What’s the difference between puppy love and dogged devotion?
Not too much, if you’re a dog lover like me! When I received my copy of STEPDOG (William Morrow) by Nicole Galland I knew I was going to love this book! Look at the cover! Could that darling puppy holding his leash asking to be taken out for a walk be any cuter? I don’t think so. So, here’s the scoop.
Sara Renault fires Rory O’Connor from his part-time job at a Boston art museum, and in response, Rory, an Irishman, actor, musician, former party-boy leans over and kisses her. Then she kisses him back. Now they’re a couple.
Rory’s visa is about to run out on the cusp of his big Hollywood break, so Sara insists he marry her to get his green card. Well, in just a couple of weeks, they’ve gone from being friendly co-workers to a live-in couple, and it seems to be working out except for Cody, Sara’s beloved dog from her troubled previous relationship. What Rory perceives as Sara’s over-attachment to her dog, is the only thing they fight about.
When Rory scores both his green card and the lead role in a TV pilot, he, Sara and Cody get ready to move to Los Angeles. But just before moving day, Cody is dognapped, and it’s Rory’s fault.
Sara is beyond upset at losing her precious Cody, and angry at Rory for his stupidity. Desperate to get back into Sara’s good graces, Rory tracks Cody and the maniac dognapper to North Carolina. Can Rory rescue Cody and convince Sara that they all belong together as a family?
I really enjoyed STEPDOG, Nicole’s humor and whimsical writing style, but as a dog lover, I was curious by how Sara let Rory get away with bossing Cody around. Our dogs are our children and I wouldn’t let Rory raise his voice to Cody or tell him what to do. Some people might find my reaction harsh, but I found Rory’s tone quite telling about his erratic behavior later in the novel.
Bottom line: We LOVE our four-legged children. Don’t mess with them.
About Nicole Galland
Nicole Galland’s five previous novels are The Fool’s Tale; Revenge of the Rose; Crossed; I, Iago, and Godiva. She writes a cheeky etiquette column for the Martha’s Vineyard Times. She is married to actor Billy Meleady and owns Leuco, a dog of splendid qualities.
Find out more about Nicole at her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter
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Thank you TLC Book Tours for including us on this book tour and for providing a copy of this novel for an honest review. Lucky us we have one copy to give away. Leave a comment telling us your favorite pet dog story and we’ll pick a winner Friday! Good luck.
Feel free to check out http://www.cindyroesel.com for more of my reviews and new about my novel, “Viewer Discretion Advised.”
Every time we review a book about a dog, I like to show my shih Tzu, SASSY.
Cindy Reads & Writes 