***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A burned-out veterinarian takes a much-needed beach vacation, where a charming surfer makes waves in her love life, and a unique foster pup renews her passion for her work.
Exhausted veterinarian Morgan Pearce is feeling overworked and under-thanked, so when two favorite clients ask her to watch their special needs senior dog in their Nantucket home, she jumps at the chance for a summer break. She hopes her time on the island will be a reset from the stress of her everyday life, but her chill vacation vibe takes a hit when she gets roped into fostering a challenging, anxious dog and helping plan the local rescue group's glittery annual fundraiser.
Her trip starts to feel more like a vacation when Morgan begins falling for Nathan Keating, an irresistible entrepreneur who thinks every problem can be solved on a surfboard. Just as the summer is shaping up to be the magical refresh she needs, thanks to a fling that feels like the beginning of something real and Hudson, the foster dog who reminds her how much she loves her job, a visit from her estranged brother and the discovery of who Nathan really is changes everything. Morgan finds herself at a crossroads, trying to determine if mistakes from the past must define the future, or if she should forgive, forget, and grab hold of a chance to finally rescue herself.
Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade is a serious look a the life of a burned-out veterinarian. It tackles some tough subjects but in a compassionate way. Set in Nantucket this romance is both emotional and romantic.
Morgan Pearce works in a corporate veterinarian office and is overworked and burned out. When two of her clients ask her to dogsit at their vacation home in Nantucket for their dog, Bernadette, she knows that some rest and relaxation could be the cure she is seeking.
Her time in Nantucket is just what she needed, sunshine, rest, and time at the beach. Plus an interesting entrepreneur, Nathan, makes a nice distraction as well. Morgan decides to foster a dog named Hudson who reminds her why she loves being a veterinarian. She’s starting to heal when she learns that Nathan isn’t what she thought he was, his deception stuns her, and she starts to reevaluate her life’s choices.
With the cover and the blurb, I was expecting a much lighter beach read than what I got. As I said before, Dog Friendly tackles some tough topics and was much deeper than I expected. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just good to know ahead of time. I never knew that being a veterinarian could be such an emotionally draining job. I think in most romances I read, the life of a veterinarian seems so rewarding and gentle. However, in Dog Friendly, we see the darker side of the profession.
I loved the dogs, and I also learned some things about dog behavior and that was super interesting. I can tell the author knows her dogs! I also loved the location. I enjoy books set on Nantucket and the author does an excellent job of describing the island and the town.
I recommend Dog Friendly to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Victoria Schade
Victoria Schade has been a dog trainer and writer for over seventeen years. During that time her dog duties have included working behind the scenes on Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl as the lead animal wrangler, appearing on two seasons of the Animal Planet show Faithful Friends, writing dog training content and appearing in educational videos for NBC/Universal, Pet360, PawCulture and petMD, and writing two dog training books, Bonding With Your Dog and Secrets of a Dog Trainer.
Victoria shares her 1850’s always-in- need-of- renovations home with Millie the Smooth Brussels Griffon (who wants you to know that she is not a skinny pug), Olive the mixed breed dog, the occasional foster pup, and her incredibly tolerant husband, Tom.
It does look like a light read, but I know some vets and it is a tough life, especially if you work for a company. My DIL’s sister used to work in an emergency clinic and she finally opened her own practice. She was an emotional wreck working at the emergency clinic. I am glad it is still an enjoyable book. Nice review, Wendy.
This sounds really interesting. I’m not sure I could read it, though, because I’m assuming there are animal deaths in the story. I mourn more for the animals that I do the people when I read. It’s really hard for me to read stories when an animal dies. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though.
Sounds interesting. I like to have something in a romance otherwise I get bored – unless it’s too sad! I have seen a few books around with animals in recently – I had no idea they were a thing!
Great review Wendy! This book sounds like a perfect summer read. Thank you for letting us know that it does cover tougher topics, it’s a good heads up. Thanks for sharing!
I love a book set in Nantucket and a story involving a vet and a dog sound wonderful. I appreciate the heads up about the book discussing some tough topics. Great review Wendy!
Sounds good and definitely reminds me of home! Our little town is the surfing Mecca in South Africa and actually quite famous as one of the best surf spots in the world. So yes, also lots of people in my town who believes surfing is life….!
I have to admit that any time I see a book that has to do with a dog, I stay away from it because I’ve been scarred by too many dog-related films and stories where the dog dies and I just can’t freaking handle it!!! I know, I know, things happen to animals but it just breaks my heart. This sounds like such a sweet book… but I’m nervous about reading it as well!
I wouldn’t have guessed that this would tackle some serious and emotional topics either, though, now knowing that, I find it even more intriguing. I probably wouldn’t be able to handle all the emotions but still I like that about it. Excellent review, Wendy!
I thought the only hard thing about being a veterinarian would be the emotional turmoil but I guess there’s more. I’m glad this was a good read even if heavier than you expected Wendy. That it taught some new things about dogs makes me all the more interested in it.
It does look like a light read, but I know some vets and it is a tough life, especially if you work for a company. My DIL’s sister used to work in an emergency clinic and she finally opened her own practice. She was an emotional wreck working at the emergency clinic. I am glad it is still an enjoyable book. Nice review, Wendy.
Yeah, I would have assumed this was a very lighthearted read based on the cover as well. I’m glad you still enjoyed it, though.
Excellent review, Wendy! I wouldn’t have though this was a serious read either based on the cover. Sounds like a good summer read though.
I always love it when a story includes animals, so I definitely like the sound of this one. Fab review!
Thank you, Yvonne!
This does sound interesting, great review 😊
Terrific review Wendy! I think I would really enjoy this one.
This sounds really interesting. I’m not sure I could read it, though, because I’m assuming there are animal deaths in the story. I mourn more for the animals that I do the people when I read. It’s really hard for me to read stories when an animal dies. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though.
I’m not a women’s fiction reader, but I do love dogs. Glad you enjoyed this one so much!
The Nantucket setting and the fact that there’s a rescue dog make us want to read this book ASAP!
Seems like the cover is a bit deceiving because it definitely looks like a light read. Glad you still enjoyed it, Wendy!
I can see dog fans enjoying this one.
Sounds interesting. I like to have something in a romance otherwise I get bored – unless it’s too sad! I have seen a few books around with animals in recently – I had no idea they were a thing!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Great review Wendy! This book sounds like a perfect summer read. Thank you for letting us know that it does cover tougher topics, it’s a good heads up. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Good to know up front that this dives into the deep emotions. I’m glad you were able to adjust and enjoy it.
Thank you, Sophia!
I love a book set in Nantucket and a story involving a vet and a dog sound wonderful. I appreciate the heads up about the book discussing some tough topics. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie!
Agreed, the blurb and cover would have me expecting light. Glad it was good. I love the setting.
Thank you, Kimberly
This sounds good! The cover is the cutest ever. I love the Nantucket setting, too.
It was a cute book for sure
What a cute cover! Dog books have a special attraction.
I agree, I love books with dogs in them.
Great Review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy!
Sounds good and definitely reminds me of home! Our little town is the surfing Mecca in South Africa and actually quite famous as one of the best surf spots in the world. So yes, also lots of people in my town who believes surfing is life….!
Elza Reads
That’s funny!
I have to admit that any time I see a book that has to do with a dog, I stay away from it because I’ve been scarred by too many dog-related films and stories where the dog dies and I just can’t freaking handle it!!! I know, I know, things happen to animals but it just breaks my heart. This sounds like such a sweet book… but I’m nervous about reading it as well!
This may not be for you, Stephanie. A dog doesn’t die, but it’s kind of a tough read for animal lovers.
Nantucket and dogs…sounds like a good read.
Right! Perfect combination!
Awesome review Wendy. I love Nantucket.🤗📚💕
Thank you, Susan!
I wouldn’t have guessed that this would tackle some serious and emotional topics either, though, now knowing that, I find it even more intriguing. I probably wouldn’t be able to handle all the emotions but still I like that about it. Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tessa! It sure was a lot more emotional than I expected.
I’m dog obsessed (I have a Frenchie myself) so this book sounds just perfect. Even with the slightly tougher topics it might tackle.
I love Frenchies! I love all dogs.
Looking at that cover, I thought it would be a light read too. It does sound interesting though.
It kept my attention and I enjoyed it.
I thought the only hard thing about being a veterinarian would be the emotional turmoil but I guess there’s more. I’m glad this was a good read even if heavier than you expected Wendy. That it taught some new things about dogs makes me all the more interested in it.
I was surprised I learned some things about dogs as I’ve had them all my life.