This was a different book for me in the fact I’d never read a featuring chapters from the point of view of a pet before. Although I found those less enjoyable I did enjoy the overall story and really loved Jamie and David as main characters. Hud I wanted to slap he was so annoying and Jamie’s neighbours drove me mad. I’m looking forward to next two in the series.

Thanks goes to net galley, and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. And for the author for writing it.

I loved Talking to the Paw with its funny little links with to movies and stuff. The cat in this book is quite the charmer and did some quirky things and therefor it well deserves to be put on my for-a-rainy-day shelf on Goodreads!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher of the book.

I do not have a cat and am not really a cat person, but that did not stop me from enjoying this hilarious, cozy romance story. I listened to the audiobook of this story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt like I was listening to the thoughts of MacGyver the cat. Now I always loved the MacGyver television show, especially the old one, and this cat does certainly use what is available to him to solve what he perceives is a problem just like his namesake, although Mac, as he is called, solves Love Problems.

MacGyver is Jamie Snyder's cat. She trusts him, confides in him and since swearing off men MacGyver, aka Mac, is the only male in her life. Mac has an amazing sense of smell and can smell loneliness on people, especially Jamie and the human next door. Whether Jamie is aware of it or not, Mac knows his human needs companionship he cannot provide. When Mac notices their neighbor, David is emanating the same odor as his Jamie, he decides that he needs to do something about it. What he does is hilarious. As the blurb states, Mac resorts to becoming a cat-burglar to help Jamie. Jamie's neighbor David recently lost his wife Clarrissa, and despite the urging of his friends, he is not ready to have another relationship, Mac has other ideas. Mac seems to be the only one, human or animal that recognizes how perfect Jamie and David could be together.

Mac's resourcefulness is hilarious. His escapes, thefts and taunts of other animals had me giggling. When he steals David's boxers and drops them on Jamie in her sleep, after gagging, I burst out laughing. I also enjoyed the human characters in this book. Jamie and David were cute. They were civil to each other and as they got to know one another, the spark was there. The teens in the neighbourhood are a secondary story. Love may be in the air there as well. There is also a young girl who spends a lot of time alone with her sister due to working parents and Mac even gets involved in that situation. He is one wonderful cat.

MacGyver the cat will quickly win you over. You will be silently cheering for the humans in the story to get as smart as the cat. His loyalty and dedication to Jamie are admirable and positively adorable. Talk To The Paw is a quick read, that keeps you warmly enveloped in the story right up to the very last page. I loved this story. It was fun to listen to and everyone gets a happily ever after.

This novel was wonderful! I enjoyed the humor throughout the story. The story is about a mischievous cat who steals things from people in an effort to “help” them with their lives. Jamie’s tabby cat MacGyver is the burglar cat. Jamie has recently moved and decided to take a year to herself to discover what she wants to do with her life. And she has sworn off all relationships with men. The story is full of humor as MacGyver works the neighborhood until Jamie finds out how he is escaping from her house. The book is full of colorful characters that Jamie will meet as she gets to know her neighbors. Not only are the characters entertaining, but the neighborhood is equally delightful!

Must-read women’s fiction: ‘Still Me,’ ‘Talk to the Paw,’ ‘As Bright as Heaven’
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By: Leigh Davis | February 15, 2018 12:00 am
HEA welcomes Leigh Davis to our growing group of awesome contributors. She’s going to be loving up women’s fiction for us.
Leigh: Welcome to Happy Ever After’s new women’s fiction blog. It is so exciting to delve more into this genre of books and so glad you’re along for the ride.
You already know that women’s fiction is all about a woman’s journey — a journey examining many types of relationships, including romance — an important prerequisite for any book! Along with, of course, a Happy Ever After! Every month in the column we’ll be highlighting books that have both, along with explorations of the many challenges we face as women.
This month we have a wonderfully varied selection.

Still Me by Jojo Moyes
What it’s about:
Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.
As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?
Funny, romantic and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she navigates how to stay true to herself, while pushing to live boldly in her brave new world.
Why you should read it: You already know that Jojo Moyes writes fabulous books, and if you read the first two books, you might be wondering what else is there to add. Let me tell you: a lot! Like the problems of long-distance relations, or the lives of the extremely wealthy or taking risks and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. All are excellent reasons to read the book, but the most important is that it is such an entertaining story — you’ll laugh, and cry, and cheer for Louisa.
Talk to the Paw by Melinda Metz
What it’s about:
Inspired by the true story of a Portland, Oregon, cat who stole from his neighbors—and stole America’s heart …
She’s putting her love life on paws
Jamie Snyder is thirty-four and single but NOT ready to mingle. After suffering through The Year of the Non-Commital Man, The Year of the Self-Absorbed Man, and The Year of the Forgot-to-Mention-I’m-Married Man, Jamie’s ready to celebrate The Year of Me—and MacGyver, of course. MacGyver is an adorable tabby with a not-so-adorable habit of sneaking out at night and stealing things from the neighbors. That’s right, MacGyver is a cat burglar. He’s still the only male Jamie trusts—and the only companion she needs …
But her cat has other ideas
MacGyver knows his human is lonely. He can smell it. It’s the same smell he’s noticed on their neighbor David, a handsome young baker who’s tired of his friends trying to fix him up. But now MacGyver’s on the case. First, he steals something from David and stashes it at Jamie’s. Then, he steals something from Jamie and leaves it with David. Before long, the two are swapping stolen goods, trading dating horror stories, and trying not to fall in love. But they’re not fooling MacGyver. When humans generate this much heat, the cat is out of the bag …
Why you should read it: Sometimes you just want a bit of fluff! Dogs have had their time in the spotlight and now it is time for cats. This is the perfect book to pick up when you just want to unwind and be entertained. No doubt about it, this is a cutesy book, completely PG, but MacGyver is adorable, and you’ll close the book with a smile on your face.
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner
What it’s about:
In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters—Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa—a chance at a better life.
But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without—and what they are willing to do about it.
As Bright as Heavenis the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.
Why you should read it: Perfect for readers who love historicals. The Spanish Flu had such an impact on our nation — heartbreakingly so — and Susan Meissner explores that aspect, but the resiliency of the men and women in the story is superbly displayed, too. A wonderful glimpse into our past!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
Jojo Moyes, Melinda Metz, Susan Meissner, women's fiction, Recommended reads, Top stories

I fell in love with the description of the story-a cat who plays matchmaker because he knows his owner Jamie is lonely, so he steals things from other singles so that she can meet them. Widowed David owns a dog and Jamie and David find themselves becoming friends and fake date to stop friends from trying to set them up on blind dates. This story is sweet and fun and I am glad that I happened to see the blurb on NetGalley. The honest opinion is my own.

This was an easy going read with romance and a cat with an eye as a matchmaker.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
My family loved the old tv show MacGyver. Who knew they would love a kitty who shares that name too. Both MacGyvers are clever and resourceful and very entertaining. Of course, the feline MacGyver is superior- he is a cat- thanks to his super sensitive schnozz. He is also determined to help his beloved human and so many others in her new neighbourhood shake the sense of loneliness and find their packmates. You see, despite not needing a pack mate, he understands the need in humans who are just slightly above dogs.
The humans make things so much harder than they should be but never doubt a determined feline. No power is going to defeat a kitty on a mission.
Get set for a whimsical, charming and totally enchanting story of one cat who makes enormous differences in the lives of the humans he meets. He is just pawsome.
I give MacGyver and the book five purrs and two paws up.

Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read more by this author.

This is a delightful book that all cat lovers will love. I was entranced from the beginning and read it through to to the last page.
This is the story of a single woman done with dating . She is done dealing with the men of no commitment, the stream of liers and the scumbags she has dated. She has decided to take a break from dating and enjoy her life. .She lives with MacGyver is an adorable tabby with a habit of sneaking out at night and stealing things from the neighbors.
MacGyver feels her owner needs a nudge in the right direction. Through nighttime travels in the neighborhood MacGyver steals from a handsome nice neighbor and also takes some of his owners things to his house. Soon his plan is working as they connect over her tabby thief to return each others items and discover a mutual attraction.
This is a fun adorable story. All cat lovers will appreciate the story of MacGyver the matchmaking cat.

Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

Jamie has come to this picturesque story book neighborhood to literally find herself. Her cat Mac, short for MacGyver, starts stealing personal things from the neighbors in an effort to introduce lonely people to each other. A matchmaking cat...who'd have thunk it?

MacGuyver (Mac) is an only cat and Jamie Snyder is his person. But Mac is worried about her because she has started emitting a different scent: the scent of loneliness. So, Mac decides to sneak outside to find someone for her and brings back a towel with interesting loneliness scents on it. Jamie is 34 and has just moved across the country to Los Angeles. She has moved into a complex of small homes with old Hollywood story themes. She taught high school history for many years until she went to nurse her mother during a terminal illness. Her plan is to stay in LA for a year and not work. She is also not interested in meeting any guys.

David, age 33, is a widower. His wife died 3 years ago and he thinks he might be ready to date again but he’s not really sure. David is a baker and his life long friends, Adam and Lucy, are encouraging him to get on with his life. David has a big dog named Diogee.

Jamie’s neighbors are a bit eccentric but take her right in and they become instant friends. But things are showing up on her doorstep and she doesn’t know where they came from. One old guy who used to be on a crime show, thinks he is still on TV and has named himself the neighborhood sleuth.

When Jamie and David finally meet, they have fun just chatting and visiting some old Hollywood places. But Mac is determined to make sure that he smells nothing but happy coming from Jamie and will not quit until he does.

This is a clever story with some laugh out moments. Unfortunately, it tends to drag in places too. But it all equals out to a pleasant book. Now, if you remember, David’s dog is named Diogee. I wondered what a strange name that was. But if you look at it and sound it out, you will “get” it. *Smile* Enjoy this book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Talk to the Paw by Melinda Metz is a funny romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud. Jamie Snyder is in her 30's and tired of dating and has sworn off men. Jamie's cat, MacGyver, has other plans because he can smell the loneliness on his owner and other humans in the apartment complex. MacGyver sneaks out of their apartment and steals items to bring people together, which was often funny. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for the author's other books. I love all the quirky characters that bring this book together, and MacGyver of course. If you want a funny, heartwarming quick read, I recommend this book.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is so cozy and lovely. I was attracted by the cat on the cover and it was the right choice.
I really enjoyed the plot, the characters both humans and pets (McGyver is so lovely). It is well written , with interesting characters and a nice plot.
It is a feel-good book that maintains all the promises.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book!

I had one bad reading experience today, and I almost didn't want to read another. I'm glad I did, because I gobbled this up! Who knew a cute cat and dog related romcom was missing from my life? Not me!

I requested this purely on the cat on the cover; I wanted something a little different from my usual reading fare and this fit the bill nicely. It's romantic without being cheesy, sexy without being over the top and unbelievable. A couple in a romance that I didn't hate? Be still my heart! My cold, dead heart! <3

If you're looking for fun, romance and cats, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended!

Jamie is in her mid-thirties and her mother recently passed away. She was left enough money so she could move from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles to spend a year finding herself. She is a history teacher and wants to figure out what she wants to do with her life ... she's declared it "The Year of Me". She has a tabby named MacGyver (I'm a big fan of tabbies!). Her nosy neighbours mean well but they keep wanting to fix her up with their loser godsons, dentists, etc.

David's wife passed away three years ago and he's still grieving. His best friends think it's time he moved on and have signed him up to a date app. He doesn't want to but his friends are bugging him. he goes out on some disastrous dates.

MacGyver smells loneliness between the two and makes it his mission to get them together, even though David has a bonehead dog. So he sneaks out at night and steals things from David's house and leaves them at Jamie's. He leaves things that belong to Jamie at David's house. When Jamie and David realize what's happening and meet, they see it as a solution to their problems ... they will pretend to date to get the neighbours and friends off their backs. MacGyver also tries to hook up other people in the neighbourhood who need each other.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was cute. I've been reading some heavy serious stuff lately and was looking for something light and fun and this did the trick. It is written in third person perspective from the point of view of Jamie, David and MacGyver (it was funny to get into the head of a cat). I liked the characters, though I found Hud a bit much and annoying. He is a (former) actor who played a private detective on a long ago TV series and still acts like that persona today.

What a really enjoyable read. Can see why its being raved about.

Fun and entertaining. MacGyver stole my heart.

Jamie Snyder moved to Los Angeles to discover a new life, one that did not include men or teaching high school history. She called it “The Year of Me”. She would try new things and hopefully discover a career that she would love. The one thing Jamie doesn’t expect was to find out her cat MacGyver has been sneaking out at night. Mac became a thieving matchmaker for Jamie and several others in the neighborhood.

This is definitely a book for a cat lover. If you’re not one, you may not get the sense of humor. I loved reading the parts written in Mac’s point of view. From a cat’s perspective, things are totally different. I started looking forward to seeing what new item Mac would steal during his nightly adventures and where they would turn up. His encounters with a dog named Diogee were fun too. I laughed at the nickname Bonehead and every time he teased him. The busy body neighbors were a great addition to the story too. But, I especially liked how Jamie and David ended up together even though they planned to remain just friends.

If you don't like stories told from the viewpoint of a cat, stop right here. The POVs switch, but parts of it are in the voice of MacGyver, Jamie's clever cat.

I found the story adorable. A cat who burgles the neighbors because he can sense their loneliness and he's determined to bring them together? That worked for me. I also liked the evolving romance between Jamie and David, a dog-owning neighbor. I even liked the descriptions of Storybook Village - sounds like a fun place.

What I didn't like: Nosy neighbors Marie and Helen. After the first few times they tried to set her up and WOULDN'T LET IT GO, it was just annoying. If I had neighbors like that, I'd move, no matter how good the coffee. I also couldn't figure out why she didn't tell them the truth about her horrible dates. It should have made them back off, if nothing else. And why was Jamie so spineless? Every time she told them no, she ended up caving in. Main characters with no backbone aren't appealing.

All in all, a charming romance featuring a cat burglar, role played by an actual cat.

*ARC via netgalley*