This is just a wonderful book. I read it more than a year ago and was thrilled when it came out on audio. It’s narrated by Joel Leslie who is one of my favorites. He nailed this performance as well bringing the right touch of humor and sincerity. He took Ms. Walker’s words and painted a vivid image for me. In essence, he brought little Wicket to life.

When I wrote the review of the book, I mentioned I had once found a missing dog hanging around my building. It was raining out but he was pretty dry. I assumed his owner was around somewhere, but I couldn’t find anyone. I brought him up to my apartment and called the owner. The owner who lived more than thirty miles away. He’d only been gone a few hours and showed no signs of having been out in the elements, so he had somehow hitched a ride two towns over. He was a dear dog and I was happy to reunite him with his family, especially the two children who were missing him. We never got a clear answer about how he made it to my little corner of the world, but I’ll always be glad I was able to help out.

Fast forward to a few months ago when I had a panic of my own. It all ended well, but I was out for a drive with my dog. When I got home, she wasn’t in the car. It took me over an hour to find her several miles from home by the side of the road. Whether she jumped or slipped out of the car, I’ll never know and she’s not telling. She was no worse for wear and was, in fact, a little puzzled by my panic. Needless to say she’s now tethered at all times while in the car.

Little Wicket in this book has a harness when he’s in the car as well. He really enjoys car rides so maybe that’s how he wound up miles from home in the parking lot of a national park – hopped a ride with some unexpecting strangers. If not for Griffin, he would’ve stayed there for a long time. Griffin had a big heart and upon finding the clearly abandoned dog, he brought the little guy home, cleaned him up, and contacted the owner.

I completely relate to the panic Dane was undergoing. My dog was only lost for an hour and I thought my heart was going to break. Dane went more than twenty-four hours before hearing from Griffin that Wicket was okay. So, happy ending, right? Except Dane can’t get home and Griffin is more than happy to squire the pup around town while he gets used to his new home. I can only imagine the fun they got up to and the photos they sent to Dane. Pretty soon it becomes clear the men are bonding over more than just Wicket.

But being able to talk over the phone doesn’t mean there will be attraction in real life, right? Well, here the men hit the jackpot. There was a lot of attraction. Lots of lingering looks and strong desire to spend more time together. I love that Wicket was always included in their plans. The little matchmaker, eh?

As Dane says: being joined with him, being buried inside of him, making love to him, felt like heaven. It felt like home. Fiery and tranquility all at the same time. An all-encompassing raging storm and a peaceful summer breeze. He was everything and when he clung to me and gasped my name, he unravelled beneath me, surrounding me, he was home. I never wanted to leave.

Cute, eh? This is a nice easy romance. There are a couple of secondary characters who have their own little drama going on and I loved the septuagenarians and their shenanigans. Laced brownie, anyone? And there were no dark moments, a contrast to many of Ms. Walker’s other books. This book was joyful and upbeat. With a beautiful happy ending.

I laughed out loud several times, which I very much expect from this author. I also have to say that I love the cover – both of the audio and the ebook. So if you’re looking for something humorous, hot, and touching, this is the right book for you.

Oh, and always keep your dog tethered while she’s in the car. Safer for her and your heart.