Review: Love is a Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd

Title: Love is a Four Legged Word
Author: Kandy Shepherd
Published: July 7, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 328
Source: Public Library
Characters: Madeline Cartwright, Tom O'Brien
My Rating:

Synopsis

Tom O’Brien is close to making partner at the hottest law firm in San Francisco, provided his newest client doesn’t foul things up. Brutus Stoddard is rich and spoiled, craves attention, and drools. The fact that he’s a dog doesn’t help matters.

Brutus has inherited a multimillion-dollar estate from his late owner, as well as a pretty guardian named Madeline Cartwright, professional chef and the eccentric old man’s surrogate granddaughter. Tom finds her—and her culinary creations— irresistible.

If Tom is to get that promotion, he has to maintain the terms of the will. That means keeping both Brutus and Maddy happy. He’s trying his hardest to keep the arrangement professional, but with two clients this adorable, Tom’s suddenly craving a different kind of partnership altogether.

This was a very light, funny read. So if something deep is what you're looking for, then this isn't it. But it is a very cute story. I'll definitely be reading Kandy's next book, Home is Where the Bark Is. Although Maddy sometimes came across as a little flighty, I did enjoy the dynamic between her and Tom. The attraction between the two of them was instant, but they didn't act on it immediately. Upon first meeting, Tom believed Maddy to be the mistress of Walter, the millionaire who left his fortune to Maddy to care for his dog Brutus. And Maddy believed Tom to be rather uptight.

The plot moved along pretty quickly, so I didn't end up have pages to skim. Jerome, the greedy relative, added some extra action to the storyline. And Serena, Maddy's best friend, also added to the story. It would be nice if we also get to see Tom's mother, Helen find love. I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store in the future.