма трохи все зіпсувала.
3/5 ⭐️
3/5 ⭐️
December 22, 2021
Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa is a quick read that will warm you heart with giggles this season. An easy fun, enjoyable read that will have you grinning ear to ear the whole entire time. This is a new author for me and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books by her. Happy reading everyone
September 12, 2023
I like this book and I am excited to read the next one in this series.
March 30, 2024
“Call me Cookie.”
Characters- I absolutely LOVED these characters the two main ones who are almost polar opposites aka Claire who is laser focused on her work and Tom who is a goofy Vet who says that make him act like a character in the “I love Lucy” reruns he watches. These two make a great dynamic through the story.
Plot- The plot is focused on a scenario where Claire and her vet both need a fake partner to appease their respective partners one being a work situation and the other one being a family situation. What I took away from the plot was that it worked effortlessly in just a 100 pages the plot progressed steady and not too fast in areas at all!
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My review- This little novella in a bunch of intertwined standalones is basically a hallmark movie in book form! I could see from the very beginning how the book would end but I loved it nonetheless! I got this book for free from a stuff your kindle day event last year and just now got to reading it and I am so glad I did! I’ve had a massive reading slump after I read a 600~ page fantasy novel that drained me. This book quite literally broke my reading slump!
I am so glad I read this book and I feel that if anyone wants a sweet hallmark inspired romance you should read this book!
Characters- I absolutely LOVED these characters the two main ones who are almost polar opposites aka Claire who is laser focused on her work and Tom who is a goofy Vet who says that make him act like a character in the “I love Lucy” reruns he watches. These two make a great dynamic through the story.
Plot- The plot is focused on a scenario where Claire and her vet both need a fake partner to appease their respective partners one being a work situation and the other one being a family situation. What I took away from the plot was that it worked effortlessly in just a 100 pages the plot progressed steady and not too fast in areas at all!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My review- This little novella in a bunch of intertwined standalones is basically a hallmark movie in book form! I could see from the very beginning how the book would end but I loved it nonetheless! I got this book for free from a stuff your kindle day event last year and just now got to reading it and I am so glad I did! I’ve had a massive reading slump after I read a 600~ page fantasy novel that drained me. This book quite literally broke my reading slump!
I am so glad I read this book and I feel that if anyone wants a sweet hallmark inspired romance you should read this book!
February 7, 2026
This was a sweet holiday novella.
Claire - an up and coming event planner, on the verge of a promotion, is preparing for a major Christmas party. She is too busy for the dating scene but her boss wants her to have a plus one for this Christmas party. While working on last minute details, her dog, Cornelius, develops a cough which requires a trip to the vet.
Tom - a slightly awkward but career focused vet is about to propose something to Claire that would help both of them. Tom knows a thing or two about fake dating, so he proposes being Claire’s fake date for her event, if she’ll be his fake date for his family’s dinner.
December 8, 2021
I always love trying new authors but it is always sad when it isn't something I'd like to read. This book though was something I am very happy I found for I have a new author to love!
The pacing of the story was very well done!
The characters were very different which is probably what made them such a cute couple. I love how we got to see the shy and confident Claire. She looked like a woman that had it all together but she needed someone to help her remember to eat a nice meaty juicy burger when she was too busy to think otherwise. Tom was so cute and sweet! I loved how he was shy but how confident he was at the event.
Content: kisses
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pacing of the story was very well done!
The characters were very different which is probably what made them such a cute couple. I love how we got to see the shy and confident Claire. She looked like a woman that had it all together but she needed someone to help her remember to eat a nice meaty juicy burger when she was too busy to think otherwise. Tom was so cute and sweet! I loved how he was shy but how confident he was at the event.
Content: kisses
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this romance. The characters were really good. There was an awesome lot of chemistry. I loved the writing the book was super cute and awesome.
January 5, 2025
Cute Christmas novella that is a prequel for a new series. Lots of fun dogs in this one as well as a fake relationship to satisfy some overbearing relatives and quirky characters with their pets.
December 11, 2024
4.75⭐️ Such a cute story! The only down side was I felt that the last chapter or so went super quick, almost like it was rushed. Still, I loved the story and the characters. Would definitely recommend!
December 8, 2021
Event planner Claire has a reputation as a bit of a man-eater but she's got a soft spot for her dachshund, which brings her together with Tom the vet. Tom is clueless with technology and has weird vocabulary issues but he has an even bigger problem, he's told his family he has a girlfriend so they wouldn't set him up on so many dates. But now his family wants to meet her, and Claire agrees to help if he agrees to be her plus one to a gala. This quick read was an okay, nice story with lots of dogs and no angst, maybe a bit too short to be very memorable. Steam level: a dog got humped but humans keep their clothes on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2025
Faking Christmas: Love at the Doggy Spa is a playful holiday rom-com with a twist that makes it perfect for a light, fun read over the festive season. The story centers on a heroine who has never really had time for romance—the only “man” in her heart is her loyal dog. But when Christmas rolls around, she finds herself in need of a plus one for the big festivities.
Her best friend, who co-owns a dog spa right next door to the local vet, suggests that she ask the vet to be her date. The idea is as unexpected as it is charming, especially since the vet is also looking for a plus one for his own Christmas family dinner. As the two embark on this makeshift arrangement, a series of humorous and heartwarming moments unfold that capture the spirit of the season.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the quirky, relatable approach to finding love where you least expect it. The heroine’s unconventional relationship with her dog sets the stage for an amusing tale about stepping out of your comfort zone. Ellie Woods has a knack for writing with warmth and humor, making even the most unusual circumstances feel genuine and fun.
The story’s casual tone, mixed with festive charm, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to escape into a cozy, light-hearted romance during the holiday season. Even though the premise might seem a bit offbeat at first, the chemistry between the characters and the clever plot twists keep the pages turning. Overall, Faking Christmas: Love at the Doggy Spa is an enjoyable read that reminds us that sometimes, the best kind of love—and the best plus one—might come from the most unexpected place.
Her best friend, who co-owns a dog spa right next door to the local vet, suggests that she ask the vet to be her date. The idea is as unexpected as it is charming, especially since the vet is also looking for a plus one for his own Christmas family dinner. As the two embark on this makeshift arrangement, a series of humorous and heartwarming moments unfold that capture the spirit of the season.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the quirky, relatable approach to finding love where you least expect it. The heroine’s unconventional relationship with her dog sets the stage for an amusing tale about stepping out of your comfort zone. Ellie Woods has a knack for writing with warmth and humor, making even the most unusual circumstances feel genuine and fun.
The story’s casual tone, mixed with festive charm, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to escape into a cozy, light-hearted romance during the holiday season. Even though the premise might seem a bit offbeat at first, the chemistry between the characters and the clever plot twists keep the pages turning. Overall, Faking Christmas: Love at the Doggy Spa is an enjoyable read that reminds us that sometimes, the best kind of love—and the best plus one—might come from the most unexpected place.
March 20, 2023
3.5 out of 5 stars
This is the first work of the author's that I've read & it won't be the last. It it part of the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa Series,I saw the author label it as book 1 elsewhere, but is a standalone. The title & synopsis let you know what to expect. It's a good & short fake dating dual pov holiday romance.
Claire is ambitious & work driven. Because of that, it has made her practical & blunt. Romance isn't important to her outside of how it can help her advance in her career. Meanwhile, Tom also cares about his work but he's less blunt than her. While romance hasn't been his main objective, he's not opposed to finally finding the one for him.
Because it's a fake dating novella, the romance develops fast. I would've liked to see a bit more romance between because it kind of felt matter of fact. However, I liked how they worked together to help each other. There wasn't heavy drama so this is a good read for those in the mood for a quick holiday read, & especially those who love dogs.
This is the first work of the author's that I've read & it won't be the last. It it part of the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa Series
Claire is ambitious & work driven. Because of that, it has made her practical & blunt. Romance isn't important to her outside of how it can help her advance in her career. Meanwhile, Tom also cares about his work but he's less blunt than her. While romance hasn't been his main objective, he's not opposed to finally finding the one for him.
Because it's a fake dating novella, the romance develops fast. I would've liked to see a bit more romance between because it kind of felt matter of fact. However, I liked how they worked together to help each other. There wasn't heavy drama so this is a good read for those in the mood for a quick holiday read, & especially those who love dogs.
December 12, 2021
Two people with vastly different Christmas problems, yet each requires a plus one.
Claire is an event planner who needs a date for the most important event of the year. Not just any date---one who can keep the guests happy and navigate a slue of land mines throughout the party.
She asks her vet (swoony and kind) to be her date. Much to her surprise he counters with his own condition-a family party where she poses as a long time girlfriend. not only do they both agree, but each is falling for the other.
We may know where this is headed, but I had no idea how much fun that journey would be! Funny little details along the way had me chuckling and reading as fast as I could. I Loved the story and the way things worked out. I was sad when it was over. But am thrilled to find a new author who I look forward to reading more of her books!
Don't miss this fun Christmasy story, especially if you love dogs.
Claire is an event planner who needs a date for the most important event of the year. Not just any date---one who can keep the guests happy and navigate a slue of land mines throughout the party.
She asks her vet (swoony and kind) to be her date. Much to her surprise he counters with his own condition-a family party where she poses as a long time girlfriend. not only do they both agree, but each is falling for the other.
We may know where this is headed, but I had no idea how much fun that journey would be! Funny little details along the way had me chuckling and reading as fast as I could. I Loved the story and the way things worked out. I was sad when it was over. But am thrilled to find a new author who I look forward to reading more of her books!
Don't miss this fun Christmasy story, especially if you love dogs.
February 14, 2022
Claire needs a plus one for the most important event of her career so far. Now she agrees to a fake relationship to her dogs vet in exchange for mimicking his made up girlfriend. What can possibly go wrong?
Tom wanted to avoid his meddling family and invented a girlfriend two years ago. Now his dilemma is to produce a girlfriend out of nowhere to meet his family for Christmas.
At Claire's event Tom somehow manages to charm the people and saves the evening. But the next day when Claire meets his family and charms them, he tries to paddle back and lies about her to his mom and sister so they're not being heartbroken when they break up within the next week. Unfortunately Claire overhears him and gets away as fast as she can.
Will Tom be able to mend his relationship with Claire and start for real or is all lost?
If you like romance with twists, turns, tears and laughter this book is for you!!!
Tom wanted to avoid his meddling family and invented a girlfriend two years ago. Now his dilemma is to produce a girlfriend out of nowhere to meet his family for Christmas.
At Claire's event Tom somehow manages to charm the people and saves the evening. But the next day when Claire meets his family and charms them, he tries to paddle back and lies about her to his mom and sister so they're not being heartbroken when they break up within the next week. Unfortunately Claire overhears him and gets away as fast as she can.
Will Tom be able to mend his relationship with Claire and start for real or is all lost?
If you like romance with twists, turns, tears and laughter this book is for you!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Faking Dates for Christmas . . .
Being a very busy event planner, Claire has no time for romance. So when she needs a date for an important event -- a human one rather than Cornelius, her dachshund -- she has no idea where to turn.
Then she thought of Dr. Tom Chamberlain, her dog’s vet. Dr. Chamberlain would be perfect for her fake date. So she asks him and, to her surprise, he agreed as long as she would be his long-time fake girlfriend. He had told his family he had a girlfriend so they would stop setting him up, but they called his bluff and want to meet her at the family party. Will the two of them pull off this “fake” attraction? Or will they finally admit to each other that there are real feelings involved?
This is a cute story and these two characters are good together. Both a little odd, but it works well for them.
Being a very busy event planner, Claire has no time for romance. So when she needs a date for an important event -- a human one rather than Cornelius, her dachshund -- she has no idea where to turn.
Then she thought of Dr. Tom Chamberlain, her dog’s vet. Dr. Chamberlain would be perfect for her fake date. So she asks him and, to her surprise, he agreed as long as she would be his long-time fake girlfriend. He had told his family he had a girlfriend so they would stop setting him up, but they called his bluff and want to meet her at the family party. Will the two of them pull off this “fake” attraction? Or will they finally admit to each other that there are real feelings involved?
This is a cute story and these two characters are good together. Both a little odd, but it works well for them.
December 6, 2021
Event planner, Claire, has very high standards for her event dates, but nobody really meets those expectations. When her promotion hangs in the balance of her performance at the event of the year, she knows that she needs one heck of a date. Veterinarian, Tom, has been carrying on a fake relationship to keep his family off of his back for the last two years but they demand to finally meet his mystery girl for Christmas. When a mutual friend suggests the two help each other out, they agree to a fake relationship.
December 6, 2021
She is a very talented woman who is very focus in getting a promotion that she has no time for a boyfriend and she needs to find one as her plus one at a Christmas event for her job . He is a very dorky and handsome veterinarian who needs to find a fake girlfriend to introduce her to his family . Her dog is little sick and while at the vet they agree to pretend they are couple . What will happen after both of them start having feelings for the other ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2025
This is a cute short story about a Vet needing a fake girlfriend, and a planner needing a date for a life changing event. Claire Ingram is a determined, go getter, strong, independent hard working young woman close to making her dream come true, only she needs a date but not just any date. Dr. Tom Chamberlain is a sweet animal loving hard working Vet in need of a fake girlfriend. I liked this story a lot, it’s sweet, cute and lots of fun to read, especially the doggies. I love dachshunds so Cornelious stole my heart. The epi extra was a lot of fun to read too.
December 19, 2021
loved it !!! love this series !!! love Claire and Tom... swoon... and Cornelius..this is their story...a fast paced rom/com... Claire is an event planner, she's too busy for anyone that's not Cornelius... Tom is the new vet... they both need a plus one... her to a gala... him to his family's Christmas party... they can do this !!! then, they start falling... hard... a sweet story...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2021
Love the characters, they come across as really nice folks to know and have in your circle. Their fake relationship kept me engaged as it allows them to get to know one another on a level they weren't expecting. When the fake wall comes tumbling down, how they handle all the new big feelings is heartfelt and very mature. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2021
This is a feel good story about a veterinarian and a dog owner who both need a date for a Christmas party, and they enter into a fake relationship which becomes more. I really enjoyed reading the thoughts the two made to themselves as they got to know each other. It reminded me of similar feelings of my own, and the ending brought a smile to my face.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
February 6, 2022
This was a super cute romcom! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Claire and Tom… Then adding all the cute dogs as well! It started off as a spur of the moment date to help fix their last minute need for a plus one at their Christmas parties. Then the fake turned into real… and the rest is history! Enjoy this sweet romance! I just bought the next book in the series… Can’t wait. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2021
This was such a cute fake relationship romance and that is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the storyline and connection between Tom and Claire. They seemed so good together. The story was sweet and safe for everyone. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2022
This was a cute, light, easy and quick novella. It was a fun read but I did miss a little romance in it. I loved the tropes of it –fake relationship, vet, and the characters were lovely. I can't wait to read more in the series, but I do hope there will be more romance in the books to come.
4/5 stars.
4/5 stars.
December 29, 2023
Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa
Cute Christmas story of Claire and a handsome veterinarian, Dr Tom Chamberlain, agreeing to fake date for Christmas gatherings they are obligated to attend with a plus one. Will they be successful in not falling for each other in the process?
Cute Christmas story of Claire and a handsome veterinarian, Dr Tom Chamberlain, agreeing to fake date for Christmas gatherings they are obligated to attend with a plus one. Will they be successful in not falling for each other in the process?
January 24, 2024
This is a fun and lighthearted story of fake girlfriend and fake boyfriend. Add some cute dogs and their (ahem) “unique” owners and the book gets even better. One mustn’t forget the eccentric guests at the Christmas soirée; what a great field for repartee. With humor throughout this book, I am glad I read it!
December 1, 2024
Such a cute little Christmas & fake romance story. It was perfect for a cold evening with my Kindle and a cup of tea! The characters were well developed and thoughtfully done.
It could have easily been written twice as long with extra details but I loved that this was a fun & quick-paced read. Would recommend for anyone looking for a book you can start and finish on a flight or short car trip!
It could have easily been written twice as long with extra details but I loved that this was a fun & quick-paced read. Would recommend for anyone looking for a book you can start and finish on a flight or short car trip!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews