Reviews

About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay

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kimdavishb's review against another edition

5.0

From the moment I heard that Jenn McKinlay was writing a romantic comedy, in addition to her cozy mysteries, I knew I just had to read it. ABOUT A DOG, the first in the Bluff Point Romance series, did not disappoint! I found it to be the ultimate beach read: entertaining, humorous dialog; an easy read; characters you can love and characters you can hate; an adorable puppy; and romance with just the right amount of zing. The protagonist, MacKenzie “Mac” Harris, wants the world to see her as self-confident and someone who has figured out her life, but inside she’s still trying to get over being left at the alter in her small hometown, Bluff Point. After fleeing to Chicago to pick up the pieces, she’s done nothing but insulate herself from love and instead, has immersed herself in her career. Returning home, after being gone seven years, for her best friend’s wedding Mac’s plan is to get in and out of the town just as quickly as she can. The scenario sets the stage for the lively banter between the best friends along with humorous scenes that keeps the reader entertained and turning pages. Jenn McKinlay is wickedly witty and it translates to a fun book! I read with a grin on my face just about the entire book… except when it was appropriate to hate a character or worry about the lovable puppy.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and the close friendship Mac has with her two best friends. But it’s Mac’s two elderly aunts along with the rescue puppy, Tulip, the who steal each scene that they’re in! They each provide a nice subplot to go along with the main romantic theme between Mac and Gavin, without detracting from the story. The small town setting is quaint where everyone knows everyone’s business and as Mac finds out, no one forgets anything that happened in the past. Jenn creates great chemistry between Mac and Gavin, carefully building the tension until the conclusion. There is also a teaser chapter for the next book, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, which made me sorry it wasn’t available right then and there!

I was provided a copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

mckinlay's review against another edition

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3.0

I was honestly expecting this to be annoying and problematic but it was pretty cute and featured an adorable dog so i really don’t have any complaints. It’s a cute romance for when you’re in the mood.

skzietz's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

msnyderk's review against another edition

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4.0

My first book by author Jenn McKinley. I really liked the small town setting and the plot with Mac and Gavin. It was a good story, light, romantic and funny. I loved the inclusion of Tulip the dog. So sweet and real. Looking forward to book two.

mindfullibrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

I listened to this one, and the narration was unobjectionable. BUT, I do think I would have probably enjoyed the story more at my faster visual reading pace because I got frustrated with a lot of the unnecessary drawn-out angst. I will read more in the series but in print vs audio. Overall, it was cute / sweet / fine. And there was a dog!

lmcgowen's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute, easy and humorous book. I loved the characters - especially the aunts. Slap stick humor which always wins for me. Looking forward to the remainder of the series.