Book Five (all stand-alone titles) of a Series for Dog Loving Romance Readers!
John Santorini has his hands full this summer and not just with Maverick, the wild and willful puppy he recently adopted. He’s trying to franchise his business, he’s got serious staffing issues, and his biggest investor still hasn’t committed to financing. But all of those problems fade away when a five year-old … fade away when a five year-old girl pounces on his puppy in the park and pronounces him “Mine!” John can handle a kid with a crush on little Mav. But he’s not so sure what to do with his instant attraction to her mother, a beautiful young widow who brightens his world the minute she arrives in town.
Summer Jackson has come to Bitter Bark for one reason: to meet a man. But the man she plans to connect with isn’t there. Instead, she finds two outrageous grannies who want to marry her off, discovers a colorful extended family that wraps her in love, and crushes hard on a Greek charmer who offers her a place to stay and a job for the season. John may not have been the man Summer intended to meet, but his soul-melting kisses soon have her rethinking all her plans. He’s smart, sexy, sweet, and his impossibly adorable puppy is helping her daughter overcome her baffling speech impediment.
It doesn’t take long before Summer and John are dreaming of the happy ending they’ve both been denied. But then the past comes back to wreak havoc on all their lives, and Summer’s real reason for coming to town threatens to destroy this budding little family. Will John have to settle for a Summer fling…or do the Dogmothers have the recipe for romance one more time?
The Dogmothers – A Spinoff Series from the popular “Dogfather” books
Fall in love over and over again as two charming and hilarious grandmothers and their precious doxies make it their mission to matchmake all nine of their grandchildren in spectacular, unforgettable, and heartwarming fashion.
Hot Under the Collar – Book one
Three Dog Night – Book two
Dachshund Through the Snow – Book three
Chasing Tail – Book four
Hush, Puppy – Book five
And more to come!
Just the like the Dogfather books, the covers of the Dogmothers series were all photographed at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Florida, using rescue dogs from the shelter and “local heroes” as models. A portion of book sales is donated to that amazing organization!
About Roxanne St. Claire
Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly sixty romance and suspense novels. She has written several popular series, including The Dogfather, The Dogmothers, Barefoot Bay, the Guardian Angelinos, and the Bullet Catchers. Several of her books have been optioned for film and many have been translated into dozens of languages.
In addition to being a ten-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITATM Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne has won the National Readers’ Choice Award four times, as well as dozens of other writing and industry awards. A frequent and popular national speaker on the subject of writing and the writer’s life, Roxanne is a graduate of UCLA, the mother of two, and recent empty-nester. She lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband and two (at the moment) dogs.
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Hush, Puppy rocks!
When I want a feel-good book to read, I always go to Roxanne St. Claire. This book was all I hoped it would be and more. I am a complete softy when it comes to dogs and this one really made me smile and laugh and just feel so good about everything. You have a very headstrong little girl determined to get the puppy she’s claimed as her own using all her little diva ways. Then there’s John, who not only is a great guy, but one that falls hook, line, and sinker for that little diva that wants his puppy. And let’s not forget her mama who is in the middle between them. With every twist, turn, and problem that blocks their paths, they find a way past it. Throw those nosy little grannies, Kilcannon, Mahoney, and Santorini clans in there and watch the magic.
This book was so much fun to read from the very first page that I didn’t want to put it down, so of course I didn’t. I had to see how all the pieces came together and I absolutely loved how naturally they did. I have always loved Roxanne St. Claire’s books and admired her talent. How an author can write such a funny, happy book in the middle of a terrible pandemic gives true meaning to the word “gifted.” I thank her for bringing light and joy to us through this wonderful book. Please read it and I guarantee it will put a little happiness in your life. We can all use a little extra happiness.
I’ve never read anything by Roxanne St. Claire I didn’t enjoy and “Hush Puppy” is no exception. I’m no grammarian, but I get cranky when an author gets basic grammar wrong, and Ms St. Claire doesn’t. (I do, more than I like.) “Hush, Puppy” is the best yet – I was teary-eyed with Destiny’s difficulties, and half in love with long before I finished the book.
If you read and enjoyed both the Dogfather and Dogmother series, try the all the Barefoot Bay series – they’re delightful as well.
Once again the Dogmothers did it. Their matchmaking skills are phenomenal. Summer and John are their newest targets. Summer has a five-year-old daughter, Destiny, All Destiny wants for her sixth birthday is a puppy. She falls in love with John’s puppy, Maverick. That is how they met in the park in the small town of Bitter Bark. All that transpires between John and Summer meeting and the climax, is very exciting, delightful, and entertaining. Read Hush Puppy by Roxanne St. Claire and be thoroughly blessed.
Hush Puppy is one of my favorite books in the Dogmothers series including the prior Dogfather series. It touches on several issues for both characters, Summer and John.
Summer Jackson comes to Bitter Bark for a weekend for two reasons. First, to apologize to her late husband’s best friend, Travis Shipley, for abruptly ending their online relationship and second, to adopt a puppy for her 5 year old daughter, Destiny. Summer is a young widow whose husband was killed in service to his country leaving her to raise their mixed race daughter, five year old Destiny, by herself. Destiny, who suffers from a stuttering problem, desperately wants a puppy.
John Santorini is the owner and chef of his Greek restaurant aptly named Santorini’s, which he is hoping to franchise if only he can win over the man who can help him financially. The man said he would show up unannounced one day soon to see the restaurant and the operation before putting up the money. John has never met him and doesn’t know what he looks like. There is one problem, he is short staffed and needs to find a hostess ASAP.
Walking through the town park, Destiny spots the exact puppy she wants but the only problem is the pup already has an owner, John Santorini. Summer tries to explain that this pup already has an owner but Destiny is not having it. When Summer goes to find Travis at the Hoagies and Heroes restaurant his dad owned, she finds it’s no longer there. In its place is Santorini’s.
As John and Summer get to know each other, she is amazed at how lovingly he treats her daughter and he marvels at how many lines she knows from Top Gun, from where his pup, Maverick, got his name. Soon, their friendship blooms into more along with the help of the grandmother matchmakers, John’s Greek Yiayia and her best friend Grandma Finnie, known as the Dogmothers.
I found this book very enjoyable with many emotions from the struggles of a young war widow, her shy, young daughter with a stutter, her guilt over a misunderstood relationship with her husband’s best friend to her second chance at love. John is not without his own struggles as a successful restaurant owner and the possibility of losing it all.
This book is part of a series but all the books can be read as stand alones. The characters from other books wander in and out and all are given a brief background for a new reader to get to know. There is also a “family tree” at the end of the book for easy reference in this large, extended family.
4.5 stars
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read all the Dogfather & Dogmother series and not a bad one in the bunch. I’m soo In Love with the Hush Puppy characters by Roxanne St. Claire. I’m not going to repeat the story line for you-it’s up to you to do that or read the other reviews. This is a WONDERFUL BOOK-so caring, loving-humans & cute puppies, romantic, funny, so well written and just plain Great! Have a box of tissues ready, you’ll need them.
What a wonderful and sweet addition to the Dog Grandmother’s series!
The dogmother’s are once again using their matchmaking skills on John and Summer. Summer is only at Bitter Bark for a short few weeks with her daughter, Destiny to make amends with her deceased husband’s friend. Summer meets John in the park with his dog, Maverick. There is love at first sight between Summer and John, plus Destiny falls in love with Maverick. John is working hard at getting his deli up and running, while trying to win the hearts of these two girls.
This is a heart warming story that won my heart over. Plenty of puppy love that will bring smiles to many. Loved Destiny, such a joy with her love of Maverick and singing while dealing with her speech impediment. This is a story that you don’t want to miss.
Another winner in this fun entertaining series as another Santorini finds love in Bitter Bark. This one has a bit of everything. A cute kid, a cute puppy, a lovable nerd and of course a sweet romance right in the middle of it all. These characters won my heart right from the start and I think they will win everyone’s. This is a must read, I highly recommend it.
I love the Dogfathers and Dogmothers series. Hush, Puppy delivers!
Another amazing story by Roxanne St. Claire, Hush Puppy, book five in her Dogmother series featuring John Santorini, Summer Jackson, and her daughter Destiny. This is a story of love at first sight, people and dogs, family, acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness. These characters are amazing, full of love and compassion. Destiny is a major player in this story between her speech impediment, love for Maverick, her singing, and her relationship with John.
John is the numbers man behind the Santorini restaurant and his recently adopted puppy, Maverick, attracts lots of attention from the children playing in the nearby park. When a little girl in the park grabs his puppy and yells “Mine! John is stunned. It could be the gorgeous little girl or his instant attraction to her mother. Summer is visiting Bitter Bark to apologize to a friend of her late husband; who is not there. Instead, this beautiful widow meets two outrageous grannies who want to marry her off, discovers a colorful extended family that wraps her and her daughter in love, and she crushes hard on John, who offered a place for her and her daughter to stay and a job for the season. John may not have been the man Summer intended to meet, but he soon has her rethinking all her plans. Plus, his impossibly adorable puppy is helping her daughter overcome her baffling speech impediment. As often happens, as soon as this happy couple start believing they just might get a happy ending a secret is unveiled, causing trouble which just might destroy everyone’s hopes and dreams. The magic of Bitter Bark, the Dogmothers and the strength of their families might just be strong enough to appease everyone and save the day.
Ms. St. Claire wrote a fun, flirty and amazing story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, off the charts sizzling chemistry, humor, and charming characters giving John, Summer, and Destiny a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected. I highly recommend Hush Puppy to other readers and look forward to who’s the next match-matching victim in the next book in this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I love this series. Roxanne St. Claire has a way of bringing you to Bitter Bark and making you a part of this amazing family. This is book 5 in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is the story of John Santorini and Summer Jackson, her daughter Destiny and John’s cute puppy Maverick. It made me laugh, cry and generally just feel good. Read the whole series, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you Roxanne St. Claire for another amazing book.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Hush, Puppy is a standalone read with a happy ever after. There is mild sex and no colorful language. This book is part of a series but you will not feel lost as everything is easily explained. John is the owner of a very successful Greek restaurant in the town of Bitter Bark, N. C. His big family has married into the big Irish family that owns the largest dog rescue and training facility in the country. Both families are sort of run by the two elderly grannies. One Irish, one Greek. They make for a lot of fun and consider themselves matchmakers! Their latest quest is to marry John, the Greek, to Summer a 3rd grade teacher from Florida with her 6 year old daughter. Summer is a war widow and has been raising their child by herself with the help of her parents. She is in Bitter Bark to get her daughter a dog and to handle some personal business.
John meets the two of them as he is walking his pup in the park. Destiny, the 6 year old falls in love with his pup Maverick and decides that he is the dog for her. The two bond but no matter how cute the kid, John is not giving up his pup.
Summer comes with a lot of baggage and not the kind you pack in. She has a lot of issues and even though she is looking for a man, she isn’t looking for a man!! But John is a lot of temptation. You will love John. Look at the cover of this book and you will see John! Then add in all his great qualities and you have one perfect hero.
This is a great read. It is funny and there are some tear-jerk moments. I highly recommend it. I’m already ready for the next book in this series.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 6/13/2020
I love John and his interaction with Summer and Destiny. As a single mom, it is most endearing when a guy takes interest in your child without you asking. Throw in a beautiful singing pup named Maverick that completes this group. Let the Dogmothers do their magic and voila, another win for them. Top Gun is one of my favorite movies and I just love how bits and pieces of it are entwined in the romance of Summer and Yianni. It has all the feels!! I think this may be my favorite of the Dogfather / Dogmothers.
I seriously cannot say enough good things about this author. I have adored every book this author has written and have added her to my must read author list long ago. She has a special knack for making you fall in love with every character she writes. The dialogue is also fantastic.
Hush Puppy has stolen my heart. John, Summer, little Destiny and Mav have all pulled me into this story. The storyline was so special and well done. I could not stop reading. When an Irish grannie and a Greek grannie fancy themselves matchmakers, they won’t stop till they matchmake everyone they can and that leads to such wonderful romances. I look forward to the next in the series!
Loved this story about John aka Yianni. These two characters just had that something and when you add in an adorable kid and puppy what is not to love!
From the first scene you know that these two will get through anything. It doesn’t seem like much got them down during the whole story but they just got stronger as it went on.
Loved it and can’t wait for the next one to fall.
‘Hush Puppy’ no cuter words were ever whispered.
Hush, Puppy which is actually the 5th Dogmothers Book is filled with family times, lovable cuddly times, adventurous times and laugh till you cry times. I so love this series and am glad Roxanne found a way to continue writing about the Kilcannon family by bringing the Kilcannon-Mahoney-Santorini families to the pages of her books.
John Santorini and Summer Jackson were such a fun couple to read about. They needed each other whether they knew if from the start or not. He made her laugh she made him smile. Then you add in of course two crazy grandma’s, 1 adorable puppy, a whole bunch of family and a cute little girl with a speech impediment and you can’t help but fall in love right along with them.
In these uncertain times it’s wonderful to find a book that can carry you away to another place and time where love blossoms, friends and family gather and there’s an overall feeling of peace and joy. Roxanne St. Claire is a magical writer who has the ability to whisk you to another locale and make you feel like you are part of the story. The emotion she elicits from each of her characters transfers so seamlessly to the reader that her books are hard to put down and make you wish the story could go on and on. Hush, Puppy is one of those books. Summer, Destiny, John and Maverick are heartwarming characters that make you laugh, cry (tears of sweet joy) and want to hug all of them. They aren’t without their problems, but they face them with such absolute positivity that it makes you want to approach life with that kind of enthusiasm and sunshine. Highly recommend Hush, Puppy to brighten your day.
I love the Dogfather and Dogmother series by Roxanne St. Claire and have read every one of them in order. I think Roxanne gets better with each book. Hush, Puppy is perfect from the great title to the ending. In these times, it is wonderful to visit the town of Bitter Bark where a dog is the mayor (in name only ) and the population loves dogs and romance. John Santorini owns the Greek deli and wants to expand his business. Summer has brought her daughter to town to find a puppy. Put together by the match making grandmas, they both find what they are looking for. This book is a wonderful escape from life’s ordeals right now. Loved it.
Another home run in the Dogmothers series. John is logical and focused on trying to franchise Santorini’s Deli. Throw in a puppy who is full of energy and he definitely has his hands full. When he gets a call from his potential investor while walking Maverick in the park, he is not prepared for the little girl who feels the “Mav” was meant to be her puppy. And then there is her mother, Summer, with whom he has an instant attraction.
I loved how John was so understanding in dealing with Destiny (Summer’s daughter) and was able to teach her some life lessons by sharing his own experiences growing up. And there is Aidan who helped John to let go of his logical mind and just feel at times, of course the Dogmothers trying to work their magic, and the irresistible attraction between John and Summer.
This is another wonderful addition to the series. John Santorini is front and center with his new puppy Maverick. He and Summer and her daughter Destiny make this a page turner.The “Gramas” are in top form as usual.I highly recommend this book.