Forever Home is the first book in the new Forever Friends series by Allyson Charles. It is currently scheduled for release on April 10 2018. Isabelle Lopez has never been a dog person. Raising her daughter alone and building a real estate career leaves no time for four-legged furballs. When she finds an abandoned mutt and litter of pups in a foreclosed apartment, Izzy intends to drop them off at a shelter and walk briskly away. Instead, her “heroic” deed makes her a local celebrity. Her boss is thrilled and thanks to gorgeous shelter owner Bradley Cohen, Izzy’s disciplined life is suddenly much, much more complicated. He’s got a sexy smile, a wicked sense of humor, and a big, noble heart. Even as Izzy tries to get her libido to heel, boy, Bradley sets out to convince her there’s more to life than padding her bank account. But Izzy knows a trade secret that puts Brad’s beloved shelter at risk, and she can’t warn him. Their relationship was barely getting started; suddenly it’s in the dog house. Now Izzy and Brad need to figure out what matters most, and whether this could be much more than animal attraction.
Forever Home is a contemporary romance that had several moments I related to- being a mom and a pragmatic sort. However there were other things that just seemed out of character to me. I loved the set up- real estate agent stumbles on dogs and tries to drop them at the shelter without having conversation- something I can total get. Of course that does not go as planned and the first connection with Brad happens. I did like Brad's willingness to work for Izzy's affection, and thought that Izzy reacted in character. I also liked his reactions to Anna, and how flexible he was in finding his place in Izzy's life. However, there were a couple moments that I was surprised with her choices (from not dating at all to getting busy outside). I liked getting the insight into both character's minds, to see their worries and needs. I thought that the conflicts were easy to see coming, but well done. I did find the resolution and I love yous to be a little quick. However, one hysterical scene that had me laughing hard enough to wake up my daughter made many of the small issues like that become less important. I still am smiling just thinking about those pages.
Forever Home is a satisfying read, and I related and laughed at times. However, while it was good- aside from a few absolutely stellar moments, I was not wowed. It was a good, satisfying read, but not a must read for me.
