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

3.5 stars
These stories are so sweet!
Both Ms Foster and Ms Yates tell excellent stories about rescued animals and people who are a bit wounded.
These are both quick reads and as such the character development isn't super deep. That works in these stories as they are really feel good reads.

These were both well-written, entertaining stories. They were sweet, uplifting, fun stories, with adorable dogs too! I enjoyed these stories and will look for more books by these authors.

Reviewing The Odd Couple by Lori Foster. Ford and Skye are neighbors who have little to do with each other until Skye's ex will not take no for an answer. They come to an agreement where Ford will be her fake boyfriend to chase the unwanted ex away. As Ford and Skye spend time together, their attraction for each other grows. Will their fake relationship lead to something real? Will adopting rescue dogs together bring Ford and Skye together as a forever couple? Can Ford prove to Skye that she shines just as bright as her twin sister but in her own special way? Loved The Odd Couple by Lori Foster! Ford and Skye are a great couple who have amazing chemistry. Loved seeing Knox, Bray, Marcus, and being introduced to Skye's twin sister. I received a ARC copy of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster - Ford and Skye have been neighbors for years but it isn't until two furry friends bring them together that they realize they really like each other. This light-hearted story is perfect for an afternoon read.

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates - Lydia and Remington are off to a rough start until a furry friend leads them to happiness.

The Two of Us by Lori Foster & Maisey Yates

What could be better than rescue dogs bringing a couple together? Two novellas with the two dogs bringing two couples together 😉


THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster

Ford Caruso and Skye Fairchild have been neighbors for almost a year with few encounters but perhaps some watching of one another when Skye arrives to ask for a favor from Ford and though he wasn’t sure he wanted to be a fake date…he couldn’t not help his neighbor out. Little did either know that their lives would change and that two dogs at the pound would become part of their lives as they became a couple. I now wonder if Skye’s sister Kaylee might end up with one of Ford’s friends.


FORCE OF NATURE by Maisey Yates

Lydia Clay is a rescuer of animals…and perhaps of people, too. When she takes a dog from the rescue to Remington Lane’s house hoping he will take in his evil father’s dog the two never realized that Hank just might change their lives. Lydia’s crush of many years finally flourishes as it is time for their HEA…once Remington works a few things out and is ready to step into a glorious future.

These two stories shared the idea of rescue dogs being integral to the romance, had male leads that came from dysfunctional homes, and landed in a soft place with the perfect woman – and dog(s) for them. Fun, warm-hearted, delightful short stories that put a smile on my face.


Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars

The Odd Couple -- 5 stars: Skye and Ford have been neighbors for a while, but she doesn't want to go beyond acquaintances until she needs Ford's help. Ford works entirely too much and doesn't have time for a real girlfriend. He is surprised that he can't resist helping Skye. Then she helps him figure out how to get what he most wants -- a way to adopt Maybelline, a Saint Bernanrd who has had a rough time. As they work together with Maybelline and her Chihuahua buddy, Ford realizes that he can have everything that he has secretly wanted. It is very sweet and romantic. I loved this story.

Force of Nature -- 4 stars: Lydia has loved Remy forever, but she has come to terms with the fact that she will never have him. Remy is still too hurt from his unpleasant childhood to think that he can ever love anyone. Still, she can convince him to adopt his father's dog, Hank, and love on him. That shakes things up between them, and Remy has to confront the fact that Lydia loves him. It is a moving story, and I liked the characters. The dialogue was hard to follow, though, and Lydia's inner monologue jumped around the timeline too much so was confusing. The end was satisfying.

4 1/2 STARS!

** Reviewing THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster **

Fast paced and adorable! You're always guaranteed a good read when there's an animal on one of Lori Foster's covers. She writes with heart and humor always, but there's an even more special something there when an animal is involved. It's always fun to see a familiar face that with friends with a hero in a previous book come back for their story, and this time it's Ford Caruso's turn. It was great to see Marcus, Knox and Bray again briefly. I really enjoyed Ford and Skye and their adventures with their furry friends. I wanted a smidge more development of their backgrounds and a little more time with them to solidify their relationship development, but a novella length is always harder to reach that perfection. I really loved them and enjoyed their story!

The two of us
By: Maisey Yates and Lori Foster

Two sweet shorts!

These two story has amazing friends that are great additions to the books overall story that have strong supporting rolls, however it still centers around the main couple.

This is a love story that is created from friendship, loyalty and the need to make each other live again. There are wonderful twists and turns in this book and I'm personally so grateful I was gifted a copy for an honest review, it was such a good book. The book was very well written and moved without any gaps in the story. I highly recommend this book it will keep you captivated to the very Happy Ever after!

Authors blurb: There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a rescue dog and their ability to bring people together as these meant-to-be-couples are about to find out in these brand-new sweet and romantic tales from bestselling authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates.

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

These book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

Force of Nature was an interesting book by Maisy Yates.  It was a story of Remi trying to overcome his past and how the Clay family had more or less adopted him into their family.  He was best friends with their son, Matthew Clay.  I enjoyed how everything was about to change when suddenly Remy realized Matthew's little sister, Lydia had grown up and he had feelings for her and he didn't know what to do with them.  

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster was a cute story of neighbors who had decided to fake date. They also adopted shelter dogs who were inseparable and that led to a home and family for Skye and Ford.  I enjoyed reading the fun, short story and learning more about the characters and the dogs.

I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

We get two stories for the price of one. Who wouldn't love two romances with quirky animals!

In The Odd Couple by Lori Foster we some familiar faces that I loved revisiting. The dogs on the cover fit the two in this book. I have a special spot in my heart for Saint Bernard dogs so I was super excited to read this story. This is a neighbors to lovers romance. Ford finds himself in an unexpected spot when his neighbor Skye asks for a favor. Let the sparks fly! Then you add in an adopted odd couple Maybelline and Tank. Did those two dogs ever steal my heart, but especially Maybelline. Her bond with Ford warmed my heart. It's something truly special to witness. A favor turned into so much than Ford and Skye could ever imagined.

Then we have Force of Nature by Maisey Yates packed full of animals. This is a brother's best friend romance. Remy's backstory broke my heart especially when Hank enters the picture because it brings up those old feelings in Remy. Remy and Hank are two broken souls, but with the kelp of the Clay family they can feel love as it is meant to be. Lydia has always had a crush on Remy. Her love of helping animals is going to put into motion something she always wanted. I loved that Lydia loves animals so much. She reminds me of my brother. He is such an advocate for animals just as Lydia. Plenty of heart and feels in this one.

Two lovely romances in one book. In The Odd Couple by Foster we meet Ford and Sky who are pretending to be a couple. As the charade continues the two start to actually have feelings for one another. Will they come together in the end and be a real couple or will doubts win out in the end. In Forces of Nature by Yates we meet Lydia and Remington. Lydia loves animals and when a sad case comes to the shelter she knows the perfect person to help. She talks him into taking Hank and agrees to help him with the transition into dog ownership. Sparks begin to fly between the two, will they let nature take its course or fight the attraction they both feel.

I absolutely loved this story. When amazing characters meet adorable animals, it makes for a page turner.

4 star

The Odd Couple by Lori Foster
This is Skye and Ford’s story. These two are neighbors. She needs help fending off an ex that does not understand the relationship is over for good. But what starts out as pretend becomes something so much more. A few dates and some hanging out leads to getting some pets together. Is this pretend or are they building a forever?

Force of Nature by Maisey Yates
This is Lydia and Remington’s story. Hank needs a home, and Lydia knows that Remington would be the best fit for him. Her brother’s best friend is grumpy, and Hank just might be something that makes him a little happy. The more they spend time together training the dog the closer they get. Do they have something building between them or are they truly only training a dog?

I recommend this book.