Member Reviews
A sweet romance where the dog hijacks the story
Lost, Found, and Forever follows Justine a shop owner and her adopted dog Spencer who she’s trained to do some awesome tricks. One day at a luncheon with some friends she is asked to show off the tricks she taught Spencer. To Justine’s surprise Spencer gets casted for a tv show. This opportunity couldn’t come at a better time as Justine is struggling keeping her shop afloat. Soon after she sees an add for a missing dog and realizes it’s Spencer’s former owner. She decides to reach out to him to let him know that Spencer is fine and well taken care of; little does she know that Griffen wants his dog back and has all the paperwork proving that he is Spencer’s true owner.
This is where this fun predictable nonetheless entertaining story takes off.
If you’re looking for a light heartwarming easy romance book to escape to, pick this one up.
Thank you @berkleyromance @netgalley for the eARC.
Spencer is Justine's main man and soulmate. He just so happens to be her dog. She adopted him a year previously and it was love-at-first-sight. His obedience training makes him the perfect candidate to become the next rising canine star. Unfortunately, it turns out his previous owner, Griffin, wants him back. Oh, and his name is Leo.
I've read books in the past where a pet was a quirky sidekick or a source of comedy or companionship, but Spencer steals the show at times throughout. I thought it was so fun to have him be the catalyst for Justine and Griffin to meet, quarrel, and bring them together.
I recommend if you're in the mood for a contemporary, pet-instigated relationship. It's a quick, easy, heartwarming read.
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I received a gifted galley of LOST, FOUND, AND FOREVER by Victoria Schade for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!
LOST, FOUND, AND FOREVER follows Justine Becker, a pet shop owner and pet trick trainer who is a bit down on her luck. Her business is struggling to stay afloat and she’s not sure what her next move is. One of the highlights in her life is her rescue dog Spencer. When she found him through PetFinder, it was love at first sight and he has rarely left her side ever since. Unfortunately she wasn’t Spencer’s first love. Justine finds out that Spencer’s old owner has been looking for him for the past year and he has pretty legitimate grounds for claiming that he is the pup’s rightful owner.
Spencer lands an acting gig which might give Justine a brighter future, but it also gives her more reason to interact with Griffin. As Justine and Griffin try to negotiate their conflicting feelings for a pup who clearly loves them both, they begin to wonder if what is between them could turn into something more.
While romance is not my go to genre, I couldn’t resist the sweet pup on the cover for this one. Reading about how Justine meet Spencer through PetFinder was exactly how I found my own rescue Kylee. Thankfully I know she was surrendered intentionally by her prior owners so I wouldn’t be faced with the decisions that Justine was. Talk about an impossible and heartbreaking situation for both Justine and Griffin, facing the possibility of losing the dog they love!
This book had a lot of humorous moments and I loved reading about Spencer’s relationship with both Justine and Griffin. You can tell that the author has a background working with dogs in the way she describes their different styles and the way Spencer reacted differently with each of them. The relationship between Justine and Griffin was sweet as well.
This was a fun read and a fun buddy read! I would recommend this to those who enjoy a good dog story and a good romance all rolled up into one! LOST, FOUND, AND FOREVER is out on Tuesday!
What would you do if you discovered the dog you adopted a year ago really belonged to someone else? Justine has no intention of turning Spencer over to Griffin. She and Spencer are now inseparable. Despite travelling frequently for work, Griffin has spent a year looking for his dog and wants Spencer aka Leo, back. Can a relationship that starts off rocky still blossom?
This was a cute, sweet romance that was just what I was hoping for. It was fun seeing the TV business through Justine's eyes. Spencer was a star! I was glad to see a romance with no big misunderstanding but realistic problems for the couple to work through. The epilogue really finished off the story for me. If you're in the mood for a light romance with a cute dog, be sure to pick this one up! Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this ebook.
|Book Review| Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for my gifted copy.
What do you do when you discover your four-legged best friend might belong to someone else? From the acclaimed author of Who Rescued Who comes the charming story of a custody battle between two pet parents who would do anything for the dog they both adore.
Lost, Found, & Forever was everything I didn't know I needed to read and it was impossible to put down. While this book did cover a few serious topics (PTSD and the treatment of pets on TV), I found this enemies to lovers romcom to be such an enjoyable lighthearted read.
What I loved about this book:
1. Honestly the first thing that comes to mind when I think of this book is how happy I was once I finished. I picked this one up thinking I would read a chapter or two before bed, but the next thing I know it's past midnight and I've finished leaving me with a big smile on my face.
2. I loved that this book had great characters that knew how to communicate without all the unnecessary drama. Is there conflict in this one? Yep, but it wasn't due to lack of communication between Justine and Griffin. Their chemistry was undeniable and I really enjoyed their banter.
3. While the adorable dog on the cover grabbed my attention, it was the unique plot that truly drew me in. In this book you'll get a custody battle over Spencer, a behind the scenes look into the pets on TV, and a well written enemies to lovers romance.
If you're looking for a feel good read to brighten your day, definitely pick this one up. It's a perfect book for romance readers, especially those with a soft spot for furry four legged friends.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Pub date: March 30th, 2021
If you've read this one, who do you think is the rightful owner of Spencer/Leo?
Thank you @berittalksbooks, @thephdivabooks, and @dg_reads for including me on the buddy read.
Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the synopsis of Lost, Found, and Forever I knew I had to read it and it did not disappoint.
Lost, Found, and Forever tells the story of Justine, a small town shop owner. She has her best friend and dog Spencer, but otherwise is feeling restless with her life and looking to move on. One day she’s having lunch at a member’s only club in town when she’s asked to show off Spencer’s tricks. Little does she know that Spencer is about to land himself a role in an upcoming show. At the same time this is happening she finds an ad for a missing dog that looks a lot like Spencer. She reaches out to the man who placed the ad, Griffin, and they discover that Spencer or Leo was his dog. Justine and Griffin agree to meet up so he can see Spencer/Leo and then they’re thrown together again and again. Without planning it, they both end up having feelings for each other.
I loved Griffin and the relationship that he and Justine developed. Griffin and Justine were so different (at least professionally) but they seemed to fit so well together. They had so many sweet moments. I would’ve never guessed going in this would have the only one bed trope! Despite his trajectory, he seemed like a nice guy and he obviously loved Spencer/Leo and would do anything for him. Of course I loved Spencer! It was also really interesting to see how Justine worked out tricks for Spencer on the show and to see the behind the scenes look at filming.
I loved the epilogue and how it showed us a glimpse of Griffin, Justine, and Spencer’s future.
This was a sweet love story with a dog. What more could you want?
I will update with the link to my bookstagram post once I share this review there.
Having recently finished “Lost, Found, and Forever” by Victoria Schade, I am happy to have had the chance for the preview; thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group!
This was a light predictable read and just the quick story I needed this week. I was drawn in by the adorable cover, and then as an owner of rescued furry friends over the years, the synopsis grabbed me. Rescued animals are often a mystery and this story actually solved the mystery of this cute guy in an entertaining way. From 4-legged furry cuteness, to tall and hunky cuteness was not a surprise, but it was a nice diversion to follow Spencer/Leo... and his humans.
Lost, Found and Forever by Victoria Schade is such a cute rom-com that is perfect for dog lovers.
Justine and her dog Spencer are living their best life until she finds out that Spencer’s previous owner, Griffin wants him back. To prevent a custody battle may ensue, Justine does her best to convince Griffin that she is the best owner for Spencer by playing nice. But Griffin is even kinder, not just to Spencer, but to Justine as well. From the on, the story takes a will they won’t they vibe that takes enemies to lovers.
I really liked Justine. Her love for Spencer and all animals really showed throughout the book. She seemed to be a really great dog mom. I was also really happy that she was able to find something that she was passionate about. She also had some really great friends in Sienna and Ruth who pushed her get where she needed to be in her career and romance.
However, I did feel that I personally connected to Griffin more. He was very career driven and romance was less of a priority to him and I can definitely relate.
Overall, this was a delightful story. It was quick, easy and light-hearted read that was the perfect escape from reality.
Thank you, #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyWritesStrongWomen #BerkleyBuddyReads @BeritTalksBooks @ThePHDivaBooks for a commplimentary e arc of #LostFoundAndForever upon my request. All opinions are my own. Pub Date: 3.30.2021.
Finders, Keepers?
In addition to romance, we have a custody battle over a beloved rescue dog, Spencer. Justine is Spencer’s current owner, and she loves to train him and he’s also her loyal companion at her dog supply store in upstate New York. Spencer loves performing tricks and has landed a role as a dog actor. On day, Justine comes across a social media post that pleads for the return of a dog that sounds suspiciously like her beloved Spencer. Justine contacts the guy, Griffin, and agrees to meet up with him at a park in Brooklyn. Griffin has the paperwork to prove he’s the original owner but Justine refuses to let Spencer go without a fight. What would you do?
If you have adopted a rescue dog, have you ever considered that the original owners might reclaim the dog with whom you have bonded?
Victoria Schade writes an engaging and mostly light-hearted enemies-to-lovers story with an interesting “co-owners” premise. In fact, Schade has experience in real life as a dog trainer (see bio) so this lends authenticity and expertise to the details about dog training and a dog’s acting career. Although the story is a bit predictable (expected in the romance genre), it’s also page turning and thoughtful.
Justine and Griffin are both likable characters. Justine is compassionate, determined, and thoughtful while Griffin is generous, kind, and on a mission to follow his self-determined life trajectory. Of course, things become complicated as they are both attracted to each other and quite committed to Spencer!
Who can resist this adorable cover?! Overall, Lost, Found, and Forever is a lovely and easy reading romance with thoughtful themes such as the ethics of animal ownership, PTSD from a past trauma, taking a second chance on love, friendship, and an enemies to lovers trope. I’m recommending it for fans of romance, for those looking for a lighter read, and for animal lovers.
Content Consideration: trauma from a past attack, some steam
Spencer is the light of Justine's life. He works with her in her pet store, she's taught him tricks, he keeps her happy. Then one day she learns that his original human companion Griffin has been looking for him for the year that she's had him. She's skeptical at first but indeed, Griffin and Spencer have a bond. They come to an agreement that Justine and Spencer can stay at Griffin's Brooklyn apartment when the car-sick Spencer has scenes to tape for his new role as an acting dog! This is a classic enemies (not really enemie) to allies to friends to lovers novel with a little bit of steam and a lot of heart. And a lot of dog! Spencer is as important of a character (and as well written) as Justine and Griffin. I liked this not only for the romance but also for the peek behind the scenes of working as a dog actor. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's light, it's fun, and it's a good read.
Well I am a sucker for a cute and clever dog and the pup in this book, Spencer, stole the show. Yes there was a romance going on between Spencer’s original owner and the woman who adopted him after he got loose a couple of years earlier.
This was a clever book that had the audacity to use real life conflicts and not the normal miscommunication problems we usually see. In fact, the communication and the chemistry between Griffin and Justine was wonderful and refreshing!
I enjoyed all the characters, but Spencer’s was definitely the star. One friend who read this and was afraid of dogs fell in love with Spencer’s and is considering getting a dog now! If only one would come as well trained as Spencer is!!
Lost, Found, and Forever is a rom-com about two people who discover that they are both the owners of the same dog, Spencer. Justine adopted Spencer a year ago from the pet shelter. She and Spenser have been inseparable ever since. But when she discovers a social media post about a lost dog that looks exactly like Spencer, she realizes that her dog maybe belongs to someone else. Griffin has been looking for his dog all this time and of course, he wants Spencer back. Justine and Griffin's relationship starts on the wrong foot because neither of them wants to give up on the ownership of their beloved dog.
This was a sweet and heartwarming story. I love pets in books, and Spencer was adorable. He was the star of the book. I also liked how Justine and Griffin's relationship progressed. They both wanted what was best for Spencer, and always put his needs first. Even though it started badly, their relationship blossomed from their love for the dog. I highly recommend Lost, Found, and Forever to all rom-com readers and dog lovers.
Justine rescued Spencer, possibly the world's most adorable dog, and he repaid her by coming to her rescue. There's nothing she wouldn't do for him including fight for him when his former owner enters the picture. Just when Justine thinks her world can't get more dramatic Spencer falls into an acting gig that's being filmed not far from where said former owner lives. Does this sound like a novel that could be a Hallmark movie? I would watch that movie! Lost, Found & Forever has it all: attractive humans, adorable dog, and just enough drama to make an interesting escape of a read. I enjoyed it!
The adorable cover makes way for a cute story about a woman and her dog, who she has trained to do tricks. She runs a pet store, but wants to do more with her life. Then one day she sees a lost dog ad and realizes it’s her dog! She had adopted him a year ago and someone was still looking for him. She contacts him and the sparks fly! They arrange to co-parent the dog and end up with a happily ever after for all of them.
There was also a lot of behind the scenes of filmmaking after Spencer the dog gets cast in a Tv series
Cute little Hallmark type story with a little bit of steam.
Thanks to Berkeley publishing and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
This was cute! Based on how it began, I could tell it wouldn't be a story that was full of substance throughout it but it was nonetheless enjoyable. I really liked that Spencer played a key role throughout the entirety of it. Also getting to see what it takes for a pup to be an actor was so neat and definitely something I had never read about before! The romance, in my opinion, was a bit lackluster. It kind of just seemed obvious that that was the way it was going but I wish there had been maybe more conversation between Justine and Griffin. I don't think I can properly word what I wanted to see but it definitely left me wanting more. But overall, it was a cute story. Totally recommend it if you love pups and love to see them be heroes!
Yes, the cover made me request the book. A delightful love story revolving around a dog. Show business, pet store, computer nerd, and so much more add up to an entertaining story. I would have been happier without the occasional foul language and brief intimate details, but overall the tale kept me turning the pages and thoroughly entertained.
"Don't waste time when it comes to your heart."
I was thrilled to learn Victoria Schade had a new novel coming out. I enjoyed her last book, "Who Rescued Who," and knew this would be another warm fluffy story about how much we love our four-legged family members.
In LOST, FOUND and FOREVER (Berkley) life for Justine hasn't been the same since she rescued her mixed breed with soulful eyes, Spencer. He's with her 24/7 and loves spending days lounging around in her store, Tricks and Biscuits, a dog-friendly happy place for pets and their owners. He's also amazing at doing tricks. Her shop is in the tiny town of Rexford, located about 2 hours from New York City.
One day she returns to the shop and her assistant shows her an on-line ad looking for a dog named Leo, who is without a doubt Spencer. His owner claims he's desperate to find Leo who ran away about a year ago. She fears whoever this person is, will want to take her Spencer back and she can't imagine that. She loves him with all of heart and they're going to audition to do tricks on a new television show. But what's a good dog mom to do? She decides to call the number and let the person know Spencer, his Leo is well and happy. Griffin McCabe who is only two hours away in Brooklyn, begs Justine to see her dog.
She agrees to meet him at a Brooklyn park, around the corner from the TV studio and there's no doubt Spencer knows Griffin immediately. He is slobbering and kissing him, while calling Spencer Leo. Griffin is easy on the eyes and knows how to work Justine. He starts making threats about getting his Leo back and she fears for the worst.
They get the show, but Spencer gets car sick, so it's iffy if he'll be able to do the show. Griffin travels a lot and offers his empty apartment for them to stay in when they have to tape the show.
Slowly they find themselves jealous over who Spencer/Leo loves the most and who is the better pet parent. Soon they find themselves having eyes for the other.
You know where this is heading. It's romantic-comedy at it best. I fell in love with all the characters, including Spencer/Leo. It's a cute fun novel you'll enjoy and finish in one sitting.
This was a cute story about a cute rescue dog named Spencer...er...Leo...er Spencer. Come to find out, his owner Justine is about to discover that Spencer’s rise to fame is going to uncover that he actually belongs to Griffin! Justine is having a hard time and depending on Spencer’s charming personality and tricks and training that Justine has instilled to keep her financially a float. Griffin is in a job that requires him to travel and he is gone all the time. Why would he want a dog anyway. And why would Spencer’s want to be alone all the time? What does Justine have to do to remain anonymous and out of Griffins grasp? Cute book from a writer who knows and loves the relationships of dog and owner.
I had ALL the feelings reading this book - sweet, funny, tart, anxiety (yes! Anxiety! There is a DOG involved in this love affair!) A perfect curl up on Sunday read.
This book will capture the heart of any pet owner, especially a crazy dog lover like myself. Justine rescued her dog Spencer a little over a year ago and has been her life ever since. However, by chance the original is found and she does the right thing and reaches out to hottie Griffin. The relationship becomes complicated when Spencer rememberers his "daddy". How does one share a pet when you live 2 hours apart? This is a book you don't want to miss. This is my first book by the author and it won't be my last.
Be sure to read on Pub day!