The Truth About Love and Dogs – Lilly Bartlett

*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Blurb: Four little words, uttered by her husband…
‘Oh my god,’ he gasped into her shoulder. ‘Shannon!’
There’s just one problem: her name isn’t Shannon.

Scarlett and Rufus aren’t in the honeymoon stage anymore so much as the honey-should-we-bother phase. Scarlett has plotted, planned and waxed more than any woman should have to, but nothing is bringing back their sparkle. Which makes it very hard to start the family they want.

As the fairy dogmother of North London, Scarlett specialises in training naughty pets. She’s the last chance for the lovable dogs and their humans, so she spends her days tangled up in leads and covered in fur with her business partner and best friend in the world. Thank goodness the women have each other.

But Scarlett has to get her relationship back on track, and Rufus isn’t sharing his feelings with her. He is, though, sharing with her best friend. Her best friend, Shannon.

Meet your new best friends in the witty, uplifting, utterly hilarious tale that will make you laugh, cry and say “I know the feeling”. Perfect for fans of Marley and Me, Marian Keyes and Jenny Colgan!

Scarlett’s dog training business, Ruff Love, is pawsitively flourishing but it looks like her marriage may be in the dog house. Luckily both Rufus and Scarlett have a confidant in the form of their mutual best friend, Shannon. But the old saying of ‘three’s a crowd’ may just be about to bite them. (Sorry, sorry! I’ll try to leash in the bad puns!)

The Truth About Love and Dogs is a witty and endearing romcom that isn’t afraid to tackle big relationship issues such as infidelity, infertility, lack of communication and toxic jealousy. These serious aspects are handled sensitively and realistically, but saved from becoming too all-consumingly sad by the lighter notes of humour, love, friendship and lots of lovely dogs!

The characters, human and canine, had real personality and developed nicely as the story progressed. I particularly liked that the dogs were cute, but not over-cutesified. They rampage and smell and scoff exactly like the real thing. As an added bonus there are some useful dog training tips seeded through the narrative for pet-loving readers.

This is a perfect summer beach read for romance lovers and dog lovers alike – you’d have to be barking mad not to give it a sniff. I will definitely be looking out fur more from this author. (I just can’t help myself, sorry!)

‘I’ve got to send out the Ruff Love questionnaires and then I’m all yours for the rest of the night,’ she murmured. ‘Do with me what you will.”
As he turned from the sink, he stared deeply into her eyes. ‘I know exactly what we should do.’
The excitement in his expression made Scarlett’s nether parts start to wibble. Finally, they were on the same page… or at least in the same book. She didn’t mind skim-reading ahead to get to the good bits if she had to.
‘Let’s start a new box set! Just let me finish up here. We can get at least three hours in by the time the stew’s ready.’
He pecked her on the nose and turned back to the sink.

– Lilly Bartlett, The Truth About Love and Dogs

You can find more from Michele / Lilly at her website here and blog here, and follow her on Facebook here and here, Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads here and here.

The Truth About Love and Dogs is available on Amazon right now, and you can check out a lovely guest post about the different covers for the book right here!

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