*3.5 stars*

Every second chance should have a puppy involved…

This was a sweet, small town second chance romance. Mac and Gavin had a lot of history but it was old history. Having a relationship with her bestie’s little brother was NOT in the cards for Mac and facing him again after their last encounter was just icing on the ‘back home because I have to’ cake. Gavin, on the other hand was thrilled to see Mac again and maybe, hopefully, possibly, rekindle what never really got started…
I enjoyed this sweet take on an older woman/younger man and best friend’s brother romance trope. Gavin was almost too good to be true with his love and care of animals and a crush he never let go. He was determined to wear Mac down and he took me along for the ride…

Mac was a bit harder to warm up to despite her sarcastic look at life which I usually take to right away. Throwing in a wedding, quirky aunts and that too cute for words puppy, and of course Gavin (sigh), made this a solid, sunny beach kind of read.

This book will make you laugh out loud and cry all at the same time. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone. . Mac was home for the 1st time in several years for her best friends wedding. Gavin her best friends brother is no longer the little kid following them around.
Thank you netgalley and Berkley publishing group for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

I loved this one by Jenn McKinlay! It was a departure from her other books, but it was great! I loved the characters and thought it had an intriguing storyline.

From the moment I heard that Jenn McKinlay was writing a romantic comedy, in addition to her cozy mysteries, I knew I just had to read it. ABOUT A DOG, the first in the Bluff Point Romance series, did not disappoint! I found it to be the ultimate beach read: entertaining, humorous dialog; an easy read; characters you can love and characters you can hate; an adorable puppy; and romance with just the right amount of zing. The protagonist, MacKenzie “Mac” Harris, wants the world to see her as self-confident and someone who has figured out her life, but inside she’s still trying to get over being left at the alter in her small hometown, Bluff Point. After fleeing to Chicago to pick up the pieces, she’s done nothing but insulate herself from love and instead, has immersed herself in her career. Returning home, after being gone seven years, for her best friend’s wedding Mac’s plan is to get in and out of the town just as quickly as she can. The scenario sets the stage for the lively banter between the best friends along with humorous scenes that keeps the reader entertained and turning pages. Jenn McKinlay is wickedly witty and it translates to a fun book! I read with a grin on my face just about the entire book… except when it was appropriate to hate a character or worry about the lovable puppy.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and the close friendship Mac has with her two best friends. But it’s Mac’s two elderly aunts along with the rescue puppy, Tulip, the who steal each scene that they’re in! They each provide a nice subplot to go along with the main romantic theme between Mac and Gavin, without detracting from the story. The small town setting is quaint where everyone knows everyone’s business and as Mac finds out, no one forgets anything that happened in the past. Jenn creates great chemistry between Mac and Gavin, carefully building the tension until the conclusion. There is also a teaser chapter for the next book, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, which made me sorry it wasn’t available right then and there!

I love Jenn mysteries and I loved this just as much. I got sassttiude, steamy and funny all in one. McKinlay does an excellent job of creating the right amount of conflict, desire, and problems between her leading lady and gentleman. Plus, it has a dog! If romance isn't your usual genre, try this one. If it is, don't pass it up!

Only a promise to be her best friend's maid of honor could convince Mac Harris to return to her hometown, the site of her most painful humiliation. After being left at the altar then secretly taking comfort in the arms of her best friend's younger brother, Mac fled Bluff Point, Maine and has been living a no-risk life in Chicago for the past seven years. But now she's heading back to Maine for two weeks of wedding festivities, her no-commitment Chicago boyfriend wants to "take a break," and the bride-to-be has paired Mac with groomsman Gavin, the same younger brother who rocked Mac's world seven years ago.

Sexy veterinarian, Gavin Tolliver can't remember a time when he didn't love Makenzie Harris. He hasn't seen her in seven years and, yes, he moved on with his life when she ran from their hometown after their one memorable encounter, but Gavin's feelings for Mac run deep and he's determined to not waste one minute of opportunity when Mac returns for his sister's wedding.

Mac's emotional walls are high but the current of desire is strong between these two. With a little help from their friends, Mac's quirky aunts, and an adorable puppy, these two might just have a shot at a happy ending...if someone trying to keep them apart doesn't ruin it first.

This was my first book by Jenn McKinlay but it sure won't be my last. I fell in love with the town of Bluff Point, the wonderfully crafted characters, the surprising emotional depth, the humor, and, of course, Tulip, a steal-your-heart puppy rescued by Mac. I adored Mac and Gavin as a couple. These are likable, realistically drawn characters who I couldn't help but pull for. Gavin melted my heart and I was in his corner all the way yet I completely understood the obstacles that Mac had to conquer in order to fully commit. I appreciated the gradual journey they traveled.

McKinlay has gathered a collection of vibrant secondary characters to surround the main couple. Mac's two aunts, single ladies in their retirement years who have decided to live life to the fullest, are feisty, endearing, and just plain fun. Mac's and Gavin's group of hometown friends, female and male, who I hope we'll be seeing much more of in future books, are realistic and fun with the easy conversation, conviviality, and unrestricted honesty that comes with long-time friendships. The characters we love to hate are also realistically drawn with three that I'd like to drop-kick off a cliff though McKinlay throws in a couple twists that changed my mind about a fourth one. It will be interesting to see if that character continues to evolve in future books. And, of course, I can't forget Tulip, a scruffy, abandoned Pit-Boxer mix puppy who steals hearts and darn near steals the whole show.

If you're looking for a fun, heart-tugging, small-town romance that will have you smiling, laughing, and sighing, I enthusiastically recommend you add About a Dog to your summer reading list.

Traveling to your hometown should be a time of celebration and warm memories. For Mac – it’s bittersweet. While she has so many fond memories with her best friends, it’s the bad memories that have kept her away for 7 yrs. Mac headed to Chicago after she was left standing at the alter at her own wedding. The humiliation drove her to seek the nuances of the city. A place where she could forget the past and move on with her life.

Mac finds herself hearing wedding bells in Bluff Point once more, but not for herself. Her best friend Emma is getting married, and Mac is the maid of honor. With two weeks of wedding festivities planned, Mac is hoping to slip into town and avoid any altercations. What Mac didn’t plan for was the ‘pairing up’ that Emma planned for her wedding party. You see…Mac drowned her sorrows in a most unexpected way on that fateful day her wedding bit the dust. It wasn’t a bottle of bourbon that Mac turned to. It was the open arms of Gavin….Emma’s younger brother.

My how one night can stick with you over the years. A secret that Mac and Gavin are the only ones privy to….maybe. The fact is that Emma is over protective of the sibling that she pretty much raised after their mother’s death. The primary reason that Mac wants to keep her night with Gavin a secret. With their ‘pairing’ for all of the festivities, Mac finds it harder to ignore the man that Gavin has become. Despite all of Macs spurns, a dog is the ‘force’ that draws this two former lovers together again. Now – the only question is will they ignore the heat that is quickly brewing? Or will Mac turn her back on what could be the love of a lifetime just to keep her best friend from finding out?

About A Dog sat on my reader for a bit …I must confess. You see – Jenn McKinlay was a new author to me and I didn’t really know what to expect. The blurb drew me in. I have such a soft spot for dogs, so I decided to check this book out. I am SO glad I did!!

This friends to lovers romance dives into the lives of a small group of friends in Bluff Point. Mac and Gavin have been hiding a secret from the others that might change the dynamic of the group if anyone finds out. What I loved was the sweet and slow build that one would expect when discovering your ‘love of a lifetime’ might have been under your nose for years. The characters were fun, flirty, and full of adventure (oh the aunts!!). A great summer read from beginning to end.

While this was my first Jenn McKinlay book, it certainly will NOT be the last. I can’t wait to unravel more in the lives of these entertaining characters!!

I have to say, I got sucked right into "About a Dog". I enjoyed getting to know new characters, laughed at the dialogue, and of course, loved the steamy growing relationship. There is a healthy dose of smoldering locking eyes, body checkouts, and passionate kissing. I liked that Mac’s backstory was revealed slowly throughout the plotline. I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes characters. They are mostly realistic with a hint of the absurd. Her newest books have had a bit of meta humor and this one has the same: Mac reads a Library Lover’s mystery and there is a reference to being “too stupid to live” which I thought was hilarious since that is a common term used for heroines of cozy mysteries. I absolutely loved little Tulip (I mean, how could you not?!). I would have liked to see a more rounding out of Gavin and Mac’s relationship. Their chemistry was clearly apparent but I would have liked a little stronger of a fleshing out of their compatibility beyond that. Mac is characterized as a very methodical personality since she is an accountant and that could have been more actively asserted. ((SPOILER warning: I also felt that Trevor finding someone near Mac in Maine to pay to take the dog off her hands was a little far-fetched.)) However, to me, these are more minor nit-picks because the plotline and characters are fun and memorable. I would highly recommend this series as a fun, light read perfect for the summer and I look forward to continuing the series.

3.75 stars

Jenn McKinlay's first foray into the romance genre is fun and light-hearted. Yes, we know from the beginning where we will end up, but the twists and turns still are enjoyable. Plenty of sexy chemistry and humor along the way, a great combo.

Veterinarian Gavin Tolliver has had a crush on his big sister's best friend Mac Harris for years. And when she got dumped at the altar years ago, he was there to comfort and distract her for one unforgettable night. He is still yearning for Mac, but they are both worried about his sister's reaction, among other things. When Mac and Gavin are paired in his sister's wedding party, sparks fly and Mac tries hard to dodge her undeniable attraction.

And yes, there is a dog. A stray rescued by Mac who unexpectedly takes over her life.

I received an ARC via Net Galley in return for my honest review.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Jenn McKinlay has proven herself as an author of best selling cozy mystery series; she is now proving her versatility and talents as an author of what will be a best selling rom-com series. ‘About a Dog’ is LOL funny, promoting the pricelessness of old friends and how the love of a dog, or a man, can change the course of a woman’s life.

“Mac” Mackenzie left her beautiful hometown of Bluff Point, Maine seven years ago, after the most humiliating night of her life. Her fiance, Seth, left her literally standing at the altar as Jessie, a snooty old classmate, drove to the church in her hot convertible, honked the horn, the guy apologized on the run and left. With Jessie. Miserable and a tad inebriated, Mac’s friends Emma, Carly and Jillian stuffed her into the pickup truck of her best friend Emma’s younger brother, Gavin. Gavin, who was five years younger but always had a huge crush on Mac.

Still wearing her wedding gown, Mac sobbed on Gavin. When the tear ducts finally ran dry, Gavin kissed her…and much more. Mac did the ‘walk of shame’ home in the wee hours of the morning in her tattered gown, left town, and didn’t return. Seth and Jessie still lived there, as did Emma and Gavin. And there was no way Mac ever wanted Emma to know what she had done with her beloved little brother.

Fast forward to present day. Mac, a very pragmatic accountant – no more risk of heartache for her – has been dating Trevor for years. Her friends who have visited Chicago do not like him. Emma is getting married, and wants her best friend Mac to be her maid of honor. Trevor has asked that they ‘take a break’ while she is back in Maine and he is in London working a big deal. Delighted that Trevor won’t be there with Mac, Emma asks Mac to spend time with Gavin, and Emma will pair Mac with Gavin for the wedding events.

Mac isn’t thrilled, but knows that Emma had mopped up after Mac’s non-wedding after she left town and she owes Emma. All that changes when she sees Gavin. The adult Gavin, a veterinarian and one handsome guy. This might be harder than she thought. Until the morning that a puppy chose her to be her owner. It’s hard to say who Mac is more enamored of – Gavin or the pup she names Tulip. She had been doing very well at avoiding being alone with Gavin, but Tulip changed all that. Getting a checkup, finding out if the pup had a microchip, and how to care for her until they find her owner or her forever home. Tulip sounds like one of the most adorable puppies ever, and it is clear that the author loves dogs. Simply reading the antics of the pup, once she was sure she had Mac and Gavin wrapped around her paw, almost made me wish for a dog!

Emma is probably the person I like most, followed by Mac, Jillian and “the aunts”, Sarah and Charlotte. The aunts are a real delight; not only was it fun watching the things they were trying from their bucket lists, it was funny to see Mac’s reactions. It was interesting to see how Emma’s friends all want to keep her wedding perfect and the days leading up to it stress free, even though she is more resilient than they think. The author makes excellent use of dialog and action to define each person, and if we see anyone’s viewpoint at all it is Mac’s or Gavin’s. While Carly and Zach beautifully play off of each other and bring comic relief at times, it was at the expense of being a little too over the top regarding the blatant sexual innuendo..

The author has a mostly delightfully warm, funny, forever kind of romance novel that is also very much ‘about a dog’. The plot as it relates both to Mac finding a way to protect and keep Tulip, and for Mac to avoid Gavin while he pursues her results in sometimes intriguing, sometimes LOL funny. I very much enjoyed watching how almost all of the humans in Tulip’s life turn to mush around her, and loved how they all came to her rescue when necessary! I enjoyed seeing the author’s sense of humor; the imagination required to come up with all the situations is incredible. The sex scenes and various conversations are a bit TMI for this granny’s preference. This reader really was young once, yet even the young person trapped in this (gasp) older body was blushing, so little is left to the imagination.

The plot twists leading up to the culmination are scripted in a way I could not have imagined to bring the anticipated results. The end is very satisfactory. I highly recommend About a Dog to those who enjoy Ms. McKinlay’s writing, love dogs and contemporary romances served liberally with humor and side of spice, and who might have the kind of old friends who can be relied on.

I was excited to pick up About a Dog since it sounded like a cute romance with an adorable dog. Unfortunately, the heroine, Mac, made the story completely frustrating by continually pushing Gavin away. Off limits because he’s your best friend’s younger brother just didn’t seem like a good enough reason to try and stay away for the majority of the book. Even when they did get together, which seemed like it took forever, Mac still fought their connection.

Don’t even get me started on the useless “boyfriend” she had back in Chicago. Mac’s committed to somehow working things out with this loser even though he called for a break, and all her friends hated him.

I loved Gavin and that’s the only reason this is getting two stars instead of one.

The humor in the book missed the mark for me. It felt like pointless filler when I just wanted Mac to sort her shit out.

What’s it About? Poor Mac Harris has commitment issues. Seven years ago she got left at the altar and ended up spending some memorable time with her best friend’s younger brother, Gavin. Now Mac just wants to forget that happened but Gavin doesn’t want to forget, he wants to show Mac that their connection could turn into something more and it seems that the fates agree. Mac is back in town for her best friend’s wedding AND she’s found a cute pup named Tulip. Did I mention Gavin is a veterinarian? Yeah, lots of situations where these two end up in the same room.



Overall reaction to the story? About a Dog is one of those cute and fuzzy reads that you grab when you want something that will entertain but not get too heavy on the conflict. I enjoyed it more than I should but I do think the relationship needed more heat because it felt a little flat to me. With a set up like the best friend’s sibling trope, I expect more heat and definitely more tension between two characters like Gavin and Mac. However, even with the smoke but no fire romance, I still had a good time with this book. The characters are likable, and the situations while a bit unbelievable at times were entertaining and engaging.



Describe the hero in five words: Veterinarian. Sweet. Fun. Kind. Smart.

Did you like him? Yep.

Why? Some women love a man who loves babies. Me, not so much. It’s the men who love animals that get my engine going and a man like Gavin who works at saving them? Sign me up! This guy was a romantic at heart and he had no problem putting himself out there to show Mac that he was serious about wanting something real and lasting with her. How swoon worthy is that? Gavin knew that if he wanted a real chance with Mac that it was going to be an uphill battle but he totally went for it and I liked that about him, he didn’t shy away from the challenge that was convincing Mac that she could trust him.



Describe the heroine in five words: Smart. Loyal. Stubborn. Kind. Shy.

Did you like her? Yes.

Why? You can’t help but feel for Mac. She was left at the altar, had a booze filled one nighter with her best friend’s little brother, and now he wants a more permanent relationship with her. She’s in a tough spot but she manages to pull herself together to attend her best friend’s wedding. I liked her determination to make the people she cared about, in this case her best friend, happy by participating in numerous wedding centered activities. Not exactly fun for Mac at times but she wasn’t selfish enough to whine about it. She was inherently kind hearted but at the same time stubborn and afraid of what Gavin wanted and of course of putting herself out there again. I could understand that but come on girl, a veterinarian who isn’t afraid to put his heart on the line? She also needed to woman up towards the end, she kept quiet about some things that she really didn’t have a reason to keep quiet and almost lost everything.



Let’s talk about the romance: Okay so Mac and Gavin had a history, he had a massive crush on her when they were younger which turned into full blown love as an adult. Then when Mac got left at the altar she let her broken heart do the talking and slept with Gavin. He’s her best friend’s little brother AND he’s younger than her to boot so that makes him off limits in Mac’s mind for sure. But that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction. I loved that set up, the problem was that I felt there should have been more heat, more palpable tension between them than there actually was. That was the only mild disappointment in About a Dog. Other than that I enjoyed Mac and Gavin’s interactions with each other and their growth from friends to something more.



How about that supporting cast? Jenn McKinlay really knows how to bring in a memorable supporting cast! I fell in love with everyone from Gavin’s sister Emma, to friends Carly, Jillian Zach, and Sam, and especially little Tulip the puppy Mac rescues. All of them were warm, loving, and supportive even when they were dishing out reality checks. A lot of the laughs came from Mac’s aunts though; Sarah and Charlotte were a riot and a definite handful. I couldn’t get enough of them. They all brought a lot of heart to the story.





Click It or Skip It? Click it. About a Dog is one of those books that has a special kind of magic that makes you smile, love, and laugh all the way through.

I wanted to read this book solely because of how much I enjoy the author's cozy Library Lover's Mysteries series. I appreciate those books both because of what they include (realistic details about day-to-day life in the public library) and what they don't (profanity and explicit sexual content.) I took a chance that this book, the author's debut contemporary romance novel, would also be light on swearing and sex. Unfortunately, though I liked the characters very much and enjoyed the plot, there were entire sections devoted to vulgar discussions and dirty jokes, as well as sex scenes with way too much detail for me. I didn't feel that any of these were essential to the plot, and I wished that the author's talent for dialogue could have been put to a more interesting and wholesome use. There are some really cringe-worthy euphemisms for male and female anatomy in this book, as well as some awkward descriptions of the heroine's attraction to the hero. I also noticed one instance of the dreaded "she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding" cliche, which is one of my all-time pet peeves.

I like this book for its characters and setting, and I do want to read the upcoming sequels. The wedding theme of this book reminded me of the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts, which I loved, and I always like to read interconnected stories about members of the same family or circle of friends. I just wish that there didn't have to be quite so much in-your-face sexuality that is neither amusing nor respectful.

About a Dog is Jenn McKinlay’s first foray into contemporary romance and it was a delightful, entertaining story. As soon as I saw the cover with the dog and read the blurb I knew I wanted to read it. Mackenzie Harris is returning to her hometown for the first time since her own wedding fiasco 7 years ago. Her groom left HER at the altar and now she’s back to be the maid of honor for her best friend. What has her anxious is that she is going to be seeing her friend’s younger brother Gavin, who comforted her after that horrible day and left him without a word. She’s going back and doesn’t know what to expect. Gavin is all grown up and now the town veterinarian, and definitely hotter and sexier as an older man.

I have to say that it was a light and easy read and had me smiling throughout with the witty dialogue and truly entertaining characters. The cast of individuals she has created play off of one another and made the pages fly. Mac is back with her elderly aunts and those two are a hoot crossing things off their bucket list. The two week visit prior to the wedding has Mac and her 3 best friends plus the groom and his, all together on multiple occasions and each time the tension between Mac and Gavin has sparks flying because there is no denying the chemistry. Add an adorable puppy named Tulip and you have another dimension where Gavin and Mac are thrown together, and let’s just say that they just can’t fight the inevitable.

Jenn McKinlay is better known for her mystery series but she can chalk up a winner in romantic comedy with About a Dog. Bluff Point, Maine is a small home town and has all the ingredients of quirky characters and everyone knowing your business. This story is a great beginning in this series and I look forward to reading more from her. I would highly recommend this book because it was funny, enjoyable and romantic.

I love this new series! Mac and her Aunts! OMG! What will those women get into next!

ABOUT A DOG is book 1 in Jenn McKinlay's Bluff Point contemporary romance series. Jenn McKinlay takes the things I love most about her cozy mysteries and puts those same elements in ABOUT A DOG. This is a book with humor and strong friendships, in addition to the sparkling romance. While on a break from her current boyfriend, accountant Mackenzie "Mac" Harris goes back to her hometown to help with her BFF Emma's wedding. Waiting for her among friends both old and new is sexy veterinarian, and Emma's little brother, Gavin. Gavin is a to-die-for hero with the perfect mix of sweet and hot, and his attempts to woo Mac and build a future out of their past is both amusing and incredibly romantic.

Gavin is a catch and shouldn't need any help winning the object of his affection, but a stray puppy helps cement his relationship with Mac. I enjoy stories in which a hero pursues the heroine and, in ABOUT A DOG, Gavin is charismatic without being obnoxious and I was rooting for him throughout the book. Mac taking on responsibility for the adorable puppy Tulip acts as a catalyst for her, and the direction she decides to take with her life. Having this story told from alternating perspectives gives the reader a better idea of why Mac shows such hesitance in accepting Gavin's romantic overtures. One thing I really like about this book is the way Mac's girlfriends have her back and support her even when they may disagree with her choices.

ABOUT A DOG has a lethal combination of doggie cuteness and genuine romance to tempt readers. This is a great book for romance fans who enjoy small towns, second- chance romances, and nice-guy heroes who take your breath away. Mac's two aunts are a hoot and her exasperation with their determination to live life on their own terms had me chuckling. The snappy dialogue and great characters make this romance shine. I look forward to Jenn McKinlay's next book in this charming Bluff Point series.

Loved this book! 5 stars, Jenn McKinlay can do no wrong.

Jenn McKinlay makes her return to the romance world with About a Dog. The first book in her Bluff Point series will have you laughing out loud, swooning over a Veterinarian hero, and wishing you could jump into the pages and cuddle a puppy.

Mackenzie “Mac” Harris left her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine with her proverbial tail between her legs, after being left at the altar on her wedding day. It’s been seven years since she's been back, and the only reason she is returning is because her best friend Emma is getting married.

Gavin Tolliver has been in love with his older sister’s best friend for as long as he can remember. While he wasn’t happy to see her so devastated on her wedding day, he can’t deny that it gave him the opportunity to finally have a chance with Mac. Too bad she disappeared after a night of unforgettable passion. It’s been seven years since he has spoken to Mac. He only has two weeks to make her remember their time together and convince her to give them an actual chance.

After suffering his own heartbreak, Emma asks Mac to be Gavin’s plus one on at all the couples events, as a way to lift his spirits. Mac begrudgingly agrees, knowing that being with Gavin will make her remember that night so long ago. Gavin couldn’t be happier and plans on taking every opportunity to whisper sweet things into Mac’s ears. Ultimately, the two are brought together by a stray puppy Mac finds.

I’m a fan of Jenn’s cozy mysteries and I was super excited to find out she was writing a romance. I thought this was going to be a sweet romance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a closed door romance. If you’re looking for smexy times galore, this isn’t the book for you. In fact, the actual smexy times don’t happen until about 85% into the story. Something else which surprised me was some of the language choice. It’s like Jenn wanted to go all out, but held back a whole lot.

While About a Dog is a little predictable, it’s a whole lot of fun. This is a story with great characters who are amazing friends. It’s a perfect story for dog lovers and romance lovers alike. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

About a Dog is the start of Jenn McKinlay’s contemporary romance series, A Bluff Point Romance.

What I highly appreciated in this book was the female friendship between Mackenzie Harris (the heroine) and her Maine crew. The book opens with Mac and two of her best friends trying their bridesmaids dresses – and this closeness of sisterhood is very strong throughout the book. The girls have helped Mac when she was left at the altar too, seven years ago. Although that night Mac also got her consolation in a different form, in the arms of Gavin Tolliver, the younger brother of her other best friend, Emma.

Oh yes, I said younger brother! It was another thing that delighted me from this novel. That the hero is five years younger than the heroine. I don’t think I’ve read many romance with age-gap where the heroine is older. Or maybe I don’t particularly look for it. Still, it’s a lovely surprise. Gavin definitely had crush on Mac all those years ago, and now that Mac is back for his sister’s wedding, and he himself is out of a relationship, Gavin is on the mission to win Mac’s heart once and for all.

Unfortunately … this is where I struggled with the book. I didn’t feel like there was enough of Mac and Gavin’s interaction to build their relationship. Mac is busy with her girlfriends preparing themselves for the wedding. Then when the stray puppy, Tulip, appears as part of the plot device, it also takes a different turn. Sure Gavin becomes the puppy’s doctor, but there was a kind-of-mystery plot regarding Tulip’s ownership that takes Mac’s attention.

I wonder if this is because Ms. McKinlay is famous as author for cozy mysteries series, that she can’t help adding it to the book.

So yes, I liked the friendship and the dog was definitely adorable. But the romance itself doesn’t take center stage and I wasn’t as satisfied with it in the end.