Publication Date: June 4, 2024
The New York Times bestselling author of Almost There delivers the start of a new rom-com series with an enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for readers of Abby Jimenez and Jasmine Guillory.
Ashanti Wright is thrilled over the success of her doggie daycare, Barkingham Palace. But handling the business and taking care of her teen twin sisters is a lot. And now that the antics of her adorable French bulldog and poodle bestie are blowing up on social media, things are even more chaotic than usual. And they only get worse when the world’s worst dog hater shows up.
Thad Sims is not a dog person. He’s barely a person’s person. But after his grandmother is transferred to a senior living facility that doesn’t accept pets, the former army officer agrees to care for her annoying standard poodle, and his first move is taking Puddin’ out of daycare.
Now Ashanti’s beloved Duchess is bereft of her companion, social media is outraged, and Ashanti’s business is hanging in the balance. Her only option is to make nice with the surly, sexy Thad at all costs. But it’s gonna take a tiara-wearing Frenchie, a well-dressed poodle, and a whole lotta treats to teach these humans a few new tricks about falling in love.
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon was a fast-paced read with several storylines. There are a ton of dogs at the doggy daycare called Barkingham Palace, which Ashanti, the protagonist, owns. She’s a black single woman entrepreneur who is also raising her twin sisters after the death of their parents. She juggles many plates but always does well, even if she’s running on fumes.
The characters have a depth to them, but we only seem to scratch the surface as we get to know them. However, they were all my friends by the time the story wrapped up. There are a lot of doggy antics and laugh-out-loud moments. There are business decisions and opportunities, a love interest, trust and acceptance, friends, family, and lots of camaraderie. There are some steamy moments along with understanding and commitment. The businesses portrayed are nicely fleshed out and easy to envision.
The story has a good flow, but I wish it went on a little longer since the ending seemed rushed, even with the epilogue and the potential happily ever after. Vivid descriptions of New Orleans and New York City added richness to the story. There are more characters who need their stories told, and I would love it if this was the beginning of a series.
Pardon My Frenchie is filled with dogs and friendships, along with family, friends, and business acumen. Sit back with your beverage of choice and get ready for some laughs.
Farrah Rochon is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of 40-plus adult romance and young adult novels, novellas, and short stories, including the popular The Boyfriend Project series from Forever Romance. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows.
