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TopKnotch: Adventures With Our Clueless Human
In TopKnotch, three Shih Tzu girls—Ginger, Hapi, and Missy, scheme to extricate their late 20’s-something owner, Robin, from a series of foibles. Robin is an engineer who works for her uber-successful, but domineering dad, Fritz. She’s engaged to marry Sean, who works as the intellectual properties attorney for their firm, Rosencratz & Dessein. Determined to connect Robin with the man of her dreams, they are always on the prowl for a new boyfriend to replace Sean.
Luck is with them when Robin meets Luke at a backyard pool party. Luke is a world-renowned engineer and inventor, and unlike Sean, he’s a really nice guy. Much to the dogs’ delight, Luke has super powers and can hear them talk! Hi-jinx ensues as the dogs scheme and conspire with Luke to connect with Robin. As Robin becomes increasingly torn between Luke and the “papa-approved” Sean, she discovers a few secrets of her own and learns life is lived from the inside out by being brave and following your heart.
Luck is with them when Robin meets Luke at a backyard pool party. Luke is a world-renowned engineer and inventor, and unlike Sean, he’s a really nice guy. Much to the dogs’ delight, Luke has super powers and can hear them talk! Hi-jinx ensues as the dogs scheme and conspire with Luke to connect with Robin. As Robin becomes increasingly torn between Luke and the “papa-approved” Sean, she discovers a few secrets of her own and learns life is lived from the inside out by being brave and following your heart.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
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10 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Thomas
26 books32 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
C.J. Thomas, one of the most reputed dramatists of Malayalam, was born in 1918. One of his most important plays is “A Manushyan Nee Thanne” (You are that man), written in the non-realistic style about the Biblical King David.
This satirises vulgar sensationalist curiosity and the superficiality of human response to others' sufferings. The play also overturned conventional illusionist dramaturgy in Malayalam theatre. The writer died in 1960
C.J. Thomas, one of the most reputed dramatists of Malayalam, was born in 1918. One of his most important plays is “A Manushyan Nee Thanne” (You are that man), written in the non-realistic style about the Biblical King David.
This satirises vulgar sensationalist curiosity and the superficiality of human response to others' sufferings. The play also overturned conventional illusionist dramaturgy in Malayalam theatre. The writer died in 1960
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 7, 2023
The first couple of chapters introduce us to Robin Dessein as a child, and give us a clear indication of who in her family she should listen to--certainly not her parents. At not quite eleven, they are convinced she is fat, and have bullied her into a calorie-counting "diet," that mostly makes her miserable.
Her dog, Little Dot, a shih tzu, is far more practical, realistic, and actually loves Robin for who she is, not for who she might be someday. Fortunately, Robin, being young enough not to care that it's impossible, is able to communicate with Little Dot telepathically. We also encounter Sean, who is the sort of charming, scheming bully that parents and teachers are charmed by, and Luke, who is visiting his grandmother next door. Luke.
Then we jump forward to adult Robin, a partner in her family's venture capital firm. She's still calorie-counting, and has the prefect figure her mother, especially, envisioned for her, She also has a brain, an engineering degree, and the family home her parents gifted to her when she got that engineering degree. She has three shih tzus now--Missy, Hapi, and Ginger. Sadly, she no longer believes that she can communicate with them telepathically. This is very unfortunate, because they pay attention, they hear things no one worries about them hearing, and they have a much better read on Robin than Robin or those around her have.
They also have a much better read on Sean. Sean? That kid? yes.
Robin also has Sean for her boyfriend. Yes, that Sean. He's an intellectual property lawyer now. He's the IP lawyer the firm relies on. Her mother is now deceased, but her father, Fritz, regards Sean as family, and happily looks forward to them marrying.
Sean and Fritz have a wonderful new product they think is perfect for the firm to fund and launch. It's the Build It Up Buttercup Bra--the BIUBCB. It inflates. Fritz and Sean think it's a brilliant idea that will rake in huge profits. They're both dismissive when Robin, the only woman in the discussion, tells them women won't wear it.
Robin has her own project the men dismiss as having no big market--the Richterstat, a rugged, but small and affordable, seismograph. It could be a major lifesaver in poor communities in seismically active areas. There's a big market, but it's not a big consumer market. Total waste of time, as they see it.
And then, at her sister Dolly's cookout, she meets, once again, Luke--who it turns out has his own. He's got a patent on a polyanhydride copolymer--one that floats. And he's got a design for children's t-shirts made from it, with popular superheroes and cartoon figures on them. They'll inflate in water, keeping children from drowning.
This is where we start to find out that Sean isn't stupid; he's just a thief. Not immediately, but it's the beginning of events that lead to Robin discovering what he's really up to, and why he's pushing the bra, but pooh-poohing the Richterstat. Sean does see the profit potential, and wants it for himself.
What follows is the dogs getting more concerned and trying to tell Robin what they know, Robin stumbling on evidence that Sean has stolen the plans for the Richterstat and is maybe suborning her assistant, Mary Ann. We witness Sean demonstrating that Robin is just a convenience and an opportunity, while Luke, who has never forgotten that he can talk to the animals, talks to Robin's three shih tzu girls, and starts showing real interest in Robin, too. When Robin gets in a car crash, she winds up in the hospital and the dogs in a shelter, truly strange things start to happen, and everything starts to come apart.
This isn't a great book, but it's a fun one. A bonus for me is that it features several small dogs (the three shih tzus and a Yorkie), who are smart, sensible, and well-behaved. They're not comic relief, or examples of the stereotype of small dogs. And, I've been the daughter who was smart but never quite good enough. At one point, Fritz tells his father that he criticizes Robin because she's so smart and talented and he wants her to do her very best...yeah, no, that's not the way to help or encourage your daughter to do better, because eventually it becomes clear that nothing the daughter will ever do will ever be good enough to praise unmixed with criticism. Fortunately, Fritz gets a shock and wake-up call, too. (No, the car crash isn't enough. Did you think it would be?)
I enjoyed it.
I bought this book.
Her dog, Little Dot, a shih tzu, is far more practical, realistic, and actually loves Robin for who she is, not for who she might be someday. Fortunately, Robin, being young enough not to care that it's impossible, is able to communicate with Little Dot telepathically. We also encounter Sean, who is the sort of charming, scheming bully that parents and teachers are charmed by, and Luke, who is visiting his grandmother next door. Luke.
Then we jump forward to adult Robin, a partner in her family's venture capital firm. She's still calorie-counting, and has the prefect figure her mother, especially, envisioned for her, She also has a brain, an engineering degree, and the family home her parents gifted to her when she got that engineering degree. She has three shih tzus now--Missy, Hapi, and Ginger. Sadly, she no longer believes that she can communicate with them telepathically. This is very unfortunate, because they pay attention, they hear things no one worries about them hearing, and they have a much better read on Robin than Robin or those around her have.
They also have a much better read on Sean. Sean? That kid? yes.
Robin also has Sean for her boyfriend. Yes, that Sean. He's an intellectual property lawyer now. He's the IP lawyer the firm relies on. Her mother is now deceased, but her father, Fritz, regards Sean as family, and happily looks forward to them marrying.
Sean and Fritz have a wonderful new product they think is perfect for the firm to fund and launch. It's the Build It Up Buttercup Bra--the BIUBCB. It inflates. Fritz and Sean think it's a brilliant idea that will rake in huge profits. They're both dismissive when Robin, the only woman in the discussion, tells them women won't wear it.
Robin has her own project the men dismiss as having no big market--the Richterstat, a rugged, but small and affordable, seismograph. It could be a major lifesaver in poor communities in seismically active areas. There's a big market, but it's not a big consumer market. Total waste of time, as they see it.
And then, at her sister Dolly's cookout, she meets, once again, Luke--who it turns out has his own. He's got a patent on a polyanhydride copolymer--one that floats. And he's got a design for children's t-shirts made from it, with popular superheroes and cartoon figures on them. They'll inflate in water, keeping children from drowning.
This is where we start to find out that Sean isn't stupid; he's just a thief. Not immediately, but it's the beginning of events that lead to Robin discovering what he's really up to, and why he's pushing the bra, but pooh-poohing the Richterstat. Sean does see the profit potential, and wants it for himself.
What follows is the dogs getting more concerned and trying to tell Robin what they know, Robin stumbling on evidence that Sean has stolen the plans for the Richterstat and is maybe suborning her assistant, Mary Ann. We witness Sean demonstrating that Robin is just a convenience and an opportunity, while Luke, who has never forgotten that he can talk to the animals, talks to Robin's three shih tzu girls, and starts showing real interest in Robin, too. When Robin gets in a car crash, she winds up in the hospital and the dogs in a shelter, truly strange things start to happen, and everything starts to come apart.
This isn't a great book, but it's a fun one. A bonus for me is that it features several small dogs (the three shih tzus and a Yorkie), who are smart, sensible, and well-behaved. They're not comic relief, or examples of the stereotype of small dogs. And, I've been the daughter who was smart but never quite good enough. At one point, Fritz tells his father that he criticizes Robin because she's so smart and talented and he wants her to do her very best...yeah, no, that's not the way to help or encourage your daughter to do better, because eventually it becomes clear that nothing the daughter will ever do will ever be good enough to praise unmixed with criticism. Fortunately, Fritz gets a shock and wake-up call, too. (No, the car crash isn't enough. Did you think it would be?)
I enjoyed it.
I bought this book.
February 26, 2023
A romance story or a story about dogs with loads of ha-ha moments.
First, when you start reading this novel, it feels straight up like reading your regular romance novel. But then, the Shih Tzu dogs come into the story and you have loads of actions that will make you laugh out loud. California author CJ Thomas uses the POV of dogs to examine the ideas of relationships. The three dogs Hapi, Ginger, and Missy are part of the central character asides from their owner Robin. They also possess the ability to speak with other animals including their owners.
The goal of the dogs is to ensure that their owner does not make serious relationship mistakes. The dogs did not like the idea of Sean for Robin, so they were on the lookout for a more befitting boyfriend for her. Luke was their choice, and among other reasons, he was able to understand the communication of the Shih Tzu. Between Sean, whom Robin’s father approved, and Luke, whom the Shih Tzu girls prefer, Robin’s love is divided. However, during she began to understand life more than before.
Beyond the mere story, the book also presents us with several life lessons. It also has lots of laughing moments you will enjoy. Top Knotch is an excellent opening for this series and shows the author’s understanding of the elements that make up a fine story.
First, when you start reading this novel, it feels straight up like reading your regular romance novel. But then, the Shih Tzu dogs come into the story and you have loads of actions that will make you laugh out loud. California author CJ Thomas uses the POV of dogs to examine the ideas of relationships. The three dogs Hapi, Ginger, and Missy are part of the central character asides from their owner Robin. They also possess the ability to speak with other animals including their owners.
The goal of the dogs is to ensure that their owner does not make serious relationship mistakes. The dogs did not like the idea of Sean for Robin, so they were on the lookout for a more befitting boyfriend for her. Luke was their choice, and among other reasons, he was able to understand the communication of the Shih Tzu. Between Sean, whom Robin’s father approved, and Luke, whom the Shih Tzu girls prefer, Robin’s love is divided. However, during she began to understand life more than before.
Beyond the mere story, the book also presents us with several life lessons. It also has lots of laughing moments you will enjoy. Top Knotch is an excellent opening for this series and shows the author’s understanding of the elements that make up a fine story.
December 13, 2022
TopKnotch: Adventures With Our Clueless Human by CJ Thomas is a fun filled adventure ride along with three Shih Tzu girls and their human companion. Robin is an engineer and works for her dominating father. She is set to tie the knot with the daddy approved guy Sean, who her short legged companions want replaced. Robin meets Luke, and to the delight of Shih Tzu girls, Luke has super powers, which enable him to hear them. The jolly ride commences as Robin is maneuvered by her furry friends to fall in love with Luke. This is a fun filled read that makes you laugh and giggle. I love animals, and to see Shih Tzu’s plot for the best of their companions is marvellous. Animals are truly our friends and sometimes understand more than us. I totally loved it, and I highly recommend it.
December 14, 2022
Adventures with Our Clueless Human is an entertaining and original story written by CJ Thomas. This book is the first one in the series Topknotch Tales. In this novel, the writer has created a clever and interesting narrative where Robin, a human, will find love, to herself and to others, with the help of her three clever and intrigue-loving dogs. What I liked the most about this story is that it is not like anything I have recently read. It surprised me and I enjoyed it a lot. It is very interesting and the combination of the narrative from the point of view of the two-legged protagonists and that of the four-legged engaging characters is compelling and very well done. I strongly recommend it.
December 15, 2022
This exquisite fictional story is more than delightful. As an animal lover, I always choose a book whose protagonists are pets. “TopKnotch” didn’t disappoint me at all.
Robin is a young girl whose life is a bit complex, just like any other girl of her age. However, she isn’t alone in the world; her three inseparable and loyal Shih Tzu dogs will do anything for her and her happiness.
CJ Thomas’ writing style is full of adventure, intrigue, love and friendship. The plot is well developed and the pace is fast, which I like.
I'm going to have a hard time waiting for the next installment in the series. Believe me when I say that as soon as I know the publication date, I will go for it immediately.
Robin is a young girl whose life is a bit complex, just like any other girl of her age. However, she isn’t alone in the world; her three inseparable and loyal Shih Tzu dogs will do anything for her and her happiness.
CJ Thomas’ writing style is full of adventure, intrigue, love and friendship. The plot is well developed and the pace is fast, which I like.
I'm going to have a hard time waiting for the next installment in the series. Believe me when I say that as soon as I know the publication date, I will go for it immediately.
December 13, 2022
Adventures With Our Clueless Human is the first book in the Top knotch Tales series by author CJ Thomas and delves with the adventures of Ginger, Hapi, and Missy, three Shih Tzu female dogs looking to get a new boyfriend for her well-hearted owner, Robin. This is a magical family fiction that gives a rich background message about relationships, and about the importance of courage, faith and love.
I enjoyed this simple and entertaining story, and I think it is a very good start to a promising saga. This would be a very good opportunity to share a moment with the little ones in any family, and specially valuable for the coming holiday season.
I enjoyed this simple and entertaining story, and I think it is a very good start to a promising saga. This would be a very good opportunity to share a moment with the little ones in any family, and specially valuable for the coming holiday season.
December 14, 2022
TopKnotch Adventures With Our Clueless Human is a tale of romance with elements of comedy that blend together and ensure readers can spend a great reading time, just as I did.
The book is written in a dialogue-based form and it seems too realistic, so much so that the storyline moves smoothly and in a timely manner.
This is only the first book in a series and it is promising, so I cannot wait until the following installment comes out. It is totally fascinating and unusual at the same time; it seems it sometimes feels like a dream rather than a book. It produced a weird effect on readers. I enjoyed it a lot!
The book is written in a dialogue-based form and it seems too realistic, so much so that the storyline moves smoothly and in a timely manner.
This is only the first book in a series and it is promising, so I cannot wait until the following installment comes out. It is totally fascinating and unusual at the same time; it seems it sometimes feels like a dream rather than a book. It produced a weird effect on readers. I enjoyed it a lot!
December 15, 2022
This is the first book in the TopKnotch series so rest assured I'll be waiting for the next one. I had a blast with this story, the plot is very interesting. I like the characters a lot and the dynamic between them runs smoothly throughout the book, making it a very compelling read. My dearest part has to be the three dogs and following them in the story. It is a family fiction filled with love and many laughs and also touches on really interesting values.
One more thing I adored from author CJ Thomas's book was the illustrations, they complement the dialogues really well and they are pretty cute.
One more thing I adored from author CJ Thomas's book was the illustrations, they complement the dialogues really well and they are pretty cute.
December 13, 2022
A cute story
This book is centered around an engineer named Robin who is supposed to marry Sean wh her father approves of. She meets another engineer named Luke and falls in love with him. What might seem like a straightforward romance is truthfully a comedy. Robin's three shi tzu dogs are determined to interfere with Robin's life in order to ensure her and their happiness. This book had multiple pov's and many laugh out loud moments. The story was entertaining and Robin's father and Sean were true villains. A good book.
This book is centered around an engineer named Robin who is supposed to marry Sean wh her father approves of. She meets another engineer named Luke and falls in love with him. What might seem like a straightforward romance is truthfully a comedy. Robin's three shi tzu dogs are determined to interfere with Robin's life in order to ensure her and their happiness. This book had multiple pov's and many laugh out loud moments. The story was entertaining and Robin's father and Sean were true villains. A good book.
December 14, 2022
TopKnotch: Adventures With Our Clueless Human is written by author CJ Thomas. In this book, the author presents a romance in an intriguing way. It's extremely gripping and fun to read. With laughter and bursts of emotional roller coasters, this cute story keeps getting better with every flip. I have been reading it for a while now and can't get enough of the heartwarming events it surrounds. It's light-hearted and if you're someone who loves dogs, this is just the book you needed.
February 8, 2026
Talking dogs are awesome
I usually love books about dogs and this one was no exception. I found myself cheering on the little dogs as they kept showing themselves to be an excellent judge of character.
I started reading this book because we used to lhasa apsos, which look a lot like shizus, and their names were Ginger and Missy. The dogs on the cover looked exactly like them. I'm glad I did. I will be reading more of their books.
I usually love books about dogs and this one was no exception. I found myself cheering on the little dogs as they kept showing themselves to be an excellent judge of character.
I started reading this book because we used to lhasa apsos, which look a lot like shizus, and their names were Ginger and Missy. The dogs on the cover looked exactly like them. I'm glad I did. I will be reading more of their books.
January 28, 2023
2.5 I wanted to like this and did for the first 5 chapters when the story changed abruptly! It was the first of several times when it just jumps. Not a smooth read at all. The premise was typical.
January 27, 2025
I love this book!
What a cute story that has twists and turns! I have two Shih Tzu’s so naturally I was drawn to this book. All dog lovers should read it. I cannot wait to read more by CJ Thomas.
What a cute story that has twists and turns! I have two Shih Tzu’s so naturally I was drawn to this book. All dog lovers should read it. I cannot wait to read more by CJ Thomas.
January 30, 2023
Talking dogs
Cute book looking forward to next books now that owner can hear the dogs. Good story line kept me interested thru the book.
Cute book looking forward to next books now that owner can hear the dogs. Good story line kept me interested thru the book.
July 3, 2024
Fun read!
This book is first in a series and was written well with humor and excitement! I recommend reading this book!
This book is first in a series and was written well with humor and excitement! I recommend reading this book!
March 7, 2025
great book
Fast paced. Fun read. Good for all ages. I would definitely recommend. Characters are good and I love books with dogs
Fast paced. Fun read. Good for all ages. I would definitely recommend. Characters are good and I love books with dogs
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews