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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review may contain spoilers
There was so much to love in this book: the sweet romance, the whimsical tone, Rory and Nanna Maria (absolute scene-stealers!), and the rich tapestry of subplots that added depth and heart to the main storyline. I genuinely enjoyed how the narrative wove multiple arcs together; it made the story feel full and dynamic, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold.
The slow-burn, closed-door romance between Genie and Miles was beautifully done, the yearning was palpable, and left me feeling giddy. Their chemistry was tender and well-paced, and I appreciated that their relationship was built on more than just attraction.
Humor, warmth, and moments of genuine personal growth were packed into this story, making it a fun and heartfelt read. I was wholeheartedly rooting for the characters, each one distinct and endearing in their own way.
Reading The Good Boy was an enjoyable experience, definitely worth a read if you're in the mood for something cozy, romantic, friends to lovers, and full of heart
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#TheGoodBoy #NetGalley.
This review may contain spoilers
There was so much to love in this book: the sweet romance, the whimsical tone, Rory and Nanna Maria (absolute scene-stealers!), and the rich tapestry of subplots that added depth and heart to the main storyline. I genuinely enjoyed how the narrative wove multiple arcs together; it made the story feel full and dynamic, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold.
The slow-burn, closed-door romance between Genie and Miles was beautifully done, the yearning was palpable, and left me feeling giddy. Their chemistry was tender and well-paced, and I appreciated that their relationship was built on more than just attraction.
Humor, warmth, and moments of genuine personal growth were packed into this story, making it a fun and heartfelt read. I was wholeheartedly rooting for the characters, each one distinct and endearing in their own way.
Reading The Good Boy was an enjoyable experience, definitely worth a read if you're in the mood for something cozy, romantic, friends to lovers, and full of heart
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#TheGoodBoy #NetGalley.
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.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Grief, Death of parent
This was surprisingly special. The cover made me think regular rom com, which it certainly was, but with just something extra special too. A little more depth than a basic rom com. This was really sweet and definitely a new favorite. 🥰
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
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.
Genie doesn’t believe her grandma when she tells her that all of the women in their family get a wish granted on their 30th birthday. After jokingly wishing her dog, Rory, was human, she quickly realizes her mistake and begins the journey of turning him back into a dog. With the help of her life-long friend/boy Nextdoor, Miles, they take a journey to find themselves, closure, and love.
This was such a funny and heart warming read. Right away, Rory does not like being human and his dog behaviors as a human are hilarious. I loved Genie and Miles’ characters, and how they both helped each other when they needed it most. I really enjoyed the slow burn. I was frustrated with Genie at times for not admitting her true feelings, but she was so relatable that I understood where she was coming from.
This was my first book by Stella Hayward and I absolutely loved it! I would really love to see this as a movie and could totally picture golden retriever/human Rory. This was such a fun read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced reader copy!
This was such a funny and heart warming read. Right away, Rory does not like being human and his dog behaviors as a human are hilarious. I loved Genie and Miles’ characters, and how they both helped each other when they needed it most. I really enjoyed the slow burn. I was frustrated with Genie at times for not admitting her true feelings, but she was so relatable that I understood where she was coming from.
This was my first book by Stella Hayward and I absolutely loved it! I would really love to see this as a movie and could totally picture golden retriever/human Rory. This was such a fun read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced reader copy!
The Good Boy by Stella Hayward is such a fun, heartwarming read! Genie’s life gets turned upside down when her golden retriever, Rory, becomes human overnight. Rory’s hilarious attempts to be human and Genie’s journey to change him back—with help from her charming childhood friend, Miles—make this story both funny and sweet. Some parts between Genie and Miles felt a bit repetitive, but overall, this magical twist on romance is perfect for a cozy escape. This book sprung me out of my reading rut!
The Good Boy by Sasha Hayward was a very cute and very fun read. I thought the premise was entertaining, and it reminded me of an Ashley Poston novel with the magical realism elements.
Honestly, I really struggled to like Genie as a character, up until about 60-70%. Once we found out what happened to her, I did find myself opening up to her character more. However I absolutely adored Rory as a character, he was so goofy and so charming, I just wanted to protect him at all costs. The other side characters were fun to see, and they drove the plot in a way that helped it to progress. I give this a 3.5 out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!
Honestly, I really struggled to like Genie as a character, up until about 60-70%. Once we found out what happened to her, I did find myself opening up to her character more. However I absolutely adored Rory as a character, he was so goofy and so charming, I just wanted to protect him at all costs. The other side characters were fun to see, and they drove the plot in a way that helped it to progress. I give this a 3.5 out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content
Minor: Animal cruelty
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.
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.
It's the eve of Genie's 30th birthday and she's at dinner with her family. Her Nanna grants her a birthday wish, along with a warning that this wish is irreversible. Genie being 6 margaritas deep and forgetting Nanna's warnings wishes that her dog Rory was a human. When Genie wakes up on the morning of her 30th birthday, there is a naked Adonis asleep in her dog bed. Genie enlists her best friends Miles and Kelly and her family to try to reverse her wish because how could she live with an Adonis with golden retriever energy.
Calling anyone who has ever wondered what goes through their dog's brain. The Good Boy was a really cute story and a very easy and light read. We got to join Genie in her journey of self-reflection, forgiveness, and love. I loved Genie's eclectic but supportive family. Overall, a feel-good story!
Thank you #NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Calling anyone who has ever wondered what goes through their dog's brain. The Good Boy was a really cute story and a very easy and light read. We got to join Genie in her journey of self-reflection, forgiveness, and love. I loved Genie's eclectic but supportive family. Overall, a feel-good story!
Thank you #NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!