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Paws and Claws #4
Like Cats and Dogs
One terrible night changed their lives forever. Can they learn to forgive each other—and themselves?
Ten years ago, Diego Duarte had it all—a close family, a four-year college scholarship, and the secret love of their high school's quarterback. But his foolish choices tore apart his family and ruined his best chance at a brighter future. Diego's rebuilt a good life for himself, but he knows the damage that comes with loving the wrong person. He'll never make that mistake again.
When Brody Hollis moved back to his family's farm—the one he was kicked off of when his parents discovered he was gay—he vowed to turn it into a place of healing and recovery. Now he trains rescue dogs to work as service animals as he tries to keep his nephews out of the foster system. He's served his country, his family, and his business. What would it be like to just spend some time and energy on himself?
Diego's wondering if a move across the country might jump-start a new career, while Brody's looking for financial backers for his organization. They're complete opposites in every way. But one unexpected encounter threatens to throw all their careful plans into jeopardy. The last time they dared to love each other, everything fell apart. Can they trust in that love to make their lives whole again?
Like Cats and Dogs is the fourth book in Argentina Ryder's Paws and Claws contemporary gay romance series about love and life in the Houston animal rescue community. If you like stories with plenty of heart, steam, and puppies, pick it up today!
Ten years ago, Diego Duarte had it all—a close family, a four-year college scholarship, and the secret love of their high school's quarterback. But his foolish choices tore apart his family and ruined his best chance at a brighter future. Diego's rebuilt a good life for himself, but he knows the damage that comes with loving the wrong person. He'll never make that mistake again.
When Brody Hollis moved back to his family's farm—the one he was kicked off of when his parents discovered he was gay—he vowed to turn it into a place of healing and recovery. Now he trains rescue dogs to work as service animals as he tries to keep his nephews out of the foster system. He's served his country, his family, and his business. What would it be like to just spend some time and energy on himself?
Diego's wondering if a move across the country might jump-start a new career, while Brody's looking for financial backers for his organization. They're complete opposites in every way. But one unexpected encounter threatens to throw all their careful plans into jeopardy. The last time they dared to love each other, everything fell apart. Can they trust in that love to make their lives whole again?
Like Cats and Dogs is the fourth book in Argentina Ryder's Paws and Claws contemporary gay romance series about love and life in the Houston animal rescue community. If you like stories with plenty of heart, steam, and puppies, pick it up today!
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
17 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 28, 2023
This is a sweet second chance romance. It is the fourth book in the series and can be read as a standalone but characters from previous books are mentioned. Brody Hollis and Diego Duarte were secret high school sweethearts in Cielo Springs, TX that ended badly when they were discovered by Brody's parents. Brody was shipped off to Tennessee to his grandparents and Diego ended up living in Houston with his sister and aunt after his parents were deported to Mexico. Ten years later Brody is out of the Army due to an explosion with PTSD and seizures and living at the farm that he inherited from his estranged parents. He is trying to start of a K-9 service dog business for veterans with his partner and his wife while caring for his sister's 2 young sons. He and Diego meet again when Diego delivers some rescue dogs to Brody for training. They realize that they are still attracted to each other but each is wary of starting a relationship again. Brody has to deal with with fears of losing custody of his nephews and Diego has to deal with his guilt over his parents being deported. I really enjoyed this book and how the MC's fought for their HEA. The author also dealt sensitively with the issues of Brody's PTSD and the side effects of his seizure medications.
June 27, 2023
Like Cats and Dogs is book 4 of the Paws and Claws series and has a lot of the gang dropping in and out but this is Diego’s turn as one of the main characters together with Brody Hollis, Diego’s first love. The book can stand on its own feet and does so wonderfully.
Diego Duarte is a musician and songwriter with troubled history but a bright future. Does he follow his band to Nashville or his heart back to his hometown? His hometown brings a raft of memories with it, not all good.
Brody is an invalided out veteran with a service dog and service dog training centre set up in his folk’s property which he inherited on their death. He is also guardian to his two nephews while his sister serves her prison sentence. When he meets Diego by chance he is conflicted. Can he make room in his heart again for the only man he ever loved when he has so much else going on?
This is a great read with wonderful characters and some tense moments. Let’s not forget the dogs and the cats who are real and not just cute!
Diego Duarte is a musician and songwriter with troubled history but a bright future. Does he follow his band to Nashville or his heart back to his hometown? His hometown brings a raft of memories with it, not all good.
Brody is an invalided out veteran with a service dog and service dog training centre set up in his folk’s property which he inherited on their death. He is also guardian to his two nephews while his sister serves her prison sentence. When he meets Diego by chance he is conflicted. Can he make room in his heart again for the only man he ever loved when he has so much else going on?
This is a great read with wonderful characters and some tense moments. Let’s not forget the dogs and the cats who are real and not just cute!
July 5, 2023
love this book I think this is the first one I read in this series and I really enjoyed it ,,Brody and Diego were school boyfriends but in secret until they got caught and then separated and after that they didn't know what happened to each other,,,, but they do meet up again when Brody has his farm as a place to raise dogs for veterans in need and who delivers the new set of pups none other than Diego they reconnect but it's a hill that they both have to fight for in order to have what they want,,,,,, I read this book for this author for my honest opinion
May 12, 2025
A sweet second chance story…with puppies!
I liked the story overall even though it lacked some depth in places. Sometimes it felt like the author was just telling us about an emotional experience rather than showing us how a character felt that emotional experience.
The secondary characters were kinda one dimensional (especially the “evil” aunt) and mainly plot devices. The relationship moved extremely quickly and it was a little unbelievable. But I still think this is the best of the series.
I liked the story overall even though it lacked some depth in places. Sometimes it felt like the author was just telling us about an emotional experience rather than showing us how a character felt that emotional experience.
The secondary characters were kinda one dimensional (especially the “evil” aunt) and mainly plot devices. The relationship moved extremely quickly and it was a little unbelievable. But I still think this is the best of the series.
July 1, 2023
A second chance romance with thoughtfully drawn characters, deep feelings, and sensitive treatment of PTSD. Brody and Diego are compelling, likable characters with their own baggage and challenges to overcome and plenty going on in their respective lives, but who adapt to their situations in order to make the most of their second chance at a real connection. Part of a series, but can work as a standalone story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!! The author was great at writing a story/plot dealing with sensitive matters with military, and showing compassion and as such I could feel those words come across. The dogs and kitties were added bonus...and the nephews were just adorable...it was great catching up with past friends..and reading how Diego and Brody's journey would play out..the challenges and twists alone will keep you up till the end!!😲😉
I received this as an ARC and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received this as an ARC and leaving my review voluntarily.
June 22, 2023
A long awaited second chance with obstacles to overcome. At first I was impressed with Brody and how Inspirational he was overcoming past baggage and working with the dogs. As I read, I found Diego to be just as special. He had the courage to pursue his heart's desire and adapt to all the changes that it required. A heartwarming read.
February 6, 2024
A touching up and down kind of tale, two young boys get caught kissing and the resulting furor resonates down the years, destroying families. Years later is where this story picks up giving us a wonderful tale as one man, now out of service and disabled, trains dogs for other injured servicemen and women, and, just maybe, gets a second chance at love. A lovely, sweet read.
December 4, 2023
Diego and Brody
This is a new to me author.
I enjoyed the journey this story took me on. Not only about present day and moving forward but also the back story too.
And the secondary characters were very interesting.
This is a new to me author.
I enjoyed the journey this story took me on. Not only about present day and moving forward but also the back story too.
And the secondary characters were very interesting.
September 17, 2023
Complex, at times heart-wrenching, but ultimately hopeful and so full of joy and love and warmth... I feel that picking this up while I was sick these past few days was absolutely the right choice.
March 8, 2024
3.5* a sappy feel good romance
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews