Dog Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout

Hi guys!

Welcome back to another day another post, here at your source for bookish fun whenever the need calls, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Here's hoping everyone had an amazing weekend and a very Happy Mother's Day as well.  As for me, I had to work, but then I managed to spend some quality time with dear old Mom.  Gotta love her, she IS the best after all.  Isn't it great when you have those in your life you can depend on, love unconditionally, and are there for you through thick and thin?  Yep.  No matter the circumstances, it's a wonderful feeling...but speaking of unconditional love, I know another "friend" that provides an outlet for that as well only they come packaged in fur and walk on four legs (most of the time) in lieu of two.  Yep, you know who I'm talking about....the fur babies!  Today's featured title happens to deal highly with these little loves and a less than outstanding male lead.  Now I don't mean that completely derogatory, allow me to explain.

Today's featured book of choice is....

Dog Gone, Back Soon

by

Nick Trout

When Dr. Cyrus Mills returned home after inheriting his estranged father’s veterinary practice, The Bedside Manor for Sick Animals, the last thing he wanted was to stay in Eden Falls, Vermont, a moment longer than absolutely necessary.  However, the previously reclusive veterinary pathologist, quickly found that he actually enjoyed treating animals and getting to know the eccentric residents of the tiny provincial town—especially an alluring waitress named Amy.

So Cyrus is now determined to make Bedside Manor thrive.  Not an easy goal, given that Healthy Paws, the national veterinary chain across town, will stop at nothing to crush its mom-and-pop competitor.  And the rival vet practice isn’t Cyrus’ only competition.  A handsome stranger shows up out of nowhere who clearly has a mysterious past with Amy.  To top it off, Cyrus finds himself the guardian of a very unique orphaned dog and smack in the middle of serious small town drama.

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Look into his eyes and tell me....just how CUTE that little guy is!

I mean truly, the dog is adorable.  The sign a nice touch and the expression on the pooch's face, priceless.  Here comes the catch....or rather catches...and then we'll get back to the goodness.  First up, the cover.  As with A LOT of ARC's changed between pre-pub and pub and although this dog is cutey patooty for sure, the ARC cover pooch is actually in the book giving you an instant connection even before you crack the spine.  This big guy, not so much.  (Sorry pup!  You're still adorbs!)  Speaking of spines....

Out leading man, Cyrus, is nerd extraordinaire.  Part of his charm?  Perhaps....but for me, only in SMALL doses.  I mean at some points my mind was changing his role from leading man to follower of others .  It's not that I needed him to butch up a bit more or anything, but he just seemed to crawl into his obsessive shell a bit TOO much leaving me to miss the glimpse of backbone I'd seen ....yet not enough to call his name from afar.  I'm sorry, but we just didn't click.  Now that I've got THAT off my shoulders, let's talk story because despite all I've said thus far, the pages DID indeed fly by and I truly did enjoy all that was spun.  

I loved the overly connected Doris who could tell you news or gossip before it even happened.  I loved the nameless old man desperately trying to escape his sad lot in life.  I loved the man's dog (Stash) who teaches Cy a thing or two besides how to fetch and open doors without opposable thumbs; he's one of the unexpected true stars of this story.  I love Charlie and Gabe despite their less-than-on-the-up-and-up choice of past times; they've a different view on life and yet, it works in this quirky little town.  That's another thing, I love the small town....even if EVERYONE knows everything.  Guess what?  They may seem to but they don't and that little leeway in there creates room for jumping to conclusions, and misdirected emotions that create conflict, mistrust, humorous situations and swollen temples thanks to a roundhouse kick connecting with your head.  My point is, where the lead may fall short, the story makes up for it in spades.  I'd even be tempted to read the first book just to visit this crazy little town once again.

So you see, you can't judge a book by its cover, nor can you judge a story by its lead.  Sometimes they go hand in hand like the icing on a cake....other times it's like trying to put a sweater on a cat (*-*).  In the end, it's all about your time spent with the read and how much or little fun you had along the way.  Did it bring you laughter or tears?  Did it give you something to think about?  Did it leave its mark on you in some fashion so that months or years from now you can still recollect some if not all of your time between the pages?  My answer....yes, indeed it did.  My suggestion....to add this title to your wish list if you're a dog lover, fan of small town hi-jinx, love it when the little guy gets his day in the sun, and above all else, are looking for a good read.  There's more here than meets the eye with a story that interconnects with itself and the characters more than first perceived.  Gotta love it when a story surprises you.

ARC for review courtesy of Cassie at Hyperion Books, a division of Hachette Book Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released just this April, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time....happy reading!