Customer Reviews

Love is a Four-Legged Word

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"What a cute story. If you are a dog person you will absolutely love this book. Brutus is such an ornery and spoiled dog, but he will have you wrapped around his pinky in no time. Maddy's character is wonderful. She comes across as a bit flaky at times, but she has a good heart and would do anything for Brutus. At first, Tom appears to be a real stick in the mud kind of guy, but once he starts to loosen up things get interesting. The supporting characters are also phenomenal. Maddy's best friend is the best friend a girl could ask for. The bad guy is as evil as can be in his own slimy way. And Tom's mother is such a sweet-heart. The attraction between Tom and Maddy heats up pretty quickly and the way that they each rationalize certain things is hilarious."

"I found this book to be such a delightful story that allowed me to escape reality for several hours. This adorable romantic comedy is sure to entertain anyone and it is sure to brighten even the gloomiest of moods. If that sounds like a book you would enjoy, go get a copy today. This adorable romantic comedy is a keeper and one that I will return to often." - Jacquelyn R. Ward

Really enjoyable book and a great read - I loved the way the story line unfolded. The characters are all likable, especially Brutus!

Tom O'Brien is an orderly man with a five-year plan to keep his life on the right track. His stellar work as an attorney at a prestigious law firm has him in line for a partnership and a coveted corner office. Into every perfectly aligned life plan, chaos and spontaneity must enter. The delightful disorder in Tom's life comes in the form of a little mixed-breed dog named Brutus who is the heir to a fortune. Along with Brutus comes his undeniably appealing guardian, Maddy Cartwright. Brutus' late owner, Walter Stoddard, had lived a very modest life, and his closest friends, including Maddy, had no idea that he was a multi-millionaire. Tom's law firm is handling Walter's estate, and Tom is responsible for maintaining the terms of Walter's last will and testament. When Tom informs Maddy that she has inherited both Brutus and a vast fortune, she is stunned. Tom is even more stunned by his immediate strong attraction to the charming, red-haired Maddy. A professional chef as delightful as the delicious desserts she creates, Maddy is unprepared for the changes in her life. Most of all, she never expected Walter's lawyer to be a gorgeous, chocolate-eyed hunk whose deep dimples war with his stern exterior. Before Tom and Maddy can find their own personal pot of gold, they are besieged by mischief, meddlers, mystery, and the paparazzi! Kandy Shepherd writes wonderful romances that are as sweet as they are sensual. Her writing gives you that same warm feeling inside that you get when you watch Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan at their romantic comedy best in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail". It's a feeling that doesn't come along every day, and that makes it even more special. If you love being in love, have a very special affection for your pets and other animals, and you appreciate great food, then you will adore this book! As soon as you read "Love is a Four-Legged Word", you will immediately want to read the sequel, "Home is Where the Bark Is". Both of these books are on my keeper shelf, destined to be reread!

A charming, mad-cap story by a talented Aussie author.

Love is a Four-Legged Word is a light, fun-filled read. Its quirky characters, an aspiring celebrity chef and an uptight lawyer, are brought together when the chef's elderly neighbour dies, leaving her the guardian of an ugly pug who inherits a fortune.

Set on the west coast of the USA, this zany romance reminds me of an old Cary Grant movie - it has the same, light-hearted, feel-good factor. In this story's world, nothing is too serious, despite seeming life-and-death stakes for the "millionaire mutt". It's impossible not to be charmed by the heroine, Maddy, with her bubbly personality and whacky way of seeing the world. Even uptight Tom, the lawyer hero, proves to be just as lovable by the end.

Some readers think the ugly mutt Brutus steals the show, but I disagree. It's Kandy Shepherd's delightful comic voice that makes this story. Kandy's writing persona very much reflects her warmth and humour in real life - it shines through her stories.

I first read Love is a Four-Legged Word years ago, and only recently reread it after the sequel Home is Where the Bark Is, which tells the story of Maddy's model friend Serena. (Also an excellent read.) The sequence doesn't matter: each novel stands well on its own. Kandy's The Castaway Bride came out on ebook recently - and I'm not surprised to see it is topping the best-seller lists.

I'm looking forward to more. How about it, Kandy?

(This review first appeared on Amazon in July 2011 and was revised Nov 2011.)

I loved this one and Home is Where the Bark Is!!!! Such fun and sweet reads! I wish she had more. I need to give mine away but still hold onto them.

This is a lovely fresh romance between two engaging characters who fall in love. The characterisation is realistic and entertaining.

Brutus is the funniest dog, which a big heart and bigger s*x drive which keeps his owners on their toes.
Very funny, light reading.
Cathleen Ross

This is such a refreshing read after a hard day's work. I was hesitant to put $14 down on an unknown quantity, but the cute cover and the cute story line, swayed me to give this story a try. And I'm telling you, it's worth the price.

Brutus just inherited a multimillion dollar estate. And Madeline Cartwright was appointed his guardian. So what's the big deal? Brutus is an unusual looking Heinz 57 variety dog. And it's up Tom O'Brien, lawyer, to ensure that his new "client" survives the 21-day probate that ensures that the canine would inherit and his company receives a substantial bonus. Even if that means staying close to Brutus's attractive guardian.

This is such a great, wholesome story. The plot was evenly paced without any boring gaps. The story can be a bit predictable but sometimes, it works to its advantage. There was enough humor, intrigue and romance equally balanced to keep one turning the pages. Each chapter is short, which makes you feel you moving through the book quickly. Madeline Cartwright is the girl-next-door. She didn't really care for the money that she could inherit. All she really cared about was trying to get her cooking career off the ground. She's sweet and caring but still is a little selfish and jealous (that way she doesn't appear too perfect). Tom O'Brien was a stuffed shirt at the start. But it was nice to see how he slowly changed with his continuing relations with the heroine. I love the scenes were he protects her and Brutus. What a guy. This is a clean romance. They do have one scene near the end of the story but it was tastefully done. Despite it, you can tell that the characters were attracted to each with the never ending chemistry bouncing between them. Brutus, what a sweetheart! This story shows that animals do have an emotional bond with its owners, develop relationships and can suffer loss just like humans do.

The only reason I didn't give it a full fledged five is because I wouldn't read this book over and over again. Maybe once and a while. However, it was enjoyable and I strongly suggest this book to anyone who loves a sweet, clean romance with cute animals thrown in.

When octogenarian multimillionaire Walter Stoddard died, he left his estate to his beloved soul mate, his dog Brutus. Walter's lawyer Tom O'Brien is now Brutus' attorney. Tom is concerned about Brutus' designated guardian Madeleine Cartwright as he assumes the woman must be a gold-digger who in her twenties took advantage of an old man.

He first meets her with an oven mitt cooking brownies. She becomes suspicious of him when he refuses to sample one. She is either a great actress or clueless that the old guy living above her in Pacific Heights was wealthy; in fact she thought of him as an impoverished grandfather. He further explains the twenty-one day rule. Cynical at first, he begins to believe she is innocent and naïve even as he falls in love with her. She reciprocates, but nether expected a distant relative to arrive claiming the estate starting with Brutus.

This amusing contemporary romance affirms WC Field's point to never co-star with animals as in many ways the ugly Brutus steals the show though he needs neutering as he seems to begat a pup a page. The story line is lighthearted fun with first impressions nuked over the three weeks of new rules that Bill Maher would salute and fans will enjoy.

Harriet Klausner

I cannot fathom who gave this book such glowing reviews. The plot is ridiculous and the dialogue completely inane. The cover art is by far the best thing about the book.