Enjoyed these two short stories. Lori Foster’s stories never disappoint. The Odd Couple is a good story of neighbors pretending to be involved, friends that are family and rescue animals to melt your heart. Maisey Yates is a new to me author. Force of Nature is also good with all the feels of a friends to lovers story. I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

Double feature involving humans and dogs. Love found by meeting through animals. Both human and canine. Absolutely loved these two stories. Feel good books!

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER

This was such a cute and quick read! I am a sucker for big dogs and so Maybelline quickly pulled at my heart strings.

I loved Ford's character - the bachelor who quickly developed a protective nature and feelings for his gorgeous neighbor, Skye. When Ford steps in to help her out with an ex, both of their lives start to change for the better.

I knew Skye was a strong, independent woman when she marched over to Ford's to ask if him or his friends were single, hoping to enlist their help with her nuisance ex.

Not only were the main characters captivating, but Ford's friends and Skye's sister added that special found family/family element that warms the heart.

Sometimes, I find it hard to get into a love story that happens so quickly, but Lori Foster did an amazing job with this one!

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES

I adore a good romance that is years in the making! I love how in Lydia and Remington's story, you can instantly tell they are truly good people who will clearly fit together if they allow it.

With the help of Hank, a dog who clearly needs to have his days filled with the love he hasn't had until Lydia convinced Remy to take him, the two find themselves spending more time than usual together.

Soon, Remy starts to see Lydia as a woman, not his best friend's kid sister. Lydia has been crushing on him for years, and once she realizes how he's looking at her, sparks fly.

This was a fantastic quick read! I loved how both characters were able to help the other see how uniquely special they were. The animals, Remy's new dog, and Lydia's large group of many critters added such an adorable element to the story.

Thank you to Lori Foster for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ford Caruso and Skye Fairchild have been neighbors for a bit now, but never really talked to one another much, other than exchanging a pleasant hello here and there. Their virtually strangers, strangers who are about to become so much more...

The Two of Us is a captivating little novella brimming with sweet tender moments to touch the heart and of course a few steamy bits here and there that are guaranteed to make you blush! I loved watching this pairing fall for one another, their plan for a faux romance, to send Skye's ex packing epically failed, and I am so happy it did! They were truly meant for one another. What a fun little read, highly recommend!!

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

Cute stories. Loved the animals in them. Loved the storylines. Well definitely recommend this book to friends.

Skye Fairchild needs help from the single male persuasion, going next door and asking her hot neighbor, Ford, for the favor is not something she’d normally do but Skye is desperate. Ford has noticed his hot neighbor since she moved in, they’ve been friendly but they’re not friends. When Skye comes over and asked for a big favor, Ford is surprised but game to help her chase off a creepy ex.

As time passes they become more friends than acquaintances and Skye decides she wants to adopt a dog. Ford takes her to the shelter he volunteers at and they make another deal so Ford can adopt the dog he has wanted but couldn’t get with his crazy work schedule. With some rough introductions to dog ownership while trying to work, sleep and have a life, Ford and Skye realize that they are each other’s perfect partner and being together would only make life more perfect.

This was a short and sweet book. We also see some previous characters from Lori Foster’s MMA series Bray and Marcus who have their own books. It was nice to be able to check in with those characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.*

A charming set of novellas that will make you fall in love with not only the authors’ writing styles but also the characters themselves.
Ford opens his home and heart to a big unwanted dog and his neighbor next door, Skye. It’s a quick read but very satisfying.
Remy was the castoff kid who was taken in by the Clay family and Lydia has loved him for years. She comes with a circus of creatures so be protested for a grumpy raccoon and lots of warm moments.
The two shorts are a great combo to snuggle up somewhere warm and read.

In “The Two of Us” by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates we are treated to two very heartwarming stories. Who could not fall for a friendship between as giant rescue mutt and chihuahua with a Napolean complex – apparently neighbors Ford and Skye, who refuse to see them separated, so try to co-parent. Or a farm dog who just happened to fall to the wrong owner – in comes Lydia, who rescues everything from raccoons to voles and Remington, who can’t tell her no.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book, and this is my honest voluntary review.

The Two of Us by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates was a heartwarming read that will keep you wanting more.

The Two of Us is a quick two story read by favorite authors, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. Both stories highlighted adorable rescue pets are easy to find endearing .
The Odd Couple by Lori Foster starts with Ford helping his neighbor, Skye with a situation and they quickly become friends and more. The two rescue dogs , Maybelline & Tank make up some of the best antics of the story and makes it easy to love the duo.
Force Of Nature by Maisey Yates is the cute story about Remy & Lydia. When they were teenagers Remy ended up staying with his best friend’s family as his parents really didn’t want him around. After his father passes, Lydia brings Remy his father’s mistreated dog to take care of and she finally tells him how she’s always felt about him. This sweet book is also full of serious issues and heartache. It is balanced out by the steamy romance and the wonderful rescue animals that are highlighted in it.
The cute rescue animals and their antics make this book one of my favorites of the year. These are my own opinions but thank you authors, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy .

I loved these two stories and the dog connection to each. Good lose yourself stories. Perfect to read on a cold winter night. I would recommend these to dog lovers and non dog lovers alike.

This is the best book I’ve read all year. While I am a sucker for rescue stories, the depth of feeling in these short stories is unparallel to anything I’ve read this year. The characters, the animals, the plot – Stupendous job ladies!!! These stories have everything I like in a good read; pets, humor, rescues, characters one could fall in love with and happy ever afters. I will forever be in love with Maybelline and Tank as well as Hank. Yes, the romance is a big hit but the four-legged hairy kids are a testament to why anyone who needs to feel worthwhile should get a rescue pet.

I love short stories. It's really nice to snuggle in and read a book from beginning to end. The Two of Us brings two great authors together, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates. What is even better? Their stories highlight adorable rescue pets, which are my favorite kind of stories. The first part is Foster's, "The Odd Couple.:" Skye and Ford are perfect co-oweners of their opposites attract rescue pups. Hilarity, heart warming romance and HEA complete the picture.
The second part is Yates', "Force of Nature," and that is exactly what Lydia Clay is to everyone she meets. I love a good friends to lovers story and Remy finds out quickly how passionate Lydia is in life and the bedroom. A perfect read for pet and romance lovers!

The moment I started reading The Odd Couple I was absolutely hooked! I loved the way Ford and Skye interacted, they both really intrigued me. One of my favorite parts was them at the shelter and Ford going to visit Maybelline and her reaction to hearing him talking before she saw him really made me laugh! I think I fell in love with that dog right then and there. Lori Foster has once again wrote such a wonderful and heartfelt story that truly made my day reading it. The other story by Maisey Yates was the first one I've ever read by her and I don't believe it will be the last, it captured and kept my attention throughout the whole story.

THE ODD COUPLE

Ford Caruso, a pharmaceutical representative, can’t help but be captivated by his neighbor Skye Fairchild’s stunning beauty. Despite having close friends, Ford yearns for a special someone in his life. When he agrees to a favor for the charming and gorgeous Skye, an undeniable spark ignites between them. As their relationship blossoms, I found myself deeply rooting for both Skye and Ford. Additionally, the two dogs they both chose added a touch of warmth and heart to the story.

FORCE OF NATURE

Remington Lane, a broken man, struggles to trust love. He adores Lydia Clay’s family, who rescued him. But Lydia Clay herself? Can he envision a future with her? On the other hand, Lydia Clay is a compassionate soul, and her love for animals is truly commendable. Seeking love of her own, she can’t help but wonder if Remington Lane could be the one. This novella skillfully weaves a blend of seriousness and steaminess, making it an excellent read.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The Odd Couple-Lori Foster

Ford and Skye made for a cute couple once…they got on the same page of their attraction! Maybelline, Ford’s adopted fur baby, was the star of the show for me.
Her absolute sweetness touched the heartstrings. I loved this quick read of close friends/made family, as well as the sweetness and magic furry friends can bring to the family!

Force of Nature—Maiden Yates

Remy and Lydia’s story was a sweet mix of smexy longing, damaged hearts, emotional discovery, and all the fur baby joy you can shake a stick at!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author and Netgalley/Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Two of Us, are two stories, about the dogs that have been rescued and the humans they brought together. The emotions, the feelings, and the connections that are made, will show the low points and the high points in their lives. But, when you find those special someone's, they can turn your life around and show you all the possibilities.
I received an ARC from Kensington through NetGalley.

Double the fun and double the feels! Both stories involve rescue dogs, and highlight the way they can change a person’s attitude and outlook. They can even help facilitate romance! I loved all the dogs Maybelline and Tank, who helped bring Ford and Skye together! And Hank did his part in bringing together Lydia and Remy. Two heartwarming tales featuring delightful dogs!

Adorable. Both stories revolved around rescue pets and owners that tend to share similar pasts. Both pets and owners feel a sense of loss and yearning. Everyone is always looking for their forever home. The world needs more stories like these.

Now the Two of Us by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates is a heartfelt and emotionally rich collection that beautifully showcases the distinct talents of two beloved authors. Having enjoyed their stories individually, I was thrilled to dive into this collaboration—and it did not disappoint.

Both stories bring a unique voice and style, offering a perfect blend of romance, depth, and charm. Lori Foster’s story is full of her signature warmth and humor, with characters that feel so real you can’t help but fall in love with them. Her ability to craft strong, relatable protagonists and sprinkle in a touch of suspense kept me eagerly turning the pages.

Maisey Yates, on the other hand, delivers all the emotional intensity and small-town vibes that I adore in her books. Her knack for creating layered, flawed characters shines through, pulling me into a world where love, family, and forgiveness are intricately intertwined. The emotional journeys her characters take felt authentic and deeply satisfying.

What I loved most about Now the Two of Us is how both stories complement each other while maintaining the distinct voices of the authors. It’s like getting two heartfelt love stories in one book—each unique yet equally captivating.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lori Foster and Maisey Yates or new to their work, this collection is a must-read. It’s a perfect blend of romance, charm, and heartfelt emotion that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance with depth and heart!