Rescue Me

This book is romcom perfection. Anyone who follows Manning on social media knows she loves a good romcom, and that adoration is then reflected in this wonderful read. She utilises all the recognisable tropes into a heart-warming and joyful read. The story of two people brought together by a cheeky madam of a staffy will be the perfect winter warmer during dreary January. The literary embodiment of a chef's kiss, made for binging.

Strangers Margot and Will end up sharing custody of a rescued Staffie, Blossom. All three have their issues, Blossom has obviously been badly treated previously, Margot is single and feeling her biological clock ticking in her mid 30 and Will needs to micro manage everything.
This is a gentle book that really grew on me, there isn't any real romance initially but concentrates on both Margot and Will trying to help Blossom in their own totally different ways. Will struggles with emotional ties whilst Margot has so much love to give whilst dreaming of Haddon her own family. Blossom is the real star of the show and made me rethink my attitude to Staffies, but also felt for both the "copawrents" as they start their relationship and try to overcome their own issues. A feel good story with a touch of humour plus some darker moments as their pasts are revealed, going towards explaining the reasons behind their issues.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

RATING: 4.25/5 STARS

"After their first meeting at the rescue centre, both Margot and Will want to adopt Blossom so reluctantly agree to share custody. But Will's obsession for micro-managing and clear-cut boundaries and Margot's need to smother Blossom with affection, means that soon they have a very confused and badly behaved dog on their hands.

Can they put their differences aside to become successful "co-pawrents" and maybe even friends? And meanwhile, does Blossom have plans of her own?"

I was so excited to get a copy of this book because I would die for dogs and I love a good enemies to lovers story! I absolutely loved all the characters in this novel. A book always ranks high on my list when I can picture the characters as actual people with actual lives instead of cardboard cutout characters that just take up page space, and Sarra Manning did not disappoint me. You have feisty and passionate Margot, who longs for love but tries so hard to convince herself that settling is her only option for a family, and you have soft-spoken Will, who avoids emotional connection with others at all costs as a defence mechanism. Both of these beloved characters could not be more different in terms of their personalities, but fundamentally they both share the same subconscious guiding philosophy of not feeling deserving of love - they just approach that in different ways. The side characters are also very unique in their personalities and dialogue, so even though a lot of names were thrown around, it was easy for me to pinpoint who was who.

I am in awe of the way the author portrayed real issues within her story, such as a woman's fear of the pressure from her ticking biological clock and the scars that parents may imprint on their children. She managed to interweave the different traumas and situations that Will and Margot faced in their younger years into their current personalities and why they make the decisions or act the way they do now in a very natural and seamless way. It's a really good lesson for everyone to learn: how the effects of trauma don't necessarily show up as some huge immediate personality changer but can also show up as scars and imprints that appear subtle or normal at first glance, yet actually end up having a long-term impact over a lifetime.

And of course, I saved the best for last! Blossom was the main reason why I was so interested in reading this, and I'm very pleased at how the author was able to give our furry little friend such personality and character development. We watch her fit into the common theme that Will and Margot are in, where she opens herself up to unconditional love (and cuddles) after a mysterious traumatic past. I love how she acted like the child between both co-pawrents and how her actions reflected that throughout the book. She's basically the puppy version of the twins from the Parent Trap in a way, and I am living for it.

My main comment would be that the pacing of the plot of the story felt a bit unnatural at times. The romantic aspects of the story didn't really show up until about 3/4 of the way in. Additionally, the ending sort of surprised me. I love a good epilogue, but it just felt like a complete 180 in terms of Will and his original misgivings about marriage and love. I would've liked to see that built up more and incorporated into the story earlier so that the change wouldn't appear so drastic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and it easily ranks as one of my favourites for 2020. The way the author seamlessly combined quirkiness, lighthearted fluff and real-life issues is pure brilliance. I'll be reading more from Sarra Manning!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC of this lovely book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

I really enjoyed this book all the way through. It had a really good plot, great main characters and really keeps you hooked on the plot. I would highly recommend this book.

A must read for any girl who loves dogs! This is a sweet, cosy read perfect for curling up beside the fire after a long dog walk.
Anyone who loves dogs knows they are excellent judges of character, and when Margot and William agree to co-pawrent (great new word!) Blossom, a resue Staffie, it’s no surprise that they Blossom slowly helps them to know themselves and each other better.
Any dog owner will recognise some of the stories of Blossom’s misdemeanours, how they act like they understand what you are thinking/feeling and how dogs quickly become a much loved member of the family.
I read this book with a smile on my face and I will be buying as Christmas presents for a few dog lovers.

I love Sarra Manning but I chose this one because of the rescue Staffie (the gorgeous Blossom) as i'd recently lost my own beloved Staffie. This one lived up to my expectations and was the perfect rom-com: I laughed out loud and I cried (perhaps because of my personal situation) but will definitely re-visit this one again at a later date. Light but with shades of dark. Perfect!

I absolutely loved this book! Margot and Will are copawrents to Blossom, a Staffordshire bull terrier. The story follows them in their journey and also delves back in time to find out how they've landed in their current situations.

The book is written from both points of view which I love as a style of writing as we the reader don't see everything through one set of eyes.

This book had me laughing and crying and as much as I raced towards the end I didn't want it to finish because I was enjoying it so much!

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the early review copy - I'll definitely be recommending this book to others!

God, I love Sarra Manning and always just devour everything she writes. Unsticky and You Don't Have to Say You Love Me being reread every single year.

How BRILLIANT was Rescue Me, though.

I think this has potentially everything I want and need in a rom-com: it has complex characters, it's funny, throw in some steamy romance and canine friends. I could not put it down.

This book was heart-warming. It's the growth of two very lonely people, Margot and Will, who become 'copawparents' to a fantastic and sassy rescue dog Blossom (who stole the show for me in all honesty). It's their journey to becoming a family and Will and Margot coming to terms with personal traumas from their past. It shows how dogs can understand feelings and give unconditional love no matter who you are or what you've been through, or even what the dog has been through.

The one thing I always admire about Sarra's writing is her ability to show real characters with real feelings that we can all relate to. The balance was just right and the romance was spot on, and I will be picking up a copy of this when it publishes to sit next to my battered and loved copies of Sarra's other books.

You may rescue the dog but ultimately it's the dog who rescue's you!

Thanks as always to Hodder for allowing me to read an ARC.

This doggie themed contemporary tale did not disappoint. This story follows Margot and Will (complete strangers) become co-pawrent for a rescue dog. Blossom (Staffordshire bull terrier) had a great role too! The story had heart, laughs. Both main characters have to face the demons of their past before looking forward to the future. The first half of the book was cute and light but the second half dealt with some darker issues.
The perfect read for dog lovers and fans of contemporary fiction.

I was super, super excited to get my hands on this book as the blurb was so so exciting. thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing the copy!

I loved this book, it was a heartwarming read. I stayed up late while I was sick to finish it. It’s a story of Will & Margot who are both very lonely. They become copawrents to Blossom, a sassy pupper just like mine. And the story unfolds about how they become a family.

Definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for a warm read.

A great read.

Margot meets Will when she has gone to adopt a dog from the local resuce centre. They end up sharing Blossom, but will they end up meaning more to each other?

This book is perfect for dog lovers! Blossom is a stray dog and Margot and Will both fall in love with her and agree to dog share. They learn through Blossom how to love. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

Great characters, dresses with pockets, cute dogs and the perfect mix of humour and emotion (there might have been a tear or two along the way). I really could not have loved this book more.

I was super, super excited to get my hands on this book as I love Sarra Manning books and many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing the copy!

I enjoyed this book, devoured it, stayed up til 1am to finish it! It's the story of two people who don't think they deserve to be loved and a rescue staffy who helps them realise they are. This book could have easily turned into cliche but told with Manning's usual humour and realism - it's a really, heartwarming tale. And I must confess, there was a tear or two in eye at the end.

Recommended to all fans of Sarra but also to those who want to read a realistic love story to see through the winter!

The tale of two Co-pawents.

We meet Margot and Will through the chapters as the story follows each other. They both end up in the same place at the same time involving them to become a staffy’s co-pawents as they both feel they need Blossom in their lives. With opposing views, it is clear that these two owners are going to have a few disagreements and we follow their journey as they learn that welcoming a dog into your world is more life changing than expected.
I have been lucky enough receive this advanced copy through #netgallery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book flows enough that dog owners and non-dog owners can relate and everyone reading will surely be #teamblossom. This book has had be laughing out loud and sobbing within the same hour, rooting for characters, and calling them idiots for their actions. Overall, it is a feel-good book with fabulous character progression for Margot, Will and even Blossom. All that is left now is for me to dive into more of Sarra Manning’s books.
This book deals with many difficult topics from many characters perspectives (not just the importance of rescuing animals). It has made me think about how to appreciate what you have and that just like a rescue animal bad times can happen, sometimes we have to rescue ourselves.

*I will note that the current kindle version needs tweaking (Addition of front covers and a new chapter starting on a new page) But this does not impact the current read and will obviously be edited before publishing.

I loved this book entirely. It’s almost certainly going to be my book of the year.

I have been a huge fan of Sarra’s work since her J17 days and always wait for her next book with great anticipation and I have to say this probably my favourite book of hers now.

I loved Margot and Will. I loved seeing their relationship develop over the course of the book and I loved getting to know them as characters. They felt so real and I was rooting for them both.

I loved Blossom. This book really highlights the importance of rescuing animals and the impact doing that can have on the life of that animal. I loved seeing Blossom grow in confidence especially the chapter with the zoomies which made my heart ache in an utterly joyful way.

I loved the story, all of the secondary characters and the end was so very touching that I laid awake thinking about it a good while after finishing it.

Sarra Manning at her best. Is it too early for a reread?

This was such a lovely, heartwarming story, and one I'd wholeheartedly recommend. I loved how the story was told from both sides so you could see the inner turmoil of each character and the growth in them as a person. I also enjoyed Will's family who were funny and sweet. This was a lovely, sweet story and perfect for snuggling in front of a warm fire reading about happily ever after

If you love a good romance and have a soft spot for dogs then this is the book for you. I adored the story, wonderfully romantic, impossibly cute and right up my street.

As a dog lover, and an avid reader of romance, I was immediately drawn into this book.

Immediately, the narrative hooks you in. Margot's chapters feel so relatable - from the way she relents and allows her cat to find a new home, to her overemotional outbursts. There is something so fun, honest and open about her character.

Will, in comparison, is closed off and guarded. But not in a way, like so often happens in this genre, that feels cliche or like a plot point, it doesn't make him unlikeable, rather you want to break down his barriers and get to the root of what he's feeling.

Blossom, is of course my favourite. The way the author has captured the personality of the dog is remarkable and she is very much a central part of this book, even without a vocal narrative.

Overall, the way Blossom brings together two very different people, who challenge and compliment each other was a delight to read. It's a book that kept me up into the small hours of the morning, and one that will have you laughing, crying and unable to think of anything else.

Easily one of the best books I've read this year!

I requested for this book without really reading the synopsis and only because was in the mood for some rom coms. I didn’t know what to expect but I was very very pleasantly surprised.
Will and Margot both fall in love with the same Staffie, Blossom from the animal shelter and decide to adopt her together , and share her custody. How Blossom manages to change their lonely lives makes up the rest of the book
When I started reading, I couldn’t bring myself to like either Will or Margot. They were both irritating and unlikeable . But Blossom was star right from the beginning and my dog loving heart needed more of her, so I decided to keep on reading.
Slowly, without even realising it, I began to fall in love with both Will and Margot. How the author slowly unfurls both these unlikeable characters and makes you fall in love with them is nothing short of magic!!!
I was thoroughly entertained and loved how rhe relationship between Will and Margot develops. I loved Will’s family as well!
The star of the book however is Blossom. Even the dog gets character development in this book and I loved every second of it!!!
I highly highly recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author
Rating:4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting and warm read. Any books that involve animals is right up my street. There happens to be a lovely dog called Blossom who is looking for a new home who has not had the best start in life, this tugged on my heart strings. When Will and Margot both need something to love and chance upon the same dog in the rescue center that they warm to, they both want her and Blossom can't believe her luck. Will Blossom get what she has always wanted or will "co Pawrenting" be an absolute disaster. A funny and uplifting story that will definitely pull on the old heart strings.

This is a gorgeous book and really has given me all the feels! I absolutely adore this book!
I have loved the dog in this book. I also love a good romance so put the two together and it is the absolute perfect read. I have stayed up far too late devouring this absolutely wonderful book. 
Will and Margot are wonderful characters, I adore them. They have made this book a great read and I cannot wait to read more by this author. 
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I have and have been super excited to get stuck in. This is definitely a book which exceeded my expectations. 
This is a charming and heart warming read which has really cheered me up after a manic day. The cover alone is enough to grab my attention and the story definitely doesn't disappoint. 
This is my first read by this author, I am now a converted fan! The read is one of the best books that I have read and I have laughed and cried reading this absolutely delightful read. 
A definite five star read which I highly recommend.

Rescue me by Sarra Manning a five-star read that blooms to life unfurling like your favourite flower. I will be honest I picked this one up for the dog, I had read this author years ago, but for some reason hadn’t for ages and I cannot remember why, but I saw there was a dog and thought how bad could be? It was amazing. What surprised me most was I liked the humans as well as the Blossom, they were not perfect and they did upset each other and me the reader, but I loved it, it made me feel part of the family as well. But what the author did so well, was show us that it is okay to get help and help each other. This will bring a huge smile to your face, if only for the doggie wear that is described so well you can picture it, I am planning on asking my friend to make something similar for my German Shepard as he has a similar outlook to Blossom to his winter coat. This is the perfect read for any dog lover, and for any romance fans, but its also a great read for anyone looking for one.

A feelgood romance that ticked all those warm, glowing romantic boxes. The writing strong, those first few chapters spectacular at drawing the reader into the net. The perfect Christmas read.

Give me a love story about a rescue dog and give it to me in December 2020 and I will do nothing until I finish the book while sobbing into my dog’s fur. It is no surprise to anyone that I loved this book, but I very much did. Blossom’s personality was captured so perfectly, in a way that only true dog people will understand.

At first I thought Margot was going to be an unlikeable character but thankfully I was pleasantly mistaken. When she decides to adopt Blossom as a companion the last thing she expects is to meet a gorgeous guy who is happy to foster her for a week. As the story grows so does the friendship between Margot, Blossom and Will. A lovely story of love, hope and becoming a ‘family’.

An adorable rescue doggo brings together a woman looking for love and a man who doesn’t believe he can form emotional connections. This was an adorable, funny, emotional and romantic read. Margot and Will were wonderfully messy but relatable and likeable individuals with a sparky connection from the start. The development of their relationship from reluctant co-pawrents to friends and more was very organic and handled well by the author. Blossom was the best girl and deserved all the treats. An entertaining and engaging read from start to finish.