Review: Hound Dog & Bean by B.G Thomas

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Hound Dog & Bean by B.G Thomas
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 275pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
There's been little love in H.D. "Hound Dog" Fisher's life since the death of his beloved mom when he was a boy. Bounced around the foster care system, he ran away as soon as he could… and took the foster dog with him. As far as he's concerned, only dogs have no ulterior motive, never hold a grudge, and offer unconditional love. Now he helps run a no-kill shelter and leaves relationships where they belong: in the back room. 

"Bean" Alexander settled in Kansas City to open his coffee shop after years of traveling. He never expected to open his heart too. When a man with a grudge takes a swing at H.D. while in line at Bean's shop, Bean jumps to intervene. 

So taking a hit for H.D. gets Bean noticed, and H.D. feels obligated to pay a debt. But then the unexpected happens. A series of misadventures causes H.D. to open up—but falling in love makes him turn tail and run. Trust is a tough road to travel. Will good friends, a dog named Sarah Jane, and a bit of folk magic be enough to bring Hound Dog and Bean a happy ending?

Review
This was such a cute lil story. I enjoyed the time that I spent reading it.

We begin this story with H.D. who is just about the cutest lil hippie guy EVA!! He grew up in the foster system and now works at this no kill shelter. He’s been free with his body, but never his heart. He feels that people aren’t always so good to each other and that only animals, dogs in particular are the best things to ever happen to him. H.D. has this ability in regards to placing animals with people. It’s almost like the same thing with himself as well. He seems to think that he always knows what is the best for him, even when it’s quite clear that he doesn’t.

Now, Bean is just the sweetest darn thing I’ve read in long while. He’s got this cafe that he’s started after working in the coffee business for a few years. He’s mad some amazing contacts that he’s kept up with and has this establishment that he’s quite happy to call his own. He’s got this great heart and he’s been saving up all this love and passion for just the right person. He’s honest and loyal and kind everything that you could possibly wish for in a person.

Now, I will be the first to admit, I’m such a sucker for B.G.’s books. I love them! They tell a story. It’s not that insta-love that you find in so many books. These characters have some issues to work through and the author doesn’t make it always so easy. I like that there is a bit of angst in the story, but I also like that you know that you’re going to get an HEA.

The secondary characters in this book were truly great. I love that the two best friends of these guys were such good friends to them. I love that even with what was happening between the guys, that they still had made a relationship between them work and didn’t let it affect them. They proved that you can still be there for your friend, and yet still allow love and happiness comes into your life. The guys weren’t the only things happening in their lives. They were such good supportive characters. They added a bit of humour and overall charm to the story.

I will say that overall, this book was really sweet and had plenty of charm. There was ups and downs. There was love and laughter. There was angst thrown in to add some tension in the story. But what’s a story without a bit tension to make it that much better when the MC’s get together. You’ll enjoy the time you took reading this book.

4.5 Pants Off