Friday, March 8, 2013

Paws With Cause Review and Giveaway: The Love Dog by Elsa Watson

The Love Dog
by Elsa Watson
Fired from her job as a paralegal, Samantha Novak is in trouble. WhenTelltale, a Hollywood tabloid, asks her to write an expose on the reality television dating show, The Love Dog, Samantha is thrilled. She’s always dreamed of being a writer, and the fat paycheck won’t hurt. After being recently left at the altar, she’s not too keen on love either.   
Hired as the canine star’s handler, Samantha finds that digging up dirt on set is harder then she thought. Apollo, the show’s star, is a sweet golden retriever who takes his job as the “love dog” very seriously. He only wants to help couples fall in love and make everyone on set happy. Mason Hall, the show’s producer and leading man, is down to earth, charming, and... very attractive. 
If Samantha doesn’t reveal to the world that the reality show isn’t exactly “real,” her new career will be over before it starts. But when she falls in love with Apollo and Mason, will she still have the heart to expose The Love Dog’s dirty secrets?
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, but I do like a contemporary romance, it's HEA. I especially enjoy books with animals in them. So, I was looking forward to reading this. What I did not expect was Apollo's POV. Yep, you get a POV of the dog! Let me tell you, I was thinking it would be corny... and it was a bit... but in the best way. Those sections often put a smile on my face.

In this story we mostly follow Samantha, our human guide throughout this story. She is heartbroken and quite cynical in the whole love "thing". She writes a scathing blog about love and the cautionary tales to not fall victim. We do find out why she is so hardened and it makes sense.  As things move along she finds herself in a position for a lucrative job and it is to expose the new "reality" show, The Love Dog. Sounds like a perfect job for Sam.

Apollo is the perfect dog for the job. He loves what he does although none of it makes sense to him. How is he supposed to spread love if they keep him scripted? Lucas, the one he wants to most please is sent the most love. Lucas is the owner/handler and trust me... when you read those parts you will want to growl at that man. Nothing physically abusive, but you will find yourself hard pressed to like him.

I give this book 4 stars. In the end there were some twists and turns that kept me interested. The way things worked out made sense and didn't seem forced. I really enjoyed the way the HEA worked out. I also loved that Apollo was given the last word. You'll love to hear what his next love project would be. That made me smile and it was a perfect ending.
I received this book from Tor and no compensation for my review was given.

Tor/Forge is allowing me to giveaway one PB book! The giveaway is US/Can only. Just fill out the rafflecopter for below to enter! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'll be returning to your regularly scheduled reviews next week. Hope you enjoyed this dog filled week! I'd also like to thank my non-doggy commenters for sticking with me this week. Your support for something I enjoy is very much appreciated!
Lots of dobie smooches to you!
Also don't forget to enter to win the big giveaway by donating to a great cause! Deets are HERE 

22 comments:

  1. This book looks adorable. Right up my alley! And I love the cover. :^)

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  2. The *only * way I like books with dogs in them is if I know the dog lives. I tend to cringe when a happy, cute pup appears within the pages (especially of a mystery or UF) because there's a pretty good chance they're going to bite it.

    But yay for a HEA and no doggie departures!

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  3. It sounds like a sweet book! I love animals :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. This is a must read book that's for sure!

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  5. It sounds really sweet. A nice light read to wile away an afternoon :)

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  6. We get the dog's POV? That would be a first for me and I have to say I'm curious. I think all dog owners would like a minute or to inside a canine brain:) Plus, and HEA. WIN!

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  7. I read another review of this not too long ago, I think it was Barb@Basia's Bookshelf. She said it was super cute as well. I would like to see what a dog thinks and heck it just sounds like fun and I could use a couple of lighter reads. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  8. I love books with dogs and/or cats. Would like to read this one.

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  9. Cool book and thanks for the giveaway. When animals are involved in books, for me, it always make it so much more interesting, Especially if they are real sarcastic. LOL! Even better :)

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  10. Love when animals are involved in books and this is a great theme to have.

    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  11. Aww this sounds like a fun and cute read, and I love that we get the dog's POV (even if it is kind of corny, whatevs, I'm into it). Fabulous review! :-)

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  12. This sounds really cute! I love that there's a POV from the dog as well. Adorable!

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  13. This sounds fun! Thanks for sharing! What an awesome cause :)

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  14. Not a dog person, but it sounds really fun. :)

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  15. I don't think I've ever read a book with a dog's point of view. I don't think I'd think it was corny. They are very smart! Well, some are anyway. Sounds like a good book and I do love HEA's. That's why sometimes you just have to read a contemp romance.

    Heather

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  16. I don't know that I'd knowingly pick up a book with a dog's POV, but I can see how it would work in a story such as this.
    This seems to be a sweet, feel-good HEA romance, which just happens to me my favorite kind.
    Great review. :)

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  17. One day I'll have to try books with animals, it sounds so fun!

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  18. This book has a very cute cover...
    I know I would enjoy reading it and
    then sharing it with friends and family!
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  19. I love the cover. Thank you for the giveaway!!!

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  20. I would love to read something besides textbooks and children's picture books ( I have to read 75 for class). This book would be right up my alley, I love all things dog.

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  21. This sounds really cute!!!! Cute cover

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