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adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute! I loved how Rory was portrayed as a happy dog turned human who became disillusioned with being human. But he focused on what he could do. I loved this version of “what if my dog became human”. It isnt an over the top “dog causing chaos and having no understanding of the human world” kind of kitschy humor, but there were funny moments about being a human / dog.
Minor: Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
Super cute read. I think this would work best as a YA book, but there’s some cursing and some sexual tension and really touchy subjects that makes it technically an adult novel. I said 1000 times throughout the book to my wife that it would make for a really great single season tv show or a teen movie.
The romance sort of came secondary, and Genie’s self-discovery journey blossomed sort of late, but overall it’s a super cute concept, and it made me tear up in the end.
My biggest grievance with this novel is the vilifying of our FMC wearing black clothes, and the notion that wearing color is best for positivity. I see it in books all the time, and i just wanted to say that wearing black isn’t a negative thing. It’s the same trope as ‘she took her glasses off and was beautiful the whole time *gasp*’ it’s so misrepresentative. People can be artistic and whimsical without dressing in bright bubbly clothes.
Rory is the best fictional boy. We need more books about adorable pup companions in literature.
The romance sort of came secondary, and Genie’s self-discovery journey blossomed sort of late, but overall it’s a super cute concept, and it made me tear up in the end.
My biggest grievance with this novel is the vilifying of our FMC wearing black clothes, and the notion that wearing color is best for positivity. I see it in books all the time, and i just wanted to say that wearing black isn’t a negative thing. It’s the same trope as ‘she took her glasses off and was beautiful the whole time *gasp*’ it’s so misrepresentative. People can be artistic and whimsical without dressing in bright bubbly clothes.
Rory is the best fictional boy. We need more books about adorable pup companions in literature.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death
Moderate: Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, Medical content, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Mental illness, Blood, Vomit
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was excited and honored to receive an ARC of *The Good Boy: A Novel* by Stella Hayward in exchange for my honest review. The book is an easy and charming read that allows the reader to set reality aside and enjoy a touch of magical realism.
On the eve of her 30th birthday, Genie, the main character, is granted a wish that mistakenly turns her golden retriever, Rory, into a human. Genie sets out on a quest to help Rory return to his dog form. Along the way, she confronts her mental health struggles, discovers her true self, and rebuilds her confidence. In classic rom-com fashion, it includes an adjacent quest that involves admitting her feelings for her best friend and neighbor of 15 years, Miles.
There are some hilarious moments as Rory navigates the challenges of being human. As he adjusts to his new form, Rory shares the wisdom he gained from Genie's loving care, reminding us that "things that love look after one another."
The Good Boy made me laugh and, surprisingly, brought some tears. It is ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers stories, closed-doors romance (no spice), and dogs (a golden retriever character!). The Good Boy reminds us that “Magic is hope.”
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Grief, Death of parent
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Entertaining plot, but way more inappropriate than it could’ve been. This story had so much potential, but the main character’s inner monologue made things so awkward and uncomfortable.
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content
Minor: Animal cruelty