Firstly, I love the cover of this book, and was drawn to it immediately. Also when I read the description and saw it was set in the Lake District I was excited, I live about a 50 minute drive away and love nothing more that a day in Windermere or Ambleside.

Needing to escape her real life for a while Becky takes a job dog sitting in the Lake District, she though she would be going on beautiful walks and relaxing not walking into a custody battle over a cockerpoo, Bella or falling for one of her owners.

There were things I like about his book it was very funny in places, and anyone who knows or owns a dog or a cockerpoo to be exact will totally relate to Bellas cheeky and often naughty character. The description of Bella, and the other dogs natures were great the author obviously likes dogs and this shines through. Also the details about the area were great, and the beauty of the area shines through. That being said if it wasn’t for this and Bella and all her crazy antics,I don’t think I would have enjoyed it at all. I didn’t really like any of the characters in the book, I found them to be slightly annoying and their development and actions quite repetitive. Possibly overall a little too cheesy for my tastes.

Thank you to Netgalley UK for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My rating scale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved it! Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling or made me cry. And took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Really liked it. Will read more by the author and other books in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay, didn’t move me, but don’t feel like I wasted my time reading it either.
⭐️⭐️ - Didn’t like this book and probably won’t read other in the series.
⭐️ - I did not care for this book at all and feel like I wasted my time reading it

Such an incredibly amusing opening chapter, I was giggling from the first few pages.

And Bella, what an absolutely gorgeous dog she is, and so so clever and friendly.

Becky is meant to be dog sitting and house sitting, to look after Bella, but as she arrives she needs to be extra careful not to let Georgie's ex Ash go near to Bella. He is apparently out to dog nap her back, and she has been forbidden to even speak to Ash!

And what a handsome, swoon worthy guy Ash is, it's not wonder Bella is always happy to see him, and why Becky is having all sorts of thoughts about him, even though she has been told he is the enemy!

Becky has taken on this dog sitting job in the hope a break in the Lake District will reignite her inspiration for her art, she is a talented illustrator and cover designer, but her own ex was a nasty piece of work and her self believe and confidence in her work is at an all time low.

The Lake District scenery is gorgeous and everything is described so so well, and I loved Becky and Bella going on walks and what wildlife they may come across.

If you are looking for an entertaining story featuring a hot guy, gorgeous dog, slightly delusional person, and a character who gains in confidence then this is the one for you. It's an incredibly pleasurable read, with moments to make you giggle, and gasp!

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Unfortunately I was unable to read this book due to formatting issues. My rating is based on both the blurb and my previous experience with this authors work.

This book was a great fun read.

the book started off a bit slow and I wasn't sure what to make of it, but about a quarter of the way in I really got into the characters and a saw the book as the fun, predictable romance you want to read. One where you can totally relate to Becky as a person.

I will be reading more books by this author.

The first bit of the book was tough going for me, but once I got past the first chapter or two, it was an enjoyable read. I loved Bella (the dog), she made the book for me; but I also enjoyed Ash's antics and Becky's journey of learning not to live her life trying to keep other people happy. The story was predictable,and I think it went a little overboard in regards to the dog "owner", but this was still an entertaining, fluffy escape on this cold nasty day!

One big complaint that I realize shouldn't be THAT big of a deal, but... If you read the book, the dog in the story is clearly black, but the dog on the cover is white/tan. Now normally, this isn't something I would nitpick, even as a dog lover, but when the book has "dog" in the title and the entire plot revolves around the dog, I don't think it's too much to ask that the cover at least somewhat accurately depict the dog in the story!

I have a cockapoo and this book described her perfectly (apart from the colour!). It's so easy to fall in love with these dogs, and in this story there is the added bonus of falling in love with Ash, too. What a hunk!

The book was funny, lighthearted, and a delightful read, with a glorious Cumbrian backdrop to set it off.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just could not like the main character, Becky. First of all, she is all over the place and is a stereotypical romcom character. The writing is as scatter-brained as she is. She was quite an annoying character. I found in the beginning with how she described Ash to be uncomfortable. "He’s her ex. ... That’s a bit of a bummer. I might have to shag him in the bushes, haha." That is an actual quote from the book. I found the use of text shorthand to be weird as well. I couldn't get a read on what age she was supposed to be. And the chemistry with Becky and Ash was just flat. Their relationship progressed way too quickly in my opinion.

I could see fans of more movie-like romcoms or readers looking for a light beach read enjoying this.. This just didn't work for me.

A fun and quick read about following your heart, believing in love, and being true to who you are The Dog Sitter follows Becky, a funny and smart woman who is floundering a bit. After a shocking break-up and the loss of her job, Becky needs to reevaluate her goals and desires. So, she takes a job as a house and dog sitter at a remote home where she can focus on herself. Little does she know, her new job isn’t as relaxing as it seems, and Becky finds herself caught between two exes bickering over dog ownership.

Becky is a great protagonist. She has a great sense of humor, and I love her quick wit. Her thoughts when exercising are hilarious (and realistic), and even though her life isn’t where she wants it to be, she still has a positive outlook. I love that she takes charge of her life and tries to realize her true potential.

The romance is charming and sweet, and Ash sounds like a total hunk! I love Becky’s thoughts when she first meets him and the comical way she handles herself. They meet under uncomfortable and awkward circumstances, but their relationship is anything but.

This review wouldn’t be complete without discussing Bella, the cute and spunky dog that Becky is taking care of. Bella is so charming and adorable; it’s no wonder she’s an Instagram hit! I adore this rambunctious pup and love the levity she brought to the story.

I enjoyed this story, and it was the perfect read to pass the weekend! If you’re in the mood for a cute and light rom-com with charming characters and an adorable dog, then this is the book for you. Thanks so much to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This story was hilarious. This is a great story for rom-com lovers. The characters were great and a lot of fun to read about.

Trying to escape her car crash life Becky gets a job housesitting a beautiful cottage in the Lake District that comes with a cute dog called Bella. The story has a very funny opening involving her journey to get there. The adorable cockapoo has a set of very clear instructions which Becky must follow to the letter. The owner's ex boyfriend tries to abduct the dog who is part of an ongoing custody battle. A lovely setting full of romance, comedy and of course puppy love.

ahh i'm so disappointed in this book. WHAT WAS EVEN GOING ON???

A lot of the elements were extremely cliched, and the author tried way too hard to make one character "the villain", and it honestly made me uncomfortable.

if you like being confused, read this. there is also NO ROMANCE WHATSOEVER.

ALSO IM PRETTY SURE THE DOG IS BLACK SO WHY IS THERE A WHITE DOG ON THE COVER HUHHHHHHH

One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance..

This is charming and easy read.
I couldn't put it down and enjoy it very much. I especially like the way Zara Stoneley describe the settings and the atmosphere in the book, It was light and funny.
What can I say it just perfect for cozy nights with a glass of wine 😊
And of course the cover is so cute and absolutely perfect i must say.

I usually don't read books of this gender but this one just win me over and make me relax and enjoy it ,so big thank you to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC for exchange of my honest opinion.

The writing - ⭐⭐⭐
The story - ⭐⭐⭐
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐

This was an easy read, but honestly I didn't feel like I really enjoyed it all that much. The characters felt a bit flat and other than Becky coming out of the other side of her break up and finally standing up for herself I didn't really feel she developed much as a character. Similarly I didn't particularly buy into the romance with Ash.

Fave quote - 'He gives a rueful smile and it's like a little bubble of happy has burst inside of me and is rippling its way outwards. I'm like a newly poured glass of fizz.'

Fave moment - The doggy birthday party, complete with Becky finally sticking up for herself against Teddy.

I love a "city girl transplanted into the countryside" tale. Becky takes on a dog sitting gig to escape her unfulfilling work and bad relationship and gets swept up by the whirlwind that is her doggy charge. I really enjoyed this (even the vile Georgina, queen of Insta). Thanks NetGalley!

This is such a fun, feel good romance! Becky’s life is in a bit of an upheaval and she takes a house/dog sitting job for some new perspective. She could have never predicted the hijinx that ensue or the lessons that she learns about herself!

Romance comes calling in the form of Ash, the doggie’s co-owner, and they both learn what it is to meet someone where they are. They are terrific “mates” first, but the connection they share cannot be denied and there are definitely some steamy parts!

There is so much dog fun and silliness in this book, it might be easy to overlook the transformation that takes place for Becky as she comes into her own as the positive influence of a loving pet, a supportive partner and family that appreciates her unique talents. Terrific read!

I loved this book. Not only could you immerse yourself in the descriptions of the Lake District, places where I have visited and tasted the famous Grasmere Gingerbread. But as a dog owner, I could understand the love and companionship of having a dog in your life

Just finished this brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read from Zara Stoneley absolutely love this authors books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint was like curling up with your favourite cosy blanket and forgetting about the world for a while. This was so much more than a romance story and loved the Lake District descriptions made me feel like I had been transported there and also explored how everyone might think some people have the perfect life due to their Instagram profile but people’s lives are not always what they seem and shouldn’t be taken at face value and that sometimes we need to take chances in life as we never know where they might lead. It was an uplifting and enjoyable read and would absolutely love a sequel to find out what happens to Becky Bella and ash.

Can you look at that sweet cover and not fall in love with darlin’ doggy Bella? Or shelter in an English Lake District cottage and not cheer? Or watch two lost souls fall in love in a fine romance they at first fight? Bring THE DOG SITTER, a steaming cuppa and a pile of scones to your cozy spot and dig in. You’ll soon be happily lost in this delightful escape from winter. Cheers!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 11 Feb 2021

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheDogSitter #NetGalley

Humorous UK fiction has a different flavor to it and this book delivers that. Plus you add in a beautiful dog and
you have a very enjoyable read. Both main characters seem to leave behind poor choices in the romance department and grow some in depth as the story progresses.

After splitting with her boyfriend and losing her job Becky decides to house and dog sit in the Lake District.
The opening scene where Becky plays the price for following an agricultural vehicle too close have a good start to the book for me. Bella, the dog, sounds gorgeous and the location idyllic. The situations definitely have their funny moments, but there is also an undercurrent of seriousness that raises the book above just being light and fluffy for me (not that there is anything wrong with that) . As the story develops the back stories for the characters comes out and for me a key takeaway was to follow your heart and that people don't always have the opinion of you that you think they have.
What raised this from a good 4* to a 5* review for me was the description of the area, I felt that I could see the landscapes and would love to visit there again one day.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.