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A Dog Named Al Capone #1
Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone
Capone, the newly acquired puppy of Miss Josephine St. Clair, owner of Bartleby's Books, is a literature loving Labrador. Obsessed with Jane Austen, and cursed with a terrible name, Capone hopes to change his doggie karma and prove he's just as much a gentleman as the heroes in his favorite books, by finding the perfect Mr. Darcy for the lonely and bookishly adorable Miss Josie.
Unfortunately, the only men Miss Josie seems to encounter aren't Darcys at all. They're Wickhams, Churchills, and Willoughbys. Even worse, there is trouble afoot. Someone has been sabotaging Miss Josie's business, and all signs point to her evil ex. Can Capone find a way to save Bartleby's Books, help Miss Josie find her true love, and earn, at long last, a name befitting a true gentleman?
Unfortunately, the only men Miss Josie seems to encounter aren't Darcys at all. They're Wickhams, Churchills, and Willoughbys. Even worse, there is trouble afoot. Someone has been sabotaging Miss Josie's business, and all signs point to her evil ex. Can Capone find a way to save Bartleby's Books, help Miss Josie find her true love, and earn, at long last, a name befitting a true gentleman?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
263 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Drake
42 books419 followersAbigail Drake is the award-winning author of twenty-one novels, but she didn’t start her career in writing. She majored in Japanese and economics in college, and spent years traveling the world, collecting stories wherever she visited. She collected a husband from Istanbul on her travels, too, and he is her favorite souvenir.
Abigail is a coffee addict, a puppy wrangler, and the mother of three adult sons. She writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and young adult fiction, and has taught workshops for many different writing organizations. In her spare time, she blogs about her dog, Capone, and teaches writing classes for children at her local library.
In 2019, Abigail was awarded an honorable mention for her book "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone" in the Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards. She is the winner of the 2017 Prism Award for her book "Traveller", the International Digital Award for her young adult novel, "Tiger Lily", and the Stiletto Contest for "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone." In addition, she was named a finalist in the Golden Pen, the Golden Leaf, the Dante Rossetti Book Award, and the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction.
Abigail is represented by Lauren Bieker of FinePrint Literary Management. For more information, visit her website at www.abigaildrake.net.
Abigail is a coffee addict, a puppy wrangler, and the mother of three adult sons. She writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and young adult fiction, and has taught workshops for many different writing organizations. In her spare time, she blogs about her dog, Capone, and teaches writing classes for children at her local library.
In 2019, Abigail was awarded an honorable mention for her book "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone" in the Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards. She is the winner of the 2017 Prism Award for her book "Traveller", the International Digital Award for her young adult novel, "Tiger Lily", and the Stiletto Contest for "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone." In addition, she was named a finalist in the Golden Pen, the Golden Leaf, the Dante Rossetti Book Award, and the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction.
Abigail is represented by Lauren Bieker of FinePrint Literary Management. For more information, visit her website at www.abigaildrake.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 11, 2019
Entertaining, well written romance .
Delightful rom-com so adorably told from the dog's point of view.
This sweet romance will keep you reading.
You're going to want to curl up with this as the snow flies outside.
Published October 15th 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All o[pinions expressed are my own.
Delightful rom-com so adorably told from the dog's point of view.
This sweet romance will keep you reading.
You're going to want to curl up with this as the snow flies outside.
Published October 15th 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All o[pinions expressed are my own.
September 5, 2019
A beautiful perspective on a romance.
Josie is a lonely owner of a rare book store, she has lost her parents, the bookstore owner who was father like also recently passed, the bookstore itself is in deep financial trouble and she found out that her boyfriend was cheating. Her best friend gets her a pup, Capone to help her navigate this rough time.
Capone, is an adorable rascal. He loves to create trouble, listen to books being read and watching PBS. He has taken it upon him self to save the bookstore and also self appointed himself to Miss Josie a Mr. Darcy.
I loved viewing a romance from the perspective of a puppy. The antics in this book were so believable, I loved how Capone classified all the males in Josie's life. The mystery story was some what predictable but that part was forgivable. I am glad this book had a HEA.
I absolutely loved the animals, all of them. As an animal lover, it was good identify different personalities in each of the characters. Also are lab pups so insightful in real life? (Maybe I need to get one).
I definitely recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinion are my own.
Luanna
Josie is a lonely owner of a rare book store, she has lost her parents, the bookstore owner who was father like also recently passed, the bookstore itself is in deep financial trouble and she found out that her boyfriend was cheating. Her best friend gets her a pup, Capone to help her navigate this rough time.
Capone, is an adorable rascal. He loves to create trouble, listen to books being read and watching PBS. He has taken it upon him self to save the bookstore and also self appointed himself to Miss Josie a Mr. Darcy.
I loved viewing a romance from the perspective of a puppy. The antics in this book were so believable, I loved how Capone classified all the males in Josie's life. The mystery story was some what predictable but that part was forgivable. I am glad this book had a HEA.
I absolutely loved the animals, all of them. As an animal lover, it was good identify different personalities in each of the characters. Also are lab pups so insightful in real life? (Maybe I need to get one).
I definitely recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinion are my own.
Luanna
May 14, 2022
I love books written in first person perspective. When that "person" is not a person but a DOG 🐶, I couldn't have been more enamored. Add in a bookstore, and I'm in heaven ❤️
Light, heartwarming fun and full of laugh out loud moments
Full of heart and great advice like:
"Don't eat something with a knife coming out of its butt." (Capone had a bit of a run in with a bumble bee. I'm thankful he shares his wisdom, we all benefit😂)
Capone is a lab puppy, trying to behave but not always winning the fight. He is trying to win over his owner's heart by helping her solve the mystery of some missing books. He has a gang of friends (and foes) to help solve this adorable cozy mystery.
Such a fun story
Light, heartwarming fun and full of laugh out loud moments
Full of heart and great advice like:
"Don't eat something with a knife coming out of its butt." (Capone had a bit of a run in with a bumble bee. I'm thankful he shares his wisdom, we all benefit😂)
Capone is a lab puppy, trying to behave but not always winning the fight. He is trying to win over his owner's heart by helping her solve the mystery of some missing books. He has a gang of friends (and foes) to help solve this adorable cozy mystery.
Such a fun story
January 25, 2020
This super cute romcom warmed my heart. Who can resist a love story involving a dog? I surely can’t!! Capone is a black lab puppy who is adopted by Josephine St. Clair, a used bookstore owner. Capone is no ordinary dog. He loves Jane Austin books and watching PBS. He is determined to find Josephine her perfect Mr. Darcy. After a series of break-ins, Capone and his friends try to find the culprits. This will lead to potential danger, but do not worry, this book has a perfect ever after ending.
Fun and entertaining, this book has all the right elements for a perfect love story.
🙋🏼♀️ Thanks to Abigail Drake and Books Forward for sending me a final copy of this lovely novel. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲 by Abigail Drake is available at your favourite bookstore.
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January 26, 2022
This is one of my favorite books I read in 2021. Hands down, delightful. I wish I could read this one for the first time again. It is that good.
March 4, 2022
Entertaining and Endearing
Who couldn’t love Capone? This book is like a Hallmark movie from the point of view of the dog. I follow Capone on Facebook, so I knew what to expect. It was so funny, and of course, predictable, but in the best way! Can’t wait to read more of Madame’s works! ❤️
Who couldn’t love Capone? This book is like a Hallmark movie from the point of view of the dog. I follow Capone on Facebook, so I knew what to expect. It was so funny, and of course, predictable, but in the best way! Can’t wait to read more of Madame’s works! ❤️
November 23, 2019
Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone is a delightful, adorable, hilarious rom-com that's told from dog's POV. I've never read a book told from a dog's POV, and this one was so much fun to read! Capone is an energetic, overly enthusiastic Labrador puppy, who loves books and watching PBS dramas. His one mission is to find the perfect Mr. Darcy for his owner Miss Josie, and his other mission is to become a gentleman, just like his favorite literary heroes. He finds that it's not easy to find a man as perfect as Darcy, and being a gentleman requires self-control that goes against his puppy nature. Gentlemen do not chew on shoes, peony bushes, and pillows; they also don't lick people's ankles. But Capone is determined to succeed in both his goals.
Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone has so many things that I love: adorable pets, not just Capone but all his canine (and even feline) friends, a lot of Jane Austen references, sweet romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and even a mystery. I adored this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves animals, romantic and light-hearted reads, and Austen retellings.
Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone has so many things that I love: adorable pets, not just Capone but all his canine (and even feline) friends, a lot of Jane Austen references, sweet romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and even a mystery. I adored this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves animals, romantic and light-hearted reads, and Austen retellings.
May 16, 2022
Top 10 Reasons to Read Love, Chocolate, And A Dog Named Al Capone:
1.) A snuggly, rambunctious super-sniffer of a pup who has the best intentions.
2.) Josie, Nate, and Capone's affinity for Pride And Prejudice and all things Mr. Darcy.
3.) A rare book store full of literary treasures.
4.) A next-door coffee shop, with an owner who insists on gifting coffee until he discovers Josie's favorite (yes, please!)
5.) Lots of classic literary references.
6.) A story told from the perspective of a literature-loving Labrador with a penchant for mischief.
8.) A puppy's search for his owner's one true love (amid some adorable hijinks!)
9.) Plenty of fun nicknames for potential love interests (and exes)
10.) A cozy mystery vibe, tossed with the perfect mix of romcom and puppy shenanigans.
Have I enticed you to read this one yet?!?
Thank you so much to @abigaildrakeauthor @audiobookwormpromos and @audible for my gifted audio copy of this pup-tastic tale! I wholeheartedly enjoyed it, and just like Rebel Without a Claus (my first-ever Abigail Drake experience!), I'm waiting with bated breath for the sequel to this one, which hits shelves May 31!! Eee! I CANNOT WAIT!
1.) A snuggly, rambunctious super-sniffer of a pup who has the best intentions.
2.) Josie, Nate, and Capone's affinity for Pride And Prejudice and all things Mr. Darcy.
3.) A rare book store full of literary treasures.
4.) A next-door coffee shop, with an owner who insists on gifting coffee until he discovers Josie's favorite (yes, please!)
5.) Lots of classic literary references.
6.) A story told from the perspective of a literature-loving Labrador with a penchant for mischief.
8.) A puppy's search for his owner's one true love (amid some adorable hijinks!)
9.) Plenty of fun nicknames for potential love interests (and exes)
10.) A cozy mystery vibe, tossed with the perfect mix of romcom and puppy shenanigans.
Have I enticed you to read this one yet?!?
Thank you so much to @abigaildrakeauthor @audiobookwormpromos and @audible for my gifted audio copy of this pup-tastic tale! I wholeheartedly enjoyed it, and just like Rebel Without a Claus (my first-ever Abigail Drake experience!), I'm waiting with bated breath for the sequel to this one, which hits shelves May 31!! Eee! I CANNOT WAIT!
September 15, 2019
If ever there is the equivalent for an academy award for dogs, then Capone would be a winner! In
"Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone", author Abigail Drake brings us the tale of a little black labrador named Capone who is a misfit among other dogs. He loves Jane Austen, and aspires to being the "perfect" gentleman, like Mr. Darcy. Unfortunately, his dream is consistently thwarted by unexpected circumstances. Capone manages to get himself in to some unfortunate, though, exciting adventures. His mistress, Josephine is having trouble at the bookstore she owns and Capone starts digging up clues. With the help of some of his doggie friends, Capone manages to save the day! I would love to see a series of these books with Capone and his doggie friends. Excellent writing, and the story made me laugh and say, "Aww". We need more Capone!
"Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone", author Abigail Drake brings us the tale of a little black labrador named Capone who is a misfit among other dogs. He loves Jane Austen, and aspires to being the "perfect" gentleman, like Mr. Darcy. Unfortunately, his dream is consistently thwarted by unexpected circumstances. Capone manages to get himself in to some unfortunate, though, exciting adventures. His mistress, Josephine is having trouble at the bookstore she owns and Capone starts digging up clues. With the help of some of his doggie friends, Capone manages to save the day! I would love to see a series of these books with Capone and his doggie friends. Excellent writing, and the story made me laugh and say, "Aww". We need more Capone!
October 16, 2019
A very entertaining and well written romance. A good plot with a cast of quirky characters. Animal lovers and fans of romance books will enjoy this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.
November 14, 2019
Bibliophile, chocolate lover ... there's something in this sugary-sweet romance for everyone. Especially recommended for fans of You've Got Mail and Pride and Prejudice. Capone the labrador is definitely a "wonder dog" and is the star of this show!
August 12, 2022
I loved this story! Capone is such a wonderful dog. I love his friends. what a beautiful tale of friendship, love, and of course books! I recommend!
December 23, 2021
I'm pretty sure I've never given 5 stars to a light and fluffy book like this one, but I loved this book so, so much I couldn't give it anything else.
Reasons I gave it 5 stars:
1. The lists at the beginning of each chapter
2. The "notes to self"
3. The intelligent advanced vocabulary and life knowledge of a puppy. It should have been hokey but absolutely wasn't
4. The first person POV of Capone
5. The search for a "better" name for Capone and it's final resolution
I truly did not want this to end. I admit, I'm biased toward anything to do with dogs, but how could you not love this book, dog person or no?
Reasons I gave it 5 stars:
1. The lists at the beginning of each chapter
2. The "notes to self"
3. The intelligent advanced vocabulary and life knowledge of a puppy. It should have been hokey but absolutely wasn't
4. The first person POV of Capone
5. The search for a "better" name for Capone and it's final resolution
I truly did not want this to end. I admit, I'm biased toward anything to do with dogs, but how could you not love this book, dog person or no?
June 17, 2023
Dog lovers will identify with Al Capone, a lovable pooch who narrates this chick romance. It's a fun beach read that somehow stays with the reader, picturing the doggie intrigues as the protagonist develops her self-confidence and ability to weed out the right man for her.
August 31, 2022
What a absolute fun read! This is the 3rd Abigail Drake book I’ve read so far…the other 2 were the south side mysteries. This book, narrated by the dog, has lots of laughs as well as caring relationships which the south side mysteries have as well. What this book doesn’t have are the TMI sex scenes the south side stories contain. The situations here are funny and Capone will capture your heart from the beginning. Ms. drake does a great job informing the reader of the characteristics, both lovable and disgusting, of Labradors. Can’t wait to read book 2!
February 6, 2020
What an absolutely charming story! Capone is the narrator of this cute romance that includes a bit of mystery. Capone is a book-dog if ever there was one, and I love the references to Jane Austen that run throughout. Several animals run throughout, some becoming Capone's friends, some his nemeses. The big caper at the end reminds me of a Disney movie, a little bit of The Incredible Journey, a little bit of any movie with talking pets that save the day.
And of course there are Josie and Nate, the main characters. Yes, I just mentioned them, and that's because they really are less of the focus. Josie jumps through a few dating hoops, with some hilarious results. Nate is the charming neighbor that you know is the right guy for Josie, and happily he sticks around until Josie figures it out, too. They are very cute, but the dogs and cats rule this book. Outside of the dating hijinks, we don't see a lot of romance other than through the eyes of Capone and the other pets, as they watch Josie and Nate. Pacing slows down a little in the middle because of it. The villains are cartoonish and not unexpected. Still, there are some good laughs and I definitely was smiling at the end. Very charming.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
And of course there are Josie and Nate, the main characters. Yes, I just mentioned them, and that's because they really are less of the focus. Josie jumps through a few dating hoops, with some hilarious results. Nate is the charming neighbor that you know is the right guy for Josie, and happily he sticks around until Josie figures it out, too. They are very cute, but the dogs and cats rule this book. Outside of the dating hijinks, we don't see a lot of romance other than through the eyes of Capone and the other pets, as they watch Josie and Nate. Pacing slows down a little in the middle because of it. The villains are cartoonish and not unexpected. Still, there are some good laughs and I definitely was smiling at the end. Very charming.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 23, 2020
This was beautiful rom-com told from the perspective of a dog.
Josie is left alone after the death of her parents, and is now the sole owner of a rare and old bookstore which was passed to her by the previous owner (aka employer aka Bartelby).
The bookstore is going through financial crisis and there are some ledgers and valuable books missing. Josie found out her boyfriend was cheating and broke up with her. But since she has taken over the bookstore, there have been some kind of break-ups and thievery happening.
Her best friend gifts her a dog (Capone) to give her company at this difficult time. But Josie has no idea about dogs and Capone is such a naughty yet adorable one! He loves to listen to books being read and watch those PBS dramas. When he comes to know of the situation, he takes upon himself to save the bookstore and Josie. He also promises to find the perfect Mr Darcy for her Josie. He starts classifying all the males in Josie’s life as males from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice!
I loved reading this cute book from the viewpoint of a dog and given the dog was such a bookish fellow - it was even more interesting! Fans of P&P and lab pups will surely love this I guess!
Josie is left alone after the death of her parents, and is now the sole owner of a rare and old bookstore which was passed to her by the previous owner (aka employer aka Bartelby).
The bookstore is going through financial crisis and there are some ledgers and valuable books missing. Josie found out her boyfriend was cheating and broke up with her. But since she has taken over the bookstore, there have been some kind of break-ups and thievery happening.
Her best friend gifts her a dog (Capone) to give her company at this difficult time. But Josie has no idea about dogs and Capone is such a naughty yet adorable one! He loves to listen to books being read and watch those PBS dramas. When he comes to know of the situation, he takes upon himself to save the bookstore and Josie. He also promises to find the perfect Mr Darcy for her Josie. He starts classifying all the males in Josie’s life as males from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice!
I loved reading this cute book from the viewpoint of a dog and given the dog was such a bookish fellow - it was even more interesting! Fans of P&P and lab pups will surely love this I guess!
September 29, 2019
Love, Chocolate and a Dog Named Al Capone is told from the perspective of a black Labrador puppy named Capone who is given to a bookstore owner named Miss Josie. In true puppy fashion, Capone wrecks havoc in her life all in the name of finding Miss Josie her true love. You see Capone is a Jane Austin obsessed puppy who wants his owner to find her own Mr. Darcy. Add to this a mystery of missing books and ledgers and you have a cute story that will have you turning pages. Having the story told completely in Capone's point of view adds a distinct charm to the story. If you are looking for a cute story to brighten up your fall this book will be released October 15th!
Thank you Netgalley and Backlit PR for providing a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Backlit PR for providing a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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April 28, 2024Thank you Netgalley and Backlit pr for the ARC of love, chocolate, and a dog named Al Capone. I read bookstore owner and puppies and I was sold but of course Iove a fun romance story. This was an absolutely fun and adorable read and if you love feel good romance books check this one out.
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May 1, 2020Super cute! I loved Capone and his canine (and human) friends!
April 2, 2022
At first, when I realized Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Capone was being told from the perspective of a dog, I thought maybe this book is not for me. But I enjoy this author's writing so much, I stuck with it, and boy am I glad I did! Laced with Jane Austen themes, I was treated to an intriguing mystery, banter between several entertaining pet personalities, and ultimately a satisfying romance. Abigail Drake is excellent at writing page-turning tales that touch on a variety of issues with an undercurrent of magic that sucks you right in. (I love how each chapter begins with a list from the dog's perspective, often setting the stage for what comes next -- which of course made me keep reading when I meant to take a break.) This book would be great for middle grade (I mean, the pets alone!), high school (great introduction to Jane Austen books), and adults (the romance, the suspension of disbelief, the escape) -- truly a multi genre appeal! Oh, and if you are more of a cat person, don't worry, Drake has you covered. Oh, and if you start wondering whether the town of Beaver exists, so did I. I looked it up. And I now I have to get to Witch Flavor Ice Cream, the pizza place, and a bajillion other of the village haunts mentioned in the book!
October 3, 2022
so funny!!
Capone is a black lab raised on classic novels and PBS. Adopted into a rare book shop by the lovely owner, he longs to be a gentleman like Mr Darcy in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. He’s still a puppy, though, and manages to make every mistake in the puppy ‘don’t’ book, while helped his beloved mistress find her own human Mr Darcy, and solve a mystery in her bookshop. Capone’s thoughts are HILARIOUS. If you like to imagine what your dog is thinking - this is the book for you! Loved it!
Capone is a black lab raised on classic novels and PBS. Adopted into a rare book shop by the lovely owner, he longs to be a gentleman like Mr Darcy in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. He’s still a puppy, though, and manages to make every mistake in the puppy ‘don’t’ book, while helped his beloved mistress find her own human Mr Darcy, and solve a mystery in her bookshop. Capone’s thoughts are HILARIOUS. If you like to imagine what your dog is thinking - this is the book for you! Loved it!
April 18, 2023
This was a freebie on Amazon. Fluffy brain candy. POV from a 3 month old Labrador retriever. Who seems very mature for his age with some things. Others like chewing up everything in sight are spot on.
Capone is adopted by Josie, who really didn't want a dog. Too destructive! Capone wants to be a gentleman, not a gangster. He decides Josie needs a "Mr Darcy". Many men seem interested in Josie, but not all are gentlemen. There's also a mystery that Capone & his furry friends help solve.
This was ok. a light read. Sex is off camera, which is good. Capone is still a baby! :)
Capone is adopted by Josie, who really didn't want a dog. Too destructive! Capone wants to be a gentleman, not a gangster. He decides Josie needs a "Mr Darcy". Many men seem interested in Josie, but not all are gentlemen. There's also a mystery that Capone & his furry friends help solve.
This was ok. a light read. Sex is off camera, which is good. Capone is still a baby! :)
June 23, 2023
The perfect combination
Mystery + Jane Austen + Cute puppies. It's everything I've ever wanted in a book. Enemies(? to lovers with a huge dose of cuteness.
Mystery + Jane Austen + Cute puppies. It's everything I've ever wanted in a book. Enemies(? to lovers with a huge dose of cuteness.
November 16, 2022
I am a cat person. I don't dislike dogs, but except for the occasional one, I can take them or leave them. I picked up this book because I really like Abigail Drake as an author. Nevertheless, when I started reading it and realized it was written from the viewpoint of a dog, I almost stopped. But it had a bookstore and the owner's favourite book was Pride and Prejudice, so I stuck with it.
And I'm so glad I did. It was really quite brilliant. Capone was both hilarious and adorable. I couldn't stop laughing during the first picnic scene and the encounter with the bear was almost as good (although I was a bit disappointed that Josie didn't flap her umbrella at the bear, like Prof. Jones did with the seagulls). I knew from the previous books I had read that Drake has a deft hand with plotting, characters, and dialogue, but I hadn't appreciated her exceptional skill with comedy until this book. My only regret is that there's only one more book available in this series so far.
And I'm so glad I did. It was really quite brilliant. Capone was both hilarious and adorable. I couldn't stop laughing during the first picnic scene and the encounter with the bear was almost as good (although I was a bit disappointed that Josie didn't flap her umbrella at the bear, like Prof. Jones did with the seagulls). I knew from the previous books I had read that Drake has a deft hand with plotting, characters, and dialogue, but I hadn't appreciated her exceptional skill with comedy until this book. My only regret is that there's only one more book available in this series so far.
November 19, 2022
A charming book! The narrator is an adorable puppy named Capone.
November 4, 2022
A laugh out loud read that was quite fun. Capone the dog and the other animals all had great personalities and enjoyed Nate and Josie's relationship.
October 24, 2022
Oh calamity!!!
Such a wonderful read. The pups stole this story. And I loved loved Capone. Him and his pups friends made this such an entertaining read. I enjoyed every bit of this story and I can't wait to read the next installment. Bravo Mrs. Drake and thank you for sharing such a cute read. You going to have to read it to learn what "Love, Chocolate, and a dog named Al Capone was about. Just a pure joy.
Such a wonderful read. The pups stole this story. And I loved loved Capone. Him and his pups friends made this such an entertaining read. I enjoyed every bit of this story and I can't wait to read the next installment. Bravo Mrs. Drake and thank you for sharing such a cute read. You going to have to read it to learn what "Love, Chocolate, and a dog named Al Capone was about. Just a pure joy.
October 15, 2019
Oh my goodness, I enjoyed this book so much! It was hilarious, heartwarming and at times, quite suspenseful.
The subtitle is 'Pride, prejudice and a puppy' and I think that sums it up nicely. Capone, a black lab puppy, is the narrator throughout the book. He is partial to the Regency period and his ambition is to be a proper Regency gentleman, preferably with a name other than Capone. Then he sees the movie version of Pride and Prejudice (the one with Colin Firth), and he yearns with all of his puppy heart to be named Mr. Darcy. Or perhaps FitzWilliam.
One thing I loved about this book is that the reader sees two points of view - the action from a human perspective and from the points of view of the animals. Capone's original owner gives him to her friend, Josie, who is going through some tough times and could use some cheering up. She has broken up with her weasel boyfriend, and inherited a bookstore from her employer. The bookstore is in financial trouble, with missing and damaged rare books, missing financial records, and mysterious break-ins. On top of that, she fears that the owner of the new coffee shop next door has designs on her property. He does have designs but not on her property. He also has a pug dog named Jackson who is a hoot.
If you have ever had a big, playful, destructive puppy join your household, you can imagine the sorts of chaos that Capone creates in his new household. Josie and Capone had some interesting times as she learned the ins and outs of dog parentage - the time you first 'step in it', doggie daycare incidents, dating with a dog, running from bears, etc.
The human characters, love story and conflicts were interesting, but I thought the animal characters stole the show. My favorite characters other than Capone were the cats Mr. Collins and Rocco, and pug dog Jackson, all of them with distinct voices, and brimming with character.
My thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The subtitle is 'Pride, prejudice and a puppy' and I think that sums it up nicely. Capone, a black lab puppy, is the narrator throughout the book. He is partial to the Regency period and his ambition is to be a proper Regency gentleman, preferably with a name other than Capone. Then he sees the movie version of Pride and Prejudice (the one with Colin Firth), and he yearns with all of his puppy heart to be named Mr. Darcy. Or perhaps FitzWilliam.
One thing I loved about this book is that the reader sees two points of view - the action from a human perspective and from the points of view of the animals. Capone's original owner gives him to her friend, Josie, who is going through some tough times and could use some cheering up. She has broken up with her weasel boyfriend, and inherited a bookstore from her employer. The bookstore is in financial trouble, with missing and damaged rare books, missing financial records, and mysterious break-ins. On top of that, she fears that the owner of the new coffee shop next door has designs on her property. He does have designs but not on her property. He also has a pug dog named Jackson who is a hoot.
If you have ever had a big, playful, destructive puppy join your household, you can imagine the sorts of chaos that Capone creates in his new household. Josie and Capone had some interesting times as she learned the ins and outs of dog parentage - the time you first 'step in it', doggie daycare incidents, dating with a dog, running from bears, etc.
The human characters, love story and conflicts were interesting, but I thought the animal characters stole the show. My favorite characters other than Capone were the cats Mr. Collins and Rocco, and pug dog Jackson, all of them with distinct voices, and brimming with character.
My thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2020
Things I liked about Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone:
1. Talking dogs
2. Bookstore setting
3. Lots of coffee
4. Mystery involving missing valuable books
5. Cute love story
This book is like if you mashed up a Disney movie with a Hallmark movie. Think Lady and the Tramp starring Candace Cameron as the dog owner.
Capone is thought to be a bad dog, mostly because of his name, but as a dog owner I knew he was just doing what puppies do. They chew up stuff, cry in their crate, eat things they aren't supposed to, and just want to be loved on. Once Josie figures this out the book gets so much more enjoyable, because puppies are gonna puppy.
I enjoyed the back and forth between Josie and Nate, the guy who works at the coffee shop next door. And all the literary references and descriptions of old books was awesome. I also really liked the central mystery happening with the missing books throughout the story. It really hooked me in during the last few chapters.
This was an incredibly sweet love story staring a dog who just wants to help his new owner find love. It's told completely from the dog's POV, so you see things through his eyes which can be frustrating at times just because you wish he could communicate with the humans. But thankfully he helps them figure things out in his own way, along with the help of some other animal friends.
Definitely check it out if you're looking a for a fun, fall, romance. And if you love dogs and books then I think you'll really enjoy it.
1. Talking dogs
2. Bookstore setting
3. Lots of coffee
4. Mystery involving missing valuable books
5. Cute love story
This book is like if you mashed up a Disney movie with a Hallmark movie. Think Lady and the Tramp starring Candace Cameron as the dog owner.
Capone is thought to be a bad dog, mostly because of his name, but as a dog owner I knew he was just doing what puppies do. They chew up stuff, cry in their crate, eat things they aren't supposed to, and just want to be loved on. Once Josie figures this out the book gets so much more enjoyable, because puppies are gonna puppy.
I enjoyed the back and forth between Josie and Nate, the guy who works at the coffee shop next door. And all the literary references and descriptions of old books was awesome. I also really liked the central mystery happening with the missing books throughout the story. It really hooked me in during the last few chapters.
This was an incredibly sweet love story staring a dog who just wants to help his new owner find love. It's told completely from the dog's POV, so you see things through his eyes which can be frustrating at times just because you wish he could communicate with the humans. But thankfully he helps them figure things out in his own way, along with the help of some other animal friends.
Definitely check it out if you're looking a for a fun, fall, romance. And if you love dogs and books then I think you'll really enjoy it.
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