In Dog We Trust

Black Dog Bay #5

By Beth Kendrick

ISBN#9780399584251

Author Website: www(.)facebook(.)com/BethKendrickBooks/

 

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Synopsis:

When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.

Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places. (Goodreads)

 

Review:

In Dog We Trust is the fifth book in the Black Dog Bay series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone (as I did).  It is a light, fluffy romance, but the romance is not the main focus of the story. It is sure to please readers who are also dog lovers.

Jocelyn is a townie who ends up being named the guardian for her former employer’s high maintenance Labradors after his sudden death.  One would think that becoming filthy rich in the blink of an eye would go to her head, but she remains grounded and practical, though a little out of her depth, about her newfound world of excess.  Her benefactor’s estranged son Liam is definitely not happy about not inheriting what he thinks is owed to him and immediately begins litigation protesting the will. Personally, I do not think I could be romantically interested in someone who is so out to get me, but it works for the story.  I expected there to be more about the world of professional show dogs, but it is glossed over. What a missed opportunity for some zany characters and funny moments.

Jocelyn is nice and sometimes a bit naïve.  She is likable but not really a strong protagonist.  Liam is interesting and become much more appealing as we learn more about him, his past, and his motivations.  Jocelyn’s mother and best friend, along with Liam’s mother, are my favorite characters. Their interplay with the others sparkles and their relationships are realistic.  But, let’s face it. The exuberant dogs are the stars of the tale.

The book is evenly paced, not dragging at all.  However, the ending left me a bit perplexed. Why did they make the choices they did?  It just seemed like a really odd situation. The premise of the book is a bit outlandish, although I know pets inherit healthy estates in the real world, but is it fun and a great escape from reality.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*