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Romancing the Holidays #2
Pawsitively Perfect
After a rough breakup and particularly difficult winter, veterinarian Leigh feels ready to engage in the outside world again. That is until her dog, Pogo, slips his leash in a park and invades a stranger’s picnic. It’s bad enough that Pogo ruins someone else’s meal, but it is doubly humiliating when it is that of a gorgeous ex-Marine named James and his very well trained former military dog, Bucky. Oh, and James just so happens to be the head of the non-profit that Leigh is expected to work with as a co-coordinator on an event benefiting his organization and her vet clinic. Ugh.
Can Leigh get over her embarrassment and her fear of being hurt again to seize the reins—erm, leash—on love? Or do the two different types of “vets” just not mix at all?
A short, sweet romance novella filled with puns, dogs, and longing.
Look for more Romancing the Holidays with the following: "Romancing the Holidays, Book #1: Lucky Fall"
Can Leigh get over her embarrassment and her fear of being hurt again to seize the reins—erm, leash—on love? Or do the two different types of “vets” just not mix at all?
A short, sweet romance novella filled with puns, dogs, and longing.
Look for more Romancing the Holidays with the following: "Romancing the Holidays, Book #1: Lucky Fall"
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2020
34 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Austen Johnson
6 books7 followersAusten Johnson is the pen name of L. Austen Johnson dedicated to short commercial fiction, including the Romancing the Holidays series and the folkloric short story “True Loaf.”
You can find out more about the author & subscribe to her newsletter at www.laustenjohnson.com
You can find out more about the author & subscribe to her newsletter at www.laustenjohnson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 28, 2021
"Pawsitively Perfect" by L Austen Johnson is the second novella in the 'Romancing the Holidays' series.
You'd think a veterinarian would have total control of her dog, right? Not so for Leigh and her super excited rescue dog, Pogo. A trip to the park and Pogo is bouncing around and living up to his name! Slipping off his leash, running through someone's picnic and right into the gorgeous guy's potato salad. Leigh tries to clean it up, but oh, what a mess!
Today, 'Gorgeous Potato Salad Guy'/ James Greene is in Dr. Leigh Wheeler's clinic with his dog, Bucky as a new patient. She's been exchanging emails with James but they've never met face-to-face. James happens to be the CEO of the non-profit, Warrior Pet's Association, Leigh's clinic is partnering with for an upcoming fundraiser event. Holy embarrassment, red face and all!
Meeting for coffee, continued emails and text messages to discuss the event and it's evident there's an attraction between Leigh and James. But, Leigh is fresh from an emotionally bad break-up and not sure if she's open to dating again. Is she ready to handle the unknowns of a new relationship?
I'm surprised to find the character development in this one lacking compared to the two I've previously read. Leigh is a doctor, a professional and highly educated woman, but is emotionally immature. I also want to know more about James, because there is so little there. I also had trouble finding the romance and the holiday in this story. With that said, it's still a cute little read!
This is the second book in the 'Romancing the Holidays' Rom-Com novella series, all four books are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I have read two in this series previously, Lucky Fall #1 and All Thanks to You #3. I do plan to read Beaver Creek Resort #4, which completes the series. I do recommend the three books I have read to date in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, and L. Austen Johnson for an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
You'd think a veterinarian would have total control of her dog, right? Not so for Leigh and her super excited rescue dog, Pogo. A trip to the park and Pogo is bouncing around and living up to his name! Slipping off his leash, running through someone's picnic and right into the gorgeous guy's potato salad. Leigh tries to clean it up, but oh, what a mess!
Today, 'Gorgeous Potato Salad Guy'/ James Greene is in Dr. Leigh Wheeler's clinic with his dog, Bucky as a new patient. She's been exchanging emails with James but they've never met face-to-face. James happens to be the CEO of the non-profit, Warrior Pet's Association, Leigh's clinic is partnering with for an upcoming fundraiser event. Holy embarrassment, red face and all!
Meeting for coffee, continued emails and text messages to discuss the event and it's evident there's an attraction between Leigh and James. But, Leigh is fresh from an emotionally bad break-up and not sure if she's open to dating again. Is she ready to handle the unknowns of a new relationship?
I'm surprised to find the character development in this one lacking compared to the two I've previously read. Leigh is a doctor, a professional and highly educated woman, but is emotionally immature. I also want to know more about James, because there is so little there. I also had trouble finding the romance and the holiday in this story. With that said, it's still a cute little read!
This is the second book in the 'Romancing the Holidays' Rom-Com novella series, all four books are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I have read two in this series previously, Lucky Fall #1 and All Thanks to You #3. I do plan to read Beaver Creek Resort #4, which completes the series. I do recommend the three books I have read to date in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, and L. Austen Johnson for an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 16, 2024
This is a Short Novella Romance, and this is the second book in the Romancing the Holidays series. In this book we follow Leigh who is a veterinarian. This is a very cute romance, and it has a lot of cute dog moments too. There was so much in just 44 pages. I think this book took me around 30 minutes to read it, so this was a very quick read. It was a fun and cute romance. The characters where pretty developed for being only 44 pages. The storyline was driven by the characters, and I love the storyline. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
May 11, 2021
This was such a sweet read. Leigh is a veterinarian who is coming off of a bad breakup with a man who cheated on her. Her trust and confidence has been shaken - so when she has an embarrassing encounter where her dog steps in the potato salad of a stranger's picnic she is mortified. When that same stranger shows up at her clinic - she doesn't recognize that it is the man she's been e-mailing about an event the clinic and a foundation to support law enforcement and military service dogs. James is obviously very in to Leigh - but Leigh is seriously afraid to take a chance on James.
This is a fairly short story that focuses on James and Leigh meeting each other and leads up to their first date. It is very romantic and James is definitely very swoony. All of it feels like it is leading up to a forever kind of romance.
Overall - I recommend this - though I wish it hadn't just been the start of something good - I definitely could have done with a more full length story.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinion are all my own.
This is a fairly short story that focuses on James and Leigh meeting each other and leads up to their first date. It is very romantic and James is definitely very swoony. All of it feels like it is leading up to a forever kind of romance.
Overall - I recommend this - though I wish it hadn't just been the start of something good - I definitely could have done with a more full length story.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinion are all my own.
July 12, 2020
If you can't handle insta-love and need something more drawn out and angsty, go on and skip this one or don't get your panties in a bunch when that's what this ends up being.
If short and sweet romance is your jam, this book is right up your alley!
I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing a greater sense of reality to her story, which is tough to do in a shorter read.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
If short and sweet romance is your jam, this book is right up your alley!
I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing a greater sense of reality to her story, which is tough to do in a shorter read.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
November 1, 2021
A short, sweet summer romance novella filled with puns, dogs, and longing.
After a rough breakup and particularly difficult winter, veterinarian Leigh feels ready to engage in the outside world again. That is until her dog, Pogo, slips his leash in a park and invades a stranger’s picnic. It’s bad enough that Pogo ruins someone else’s meal, but it is doubly humiliating when it is that of a gorgeous ex-Marine named James and his very well trained former military dog, Bucky. Oh, and James just so happens to be the head of the non-profit that Leigh is expected to work with as a co-coordinator on an event benefiting his organization and her vet clinic. Ugh.
This short story is one that makes you want to laugh out loud.
Jana and James are a perfect pair.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After a rough breakup and particularly difficult winter, veterinarian Leigh feels ready to engage in the outside world again. That is until her dog, Pogo, slips his leash in a park and invades a stranger’s picnic. It’s bad enough that Pogo ruins someone else’s meal, but it is doubly humiliating when it is that of a gorgeous ex-Marine named James and his very well trained former military dog, Bucky. Oh, and James just so happens to be the head of the non-profit that Leigh is expected to work with as a co-coordinator on an event benefiting his organization and her vet clinic. Ugh.
This short story is one that makes you want to laugh out loud.
Jana and James are a perfect pair.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this novella.
This was such a cute, fun, romance novella. As a dog mom I loved that it was doggo based! The characters were light hearted, adorable, and relatable.
I loved the writing style, and it gave me all the warm fuzziness you want to have from one of these fluffy contemporary stories. Honestly I flew through it so fast because it was just that enjoyable! Highly recommend!
This was such a cute, fun, romance novella. As a dog mom I loved that it was doggo based! The characters were light hearted, adorable, and relatable.
I loved the writing style, and it gave me all the warm fuzziness you want to have from one of these fluffy contemporary stories. Honestly I flew through it so fast because it was just that enjoyable! Highly recommend!
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June 10, 2020My latest holiday novella. This time, a 4th of July story filled with doggos and coffee shop dates.
September 6, 2021
Very sweet and cute story about Leigh and James , who meet with the help of her dog Pogo. Short and quick romance read, which I enjoyed it. I really loved the warm vibes and the idea of the author for making sweet romance with included dogs in the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2020
Romancing the Holidays: 2/4 Novellas
~2/4>PAWSITIVELY PERFECT<~
This was a whole bunch of Claire Crawley and Hallmark...
This one was so much better than Lucky Fall! It was longer and we got to see more of a romantic relationship blossoming. Still cheesy and super cliche, but cute & sweet. Just like Hallmark movies.
There was just one teensy problem...I felt that Leigh was immature at times, saying she had a "crush" on James, and typically women in their thirties don't have "crushes," 13-year-old girls do. Just saying. (No offense).
I knew what I was getting myself into when reading these "insta love" novellas, but it just gave me "Claire Crawley" vibes. Ya know, that stuck up, self-centered blonde wannabee from the Bachelorette.
Overall, I think Pawsitively Perfect deserves a little praise, so five stars it is!
~Becca da Romance Queen<3
~2/4>PAWSITIVELY PERFECT<~
This was a whole bunch of Claire Crawley and Hallmark...
This one was so much better than Lucky Fall! It was longer and we got to see more of a romantic relationship blossoming. Still cheesy and super cliche, but cute & sweet. Just like Hallmark movies.
There was just one teensy problem...I felt that Leigh was immature at times, saying she had a "crush" on James, and typically women in their thirties don't have "crushes," 13-year-old girls do. Just saying. (No offense).
I knew what I was getting myself into when reading these "insta love" novellas, but it just gave me "Claire Crawley" vibes. Ya know, that stuck up, self-centered blonde wannabee from the Bachelorette.
Overall, I think Pawsitively Perfect deserves a little praise, so five stars it is!
~Becca da Romance Queen<3
July 8, 2020
I have really enjoyed this story, I liked the feel and flow of the it, the dogs, the story line and the characters. I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other, be brave enough to be honest with each other and put themselves out there. Personally I would have liked an epilogue, I liked them and their dogs so much I wanted more of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by L. Austen Johnson; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
This book is clean and chaotic
Leigh is positively a basket case. Her ling time boyfriend cheated on her so she is gun shy and apprehensive. When her excitable dog Pogo lands her in an embarrassing situation and her life takes an all new awkwardness. She is a veterinarian and it turns out the hot guy James from the park is not only a new client but also the guy she has been emailing about a fundraiser. Between emailing and texts they form a friendship bit through it all she is on the fence about moving on .so over the next month we are treated to her crazy thoughts and feelings. On the tbird of July it all comes to a head where she sees her ex looking happy with another woman, causing her to rebuf James. It isn't until her bestfriend Jana talks some sense into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leigh is positively a basket case. Her ling time boyfriend cheated on her so she is gun shy and apprehensive. When her excitable dog Pogo lands her in an embarrassing situation and her life takes an all new awkwardness. She is a veterinarian and it turns out the hot guy James from the park is not only a new client but also the guy she has been emailing about a fundraiser. Between emailing and texts they form a friendship bit through it all she is on the fence about moving on .so over the next month we are treated to her crazy thoughts and feelings. On the tbird of July it all comes to a head where she sees her ex looking happy with another woman, causing her to rebuf James. It isn't until her bestfriend Jana talks some sense into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2021
Honestly I’ve never read such a short fiction book and that’s definitely not a criticism this book was engaging, fun and the characters had a great wit about them.
This book is for romance lovers and pet lovers. It was charming and fun to read.
Even though this book is a number two in the romancing the holidays series it is A standalone, I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until I was through reading it.
This is the first time I had read anything by this author L Austen Johnson, I do look forward to reading more from this author.
Even though the book was short the characters were well developed considering the time frame and I enjoyed getting to know their dogs as well.
I was provided an ARC Digital copy of the book thanks to net galley and the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.
This book is for romance lovers and pet lovers. It was charming and fun to read.
Even though this book is a number two in the romancing the holidays series it is A standalone, I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until I was through reading it.
This is the first time I had read anything by this author L Austen Johnson, I do look forward to reading more from this author.
Even though the book was short the characters were well developed considering the time frame and I enjoyed getting to know their dogs as well.
I was provided an ARC Digital copy of the book thanks to net galley and the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.
August 24, 2021
Even though I’ve never had a pet dog, I really enjoyed the interactions between humans and their dogs. Author perfectly gets how dogs behave and why. Our main couple, James and Leigh, find it easier to talk to a dog than other humans. Leigh is trying to get over an ex-boyfriend that we all know can be very painful. Said past influences most of her reactions to others. There are cute accidents and awkward moments these two share, which was very entertaining to me.
Reading this story was fun and left me with such good feelings that I’d go out today and adopt a dog… if I didn’t have allergies.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading this story was fun and left me with such good feelings that I’d go out today and adopt a dog… if I didn’t have allergies.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2021
This is a short story, a second book in the Romancing the Holidays series, but works as a standalone. It’s Leigh and James’s story. She is a veterinarian, recovering from a breakup, he is a veteran, CEO of non-profit. There are dogs involved. The story line is driven by the characters, but those are in my opinion lacking. She is emotionally immature and I can’t say much about him, because there isn’t much about him in the book. I feel there wasn’t much character development, not much romance or holidays, but the writing style was very pleasant. With all that said, it's still a nice little read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2022
The story was short and sweet and was honestly exactly what I was expecting.
It came in at 4 chapters and took just under an hour to read, the characters were great and the animals were even greater!
A small point was that I wish the characters had been developed a bit more and if we could see a bit more of them but as a novella I knew this wasn't going to be happening.
The overall story was sweet though and I loved the cute play-by-play.
Favourite Quote - "Okay, let’s step back. Throw Ben in the garbage where he belongs and look at this situation."
Favourite Character - Pogo
It came in at 4 chapters and took just under an hour to read, the characters were great and the animals were even greater!
A small point was that I wish the characters had been developed a bit more and if we could see a bit more of them but as a novella I knew this wasn't going to be happening.
The overall story was sweet though and I loved the cute play-by-play.
Favourite Quote - "Okay, let’s step back. Throw Ben in the garbage where he belongs and look at this situation."
Favourite Character - Pogo
July 9, 2020
3.5 stars
A cute 4th of July read with adorable dogs and it's owners. Leigh is a veterinarian who had a bad break up and is dealing with that. James is an ex-marine in charge of an organization that helps service dogs find new homes.
They have a meet-cute at the park and are working together for an event.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cute 4th of July read with adorable dogs and it's owners. Leigh is a veterinarian who had a bad break up and is dealing with that. James is an ex-marine in charge of an organization that helps service dogs find new homes.
They have a meet-cute at the park and are working together for an event.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2021
A short and sweet romance.
Leigh had a bad breakup and doesn't trust herself and her feelings. She has a super awkward interaction with a cute guy at the park, all because of her dog. Then they run into each other again in the following days.
It was a cute novella-length romance. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fun summer stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and L. Austen Johnson for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Leigh had a bad breakup and doesn't trust herself and her feelings. She has a super awkward interaction with a cute guy at the park, all because of her dog. Then they run into each other again in the following days.
It was a cute novella-length romance. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fun summer stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and L. Austen Johnson for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2021
A cute, very short, 4th of July themed romance involving Leigh, the local vet and James, a military veteran who is head of a non-profit that connects war vets with canine companions. They put on a charity event together and romance ensues. I would have enjoyed this more if it had been a little bit longer and maybe had a veteran in need of a dog as a supporting character and heard his story, but regardless I enjoyed it.
July 17, 2021
This is a quick standalone romance. Leigh recently split from her cheating ex when she runs into James. After a couple of embarrassing encounters the two work together organizing a charity event and start to get closer. Leigh has a bit of a spazz out moment; thankfully they both adult up and move forward.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
Short and sweet!
Being a novella, it still had a pretty good build up and believable characters.
It had the potential to be a full-length book, but I see what the author is doing and she's doing it well!
I may not be too into romance books, but her short stories may just be what I snack on when I want to read something chill, cute and fluffy!
Thanks to BookSirens for the digital copy of this book 🐕🦺
Being a novella, it still had a pretty good build up and believable characters.
It had the potential to be a full-length book, but I see what the author is doing and she's doing it well!
I may not be too into romance books, but her short stories may just be what I snack on when I want to read something chill, cute and fluffy!
Thanks to BookSirens for the digital copy of this book 🐕🦺
November 10, 2022
I read the novella, Pawsitively Perfect, as part of the series called Romancing the Holidays.
I enjoyed it as much the second time around. The vet in a small town is still getting over her "one true love." She meets a fellow dog owner; they are putting together a non-profit booth to assist animal lovers.
It is a fun book and a quick read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed it as much the second time around. The vet in a small town is still getting over her "one true love." She meets a fellow dog owner; they are putting together a non-profit booth to assist animal lovers.
It is a fun book and a quick read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2020
This is a cute ,fast paced romance between Leigh and James. She's fighting insecurity and fear in starting a new relationship even as she's attracted to him. The author moves the story fluidly as the relationship grows. It's well written and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 10, 2020
This is the story of Leigh and James. She is a veterinarian and he is an ex-Marine who meet in the park when her dog gets loose and helps himself to James’ picnic. Will sparks ignite for their July 4th? I enjoyed this fun entertaining romance as they have to work together on a charity event. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
A charming and fun novella. Wonderful quick read! The author tells a sweet story of two “vets” - veterinarian and USMC vet, who meet and bond over dogs. Despite being a short story, the author does a great job with both character development and dialog that makes the story flow to an adorable conclusion.
September 28, 2021
A sweet insta love romance brought to you by her dog. This novella that flows along nicely as their friendship develops. Theirs doubts, insecurities and of course dog centered. I found a mew Aithor to make me smile author Austen Johnson.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
June 12, 2020
A entertaining read. The story will hold your attention. The characters are sweet and enjoyable, their chemistry is amazing. This story has it all romance, love, dogs, great chemistry. I enjoyed this book.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2020
The book is a good sweet romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable face pace funny romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2021
Loved this story! It has dogs and veterans, two of my favorite things. This was a very cute romance that is a quick read, definitely worth it! Thank you to the NetGalley, the author and publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2021
Thank you for the free copy from Book Sirens!
Note I got the bind-up of all 4 novellas.
This was so far my favorite. I love the dogs and the crazy hijinks both of the dogs go into and I loved the 4th of July them and the whole plot.
Note I got the bind-up of all 4 novellas.
This was so far my favorite. I love the dogs and the crazy hijinks both of the dogs go into and I loved the 4th of July them and the whole plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews