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Dog Town #2

Bitter and Sweet in Dog Town

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Two unexpected homecomings to a dog-crazy town.

A secret that binds three hearts to the past.

Can one spoiled beagle sniff out the truth at last?

Remi Malone has conquered lifelong shyness with help from Leo, her unofficial therapy dog. The promotion she craves is finally within reach. All she needs to do is land a big donation for the hospital foundation from a visiting heiress.

Hannah Pemberton isn’t thrilled about being back in Dorset Hills to open an exhibit of her late mother’s art. “Dog Town” has become a joke and the visit is stirring up old ghosts. She can’t even remember Remi, the hometown advocate.

Tiller Iverson broke Remi’s heart in high school and left town 12 years ago. Now he’s back with his annoying dog, using his charm on Hannah to win the donation and the job Remi wants. He only has Labor Day weekend to pull it off.

Everyone’s stressed… even Leo. And when Leo’s misdeeds get him barred from duty, Remi’s budding confidence is shaken. She’ll never get the second chance she deserves without her canine sidekick.

But in Dorset Hills, where there’s a dog there’s usually a way.

Bitter & Sweet in Dog Town is the first book in a series of heartwarming romantic comedies set in a quirky but quaint town where the dogs always steal the spotlight.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2018

853 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

Sandy Rideout

52 books68 followers
Sandy Rideout has always been obsessed with animals and writing. She writes humorous and heartwarming mysteries for pet-lovers, including the Bought-the-Farm series (as Ellen Riggs), the Dog Town series, and the paranormal Mystic Mutts series.

Visit Ellen's website at https://ellenriggs.com to sign up for her lighthearted, pet-focused newsletter. Her dogs are highly photogenic and fancy themselves writers, as well.

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5 stars
212 (37%)
4 stars
189 (33%)
3 stars
121 (21%)
2 stars
36 (6%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
June 12, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/12/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,593 reviews1,567 followers
March 9, 2022
Kindle freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

3 1/2 stars? Bonus points for the guy who has read Jane Austen's novels twice.

Remi Malone has spent several years in the basement, researching wealthy donors to raise money for the Dorset Hills Hospital Foundation. She's also spent that time trying to conquer her cripping shyness with the help of Leo, her unofficial therapy beagle. Now she's ready for a promotion and feels it within her grasp when her old friend Hannah Pemberton, a wealthy socialite, comes to town to view an exhibit of her late mother's art and unveiling of a tribute to her mother by the new mayor. Remi knows she's got this but her boss doesn't see it that way and assigns Remi a "handler" in the form of Tiller Iverson, a family friend of the mayor's and owner of a naughty dog Roxy. Leo and Roxy cause trouble for Remi and are banned from work and events! How will Remi ever get the promotion and find out why Hannah left Dorset Hills never to return until now. She's NOT interested in knowing why Tiller broke her heart all those years ago. Can she handle the donation appeal on her own without her trusty furry pal or will she revert back to the quiet nerd Hannah and Tiller don't remember from high school?

I don't know how to classify this genre. Unlike the prequel, it doesn't contain any magical intution or anything silly like that. It's mostly a novel about a woman trying to find herself and come into her own as an adult. It's partly a romance although the conclusion to the romantic subplot happens VERY quickly. I don't buy it. I enjoyed the story very much up to that point because I can REALLY relate to Remi. I swear everything she says about dogs has crossed my mind or come out of my mouth LOL! I highlighted so many quotes which you can see under the link for the complete series.

Remi is an extreme introvert. She's extremely shy and socially awkward. In high school she was so quiet that her former friends don't remember her. Now, as an adult, most of her thoughts revolve around her dog Leo or dogs in general. Remi has been working hard at overcoming her crippling shyness. I admire her for that and totally relate to having Leo as an icebreaker and needing him with her as a crutch. Throughout the story she grows and learns to allow Leo to help others as he has helped her. That's very kind and generous of her. She does tend to smother Leo though. She forgets he's not a baby and treats him the way she knows she shouldn't. He is VERY spoiled and very much loved. He knows it too. Leo is also quite naughty and causes a lot of mischief. I laughed a lot at his antics. I'm not familiar with beagles or male dogs but he fits the description of my childhood terrier to a T. She would have behaved the same way in many situations.

I really like Remi's friendship with Arden, her colleague. Arden is the complete opposite of Remi. She's outgoing, artistic and fun. However, they share a passion for dogs. The pair have a long running game of taking selfies with the rarest breeds they can find. The person who identifies and describes the breed and gets their photo first is the winner- usually Remi! Like me, she's an encyclopedia of knowledge. Like me, she notices dogs first, people second. Remi's experiences in high school and Arden's boldness, lead them to champion Brianne, a high school student bullied by the mean kids. I don't appreciate Arden's method of dealing with them. She's kind of immature. Remi handles it better.

Their boss, Marcus, is NOT a dog lover. He prefers designer sofas and money to comanionship and the unconditional love of a furry friend. BOO HISS! Marcus also doesn't trust Remi or have any intention of promoting her. He even hired a crony of the new mayor in spite of the man not having Remi's experience. Marcus uses Remi. He doesn't see her as a person with feelings. She's a computer to him. She reseachers and gives him information. That's what he needs fromher. Jerk. However, as the story goes in, I developed empathy for him. He really is an amazingly tolerant boss. Even though Marcus assigns Julia to help Remi at first, Julia turns out to be lovely. She's eccentric and a lot of fun. Julia is quietly compassionate and very observant. She's very calm, relaxed and has a great sense of humor.

Hannah Pemberton of the billionare Pemberton family has returned to town for the first time since high school. She and Remi share a history but Hannah doesn't seem to remember. Hannah acts *itchy and mean girlish at first. Hannah only wants to hang out with other rich people and snubs the cute dog friendly lifestyle of Dorset Hills. As with Marcus, she becomes a fully developed character by the end of the story. Her character growth is excellent. I had a lot of empathy for her once I understood her motivation for staying away. Yet she has choices in life and she didn't have to act like a *itch. She seems more her true self when she's NOT acting like a socialite. The best scene is when she experiences street art at a block party. I think THAT was her mother's spirit moving her and not what the mayor unveils. (Yikes). Hannah seemed more normal and honest in that moment than anwhere else in the book prior to the end.

Hannah's brother James is also arrogant and rich. He, unlike Hannah, seems more comfortable with the common folk of Dorset Hills and is amused by the quirky town traditions. He runs afoul of Remi at first and seems to think highly of himself. I think Dorset Hills gets under his skin and he can, if he chooses, decenter and become more normal. I kind of like him. Tiller Iverson is much like James-good looking and arrogant because he knows it. He sounds like he was a sweet boy in high school but has grown up in the city and is no longer the charming boy he once was. He thinks he knows it all. Tiller's ideas of dog training seem to come from watching videos of "The Dog Whisperer". It doesn't seem to work for Roxy and wouldn't be good for Leo because he's a rescue who had a rough start. Roxy isn't very well behaved and doesn't seem to like Leo. The dogs seem to mirror the human emotions they sense.

The mayor, Bill Bradshaw, is supposedly some kind of villain. The dog rescuers are wary but so far, he hasn't done anything wrong- just place a family friend in the job Remi has worked hard for.

Returning characters are Cori Hogan and Bridget Linsmore, the dog rescuers. Cori is a ball buster. She's TOUGH with a captial t. She learned everything about rescue from Bruce. He seems to have moved on (with Isla?! What happened to her and Rio?) but Cori has taken over where he left off and to the extreme! She is CRAZY but when she likes you, she really has your back. When she doesn't like you, you can feel it. Bridget is so sweet but playing matchmaker for people is much harder and more nuanced than playing matchmaker for dogs. She should butt out of people business.

This series is nice escapism if you want a bit of pure fluff. It makes for good bedtime reading but isn't the most intellectually satisfying book I've ever read.
Profile Image for Cornel Diaconu.
554 reviews
January 26, 2024
I'd give it rather 3.5
The (somehow) funny adventures of Remi the girl dog-tammer, and her Leo beaggle are worth a bit. But the overall senzation is that of "too long for too little". And I did not like ther struggle to make Hannah (the former kid of a very wealthy artist, now her surviving child, and many millions worth), donate to the dog foundation where they work. Their boss fixation for that couch is laughable, but also ridiculous, even if presumed made by a certain famous designer.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,682 reviews26 followers
August 9, 2018
Remi and Tiller were the best of friends, until a misunderstanding about what happened on prom night. When Tiller returns to town, Remi is faced with some difficult choices. Will they work things out or will she end up alone? No spoilers, but I wasn’t expecting what happened to cause the fallout.
Profile Image for Karen.
448 reviews32 followers
August 7, 2019
Short and sweet with a few chuckles. I wasn't pulled in though. There was just too much going on, including an unresolved thread about whitewashing walls. I didn't feel any connection developing/redeveloping between the two main characters for most of the story.

In addition, there were so many "quirky" people that it was a bit distracting. The people we are not meant to root for are almost caricatures. This book is short but also serves to introduce as an introduction to a whole host of other characters who will no doubt be the focus of subsequent books. The characters are interesting enough but there were just too many stuffed in there.

It is an easy read though and I enjoyed it as a bit of brain candy.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
December 30, 2018
Couch potatoes

What a really great read. Okay the mystery is so, so but the human aspect of this is tremendous. Real characters that live as you get to know them and their story.
She had always been an introvert, happiest with her dog and BFF. However now she wants to branch out and take on a new job. Getting contributions for the hospital. However her boss is unsure and wants her to take more time to know the job even though she's been working with him for over 8 years. Add in a naughty dog that will eat anything not nailed down, a beautiful heiress (who went to her old high school), a newly hired handsome man (who used to go out with her until events happened at her prom) and a set of circumstances that will have you chuckling, grimacing and wincing as you go through a short period of her life.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
August 16, 2018
Remi Malone is shy, aloof, and stuck in a dead end job. With the help of her unofficial therapy dog Leo, she is beginning to come out of her shell. When the opportunity to woe a new client for a big donation for the hospital foundations appears which would give her the promotion she wants, Remi is ready to jump at the chance. The only problem is that her boss has another person in mind to take over the job and it happens to be Tiller the boy that broke her heart in high school.

The is a sweet and heartwarming romantic comedy that is filled with misunderstandings, quirky townsfolk, a main character that you grow to love, opportunities for second chances, and of course a town full of dogs and dog lovers.
1,235 reviews11 followers
September 9, 2021
Dogs - trouble or heroes?

This is the first book in the series and it’s off to a great start! Remi works for the Hospital Foundation with her faithful beagle, Leo, by her side. When Tiller comes back to town and lands her coveted job at the Foundation, sad memories return of being left by him at the Senior Prom. But when Hannah Pemberton, heir of the Pemberton billionaire, and high school frenemy, Remi get her big chance to land a large hospital donation. Unfortunately, Tiller gets the same chance. While their dogs wreak havoc, will one of them be able to land a donation? This is a great story with intricate characters and hidden pasts, which will surely keep your interest!
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
September 26, 2025
This story features Dorset Hills, a town rebranding itself as dog friendly. I didn't take to the characters or scenario in which two people are vying to get a donation from a wealthy former resident who is visiting. The ladies complain that they disliked school, which many people would agree with, including some of the current pupils. I prefer a later story which is much more focused on dogs and not on people's money and school days. There is a rather forced attempt at reconnecting for romance, but it's family friendly. An extremely badly behaved beagle shows why dogs should not be left unsupervised and would not be welcome in art galleries.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
August 30, 2018
Remi has over comed her shyness with Leo's help. Now she is ready to help others. She is looking for a promotion, and in landing a big donation for the hospital foundation she is sure the promotion is hers. But then, there is Tiller Iverson. He broke Remi's heart when they were in high school, and then he left town. That was 12 years ago, but now he is back and wants the same promotion that Remi wants. Things get tense, and when that happens, things go wrong. Can Remi and Tiller work out their problems? Who will get the promotion? You will need to read the book to find out. I voluntarily read a copy of this book.
233 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2021
All of us have known/been Remi

Which makes this book by Sandy Rideout doubly poignant. Fortunately she has a lovely and lovable woofie to help her through her days. Great book on many levels; never taking people at face value, being one of the important lessons Remi has to learn. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Dogtown series, and am predicting the mayor will continue being more and more of a 'black hat, you have to join me in reading these books to see if I'm right!
Profile Image for Lcr.
908 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2018
Short sweet and hilarious. Bitter and Sweet in Dog Town is a lovely book full of interesting and quirky characters and some wonderful, charming dogs. The dogs are the stars of this book although they are not always well behaved. There is more to come from Dog Town and in this book the author has cleverly introduced us to characters we are going to love in future books. I definitely recommend this book to dog fans everywhere .. and to anyone who wants a good, light hearted read.
2,023 reviews
June 29, 2019
Fun book and enjoyable. Remi and her beagle, Leo, are a great pair. Good characterization of Remi and he co-workers and friends in town. Interesting other characters that I'm sure we'll get to know better in the following books. I definitely plan to read the next one. Did get the short-short that follows this from the author that is like an epilogue to this book that lets us see the actual engagement!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
174 reviews3 followers
Read
April 11, 2021
A Blast From the Past

Remi is finally coming out of her reclusive shell due to Leo, her therapy basket hound. Hannah Pembleton, returns to represent her dead mother's art work at a local museum. Remi's high school boyfriend, Tiller, shows up at her office with his dog, Roxi, only for her boss, Marcus, to insist they work together in soliciting a large donation from Hannah for their local hospital.

Their mutual love of dogs bring them all together.
Profile Image for Marseydoats.
2,233 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2025
I confess, I didn't care for the prequel novella to this at all, and that really bothered me because I like the author, and adore the Bought the Farm series, which I read first. I was immediately intrigued by the Rescue Mafia, especially Cori, who is my hero, so I decided I'd give this series a try again.
This is AWESOME! Leo is hilarious. I will admit that I was hoping that Remi would end up with James though. On to the next one!
4,566 reviews38 followers
September 11, 2018
A most enjoyable story. I love the idea that there is a Dog Town. The characters are well developed. I loved Remi, Arden, Hannah, James and Tiller. The dogs, particularly Leo and Roxy each have their own personalities, behaviors and strengths. I read Both this story and the second one this afternoon. I could not get enough of Dog Town!
1,343 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2018
Sweet romance, a little comedy, with just a touch of mystery.

It's a dog eat dog world out there, especially in the world of fundraising. She wants to do more and be more, but her boss wants to keep her in research, and ends up bringing in the guy who broke her heart for the job she wants.
469 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2018
Sweet romantic story about a second chance at love. Remi and Tiller were in love in high school but a misunderstanding at prom broke them up. Now, over a decade later, they have a second chance, if they are both willing to try. The stars of the story were the dogs though. Their antics were so funny.
4,589 reviews33 followers
June 2, 2019
Remi takes dog loving over the top. She has hidden in the basement working on fundraising for years. Enter Tiller, potential stealer of her promotion and former boyfriend. The world of fundraising is a hard world to navigate, Leo helps her deal with people. The story has an interesting plot with a few twists. If you enjoy dogs you will get a kick out of this book.
338 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2019
In my opinion, Leo the Beagle is the best character in this great read! His mom is a shy retiring researcher stuck in a job she desperately wants to be promoted out of. Enter Tiller, a man from her past. What follows is worth investing a few hours of your time. Put your feet up grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!
Profile Image for Carole Mckee.
335 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2019
Unusual but Cute

Dog Town sounds like an ideal town for dog lovers like me. Lots of great characters and, of course, lots of dogs. Demi loves her Beagle, Leo. When her old boyfriend shows up with his dog, Roxy, it's pandemonium. Dog Town is exactly like it's name. The town loved dogs, and dogs get regal treatment. Wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
1,587 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2019
I think this is the best book in the series so far. I loved the misdemeanour and major crimes that took place with the mystery of it all the story had me thinking and guessing. The dogs all sound charming and the hint of romance gave the ending a very satisfying feeling. A wonderful clean read to thoroughly enjoy.
Profile Image for Amy.
197 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2020
I love how dog orientated the story is! Leo is a gorgeous beagle and had the power to carry the story on his own.
Remi was an interesting MC and is very lucky to have a workplace that allows companion dogs. I also liked that it wasn't overly until the last few chapters exactly how this story would end.
Overall, I think it was sweet and I certainly plan to read more of the Dog Town series.
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,302 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2022
I like the idea of the Dog Town but Mayor Bradshaw is a typical politician. The mayor is a real piece of work, all he is worried about is image. There is a lot of things going on in this story. The story is entertaining but moves very slowly. I like Remi and Leo her devoted dog. Things are very predictable. I read in Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series (Dog Town #0-9).
Profile Image for Ida Lukasik.
249 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2018
I received this book free

I just loved this story.
Dogs will be dogs. Leo and Roxy are just so much fun.

Remi getting to be with Tiller made me so happy.

I almost thought she might go for James.

I felt sad for Hannah. But know with help of her friends things will work out
Profile Image for Anna Rashbrook.
Author 33 books12 followers
May 10, 2019
Romance and dogs!

I did so enjoy this novella! The dogs made it for me in this canine loving town. Lots of really funny, naughty behaviour from the dogs but tempered with advice through the characters. A simple romance too. Lovely, light and thoroughly enjoyable!
Profile Image for Katie.
41 reviews
July 11, 2019
Entertaining light reading😄

Fun to read, moves along well with characters you can almost say, yep I know them. A pleasant read for a re!axing afternoon. Only for those that have or desire a furry companion at their side.
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
July 12, 2019
The story had a weak plot. It centered around dog breeds with just a bit of a romantic touch. Actually, it wasn't easy to understand why the heroine was so against her ex-boyfriend. Did he really do something so terrible? We only find out near the end of the story.
Profile Image for Kathi.
1,346 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2019
Sweet and simple

You 'd think because I work in the fundraising dept of a rescue non-profit and because I like dogs, that I would have loved this book. There wasn't much conflict, and things were pretty predictable. I'm not interested in the follow up stories, either.
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