REVIEW: Dog Days Forever by Shannon Richard

In Dog Days Forever by Shannon Richard, Caroline Buchanan and Maximillian Abbot had been inseparable when they were younger, until Caro broke off their engagement with no explanation. She stayed in their hometown while Max took off to New York. Fourteen years later he’s back to help his grandmother get her house ready to sell, but little does he know that her real wish is for the pair to get back together while he’s in town. The only problem with her wish is that Max doesn’t want to get hurt by Caro again.

When Caro discovers a stray puppy in her bushes as Max happens to be running by, they put their issues aside to help the little dog. Max still loves Caro despite how much she hurt him. Caro, who had closed off her heart, finds it opening up again thanks to her new canine friend, and soon finds herself opening it up again to Max, too. Their time together may be short-lived though, as Max accepted a job promotion in London. But will Caro, the little dog Frankie, and the meddling townspeople be able to convince him to stay?

Having two rescue dogs myself, I liked the fact that Caro fostered dogs for a rescue and worked so hard to help find them home. I also have a dog named Frankie; I had not read the blurb prior to starting the story, so I did get a laugh at the fact they have the same name. I will say that the dog in the book is more well behaved than my own Frankie though.

Readers will feel for and sympathize with both Max and Caro. While I liked Max the most out of the pair, I felt more for Caro, as she had been through so much. It’s understandable why she’d put a wall up to protect herself from getting hurt again. I also had a few laughs at Ava, Max’s grandmother, and her obvious attempts at matchmaking. It’s clear how much she cared about both her grandson and Caro, and that she wanted the best for them.

I will say one area I was disappointed with was in regards to the book Caro writes. They’re supposedly love letters to Max over the years but readers are never told what exactly were in them that demonstrated her love. I would have liked to have seen an example of what was in them. I also didn’t understand Max’s reaction once he found out about them, seeing as they were supposed to be for him.

Dog Days Forever is a story about second chances, family, friends, and healing. There is some angst, there is some laughter, and there is plenty of love. With likeable characters, a well-written storyline, and several cute dogs also finding their happily ever after, this is a book fans of second chance romances will enjoy.

Book Info:

Publication: February 28, 2023 | Avon Books |

Once inseparable as children and romantically entwined as young adults, Caroline Buchanan and Maximillian Abbot are now virtual strangers. It might be Caro’s fault–considering she abruptly ended their engagement–but she had good reasons. After their devastating breakup, she stayed in North Carolina, building a quiet, cozy life, while Max went to New York City. In the fourteen years since, Caro has experienced more than her share of heartache and loss. She rarely lets anyone in, not even the steady stream of rescue dogs she fosters.

When Max returns to town for the summer at the behest of his grandmother, Caro must finally face their past because she keeps running into Max, and old feelings come rushing back. Shortly after Max arrives, Caro finds a puppy, alone and shivering in a thunderstorm. She takes the dog in, planning to find her the perfect new family. But at a time when her life is in turmoil, this new furry friend–who she names Frankie–unexpectedly becomes her anchor.

As she opens her heart to the sweet, cuddly canine, Caro begins to wonder if she could love Max again, too. Max and Frankie feel like home and she can’t bear to say goodbye to either of them. But secrets, both old and new, are still lingering and Max hasn’t completely forgiven her for breaking his heart all those years ago. Will this be a summer of second chances or are they bound to make the same mistakes twice?