You get two wonderful stories in one book. The stories were well written and a perfect blend of new friendship and finding your forever love.

2 cute romances that included their pet dogs! Heartwarming reading on a cold winter's day, especially for a dog lover.. A nice taste of the writing of 2 authors too.

Odd Couple:
Such a cute story! This is Lori Foster's addition to this book. Skye and Ford are neighbors and when she approaches him for a favor he cannot refuse. Her ex-boyfriend will not leave her alone and he steps in. The more time they spend together the more they find they really belong together. So much so they even rescue dogs together. Such a great story!

These novellas are absolutely sweet! So adorable and cute! I've read other books from Lori Foster and she never disappoints! Her story was funny and sexy and the naughty doggy friendship, the perfect addition.
Maisey Yates is a new author to me, one I'd love to read again. Her story is deeper and emotional, and I really connected with the main characters. All the rescued animals and Hank were so beautiful!
Thank you both for this ultra-cozy reading!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Two of Us is two wonderful stories that will pull at your heart strings. The Odd Couple, Ford agrees to do an unusual favor for his neighbor Skye. This favor has them spending time together and even visiting the local shelter. Their love of animals makes being neighbors even better!
Force of Nature is a story that has Lydia's love of animals from an early age the reason Remy is on the top of her list. When the chance arises for her to share this love of animals with Remy, she doesn't let is pass. Thank you Kingston Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book

Book Review: The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates
When I picked up The Odd Couple, I didn’t realize it was part of Lori Foster’s annual benefit anthology, which features recurring characters, close-knit friendships, and an animal rescue theme. I was delighted to learn that all advances and royalties from this book go directly to Foster’s local no-kill shelter—a cause close to my heart as all of my dogs have been rescues. That alone makes this book worth supporting.
The Odd Couple tells the sweet, slow-burn story of Ford and Skye, next-door neighbors who enter into a fake dating arrangement to fend off an overly persistent admirer. What starts as pretend quickly becomes very real, and their chemistry is undeniable. I especially enjoyed their playful banter, as well as the role of Skye’s twin and the dogs in the storyline. This is one of the most realistic portrayals of pet ownership I’ve read—these aren’t perfectly trained K9s, and that added a lovely, relatable touch. This is a closed-door romance, and although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I still appreciated the camaraderie between the male characters and didn’t feel lost. It actually made me want to go back and read the rest!
Force of Nature by Maisey Yates features the best friend’s little sister trope. Lydia is head-over-heels for Remy, her older brother’s best friend, and has been for years. Remy, emotionally scarred by a rough upbringing, is reluctant to accept that he deserves love—especially from someone like Lydia. One of my favorite scenes was when Remy went to talk to Lydia’s mom who considers herself a secondary mom to Remy. I also appreciated Lydia’s confidence. With a menagerie of rescue animals and a whole lot of heart, this story has charm and emotional depth. While Lydia's over-the-top passion for animals felt unrealistic, the story overall was touching and satisfying.

Love these two authors and love these two stories! Both stories are exactly what someone would expect. Foster wrote a sweet story that provides plenty of chuckles. Yates wrote her story about a couple with a history- I love this in a short story romance so that it seems more plausible.. Lori Foster and Maisie Yates kindly wrote this book for charity, which adds that extra layer of goodness.

The Odd Couple, Lori Foster's contribution to this book, is a quick, engaging read. It has the usual hallmarks of a Foster love story- a strong, protective male lead, a sweet, slightly vulnerable yet strong, female lead, a wonderful friend group, and an adorable animal or two.

Until Skye approached Ford and his friends for a favor, the two really only had surface, neighborly interactions. That all changed once Ford agreed to engage in a fake relationship with her, and then there was no denying their shared attraction. Things really solidified between them when they adopted two dogs, who couldn't bear to be separated. The pups were a cute addition to the story, and made for a sweet happily ever after.

The Two of Us is the latest benefit book out by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. It contains two of the sweetest stories. Of the two, "The Odd Couple" was most definitely my favorite. I loved watching Ford and Skye fall for each other. Ford was set in his routine of sales and friends when his neighbor asks for a favor. Skye wasn't looking for a relationship, she just needed someone to deal with her ex. Add in two adorable dogs and you have a love match. Ford's friends were a lot of fun. I will have to seek out the other benefit stories that they are featured in to find out how they found their happy endings.

"Force of Nature" was a sweet friends to lovers story. It was a little slow for me but at least is was short. Because they had history their love story was very smooth. I was happy that Remy didn't stay too in his doubt and finally realize he was good enough for Lydia. There is something for everyone in this anthology. I highly recommend it.

Book 1 by Lori Foster Ford and Skye are neighbors who didn't really know each other. Skye needed a favor and Ford steps on to help her out with her ex. Maybelline and Tank are mischievous and funny. I really enjoyed this book. Book 2 by Maisey Yates Remy & Lydia are great together. This book is a good romance book about friends to lovers.

The Odd Couple
Such a fun story in Foster’s Best Friend Series.

Skye & Ford have been neighbors for about a year and are friendly to each other but that’s about it.

When he agrees to help her with a clingy ex and then finding a dog, things start to get more intense between them.

Maybelline and Tank are the best.

It’s a great story of how love grows when you least expect it.

Force of Nature

It’s been a very long time since I’ve read Maisey Yates and boy have I been missing out.

Lydia & Remy’s story was so enjoyable.

I loved The Odd Couple by Lori and was happy to see Ford meet his match. There were some hilarious moments but also some tender ones and some funny banter as well. Ford and his new neighbor Skye just see each other when outdoors but that's the extent of their relationship until she goes to his house while his friends are over in need of help. When Skye decides to go get a pet he goes with her to the shelter. I loved how both adopted a pet, both animals were bonded and so cute. Skye's sister added another dimension to the story as well as Ford's friends.

The odd couple - nice to visit these characters again. Skye and Ford braved the creepy ex together and ended up with the best dogs ever.

Force of nature - Remy and Lydia, when it’s right, it’s right. You just have to let go of the baggage holding you back.

THE TWO OF US is a dual offering by authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. Both books feature rescue dogs who have a way of bringing people together. In both stories, the romance is sweet and intriguing with the dogs absolutely stealing the show. Great reads that will leave you wanting more.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=90325

I adore these two authors and a two books in one gives you double the excitement and romance. Both of these stories are sweet and full of charm and emotion. The characters are realistic, interesting and relatable. Each storyline will have you shaking your hear one minute and smiling the next. Both are adorable romances with funny mishaps, rescue animal antics, witty banter and romance with loads of chemistry that we all love. These are well written, heartwarming and lighthearted easy reads you won't want to put down. Wonderful entertainment!

The Two of Us by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates contains two novellas, each an amazing, wonderful and heartwarming tale about partnership, purpose and pets; pets who find loving homes and play matchmaker.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster features neighbors Ford and Skye who knew the other existed but typically their paths did not cross. Until the day Skye crosses the property line and propositions Ford or any of his friends to be her fake date to help persuade her ex that it's finally over; since he would not take a hint. Ford agrees to go along with it. Slowly these two become friends, finding that they enjoy each other’s company a lot more than they anticipated. With fun banter and sizzling chemistry they grew to understand each other. Deciding together to adopt an odd couple dog best friends definitely brought them closer. This was a cute, funny and extremely sweet story in which the dogs stole the show; as it should be. Fans of Lori Foster will recognize Ford and his friends from some of her previous books.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates is a wonderful, healing, and heartwarming story of love and family. Remington Lane did not have an easy time growing up, until he was taken in by his best friend’s family when he was a teenager. He is a successful ranch owner who would do anything for the Clays who gave him a family and a home, including keeping his feelings for his best friend’s younger sister, Lydia, to himself. Lydia Clay has dedicated her life to saving wounded and abandoned animals, but she has given her heart to Remy, loving him; she just needs to convince him that they belong together.

Lydia brings a Remy a dog named Hank that was found on Remy’s father’s land, after his death. Hank, like Remy, had it rough and needs some good in his life. As Lydia helps Remy with Hank, she tells him she’s ready to start finding the right guy for. Except, Remy realizes he doesn’t want any guy but him to have her. The family ties in this story are strong and I love that their love is given so freely, helping Remy realize that he was worthy of being loved; especially by Lydia.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
#NetGalley #Kensington #TheTwoOfUs

With dogs...

I liked the Odd Couple, about two odd couples. Ford is neighbors with Skye, who is model gorgeous and has no interest in him. At 27, Ford has noticed Skye, but she is oblivious to him until she needs a favor. Play her fake boyfriend to shake her last one, Clyde. Add in two mismatched, bonded doggies and its a fun read.

In Maisy's book, Lydia is rehoming an old dog with Remy. He's a grouchy rancher who is reluctantly taking in his fathers dog. She's training both Remy and the dog.

Recommend.

I enjoyed reading The Two of Us by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

ARC REVIEW

As a longtime fan of Lori Foster, I was eager to read *The Two of Us*, and I wasn’t disappointed. It includes two heartwarming, animal-filled romances—Foster’s *The Odd Couple* and Yates’s *Force of Nature*—that beautifully explore love, healing, and the bonds that rescue dogs create.

**The Odd Couple by Lori Foster**

Foster’s talent for creating relatable, lovable characters shines in *The Odd Couple*. Ford and Skye's fake relationship turns into something real, with the help of two mismatched rescue dogs, Maybelline and Tank. Foster's writing captures the charm and depth of her characters, blending humor, warmth, and emotional authenticity. As a fan who knows the power of dogs in making a house a home, I loved how animals played a key role in their relationship.

**Force of Nature by Maisey Yates**

This was my first time reading Maisey Yates, and I’m hooked. *Force of Nature* tells the story of Remy, a brooding rancher, and Lydia, an animal rescuer, whose bond grows through a rescue dog named Hank. Yates creates a deep, emotional journey where both characters heal and grow, making this a compelling romance.

**Final Thoughts**

Both stories in *The Two of Us* feature endearing characters and the life-changing impact of rescue animals. Lori Foster’s *The Odd Couple* is a fun, heartwarming read, while Maisey Yates’s *Force of Nature* brings a more emotional depth to the table. Together, they make a delightful collection that showcases love in all its forms. Perfect for animal lovers and romance fans alike!

Put a dog on the cover of a book and it's the first one I pick up. Put two rescue dogs on the cover and I'm moving it to the top of my tbr. Pair it with two long-time favorite authors and I'm all in. In The Two of Us, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates bring readers two heartwarming contemporary romance stories of couples finding their way to one another, aided by the unconditional love of dogs.

"The Odd Couple" by Foster features one of my favorite tropes: fake dating between a relationship-averse man and a woman who has been given good reason not to trust men. I really enjoyed these two and the issues they both needed to work through. There's a terrific friend group (Foster does those so well), some complicated family dynamics, a big ole mutt who looks scary but has a marshmallow heart (and stole mine), and a happy ending for both two and four-legged characters. Plus, I hope, the potential for a future story between Skye's twin sister and Ford's best friend.

When I'm looking for emotional depth, complicated family relationships, and hard-won happy endings, Maisey Yates is an author to whom I frequently turn. In "Force of Nature," Yates brings all of those facets to the page along with another favorite trope: best friend's little sister. Add in the fact that Remy's abusive family had him living with Lydia's family through high school and you have a now-grown man who has two reasons to keep his hands off the woman who is capturing more of his heart each day. Lydia and Remy absolutely stole my heart. I love how he embraces her individuality and loves her for it, not in spite of it. I love how she refuses to give up on him, how insistent she is on showing him - by bringing Hank into his life - the road to healing. These characters - and their journey - are so well developed. I was completely invested in them and their road to a happy ending. Also, the scene between Remy and Lydia's mother near the end of the book had me sobbing...in a good way.

If you're looking for heartwarming stories of love, healing, friendship, family, and the unconditional love of a rescue dog in your life, grab a copy of The Two of Us. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.
4.5 stars

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review