The Wisdom of Bug by Alyson Root is a sweet romance between an overworked CEO and an animal shelter owner, facilitated by the support of Bug the cocker spaniel.
Though she loves her family and the family business, Evelyn Crawford doesn’t love getting stuck working a hundred hours a week keeping things going while everyone vacations. Her girlfriend is complaining, her best friend is nagging, and she is sure she’s hallucinating when she walks into her office and sees a dog sitting in the middle of her office, staring soulfully at her.
Four Paws animal rescue is famed for their pet care, but owner Alyssa Fox has a bad moment when Bug disappears in a twenty story building. At first she’s happy to find him in an office on the top floor, but then she catches sight of the company’s gorgeous CEO petting the rascal and is instantly smitten. Alyssa has never done relationships, but Evelyn might be the one to change her mind.
Writing
This somewhat short novel doesn’t waste any time getting to the story of Evelyn and Alyssa and also doesn’t leave the reader feeling teased about how they feel about each other. They are instantly smitten and Bug the preternaturally wise dog sets them up to spend time together. The tactic is clever and well done without being over the top sweet.
Though the book is a sweet romance, with one of the sweetest sex scenes I’ve read, there is a bit of angst thrown in for leavening. Right after the wonderful sex scene is a line that made me tear up because it’s relatable and deeply sad. The author doesn’t make how she does it obvious, but she makes sure the reader goes on the kiddie ride of emotions. Not too much, but fun and satisfying.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Their meet cute is one of the nicest I’ve seen. Bug is a dog wise beyond reason, and he shows up in overworked Evelyn’s office like a ghost which causes Alyssa to be stressed by the time she finally finds him. The anxiety adds some angsty heat to the meeting, but not too much and the women are instantly into each other. All that’s left is to follow them not trying terribly hard to resist each other.
They spend a good portion of the book getting acquainted and, even though it’s only a few weeks I always like it when two people have a good idea of the other before they fall into bed.
Bug the dog is of course adorable, and he is the facilitator of both Evelyn and Alyssa learning how to live saner lives along with falling in love. He does a couple of borderline creepy but funny things that give the story a nice twist. I think it would be fun to revisit this good boy and see what other wise mischief he gets up to in their lives.
Also, shoutout to the women’s besties. Both root for their friends, are funny in different ways, and are a substantial reason there is very little angst in this romance.
Heads Up
Evelyn is still grieving over her mother’s death.
The Conclusion
Bug the very wise dog pulls some strings to bring Evelyn and Alyssa together and out of their overworked, sad lives. This is a sweet romance set in the Christmas season with a nice meet cute and only a little angst on a fairly straightforward road to love between two lovely women.
A reader looking for something with a nice setup and a couple of interesting twists should enjoy reading about these two very nice women falling in love. There is just enough angst to enhance the sweet, and this is a very pleasant book that gave me some feels and a satisfied feeling at the end.
Excerpt from The Wisdom of Bug by Alyson Root
“I think you need to talk to Ms Fox,” he replied.
“Okay, and who is that?” Evelyn knew all her employees by name and there was no Ms Fox among them.
“She runs the dog sanctuary.”
“Right, and which dog sanctuary is that?” Good Lord, it was like pulling teeth.
“The one that’s here,” he said matter-of-factly.
Evelyn was about to burst, her frustration with this particular conversation was driving her insane. “Okay, can you send Ms Fox up here then?”
“Certainly, Ms Crawford.”
Evelyn watched him leave before addressing Maggie. “Have you any idea what the fuck is going on?” Evelyn was completely exasperated.
“Nope, I tried to get an answer, but he just repeated what he said to you.”
“Christ, I hope whoever this bloody Ms Fox is has some sodding answers. I’m about ready to commit murder.”
“I hope I’m not the one you’re going to off,” a low velvety voice said from Evelyn’s doorway. Jumping in surprise, Evelyn nearly fell out of her chair. “I’m Ms Fox, the one with some sodding answers.”
Evelyn could feel her cheeks burning. Not only had this woman overheard Evelyn grumbling, she’d also just witness her nearly pole vault out of her chair.
Excellent.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 979-8399073545
Publisher: Indie Author
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