Review: Ain't Too Proud to Beg by Susan Donovan

CAN MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.

HELP HER FIND MR. RIGHT?

All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past—and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...

A cute and surprisingly hot contemporary romance.  Just what I wanted!

I picked up Ain't Too Proud to Beg, thanks in part to Ms. Donovan's interview with Sarah at Smart Bitches Trashy Books, and I am so glad I did.

Josie is normal, a little gun-shy when it comes to relationships because she's dated some real "winners" recently.  She and the three other ladies in her dog-walking group have sworn off men, though Josie never seemed to vehemently swear this oath.  Regardless, she's not looking for love when she attempts to win a year's worth of grooming for her Labradoodle, Genghis.  Then she meets Rick.

Rick is a successful entrepreneur with a dark and shameful secret.  It's this blemish on his past which prompts him to turn his life around, becoming the success that he is today.  He too had sworn off women, until he meets Josie, and they click. 

As I said, I'm so glad I picked up this book.  Ms. Donovan's voice is strong, and it's easy to relate to Josie and Rick.  That's not to say I agree with their decisions as they journey toward love, particularly the little secrets they keep from one another, but they do receive their HEA, despite the bumps -- and a dangerous blast from Rick's past.