Pug Actually By Matt Dunn; Honest Review


About Pug Actually:

Sourced from Pug Actually | Mysite (mattdunn.co.uk)

When your dog plays Cupid…what could possibly go wrong?

Loyal rescue pug Doug wants his adoring owner Julie to find unconditional love and happiness – and he knows she won’t find either in the arms of Luke, her married boss. 

Doug is terrified that Julie will become a lonely cat-lover if she stays single too long, but he can’t let her fall for any more of Luke’s empty promises. Julie needs to move on – and Doug is convinced that Tom, a newly divorced V-E-T, is perfect for her (despite his questionable occupation). There’s just one problem: Julie and Tom can’t stand each other.

Doug doesn’t quite understand the quirks and complexities of human relationships, but he won’t let that get in the way of his mission to bring Tom and Julie together. After all, being a ‘rescue’ works both ways…

 

A big thanks to Gabriella Drinkald at Midas PR for sending me a copy of Pug Actually by Matt Dunn, I’m extremely excited to share my review today!

Dear Reader,

When I picked up Pug Actually, It was one of the first days of Autumn and I was very ready for some snug, romantic fiction. And what is more snug, than a pug?! The pacing is so smooth, the kind of book you can sit with and finish in just one sitting with one of your own floppy eared friends for good company. It’s cosy contemporary perfection, just-right for the chilly season we’re coming into right now.

The cover had me sold right away, but I had yet to know that the narration was through the clever lens of Doug the Pug. I have read very few books with such a clever choice of perspective. As having always been a pet owner, you get to wondering what’s going on behind those irresistibly strokable ears, Doug’s narration is similarly irresistible with his combined wit and wisdom throughout the book. Through Doug we really get to know what our main character, Julie, is like. We learn to root for her, through the hopeful optimism of her pet, even when we don’t always think of her as an extremely likable person. A concept I have somehow never seen explored before, but deeply enjoyed, as for most of us who keep our furry friends close through it all, we know they know us best.

Pug Actually is hilarious in ways you wouldn’t expect and adorable in every you would. Despite this, the book delves into our characters truth in a deeply moving way, it brings a bit of your heart into the novel and before you know it, you’re a little teary eyed as you flick through the pages. Nevertheless, the book carries a light air of fun and mischief through Doug and his adventures. Even when you’re reaching for the tissues, you’ve got a big soppy smile on your face as you watch such lovable, likeable characters develop and grow with the help of their small furry accomplice. I personally enjoyed how the disruptive themes across this book were such relatable ones, there’s no pups in capes, trying to save the empire state building from destruction. Themes of heartbreak, loss of a loved one, self-love and allowing yourself to be loved, are all the most honest and real struggles of day-to-day life, that our pets do seem to follow us along, and in their own special way, help us through. We see in this book, through the eyes of a small pup who’s two main priorities are the two most important people in his life, as he strives the whole way through to make them happy.  Julies romances seem to take a backseat when through Doug we see what real adoration and love for someone is. The world needs more Dougs! And I will strive to be a Doug for every Jim and Julie I know. For those, who deserve a little more love than they’re dealt.

To show this book a little love please treat yourself to this charming read.

 Out in paperback now!

Thank you again to Midas PR for sending across this wonderful book.

More about the author below:

 

About Matt Dunn





Matt Dunn is the author of numerous romantic comedy novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook and A Day at the Office. He’s also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun.

For more information about Matt, visit his website, follow him on Twitter @mattdunnwrites or find him on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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