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Going to the Dogs #1
Leashed
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Jack has some ‘splainin’ to do!
That's right! Callie Lassiter's normally well-behaved Great Dane Jack has run off and done the wild thing with the neighbor's dog. It must be puppy love! It's doubly embarrassing since she's a professional dog trainer. Of course, the neighbor would have to be hot, hot nightclub owner bad boy Owen McKay, just the kind of man Callie is determined to avoid.
Owen’s comfortable with his playboy status and the hype in the media. But the ground moves beneath his feet when he gets an eyeful of the girl next door. The Dog Whisperer never looked this good! How can he convince this wholesome honey that his player days are behind him? Maybe Jill, his Great Dane can help him with this dilemma now that she’s pregnant and Callie’s dog is to blame.
Is this bad boy a bad bet?
Beware of dogs, romance and deep belly laughs!
Going to the Dogs is a romp through the urban jungle of New York City to find true love, the perfect cocktail, and expensive heels. Dog is a man’s best friend, but sometimes a woman just needs a hot man in the city. This series will appeal to a mature crowd, especially fans of Sex in The City.
Jack has some ‘splainin’ to do!
That's right! Callie Lassiter's normally well-behaved Great Dane Jack has run off and done the wild thing with the neighbor's dog. It must be puppy love! It's doubly embarrassing since she's a professional dog trainer. Of course, the neighbor would have to be hot, hot nightclub owner bad boy Owen McKay, just the kind of man Callie is determined to avoid.
Owen’s comfortable with his playboy status and the hype in the media. But the ground moves beneath his feet when he gets an eyeful of the girl next door. The Dog Whisperer never looked this good! How can he convince this wholesome honey that his player days are behind him? Maybe Jill, his Great Dane can help him with this dilemma now that she’s pregnant and Callie’s dog is to blame.
Is this bad boy a bad bet?
Beware of dogs, romance and deep belly laughs!
Going to the Dogs is a romp through the urban jungle of New York City to find true love, the perfect cocktail, and expensive heels. Dog is a man’s best friend, but sometimes a woman just needs a hot man in the city. This series will appeal to a mature crowd, especially fans of Sex in The City.
239 pages, ebook
First published September 29, 2012
971 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Dawson
109 books2,836 followersNewsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
July 22, 2017
This had such potential with dogs and a cute, opposites attract couple, but the flat writing, too much tell-not-show, and a crew of the most irritating set of friends EVER just sabotaged it.
The H is a hold your horses, bad boy, that the h must be protected from by her posse of annoying, interfering alarmist friends. In actuality, he has slept around and shown some pretty poor judgment, the OW is an example of that, but he's cupcake when it comes to the h.
Dog bonus with an extra yippee for Great Danes and a meet cute a la The Hundred and One Dalmatians. And an extra tiny bonus for an evil OW comeuppance.
You know what, just read The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It's not as much of a kid's book as you would think and infinitely better.
The H is a hold your horses, bad boy, that the h must be protected from by her posse of annoying, interfering alarmist friends. In actuality, he has slept around and shown some pretty poor judgment, the OW is an example of that, but he's cupcake when it comes to the h.
Dog bonus with an extra yippee for Great Danes and a meet cute a la The Hundred and One Dalmatians. And an extra tiny bonus for an evil OW comeuppance.
You know what, just read The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It's not as much of a kid's book as you would think and infinitely better.
August 10, 2014
Clearly people enjoyed the story as the rating is pretty darned high. I know when it comes to short stories you aren't supposed to be harsh and whatnot because obviously there's not enough time for a real plot to unfold but this was pretty bad regardless. Everything, particularly conversation, felt so stiff, uncomfortable and unnatural. A lot of it just didn't flow as a story should. It felt forced and, particularly towards the end, rushed like the author couldn't wait to be finished with the story. I wouldn't recommend this book.
March 5, 2022
This was a great story. However, some of the plot was drawn out and other parts of the plot were not drawn out enough.
May 21, 2014
What a cute and funny story. I just loved the ending! Callie Lassiter and Owen McKay are neighbors who both own Great Danes. Callie has the male Jack and Owen has the female Jill. Isn't that cute Jack and Jill. I just love it. The two dogs run off together and are missing for about a hour. There is an attraction between Callie and Owen. Callie knows she should stay away from Owen's type (well the type she thinks he is). Owen knows he should stay away from Callie because he knows he will end up breaking her heart. Well Jack get Jill pregnant and so Callie and Owen end up spending more time together since Owen knows almost nothing about dogs and Callie owns a dog training place. So will Jack, Jill and the puppies bring the two of them together? Read the book today to find out. You will not be disappointed.
September 20, 2017
Being owned by a dog myself, I thoroughly enjoyed reading LEASHED, a romantic comedy about two humans and two Great Danes who initially want nothing to do with each other (the humans, not the dogs).
Wit throughout (the name of the dog training facility is “Sit Happens” and the name of the dog grooming facility is “Pawlished”), this book made me want to “sit” and “stay” until the very last page had been turned!
Wit throughout (the name of the dog training facility is “Sit Happens” and the name of the dog grooming facility is “Pawlished”), this book made me want to “sit” and “stay” until the very last page had been turned!
July 13, 2025
Cute book! I liked the way it dealt with outward perceptions of a person and how they really are. Of course the fact that it has great Danes in it didn't hurt either 🙂
January 7, 2016
This book was quite well written and the core story is a pleasant little love story. I'm sorry I didn't enjoy it more. There were two reasons.
First, I thought it a great pity Ms Dawson didn't research more into the dog breeding world. I do realise that people outside the dog world don't know how much they don't know, but it is a writer's job to find these things out, and here this writer dropped the ball rather badly. However, the lack won't be apparent to readers who are also outside the dog world.
The other thing I didn't like was the large amounts of pornography. I do realise that porn is a regular occurrence in romance books nowadays, but the blurb, cover and the book's whole presentation had led me to expect something a great deal more clean and wholesome than what was there. I found the combination of porn and a dog story rather sick - like combining porn with small children, just something that, I feel, ought not to be done.
As I say, the writing itself was smooth and well executed, but a little more work and thought put into the preliminaries could have turned an okay book into an excellent one.
First, I thought it a great pity Ms Dawson didn't research more into the dog breeding world. I do realise that people outside the dog world don't know how much they don't know, but it is a writer's job to find these things out, and here this writer dropped the ball rather badly. However, the lack won't be apparent to readers who are also outside the dog world.
The other thing I didn't like was the large amounts of pornography. I do realise that porn is a regular occurrence in romance books nowadays, but the blurb, cover and the book's whole presentation had led me to expect something a great deal more clean and wholesome than what was there. I found the combination of porn and a dog story rather sick - like combining porn with small children, just something that, I feel, ought not to be done.
As I say, the writing itself was smooth and well executed, but a little more work and thought put into the preliminaries could have turned an okay book into an excellent one.
April 3, 2016
This book was great. I am a huge fan of romances, but an even bigger fan of romances with pets as such a key figure. These adorable, loving, and occasionally mischievous creatures only serve to make a book better (as they so often do in life). This is a very sweet romance between Owen and Callie, neighbors who are originally connected via their unruly pooches. Owen is the classic bad boy and Callie is your typical girl-next-door (or at least that's the way Callie sees it). She's sworn off bad boys and he thinks Callie isn't his type. This is a fun, lighthearted story where we watch their Great Danes bring them together first literally with their leashes and then more figuratively with the result of their hour of freedom from their owners. As they get to know one another, their feelings get harder and harder to deny. Overall, excellent story with some vibrant characters. This book has a HEA ending with no cliffhanger. Regardless, I cannot wait to read Brooke's story next in Groomed for Murder!
March 20, 2013
Callie Lassiter and Owen McKay are neighbors. Callie has Jack, a male Great Dane. Owen has Jill, a female Great Dane. Sweet, charming Callie is attracted to Owen and knows from experience that she should be avoiding guys like him. Drool worthy, ladies' man Owen is attracted to Callie but knows he should stay away because he will only hurt her. Leave it to Jack + Jill and puppies on the way to get their humans together.
An adorable chic, a super sexy hunk, amazing friends, a love sick stud and a smitten bitch! This was a delightful short read that I enjoyed a lot!
An adorable chic, a super sexy hunk, amazing friends, a love sick stud and a smitten bitch! This was a delightful short read that I enjoyed a lot!
March 7, 2020
I loved this book! It was great fun (the Great Danes) and a wonderfully slow (and mostly clean) romance. Callie knows to stay away from bad boys, and Owen absolutely knows to stay away from sweet girls who want commitment. Fortunately, the dogs know better!
Terrific characters, fun and reasonable plot, and realistic dialogue. What’s not to love?!
Terrific characters, fun and reasonable plot, and realistic dialogue. What’s not to love?!
September 3, 2017
Desde 19 dez 2013 no meu Kindle e ainda não tinha lido. Gostei da história e achei muito fofa! Cachorros de estimação sempre deixam a história mais leve e com boas cenas.
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Since 19 December 2013 on my Kindle and I had not yet read. I liked the story and I thought it was really cute! Pet dogs always leave the story lighter and with good scenes.
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Since 19 December 2013 on my Kindle and I had not yet read. I liked the story and I thought it was really cute! Pet dogs always leave the story lighter and with good scenes.
April 27, 2022
DNF This book is annoying and I find the characters unbelievable and the situations unrealistic. I thought the description had potential. The first chapter showed me this is a smut-to-be book that lacks depth. I couldn't get into it.
Want to read
July 17, 2017Free on Amazon 7/17/17
March 31, 2013
Leashed was such a sweet read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the first in the Going to the Dogs series so in addition to its storyline, it also introduces characters for the next books in the series. It is a short read but Ms. Dawson did an excellent job is fitting in a great story along with setting up the series.
The series revolves around a group of girlfriends who met at a dog park. All their lives involve dogs in some way. Leashed is Callie's story. Callie was raised in a family of dog breeders (Great Dane). She now owns Sit Happens, a dog obedience school. Callie has had some bad luck with bad boys so the only good guys in her life are her dad, her brother, and her Great Dane, Jack. Of course, there's this gorgeous guy living across the hall from her whom she knows is the epitome of a bad boy womanizer. However, once Jack meets said guy's dog, Jill, things get interesting.
Owen McKay owns an exclusive club in New York, suffered a difficult childhood (which serves as the reason behind his commitment phobia), and has recently endured the loss of his beloved Great Aunt Tilly. Tilly took him in and gave him a home as well as love. Owen inherited Jill from his great aunt, who didn't want him to be lonely.
Neither Callie nor Owen want to be involved with the other. But they have this physical chemistry that they can't deny. Their dogs do as well! :) But what made this story so adorable was that Callie and Owen fight their attraction and develop a friendship first. They bond over their dogs. And the dogs...well, that was another element that I loved. It was so much fun!
Leashed is well written and also entails a bit of a mystery. The only negative for me was it's length. I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship development between Callie and Owen. But as I said, Ms. Dawson does a great job of creating a tight storyline despite the length. I'm looking forward to seeing the continuation of this series.
The series revolves around a group of girlfriends who met at a dog park. All their lives involve dogs in some way. Leashed is Callie's story. Callie was raised in a family of dog breeders (Great Dane). She now owns Sit Happens, a dog obedience school. Callie has had some bad luck with bad boys so the only good guys in her life are her dad, her brother, and her Great Dane, Jack. Of course, there's this gorgeous guy living across the hall from her whom she knows is the epitome of a bad boy womanizer. However, once Jack meets said guy's dog, Jill, things get interesting.
Owen McKay owns an exclusive club in New York, suffered a difficult childhood (which serves as the reason behind his commitment phobia), and has recently endured the loss of his beloved Great Aunt Tilly. Tilly took him in and gave him a home as well as love. Owen inherited Jill from his great aunt, who didn't want him to be lonely.
Neither Callie nor Owen want to be involved with the other. But they have this physical chemistry that they can't deny. Their dogs do as well! :) But what made this story so adorable was that Callie and Owen fight their attraction and develop a friendship first. They bond over their dogs. And the dogs...well, that was another element that I loved. It was so much fun!
Leashed is well written and also entails a bit of a mystery. The only negative for me was it's length. I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship development between Callie and Owen. But as I said, Ms. Dawson does a great job of creating a tight storyline despite the length. I'm looking forward to seeing the continuation of this series.
January 29, 2013
This novella scores with all the right notes: characters to enjoy, funny scenes, and TWO steamy romances. So what if one of the romances is an inseparable connection between two Great Danes?
A cleverly crafted story, Dawson manages to integrate helpful doggie tidbits into the story, while making the dogs an integral element in the introduction of Callie and Owen. When 400 pounds of canine exuberance throws you together, you just have to go with it.
Callie is instantly likeable, with her warm and caring personality and a touch of insecurity that is all the more endearing when contrasted to her business acumen. Owen has fallen into the fame and fortune trap, keeping everyone at arm’s length all the better to protect himself. Denying the attraction that sets sparks flying with every contact, Callie and Owen have a heat that is palpable and tangible, despite both being unwilling to acknowledge their personal connection; instead relying on their dogs and their past baggage to keep themselves at arm’s length.
A few twists, turns and a suspicious series of nicked items throughout the building all comes neatly to a close at the end of the story, leaving the reader smiling and the potential of a new favorite romantic duo that never ceases to provide enjoyment and laughter.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of the Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
A cleverly crafted story, Dawson manages to integrate helpful doggie tidbits into the story, while making the dogs an integral element in the introduction of Callie and Owen. When 400 pounds of canine exuberance throws you together, you just have to go with it.
Callie is instantly likeable, with her warm and caring personality and a touch of insecurity that is all the more endearing when contrasted to her business acumen. Owen has fallen into the fame and fortune trap, keeping everyone at arm’s length all the better to protect himself. Denying the attraction that sets sparks flying with every contact, Callie and Owen have a heat that is palpable and tangible, despite both being unwilling to acknowledge their personal connection; instead relying on their dogs and their past baggage to keep themselves at arm’s length.
A few twists, turns and a suspicious series of nicked items throughout the building all comes neatly to a close at the end of the story, leaving the reader smiling and the potential of a new favorite romantic duo that never ceases to provide enjoyment and laughter.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of the Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 5, 2013
This book was just great and I will be reading the rest of this series! Zoe Dawson brings a killer Sex in the City vibe to a sweet romance. The writing is engaging and kept me held the entire time. No skimming or skipping ahead, which is what I do the minute my interest starts waning. The characters were well developed and I felt a connection to them. Nothing will cause me to put a book down for good than a main character I cannot relate to or feel empathy for. I know a lot of people do not enjoy the shorter length book but I actually do. I like being able to fit it into a free afternoon, or ability to finish in a few nights. As long as you can fit the story easily into the length, without feeling like anything is lacking, a shorter novel doesn't bother me. In fact, it can be preferred sometimes!! Overall, just a fantastic job by Zoe Dawson. Oh, and I promise this review is not biased just because I had a Great Dane. It was why I bought the book in the first place because of the Dane on the cover, but the story itself is why I'm giving this review. Mine was a Brindle named Savannah and I loved her so much. Loved hearing about Jack and Jill's antics as much as I did about Callie and Owen. This same review is on Amazon but under my real name, just so it's clear my review wasn't hijacked!!! :)
May 23, 2013
OK, so I’m more of a cat person, but it didn’t matter; this book made me laugh out loud. The first meeting of these two characters (Owen and Callie) is a classic - reminded me of the movie 101 Dalmations (which I adored as a kid). The premise was hilarious (her dog “does the wild thing” and gets his dog pregnant) and yet he’s the one on the spot with her dog-breeding parents. Ha! And the dogs’ names - Jack and Jill - really?! It’s just so all-in-good-fun.
About the characters: pretty well done, if a tiny bit cliché. Callie is the girl-next-door type who is looking for something solid and lasting, but who has her own business and can handle herself (thank you very much). Owen is the misunderstood hunk with the tragic past, a fear of commitment and an eccentric aunt who’s left her this dog (which he’s clueless about at first but ends up loving).
Having said that, there were a couple things I wish were different. The antagonist (the “other woman” if you will) is way too nice and too quick to take the blame. And when Callie is thoroughly hurt and pissed, the way Dawson sets up the “make up” scene (hint: it has to do with the dogs) should have been ideal, but for some reason it felt rushed, like Owen should have had to work harder to get her back.
But maybe that was just me wishing the book would go on a bit longer. It was the perfect break from a stressful week!
About the characters: pretty well done, if a tiny bit cliché. Callie is the girl-next-door type who is looking for something solid and lasting, but who has her own business and can handle herself (thank you very much). Owen is the misunderstood hunk with the tragic past, a fear of commitment and an eccentric aunt who’s left her this dog (which he’s clueless about at first but ends up loving).
Having said that, there were a couple things I wish were different. The antagonist (the “other woman” if you will) is way too nice and too quick to take the blame. And when Callie is thoroughly hurt and pissed, the way Dawson sets up the “make up” scene (hint: it has to do with the dogs) should have been ideal, but for some reason it felt rushed, like Owen should have had to work harder to get her back.
But maybe that was just me wishing the book would go on a bit longer. It was the perfect break from a stressful week!
March 3, 2016
There is one type of pregnancy story that I enjoy: one that ends with puppies! Callie usually avoids her super sexy, playboy neighbor. She knows she’s attracted to him, but she’s sworn off bad boys for good. Then at the start of Leashed, she bumps into him while taking her Great Dane, Jack, for a walk. Owen happens to also be taking his Great Dane, Jill, for a walk. Needless to say, the two dogs hit it off immediately, and now Callie can’t avoid Owen anymore. Jill is going to have puppies and she also needs some training, which Callie has offered to take care of.
Leashed was super cute! I love dogs! Jack and Jill are simply adorable together! I loved learning more about the breed, as well as breeding and showing in general. Of course, I was also into the romance between the humans. I liked how there was no big drama between them. They make it clear that they shouldn’t get involved, which is easier said than done. Then they don’t tip toe around each other when the tension gets to be too much, they just go for it! I suppose they aren’t too different from their canine companions.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Leashed was super cute! I love dogs! Jack and Jill are simply adorable together! I loved learning more about the breed, as well as breeding and showing in general. Of course, I was also into the romance between the humans. I liked how there was no big drama between them. They make it clear that they shouldn’t get involved, which is easier said than done. Then they don’t tip toe around each other when the tension gets to be too much, they just go for it! I suppose they aren’t too different from their canine companions.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
August 17, 2013
I had a blast reading this book! Well-written in a breezy, humorous way it was a perfect “pick me up” piece. There were some touching moments along with a bit of romance –canine and human! The pooches play a significant role; I laughed heartily at some of their shenanigans. I am an unapologetic crazy cat lady and have no plans to ever change that, but I have to say the frisky Great Danes managed to melt my feline-enamored heart. Callie and Owen also had their own sizzle happening. I also loved that Callie is blessed to have a close, loving relationship with her parents and that they had active lives that did not center solely on their beloved daughter. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
Reviewed by Laurie-J
October 15, 2015
Beautiful story
A great and moving romance that has it all. Great characters you can't help but love, and situations that will melt your heart one minute and make you laugh out loud in another.
Callie is a dog trainer with a past of broken hearts by bad boys and owns a Great Dane named Jack. Owen is her neighbor, a club owner with a bad boy reputation, and his Great Dane is Jill. Jack knocks up Jill and the adventure begins. The chemistry between Callie and Owen is enough to steam up any room. I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Now I'm dying to get my hands on the next one.
A great and moving romance that has it all. Great characters you can't help but love, and situations that will melt your heart one minute and make you laugh out loud in another.
Callie is a dog trainer with a past of broken hearts by bad boys and owns a Great Dane named Jack. Owen is her neighbor, a club owner with a bad boy reputation, and his Great Dane is Jill. Jack knocks up Jill and the adventure begins. The chemistry between Callie and Owen is enough to steam up any room. I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Now I'm dying to get my hands on the next one.
April 29, 2016
The Adventures Of Jack And Jill
Callie has sworn off bad boys, the only guy in her life is Jack her great dane. Then the worst happens. Jack has knocked up the dog next door and the owner is the bad boy of her dreams.
Owen is the owner of the hottest club in town. He's sworn off good girls and the only girl in his life right now is Jill, his great dane. Then the unexpected happens Jill gets knocked by the dog next door whose owner is the good girl of his dreams.
Callie and Owen are determined to stay away from each other. Not if Jack and Jill can help it.
This book has a nice HEA and it never would have happened if it weren't for the adventures of Jack and Jill.
Callie has sworn off bad boys, the only guy in her life is Jack her great dane. Then the worst happens. Jack has knocked up the dog next door and the owner is the bad boy of her dreams.
Owen is the owner of the hottest club in town. He's sworn off good girls and the only girl in his life right now is Jill, his great dane. Then the unexpected happens Jill gets knocked by the dog next door whose owner is the good girl of his dreams.
Callie and Owen are determined to stay away from each other. Not if Jack and Jill can help it.
This book has a nice HEA and it never would have happened if it weren't for the adventures of Jack and Jill.
August 17, 2016
This was a very sweet and funny story. Loved the cute story line and all the characters. Two dogs falling in love leads to their owners falling in love too. How is that not cute? Definitely will read the sequels I'm hoping all of Callie's friends will get. Can't believe a person can rate a story they haven't even read. So unfair to the author.
April 14, 2013
It was free and it had Great Danes in the plot. What could be bad? Well...maybe not bad but not great. Quick read but no depth.
October 28, 2013
Such a lovely book, didn't even know that it was a series!! Definitely reading the rest :)
February 3, 2015
I am a sucker when it comes to books with pets in them. I think they add to the story a lot. This was a great love story. And I can't wait to start the next one..
October 28, 2015
OMG!
I was skeptical at first. I wasn't sure if it was my cup of tea, but OMG, I couldn't put it down. So loved the story and the humor.
I was skeptical at first. I wasn't sure if it was my cup of tea, but OMG, I couldn't put it down. So loved the story and the humor.
December 31, 2015
This was a fun romance. I loved Callie and Owen, and how they try to stay away from each other. Their dogs end up bringing them together with hilarious results.
March 25, 2016
A wonderfully written love story between Callie and Owen and the bonus love story between Jack and Jill!!
dnf
October 2, 2023DNF @ 13%
Want to read
March 5, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/14/2021)!🎁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews