The Truth About Love and Dogs

Despite the seemingly winning combination of love, heartache, and dogs, this tale of a rekindling marriage is muffled with fluff. Scarlett and Rufus are in the marital doldrums, and tirelessly trying to get pregnant has not exactly kept the romance going. At least Scarlett’s business—training hopelessly disobedient dogs with her best friend, Shannon—is going strong. The mischievous pups and their eclectic owners keep the women busy. But Scarlett loses her ability to bury herself in work after Rufus calls out Shannon’s name in bed. Shannon, who has never thought of Rufus that way, is appalled, but that doesn’t stop Scarlett from questioning their friendship or from kicking Rufus to the curb. Once she’s alone, though, she realizes she misses them both, and the three have to find a way to move forward. The sympathetic looks into everyday hardships are overshadowed by clunky, hollow chapters of puppy training quasi-comedy and Rufus’s self-centered angst. Fans of feel-good romance will find the story touching if they can get through the unnecessary drama. (BookLife)