Posted by Diana Coyle in
Hi everyone and welcome to another installment of my Thursday reviewer showcase. The book I chose this week is written by a debuting author that I can assure you will definitely be going places in her writing career. So, without further ado, let me tell you about: Love Is A Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd.
I found this story to be thoroughly entertaining for so many reasons. Ms. Shepherd created a fun and unique storyline that will keep any reader turning the pages for more. I laughed out loud when I found out that Brutus, Walter's mutt, had inherited a fortune from his now deceased master. From Brutus' funny antics, to falling in love with Tom and Maddy, the two main human characters in the story, I just couldn't put this book down. This is definitely a book to add to your reading list and while you're out it, pick up a copy and give it to a friend as well!
As an added bonus this week, Ms. Shepherd is kind enough to give away a copy to one of our lucky NOR readers. To try for a chance in this contest, please leave a comment or two for Ms. Shepherd along with your email address so the winner can be contacted for further shipping information. Ms. Shepherd will pick the name of the winner and have the book shipped directly to you!
If you would like to learn more about this talented debuting author, please visit her at: http://www.kandyshepherd.com/. She has a fun website with lots of goodies to tickle everyone's fancy!
Well, that's it for me folks. Please note that I will be going on vacation and I'll be releasing my next reviewer showcase 2 weeks from now on Thursday October 8th. I hope to see you all then. Have a great day everyone and take care!
Love Is a Four-Legged Word
Author(s): Kandy Shepherd Website
Genre(s): Contemporary
Review Date: Aug 16, 2009
ISBN: 9780425227848
Print Book Price: $14.00
Publisher: Penguin Group
Street Date: Out Now
Love Is a Four-Legged Word - Book Excerpt
Score: 5/5

Thirty year old Tom O’Brien has worked hard at being a successful attorney at the hottest law firm in San Francisco. He has finally worked his way up to being offered partnership at Jackson, Jones and Gentry and nothing is going to get in his way of getting this promotion. Or so he thinks. He is assigned to execute the will of the late Walter Stoddard and if all goes well, he not only will have a substantial bonus for his firm and himself, but also gain the partnership in the firm that he has wanted for quite some time now. All he has to do is make certain that Brutus, Walter’s mutt, will survive the next twenty-one days and then Tom will be awarded his bonus while Brutus will receive his inheritance. Part of that plan is that Madeleine Cartwright, Walter’s twenty-six year old tenant, will obtain full guardianship of Brutus. In doing so, she will have full control on the dog’s portion of the inheritance along with her percentage Walter has left her for graciously accepting to take care of Brutus.
When Tom first meets gorgeous Maddy, a professional chef and magazine food editor of Annie, he’s disgusted by the thought that she was Walter’s girlfriend and ultimately only after his money. Tom begins to find out that Maddy never knew Walter had any money to his name. All she was aware of was that she would gain guardianship of Brutus to ensure he was taken care of the way Walter would have done himself. But nothing that Maddy does or says to Tom seems to convince this handsomely sexy lawyer that Walter was more like her adopted grandfather than her boyfriend.
Now knowing that there is a twenty-one day waiting period before the funds are released to Brutus, Maddy and Tom think that they will go about their business and all will be fine. I mean how hard is it to take care of a pooch that now has become a multi-millionaire? But when Jerome, Walter’s distant nephew, shows up and begins doing devious acts against Maddy and Brutus, there laid back plan becomes a living nightmare for all of them.
What kind of acts does Jerome start doing against Maddy and Brutus? Why is he even doing these things to them? Does Tom ever start believing that Maddy wasn’t Walter’s girlfriend? Is the attraction between Tom and Maddy mutual and if so, do they decide to act upon it? Does Brutus get to see his fortune at the end of the twenty-one days or does something happen to him?
I have to tell you that I absolutely loved this story! From the detailed storyline, to the wonderful setting and even to the well thought out characters, this book was fabulous on so many levels. I laughed when I found that Brutus was now a multi-millionaire mutt in search of a new alpha male to control his untrained ways. Being an obedience school dropout, Brutus needed some direction in his life now that his alpha male, Walter, had passed on. Something about Tom seemed to fit exactly what Brutus was looking for in a master. Maddy undoubtedly loved and cared for Brutus, but he needed to have some dominant male to control him. Tom just wanted to fulfill his end of the bargain by making certain that Maddy and Brutus were looked after for the twenty-one day waiting period. He didn’t want a relationship nor had he planned on deviating from his five year plan he had written out and followed every day. Maddy seemed to be the wrench in his plans that he didn’t need right now in this stage of his life. I loved the book and I’m definitely adding it to my library. I would highly recommend this to other readers and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as much as I did. Don’t pass this one up!
Book Blurb & Info for: Love Is a Four-Legged Word
For readers who loved Pug Hill—a charming romantic comedy debut novel about matchmaking and a millionaire mutt.
Romance is for the dogs...
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.

Review available at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=3917
I found this story to be thoroughly entertaining for so many reasons. Ms. Shepherd created a fun and unique storyline that will keep any reader turning the pages for more. I laughed out loud when I found out that Brutus, Walter's mutt, had inherited a fortune from his now deceased master. From Brutus' funny antics, to falling in love with Tom and Maddy, the two main human characters in the story, I just couldn't put this book down. This is definitely a book to add to your reading list and while you're out it, pick up a copy and give it to a friend as well!
As an added bonus this week, Ms. Shepherd is kind enough to give away a copy to one of our lucky NOR readers. To try for a chance in this contest, please leave a comment or two for Ms. Shepherd along with your email address so the winner can be contacted for further shipping information. Ms. Shepherd will pick the name of the winner and have the book shipped directly to you!
If you would like to learn more about this talented debuting author, please visit her at: http://www.kandyshepherd.com/. She has a fun website with lots of goodies to tickle everyone's fancy!
Well, that's it for me folks. Please note that I will be going on vacation and I'll be releasing my next reviewer showcase 2 weeks from now on Thursday October 8th. I hope to see you all then. Have a great day everyone and take care!
Love Is a Four-Legged Word
Author(s): Kandy Shepherd Website
Genre(s): Contemporary
Review Date: Aug 16, 2009
ISBN: 9780425227848
Print Book Price: $14.00
Publisher: Penguin Group
Street Date: Out Now
Love Is a Four-Legged Word - Book Excerpt
Score: 5/5
Thirty year old Tom O’Brien has worked hard at being a successful attorney at the hottest law firm in San Francisco. He has finally worked his way up to being offered partnership at Jackson, Jones and Gentry and nothing is going to get in his way of getting this promotion. Or so he thinks. He is assigned to execute the will of the late Walter Stoddard and if all goes well, he not only will have a substantial bonus for his firm and himself, but also gain the partnership in the firm that he has wanted for quite some time now. All he has to do is make certain that Brutus, Walter’s mutt, will survive the next twenty-one days and then Tom will be awarded his bonus while Brutus will receive his inheritance. Part of that plan is that Madeleine Cartwright, Walter’s twenty-six year old tenant, will obtain full guardianship of Brutus. In doing so, she will have full control on the dog’s portion of the inheritance along with her percentage Walter has left her for graciously accepting to take care of Brutus.
When Tom first meets gorgeous Maddy, a professional chef and magazine food editor of Annie, he’s disgusted by the thought that she was Walter’s girlfriend and ultimately only after his money. Tom begins to find out that Maddy never knew Walter had any money to his name. All she was aware of was that she would gain guardianship of Brutus to ensure he was taken care of the way Walter would have done himself. But nothing that Maddy does or says to Tom seems to convince this handsomely sexy lawyer that Walter was more like her adopted grandfather than her boyfriend.
Now knowing that there is a twenty-one day waiting period before the funds are released to Brutus, Maddy and Tom think that they will go about their business and all will be fine. I mean how hard is it to take care of a pooch that now has become a multi-millionaire? But when Jerome, Walter’s distant nephew, shows up and begins doing devious acts against Maddy and Brutus, there laid back plan becomes a living nightmare for all of them.
What kind of acts does Jerome start doing against Maddy and Brutus? Why is he even doing these things to them? Does Tom ever start believing that Maddy wasn’t Walter’s girlfriend? Is the attraction between Tom and Maddy mutual and if so, do they decide to act upon it? Does Brutus get to see his fortune at the end of the twenty-one days or does something happen to him?
I have to tell you that I absolutely loved this story! From the detailed storyline, to the wonderful setting and even to the well thought out characters, this book was fabulous on so many levels. I laughed when I found that Brutus was now a multi-millionaire mutt in search of a new alpha male to control his untrained ways. Being an obedience school dropout, Brutus needed some direction in his life now that his alpha male, Walter, had passed on. Something about Tom seemed to fit exactly what Brutus was looking for in a master. Maddy undoubtedly loved and cared for Brutus, but he needed to have some dominant male to control him. Tom just wanted to fulfill his end of the bargain by making certain that Maddy and Brutus were looked after for the twenty-one day waiting period. He didn’t want a relationship nor had he planned on deviating from his five year plan he had written out and followed every day. Maddy seemed to be the wrench in his plans that he didn’t need right now in this stage of his life. I loved the book and I’m definitely adding it to my library. I would highly recommend this to other readers and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as much as I did. Don’t pass this one up!
Book Blurb & Info for: Love Is a Four-Legged Word
For readers who loved Pug Hill—a charming romantic comedy debut novel about matchmaking and a millionaire mutt.
Romance is for the dogs...
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.

Review available at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=3917
Check out the Night Owl Reviews digital magazine. It comes out monthly on the 15th and has exclusive content and interviews.
32 Response to Love Is A Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd
Hi Kandy,
I love that your new romance involves pets. They are such an integral part in many peoples real lives, but unfortunately it seems that many authors don't write them into story lines.
And I love a romance with some laughs. While I also love a brooding wounded hero, sometimes I want something that is fun and romantic. This definitely looks like it would be one of those books so I can't wait to read it.
Congrats on the new release!
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
Hi Diana, thank you so much for featuring LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD on your reviewer showcase.
To get your 5/5 Top Pick review was such a thrill - a real highlight of my career!
Hi booklover1355, thanks for visiting.
My animals are certainly part of my family, I adore them. When creating characters for my novels, their pets kept butting their heads into the story. They're not only characters in their own right but I also feel they help define my people characters.
I hope LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD makes you smile when you read it!
Diana, I couldn't put Kandy's book down either. I read it when I was stuck in an airport for 13 hours and time just flew! The characters (the two-legged *and* four-legged varieties) were so endearing and a joy to be around. Congrats, Kandy!
~ Vanessa
Thank you Vanessa. If reading LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD helped relieve the tedium of a 13-hour wait at an airport then I am very happy!
Hiya Kandy! I loved "Love is a Four Legged Word"! Who can resist a story with a cute dog in it? Big Congratulations on your 5/5 review. Phew! That's some achievement and well deserved too. I wonder if my debut novel with 5 dogs in it will achieve even half that much acclaim? :-)
CC
Kandy, thanks so much for offering to give a copy of your book to one of our lucky readers! I know they're going to love it as much as I did and how Authorness did when she was killing 13 hours in an airport. Yikes what along wait. LOL.
I have to agree with booklover1335 that I also love reading stories that involve animals. I wish more authors would decide to include them in their storylines. :)
CC Coburn: I'd love to see what your story is about. Five dogs in the storyline, huh? I'm hooked already. :)
Keep the comments coming readers! We love hearing from you and that's your chance of entering into the contest.
Have a great day everyone!
~Diana Coyle
Hi CC, nice to see you here. Five dogs in your book! I can't wait to meet them.
Kandy,
I just wanted to congratulate you on LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD. I read this when I was unwell and it perked me right up. Such a warm, delightful romance that made me turn the pages faster and faster! A terrific novel. I'm already waiting for your next one.
Annie
Diana, so glad you loved this book. I thought it was fantastic! Kandy, congratulations on such a feel-good read!
Hi Kandy
I got my copy of Love is a Four-Legged Word yesterday. It's been on order for the longest time and now it's here! I'm nearly finished and it's such a lovely, fun, warm read! I feel this goofy smile on my face while I'm turning the pages!
Thanks for reviewing Kandy's book, Diana!
Anyway, can't stay... I've got a book to finish! LOL
Congratulations, Kandy!
:)
Sharon
Hi Annie, so glad to hear that my book cheered you up when you weren't feeling well. My next book HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS will be published next June.
Hi, Kandy! This a very charming and sweet-sounding story. Just what I need to pull my heartstrings and make me smile. The cover is adorable. I'd love to win. gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Thanks Anna. Getting such wonderful feedback from reviewers like Diana is so good for the soul. Quite makes up for the time angsting and hoping readers will enjoy our stories!
Hi, Kandy'
Love is a Four-Legged Word is the most delightful read. I love that millionaire mutt! Tom's a bit of a hunk, too. And as for those brownies... I'm drooling just like Brutus!
BIG congrats on 5/5 - well deserved!
Love,
Chris Stinson. X
Virginia I love that kitty on your avatar! Is he yours? He reminds me of my beautiful Albert who is 18 and getting very wobbly and frail but as adorable as when he was a kitten.
Hi Sharon, I'm so glad you are enjoying LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD. If I can put a smile on my reader's face I am very happy.
Hi Chris - glad you like the story and the brownies. One reader told me she felt hungry all the way through the book because of all the yummy food the heroine Maddy is always cooking.
The recipe for those decadent brownies that tempt Tom the hero is on my website.
Now and then I venture into contemporary romance and I would certainly love to read Kandy Shepherd's novels!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Aww, animals just make life so much fun, don't they?
Sounds like this one has some laughs and we could all use a few in this day and age.
Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
Love this book. It's funny. Lovely characters. This writer is a rising star.
Cathleen Ross
Hi etirv, I'm glad you enjoy reading contemporary sometimes!
Hi ddurance - my animals make me laugh many times a day! I hope some of the joy they give me translates into my books and make my readers smile.
Congrats on your release LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD!!! Animals have always had a place in our home... Through the years, we have had many loveable friends! Your book sounds like something I would enjoy greatly!!!
greenshamrock@
I love pets and am totally intrigued by the storyline. It sounds like so much fun. Thanks for the possibility of winning and owning this delightful book.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Kandy,
After reading the excerpt from your book and all those wonderful comments your readers sent in, I'll definitely be reading this book and I'd love to have an autographed copy for my bookshelf.
A loyal reader,
Lorraine
moml1@cox.net
As a 10+ years volunteer in Miniature Pinscher (MinPin) rescue group, I vote that you write your next book about a MinPin. I'd love to share some of their goofy antics. As an animal lover, expecially dogs, I'm fascinated at the idea of a dog being one of the main characters in a love story... fiction imitating true life, because animals often bring humans together.
Removed original post and reposted because I forgot to include my email address. Here it is:
one6ylady(at)aol(cot)com
Hi Colleen, so nice to hear how special animals are to you. They're such an important part of my life I can't write anything without one sneaking onto the pages!
Hi bgcchs, great to hear from another pet lover!
Hi Lorraine, I'm glad to hear that my storyline interests you!
Hi one6ylady, Miniature Pinschers sound adorable. I'm always doing research on different dogs to include in my books. I so admire you for working in animal rescue.
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