Love is a four legged word

Favorite Quotes:

‘I don’t have needs.’ ‘You don’t?’ ‘Nope, not me, none. I’m like a self-cleaning oven. No upkeep required. You don’t need to worry about me.’ ‘Well, just remember. It’s not healthy to self-clean for too long.’

Roxy the Rocket, their class’s very own man-eater. She’d been round the campus more times than the Domino’s delivery guy.

A slip of the tongue, Rufus? Really? Exactly where has your tongue been slipping?

That man could put a positive spin on a dysentery epidemic. Sure, I shit my pants, but I went down a belt notch!

Please, Octavia, you’re one to talk about looking unnatural. You’ve been tucked so many times you look like a hospital corner.

My Review:

I adored this delightfully amusing book from beginning to end. The writing was crisp, breezy, and heaving with zingy levity and colorful observations that conjured keen visuals. The storylines were cleverly developed, highly entertaining, and kept me smirking. I will also confess to few outright giggle-snorts escaping my mouth. It wasn’t all fun and games as a few rather unpleasant intrusions to their marital bliss needed to be ironed out and the main characters may have each needed a swift kick or two in the derriere to dislodge their misplaced craniums, but they found their way to my must have and highly satisfying HEA. It is a red-letter day as the dual personality of Lilly Bartlett/Michele Gorman has a new fangirl and I have a new author to stalk.

The Truth About Love and Dogs by Michele Gorman (pen-name Lilly Bartlett) is a chick lit and romance novel that is realistic. This book has been updated as well as a new cover. The book is about Scarlett and her husband Rufus. Scarlet and the character Shannon are in a dog business walking business together. Shannon is good friends with Rufus(since she known as a child) and Scarlett.

This book talks about the hard work it takes to make a marriage work. It talks about the frustration of not getting pregnant. The book does not sugarcoat about the frustrations of not getting pregnant. I thought that was good.

This book reminds a reader what truly matters in life . While this story is going on, there are the stories of the dogs and the humans of the dogs we meet. This I loved for I am animal lover. Also, because there are lines where the author makes a reader feel they are reading a dog mind. The dog stories are funny and will bring a smile to any humans of dogs or pets. As humans of dogs or any pets, we know our pets facial expressions for they are our kids.

Regardless, all these stories come together to show what true love is and the miracles dogs bring into our life. I will be honest. I read this book before. I gave five stars but I have lost my handwritten (I am old fashioned.) notes on this book and why I gave a five star. I only bring this up for I do not give out five stars reviews like Halloween Candy(Line from television show Suits). I removed this book from my profile and read it again. It stills remains a 5 star because of the reminder on what really matters in life, the importance of family, love does not have to be blood, and dogs are truly angels.

I do not read a lot of chick lits. However, I try to broaden my horizon. Some of the girls besties stuff in this book is not my style, that does not get against my rating. I recommend this book to all dog lovers and to everyone for that like to broaden their horizons.

Whoops. Update. 02-26-19 at 11:37 pm Eastern Standard Time:
The actual line from the TV show Suits was something like this ” We do not give out partnerships like Halloween Candy.”

🇺🇸🐾

Whoops Again. 02-28-19 ar 10:04pm Eastern Standard Time:
Unlike one of the characters, I think costumes on doggies are cute! I think it only a problem if the owner is doing in a bad way like this book mention.

I’ve been a fan of Michele Gorman’s books for a while now, so when I was asked if I would like to read her latest novel ‘Love is a Four-Legged Word’, it was an easy answer give – of course I wanted to read it!

The story revolves around unconventional animal behaviourist Scarlett, her husband Rufus, and friend and colleague, wacky, yet on-the-ball, Shannon. Shannon also happens to be Rufus’s best friend.

I kind of guessed from the relationship between the three of them, that there was going to be some conflict of interest going on in the book, but it doesn’t turn out how I had imagined.

Scarlett and Shannon run a dog business together, ‘Ruff Love’. The laughs came thick and fast courtesy of their clientele, and not just from the four-legged ones either. Some of the dogs’ owners were barking mad too.

The book is filled with strong characters that are surrounded by an engaging plot-line. There are a few very emotional scenes in the book, from friendships to families, and infertility too. All of which Ms. Gorman perfectly executes.

If you are looking for a romantic, heart-warming story, yet one that will have you laughing out loud and enjoying the fun, then this is the one to choose.

Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com

I have had this book on my kindle since ages, hence I decided to get to it. Scarlett and Shannon are best of friends and run a business together of dog walking. Scarlett is a dog behavioral therapist, and boy, she did meet some interesting clients and their dogs. Rufus and Scarlett were trying to get pregnant when infertility hit them and in that stress, the dufus of a husband utters friend Shannon’s name at the wrong moment! Yikes!!

My first book by Lily Bartlett, I had fun reading most parts of it. Trials and frustrations of infertility were well described. On-time sex was fun to read but poor Rufus. I could understand his turmoil, but calling out another woman’s name was still a NO-NO. The whole book was a rom-com, I loved the interpretations of the dogs’ expressions.

Then came my niggles, the main storyline came later, after more than 50%. I needed more of the story with the main characters than of clients and dogs. Though I do think this would make a great movie. This is one of the books that would be more delightful visually than reading it. Seeing the dog’s expressions rather than reading would be cuter, methinks.

Overall, a fun read

Release Date: October 13, 2016
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars

Lilly Bartlett has written a wonderful story here. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t what I was expecting either. However, I did find myself being pleasantly surprised as to how realistic and honest the book is and I fell in love with each and every character. Lilly revolves this story around 3 characters- a husband and wife and their friend, Shannon. At first I got nervous knowing the book was going to be about three of these characters. I had visions of love triangles and cheating and all sorts of things because I just didn’t know how it would play out. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. So if you read the blurb and immediately think this is what’s happening then don’t fret! This is not an angsty love story where three is truly a crowd.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is how the author told the story about a woman struggling to get pregnant. I know this is something that will hit home for a lot of women, and the author executes it with such care and poise that readers will be able to instantly connect with these troubles. Some marriage issues are discussed as well, but again, it’s realistic and relatable. I love a book that one can both learn from and relate to and this book does this all.

I hope many readers will give this sweet novel a chance. It’s not a fluffy chick lit novel but rather a sweet women’s fiction with relatable, entertaining, and fantastic characters.

What an absolute joy this was to read!! It mixed the fun of dealing with crazy dogs — and their even crazier owners! — with the more serious topics of a married couple drifting apart and how fertility issues played their part in putting a wedge between a husband and wife and how that put so much pressure on their relationship and friendships!

Scarlett is a dog behaviourist — she is the doggy whisperer! Although most of her work centres around re-training the owners more than the dogs! The exploits of both had me laughing out loud! And along with her best friend, Shannon, who is a dog walker, their business is growing nicely and all seems well!

But tougher times are just around the corner and when her husband, Rufus seems to find it easier to talk to Shannon about delicate issues rather than to his wife and it puts them all, especially Shannon, in a very awkward position. And when Gemma, Scarlett’s sister, falls pregnant it really devastates Scarlett and she struggles to cope with her feelings of jealousy which was totally understandable.

I raced through this book as it was just so easy to care about these characters and hoping that their lives could be put back on track and loved how sensitively more serious subjects were dealt with alongside the humour of dealing with problem dogs!.

A sweet romance for dog lovers. A dog psychologist treats the dogs as well as their owners. Helping her canine and human clients sort out their problems helps the psychologist sort out her own issues in her marriage.

I enjoy Michele Gorman’s sense of humor and it makes her books fun to read.

You can read all my review on Blog — Books Teacup and Reviews

The Truth about Love and Dogs was a lovely romcom that revolved around Scarlett, her perfect business as dog behaviourist and not so perfect married life. It was about love, friendship, companionship, couple having difficulty in conceiving and its impact on their relationship, and of course, dog and their peculiar owner.

characters:

Scarlett was a fairy dogmother for her clients who turned struggling, suffering dog owners’ life into happily ever after, but when it came to her marriage, she couldn’t figure out how to get it on the track on happy married life. She was clever, smart and lovely person. I loved the way she handled her business and clients. She was amazing with dogs. I couldn’t help but feel for her. Her emotions and thoughts were genuine and relatable. She was strong. In her situation, most of people could drown in depression. I loved how her relationship developed with Rufus, Shannon, and her clients.

Rufus was Scarlett’s husband. At first I didn’t know what to think about him. It looked like he never took things seriously. He was tired of Shannon and their efforts of being parents and he was totally ignoring Shannon’s feeling. But I could see why he felt constantly pressured how it could suck out all the love from a person if the feeling is not shared. But I didn’t appreciate his behavior after test. His development by the end of the book was good.

Shannon was dog walker, business partner, and best friend of Scarlett and childhood friend of Rufus. She was shy, awkward dresser with wild imagination. She was wonderful character and friend. She was pretty supportive and knew the right thing to say to Rufus. Initially, I thought she was being partial but I loved the way she kept her loyalty and sided with a friend who was right. I liked her in the end.

All side characters Gemma, dog owners and Scarlett’s parents were great.

What i liked:

Plot, setting, characters, emotions, and dogs everything was nicely balanced and executed. The writing was charming. The story was narrated alternatively from Scarlett and Shannon’s POV. Their voice was refreshing filled with humor, wit, and emotions.

When I started reading this book I didn’t know how deeply I was going to invest into character’s emotions. I thought it would be all humor, dogs, and romance, little I knew it going to have theme of infertility, couple having difficulty in conceiving and its impact on their relationship, male ego, how easy it is for man to accept the problem from women’s side but not the other way around.

From the very beginning we see the strain in Rufus and Scarlett’s relation because of difficulty in conceiving. As I read more I could see their relationship coming to end even before Rufus’s stupidity. It was bad enough they couldn’t have their dream of being parents as they planned but it was worst they were shutting other out not being able to share their feelings or make things normal between them and when they got GP results all the pent-up emotions, disappointments and pressure snapped. And things got worse to disastrous when Rufus stupidly uttered wrong word at wrong time.

I could see from blurb where it would end up and still I was curious what Shannon thought about it all. How she felt for Scarlett and what she thought about Rufus’ stupidity. And I must say she surprised me at the end.

What I loved most was dog training sessions. It was fascinating to read all little tricks Scarlett showed to dog owners, advices about the dog behaviors, how it is so closely related to their owner’s behavior, and how to train them in right direction. Max and his Irish Setter Murphy, Barkley- yellow Labrador and his owner Charlie, Margaret and her Spaniel Biscuit. All owners and dogs were wonderful, I loved to read their life story and their issues with their dogs and how they worked hard to make their relationship even stronger. I specially loved development in Margret and her dog.

Another most favorite thing about the book was emotions. I could feel Scarlett at all the stage- her agitation when she failed to conceive, her relief on receiving GP results, betrayal when she thought there’s no more pressure between her and Rufus, agony when Rufus refused to work on other options. All Scarlett’s reactions were understandable and might be relatable to many but at the same time I really felt bad for Rufus, well, in the beginning then he started being jerk. I almost hated him.

There was a strong female friendship in this book. I loved Shannon’s proposal at the climax, her efforts to help her friends and appearance of Mr. Darcy was most surprising. I do agree with Scarlett on that matter. I loved how things worked out at the end. This is perfect book-to-screen story.

why 4 stars:

I kind of guessed there will be problem between Scarlett, Rufus and Shannon very early in the book. In fact, synopsis gave it away. I was just looking forward to Scarlett’s decision at the end.

Overall, it was fun, relatable, sweet romcom with amazing characters and happy ending. Dog lovers will definitely enjoy it.

*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. ***

Scarlett is a dog behaviourist, training dogs and their owners with her friend, Shannon and their business called Ruff Love.

Scarlett’s struggles with her own home life are mixed with the often hilarious antics of dogs and owners….the wilful Biscuit, the ‘passionate’ Murphy, Barkley, and Fred and Ginger….

Scarlett is trying to keep her marriage from sinking under the weight of trying to get pregnant….

I loved the humour in this which is mixed with the emotional struggles faced by Scarlett and Rufus and Scarlett’s friend Shannon whose infatuation with ‘Mr Darcy’ gives some additional light relief.

Due to Lilly Bartlett’s engaging writing I found myself caring for Scarlett and really hoped for a happy outcome….I wasn’t disappointed. If you are in the mood for a funny, romantic and heart-warming story, then this is for you…

Thank you to Michele Gorman for a copy of the ebook and this is my honest and unbiased review.

4.5 Stars

I was really excited when I was offered a copy of this to review. I love dogs, I love dogs in fiction and I love Michele Gorman, so it seemed like a match made in heaven. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times within the first chapter, as we are introduced to some of the canine companion in the book, and the reasons they needed time with Scarlett, an animal behaviourist.

So it starts of as this incredibly sweet romantic comedy, as we meet Scarlett, Rufus and their mutual best friend Shannon. However as the story progresses, there are many far deeper issues running through the book, which enriched the reading experience for me.

There are themes such as infertility, and marriage power struggles explored in great detail as Scarlett and Rufus are struggling to have a baby. There is also Scarlett’s marginally unconventional family where she has a meal weekly at her dads, which also includes her step mum, her mum, and her sister, Gemma, who has some exciting news of her own.

As Scarlett and Rufus start to get more serious, the light relief you need is still there in two forms. First in Shannon’s meetings with a certain Mr. Darcy, who she has a massive crush on, and then in the form of the dogs.

What I loved so much were the dog training sessions and how Scarlett’s clients would slowly become more like friends, and in Margaret and Biscuit’s case, she does so much more for Margaret than just helping Biscuit behave better. Their talks were great, and showed another dimension to Scarlett’s personality.

With a huge assortment of dogs in this book, with a whole range of issues, some from the dogs, and some thanks to the owners, I’m sure that if you have a dog, you will recognise them within at least one of the ones featured in the book.

Love if a Four-Legged Word is a wonderful mix of humour, romance, serious discussions, friendship and all around engrossing writing that keeps your reading long into the night.

Thank you so much to Notting Hill Press for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

Well this was my first time reading a book by Lilly Bartlett, but it certainly won’t be my last. The Truth About Love and Dogs has been an absolute delight to read.

I absolutely enjoyed and loved this story, it was wonderfully written, there was joyful moments as well as a couple of sad moments thrown in. I found it to be a fast paced story and a real page turner.

If you love dogs, then you really should read this book. It didn’t take long to fall in love with all of the dogs that have a part to play in this story, they all had such unique characters and some of the things that they did had me in right giggles. My favorites were definitely Fred and Ginger the two Westies terriers, I just wanted to cuddle them and take them home with me, which is odd coming from me as I’m more of a cat person than a dog person.

As for the characters, the humans, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Scarlett/Rufus and their best friend Shannon, seeing how close they all were to each other and how each of their stories developed and the difficulties they each encountered from time to time throughout the story. Although there were a couple of times that I wanted to slap Rufus for his stupidity and lack of sensitivity, but thankfully he came to his senses and managed to redeem himself. If you want to know what I’m referring to, you’ll just have to read the book so as to find out.

Lilly certainly has a wonderful way with words, setting the scene and location perfectly, felt like I could just step straight into the story and become involved. I really didn’t want the story to end or say bye bye to the characters or the dogs.

I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

This was an enjoyable read which didn’t take me long to get through, it was difficult to put down and I raced to the end as I was desperate to know how the story would unfold.

The story is based around three main characters, Scarlett who runs a dog business called ‘Ruff Love’ along with her business partner and best friend Shannon and Rufus, who is married to Scarlett but also best friends with Shannon. So after reading the first three lines of the synopsis you can understand my eagerness for reading this book so fast!

I was laughing out loud right from the off when someone turned up in the park thinking ‘Ruff Love’ was some sort of sex club! Ha! The dog training group scenes were fun to read and I loved each of their personalities, the dogs as well as the owners! I loved how caring Scarlett was towards the dogs also the friendships she builds with the owners made for some really nice scenes to read.

As well as being a romantic comedy with lots of humour this book touches on a very serious subject which I won’t let on and let you find out for yourself. I didn’t expect this so I was quite surprised but for me it really made the book and I thought the balance throughout worked perfectly and kept the book light hearted even during the more serious chapters. The writing style was perfect, making me feel all sorts of emotions for the characters.

Overall this book has everything, comedy, love, friendship, dogs, crushes thrown together with those real life problems that we have to adult through. I would recommend this book to friends and family for sure!

As this was my first Lilly Bartlett book I am excited to get reading her other books as I am sure I won’t be disappointed!

Dog lover I am, I was really looking forward to reading this cute looking book. You can’t deny that covers, both UK and US one, are very eye catching and would grab attention of any dog lover. 

If you are a dog owner, you can definitely relate to so many situations in this book. Dogs can be so naughty and get up to so much mischief. Reading about all the different breeds and their behavior was so humorous, especially as they are not misbehaving in your own house

Scarlett is a dog trainer, what a dream job for many of us. Hardly any stress, spending time with dogs is fun and always entertaining, owners can be more challenging but she can bond with them as well as their four legged family members. 

I adored how this book was split in two topics that were interlaced through out the whole novel. Dogs and all the funny moments they bring, switched into harder topic of relationship issues between Scarlett and her husband Rufus and what seems like newly created relationship triangle, their best friend Shannon happened to get herself into. 

I found some parts of this book a bit heartbreaking as it covered a topic that can be hard to swallow when it hits a bit too close to home. However after I got into the story, I couldn’t stop reading to see how the problems and situations of their relationship will pan out. And of course, dogs definitely kept this book very lighthearted and uplifting.

I enjoyed author’s writing style and how the story flowed so naturally. Every page was very engaging.

If you are looking for uplifting, funny and also emotional read, I can 100% recommend this book to you. It will deliver all that and much more. 

When I was asked by Michele to review ‘The Truth about Love and Dogs’ for a relaunch of the book, of course I jumped at the chance to help and review this beautifully written book.

This is actually the first book I’ve read by Lilly Bartlett (aka Michele Gorman) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was also a first read for me to read about dogs in a romantic comedy, I found this made the story interesting especially Michele’s clear knowledge on the subject of dog behaviour. Each dog had their own unique personality which made the story amusing and witty. We meet Scarlett and Rufus who are clearly struggling in their marriage as they try to convince a child. I was amazed to see how realistic their emotions were about the challenges with infertility and I thank Michele for writing about a subject as tough and as common in everyday life as this.

I adored all of the characters in the book (especially the dogs!) but Scarlett stood out for me. To see her struggle with her marriage and keep up with her dog training business was an inspiration. I willed for her to work everything out for the better in the end, you will see if she does or not so you should read the book! She also faces some other challenges in her life, which she has to face and overcome.

‘The Truth about Love and Dogs’ is about love, companionship, facing difficult conversations and finding your on way to deal with difficult circumstances.

I really enjoyed how easy it was to read this book which meant it didn’t take me long to be hooked on the story and get to the end within days. I will also definitely be downloading some of Michele’s other books. I give ‘The Truth a Love and Dogs’ 4*/5* 😊

To read my full review at mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2019…

The is such a fun front cover, with a wonderful scene of a park with a rivers flowing through. There are people walking their dogs, people sitting on benches, a person riding a bike, swans gliding on the river, dogs playing, and tress are dotted all around. There is just so much to take in! The title covers most of the cover and is in white; which really stands out against the blue and green backing. Lilly’s name is at the very bottom of the cover also in white! A very well designed front cover, I love it!!!!
Since I’ve deserved Lilly’s book’s I’m always eager to dive in, because of the humor, romance and all round goodness of her stories.
Scarlett has been married to her husband Rufus for 5 wonderful years, although their honeymoon period is defiantly over as it would seem. They have been trying for a family of their own and it would seem like it’s not happening and the romance has floated away leaving stress on both parts as they wonder what’s wrong. She has a massive love for dogs and trained very hard to gain her training in dog behaviour management; which led her to set up her own dog training business, called Ruff Love. Offering dog behaviour training classes to concerned owners and their furry friends. Now her business is growing and branching out to offer a dog working service; which Scarlett’s best friend Shannon is taken on. Scarlett also offers one on one dog training although spaces are limited, her training courses which take place in the park or the local hall; her aim is to help not just the miss behaved dog’s but to train their owners on how to deal with it. Can Scarlett and Rufus get past their stresses? Will they finally start their family? Or will the stress be just too much? Can Scarlett train her dog pupils into good behaviour? And there owners?
Shannon is a quiet, shy and very single… but she has her eye’s on a guy she see’s and has never plucked up the courage to talk in the park everyday walking his dog as she walks her clients canine friends. She has named him ‘Mr Darcy’ and fantasies about what his life and what his like to spend time with, often telling her best mates all about it. Scarlett and Rufus are always telling her to talk to him. She adores her job although some of the dog owners are both very random and very particular about their dog attire!!!! Shannon is best friends with both husband (Rufus; who she grew up with) and wife (Scarlett); which at times is proving challenging. Will Shannon pluck up the courage to speak to her ‘Mr Darcy’? How will she deal with always being in the middle of her two best friends as they go through their turmoil? How does Shannon deal with owners who insist on dressing their dogs up to go for a walk?
The Truth About Love And Dogs by Lilly Bartlett is a wonderful loveable story with wonderful characters that are unique and interesting in every way. I can honestly say I haven’t laughed (out load might I add) so much while reading a book in a while! The dog’s with their behaviour problems had me in stitches!!! Lilly’s writing style is lovely with a plot that keep’s you entertained through out, in a way that makes you feel like your right there with them! I adore dog’s any way so this book was perfect and any dog lover with added romance and comedy! What more could you ask for in a book?!? I feel Lilly has really brought it back as her last book really didn’t do it for me… but this one is a knock out for sure!

An enjoyable story about dogs and dog-walking, best friends, romance and the search for love; there’s a serious side as well when it comes to infertility and its toll. As it’s a rom-com we have a lovely happy ending.

First off let me direct to previous books by this author that I’ve reviewed here and let me tell you I didn’t actually realise she had so many books out and they cover so much from romance to comedy to romantic comedy that I think you’d be hard pressed not to find something you’d love in her repertoire! But, as usual, I digress.

I have to admit when I a) saw this cover and b) heard that the book was by Michele Gorman aka Lilly Bartlett, I did a little happy dance (I actually truly do these. Yes! In real life!) and agreed straight away to review this, a book choc full of dogs!!!

So of course the whole story isn’t about dogs, this is the story of Scarlett and her best friend Shannon (both tell us the story in third person in  the book. Actually my only issue at all was for some reason my dense head couldn’t move from Scarlett to Shannon for the first half of the book because both their names began with the same letter. This does seem a really dumb thing to nitpick over, but I was flummoxed at times and I was a little bit gutted as it took over from a read that was totally my thing and that I beyond enjoyed) and the man in the middle, Rufus.

Scarlett and Rufus are trying for a baby but the strain of it is starting to show and Rufus seems to be getting fed up of it all while Scarlett is trying to handle the stress by herself. I loved the way the infertility was dealt with and really felt for both of them, feeling sorry for each in equal measures. In the midst of all of this is their mutual best friend Shannon, who isn’t fully in the know as to what is going on, but is getting some of it and trying not to take sides. There is then of course the love interests. Shannon is pining over a guy she sees most days who she’s never spoken to, while the introduction of characters through Scarlett’s work made me fearful for whether Scarlett’s marriage would actually take the test it was being put through, or if there was another guy on the horizon.

Of course by now I still haven’t spoken about the dogs!! Scarlett is a dog trainer. I loved meeting the animals and their owners, a slight caveat, there is a lot of them, so people who don’t like a ton of characters need to beware, but I felt I definitely got to know them as the book went on, really rooting for some of them (look out for Margaret!!) The comedy was nicely done, with a fair few smiles along the way (of course, it being doggy related!) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s very much recommended. Thanks to the author for the book in return for an honest review. 

The Truth about love and dogs

Michele Gorman had approached me to read her story on Twitter. After reading the blurb, I just had to. A rom-com with dogs, how could Tank and I pass this up.

This is definitely a 5 paw read. It has all the feels it made me laugh and cry as I flipped through the pages. The characters were approachable and realistic. How hasn’t had relationship problems with their friends or significant other? When Rufus and Scarlett couldn’t get pregnant, the author covered a heatbreaking subject with tack and feeling. The writitng beautifully caused me to feel deeply for these people and I teared up several times as they negotiated the landmines of hurt feelings.

I really appreciate the amount of effort the author put into accurrately described the dog training scenes, dog owner interactions, and dog behavior. It was spot on. I could relate in several scenes as I have had those same interactions with dog owners on a daily basis.

This story was sweet, funny, and had everything to make a great book.

Thank you to Notting Hill Press for providing me with a ARC of Love is a Four-Legged Word. I have read a few of Michele Gorman’s previous novels and have always found them to be good fun. As such, I was happy to be offered a copy of Love is a Four-Legged Word for review.

The story commences on a light-hearted note, setting the scene and then quickly progressing into the story with plenty of giggles and doggy delights! As the story progresses, some deeper issues come to the forefront and, as the reader, we watch as the characters’ attempt to resolve those issues.

The characters are very likeable. I especially found myself warming the level-headed but kooky Shannon and I enjoyed reading about Scarlett’s unconventional family. I will admit that I found myself becoming slightly frustrated at Rufus and Scarlett’s inability to effectively communicate with each other. However, anyone who is/has been married or in a long term relationship can understand that it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, sometimes there are some darker moments that will test a relationship to its limits.

The plot line grabbed my attention from the offset. It deals with a variety of relatable issues including family relationships, friendship, infertility and romance. The story flows along at a steady pace and does not falter or loose momentum. Gorman has provided a well-balanced mix of drama and comedy that will keep the reader involved in the story until the last page.

Whilst the story does address some serious issues, there is a lot of light relief provided through canine antics and through Shannon’s pursuit of ‘Mr Darcy’, the focus of her unrequited crush! I particularly enjoyed reading about the dog training classes, with Margaret and Biscuit, Max and Murphy, Charlie and Barkley and Naomi and Hiccup. Their canine capers have certainly enforced my views that I would not have the patience to deal with a dog as a pet!

Love is a Four-Legged Word is ultimately a bitter-sweet tale of romance and friendship — an enjoyable and cute story with some laugh out loud moment.

Scarlett and Shannon run a dog business together called Ruff Love (inspired!). Scarlett is a dog behaviorist and Shannon does the dog walking side of things. No dog is too much trouble for ‘fairy dog mother’ Scarlett, who welcomes everyone, including the ‘hoovers’ and ‘humpers’ of the Canine World.
I adored the dogs but with them came such an enchanting bunch of dog owners, all with their own insecurities but with one thing in common, they all loved their dogs to bits. Scarlett found herself helping the owners just as much as the dogs, which was applaudable because a happy dog needs a happy owner. Lilly Bartlett has done her homework here and the advice and training techniques that Scarlett uses are extremely well researched. (I will definitely be trying some of them out on my naughty little rescue dog!)

There is an interesting friend dynamic between Scarlett, Shannon and Scarlett’s husband Rufus. This really complicates a situation which arises and puts the whole friendship and business partnership in jeopardy.

I liked how the book tackles a serious subject but from a very different angle. The characters suffer emotionally and deal with the problem in different ways, which causes conflict in the relationship. I was totally invested in the characters wellbeing, and my heart ached for them. I felt that the characters reactions were demonstrated really accurately and their emotions were portrayed just as they would be in real life.

On a lighter note, Shannon is single and hoping to be noticed by her very own Mr. Darcy, who she sees in the park every day. However, Shannon is shy and hasn’t got the confidence to make an impression, she believes that they are destined not to meet. That is until he finally strikes up a conversation… just as she is picking up a big dollop of poodle poo!

I think I have made it clear that I loved this book. It had a bit of everything I look for and is far more than a fluffy feel-good read. Usually, I like to see one or two unsavoury characters but it didn’t matter because the characters were so multi-layered with completely natural flaws and insecurities. Humour flows nicely throughout the book, with the dogs adding some outrageous but completely believable moments. Romance readers won’t be disappointed, the relationship between Scarlett and Rufus is incredibly tender, compassionate and HOT!

I devoured it in a few days and would gladly give it six stars if I could!

I knew straight away this book was going to be my sort of read and something i was seeking as i needed a rest from all the thrillers i had indulged in. What i did expect was such a heartfelt narrative that made me in parts laugh out loud.

Scarlett and Rufus are long past the honeymoon stage and well in to the twilight years stage of netflix binging and evenings in. Scarlett however wants to put a stop to that and makes the full blown body effort to recapture some of their sparkle and fix things as they try to start their family together. This however, does not have the desired effect.

However, its not all as bad as it seems because Scarlett spends her day with all the dogs and her best friend Shannon. When you have your best friend it cant all be that bad can it? Well, when Rufus changes Scarletts world by uttering Shannons name in a moment of passion, everything changes because then Scarlett doesnt even have Shannon anymore. Nor do the dogs really want to behave and it throws Scarletts life into turmoil.

I really enjoyed this so much more than i expected. I felt it tackled a difficult subject in a great way, it was serious when it needed to be, it was funny in those moments when it was too heavy, and i mean im not massively a dog person but i even found myself warming to those naughty doggos.

This wasnt a tale of threes a crowd, it was more fully blown heartache for what could be and how friendship is truly the best type of love. I really felt for Scarlett throughout the whole book, i felt she was trying her best to handle everything but feeling well out of her depth.

Michelle/Lily had me really enjoying this and i am so glad she approached me to review this, not only did she write the characters so well, she wrote the dogs wonderfully all with their own individual personalities and traits, she understood the whole training side of it as well and it made the narrative come to life. I would really recommend this

🐶She has a knack for helping dog owners; too bad she’s not as successful in her private life!😢
December 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 🌟stars🐕
I really enjoyed this one just as much, maybe more, as the first time I read it several years ago. The author balances heroine Scarlett’s crumbling home life with the humorous antics of the dogs she trains and their owners. Romance blooms on several fronts as Scarlett tries to keep her marriage from imploding over the issue of having children. Plus, in the process of training their dogs, the owners find a new and better «leash» on life!

I fell in to Scarlett’s world and was alternately amused and saddened and frustrated as the story unfolded. The author provided some spot-on inner dialogue for the dogs and made even their most annoying traits endearing. I think Scarlett’s fertility struggles would have been hard to read without the frequent relief her dog training sessions provided.

Although Scarlett is the central figure in the story, her dog walker employee/friend Shannon’s storyline gave an added boost to the plot. I loved her care for the costume-tortured pugs she walked and her infatuation from afar with «Darcy,» a fellow dog walker.

As to Scarlett and her weird relationship triangle with her husband Rufus and their best friend Shannon, their joint friendship created an unusual dilemma. I really did care about them all finding a happy solution at the end of their struggles and was not disappointed!:-)

In sum, this story has its light and dark moments. I think they are well balanced, well-written, and result in a thoroughly enjoyable book.

I love escaping into the world of a Lilly Bartlett novel. You are guaranteed to have not only laugh out loud moments, in this case courtesy of the many canines that frequent the pages such as Barkley and Murphy, but also moments which will make your heart break as we venture through the complicated lives of Scarlett, Rufus and best friend Shannon.

Scarlett and Shannon are not only best friends, they also work together, Scarlett managing the dog training half of the business and Shannon taking care of dog walking, a job that both of them love. Shannon’s frequent visits to the park with her various charges allow her a chance to see her secret love, ‘Mr Darcy’, a man she lusts after but is too shy to actually talk to. Scarlett’s half of the business brings her into contact with others who are just as unlucky in love. Max, a guy who falls in love hard and fast and whose dog, Murphy, has a nasty habit of humping everything he sees, is hesitant to allow his four legged friend to have the snip. Then there is Charlie and his dog Barkley who eats everything he sees. And finally we have Margaret and her aggressive dog Biscuit. Margaret needs as much help and training as the rest of Scarlett’s clients.

As much as the scenes with the dog training and walking are — and if you read what one of Shannon’s clients does to her poor pugs you will have a damned good chuckle as well as call her out for borderline animal cruelty — there are as many scenes which are filled with heartbreak. Scarlett and Rufus’s relationship has reached a crossroads, and it is this situation that becomes the heart of the story. The author has done a brilliant job of capturing the varying emotions of the couple as they try to conceive but face a series of obstacles along the way. It is an all too common situation that they find themselves in, and the way in which they each cope with the blows they are dealt feels very authentic and will tug at your heart strings.

This is a funny, heartwarming and emotional read that will resonate with a lot of people. From the mad moments of trying to nurse fledgling relationships, the drudgery that comes with a long term partnership and being taken for granted, through to the heartbreak of being unable to achieve the one thing you want the most, this is a story that will draw you in from the start. With brilliant characters you cannot help but love, if this doesn’t bring a smile to our face, I don’t know what will. A book for dog lovers everywhere.

A fine tale about dogs, their owners, love and relationships which will keep you glued to the book until the very final page.

Scarlet and Rufus are soulmates; although the first bloom of marriage has long since worn off, they love each other deeply. However, problems in their personal lives are raising their ugly heads. Scarlett, as a dog behavioural expert has her own business along with best friend Shannon who is a dog walker. The thing is, Shannon is Rufus’ best friend too and when he utters her name and not his wife’s in the throes of passion, does it sound the death knell for the marriage?

This is a multi-faceted read; we find ourselves involved in both Scarlett’s marriage and her business. Both story lines are interesting, honest and — especially the canine clients and their owners — very funny. I don’t think it would be possible to read this without putting yourself in Scarlett’s shoes, and wondering how you would cope with the situation she finds herself in. Focusing on her clients brings plenty of lighter relief — not only does each dog have it’s own character traits, but their human sidekicks are varied and so very funny. Scarlett improves much more than just their pets’ behaviour!

An engaging and light-hearted read which I just loved; very entertaining indeed and well worth reading. I’m very happy to recommend this to all lovers of rom-coms who like a novel with both a serious and an amusing side!

Shannon and Scarlett are friends and together run a dog walking and training school. Scarlett is married to Rufus whilst Shannon is still looking for the love of her life. Canine loves seem to be easier than human ones and the antics of owners trying to control them are completely anothing thing Shannon has spotted a “Mr Darcy” in the park walking his greyhounds however she is too nervous to even speak to him. Scarlett and Rufus would love a family however having been trying for what seems to be forever both are getting rather frustrated. When Rufus says a different woman’s name at a very keen point, Scarlett really wonders what her options are. If you love dogs and enjoy a smile then this could be the book to read on a summer’s day whilst enjoying the fresh air. Yes it’s a rom-com, but there is so much more to this and not just dog psychology. It’s a look at life with all of its ups and downs and how sometimes we view the world around us. A highly enjoyable read with a woof and a smile!
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.

I enjoyed this story by Michele Gorman. I have read a few of her books before, and I know I am in for a good read.

Scarlett and Rufus are happily married but there is something that is really upsetting the apple cart there. Rufus and Shannon have been best friends since their primary school years and now Scarlett and Shannon run a dog walking and dog obedience class business together. Rufus and Scarlett’s issues are taking their toll on the girls’ friendship too but somehow they all have to learn how to get through it the best way they can.

The scenarios with the misbehaving dogs were hilarious, I have to say, who knew that dogs would get into so much mischief? And their owners as well 😊

All in all, this was a really lovely read, with a serious thread running through it which gave me some food for thought. What would I do if I were in the same situation as Scarlett and Rufus?

4.5 stars from me.

Scarlett in her working role as a dog behaviourist is an expert at sorting dogs and at times their owners out with a whole range of issues, but when it comes to a serious issue that occurs in her own life, and it puts her relationships with both her husband and best friend at risk. Scarlett struggles to find a way through the behaviour of those closest to her.

Although this book is very entertaining and humorous, it does have a more serious and deeply emotional side to the story, that is deeply touching. I really have enjoyed reading all the books by this author for those reasons. I also like that with the fast pace of the storyline you cannot help but read the book in one sitting, which made my train journey pass so much more quickly.

“The Truth about Love and Dogs” written by Lilly Bartlett (aka Michelle Gorman) is a heartwarming, romantic and fun comedy. This book will have you smiling throughout. I love dogs and the mischief they can cause or get into. This book also touches on a very delicate subject infertility. The subject is handled very well and the dog’s antics lighten it up. The characters are well developed and likeable. This book deals with many issues Family relationships, infertility, romance and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I recommend this to all dog or animal lovers.

With a title like, The Truth About Love And Dogs, how could I resist this chic-lit/romance novel? This is my first book from Michele Gorman (pen-name Lilly Bartlett) and it most definitely won’t be my last! Her writing is beautiful, her characters are deep and realistic, and the plot was emotional and compelling.

I felt like I was part of the story and felt all the emotions the characters felt. I’ve been trying to read outside of my comfort zone and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this one.

I highly recommend checking this one out. You won’t be disappointed!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

This was another great book. I love how Scarlett helps people train their dogs but is also helping the lives of the owners do better in their own lives. Scarlett and Rufus go through some rough times in this book but they find a way to work it out. One thing I didn’t like about this book is was Scarlett and Shannon’s names, they are way too similar and since they were best friends I did get them confused at times. Also we really don’t find out what happens with Shannon and Mr. Darcy. Overall I liked this book.