This brought a huge smile to my face. I loved how the novel explored Diego overcoming his anxiety, with the help of his gentle giant - Gus. The relationship between boy and dog was so wholesome and heartwarming, and the illustrations made it even better. I recommend it to everyone of all ages and dog lovers too.

McCall Hoyle's novels about dogs are just pure serotonin and absolutely wholesome. Just Gus is a spin off from Hoyle's previous book Stella that came out last year and was just as amazing. They can be read separately or together but I recommend together to meet all the characters. I loved Gus, he was such a good dog and I wanted to give him a big hug through the story. I recommend reading this asap for any dog lovers and this is also great for all ages!

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy and can't wait to see if there will be another book!

My daughter loved reading Stella and was so excited to see that there was another book in the series coming out. All the beloved characters return in another fun story centering on Gus this time. The story was a little sad at times, but was joyful and heartwarming overall. Definitely recommend this book and thoroughly enjoyed this story. Hope more stories about the rest of the characters continue to come out.

Just Gus is the follow up to Stella but could also read as stand alone. Gus is a livestock guardian dog who lives with Esperanaza and her daughter Chloe, who rescued Stella. Esperanza has a brother and nephew who have come to visit the farm during the summer of the pandemic. Tragedy has come to both dog and human in different forms and they lean on each other to “lick their wounds “ and heal. I read this book with my 10 year old daughter and we both really liked the book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

Just Gus is such a heartwarming story. Diego has anxiety and Gus is the perfect calm for his storm. The love and friendship between Diego and Gus is amazing and really touches your heart especially for animal/dog lovers.
I highly recommend this.

Thank you to McCall Hoyle, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC!

I adore Gus's story just as much as I loved Stella's story. It was fun to see Esperanza, Close, Nando and Stella again as well as meet new characters. I love dogs and McCall seems to write books that make my heart happy because she truly understands dog and is able to write their stories.

Just Gus by McCall Hoyle is a wonderful fiction that speaks of life, love, adversity, and friendship between humans as well as canines.

This is such a wonderful and heartwarming story. The friendship between boy and canine was so genuine and really tugged at my heart. As someone that really loves dogs and feels the need for their presence in my life, I really identified with this story. It may be geared towards tween and young adults, but adults can easily enjoy and identify as well. I read this first before sharing with my son. I know he will love this as well.

Diego and Gus present as a wonderful pair that through their introduction and partnership of sorts, both find love, acceptance, and a place to belong.

Highly recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/24/23.