After you’ve sold your soul to the devil, can you renegotiate with a dog?
Brilliant defense attorney, Finn Morgenstern, knows the worst guys pay best, so defending slimeball, Rance Franklin, becomes his path to senior partner and a whole lot of benefits. But then a walk home to his pricey townhouse brings him face-to-ears with a batshit-crazy little dog who just won’t leave him alone. So Finn takes the dog to the local veterinarian to find out how to get her back to her owners. Hello vet! Emerson “Em” Fairweather sure doesn’t match his stodgy name. Tall, platinum blond, and gorgeous, Em puts the pet in pet ownership. But Em has ugly secrets and Batshit dog is up to her ears in larceny. Suddenly Finn is the one who needs defending, and he’s faced with a choice between what he thought was important and a whole new batshit-crazy life.
Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
Story 3.5 Stars round up to 4 because I'm bat shit crazy for Bat Shit!
The absolute best parts of this story are all the scenes involving Bat Shit (aka Marisol) the adorably irresistible papillon dog. Thank goodness she plays a big part of the story. OMG...I laughed so hard and my heart melted for Bat Shit! 😂😂❤❤
The MCs are great, but to be completely honest, I felt no chemistry between them because there was little to no relationship development.
I think my definition of a romance differs from that of the author's. There's never enough couple time, and the focus is always on everything but the romance. I don't get why that is.
Anyway, I will be continuing this series as long as there are alot of cute doggie moments, and Kale Williams continues to narrate. He really does the cuties wuffs ever! 😂🐶
I love Kale Williams and he always delivers a spectacular performance, and he really puts in on here! I thought I'd heard every voice he could create, but he's got some wonderful ones in Passions of a Papillon.
Tara Lain's sense of humor is fantastic, and I highly recommend this truly enjoyable story.
this was exactly what i need right now. cute and fluffy, but not too much - sweet without being tooth-rotting. there was a not-immediately-likable protag, which i always appreciate, and a surprisingly engaging mystery/thriller plot.
also, i've always loved papillons. (he says, as though he doesn't love every single dog in the universe)
I'm so glad that I won a copy of this book in the MM Romance readers group because I probably wouldn't have picked it up myself. With that said, I loved it. This is the perfect cozy mystery set in a world with over the top dogs. What's not to like? Ok, I admit it, I might be a little bit biased. I'm a sucker for book that describes dogs well and this did that and there was dog shows involved. It's like it's made for a five star rating from me. (Even though I would hate to show Papillons, gosh that grooming. Nah, I'll stick to Whippets, much easier.)
Yes I spent my whole review talking about dogs instead of the actual book... Anyway Finn and Em were great Mc's but Batshit was the star of this book. I can't wait to read the next one.
Passions of a Papillon tells of the healing power of love. And if its instigated by a ball of fluff with big floppy ears well then so much the better. While some of the story is contrived the characters are so sweet you’ll let it slide. Who can resist a sweet little dog, a vet on the run and a lawyer who has lost his way. Take the journey with them and enjoy.
3.5 Stars That I'm rounding up as this was very sweet. It was an interesting mix of a mystery/suspense story with silly sweetness between Finn and Em with a little crazy Papillon in the middle. Batshit was adorable and definitely smarter than the humans around her.
Finn's a defense lawyer unfortunately tasked with protecting some of the not so great dregs of humanity, but hey they have money and can afford the firm he works for. He was not expecting the bump in the road that is a beautiful if bedraggled dog that stumbles into his path.
Em's been on the run and hiding from a past where what he saw has him the target of some bad guys. But his vet practice is established at this point and doing well. A hot guy coming in the door clearly knowing nothing about dogs starts a chain of events that no one could have expected.
I enjoyed this story as a quick light-hearted suspense, which seems a little bit oxymoronic, but it worked here.
“Every once in a while a dog enters your life and changes everything.” ~ Unknown
Finn Morgenstern, of ‘Passions of a Papillon’ by Tara Lain, isn’t crazy about his job as a defense lawyer, especially since his clients are almost certainly guilty. But he needs the money to help support his parents who, as much as he adores them, are perennial hippies who never quite grasped the concept of being fiscally responsible. Other than his parents, he has never felt the desire to be accountable for anyone else. When he is suddenly “assaulted” by the craziest dog he has even seen, part of him begrudgingly acknowledges that he can’t just leave her there in the street.
Unsure about his decision, Finn takes her with him. She makes herself at home, content with the people food he gives her; she even guilts him into letting her sleep in his bed. Finn finds himself talking to her and also becomes convinced that he is answering him. He is supposed to meet friends for brunch the next day, but realizes that he can’t take Bat with him. Finn opts for an outside café instead. At the café, Finn learns that Bat is an expensive, purebred dog. The two ladies who enlighten him, advise him to take her to Dr. Emerson (Em) Fairweather, who can tell him more. Finn is surprised to find that the vet isn’t the older, gray-haired man he imagined, but a very handsome young man.
After the appointment, Finn talks Em into keeping Bat with the excuse that he doesn’t know how to take care of her, but when Finn tries to leave, Bat throws a fit. Finn doesn’t understand why she would want to stay with him, but the vet basically tells him that there’s no accounting for taste. Em promises to make some calls to see if he can discover whom Bat belongs to. They exchange numbers and Finn takes Bat home. When Em calls the police, they tell him that they’ve already received a frantic call from someone who has lost a papillon. Em should be happy, but something makes him hesitate. He calls Finn who, despite his reservations about keeping Bat, has a twinge of sadness as well. Under the guise of taking care of Bat, Em and Finn become close, but when Em sees the man from whom he has been hiding for years, he remembers why he is keeping such a low profile and ends the relationship with Finn.
There is more going on in this book than I can write about in this review. There are two main storylines that Tara blends together seamlessly, creating an exciting, thrilling drama, along with Em and Finn’s love story. In any case, Jollie, I mean Bat-Shit, steals the show. Dogs have a way of healing even the hardest heart and providing love and companionship that the person didn’t even know they were missing. Thanks, Tara, for the heartwarming, as well as suspenseful story.
This book is delightful from the get go, and I was not surprised given who it was written by! Every time I pick up a Tara Lain book I know I am in for a treat!
Finn is a lawyer with some questionable clients, but he justifies defending them by reasoning that the pay affords him the things his upbringing didn't. It takes eight pounds of furry fireball to start the ball rolling on changing Finn's outlook on life, and you will want to be along for that ride for sure!
Em is a Vet who is stunned by the handsome Lawyer when he brings in a stray, but Em has secrets, secrets that don't allow him to make lasting connections. Can these two get past their roadblocks and get together like the furry little matchmaker they both grow to love knows they should be?
You really have to read this book, it is funny and engaging with a bit of a mystery thrown in for good measure, you will be so glad you picked it up!
I love stories that involve dogs (and children). In this story, it’s the Papillon dog called Bat (no spoilers; you’ll find out why), Finn the lawyer, and Em the Veterinarian.
There’s also a crime boss, his brother, and a lot of other crazy things!
First, let me say I’m a sucker for dogs. I had a Labrador retriever in my twenties and I swore I would only ever have big dogs. Until I met a rescue dog who stole my heart. My Ally is a chinpoo, so just a little bit bigger than a papillon. Now that I have a small dog, I can understand the appeal. I love both dogs equally, but there’s something about a dog curling up in your lap that makes cuddle times special. Something about being able to pick up your dog that can be quite handy at times. Then there’s the escape artist tendencies. Ally leapt from the car once to follow me into a store when I was quite sure I’d secured her. No, my little darling dashed across the parking lot and followed me into Starbucks – quite proud of herself and not understanding my shrieks of panic.
So when Marisol, sorry, Batshit, got free, I understood how it might happen. Don’t underestimate a dog’s desire to be free, especially if that means being closer to the one they love (or escaping one they hate).
But I digress. Finn is a young lawyer. Very talented (although I think making junior partner at twenty-six might have been a bit much). He’s ambitious, and driven by the desire to be financially comfortable. If he has to represent questionable people, that’s okay. Even criminals deserve good lawyers after all. And if his conscience tweaks, that doesn’t matter because he can come home to his nice house and also send money to his parents. Life’s good.
Until he meets a little dog running around in the middle of the night. He names her Batshit because she is crazy, but he brings her home. He intends to return her to her rightful owner as soon as possible. Because that’s the right thing to do. And, of course, he doesn’t do dogs. Then there’s Emerson, the vet. He has advice on how to locate Batshit’s owner, but he also has a twinkle in his eye. Soon he and Finn are spending time together. Bonding over Batshit, as it were.
Of course Batshit has to be returned to her owner and that’s where things get a little crazy. There’s a caper, bad guys, and Em’s past coming back to haunt him. Finn also has to reconcile his conscience with what he does for a living. In the end, of course, everything works out.
Although I enjoyed the love story between Em and Finn, by far my biggest connection to the book was Batshit. I could see her floppy ears and endearing smile. I cheered when she got into mischief and worried when she got into trouble. The whole time I was rooting for her.
That brings me to the narration of the book. There are tons of dog noises and I have to say Kale Williams handled them brilliantly. I felt Batshit was right there with me (and all the other dogs she encountered). I also thought the cooing and silly voices people made upon meeting Batshit were great as well. I admit it – I make those cooing sounds. Dogs are smart – they know if they react they’ll get more attention. Even if you’re not a dog lover, the book is endearing and well worth the listen. I’ll stick to my chinpoo, but I’ll never look at a papillon the same way again.
**4.5 Stars** I adored Passions of a Papillon! It has great characters, character growth, romance, suspense, AND it made me want a dog! A papillon specifically. ;)
I was immediately drawn into the story in large part because of a little ball of fluff. When Finn finds her - or maybe it was the other way around? - I knew Batshit was going to win over this non-dog-lover. Once Finn and Batshit meet Emerson, the vet, I knew this trio was fated. However, they had a few obstacles to negotiate before they could have their HEA.
Highlights:
*Characters TLain proved yet again her talent at creating characters that are engaging and fully realized. Finn is a defense attorney and works hard at defending scum in order to provide a better life for himself and his parents. He has good intentions even if his method might be tarnished. Emerson is such and kind and compassionate man giving both animals and their owners tender loving care. But he's been hiding a secret, out of fear, that has possibly hurt others. And then there's Batshit who almost stole the show! Her mannerisms, intellect, and personality has me dreaming of a little princess prancing around my house. ;)
*Character Growth Growth in a character, specifically emotional growth, is an element I highly admire in my reading. I appreciated how Finn and Emerson were inspired by their feelings for one another to re-evaluate how they were living and whether or not they wanted to make changes. Of course, a plucky little pooch did her part as well. :)
*Suspense I liked how TLain tied together Emerson's past with Finn's present to create tension and suspense. This story is suspense-lite but I was still guessing (incorrectly) at the end.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first in a series - and I have to tell you that I was very happy that I had the second book lined up on my Kindle as I came to the end of this one. Because I couldn't wait to see how this little Papillon saves the day once again!
Undoubtedly a fun romantic story, this also harbours quite a complicated plot involving two brothers, one of which is seriously dim! The links and adventures which bring Finn and Em together - mostly due to one cheeky, very clever papillon called ... well, by Finn, Batshit, and on the register some long fancy name shortened to Marisol. She is really the star of the show, and essential to get our guys together. After a shaky start, Finn definitely redeems himself and it would be difficult to want anything other than the outcome that Lain classily delivers.
If you are in need of some escapism in your life and want a bit of passion, drama and intrigue, but nothing too harsh, then this is a really lovely red.
How a story can be cute and filled with suspense at the same time?
I don't know, and yet, this audiobook manages it *laughs*
The story is really entertaining, funny and with great characters. Finn is your usual lawyer, working very hard defending really shady characters in hope of getting his place at the top of the firm. He really, REALLY doesn't have the time for that crazy dog that he found at his door. There is a reason why he calls her 'Batsh*t'.
Cue to Emerson, the handsome veterinary who seems to be taking care of all the pets of the whole queer community in town :P
But Emerson is more than a vet, he is a fugitive, and somehow, the little dog will bring his past right into his doorstep. A past that is mixed with Finn's present.
Yes, it is a real mess. Things get very dangerous very soon.
So, what we have here is a brilliant mix of romance, comedy and cosy mystery, with characters who are lovely and have great chemistry. And I liked the way in which they grow; I like that they change not because of the other, but because they understand that their lives will be better that way. That they both need that change.
But please, be aware that the real protagonist in this story is miss Marisol Treadwell of Bristol, also known as 'Batsh*t', who totally steals every scene in which shows up and is one-third cupid, one-third master of escape, and one-third of fluffy charm :P
And Kale Williams does an excellent job with the narration.
Like a ripple effect,several lives are impacted when prized papillon Marisol took a liking to Finn. She might have looked like a batshit-crazy creature when they first met,but the hilarious thing is Finn named her precisely Batshit. And the name stuck. I mean,who does that? And seriously,I kept snickering all through the book, just imagining the cute,fluff doggie associated to such a nutty tag.
The cutie's name,the way she sauntered into Finn's life are only some of the reasons why 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 is a brilliant book. Because,being written by Tara Lain,of course there's also a swoon worthy love story. Ad some creepy characters,secrets and danger,and the result is a delightful comedy/romance/ suspense tale that kept me glued to its pages.
I've had the best time reading 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 and I can't recommend it enough.
This is an absolutely brilliant and funny read, with a crazy loveable dog and stereo typical bad guys, and of course the 2 heroes who fight for good. Tara has written a wonderful book that I know I will be rereading again and again. Warning - Batshit steals every scene as any princess should, and as a cat person it is really saying something that I neeeeeed to have this dog in my life :-) It is a real one sitting read, a little bit of angst, lots of love, some great one liners and as mentioned a batshit crazy dog you just fall in love with. Wish I could give it more stars.......
Loved it! Tara Lain never lets me down. Her characters are always so loveable, relatable, and endearing. This book is well laid out and the mystery builds with great foreshadowing. I admire how the characters overcome their hesitations and come together. The dog never fails to impress and totally lives up to her name. Animals are such a part of our families and it's beautiful how she brings them together. So looking forward to continuing the series!
This book was at different times funny, sad, sexy, and exciting. I loved Finn, Em, and Bat. The way Finn and Em fell for each other after being brought together by the precious pup was swoon-worthy. I enjoyed watching Finn change into the man he needed to be, and I appreciated Em trying to overcome his terrifying past. Batshit was an awesome dog, and she wasn't afraid to do what was needed in order to find happiness in her own life. These three made a wonderful loving, crime-fighting family. I will be reading this romantic adventure again. Loved it!
Gah! This was such an fantastic read! This is my first book by this author and most definitely won't be my last! I totally loved Emerson (Em) and Finn together, and this book is a perfect mix of hot, funny, suspenseful and romantic, that kept me fascinated throughout and turning the pages. Let's not forget about the crazy dog (Batshit) that kept me chuckling and stealing the show! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you read it for yourself, you will be glad you did.
I always know that I have a good story waiting for me when I start a Tara Lain book. Passions of a Papillon is no exception. This is a wonderful mix of humor, a little angst, romance and a dog that steals the show! I really loved Emerson (Em) and Finn together, their chemistry and connection jumps off the page. I enjoyed this story from start to finish!
This was a very adorable cozy mystery. I LOVED Batshit! I can't believe I've waited this long to read a Tara Lain book, I have quite a few on my TBR. I liked Finn and Em. So sweet, who can resist a dog story? The narration was really good too, even the dog had unique voices.
This was a fun read with 'Batshit crazy'; the Papillion dog as the star of the show. Getting your HEA with the help of a cute dog! Yes, its really as sweet as it sounds.
As a pet owner i know for a fact that i would do anything to protect my pets and reading this book just made that fact stronger. When Finn an Attorney on the raise one night after work is going home he finds a Papillon on the street right outside his neighbors home. He fast learns that the dog didn't belong to the neighbor and he needs to find a way to help the dog back to its rightful owner. He calls the dog temporary "Batshit" and he never knew a dog could make him so attractive as he finds out the next morning when he heads out to find a shelter or veterinarian he can hand the little girl to. But when he meets the veterinarian Em that he soon after getting a crush on, everything changes and he decides that keeping her at home to he can give her back is better and with that, he is thrown into a future where he has to fight to keep her and for the crush, he has on Em. Im happy i got to read this book and look forward to reading more of Taras books as this story was really fun to read and i hardly could let go of the book before i finished reading the last page, and its a great book for people that love pets as they are just a much a family member as everyone else is!