thank you netgalley and author Stella Hayward for allowing me to read your book.

what a fun little book about magic, believing in yourself, and allowing yourself to find the magic in the world again.

i thought this book was going to be a little different than what it was, but im glad it didnt go the way that i thought it would go. rory is the bestest boy , humans dont deserve dogs both in fiction and in reality, but for us (humans) to have dogs makes the world so much more bearable. miles, i liked him and wished we were able to get into his inner thoughts, but the main female character, genie. yeah she is kind of insufferable, it took me forever to like her. yes, her tragedy was awful but her "life is always going to be awful" was tiresome by the 20-25% of the book, i would of figured by then we would of got some growth from her. nonetheless, the growth didnt come until later.

This book was both humorous and heartbreaking and lovely! I have thought so many times that I wish I could talk to my dog like I do anyone else and they talk back - and in this book it happens!

The Stella Hayward 100% captured the voice of a dog turned human and it made me laugh so many times while reading! I loved how Rory wanted so badly to be a dog again, but had SO many insights into being human. It made my heart so happy!

The friends to lovers part of this book was so sweet and I absolutely loved Miles and Genie’s relationship from the word GO. They are funny and cute and so in denial about their own hearts until Rory becomes human and basically makes them realize the truth!

Trigger warning: ⚠️
Full disclosure and if you don’t want spoilers, move on!

But, there is a big part of the story toward the end where you find out Genie had a still born. It broke my heart and I 100% cried while sitting at work. As someone who has experienced miscarriages, it was really hard to read and feel the emotions all over again.

thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

this was such a strange little book and i mean that in the most affectionate way possible. the premise had me worried at first (a woman turns her dog into a man? okay…), but the heart of it is surprisingly tender. rory, golden retriever turned golden-hearted human, is the emotional core, and his commentary actually made me pause and think more than once. i appreciated the moments of levity, the magical realism, and how the book gently tackled heavier themes like grief and loneliness.

but the writing style didn’t totally work for me. some parts felt clunky or underbaked, and there were a few plot points where i wanted to yell “just talk to each other!”

still, i’m glad i read it. it was odd and warm and sweet in places, even if i don’t think it’ll stick with me long-term.

DNF

I'm all for fun, campy books that don't take themselves too seriously, which is exactly why I picked this one up. However, the writing felt WAY too young for the characters' ages, even if the story was about a dog turning into a human. The way the MC would talk to the audience really took me out of the story, and I just couldn't get into it. I may try to pick this one up again down the line because I do want to know what happens to Rory, but I just can't deal with the writing style right now.

The premise of this book is what really interested me. The fact that Rory is a dog literally come to life as a 6-foot tall, 35-year-old man is just absolutely hilarious to me. Rory's parts were my favorite part! The way Stella Hayward creates so much humor and really gives Rory so much dog-behavior was fabulous. It reminded me of the Netflix Christmas movie "Hot Frosty," which I loved. However, the romance felt like it took a backseat at times because Rory was so funny and took the spotlight a lot. A great, funny read though!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover and title are what drew me to this book. Anything with a dog on the cover will get me to want ot read it. It was a sweet read with some heavy moments. This was not what I expected, but it was a nice change of pace. Genie (FMC) and her dog, Rory, end up in a weird scenario. Genie wishes her dog were a human (and to be fair, I get that. Dogs are so much better than people). The dog helps her realize she feels for Miles (MMC), her best friend, and the slow burn is real. The only issue is that to get to this point, she needs to work through her trauma, and as a reader, my heart broke for her.

I absolutely loved Rory as a human, and if only there could be a book just for Rory. Just like a dog, Rory is hilarious and so easily lovable. This was a super deep story, and I wasn't expecting that with the description and super fluffy cover, but I'm glad I read it.

P.S- Wish we got a Rory POV chapter

Read if you like:
- Closed door
- Friends to lovers
- Single POV

This was a very cute and heart-warming read! Any dog lover will adore this premise because I think it’s something we’ve all thought about happening. While it was lighthearted, it also went surprisingly deeper which was a pleasant surprise. I think this is the perfect palette cleanser read for in-between heavier books. I really enjoyed seeing Genie’s character development through the book but there were also times where her tendencies frustrated me and I wish there was more focus on Rory’s journey instead of the side plots. Overall, it was whimsical, heartfelt, humorous, and fun!

This book was so much fun!! I loved the premise with the dog turning into a human and Rory quickly became my favorite character, providing both moments of levity and sweetness. That’s not to say that I didn’t love Genie and Miles though!! Their arc from friends to lovers, showcasing their support over the years was so sweet. And the rest of the supporting cast was great too! This will be the perfect beach read. Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

A funny and cute book. I liked this books seemingly silly premise. As I read I found a sweet love story and some silly antics.

I just finished the sweetest book. The Good Boy by Stella Hayward was such a good book. Pick it up this summer.

🐾 The Good Boy: A Heartwarming Tail of Love, Magic, and Self-Discovery ✨
offers a delightful mix of whimsy, romance, and magical realism, crafting a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is humorous. This unique novel follows Genie, a skeptical woman navigating the choppy waters of love and self-discovery, as a wish on the eve of her thirtieth birthday transforms her loyal golden retriever, Rory, into a human.

The charm of this book lies in its enchanting premise. Genie, overwhelmed by questions about her love life, inadvertently wishes for Rory to become human. Waking up to find her wish granted, she is thrust into an adventure of awkward hilarity and unexpected revelations. Rory, with his endearing "big Golden Retriever Energy," provides plenty of laughs as he struggles with the complexities of human existence, from wearing clothes to holding a job.

Hayward beautifully captures the essence of each character, particularly Rory's innocence and genuine affection. The chemistry between Genie and her childhood friend, Miles, the supportive boy-next-door, forms the romantic core of the narrative. As Rory encourages Genie to confront her true feelings for Miles, readers are treated to a journey of friendship blossoming into love.

The novel skillfully balances humor with deeper themes, such as healing from past trauma and embracing personal growth. Genie's relationship with Rory helps her confront her emotional barriers, leading to poignant moments that resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their past. The narrative's heart lies in showing how unexpected events and non-traditional love can help us face our fears and desires head-on.

While the book follows many classic rom-com beats, its unique premise and engaging character dynamics set it apart. The absence of overly spicy scenes may appeal to those who prefer a lighter, more wholesome romance, making it a universally recommendable read.

Overall, The Good Boy is a charming story packed with laughter, warmth, and reflection. Hayward's novel is perfect for anyone seeking a feel-good read that explores the magic of love in its many unexpected forms. Whether you're a fan of quirky romantic comedies or searching for an imaginative escape, this book promises to leave you with a smile—and perhaps a tear or two.

I found this one really hard to get into and the dialogue to be cringy. It may not be my cup of tea but the story line is fun. I enjoyed the general idea but not the dialogue.

"The Good Boy" is about a woman who accidentally wishes her dog into a human! This screamed K-drama plot all over and so I was instantly drawn to it. If you enjoyed "A Good Day to Be a Dog" then this book is for you! I love the cute and quirky romcom vibes. It's a wholesome read. It also touches on healing topics which gives it an earthy, organic vibe. It's a quick, wholesome read that sparks laughter, but also reflection on self healing. Wonderful.

I really wanted to like this based off the premise and I know it might be a lot to ask for mature writing from such a fantastical premise but the writing was a little too juvenile for me, especially the dialogue and I knew I definitely couldnt survive this when Miles unironically said “Act like it’s the Ice Age and chill” …look at my geologist dawg

time of dnf: 5%

thank you so much nonetheless to netgalley and avon & harper voyager for this arc to review!

Stupidly fun and heartwarming. The silly premise of this book oddly worked. I fell in love with Rory (dog/human), Genie, and Miles. While there’s a lot of typical romcom moments you will also find some touching lessons about healing deep pain after trauma. Highly recommend when you need a book that hits all the marks. Super quick read!

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Genie's family is magic, and while she didn't believe her nana that her wish would come true, her dog, Rory, really does become a human. The problem is, he's miserable, and the only potential way to turn him back is to find her true self.

This was a cute and quirky book that I would label more as women's fiction with a side of romance. I loved getting to hear Rory's thoughts and viewpoints on things, but I didn't particularly love Genie as a character or quite feel the chemistry with Miles. I also would have appreciated a trigger warning for preterm birth/loss of a child.

This book would be great for those who love a hint of magic, friends to lovers, and of course, dog lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper for this ARC. All views and opinions are my own.

Review of The Good Boy by Stella Hayward

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

The Good Boy is a heartfelt and whimsical novel that blends magical realism with themes of healing, grief, and unexpected second chances. The story follows Genie, who, on her 30th birthday, accidentally turns her loyal golden retriever, Rory, into a human. What unfolds is a quirky, emotional, and sometimes hilarious journey of self-discovery and love.

One of the highlights of this book is Rory himself. Even in human form, he embodies everything we love about dogs—unwavering loyalty, boundless enthusiasm, and an innocent curiosity about the world. His adjustment to being human provides some of the book’s most charming and funny moments, but it also serves as a reflection of Genie’s own struggles.

Genie’s journey is deeply emotional, as she works through past trauma and the pain of loss while learning to open herself up to new possibilities. While her character can be frustrating at times—especially in how she handles relationships—her growth throughout the novel feels authentic.

If I had to critique anything, it would be that some subplots, especially those involving side characters, could have been explored more deeply. There were moments where I wanted more resolution or depth, but overall, the heart of the story remains strong.

The Good Boy is a unique and touching read, perfect for those who enjoy books with a little bit of magic, a lot of heart, and, of course, a love for dogs. It’s a story that reminds us how healing can come from the most unexpected places—even from a golden retriever-turned-human.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF - I am the wrong reader for this book.

You can tell by the description that its quirky, but it passed my event horizon of quirk and I wasn't strong enough to continue.

I loved the premise of this book, but the writing just missed the mark for me. I was excited when I read the synopsis, but wanted the book to be deeper than it was. I dnfed at about 30% because the pacing was just not enough to keep me going, combined with a lack of interest in the FMC, Genie. The writing style felt more childish for me than something most adults reading lighthearted romance would read. The dog character felt like a caricature compared to the other characters in the book and the difference was stark. I appreciated what the author was going for, but this book just wasn’t for me.

There were some funny moments in this rom-com with a bit of magical realism. The premise of changing the best friend, a golden retriever, into a human is what drew me to this book. The lessons the main female character (Genie), the dog (Rory), and the next door neighbor/friend (Miles) taught each other were heartfelt. Some fun side characters, such as her grandmother and best friend, added to the story. And although the middle dragged a bit for me, overall I enjoyed the book.

Quick notes: contemporary, slow burn, closed door romance, literal golden retriever, magical ability.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.