mayrasbookverse 's review for:

The Good Boy by Stella Hayward

3.5

funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

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Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review early! 

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5

The Good Boy is a quirky rom-com with a magical twist, blending humor, heart, and a touch of chaos. When Genie wishes her loyal golden retriever Rory were human, she gets more than she bargained for. But what starts as a whimsical concept gradually evolves into a story about self-discovery, forgiveness, and learning to open one’s heart.

What Worked Well:
- Rory’s Characterization: Rory as a human is endearing, with big Golden Retriever Energy that reminded me of Doug from Up. His continued ability to understand and communicate with dogs added a unique charm to the story.
- The Self-Discovery Arc:

Genie’s journey of healing from her past trauma and rediscovering herself was moving. Her backstory about the loss of her baby and the impact it had on her relationships added emotional weight and helped ground the otherwise lighthearted premise.
- The Humor: While chaotic at times, there were plenty of funny moments, especially as Rory adjusted to human life (like learning not to sniff people’s butts).
- Miles’ Patience: Miles is the definition of the boy-next-door who never gives up. His unwavering support and quiet affection for Genie brought heart to the story, and his dynamic with Genie kept me rooting for them.

What Could Be Improved:
- Genie’s Personality:

While Genie’s quirks were occasionally endearing, her tendency to interrupt, steamroll over others (especially Miles), and cling to misunderstandings became frustrating. It made me question why Miles continued to like her, especially when she dismissed his attempts to express his feelings.
- Rory’s Arc: Rory’s transformation into a human felt underdeveloped. While the premise promised a journey of teaching him how to be a functioning human, the story focused more on side plots and Genie’s relationships than Rory’s adjustment. Aside from a few humorous moments, Rory’s storyline felt like a missed opportunity.
- The Subplots: Some plot threads, like Kelly’s marital problems and the promiscuous grandmother, felt unnecessary or underexplored. These elements distracted from the main storyline rather than adding to it.

Final Thoughts: The Good Boy is a heartwarming, whimsical story with a lot of charm but also some uneven execution. While I enjoyed the humor and emotional depth, the pacing and focus on side plots detracted from Rory’s journey and the central romance. Fans of magical realism and slow-burn love stories will find plenty to enjoy, but a tighter focus would have elevated the narrative.

Perfect for readers who love a mix of quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of magic in their romances.