Reviews

Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells

hugbandit7's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm a sucker for any book that involves dogs...and this one involves MANY dogs! Probably because there is a dog park located near the apartment building that brings out all of the dogs in the neighborhood and is quite the community gathering space. Of course, I use the term dog park loosely as it is a fenced area that people squeeze through a gap to enter. But it is definitely a gathering space.

Caleb and Riley are friendly rivals once the truth is out about who Caleb is and why he is at The Dorothy that Riley manages. As in a romance novel, there are the ups and downs in their relationship, starting as friends, becoming slight enemies, resolving their differences and finding happiness together.

I appreciated how the community came together when The Dorothy was in trouble and everyone offered their assistance for free to save this iconic building. Sure it was dilapidated but it had charm. Even a crotchety old man can be taught new tricks and that it does not have to be a dog eat dog world.

mae_mae13's review against another edition

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3.0

This book had so much potential but it fell short for me. The story just wasn't developed enough for me. Caleb and Riley's relationship lacked depth in my opinion. While a completely satisfactory story, It just didn't do it for me (the dogs kept me in). I would still recommend however because everyone has different ideas about what they want in a romance.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

readingundertheradar's review against another edition

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2.0

Made it 3/4 of the way through, but putting this one down. Not enough conflict for me personally and just not connecting with characters or writing. There are lots of good dogs, though!

infjkiki's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dommdy's review against another edition

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1.0

Disappointing formulaic romance novel- with dogs

robinlovesreading's review against another edition

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5.0

Riley has one thing in mind - well, that is after unplugging a clogged drain, changing a few light bulbs... - she needs to save her grandmother's building. Her grandmother, and a host of other elderly people, and their fantastic pets, all live at The Dorothy.

Caleb Donovan is connected to The Dorothy as well. After all,, he has plans. He is going to tear it down and build luxury condominiums. Little did Caleb realize what he would have to face in order to meet his objective. Caleb also plans on turning the local dog park into a parking structure.

Opposition towards Caleb and his ideas stop him dead in his tracks. Riley is currently the building manager and she is one of the people Caleb must fight against. It is business first, now if he could just get Riley to see that.

Not only do we see the war that is bound to explode between Caleb and Riley during the pages of this book, but we meet some delightful pets, like LouLou, the little poodle Riley adopted. I loved the scenes when Riley took LouLou to the dog park and how she had owr own group of friends. That was a pure delight.

Another enjoying factor while reading this book was the development and growth of the relationship between Caleb and Riley. And I just loved the feisty old neighbors. If I ever end up in an over-65 building I would love for it to be just like The Dorothy. Cold Nose, Warm Heart is the first book in a new series by Mara Wells. I look forward to reading about more canine shenanigans and couples finding love.

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

jbrooxd's review against another edition

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4.0

[I received an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

I am a fan of romance novels where animals figure prominently in the story. This one was a lot of fun. (I am surprised that the story focuses on a toy poodle but the the cover gives us a different dog from the story. It's an annoyance, but doesn't impact my enjoyment of the book.)

The characters in this are fascinating. Caleb is grieving all of the things he has lost, trying to drag his half brothers back into his life, and discovering that the men he looked up to may have less to esteem them for than he thought. Riley has her own disappointments, but she at least has her grandmother in her life. And slowly she is building a community around her.

The friction between the two characters - their histories with the Donovan family real estate empire, the fact that their grandparents have a history together, etc. - was great for throwing road blocks into their relationship and giving them more to overcome. The ending was completely satisfying. I can't wait to see what's next for book 2! (Sex)

leanner's review against another edition

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4.0

A quirky, fun romantic comedy. Not really my genre pick but still a sweet story. I enjoyed the building and dogs more than the main characters though. I would have like to see their relationship evolve more, I couldn't really see why the attraction when he was the enemy. It's a feel good 'enemies to lovers' book if that is your thing, I came for the dogs.

elysareadsitall's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute story! I loved all the characters, both human and animal. The setting was interesting, and I can't wait to see who else finds love in the dog park.

jcmbank's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0