Title: Pug Actually
Author: Matt Dunn
Publisher: HQ, HQ Digital
Pub Date: June 29th 2021
Pages: 320
Rating: 4*
If you’re looking for a fun read, something to put a smile on your face, look no further – this is the story of Doug the Pug, a matchmaking dog and it is told from his point of view!
This is one of those book where I spent my time alternating between giggling and cringing my way through it – I just had to share some of the funny incidents with my husband, if only to explain why I was laughing so much! Doug is definitely my favourite character in the story – and Lucas (aka Luke) my least. I admit that Julie was frustrating at times but mainly because she was gullible enough to be taken in by Luke, her lying, married boss with whom she’s having an affair. She has good friends and her Dad but initially just won’t listen to their words of wisdom. Dot is another fun character and the scheme to introduce Julie to her son, Tom, seems doomed to failure when the two initially prove antagonistic to each other. Will Doug be able to change their attitudes and bring them together? You’ll just have to read it for yourself to find out what happens!
This is an engaging romantic comedy written from a canine viewpoint. The enigma of human relationships, the frustrations of trying to get them to understand what you want and to realise just why you’re reacting as you are, are all shared by Doug. It is a fun read that is easy to escape into, despite some sensitive issues, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author in future!
Thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
When your dog plays Cupid…what could possibly go wrong?
Loyal rescue pug Doug wants his adoring owner Julie to find unconditional love and happiness – and he knows she won’t find either in the arms of Luke, her married boss.
Doug is terrified that Julie will become a lonely cat-lover if she stays single too long, but he can’t let her fall for any more of Luke’s empty promises. Julie needs to move on – and Doug is convinced that Tom, a newly divorced V-E-T, is perfect for her (despite his questionable occupation).
There’s just one problem: Julie and Tom can’t stand each other.
Doug doesn’t quite understand the quirks and complexities of human relationships, but he won’t let that get in the way of his mission to bring Tom and Julie together. After all, being a ‘rescue’ works both ways…