Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a early review copy.

Absolutely loved this book. Fabulous book by Zara.

I loved Bella, the kind of fog I wished I had.

For Becky, she is supposed to be dog sitting and house sitting, in particular to look after Bella.

If only it was that easy, as she also has to be extra careful, in that she’s not to let George’s ex Ash go anywhere near Bella.

According to George, Ash is out to dog nap Bella, and Becky is also forbidden to even speak to Ash!

Ash, the sort of guy all girls would go for, so swoon worthy. Is it any wonder Bella is always happy to see him. That’s also why Becky is always having all sorts of things going round her head about him, even though he is the enemy??

For Becky, there’s a reason she’s in the beautiful Lake District doing this dog sitting job, and that’s, she’s hoping the change of scenery will help grt some ideas for her art,

Her job back home is an illustrator and cover designer. Her ex was nowhere like Ash, and now, her self believe and confidence that her work is good, is at an all time low.

If you are looking for an can’t put down story which includes a hot guy, gorgeous dog, and a slightly delusional person, a character whose confidence grows, then this is the one for you.

Recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book – I need to say that up front, just in case you have any reason to doubt it because of anything I say next. I’ve always wondered whether an author might have a particular reader in mind while writing: but if they do, I suspect that this author wouldn’t have pictured a rather straight laced (well, sometimes!) sixty-five year old. For the first 50 pages or so, I was really worried that I’d need to write a rather different review – as the humour became increasingly slapstick, the pace more frenetic, Becky’s stream of consciousness narration irritated me more and more, and I wondered quite why she was getting herself in such a state about a guy with sparkling blue eyes with rippling muscles (ok, so maybe I did partly understand that one…).

But then – as it sometimes does – a little bit of magic happened. I became involved in Becky’s story – I don’t think I’ve come across a book illustrator and cover designer in a book before, and her ex (also her former boss) really had treated her quite appallingly, destroying her confidence entirely. And it began to become apparent that musclebound dognapper Ash had considerably more about him than it appeared at first – and when over-exuberant cockerpoo Bella stopped her zoomies for a little while and sat quietly with Becky looking out over a particularly beautifully drawn Lake District valley, and we could all take some time to breathe, I decided that this was a book I was really rather enjoying.

I do think it’s fair to say that it’s aimed at a rather younger reader, but there was such a lot I enjoyed. Bella is just wonderfully drawn, and really provides proof (should you need it) that when humans sometimes let you down, a dog most certainly has the power to save you. And although Becky perhaps salivated over him a little more than was good for her, the relationship with Ash developed into one that felt entirely real and convincing. The humour settled down a little too – a lot of Bella’s antics in particular made me laugh, and the book became really good fun rather than the over-the-top farce I’d feared.

But there are serious and contemplative moments too – and some real drama, when my heart was in my mouth and my pulse beat considerably faster. Another thing I really loved was the setting – the Lake District, the challenging walks, the tarns, the lakes, the quarry, the forests teeming with wildlife, were all quite beautifully done with descriptions that brought them vividly to life. And at one point there’s a nice touch when we meet Becky’s family – we’ve only seen them through her eyes up to that point, and I enjoyed the way the real relationships turned out to be rather different than expected. And the book’s conclusion really is excellent – up-to-date, original and different, all very plausible, well handled and really heartwarming.

I’m not sure if this is a book everyone of my age would love, but this pensioner very much enjoyed it – and I’d be very happy to read more from Zara Stoneley.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Book cover designer Becky Havers is leaving her life in London behind and going to the Lake District on a house – sitting mission. She’s just been dumped/sacked by her boyfriend/boss Teddy and decided the change of scenery will do her good. As luck would have it, she’ll be house – sitting in a place that means a lot to her, it’s filled with her childhood memories as she used to spend holidays there with her family. She’s excited to start her duties but right now she’s awfully late for her appointment with Georgina, the owner of the house (because of small winding lanes, cow shit and tractor – don’t ask!) and arrives to find a file with strict instructions on how to care for Bella, the lovely cockapoo, with the most important point of not allowing Georgia’s ex – boyfriend to come anywhere close to the dog! Oh no – will Becky manage? And who is this crazy ex?

The more I read, the more I liked this book and the direction it was taking – especially Becky. I must admit, at the beginning I couldn’t warm to her, there was a barrier between me and her, not sure why. She was, for me, a closed and withdrawn person, full of self – pity and uncertainty. But! As we were getting into the story and starting to learn about Becky and her background, about things that made her tick and her history, and then also seeing how much she was blossoming and daring herself more and more, how she started to appreciate herself and her work and talent, I also started to fall for her so much and in the end we were the best pals.
Also at first, the thing with Ask kidnapping Bella and appearing in disguise and everywhere Becky and the dog were, didn’t work for me so well, it just seemed a bit over the top and unrealistic. However, then, I got used to those actions and was as disappointed as Becky when I couldn’t spot Ash hiding somewhere in the bushes. Even better, we then also hear about his motivation and it made me go weak at my the knees and swooning…

The descriptions of the setting in the Lake District were beautiful, bringing the place easily to life and coming alive off the pages. The author couldn’t have chosen a more gorgeous place for this story. And it was not only a setting, I had a feeling that the „outdoors“ are really important for the author as lots of things happened in the nature – many of them verrry embarrassing!

The writing style was flowing, so easy to read – and it’s a compliment! Zara Stoneley is a great story – teller, she knows when to add either a funny line or something more serious. The banter between the characters was absolutely spot – on, I loved their ping pong conversations and sharp retorts.

„The Dog Sitter“ was a light and easy read, filled with Zara Stoneley’s hallmark humour and lovely animals – and she can for sure write about animals, beautifully capturing their nature and personalities. But it was of course much more than only that, because it was a story about finding yourself, getting your confidence back and making the right decisions. I really liked it, it was just what the doctor ordered, an uplifting and witty read that I can only recommend!

I love Bella!

Becky Havers needs to get away from the overbearing ex-boyfriend so she finds a place in the Lake District while she house and pet sits the most adorable dog Bella for influencer Georgina. Georgina only gave Becky one main warning and that was to keep Bella away from her ex-boyfriend Ash James and not to let him in the house, but that was broken the first hour!

Bella is the treat in reading the book because she is the center for most of the scenes between Becky, Ash, and his relationship with Bella. The Dog Sitter is a fun romance with Becky trying to find herself and more about Ash.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This unfortunately looked a lot cuter. It was fun but I found the characters bit juvenile. I thought the parts with Becky freaking out over the photos she was being texted funny, as she didn't want to ruin Bella's image.

I got hooked in with this adorable cover, and great description. Unfortunately I think I am ultimately the wrong audience for this book. It read quite juvenile to me, very over the top and dramatic. What was supposed to be funny made me cringe. It was all a little bit too forced and too dramatic for my taste.

This book was not a good fit for me. It seems to rely on physical humor and grossness, which I don’t find funny. DNF.

I had never read anything by Zara Stoneley prior to reading The Dog Sitter and I have to admit it was this cute, gorgeous cover that made me want to delve into this book. It’s a lovely, light easy read packed full of humour with amusing incidents, a lovable but naughty dog, some angst and decision making and of course some romance. It’s an ideal quick read that I found perfect to slot in between some books I was reading with more darker and heavier themes. I think for my first book by this author I chose a good one as I got a real feel for the authors writing style and there was an interesting and, at times, divisive cast of characters.

One thing that was brilliant were the descriptions of the setting the Lake District, although I have never been there, came alive off the pages. The surrounding countryside where our main character was staying was just so beautiful and rugged and the author used this to perfection as a lot of the incidents that occurred happened out in the countryside. Our main character also draws inspiration for her art from what she sees around her and in a way it acted as a healing process for her as her love for drawing remerged having had doubts casted on her capabilities by someone who did not have her best intentions at heart.

With such an hilarious opening involving cow manure and straw, as our main character Becky travels to the Lake District from London, I just knew I was going to enjoy this book. If you have me chuckling along in the first few pages then you have won me over. The writing had a great flow to it and it was funny, quick and sharp. Becky was able to give as good as she gets when it came to sharp retorts. Over the course of the story we get a really deep insight into why Becky has on a whim responded to an ad looking for a dog sitter and why she has left behind the bright lights of the city. She has come seeking a place where she can shelter and take stock of her life. She made the brave decision to leave but doesn’t know where her life path will venture to next. Yes, she is on her way to do this job she has never done before but it’s a mere stop gap in her long term road.

Little does she bargain on meeting a cute little dog named Bella who gets into all sorts of scraps and is at the centre of a custody battle so to speak. Georgina is the owner of the dog and it’s not that I didn’t like her, I just thought she was such a flaky, false character. She was obsessed with her Instagram profile and we all know a lot of the influencers etc pretend to have the most glamorous of lifestyles and it’s not like that at all. Georgina’s demands and rules and regulations regarding the dog were ridiculous and silly. They were totally over the top and Becky could see this yet she didn’t want to loose the job so capitulated to what was asked of her.

When gorgeous Ash arrives on the scene, literally he stumbles out from somewhere, Becky’s head is certainly turned and this reader's was too. I hate using the word hunk but that’s what he was. I have built up an image of him in my head that I know in reality could never meet so many expectations but that’s what the author did. He was one of the hottest men that Becky had ever seen, big, strong and muscular and Ash will certainly get readers hot under the collar. The author described him so brilliantly and he had this way about him that Becky couldn’t fail to feel some attraction to him but the way she had been feeling mentally and emotionally on arrival had she really the headspace to investigate things a little further. Or was looking after the ball of energy that was Bella enough to keep her going?

She soon discovers with regard to the ‘custody battle’ of sorts over the dog, well there is an awful lot more going on there than meets the eye. It really was a case of don’t judge a book by its cover but rather delve a little deeper. To be honest I was more on Ash’s side than I was Georgina’s. She was too superficial whereas Ash seemed real and genuine and I got the sense he was keeping certain things close to his chest. Things he couldn’t tell Georgina so maybe with time and some funny mishaps and incidents with Becky he could open up a bit more. The incident with the boat springs to mind here and there were numerous others too which all added to the light humour and good feelings emanating from this book.

Becky was a character who I felt had no confidence in herself or her artistic abilities and who could blame her having been with a man, Teddy, who always undermined her with regard to all aspects of her life. She had come to the Lake District and took the dog sitting job as an opportunity for peace and tranquillity, a break from the stresses and strains in her life. Teddy was a horrible character. We never get to meet him bar on one occasion but we can tell what he is like from everything that Becky details and from simply the fact that her confidence has been knocked and is so low because all the time he told her work she turned in as a children’s illustrator was more or less rubbish. He was self centred, controlling, egotistical and destructive. He went over her head to editors and she was always forced to make changes to her work. If you are constantly treated like this of course you will doubt your abilities and you would want to give everything up. But drawing and sketching illustrations for children’s books has been Becky’s lifeline. Will her time away allow her to strengthen this connection once again and perhaps she make a go of things on her own? Or has Teddy done too much damage?

It was awful to see Becky so down on herself but you knew that Ash and Bella would take her mind off things. In fact she was kept so busy and so many funny things happened that she had no choice but to come out of her shell and in doing so maybe she could strive for the ultimate goal of getting her confidence back and finding some illustration work where her talents would be appreciated and valued. She had spent so long compromising when it came to her professional work and not doing the stuff she really wanted to do now was the time for all that to change. She just needed a little push in the right direction.

Becky when we first meet her is filled with tension and unease and don’t get me wrong it’s not all roses in the garden when she gets there. It’s not like there is an overnight transformation and everything is hunky dory. No the doubts have followed her and still clamour at her which just goes to show she really should have heeded her families warning about Teddy. I loved seeing how slowly Becky began to have more faith in herself and that she really got to know Ash. Yes there was a lot of misunderstandings between them, and they certainly rubbed each other up the wrong way, but there were lovely tender, caring moments between them too and Ash certainly helped in the hour of need several times over.

I really enjoyed The Dog Sitter, it’s an entertaining, funny read balanced perfectly with the drama that relationships can bring and it’s a story of one woman finding her way back to herself even if a lot of chaos does ensue along the way. Fitting other people’s expectations, Becky learns, is not the right thing to do rather she discovers love, loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing by following one’s heart are the way to go. This one is definitely worth a read. I know many new and old fans of Zara Stoneley will enjoy it as much as I did.

This was a lovely read for a winter day with lots of reminders of the beauty of nature in warmer seasons. The storyline held few surprises and followed the formula expected of this genre, but anyone reading it would expect that and, like myself, would be reading it to see HOW the story is told not what the end result would be. In that regard it was well done and engaging, the main characters were likeable and the setting was beautifully described.

Four paws up for this totally adorable romcom. A relatable heroin, a stunning setting, a lovable puppy, sizzling chemistry and a gorgeous man. What more can you want from your romcom? Becky needs a little break from her life so she applies to housesit a cottage in the Lake District, and bonus the cottage comes with a dog. The only thing the homeowner asks is that becky does not let anyone under any circumstances touch Bella, the dog. Simple enough, right? Well it is for about 15 minutes until Ash shows up with his piercing blue eyes, delicious smile, and an obvious connection to Bella. I am certain you know where this is going, and yes it is somewhat predictable. However there is so much whimsy and charm in this delightfull tail wagging tale.

I really liked both Becky and Ash and could not figure out how they could have possibly been with their previous significant others. The setting sounded absolutely divine and I think it was featured perfectly in the story. But the true star of the show of course was Bella. She was so precious and so funny. If I didn’t already have two dogs I’d probably think I needed one. Another fun feel good story from this wonderful author.

This book in emojis: 🐾 🌲 👩🏻‍🎨 🐶 📱

*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This was my first book by Zara Stoneley and I have mixed feelings about it. It did have some moments of cuteness and laughter, but at the same time I felt it did not have enough romance and development for me. For some reason, I felt like as if the author was trying to create a villain out of one of the characters and it was not even subtle because it felt too forceful. However, for a first time read I did like it especially just look at the cover, how CUTE?!

This was a sweet rom-com with a lot of potential, but it didn't end up wowing me. The main character was a little off-putting for me, I didn't really enjoy her voice or reading from her perspective. The writing of the story threw me off a bit in the sense that it was kind of chaotic and immature (because of the main character's voice) at times. I felt the romance was a little insta-lovey rather than a genuine affection. I also didn't enjoy the 'villain' character of the story, she felt very one-dimensional.

I will say I really enjoyed the dog, Bella. A lot of stories will seem like the dog is going to be important to the story but they end up being quite irrelevant to the story. Bella was always at the forefront of the story. She is such a sweet and well-written dog.

Another thing I enjoyed was the hero. I really liked Ash. He was a well-written character with lots of charm that definitely made me smile. His description of being like Chris Hemsworth kinda handsome was definitely accurate. I had a great time reading him.

Overall, I enjoyed this book but not as much as I wanted to. I would recommend this to anyone who is just trying to get into light rom-coms with dogs or take place in a more rural setting.

- 3 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Zara Stoneley for a copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was funny. My favourite character of the book is Bella. She is such a cute dog. I love the Lake District setting, it sounds beautiful. The romance between Ash and Becky didn't feel real. It started as an insta love / obsession which annoyed me. Despite that I enjoyed the book.

The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley is one of the most charming books I’ve read in a long time.

Becky, who has just ended a bad relationship and is feeling lost and like she needs a fresh start, so she takes on a house/dog sitting job in The Lake District, having no idea about the drama and life changes she’s walking into.

She’s instantly besotted with the house, countryside, and Bella, the dog she is caring for. She’s inspired to create the art she wants to create and all is good- until the house owner’s ex, Ash, shows up, claiming Bella belongs to him. From then on shenanigans ensue, and no one is more surprised than Becky when she discovers she’s falling for Ash.

This story was just so lovely- I found myself smiling much of the time when I was reading it. Becky was so relatable, and I instantly wanted the best for her. It’s so satisfying to see her come into her own, and find happiness and confidence in herself again.

Ash was also amazing. From his love for Bella to his reasoning for letting his ex hold on to the dog longer, he is one of my favorite male leads in a romance, ever.

The time I spent reading this book was time spent in another world- everything ceased to exist except for the story I was reading. I just can’t express how much I loved this book and how happy I felt while reading it. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from Zara Stoneley.

This adorable cover caught my eye the moment I saw it on @netgalley. I’m so glad it did because it was just the light hearted, uplifting read I needed at the moment. Full of comedy, romance, the cutest canine and one heck of a stunning setting - oh and an intense craving for gingerbread!!

From the very first chapter, I found myself laughing out loud at the numerous situations the main character managed to encounter. The humor was non stop throughout the entire book and definitely reminded me of Bridget Jones. There were plenty of real moments with deep emotions too. The cast are all learning to find their own happiness without relying on others while also surrounding themselves with supportive people. Topics covered: bad break ups, toxic relationships, doing what brings you joy and sibling rivalry and the negative side of Instagram “influencers”. This was a story about rediscovering your confidence and ridding yourself of all of those things holding you back from being your own unique self.

Then there’s the romance!! Talk about chemistry. These two flirted through the majority of the book and it was pure perfection to watch. Ash just might be my new bookish boyfriend!! The scene where they are talking in the middle of the lake, in their own canoes was simply sigh worthy.

Want to know what I loved most about this book? The setting. The descriptions easily transported me to the other side of the world and had me constantly looking up images of the Lake District in England. The author shared how she was inspired to write about many locations based on her own travels and her admiration for the area was captured brilliantly.

This was a fun, fast and lighthearted romcom read – for those that are fans of UK RomComs, this one will definitely be one to check out.

The story is that of Becky who is, of course, hitting some personal life snags – loss of a job (that she didn’t really love) and a boyfriend (who was a complete jerk, and also her ex-boss) has her at loose ends. Luckily, she responds to and takes on the opportunity to do some house/dog sitting out in the Lake District. Of course, romcom shenanigans ensue as the pup in question is a highly energetic cockapoo and the person she is house sitting for fails to mention that her ex (her very handsome ex) and she are in a dispute over who’s dog it is.

This would definitely make for a great beach read – it was equally fun as a snow-y, house bound read for me 😉. The descriptions of the Lake District (and non-snow laden weather) made me long to visit myself. I enjoyed the dynamic between Becky and Ash, and of course the star of the show – energetic and sweet pup Bella. It was lovely to escape to the Lake District and get pulled into the funny (and at times cringe-y relatable) romcom moments.

If you are looking for a lighthearted, getaway with an adorable pup – this book has you covered!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read an early copy of this fun release. 😊

⭐⭐⭐✨/ 3.5 stars

Recommendation to be posted to Bookstagram and Amazon on 2/11/21

Review posted to Goodreads 2/9/21

A lovely Sunday afternoon curl up on the sofa book. The characters were sympathetic and you wanted everyone to live happily ever after. Was lovely to imagine being able to go on the walks and enjoy the scenery while currently confirmed to home - will be heading to the Lakes as soon as I can. A gentle read and will look for more by the author.

Ok, I admit, it was the title that first drew me to this book without having read anything of the premise because being a dog lover it was surely a given that I would therefore enjoy it...wouldn't I? Strangely enough, I did. Thoroughly. Although romance chick lit is not my usual genre it was a little of the beaten path of the historical fiction and psychological thrillers I generally devour. But there was something completely endearing about being a dog sitter...in the beautiful Lakes District. Handsome musclebound SAS/gardener/woodchopper was indeed a bonus. But at the mention of Poldark, that's it, all I could see then was Aidan Turner and those gorgeous locks and sensuous eyes strapped out in his Poldark coat...shirtless, of course!

But...I digress...back to the THE DOG SITTER!

What a delightful opening chapter! We delve headlong into Becky's journey to the Lakes from the more civilised London to which she's accustomed, and here she battles lorries leaking liquid cow-dung, tractors flinging straw and she was daft enough to leave her window open letting it all in! Haha...granted her air con was on the blink so I can understand that...but oh, what an amusing monologue it was. Added to that, she had an irate self-obsessed Georgina on the phone demanding where she was, all the while dealing with the sights, smells and goo of the country coming through her window. I found myself chuckling from the first few pages.

But it didn't stop there...no. Becky's rants to herself were amusing to read as she talks herself in and out of amusing and embarrassing situations.

However, I feel I must mention the star of the show here...Bella. What an absolute delight she is, clever, friendly and oh so bloody funny! I could actually see her zooming all over the yard, the house, the furniture... If you've never seen a dog with zoomies, you are seriously missing out! They are hilarious! Of course I am a person who prefers dogs to people so I can therefore appreciate their unique personalities.

So Becky is meant to be house and dog sitting at this gorgeous palatial Lake View Cottage for Insta influencer Georgina and makes the long journey from London to the Lake District. After finding a sitter for her own poky little flat, she sets off early and arrives late...thanks to the snotty satnav woman leading her through country lanes laden with lorries spewing out liquid cow poo and tractors dispelling hay. Becky turned up looking like she'd been dragged through a dirty stinking hedge backwards so was thankful to find Georgina had already left and would therefore not see her in this state. Georgina, though, had left her a load of instructions in the form of lists detailing everything from locking the house up to not letting her ex step foot inside, as well as all the instructions for Bella's social diary.

Becky had mistakenly thought Bella was just a dog that she'd bee looking after. She was wrong. Bella is a cute but cyclonic cockapoo that is the canine face of Georgina's Instagram. So when she opens the door before reading all of the instructions, she did not expect to be met with a whirlwind that flew past her at the speed of knots and zoom around the garden and into the shrubbery till she was out of sight. And then to make matters worse, Georgina video calls from the airport in the midst of the chaos. As she relays her most important instructions once again, she reiterates that Becky MUST NOT under any circumstances let her ex go near Bella, set foot in the house or even speak to him at all! Apparently, he is out to dog-nap her back and will try anything.

And so we come to the ex. The SAS-slash-gardener-slash-woodchopper that Becky has imagined him to be from the sneaky pic of him on Georgina's Insta account. As Becky is frantically trying to find the zooming Bella whilst attempting to appease a slightly flustered Georgina on the phone, the very object of Becky's fantasies stands in the open doorway holding onto a wriggling Bella who is excitedly kissing his face. Georgina takes one look at him and screams at him whilst Becky just stands there covered in cow-dung and a wisp of straw in her hair. The picture painted was somewhat amusing.

The ex is Ash James...a swoon-worthy guy befitting of the delectable Ross Poldark (in the form of Aidan Turner, of course). Georgina might see red at the very thought of him but Becky sees lots of lurid fantasties involving him. Bella is apparently in love with even if her owner is not and soon Ash starts popping up at the oddest moments, attempting to lure Bella into his clutches no doubt. But Becky has been told he's the enemy and to stay away from him. But it's a bit difficult when he keeps finding excuses to turn up!

It isn't long before Becky starts to feel completely relaxed at at ease in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District. She came here in the hope of putting some distance between her and her controlling ex who not only dumped her but sacked her as well. Up until recently she has lived her life trying to please Teddy and letting go of what she really wants. No one in her family, but her father, liked him and saw right through his snobbery from the start. Becky only wished she had too...but now she has. And now she is in the beautiful Lake District ready to reignite her inspiration and paint what she really makes her happy. Animals. Scenery. Nature. Magical ponies. That's what makes her happy. And it's here that she finds it again. In the breathtaking scenery, the waterfalls, the lake, the flora and fauna...and most of all, in Bella.

But it seems Bella comes as part of a package...with the handsome and somewhat delectable Ash. And what ensues is an entertaining and sometimes hilarious tale as Becky finds her inner inspiration to be who she really wants to be and paint what she really wants to paint.

I have to add, the descriptions of the scenery was simply beautiful. I live on the other side of the world and have never stepped foot in the UK, let alone the Lake District, but I could see it's beauty and natural wonders through Becky's eyes.

There is so much fun and silliness in this book it is difficult not to laugh at Bella's antics, as well as Becky's narration and enjoy the entertaining read that THE DOG SITTER is. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did but Bella really was the star here, hands down. There was a time early on that I started to get a little weary of Becky's sexual obsession of Ash...the woman sounded like a sex starved nymphomaniac at times...lol Although admittedly, the quick witted way she described it all it was quite amusing.

THE DOG SITTER is truly an entertaining read that I enjoyed more than I anticipated. It is fun, amusing and delightful in many ways. Not my usual genre but a definite feel-good read, nonetheless. And as no dogs were harmed or died in this story, it makes it an even better read for me.

Terrific rom-com read that will make you laugh out loud.

I would like to thank #ZaraStoneley, #RachelsRandomResources, #OneMoreChapter and #Netgalley for an ARC of #TheDogSitter in exchange for an honest review.

I'm in my early 40's and can't help feeling this book is meant for a younger audience. The strengths were the antics of Bella the gorgeous Cockapoo, the descriptions of the Lake District, and learning about Becky's art work. I didn't totally buy into Becky and Ash's romance. Some deeper issues were touched on, but lightly so, and could perhaps have been developed. I did find Becky a bit immature at times. Her introspection sometimes got a little long-winded. Bella is the star of this story though. Her parts made me smile. Lots to like in this book. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

PS. When I read the book, Bella was black, and yet the cover shows a white dog.

I really wanted to like this book. A light rom-com set in the Lake District starring a cute dog sounded right up my street! However, I'm disappointed to say that it didn't live up to my expectations at all. I had to quit trying to read it at 67%, after a week of trying to push through and read a few more chapters (I rarely DNF books).

The features that put me off the most were the repetitive words and actions of the characters- it felt like if I had a pound for every time I read the words SAS in a short space of time, I'd be rich!

However, the most irritating thing was that the characters were so dimensional. Becky, the main character, is super hot, super talented and completely superficial. The fact that she wasnt bothered at all by an intruder, Ash, the ex-boyfriend of the woman Becky is house-sitting for, despite being warned about him, despite the fact that he is in the back garden which is surrounded by walls and a locked gate, despite attempting to steal the dog, was absolutely ridiculous and unbelievable. I'm a woman in my late twenties- if this were to happen to me in the middle of nowhere, I'd be calling the police! However, Ash is very handsome, which completely removes all danger.

Ash, the male lead, is a handsome, yet boring, character, who keeps deciding to blow hot and cold towards Becky, and puts all of the blame of his past relationship on his ex. When I got to the 67% point of the book, he was starting to open up more, but I didn't care enough about him to keep reading.

Georgina, the woman Becky is house-sitting for, is just a laughably one-dimensional 'villain' of the story- everything is all her fault and she doesn't have a single redeeming feature about her.

Overall, a disappointing read. The plot could have been really fun if the characters were likeable, or at least believable. However, they were just so off-putting that I didn't care about the characters of the storyline whatsoever (although I assume it had the predictable ending). If it wasnt for Bella the dog, I don't think I'd have even gotten a third way through the book!