I found this to be a very cute and quick read! The story was solid enough, and I just loved the dogs! I felt like they played an important enough role, and I loved it when they appeared in the story. Unfortunately, it brought nothing new for me, which is the main reason why I'm giving it 3 stars. It was a lovely book though!

This is a perfect Christmas Romance for pet lovers. It’s former nemesis trope that has great banter between the two MCs. It’s an overall great holiday romance, with low spice.

Chelsea, a professional dog trainer, is shocked to see the owner of the new gym opening up in her complex is a man from her past. Andrew and Chelsea don't get along after one night years ago, and now that feud is getting worse since they are both eyeing the vacant space in their building in hopes of expanding their businesses…but only one of them can have the space. But after a literal run-in with Andrew’s dog, she agrees to help train the dog if he helps her rehabilitate her wrist (that is now injured thanks to the run in with the dog). As they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly.

While this was an adorable story that made my dog loving heart so happy, I’m not quite sure why it is being marketed as a holiday book. This was a cute enemies to lovers story with a lot of puppies with a longer timeline that went over a series of months and was really not centered around the holiday season. There were not the holiday vibes I expected based on the title. This one featured a major miscommunication trope, but somehow that didn’t bother me as much as miscommunications usually do. Despite the non-holiday vibes and a trope that isn’t my favorite, there was a lot to love about this book. First the dogs and the goats made for the best side characters and some hilarious antics. I also enjoyed the plot line about both characters' businesses and how they were really each other’s greatest cheerleaders.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy. Thank you also to @berittalksbooks and @dg_reads for hosting a buddy read!

Kicking off a book with adorable dogs? Yeah, I’m sold.
This story follows a dog trainer Chelsea. She’s got her hands full with her business, a sweet senior dog, and now, a new puppy in need of a home fast. When she finds her former nemesis Andrew is going to be her new business neighbor bringing in the gym bros, she’s less than thrilled, especially when his adorable but wild boxer unfortunately (and accidentally) injures her. As their paths cross more and more leading to up to the winter holidays, working together becomes more than likely and a Christmas romance may be the gift neither expected.
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC. This is out now.

Thank you @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for my complimentary ebook and audiobook. My thoughts are my own.

Chelsea Higgins likes rules and organization. She runs a dog obedience school, and she enjoys her successful business and peaceful life with her senior dog at home.

When fitness trainer (and former nemesis) Andrew Gibson opens a fitness gym two doors down from Chelsea, she is not pleased at the idea of a bunch of gym bros overtaking her space. To make matters worse, Andrew has a disobedient dog and Andrew can never remember to use a leash. Also, Andrew has annoying habits, like leaving trash stacked outside of the dumpster.

Chelsea and Andrew have a history, so she is not pleased when she literally runs into him and his dog in her parking lot one night, spraining her wrist. Andrew offers a swap: his personal training session for her dog obedience lesson. Before long, Andrew and Chelsea come to an uneasy truce and, of course, this leads to much more!

This slow-burn, enemies to lovers story is really cute. Andrew and Chelsea’s antics and barbs are hilarious. They do have a miscommunication problem and it takes them awhile to discuss the past. The story runs from October through December, so the reader gets to enjoy the fall holiday vibes as well as Christmas. There is a bit of spice in this one, but it isn’t too overdone!

Read this if you enjoy:
Enemies to lovers
Family drama
A touch of Spice
Holiday reads

Enemies to lovers, dogs and Christmas. What a great combination. I am always a fan of dogs in books. Especially when they are more than just a name. And Dude might be one of my favorite names for a dog ever. And that he was deaf and was still so doglike warmed my heart.

It’s been a while since I read a romance that was told from only one POV. And it was a little refreshing. I got to know and like Chelsea. Her dog turned goat whisperer business was fun to read about. That both Chelsea and Andrew had Dad issues, but very different ones added a layer to this rom com and gave it a little substance.

The plot alone gave me thoughts of a Hallmark movie, but there was a little spice, unlike a Hallmark movie. And if I haven’t mentioned it enough, I loved all the dogs and the goats. It gave me another reason to like this one.

Chelsea Higgins is a dog trainer with a small business. When Andrew moves into the business complex, they immediately clash - even more so when she hurts her wrist because of his ill-behaved dog. Can they find a way to make peace -- and maybe even a connection?

I wanted to read Unleashed Holiday because I love dogs. I enjoy holiday books, and this looked like a light holiday romance . It was! Chelsea was a character to pull for, and I liked her slow building romance with Andrew.

This was a cozy, light read. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys holiday love stories.

This was a cute enemies to lovers, slowburn, second chance romance with lots of pet antics and tons of Fall and Holiday season vibes. I didn't love just how much the MCs underestimated one another and that miscommunication was a HUGE problem in the story but overall it was entertaining and fun to read. Good on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley, Berit @beritlovesbooks and the group chat, & Berkley romance for the ARC (I bought the audiobook myself to help me catch up—ARC FOMO problems).

Unleashed Holiday
By Victoria Schade

Narrated by Mara Wilson

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) Closed door, I think.

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 I loved the narrator’s voice—she’s a great storyteller and I was fully captivated.
🤩 Cutest cover and pets in books.
🤩 Great setting in Wismer, Pennsylvania.
🤩 Neighboring small businesses—animal trainer and gym/physical trainer.
🤩 “That night” and the need to know more.
🤩 Enemies-to-lovers.
🤩 Setting during the holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
🤩 The storage shed kiss. And naughty farm goats (in training).

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I would have loved dual POV.
💫 It’s a sloooooow burn, and I’m not sure it felt worth it.
💫 I needed the MCs to bring up “all those years ago” way sooner.
💫 The way Chelsea told Andrew how to be with his dad—all families are different.
💫 I liked the beginning, but the characters just got more and more annoying to me.
💫 I almost DNFed, but it was an ARC and I had just purchased the audiobook to help me catch up.

I enjoyed this book so much. The emotions poured off the pages and into my soul. I laughed and I cried happy tears by the end. I felt all the angst and relished in all the witty banter.

Let it be known that I’m guaranteed to read a book with cute dogs on the cover. Allow me to introduce “Unleashed Holiday” by Victoria Schade. Come for the dogs, and stay for the tension-filled pages of a ‘will they or won’t they’ dance between two business owners who are disgruntled to be sharing business space.


Photo by Richard Brutyo on Unsplash
Book Lover
Victoria Shade’s books are written to make you want to savor, not binge. “Unleashed Holiday” immediately starts off with action. A dog is loose in Chelsea’s parking lot and readers are immediately invested in a resolution for this precarious situation. The author expertly and successfully brings us into the plot without any pomp or circumstance. She naturally draws on our humanity. Schade writes in a style where details are dropped into the scenes like breadcrumbs, encouraging and enticing readers to continue reading to follow those clues to the end for a reward.

‘Where did you come from, cutie? Where’s your person?’

It wasn’t a complete shock to discover an adorable white boxer in my parking lot, given I ran the only dog training school in town, but it wasn’t exactly normal to have a student try to register for class solo.
Unleashed Holiday
Dog Lover
Victoria Schade writes beautiful novels where human characters share the spotlight with dogs (and goats and sheep) determined to make their presence known. The four-legged loves don’t sit quietly in the background – they stand at attention and will work hard so that their main character energy is acknowledged and appreciated. Edith, Birdie, and Dude are the three dogs in “Unleashed Holiday” and they all steal the show in their own ways. Edith is a puppy learning how to be a dog. Birdie is a sweet senior girl who loves Edith, but also find herself exasperated with the puppy’s youthful exuberance. Dude is a beautiful, smart, deaf white Boxer with a love of life. I wish these delightful dogs were real so that I could kiss them up.

The dogs aren’t the only thing front and center. On top of the four-legged love and adoration is the actual education behind Chelsea’s dog training business. Victoria Schade has been a dog trainer and writer for more than 20 years and layers her books with first hand knowledge. She continually shows that she is an expert in her field. Both of her fields – dog training and book writing! Check out my thoughts on her previous novel “Dog Friendly” at Thelitbuzz.com.

I was used to all sorts of strange questions, like if letting your dog watch you pick up their poo gave them a power trip, or if two male dogs humping one another meant they were gay.
Final Thoughts
The title “Unleashed Holiday” and the cover suggest that this book takes place over Christmas. Like many of our readers, my head is currently buried in the sand, pretending we’re still in full-fledged summer, so I wasn’t really ready for a Christmas book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to know that this book actually spans Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, which made me more excited for the fall season. This is the perfect novel to read to initiate that fade from Summer to Autumn; it’s just light enough to make you feel nostalgic, not rushing the rest of the year.

I love Victoria Schade books. I hope you all love them, too. If you like “Unleashed Holiday” I’d also recommend picking up her backlist title “Lost, Found, and Forever”.

This book is a dog lover’s perfect holiday romcom! It’s a delightful enemies-to-lovers story that stars a dog trainer and gym owner who share a building — and a past — and their adorable dogs. One of the dogs is a boxer, and as a boxer mom I can confirm Schade got the antics right! There’s also a trio of grumpy goats, a quaint small town, and so much festive atmosphere as the book takes readers through fall and into the holiday season. Definitely one of my favorite Christmas romances!

This book is SO GOOD! It is witty, romantic, heartwarming, moving, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Unleashed Holiday", I went on an emotional journey with this story of a second-chance / enemies-to-lovers romance that is also perfect for animal lovers!

Firstly, I LOVE this cover! It definitely ties in beautiful to the book! And the DOGS OH MY GOSH!

Victoria Schade is such an incredible author! She writes with so much heart, and the characters in her novels truly jump off of the page.

(Possible Spoilers!):
Both Chelsea and Andrew have such beautiful hearts. They truly bring out the best in each other. Both characters are developed deeply, and I truly came to feel their wants, fears, needs, and desires. I hope we see them again in future books!

If you enjoy Contemporary Romance, I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading what Ms. Schade writes next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of this book, and to Berkley Publishing Group for having me on the Blog Tour for this novel! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a cute read - I appreciated how it wasn’t super holiday heavy (given I’m reading it in October). I didn’t love the way the backstory for the leads was introduced (and later resolved) but I did like them together. It seemed like a bit too much was going on in this and I feel the grief aspect could’ve been expanded on, but overall it was enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this rivals to lovers story, Chelsea runs a thriving dog business when her former love interest Andrew moves into her business complex and starts a gym. When an unexpected run in with Andrew's ill-manered dog causes an injury to her wrist, Chelsea and Andrew strike a deal. She will give obedience lessons to his dog and he will rehab her wrist. Close proximity forces them to confront and redefine their angsty relationship.

While the banter, the reconnection with a former love interest is fun, and the dogs are adorable, the miscommunication that set their relationship in jeopardy is weak. It's my least favorite plot device as well.

If you enjoy enemies to lovers, irresistible dogs, witty banter, a seasonal read, and moderate steam, you will enjoy Unleashed Holiday.

Content Consideration: Steam Level 3+

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary eARC of #UnleasedHoliday upon my request. All opinions are my own.

"Unleashed Holiday" by Victoria Schade is a delightful and heartwarming holiday romance that combines the joys of dog training with the magic of the Christmas season. With its endearing characters, witty banter, and a dose of canine charm, this book is a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit and experience a feel-good love story.

The story centers around Chelsea Higgins, a successful dog trainer with a thriving business and a senior dog as her loyal companion. Her life seems content until the unexpected arrival of Andrew Gibson, a gym enthusiast and former rival, as her new neighbor in the business complex. Their immediate clash sets the stage for a hilarious turf war, and their interactions are filled with humor and playful banter.

The book takes an unexpected turn when a mishap involving Andrew's unruly dog results in Chelsea injuring her wrist. This incident forces the two adversaries to strike a deal: Andrew will help Chelsea with her rehabilitation, and in return, she will assist him in training his lively boxer. What begins as a reluctant partnership soon evolves into a heartwarming connection as they discover common ground and unexpected similarities.

Victoria Schade's writing is engaging and humorous, with witty dialogue and well-crafted characters. Chelsea and Andrew are relatable and endearing protagonists, and their evolving relationship is both entertaining and touching. The author skillfully portrays the ups and downs of their journey, allowing readers to witness their personal growth and the blossoming of their romance.

The canine element adds a charming and heartwarming dimension to the story. Dogs have a special way of bringing people together, and the author captures the bond between humans and their furry companions beautifully. It's clear that Schade has a deep understanding of dogs and their behavior, making the training scenes both informative and enjoyable.

The holiday backdrop adds an extra layer of warmth and festivity to the narrative. As Christmas approaches, Chelsea and Andrew's growing connection becomes even more meaningful, and the story emphasizes the importance of family, love, and reconciliation during the holiday season.

"Unleashed Holiday" is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, unexpected friendships and love can develop in the most unlikely places. It celebrates the spirit of the season and the power of second chances, both in relationships and in life. With its lovable characters and feel-good atmosphere, this book is a perfect choice for readers seeking a charming and uplifting holiday romance.

4.5 stars. Was a tad bit slow in the beginning, but then it was almost impossible to put down! I read almost half of the book in one sitting! The adorable animals in this story were of course the highlight (especially the dogs and goats!) .overall an enjoyable and adorable holiday read! I received an advanced readers copy from net galley, but my review is unbiased!

I loved this cute winter romcom about Chelsea, a dog trainer, and Andrew, a personal trainer. He's her nemesis but has moved his business into the same building next to hers! The chemistry between them was so good and they were both lovable characters!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This is a cute love story, I love a good enemies to lovers book. It was even better because it had dogs in it and they’re my favorite.

Chelsea owns a dog place where she trains dogs. Andrew owns the gym next door but Chelsea knows him, they’ve had a past. He has a deaf dog named Dude who needs to be BADLY trained but Andrew lets him do whatever he wants. Chelsea sets out to correct both of their behaviors..

I loved the banter between Chelsea and Andrew and I love all the different names for the dogs in the story. Cute story.

When the new tenant in her business complex turns out the be an unwelcome blast from the past, professional dog trainer Chelsea Higgins is not amused. She does not have fond memories of attending college with Andrew, the teasing barbs they used to trade, or his “Gibson Glare” that always seemed to land on her. So, why of all places, does he have to move to her town and start up his gym business in the same building as her dog training school???

In Chelsea’s mind, they’ve been locked in “a decade-long grudge match” but have thankfully been out of contact for years. She doesn’t want him back in her life, especially after that thing that happened between them years ago.

As time passes and the story progresses through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the two grow closer. Is this thing happening between them just for fun, or is it something more?

Unfortunately, this one wasn’t a hit for me. The premise is cute; there are anecdotes with dogs and goats that up the entertainment value; and there are some moments between Chelsea and Andrew that made me grin.

The pacing of the reveal behind their conflict is a little slow, and some of Chelsea’s inner commentary feels repetitive. Plus there are multiple issues that could have been avoided or resolved by characters having a conversation.

I had a tough time with how Chelsea misjudges and underestimates Andrew, even with the understanding that she does it as a defense mechanism and that her reactions to him are shaped by her self esteem (in college) and some by her grief (in the present). Many of the comments she makes about or to him are not really in jest; they are meant to belittle.

There are serious topics broached in this one—from grief to strained familial relationships to the stress of small business ownership to tangential mentions of overwhelm in motherhood and fertility issues—but I didn’t always feel the emotional depth I would expect to see associated with those on the page. However, I did appreciate that the author chose to depict Chelsea’s grief as being tinged with anger.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advance copy. All review opinions are my own.