What Austin Lloyd lacks in academics, he makes up for in his love of the animals who frequent his pet salon. He’s not lucky in romance, though, and his family would like him to settle down with a good man. Austin—and his golden retriever, Maggie—couldn’t agree more.
Evan Partridge isn’t good at letting people in. His messy family life and the past that’s shaped him aren’t worth bringing up. But his pug, Dexter, sure likes the pet salon owner.
Austin and Evan get off to a rough start, but being friends soon turns into something more. Unfortunately, Evan’s secretive behavior nearly does the relationship in, and the budding love affair almost crashes and burns when Evan’s troubled sister shows up on his doorstep.
Not speaking to each other is killing them both, but Evan doesn’t know how to keep Austin and help his sister at the same time. He just knows he has to try. Winning back Austin’s trust back, however, is going to take a whole lot of work.
Title: Pawsitively in Love
Author: M.J. O’Shea
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200
I was definitely excited to read this book by M.J. O’Shea, when I saw it up on DSP. Put two men falling in love and animals in the same book, and I am SO THERE! And there was a lot to love in this book, for sure.
The characters were well drawn, both with their own issues to deal with, making it a challenge to find their way to each other, and stay connected. It was about 65% into the book when they finally agreed to date and kissed, so definitely a slow burn. If you like a book that is a slow burn, this is definitely for you! The men, and the dogs both connected well, and were able to move past insecurities to get to their dating stage.
Before Evan’s sister found her way to his house. She presented as a very unlikable character, which in many ways is a shame, because Evan obviously loved her, and wanted her in his life. Your hope would be that Evan and Austin could find their HEA together, and have his sister come right along with them. Unfortunately, there was no way that was happening, and I could see her being an issue for these two men in the future as well, which could make for a great follow up story. Maybe a Christmas one about forgiveness and acceptance? Not that I am hinting at all. 🙂
I would definitely like to see how these men are able to keep their relationship on course through rocky times, as I felt that they had a solid beginning, once Evan was able to get out of his own way. And a great love story that sat in the background of this book? Maggie and Dexter. 🙂
3.5 pieces of eye candy
Amazon
Dreamspinner Press
Guest Post:
Favorite quotes about reading
Before anything, writers are readers. Most of us grew up reading book after book (I know I did!!) and it’s still a huge part of our every day lives. I’ve collected a few favorite quotes about reading over the years and here they are!
“A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” – Neil Gaiman
First of all, I love that this comes from Neil Gaiman, the master of creating dreamworlds and universes on the other side of the wall. But I love that idea, that people can get lost in the book and create their own dreams.
“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them” – Lemony Snicket
I mostly just think this is funnyJ But I can’t tell you how many times you’d open my handbag and find a book (or two) inside.
“Knowing you have something good to read before bed is among the most pleasurable of sensations.” – Vladimir Nabokov
Who has spent the whole day thinking about getting home to finish their book before bed? I would go with pretty much everyone J I think we can all relate to this.
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. “ C.S. Lewis
And this right here? This is me J One extra huge earl grey and a long book and I’m a happy, happy girl!
Thanks for having me stop by!! You can read a bit about my new book below, or click on the link which will take you to an excerpt. I’ve also put all my social media links. I’m always available for a chat.
xoxo
MJ O’Shea
Pawsitively In Love at Dreamspinner Press
M.J. O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there and loves it, M.j. has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
