DOG DAYS FOREVER – Shannon Richard
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063235618
February 28, 2023
Contemporary Romance

North Carolina – Present Day

Caroline Buchanan and Maximillian Abbot grew up together as children and then had a romance once they reached adulthood. However, the death of her mother and Max being far away led to Caro breaking off their engagement. He later moved to New York City, where he’s had a successful career and life. A job promotion that will have him moving to London in a few weeks provides Max a chance to take time off before he has to leave, so he heads home to visit his beloved grandmother, Ava, who is talking about selling her home. Several months ago, Ava lost Max’s grandfather, so coming home will have him reliving the memories of growing up with his grandparents. It will also bring him face-to-face with Caro.

Caro has stayed in their small hometown where her family still lives, working several part-time jobs while she continues to write children's books that are successful. She is still friendly with Ava, so imagine her surprise at walking into Ava’s home to find Max there. It brings back the pain of their breakup and her wishing that things could’ve turned out differently. While it is awkward at first between Caro and Max, they are soon letting their guards down—and rediscovering the magic of why they fell in love once before. Will they get a second chance at a future together?

Caro helps out at a dog rescue agency and takes in dogs temporarily until they are adopted. She hasn’t yet taken the plunge on adopting one herself, mainly because that means a commitment. Something she hasn’t been able to give anyone, including Max. After rescuing an abandoned dog, the two grow closer as they care for the poor pup. Max, meanwhile, is still planning to move to London, but he begins to wonder if he can stay here, especially after an old building that is being threatened with being torn down provides him with inspiration. He wants to renovate it into something that will help the community.

Caro tries to hide her growing feelings for Max in DOG DAYS FOREVER by Shannon Richard. She once tried to reconcile with him by going to New York City, but found him with another woman, though he didn’t see Caro. She has poured herself into writing children's books, which Max doesn’t know about. She isn’t sure how to tell him that the couple in the books are about them. How would he react? In this tale, she tries to hide the “evidence” of her books, even though it’s an open secret in town. Readers will wonder at what point he will find out the truth.

In DOG DAYS FOREVER, some things begin to change for Caro, namely that she decides to keep the puppy that she and Max rescued. Once they make love, Max and Caro are open about their feelings for each other and to those around them. While her brother may not want to hear that his sister is having sex, he’s happy for her. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Lucy, moves home after a toxic relationship. Certainly a lot of changes happening in the Buchanan family. But it is the growing love between Max and Caro that fills this tale. Readers will be rooting for them to make it work out.

A charming and delightful romance that hits all the right notes, don’t miss DOG DAYS FOREVER. What more can a reader ask for in romance, family, and dogs.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This was great! Did I pick this book up because of the cover? You know I did. But it wasn’t the cover that kept me glued to the pages, that credit goes to the story contained within its pages. I liked Caro and Max right from the start and couldn’t wait to see them finally figure out a way to work things out and find their happily ever after.

Caro and Max grew up spending their summers together. Things changed in their teenage years when they fell in love. They eventually became engaged but then life threw a curve ball their way and things fell apart. That was 14 years ago. Max is going back to the town of Cruickshank to help his grandmother, Ava, get her house ready to sell and ends up back in Caro’s orbit. It doesn’t take long to tell that the spark between them is still there.

Caro and Max were both great characters but this book was really full of great characters. There were quite a few secondary characters that were well-fleshed out and added a lot to the overall story. And the dogs! With the cute dog on the cover, I would have been disappointed if the book didn’t have at least one dog. I had nothing to worry about. Caro works with a rescue group and fosters dogs so she usually has a dog with her but there were really quite a few dogs that were a part of this story and I love how they each had their own distinct personalities.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. Caro and Max were fantastic characters that had great chemistry together. They really did deserve a second chance and I am glad that I was able to see them get it. There were some heartbreaking and touching moments in this wonderful story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this talented author.

I received a review copy of this book from Avon Books.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Caro and Max. They have known each other all their lives. They were in love during high school and part of college. There were some factors that drove them apart. Fourteen years later Max comes home and the first person he sees is Caro. The attraction is still there. They have some trust issues but they work it out and fall in love.

Caroline Buchanan and Maximillian Abbot use to be the best of friends, but these days they are distant memories to one another... and Caroline feels like she is to blame, she is the one that broke their engagement after all. At the time she felt like it was the only thing that made sense to do, but now she wonders if she made a mistake back then. Did she let the love of her life get away?

Dog Days Forever is a wonderfully penned story of second chances, forgiveness, hope and falling in love. Caro and Max once had the perfect relationship, so perfect that they were ready to take that next step, but then Caro had a change of heart and broke the engagement and fourteen years later she still regrets it. Now Max has returned to town and they will face one another for the first time, maybe it's their second chance? Or maybe the past will keep them apart? One thing is certain their story will tug on your heartstrings!

I loved this newest offering from Ms. Richard, the characters (furry and human) were easy to love, the words heartfelt and emotive, and the story line unique and captivating... it was all so perfect, even if some of it did make my heart hurt! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Dog Days Forever is a beautifully written old fashion love story! All of the author’s characters are well developed and the reader will become attached to all of them.