Jennifer Lyon


Wednesday, August 25th, 2021
Who Else Loves Dogs in Books?

I know, I know, according to a lot of romance novels I’ve read, I should really be into shoes. I’m not. When I see a pair of designer shoes, I think of pain–both to my wallet and my feet :-) When heroines obsess about shoes, I’m skim reading.

But introduce a dog and I’m there for it! I want to get to know the pup. I love it if they’re quirky, serious, bad tempered…I don’t care, I’ll read it. Dogs often steal the scenes for me.

And dogs help me decide if the man character are really heroes and heroines, or a DNF (Do Not Finish). I won’t read a book featuring a hero or heroine who doesn’t take care of animals (excluding rom coms where one character starts the book ignorant and swiftly learns–those amuse me).

I like cats, horses and other animals too.

What about you?

7 comments to “Who Else Loves Dogs in Books?”

  1. Silver James
    August 25th, 2021 at 9:10 am · Link

    Since I’m a critter peep, yup. I enjoy when animals take a significant role in a story. And I’ve been known to include a few in my own work, and I am NOT including those who turn furry. ;) Some writing guru once said, “Don’t ever kill the dog.” That’s pretty true except sometimes, the villain is so evil and that event (even if just an injury occurs), that it can ignite the story. I haven’t had the nerve to do that but I know a couple of writers who have. I forgave them by the end of the book. But yeah. I’m much happier with fuzzy-cute antics!



  2. Viki S.
    August 25th, 2021 at 2:36 pm · Link

    I love animals in my books. It is so true that the way the characters react to the animals has a direct correlation to how I feel about them. Even if they are just indifferent to the animal I will not like them as much as a character that fully happily interacts with the critter.

    Speaking of shoes. I’ve never noticed a female character truly obsessing over shoes. If she did, I’m sure the book would become a DNF for me.

    Have a wonderful day!



  3. B.E. Sanderson
    August 25th, 2021 at 3:16 pm · Link

    Yep, love animals – for reals and in fiction. And yeah, I can’t abide by people or characters who don’t treat animals right.

    As for shoes… yawn. I mean, I have an affinity for cute shoes, but I don’t care about designers and I don’t want to read about footwear. I like characters who bake and characters who collect books. Heh, wonder why. LOL



  4. Silver James
    August 25th, 2021 at 4:31 pm · Link

    🤣 I was all about the critters. I forgot you even mentioned shoes. Guess that shows where they rank on my radar and yeah, I totally skip the clothes and shoes in a book. Heck. Mine wear combat boots. Or cowboy boots. THOSE, I’m interested in. ;)



  5. Jenn
    August 25th, 2021 at 5:11 pm · Link

    Silver, I don’t like animals hurt either, but I don’t have a hard and fast rule. I’ve written the scenes with animals hurt–it really helps the heroine or hero get their priorities real clear, real fast.

    And I agree animals can add so much to a book, especially with their antics. Even in a darker romance, they can show the lighter side of characters :-)

    LOL on the shoe debate. I know a lot of people love shoes and clothes, but animals are so much more interesting and fun!

    I’ve always wanted a pair of real cowboys boots, but they aren’t really practical for my life of running shoes and flip flops, LOL.



  6. Jenn
    August 25th, 2021 at 5:16 pm · Link

    Viki, yep, and I love when animals melt the heart of the coldish hero or heroine too. It’s all fun.

    I wish I could think of an example of a heroine obsessing about shoes that was irritating or boring to me, but I’ve deleted them from my brain :-)

    Hope your week is going well.



  7. Jenn
    August 25th, 2021 at 5:20 pm · Link

    B.E., yeah, I can’t either. Animal neglect or abuse is bad enough in real life.

    Oh yeah, characters who bake, or in some cases TRY to bake usually engage me too. Baking or cooking fails can be hilarious. And I love heroes who bake too.

    Happy Wednesday!



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