Puppy Love

Career Men #2

by Jill Haven, Austin Bates

Lifelong friends and co-owners of a thriving business, but what if they could have more?

Omega, Harland, has been in love with Coop since they were kids. Working side by side with him in the vet clinic they co-own is sweet torture. If he had one hint that his feelings were returned he’d be all over the alpha like there was no tomorrow. But confessing could mean losing his best friend, and it’s not a risk he’s willing to take. He’ll find a way to get over Coop … somehow.

Coop knows he’s just the man for his best friend … but if he’s wrong he’ll lose everything and he’d rather have Harland’s friendship than nothing at all. But when a new intern shows up and starts flirting with Harland, Coop can’t hide it anymore. Harland is his.

After decades of friendship, can they really take their relationship to the next level? Or will the shift be too much and leave them both lonelier than ever before?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Omegaverse, Friends To Lovers, Paranormal, Audiobook, Contemporary

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2019

About the author

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Jill Haven is a group of writer friends who love to write Mpreg! Dragons, bears, wolves it doesn't matter. Oh, and don't forget contemporary <3 We do our best to make sure that you get books you love!

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A very sweet friends to lovers omegaverse story. There were times when it was incredibly frustrating, as just talking would solve a lot of issues, but I was still completely hooked on this one. Harland and Coop were very cute together, and I found the relationship to be solid and believable (even when they were both so dumb). Aleks Esquire was a new narrator for me and I thought he did a fabulous job! When I listened to the sample I felt like there wasn’t enough difference between character voices, but when I actually listened to the book I didn’t have that issue at all. He did a wonderful job voicing the story and giving each character their own unique sound.

[Emeli Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this rollercoaster of love but it was frustrating to read because all i wanted to do was knocking some sense into harland and coop but i loved their hea and i am looking firward for more books in this series

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puppy Love is the second book in the Career Men series by Jill Haven & Austin Bates. I really like this duo writing style very much. I really liked the story of Cooper and Harland. Can't wait for the next book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/4

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet and adorable. it was cute and loving. i enjoyed it

[Clyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read Austin Bates's Sunnydale veterinary series you should be familiar with the setting of this story. Coop and Harlan have been besties since they were kids, practically raised together and integrated into each other's families. It was a no-brainer for them to partner in an animal clinic when they graduated. Over the years their friendship has become solid but they both are keeping a secret. They've been in love with each other forever but dance around the issue to preserve their bond. Until almost too late. This is a comedy of errors fueled by men's intrinsic inability to express their emotions. It's a good read to watch these two mature men behave like teenagers. The insecurity, the misconceptions, and the lousy timing make for a fun story that will have all the women readers want to shout "talk to each other, you dummies!" I am a huge fan of mpreg and like this omegaverse setting and the author shows a good understanding of the human condition and gets in some good puns and double entendres. (There is a town gossip phone app in this series arc that is a hoot - I have my guess as to the culprit.) I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second book in the Career Men series. In this book, Coop and Harland are lifelong friends who own a vet practice together. Harland is an omega and has been in love with Coop for years, but he never told him and he has watched Coop be a playboy and go from one fling to another. Coop is an alpha and has flings to distract himself from wanting to be with Harland, he is too scared to risk their friendship to tell Harland how he feels. When Harland flirts with Coop, Coop goes along with it and warns Harland to be careful what he wishes for. Harland goes for it and they agree to have a friends with benefits arrangement, but it means more to both of them, but they can't tell the other. Things are going well until Harland's ex returns to town. I enjoyed this book. I really liked Harland. I think he really loved Coop and was so hurt by watching Coop for years. Coop was in love with Harland, but he couldn't tell him because he was scared of losing him. I liked hearing about the characters from book 1 and how they were friends with Coop and Harland. Good one.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, fast-paced story of Coop and Harlan who are co-owners of a veterinary hospital. The two of them have chemistry and real attraction for each other, but neither one wants to risk losing a long-time friendship they value above all else. So instead of speaking up and making their feelings known, they choose to ignore what’s between them to save the friendship. It’s only when another intern enters the practice and makes it obvious he has an interest in Harlan, that Coop realizes he has to speak up or risk losing the person he has always considered his.

My favorite scene was where Harlan and Coop were on dates with someone else and ended up at the same restaurant. The more Harlan looked at Coop, the more dissatisfied he was with his own date who laughed loudly even when Harlan’s jokes weren’t funny and made “puppy dog eyes” at him until he “thought maybe I’d need to bring him into work for a rabies shot”! Even his mom told him later that it sounded like Coop was the one meant for him. Will he find that out? Or will he take an interest in the new guy at work?

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two clueless best friends love each other. Who will makes the first move from friend to lover?

This is such a feel- good book. I loved it! I fell in love wirh the characters from the first pages. They pulled me into their lives. I went willingly. The world is vibrant and alive, filled with intriguing characters. Humor and laughter abound. Come, join the fun!
Harland & Coop have been best friends forever. Now partners in a veterinary practice, they find their friendship is growing, turning into something neither one wants to voice. Both loving the other but afraid to confess it for fear of messing up their friendship. Jealousy may tip the scales. When they finally take the plunge sparks will fly!
This is a sweet story that will leave you feeling good. Come. Laugh with them. Share their hopes. Feel their love. Get. This
Book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good but the only conflict throughout the entire book was their angst and miscommunication. Then they only got together because Harland used Jagger to make Coop jealous by bringing him as his date to a Valentine’s Day thing. And Coop brought Trik as his date because he didn’t want to show up alone? When his whole plan was to show up only to get Harland back? That was unnecessarily cruel of both of them.

The whole book every single character looked down on Trik and called him dumb because he was your stereotypical flamboyant twink. What did Trik ever do but date Coop? Honestly that man got the raw end of the deal. Like he was so unnecessarily villainized just because he liked Coop when Coop was the one being a dick and giving him mixed signals then using him to get Harland back.

In case you can’t tell, I don’t like Coop. He was actually dumb (but honestly so was Harland), cruel, and cowardly.

Here’s to hoping for a book for Trik and Jagger (maybe together, that would be cool) because honestly they fucking deserve it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆
Coop and Harland are lifelong best friends, they own and work together in their vet clinic, and they have each been keeping a secret from the other. There is a lot of jealousy and what they believe to be unrequited love. Their feelings for each other are strong but they were too afraid to risk their friendship - which is understandable but super frustrating - to open up and take a chance. There are a lot of ups and downs before they finally acknowledge their love and earn their HEA.
There is an unknown gossip writer that is bang on with what is happening and makes the story more interesting as well as some really great friends.
I liked Coop and Harland but their characters felt a little flat to me and I think - for me - the secondary characters carried the story. This story seemed rushed, like parts were hurried through or skipped all together, and there were a lot of editing errors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SC · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many things

Let’s start with the obvious, if you either want to keep the location of your book ambiguous or actually have the location be clear, you gotta make sure you keep your lingo neutral. Not the case here, it was very clear one of the authors was not from the US (where this book’s location is set).

Then, there’s the dumb expressions, such as “I’m gonna F you now”. Pretty sure it’s unnecessary since you know, they’re in bed together, it’s kind of implied. Now, I didn’t read the first book, but from what I gathered, the series has one thing in common. Cowards and secrets. Yes, the alphas are cowards. Grown man acting that way is a big turn off for me. But let’s move on. Lastly, the big one - man boobs. And I don’t mean like a guy who gained some weight. I’m already suspending belief by reading Omegaverse, but it is -00% unnecessary to have a man breastfeed on top of that. So, no more of this series of whiny men for me !

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omega Harland co-owns a veterinary clinic with his best friend, Coop. He’s been in love with Coop since they’re were kids but he’s afraid to act on his feelings out of fear of losing their friendship.

Alpha Coop comes off as a playboy but he wants no one else other than Harland. He knows he’s the right alpha for his best friend but his fear of losing Harland as a friend prevents him from acting on those feelings.

Coop and Harland mean everything to each other. They need to each get out their own way if they want to find the happiness they both want.

This was a good story. A story like this just goes to show that communication can make all the difference in the world. I love the group of characters in this series and look forward to see who will find love next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful best friends to lovers romance. Both guys recognize their love for one another but were scared to confess. I agreed with the running mantra throughout the book "Coop is an idiot" and really don't deserve Harland but I understood his fear and looked over his constantly stupid decisions that sometimes pushed Harland away. It was painful sometimes reading all the missed opportunities the two had to confess and clear up misunderstandings. All in all everything worked out in the end and the two had a lovely HEA. It appears the last chapter was a set up for another lovely romance...can't wait!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harland & Coop have been friends for years. Both worked & owned a veterinarian business. They had feelings for one another but never let the other know until one day... then it was game on!!! Harland wanted Coop in the worst way almost playing a dangerous game. Coop didn't care because he wanted this to happen but just never wanted to lose his friendship. They acted on their feelings and things were good. Good was nice but they wanted it to be great. They shared their love together and created a new life. Their friendship grew stronger cause they loved each other so much and for such a long time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never take Valentine's day for granted again. Absolutely, the best! Harland stoically in love with Coop, since forever but insecurity stops him from announcing. Coop, foolishly in love with Harland, since forever but fear keeps him from announcing.They both put keeping their friendship above possible rejection. We get to see how Ryker, August, Noah, and Ewin are doing. We get to meet, Jagger, Harland's ex who could not have been. Harland's Mom and Coop's Dad are delightful. This story was painfully funny watching how if Hoop/Carland could find their brains enough to just talk. Amazing read. These friends are amazing. I am eagerly awaiting everyone's back stories. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of this story, but I struggled though the first half. It was basically the same thing over and over and over. I just wanted to yell at the characters to get their heads out of their bums and move on already. This could have been cut down by at least 25 percent and would have been great.

Written as a 1st person, multi pov with a HEA ending. Good story concept, the characters were a bit weak. I wanted to love the characters, but their wishy washy actions, made it hard. They eventually grew on me. I am however looking forward to Bro and Korbin's story line.

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute...... but repetitive

I know sometimes the friends to lovers story line has one, if not both, character(s) worry about ruining the friendship by trying for more. But this story took it way too far. After the third inner ramblings from BOTH characters about loving the other but not doing anything about it because the friendship was too important, I started skimming. We get it already!! Come up with better plot points, sheesh.

I also had issues with grammatical errors, a lot of them for my preference. I don't mind one or two throughout a book.... but three on the same page? It was distracting.

There is a lead in for the next book, with some side characters from this one, at the end, but I'm honestly not interested in continuing this series.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, TBH, this book could have beneficiated with some serious editing, and cutting the drama by half. Because, by the end, I wasn't fond of the MCs anymore; I was just annoyed. And that last bit of drama made it everything worse, because, seriously? The way in which they dealt with it was so selfish! They both acted with total disregard from the feelings of the other two men involved in the scheme. And Trik was into it totally unaware that there was a scheme going on. He might not be the most loveable of the characters, but he still didn't deserve to be used as a prop.

It's a shame, really, because I liked the characters at the beginning of the story, and I was enjoying it :/

Aleks Esquire did a good job with the narration.

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book my introduction to mpreg, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I will admit, I was pleasantly surprised. This was definitely a friends to lovers kind of story, and it’s a trope I’m quite fond of. I found Cooper and Harland were very likable, but, man did I want to shake them both silly! So did their friends, who weren’t shy on telling them so. I believe they were called ‘idiots’ a few times. As far as being introduced into the world of mpreg, this seemed like a good one. It wasn’t the main focus in the book, but it was a part of it, more so towards the end. I felt like the author did a good job, and I would recommend this book for that exact reason. I would also recommend this book if you like a sweet love story with little to no angst.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first book in the series we have heard about how Harland was pining after Coop, who always had a new omega with him, but never his business partner and best friend, Harland.
Finally, this is their story, where they overcome their fears to lose their best friend by suggesting to have more than just that.
Misguided generosity almost drives them apart again, until they finally are sure of themselves.
Reading about their struggles makes one realise how easy it is, if you do not fall for your best friend.
A lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlan and Coop are best friends but neither can admit they were in love with the other.
Long time best friends Omega Harlan and Alpha Coop had grown up to love each other but neither wanted to risk their friendship by admitting it. They were so close they started a business together. Harlan agonized over every twink Coop dated and Coop watched Harlan's only long term grew and died unaware that it had ended when Harlan was given an ultimatum that he gave up Coop or it was the end. Both agonize over their unrequited love but one will need to be brave enough to break the deadlock.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story

This is dramatic and entertaining. Harland and Coop grew up together as best friends. At some point both had fallen in love with the other, though neither would risk the friendship to see if they could make a relationship work. Everyone in town knows they're in love, but they only tell them how blind and chicken they are. Coop is kind of a jerk, knowing how he feels when Harland goes on a date, he's constantly bringing his one night stand twinks to Harland's attention. Harland is a sweet guy who had reason to doubt Coop, because he was so not Coop's taste. The storyline is great, but it drags after a while.

[Mary Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all books in Sunnydale vets series and I loved all of them. They are all super sweet, interesting and MCs are always adorable. Every time I finished a book I craved more. WHen I saw Puppy Love I couldn't be happier.

This is a lovely story featuring two idiots in love scared of losing each other who do exactly that - almost wait to long and almost miss their chance of happiness. The story is very enjoyable, fast paced and cute. Cooper and Harlan are great together and the chemistry between them is pretty good. It is obvious they were meant to be together. Unfrtunately, they keep doing everything to ruin there chance to be happy together. 

This book is short, but there's a lot of stuff happening. It's impossible to get bored. There's a lot of sexual tension and lots of super hot sex scenes. It would be a 5 stars read if not some details I absolutely hated. Somewhere near 20% there was a mention of Harlan;s "UTERUS"; and i was close to DNFing. I am not a fan of mpreg stories but i don't mind them as long as they are not very detailed and the pregnancy is not the main theme in the story. In the end it turned out "uterus" was not the worst thing here - it was mention of male breast feeding in the end :(

All in all, I really liked this story, it was cute and lovely, but I wish there wasn't so many references to female anatomy here.


*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omega Harland and Alpha Coop have been friends for a long time. They work together and are both afraid to tell the other one how they feel. Coop and Harland spend time together and finally start a romantic relationship. An old friend comes back to town and wants to go out with Harland. Coop is still afraid to tell Harland he loves him and instead tells him to go out with his friend. Coop find the courage to tell Harland that he loves him? Will Coop and Harland find their happily ever after together?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roxanne MacKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Harland and Coop. They have been best friends forever and they even own a business together. Their feelings for each other are changing but neither one is brave enough to share or aware of how the other one feels. Will they remain friends? Can their friendship survive this change? The characters are genuine, vulnerable, and stubborn. The storyline is exciting, intriguing, and emotional. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Boozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with each other but too afraid to take that chance in case they loose their friendship. They have the basis of an awesome relationship. Of course there are misunderstandings, reading things wrong and all other types of errors here. There are meddling family, friends and of course jealousy that help them remove their heads from the sand and decide its time to man up and go for what they really want.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, fun friends to lovers story, the characters are like able and easy to root for!

Coop and Harland are life-long friends who have deeper feelings for each other but have been afraid to push for more. It isn't until a new employee shows up and jealousy rears up that they finally face their feelings. There is a good amount of emotion in this story and a few good surprises too.

This was an enjoyable read, I liked getting to see these two work through their issues to finally get their HEA!

[Georgiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

~AUDIO REVIEW

~3.5 STARS~

Friends to lovers who couldn’t be more clueless

I liked this story but at times found Harland and Coop a bit frustrating. How can they be so blind? How can they smell pheromones and other things about each other, but not the attraction? There was a roller coaster of emotions for the two best friends basically the entire story. Harland and Coop had great chemistry, just lacked communication.

Aleks Esquire did a decent job. He changes the voices for each character, though they weren’t always consistent.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puppy Love by Jill Haven & Austin Bates is the second book in the Career Men series but stands alone without causing confusion to reader. It is a sweet contemporary m/m romance with a friend to lovers theme and an mpreg. Cooper and Harland's story had some drama, frustration and angst... but there was a great amount of humor and romance as well. A very enjoyable story overall.

The narrator is Aleks Esquire. Great job with voicing the characters and giving them life. Clear recording made for entertaining listen.