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kimcheel's review
4.0
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review; thank you!
Sometimes books come along right when you need them. The Dog Sitter is one of those books for me. I am a dog sitter. I don't think I've dog-sat in such an idyllic place as Becky, but I absolutely understand how it can be used as a recharge/reset/however you'd like to describe it. My dog-sitting jobs have been the only vacation I've taken in years.
Besides being a dog-sitter, I found Becky relatable in other ways as well. When the book starts, and throughout a lot of the story, she's at a crossroads. She's just been dumped by her boyfriend, and they work together; he in a place of authority over her. She's left wondering if she does what she does well. How many people can relate to jerkbags weaponizing their passions?
When she decides to house-sit/dog-sit a cockapoo (which, as an aside is described soooo accurately that it makes total sense author Stoneley has one!), whose owner seems to have it totally together, the veneer starts chipping away.
This book has a lot to it - which my favourite chick lits do. It has the breezy nature of falling into a cloud, but also intellect and heart. Becky suffers from imposter syndrome. It's nice to see that in a book; and even better, it's nice to see her push through that as well.
Becky as a character is funny - is cringey sometimes, but not in the "oh my god I have to look away" way; I think readers will see the relatability of Becky. She's also a very real and (if I'm repeating myself, sorry) approachable character.
I loved watching the story unfold, watching Becky have her big moments and realizations, and watching the dynamics of relationship change; what more can you ask for a book that helps you escape the pressures of the real world?
Sometimes books come along right when you need them. The Dog Sitter is one of those books for me. I am a dog sitter. I don't think I've dog-sat in such an idyllic place as Becky, but I absolutely understand how it can be used as a recharge/reset/however you'd like to describe it. My dog-sitting jobs have been the only vacation I've taken in years.
Besides being a dog-sitter, I found Becky relatable in other ways as well. When the book starts, and throughout a lot of the story, she's at a crossroads. She's just been dumped by her boyfriend, and they work together; he in a place of authority over her. She's left wondering if she does what she does well. How many people can relate to jerkbags weaponizing their passions?
When she decides to house-sit/dog-sit a cockapoo (which, as an aside is described soooo accurately that it makes total sense author Stoneley has one!), whose owner seems to have it totally together, the veneer starts chipping away.
This book has a lot to it - which my favourite chick lits do. It has the breezy nature of falling into a cloud, but also intellect and heart. Becky suffers from imposter syndrome. It's nice to see that in a book; and even better, it's nice to see her push through that as well.
Becky as a character is funny - is cringey sometimes, but not in the "oh my god I have to look away" way; I think readers will see the relatability of Becky. She's also a very real and (if I'm repeating myself, sorry) approachable character.
I loved watching the story unfold, watching Becky have her big moments and realizations, and watching the dynamics of relationship change; what more can you ask for a book that helps you escape the pressures of the real world?
mollyp's review against another edition
Couldn’t get over the sexism comment and how the MC was “allowed” (that wasn’t really explained unless it was referring to the break up she had been through but like… that’s life?) I just felt like that told me a lot about how the author had written the MC and I didn’t want to continue
tabbrower's review against another edition
3.0
A bit long and "oh that's brill" but it gets on me and now I am j e a l o u s
lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really a sweet and funny romance that I enjoyed quite a bit. There was a lot in it that I really even needed to take to heart for myself. Like there is one point when Becky says something like how we should “be more dog”. And that is so true. My dogs are just so loving and even though I know that they probably should be mad at me for certain things, they don’t get that way. Well to be fair, I have dachshunds, and I think they do get back at me more than maybe other breeds of dogs might. But for the most part they are just so loving and they are usually a very good judge of character. And think how much less stressful our lives could be if we all would just “be more dog.”
There was a lot going on in this story, and even though it was clear that Ash really was the one that the dog Bella loved and probably who she belonged to, it was easy to see why Becky had to give Georgina the benefit of the doubt seeing as how she was the one who had hired her in the first place. Honestly I really liked Ash too. He was a great guy it seemed like, and really was fun.
It wasn’t just the romance in this one though, there was some great family bits and even just the message of doing what you like and not letting someone else decide for you, or even letting go of those things that are keeping you back even if you’re afraid you’ll never have anything like them again. If it’s over, it’s over, and you’ll never move on until you let go.
It wasn’t that long of a book really, because the story flowed, but because the dialogue is done with just apostrophes instead of quotation marks, I often had to reread parts to realize whether it was someone actually talking to someone else, or just Becky in her own head.
This is my third book by this author and I look forward to reading more in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
There was a lot going on in this story, and even though it was clear that Ash really was the one that the dog Bella loved and probably who she belonged to, it was easy to see why Becky had to give Georgina the benefit of the doubt seeing as how she was the one who had hired her in the first place. Honestly I really liked Ash too. He was a great guy it seemed like, and really was fun.
It wasn’t just the romance in this one though, there was some great family bits and even just the message of doing what you like and not letting someone else decide for you, or even letting go of those things that are keeping you back even if you’re afraid you’ll never have anything like them again. If it’s over, it’s over, and you’ll never move on until you let go.
It wasn’t that long of a book really, because the story flowed, but because the dialogue is done with just apostrophes instead of quotation marks, I often had to reread parts to realize whether it was someone actually talking to someone else, or just Becky in her own head.
This is my third book by this author and I look forward to reading more in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
elizmarie's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kle105's review against another edition
3.0
There is nothing worse when you feel like your world is falling apart. For Becky who just lost her boyfriend, who was also her boss, decides that a change of scenery just might help her figure out her next move and claim a little bit of herself back. Taking on a house sitting/dog sitting job was supposed to be a nice quiet change.
What she found instead was the gorgeous ex boyfriend of her house owner. While he claims the dog is really his, he is determined to steal the dog back.
Lots of shenanigans, an overzealous dog, lots of nature adventures all while Becky finds her creative inspiration and find herself. A light rom com read.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
What she found instead was the gorgeous ex boyfriend of her house owner. While he claims the dog is really his, he is determined to steal the dog back.
Lots of shenanigans, an overzealous dog, lots of nature adventures all while Becky finds her creative inspiration and find herself. A light rom com read.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
salreads's review against another edition
3.0
Lockdown reading has affected my reading choices as with so many things. I have sought some lighter, happier reads with a little romance and a little comedy. The Dog Sitter appealed because I love the two things at the heart of it – dogs and the Lake District. If you love both you will enjoy this read. Becky is escaping from a broken relationship which has knocked her confidence and undermined her relationship with her family. She takes a housesitting job in the Lake District which also includes looking after the resident cockapoo, Bella. Looking after Bella is made more difficult by the fact that a handsome man appears to be asserting ownership and threatening to take Bella. The setting is beautiful, beside a lake and looking out to the amazing Cumbrian scenery, Bella is a bundle of fluffiness and the handsome man is something of a gorgeous muscle man and the chemistry begins to fizz. This is a gentle, happy, read. I lapped up the scenery which is beautifully described and greatly appealing particularly in lockdown! Bella is without doubt the star of the show, she totally gets into your heart. It is clear that Stoneley knows her dogs and her dog paraphernalia! The chemistry bubbles along nicely between Ash and Becky and Becky’s art feels very real – I could almost visualise the paintings. I wasn’t totally convinced by the ex boyfriend’s appearance or by the motivations of Georgina, the home owner, and I found the focus on Ash’s muscles a bit too much for me. However, this was a book which distracted me in a lovely way and I very much enjoyed it. With thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a digital copy of this book.
chasingmrdarcy's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a cute book! I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships the author built. This book was engaging from start to finish, and I could not put it down. I would love to know more about these characters in a follow-up!