What do you think?
Rate this book
Dog Walkers #1
Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.
All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past—and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...
All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past—and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2009
57 people are currently reading
1301 people want to read
About the author
Susan Donovan
46 books935 followersSUSAN DONOVAN's novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 2, 2018
Another gamble from the anniversary book binge. And another failure, so I'm an even 50/50 so far...
At exactly 20%, I find I'm just not interested. We have instalove. And more instalove. And an irrational psycho who looks like he'll provide all the conflict. Worse, we get to have extra-special sections from his psycho-viewpoint. I hate villain PoV in most cases, and particularly those, like this one, that feature the twisted, abnormal, and/or psychotic. On the rare occasion I find them believable (i.e. not this occasion) I find them off-putting and distasteful.
At exactly 20%, I find I'm just not interested. We have instalove. And more instalove. And an irrational psycho who looks like he'll provide all the conflict. Worse, we get to have extra-special sections from his psycho-viewpoint. I hate villain PoV in most cases, and particularly those, like this one, that feature the twisted, abnormal, and/or psychotic. On the rare occasion I find them believable (i.e. not this occasion) I find them off-putting and distasteful.
November 18, 2009
Well it looks like Susan Donovan is getting herself a series. This is the first book in the series featuring a set of girlfriends who love their dogs and work for the same paper - The San Francisco Herald.
Josie is the obituary writer for the Herald and during an interview with widower, Glorida Needleham, she realizes her life is missing substance (more specifically a good man). Gloria tells her to make a list of the what she wants in a man, but she must do it before dawn the next day. So Josie, while waiting in line at a supersized pet store contest, makes her list. When she walks into the store, she finds herself eye to eye with a hunky dog groomer (Rick). Josie decides to take her destiny into her own hands for a change and asks Rick for coffee. When he never calls her (like he said he would), she hunts him down. This is when she finds out he's not a dog groomer, but actually the CEO of the entire company. Rick has some baggage and has kept himself in check by not dating anyone in a very long time. When he finally meets up with Josie, sparks fly.
There is a bad guy in the story, but the thing is, he's not so bad. You get his point of view through out the entire story and you witness some of his good deeds. It made this bleeding heart feel sorry for him on several occasions. I do feel his story was dropped though - what happens to him, nothing is really said (maybe something will happen in the remainder of the series).
Rick is a likeable guy, he's made some mistakes (big ones) but he's making amends with his life. Josie, well now, she got on my nerves a little bit. There was one point in the story that she totally had a TSTL moment. She takes something as truth (and literally has a meltdown) without asking the person whom it involves whether it's true or not. It annoyed the daylights out of me.
All in all the first installment is cute, sweet and pure fluff. A good start to the series, but hoping the next one has a little more substance.
Josie is the obituary writer for the Herald and during an interview with widower, Glorida Needleham, she realizes her life is missing substance (more specifically a good man). Gloria tells her to make a list of the what she wants in a man, but she must do it before dawn the next day. So Josie, while waiting in line at a supersized pet store contest, makes her list. When she walks into the store, she finds herself eye to eye with a hunky dog groomer (Rick). Josie decides to take her destiny into her own hands for a change and asks Rick for coffee. When he never calls her (like he said he would), she hunts him down. This is when she finds out he's not a dog groomer, but actually the CEO of the entire company. Rick has some baggage and has kept himself in check by not dating anyone in a very long time. When he finally meets up with Josie, sparks fly.
There is a bad guy in the story, but the thing is, he's not so bad. You get his point of view through out the entire story and you witness some of his good deeds. It made this bleeding heart feel sorry for him on several occasions. I do feel his story was dropped though - what happens to him, nothing is really said (maybe something will happen in the remainder of the series).
Rick is a likeable guy, he's made some mistakes (big ones) but he's making amends with his life. Josie, well now, she got on my nerves a little bit. There was one point in the story that she totally had a TSTL moment. She takes something as truth (and literally has a meltdown) without asking the person whom it involves whether it's true or not. It annoyed the daylights out of me.
All in all the first installment is cute, sweet and pure fluff. A good start to the series, but hoping the next one has a little more substance.
September 17, 2021
The dogs were a fun addition, but I found this a strange romance story. I read this blind, but I looked at the Main Page Tags and expected a straightforward romance. That’s not what this is.
Because the story started off odd, I felt unbalanced throughout the rest of the story. I couldn’t get connected with the characters. Couple that with the weird universe or ‘paranormal’ stuff and the unbelievable coincidences and I had checked out. I completed the story, but I don’t think this is a series that I would enjoy.
Because the story started off odd, I felt unbalanced throughout the rest of the story. I couldn’t get connected with the characters. Couple that with the weird universe or ‘paranormal’ stuff and the unbelievable coincidences and I had checked out. I completed the story, but I don’t think this is a series that I would enjoy.
December 12, 2009
I had planned to give this book 3.5 stars, but I didn't like the way things went at the end (made no sense to me) so it gets dropped down to 3 stars. I thought I would like this book more but there was something about it that I just did not really connect with.
Summary:
Josie Sheehan is an obituary writer for a newspaper with no luck in the relationship department. After she interviews a recent widow, she is compelled to make a list of what would be her perfect man. While waiting in line to try to win a free year of dog grooming for her Labradoodle, Josie writes the list on her laptop and within 30 minutes, she meets sexy Rick Rousseau...who she at first believes is a dog groomer, but who is really the rich CEO of a chain of pet stores.
The two are instantly attracted, but Rick is a man of secrets. He wasn't always the good guy he is now and has spent the last seven years trying to redeem his mistakes...which meant he didn't date and avoided women. But no Josie has appeared in his life and he decides to take a chance. No sooner do the two begin a relationship than Rick's past comes back to haunt him, putting Josie's life in danger.
Review:
I really wanted to love this book...I mean, it's got a cool dog in it, who wouldn't want to love it? But there was just something kind of off about it, something, I don't know, awkward? There were too many parts of the story that didn't really interest me.
On the Josie/Rick front things were kinda sweet and there were some hot scenes, but I didn't feel all that invested in their relationship. Things were a little too sugary-sweet at times. Aside from the conflict between them about his past, the relationship was too "match-made-in-heaven." But I did like the characters and I admired how Rick had managed to turn his life around.
The sex scenes are on the more explicit side so for those of you who don't like that kind of stuff, beware. I don't think there was as much sex in this book than in others of hers. It seemed like a lot of the scenes were the kind that are referred to by not written.
Like any Donovan book, there's some humor and quirkiness in the story. There's one scene with the dog that had me cracking up. It was hilarious and something that I could really imagine happening.
What didn't I like about this book? The whole thing with the 3 dog walker friends didn't work for me. Mostly because I didn't like the characters. They were obnoxious, neurotic and annoying. And considering that 2 of the 3 friends are going to be heroine's in the next two books, I can't say I'm all that anxious to read them.
It was also annoying how certain things were brought into the story then never followed through with. Josie's sister is having problems with her marriage and seems to be having a breakdown or something. Then that part is just dropped like a hot potato. You never find out what happens there and it annoyed me. You also never find out what happens with the man after Rick, or anything associated with that guy. Also annoying.
The biggest annoyance, though, was how the ending went. Josie learns something about Rick from a man she knows absolutely HATES Rick and she automatic believes it to be truth. She overacts and gets all melodramatic and all I wanted to do was smack her upside the head and tell her to actually THINK for a minute. But no, she flips out and it made no sense whatsoever to me. Then when she and Rick are trying to work things out the way she acted and talked screamed of her having no trust in Rick whatsoever. It made for a not very romantic ending.
So in the end, this book had it's good points and bad points. I liked it enough and didn't find it too difficult to read, but I thought it could have been a lot better. I'm not sure if I plan to read the next book in the trilogy because I'm not really all that interested in the other characters.
Summary:
Josie Sheehan is an obituary writer for a newspaper with no luck in the relationship department. After she interviews a recent widow, she is compelled to make a list of what would be her perfect man. While waiting in line to try to win a free year of dog grooming for her Labradoodle, Josie writes the list on her laptop and within 30 minutes, she meets sexy Rick Rousseau...who she at first believes is a dog groomer, but who is really the rich CEO of a chain of pet stores.
The two are instantly attracted, but Rick is a man of secrets. He wasn't always the good guy he is now and has spent the last seven years trying to redeem his mistakes...which meant he didn't date and avoided women. But no Josie has appeared in his life and he decides to take a chance. No sooner do the two begin a relationship than Rick's past comes back to haunt him, putting Josie's life in danger.
Review:
I really wanted to love this book...I mean, it's got a cool dog in it, who wouldn't want to love it? But there was just something kind of off about it, something, I don't know, awkward? There were too many parts of the story that didn't really interest me.
On the Josie/Rick front things were kinda sweet and there were some hot scenes, but I didn't feel all that invested in their relationship. Things were a little too sugary-sweet at times. Aside from the conflict between them about his past, the relationship was too "match-made-in-heaven." But I did like the characters and I admired how Rick had managed to turn his life around.
The sex scenes are on the more explicit side so for those of you who don't like that kind of stuff, beware. I don't think there was as much sex in this book than in others of hers. It seemed like a lot of the scenes were the kind that are referred to by not written.
Like any Donovan book, there's some humor and quirkiness in the story. There's one scene with the dog that had me cracking up. It was hilarious and something that I could really imagine happening.
What didn't I like about this book? The whole thing with the 3 dog walker friends didn't work for me. Mostly because I didn't like the characters. They were obnoxious, neurotic and annoying. And considering that 2 of the 3 friends are going to be heroine's in the next two books, I can't say I'm all that anxious to read them.
It was also annoying how certain things were brought into the story then never followed through with. Josie's sister is having problems with her marriage and seems to be having a breakdown or something. Then that part is just dropped like a hot potato. You never find out what happens there and it annoyed me. You also never find out what happens with the man after Rick, or anything associated with that guy. Also annoying.
The biggest annoyance, though, was how the ending went. Josie learns something about Rick from a man she knows absolutely HATES Rick and she automatic believes it to be truth. She overacts and gets all melodramatic and all I wanted to do was smack her upside the head and tell her to actually THINK for a minute. But no, she flips out and it made no sense whatsoever to me. Then when she and Rick are trying to work things out the way she acted and talked screamed of her having no trust in Rick whatsoever. It made for a not very romantic ending.
So in the end, this book had it's good points and bad points. I liked it enough and didn't find it too difficult to read, but I thought it could have been a lot better. I'm not sure if I plan to read the next book in the trilogy because I'm not really all that interested in the other characters.
September 22, 2017
That's the only book worth reading in this very disappointing series. I had reservations about reading it as several of my friends had had mixed opinions, but decided to give it a chance as I had really liked other books from Susan Donovan in the past, was in the mood for contemporary romance and the set box with the whole series was sold at a good price.
But this set box was set-up byu an idiot who hasn't been able to put the book in the correct chronological order ~!!!
And the last 2 books are really poor.
This first book, which I read last for the virtue of the mixed-up set box was by far the better.
The heroine was a fairly normal and almost transparent person, she could be anyone and clearly a friend or someone I would enjoy beig with. The hero seemed quite normal at first, though he was the one with the bigger hang-ups. For once in this series, the author created a character with restraint and self-control who succeeded in keeping his problem in a small space without it taking over his entire life. And that made it much more believable.
And interesting as their relationship helped both of the lead characters to develop and become someone better and more confident thank to the other. And that's a little something that always please me in a book.
But this set box was set-up byu an idiot who hasn't been able to put the book in the correct chronological order ~!!!
And the last 2 books are really poor.
This first book, which I read last for the virtue of the mixed-up set box was by far the better.
The heroine was a fairly normal and almost transparent person, she could be anyone and clearly a friend or someone I would enjoy beig with. The hero seemed quite normal at first, though he was the one with the bigger hang-ups. For once in this series, the author created a character with restraint and self-control who succeeded in keeping his problem in a small space without it taking over his entire life. And that made it much more believable.
And interesting as their relationship helped both of the lead characters to develop and become someone better and more confident thank to the other. And that's a little something that always please me in a book.
January 1, 2010
Sigh. You really can't go wrong with Susan Donovan or Jennifer Crusie when it comes to your basic contemporary love story. The really good stories give you hope. Donovan may have a formula but it works.
The heroine is always smart and awesome but just doesn't see how awesome she is. She has awesome friends and family and isn't waiting to be rescued. The men tend to be flawed eve if they are perfect to the eye. Driving home the fact that nobody is perfect and things are not always what they seem.
I also appreciate that her women take charge of their lives and don't change to find or keep love, even if sometimes love changes them. Her women are real women, not always young, not always thin, basically she write about women like me and my friends. I think that's what I love. And like a said a good romance story for me is one that I can see myself in, and gives me hope for my future. Well done Susan Donovan and an great final read of 2009.
The heroine is always smart and awesome but just doesn't see how awesome she is. She has awesome friends and family and isn't waiting to be rescued. The men tend to be flawed eve if they are perfect to the eye. Driving home the fact that nobody is perfect and things are not always what they seem.
I also appreciate that her women take charge of their lives and don't change to find or keep love, even if sometimes love changes them. Her women are real women, not always young, not always thin, basically she write about women like me and my friends. I think that's what I love. And like a said a good romance story for me is one that I can see myself in, and gives me hope for my future. Well done Susan Donovan and an great final read of 2009.
August 11, 2012
Humor is hit or miss and this was a miss for me. The plot and all the interactions between the characters were too over the top for me and I didn't get have an emotional connection to any of the characters.
Also--and this is a personal pet peeve of mine--I never like interfering friends.
Also--and this is a personal pet peeve of mine--I never like interfering friends.
March 19, 2017
I went into this book blind. I don't even know how to describe this book...it was weird to say the least. Insta-love, due to the universe and destiny intervening. Four close friends with furry best companions and well-meaning interference, all make for this book about love, friendship, trust and trying to be a good person.
July 26, 2010
Summary: Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at 35, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. Can he help her find Mr. Right? -- JCPL Catalog
First Sentence: The photo album crackled with age as the page was turned.
I am turning more and more to contemporary romance as I discover amazing authors writing in this sub-genre. This is the first book in Donovan's series about four female dog-walking-man-hating friends. The series contains just a touch of magic with Gloria, an 84 year old marriage officiant who has a knack for helping women find their true love. She starts with Josie, who despite her rather painful past with men is still searching for love. She soon finds Rick, with the help of her lovable but uncontrollable Labradoodle, Genghis, who seems an exact match for all of her desires - despite his jaded past and wounds both physical and mental. I very much enjoyed watching both Rick and Josie work through their personal dilemmas. They handled all of their issues with conversation and emotional connection. The Big Issue did not come from Rick hiding his past, as so often happens in romance. Instead, it came from an outside threat. I laughed out loud several times in this book, which is rare for me (I tend to chuckle in my head since I often read around other people). I can't wait to pick up the next one in the series.
First Sentence: The photo album crackled with age as the page was turned.
I am turning more and more to contemporary romance as I discover amazing authors writing in this sub-genre. This is the first book in Donovan's series about four female dog-walking-man-hating friends. The series contains just a touch of magic with Gloria, an 84 year old marriage officiant who has a knack for helping women find their true love. She starts with Josie, who despite her rather painful past with men is still searching for love. She soon finds Rick, with the help of her lovable but uncontrollable Labradoodle, Genghis, who seems an exact match for all of her desires - despite his jaded past and wounds both physical and mental. I very much enjoyed watching both Rick and Josie work through their personal dilemmas. They handled all of their issues with conversation and emotional connection. The Big Issue did not come from Rick hiding his past, as so often happens in romance. Instead, it came from an outside threat. I laughed out loud several times in this book, which is rare for me (I tend to chuckle in my head since I often read around other people). I can't wait to pick up the next one in the series.
November 16, 2009
Susan Donovan’s latest, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg is about a Josie Sheehan who is a major fail whale when it comes to the relationship department with men. Josie has a great group of female friends but the thirty-five year old San Francisco Herald obituary feature writer really dreads her single status. She doesn’t want to die a spinster with the only male in her life; her labradoodle, Genghis. She begins to lament the lack of human male companionship after she interviews an eighty-four year old widow who lost her husband after many years of happy marriage.
As Josie reevaluates what she wants in a man, she ends up staying overnight in front of the new Celestial Pet Superstore where she’ll be one of the few to claim an entire year’s worth of free dog grooming. Josie thinks she get in and get out, but when she sees how good looking the male groomer who waits on her is, she’s speechless and embarrassed. Her reaction is a bit silly to the cute groomer- “she felt as if she were on fire inside, a liquid molten fire that left her tingling everywhere.” If only I were so lucky to feel this way when I went to pick up my pet’s products.
Josie does something very brave and asks the employee, Rick, to go out with her for coffee. Rick says he’ll call her later. Josie is overjoyed. But the thing Josie doesn’t know about Rick Rousseau is that he’s the CEO of the pet store corporation. And Rick is very interested in Josie because he also feels the same tingling and heat. Isn’t it incredible how these two are on the same page? But Rick doesn’t call her because someone from his past pops up and wants revenge. It seems Rick was a very wild teenage and ended up killing a girl he used to fool around with and the dead girl’s father wants Rick to pay. That accident turned his life around where he no longer drinks and smokes (what do you do? Sorry, had to put that in there) and lives a pretty upstanding life.
Josie doesn’t know any of this and feels scorned by the hot grooming man not calling her. The old Josie would have forgotten the whole thing, but she tracks Rick down and corners him in his office. Rick thinks Josie is incredible and takes a chance and starts dating her even though he could be placing her in danger because of the psycho father. Soon these two are inseparable and Rick has to make a decision whether he should tell Josie about the accident or keep it to himself and let her continue to think he’s this great guy.
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg is a cute book with likeable characters and some funny moments. I would say this is more a fluffy read if anything, even with the subplot with Rick’s stalker who lives with hate because of his loss of a loved one. I really enjoyed both Rick and Josie’s outlook on life and they do make a sweet couple.
As Josie reevaluates what she wants in a man, she ends up staying overnight in front of the new Celestial Pet Superstore where she’ll be one of the few to claim an entire year’s worth of free dog grooming. Josie thinks she get in and get out, but when she sees how good looking the male groomer who waits on her is, she’s speechless and embarrassed. Her reaction is a bit silly to the cute groomer- “she felt as if she were on fire inside, a liquid molten fire that left her tingling everywhere.” If only I were so lucky to feel this way when I went to pick up my pet’s products.
Josie does something very brave and asks the employee, Rick, to go out with her for coffee. Rick says he’ll call her later. Josie is overjoyed. But the thing Josie doesn’t know about Rick Rousseau is that he’s the CEO of the pet store corporation. And Rick is very interested in Josie because he also feels the same tingling and heat. Isn’t it incredible how these two are on the same page? But Rick doesn’t call her because someone from his past pops up and wants revenge. It seems Rick was a very wild teenage and ended up killing a girl he used to fool around with and the dead girl’s father wants Rick to pay. That accident turned his life around where he no longer drinks and smokes (what do you do? Sorry, had to put that in there) and lives a pretty upstanding life.
Josie doesn’t know any of this and feels scorned by the hot grooming man not calling her. The old Josie would have forgotten the whole thing, but she tracks Rick down and corners him in his office. Rick thinks Josie is incredible and takes a chance and starts dating her even though he could be placing her in danger because of the psycho father. Soon these two are inseparable and Rick has to make a decision whether he should tell Josie about the accident or keep it to himself and let her continue to think he’s this great guy.
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg is a cute book with likeable characters and some funny moments. I would say this is more a fluffy read if anything, even with the subplot with Rick’s stalker who lives with hate because of his loss of a loved one. I really enjoyed both Rick and Josie’s outlook on life and they do make a sweet couple.
February 11, 2010
This book is more of a 3.5 than a 4, but better than your average romantic comedy, though this one has more drama than comedy. I loved Sophie and her story of falling in love with the wrong guys and pretty much not speaking up about anything. I could totally see it. I also loved Rick and his back story. While tragic, it's good to see someone trying to put their life back together in an honest way.
I did have a few issues with the book. First, Sophie's unremarkable group of friends. All their names and personalities just kind of blended together. I didn't even care to remember who was who. In many books, the friends make the story (Sophie Katz series by Kyra Davis for example). With this being the start of a new series, I hope there's more development on these characters that just weren't very interesting.
Also, the story of Margot's father. You can see a good person in him, just bitter about his situation, which was very sad. I would have liked to see him turn that into something positive as it showed he was clearly a decent person.
Overall though, I would read more by this author. Nice story with interesting main characters, just need a little more work on the secondary ones.
I did have a few issues with the book. First, Sophie's unremarkable group of friends. All their names and personalities just kind of blended together. I didn't even care to remember who was who. In many books, the friends make the story (Sophie Katz series by Kyra Davis for example). With this being the start of a new series, I hope there's more development on these characters that just weren't very interesting.
Also, the story of Margot's father. You can see a good person in him, just bitter about his situation, which was very sad. I would have liked to see him turn that into something positive as it showed he was clearly a decent person.
Overall though, I would read more by this author. Nice story with interesting main characters, just need a little more work on the secondary ones.
November 22, 2009
This was another good book by Ms Donovan which seems to be the beginning of a "magical romance" series about 4 women who meet for dog walking several days a week. I'll admit that some of the book was predictable, but that didn't deter from the story. Some of the story, especially the first date for the hero/heroine, gave me a couple of laugh out loud moments. I've loved Donovan's writing from her first novel "Knock Me Off My Feet" and this book was no different. If you want a light romantic read, this is a good choice.
April 20, 2014
This is a great book for any dog lover looking for a human partner! I was laughing at all the doggy comparisons that I had with my own furry baby. :)
November 12, 2019
I took a five day break because the final in another series I had waited for far too long was out so I read that as soon as it hit my kindle. I was in love with the idea seeing I'm single with two puppies & it sounded cute. I enjoyed the book & will read the rest but damn, I need a Gloria in my life lol
January 16, 2023
This was a cheesy romance novel with way more descriptive bedroom scenes than I expected based on the back of the book and the first few chapters. All of the interesting plot lines happened so fast while the boring scenes seemed to drag on and on. It was a quick read but not one I would read again.
July 8, 2021
Cute, but so unbelievable. Things don't just happen this way. If they do, it's infatuation, not love, and things will come crashing down.
It was fun enough that I will read the others in the series if I can find them.
It was fun enough that I will read the others in the series if I can find them.
January 7, 2018
a decent, cute, romantic read but not a real standout.
April 25, 2020
Khi yêu xin đừng quá kiêu hãnh
November 4, 2020
Exciting book. Dare to dream. That’s what the main character did. The book is well written. The characters are well developed. Plus dogs.
June 10, 2022
Josie was cute
February 1, 2024
At least I got a good laugh.
February 9, 2017
To those of you who want to know...
https://plottwistbetareader.wordpress...
https://plottwistbetareader.wordpress...
May 28, 2015
Saya baca series ini dengan urutan mundur. Dari buku kedua ke buku ketiga, dan terakhir baru baca buku pertama. Gara-gara salah download sih. Hehehe...
Jadi ceritanya ini ada empat orang wanita penyayang anjing yang suka ngumpul bareng setelah ngajak anjing-anjing mereka jalan-jalan. Mereka pun jadi sahabat baik. Selain sama-sama memelihara anjing, mereka berempat punya kisah asmara yang buruk dengan pria, sehingga suatu ketika mereka pun mengucapkan sumpah untuk gave up on men dan mengalihkan affection mereka ke anjing2 mereka.
Salah satu di antara mereka adalah Joshie, yang seorang penulis Orbituary atau kisah hidup orang yang sudah meninggal yang diceritakan oleh orang2 terdekat mereka. Sewaktu mengerjakan artikelnya, Joshie bertemu Gloria, seorang janda tua yang punya gift "matchmaking" dan Gloria mengatakan Joshie bakal bertemu seseorang cowo yang spesial--lebih tepatnya lupa sih gmn. Hahaha... Intinya diramalin gitu deh. Nah, si Joshie ini tipikal cewek yang mudah jatuh cinta ke cowok-cowok yang pada akhirnya bakal bikin dia kecewa & patah hati. Namun 'ramalan' Gloria bikin Joshie sedikit optimis untuk mencoba hal yang baru dalam berhubungan. Joshie pun berusaha nembak duluan--alias ngajak kencan duluan ke cowok penjaga counter di salon anjing. Eh, ternyata... cowok itu bukan karyawan biasa. Melainkan CEO kaya raya.
Rick Russeou, hero kita di sini, masa mudanya penuh dengan hura-hura dan kegiatan merusak diri lainnya. Sempet dipenjara juga di Thailand gara-gara masalah narkoba. Titik nadirnya adalah saat dia mengalami kecelakaan sepeda motor yang membuatnya luka parah (sempet mati suri--sebelum akhirnya hidup lagi) dan membuat pacarnya koma selama tujuh tahun sebelum akhirnya meninggal dunia. Ayah almarhumah pacarnya Rick ini bersumpah bakal membalas dendam dan inilah yang membuat Rick dihantui rasa bersalah bertahun-tahun lamanya. Rick juga bersumpah gak akan berkencan lagi dan selama tujuh tahun berhasil celibate, tapi ia pun mulai berubah sejak bertemu Joshie.
Jadi ceritanya ini ada empat orang wanita penyayang anjing yang suka ngumpul bareng setelah ngajak anjing-anjing mereka jalan-jalan. Mereka pun jadi sahabat baik. Selain sama-sama memelihara anjing, mereka berempat punya kisah asmara yang buruk dengan pria, sehingga suatu ketika mereka pun mengucapkan sumpah untuk gave up on men dan mengalihkan affection mereka ke anjing2 mereka.
Salah satu di antara mereka adalah Joshie, yang seorang penulis Orbituary atau kisah hidup orang yang sudah meninggal yang diceritakan oleh orang2 terdekat mereka. Sewaktu mengerjakan artikelnya, Joshie bertemu Gloria, seorang janda tua yang punya gift "matchmaking" dan Gloria mengatakan Joshie bakal bertemu seseorang cowo yang spesial--lebih tepatnya lupa sih gmn. Hahaha... Intinya diramalin gitu deh. Nah, si Joshie ini tipikal cewek yang mudah jatuh cinta ke cowok-cowok yang pada akhirnya bakal bikin dia kecewa & patah hati. Namun 'ramalan' Gloria bikin Joshie sedikit optimis untuk mencoba hal yang baru dalam berhubungan. Joshie pun berusaha nembak duluan--alias ngajak kencan duluan ke cowok penjaga counter di salon anjing. Eh, ternyata... cowok itu bukan karyawan biasa. Melainkan CEO kaya raya.
Rick Russeou, hero kita di sini, masa mudanya penuh dengan hura-hura dan kegiatan merusak diri lainnya. Sempet dipenjara juga di Thailand gara-gara masalah narkoba. Titik nadirnya adalah saat dia mengalami kecelakaan sepeda motor yang membuatnya luka parah (sempet mati suri--sebelum akhirnya hidup lagi) dan membuat pacarnya koma selama tujuh tahun sebelum akhirnya meninggal dunia. Ayah almarhumah pacarnya Rick ini bersumpah bakal membalas dendam dan inilah yang membuat Rick dihantui rasa bersalah bertahun-tahun lamanya. Rick juga bersumpah gak akan berkencan lagi dan selama tujuh tahun berhasil celibate, tapi ia pun mulai berubah sejak bertemu Joshie.
November 4, 2013
Title: Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Reality: the book isn't too proud to beg for a good rating. I couldn't finish it. It was the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. I was rolling my eyes every couple of seconds. Even though the back stories were pretty good, they should have given the main characters more depth. However, that did not happen here. The heroine was a total pushover. She had no inner strength. She didn't dare stand up to her friends, taking the easy way out every time and let them march all over her instead of speaking her mind. She also fell in love on a flip of a coin. Before she knew who her boyfriend really was, she was falling for him after a couple of dates. If that doesn't scream desperate for a man, extremely naive woman here!, I don't know what does. Moving on to the hero. For a guy who is waiting for the bogey-man to jump out of the blue and kill him, he is very trusting of his love interest, even when she revealed her stalker tendencies at the beginning of the book. For a guy who swore off women and was celibate for seven years, he sure fell in love with her at warp speed. I guess she was wonder-woman in disguise to manage breaking a seven years effort of building walls over walls that the guy had going on. As for the heroine friends, they were easily forgettable. I couldn't keep them straight, and didn't even care who was who. The only likable characters were Teeny and Mrs. Needleman. They were quirky and fun.
The way I see it, the author's characters were so one dimensional that she tried to liven things up with a horrible past for the hero. A past that is barging in to ruin his present. And the biggest irony of all, the bad guy wasn't a real bad guy. Have you ever seen a would-be murderer trying to help random strangers on his way to perform his dirty deed? I just couldn't swallow this one. I figure the author was going for sweet and light. Alas, the end result was too sweet to rot your teeth, and so light it was full of fluff.
Reality: the book isn't too proud to beg for a good rating. I couldn't finish it. It was the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. I was rolling my eyes every couple of seconds. Even though the back stories were pretty good, they should have given the main characters more depth. However, that did not happen here. The heroine was a total pushover. She had no inner strength. She didn't dare stand up to her friends, taking the easy way out every time and let them march all over her instead of speaking her mind. She also fell in love on a flip of a coin. Before she knew who her boyfriend really was, she was falling for him after a couple of dates. If that doesn't scream desperate for a man, extremely naive woman here!, I don't know what does. Moving on to the hero. For a guy who is waiting for the bogey-man to jump out of the blue and kill him, he is very trusting of his love interest, even when she revealed her stalker tendencies at the beginning of the book. For a guy who swore off women and was celibate for seven years, he sure fell in love with her at warp speed. I guess she was wonder-woman in disguise to manage breaking a seven years effort of building walls over walls that the guy had going on. As for the heroine friends, they were easily forgettable. I couldn't keep them straight, and didn't even care who was who. The only likable characters were Teeny and Mrs. Needleman. They were quirky and fun.
The way I see it, the author's characters were so one dimensional that she tried to liven things up with a horrible past for the hero. A past that is barging in to ruin his present. And the biggest irony of all, the bad guy wasn't a real bad guy. Have you ever seen a would-be murderer trying to help random strangers on his way to perform his dirty deed? I just couldn't swallow this one. I figure the author was going for sweet and light. Alas, the end result was too sweet to rot your teeth, and so light it was full of fluff.
April 13, 2015
FOR MORE REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS, DO CHECK OUT MY BLOG:
Ain't too proud to Beg
Cover: 5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
OVERALL RATING: 4 GENGHIS STARS!
Josephine Sheehan an obituary writer was tired of her current life, after a meeting with one of her clients, she had an epiphany and decided to fight for. what she wants. While she was waiting for a free year grooming at celestial pet with her dog Genghis, she meets
Rick Rousseau. But with his past constantly behind them, would there love ever work out?
This book is romance and comedy with a little bit of spice in it. That spice being the added thriller since in this book there is a certain man set out to take revenge on the hero.
I loved how the heroine was very straight forward and was willing to ask the guy she wants out on a date. She was very funny and pretty too.
The hero in this story was a reformed bad boy and his actions in the past has caused something really terrible to happen, which triggered his change into a better man.
The book was pretty good since it mixes comedy and romance. Two of my favorite genres. With an added bonus, which is dogs, this book turned out to be a perfect read for me.
Ain't too proud to Beg
Cover: 5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
OVERALL RATING: 4 GENGHIS STARS!
Josephine Sheehan an obituary writer was tired of her current life, after a meeting with one of her clients, she had an epiphany and decided to fight for. what she wants. While she was waiting for a free year grooming at celestial pet with her dog Genghis, she meets
Rick Rousseau. But with his past constantly behind them, would there love ever work out?
This book is romance and comedy with a little bit of spice in it. That spice being the added thriller since in this book there is a certain man set out to take revenge on the hero.
I loved how the heroine was very straight forward and was willing to ask the guy she wants out on a date. She was very funny and pretty too.
The hero in this story was a reformed bad boy and his actions in the past has caused something really terrible to happen, which triggered his change into a better man.
The book was pretty good since it mixes comedy and romance. Two of my favorite genres. With an added bonus, which is dogs, this book turned out to be a perfect read for me.
January 12, 2014
~3.5-4/5
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
I was expecting to enjoy this, although I liked it even more than I thought I would, and it really shouldn’t have taken me so long to get to it.
This was a very lighthearted story, very sweet and cute and funny, but also with some really good character development and depth.
I really liked Josie; she’s sweet and optimistic and funny and strong, and I related to her a bit. I also really liked Rick, how he got along with Josie, and how he didn’t avoid his feelings for her, and how he decided to be honest with her from the start, how he didn’t hide things from her, or avoid telling her for too long. That was really nice and refreshing, particularly because of how much I dislike lying.
There was also some good focus on Josie’s friends, the dog women, and her family; as well as Rick’s friend Teeny. We got to know her friends pretty well, and their stories continue in the following books in the series, so I’ll probably get to them at some point.
There was some really good back-stories and character depth in this book, and I really liked that. Particularly Rick’s past, and how that surfaced and how it all concluded. I might have liked to know more about Bennett and what happened with him, though, because I rather liked him by the end of the book, and felt really bad for him.
Overall, this was a very good book. It was funny and sweet, and I loved the backstory and development, and I will definitely be reading more by Donovan in the future.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
I was expecting to enjoy this, although I liked it even more than I thought I would, and it really shouldn’t have taken me so long to get to it.
This was a very lighthearted story, very sweet and cute and funny, but also with some really good character development and depth.
I really liked Josie; she’s sweet and optimistic and funny and strong, and I related to her a bit. I also really liked Rick, how he got along with Josie, and how he didn’t avoid his feelings for her, and how he decided to be honest with her from the start, how he didn’t hide things from her, or avoid telling her for too long. That was really nice and refreshing, particularly because of how much I dislike lying.
There was also some good focus on Josie’s friends, the dog women, and her family; as well as Rick’s friend Teeny. We got to know her friends pretty well, and their stories continue in the following books in the series, so I’ll probably get to them at some point.
There was some really good back-stories and character depth in this book, and I really liked that. Particularly Rick’s past, and how that surfaced and how it all concluded. I might have liked to know more about Bennett and what happened with him, though, because I rather liked him by the end of the book, and felt really bad for him.
Overall, this was a very good book. It was funny and sweet, and I loved the backstory and development, and I will definitely be reading more by Donovan in the future.
August 22, 2014
Loved this book. This is about 4 women friends who meet up twice a week to walk their dogs at the park. Josie, Ginger, Roxanne & Bea all swear off men. But Josie writes an obit for Mrs Needleman who tells Josie she needs to make a list of all the qualities she wants in a man. So as she is waiting in line to get into the new dog grooming place, she makes the list. Little does she know that the man who grooms her dog, is the one. So now she is hiding from her friends that she is dating. Rick Rousseau is the CEO of the Celestial Palace Pet Superstores. He also has demons chasing him. The demon is Bennett Cummings. He plans to kill Rick just like he always believed that Rick killed his daughter.Only he kidnaps Josie to get to Rick. Josie ends up talking to Bennett. Asking to see pictures of his daughter. In the end Bennett decides he is going to take Josie home. She was innocent in this situation only the FBI come crashing through before he could do it. Josie is now avoiding Rick. She feels he has lied to her. Mrs Needleman shows up to tell her she needs to find the truth. When she confronts Rick, she finds out he didn't lie to her. He didn't know Margot was pregnant. She told him it was his. Rick couldn't believe it. He had no idea. When he asked Josie for the time frame, he said the child was not his. He was in jail when she got pregnant. After hearing everything, she decides to marry him. At the wedding Mrs. Needleman is back to match making for the other women. I look forward to see who she has in mind.
April 23, 2015
These Susan Donovan books are ridiculously cute.
This is the second one I’ve read with a dog in it, and apparently there’s a whole series based on crazy, silly, hilarious dogs bringing their owners together with their true loves. The super-friendly, goofy Labradoodle in this one stole MY heart as he went about doing doggy things like chewing up the new boyfriend’s underwear and humping legs. I have a dog just like him sooo, there’s that.
But, I would have given this book five stars if only Donovan had re-visited the villain at the end. The story line following the villain’s trek by car across the country to reach his target transcended “typical romance novel.” The interactions with lifeless, damaged, desperate young women in a Walmart, laundromat, and truck stop diner were mesmerizing. I had hoped for a closure there – this was a…heroic villain. This grieving father obsessed with revenge, moving through a landscape of sordid sadness and despair, deserved his loose ends tied up.
To summarize, Donovan writes funny, life-embracing romantic stories, and I’m working my way through her canon with a smile on my face. But, this one came darn close to perfection with the juxtaposing of the villain’s story line inside it, which illustrated what life looks like with no romance or humor or forgiveness. It’s not worth living.
Hail to the gifted contemporary romance novelists working today in this maligned genre, who keep reminding us to open our hearts. Thank you for your stories, Susan.
This is the second one I’ve read with a dog in it, and apparently there’s a whole series based on crazy, silly, hilarious dogs bringing their owners together with their true loves. The super-friendly, goofy Labradoodle in this one stole MY heart as he went about doing doggy things like chewing up the new boyfriend’s underwear and humping legs. I have a dog just like him sooo, there’s that.
But, I would have given this book five stars if only Donovan had re-visited the villain at the end. The story line following the villain’s trek by car across the country to reach his target transcended “typical romance novel.” The interactions with lifeless, damaged, desperate young women in a Walmart, laundromat, and truck stop diner were mesmerizing. I had hoped for a closure there – this was a…heroic villain. This grieving father obsessed with revenge, moving through a landscape of sordid sadness and despair, deserved his loose ends tied up.
To summarize, Donovan writes funny, life-embracing romantic stories, and I’m working my way through her canon with a smile on my face. But, this one came darn close to perfection with the juxtaposing of the villain’s story line inside it, which illustrated what life looks like with no romance or humor or forgiveness. It’s not worth living.
Hail to the gifted contemporary romance novelists working today in this maligned genre, who keep reminding us to open our hearts. Thank you for your stories, Susan.
January 26, 2010
Book Description:
Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.
All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past -- and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...
I have read many of Susan Donovan's previous books and enjoyed them very much. I was excited to see this one at the store. My excitement didn't last long. This is not the same Susan Donovan I am used to reading. I had to skim through most of the book. It just wasn't the same type of book I am used to. As a reviewer on PBS (PaperBackSwap) said - inappropriate use of the 'f' word. I do have to agree. I am sorry to say I give this one a thumbs down. It appears this will be a series with Josie's friends taking a turn. I don't think I am going to be checking them out. I am very disappointed...
Happy Reading!
Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.
All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past -- and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...
I have read many of Susan Donovan's previous books and enjoyed them very much. I was excited to see this one at the store. My excitement didn't last long. This is not the same Susan Donovan I am used to reading. I had to skim through most of the book. It just wasn't the same type of book I am used to. As a reviewer on PBS (PaperBackSwap) said - inappropriate use of the 'f' word. I do have to agree. I am sorry to say I give this one a thumbs down. It appears this will be a series with Josie's friends taking a turn. I don't think I am going to be checking them out. I am very disappointed...
Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews