Pugs and Kisses by Farrah Rochon – Review of This Delightful Dog-Centric Romance

Pugs and Kisses is a heartwarming second chance romance about two veterinarians who reunite to save an animal shelter and rediscover the love they once shared.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Veterinarian Evie Williams appears to have a picture-perfect—if dull—life, until she catches her fiancé cheating and finds herself suddenly single and unemployed. Unsure of her next move, things take an unexpected turn when her old college crush, Bryson Mitchell—now a renowned veterinary surgeon—returns to town. Reunited through their shared passion for animals, Evie and Bryson team up to save the local shelter where they once volunteered, and as they rekindle their friendship, sparks begin to fly. The question is, can they turn their second chance into something more?

My Thoughts:

Farrah Rochon delivers another delightful read in Pugs and Kisses, a second chance romance filled with heart, humour, and a whole lot of canine charm. Fans of the author’s Pardon My Frenchie will feel right at home, as familiar faces—both two- and four-legged—make welcome appearances throughout the story.

At the centre of it all is veterinarian Evie Williams, whose “perfect” life unravels the moment she walks in on her fiancé with another woman. Not only is she suddenly single, but she’s also without a job, having worked in the veterinary practice owned by her now-ex’s family. While figuring out her next move, Evie returns to her roots by volunteering at the local animal shelter—only to run into Bryson Mitchell, her former flame and long-time “what if.”

Now a renowned veterinary surgeon, Bryson is just as surprised to see Evie. The pair are thrown back together as they work to save the shelter that shaped their early careers, forcing them to confront unresolved feelings and the mysterious circumstances that drove Bryson away years ago.

Told in alternating perspectives, the story gives readers a deeper look into both Evie and Bryson’s emotional journeys. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it was both touching and entertaining to watch them rediscover what they once had. While there are a few steamy moments, they’re easy to skip if that’s not your cup of tea.

As a dog lover, I especially appreciated the focus on animal care and the bond between humans and dogs. Rochon handles the subject with warmth and authenticity, though I’ll note that there is a sensitive moment involving the death of a dog—which the author acknowledges in advance.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Marissa Hampton, and found her performance to be a lovely match for the tone of the book. She brought both Evie and Bryson to life with distinct, believable voices and captured the story’s emotional depth with ease. If you enjoy audiobooks, this is a format I’d happily recommend.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Pugs and Kisses is a heartwarming read about love, growth, and following your passion—even when life throws you a curveball. Whether you’re here for the romance, the adorable dogs, or both, this one’s a winner.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Farrah Rochon:

Pardon My Frenchie

The Hookup Plan

The Dating Playbook