Pugs and Kisses by Farrah Rochon (July 15, 2025) many thanks to @Readforeverpub and @HachetteAudio for the #gifted ARC and ALC copies! I am a proud pug mom and knew from the minute I heard about this book, I would want to read it. #hachetteaudioinfluencer
On paper, Evie Williams has it all. A great house, a successful fiancé, a wonderful career as a veterinarian. Then she comes home to her fiancé in flagrante delicto with another woman in their bed. Suddenly she is without a fiancé or a job, since his family runs the practice where she works. With time on her hands, she visits the animal shelter that was pivotal to her training and a few life-changing events happen. First, she finds Waffles, the adorable pug-beagle of her dreams. Second, she sees that shelter has fallen on hard times. Third, she encounters her college crush Bryson Mitchell who has recently returned to New Orleans. Finally, Evie and Bryson’s mentor hands them the enormous task of saving the shelter. Can Evie and Bryson find a way to save the shelter, make peace with the past, and (maybe) find a future together?
This book is a swoony, second-chance romance full of humor, healing, and heart. I loved the way Farrah Rochon wove themes of personal reinvention, forgiveness, and purpose into a tender, slow-burn love story. The chemistry between Evie and Bryson is undeniable, the setting in New Orleans adds so much charm and depth, and Waffles completely stole the show.
This was my first Farrah Rochon book and definitely won’t be my last. I didn’t want it to end!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Marissa Hampton’s narration was fantastic! With a wide range of voices and emotional tones, she made every character feel distinct. I was genuinely shocked to realize this was a solo narration—she brought the entire cast to life with such vibrancy. (7h 56m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 