New York City – Present Day

Psychologist Tory Hoffstra considers herself an expert on relationships, and those without education in the field, like Keenan James, have no business offering advice. But Keenan has built a reputation and a successful practice regardless, while Tory is struggling to stay afloat. Of course, she’s been publicly attacking Keenan, who in turn is ridiculing Tory to his fans. When Tory tries to pitch a book proposal to an editor, the response is not one of acceptance, but that she should help Keenan with his book. Tory is ticked, but she needs the money and fame it would bring, so when the editor suggests she go undercover to get a feel for how Keenan operates, she reluctantly agrees.

Keenan has striven to become successful even if he doesn’t have a “Doctor” in front of his name. When a new member is added to his support group, he’s intrigued by the lady, but knows patients are off-limits. Or, shall he break his rule? She’s mysterious and tends to argue with him when he advises patients, which should irk him, but instead, it only attracts Keenan all the more. Meanwhile, he’s struggling to care for a dog belonging to his mother, who is in a nursing home. The dog is named Barbra Streisand, and just like her namesake, she’s temperamental. Will Keenan be able to juggle both females -- human and dog?

HELLO, DOGGY! is about clashing personalities that soon segue into heated lust for each other. Tory dislikes how Keenan, with his drop dead handsome looks, has rocketed to fame. She is proud of her profession, and an untrained interloper like Keenan has no business offering advice. Of course, the fact that many of his patients are women might have something to do with it… To disguise herself, Tory turns herself -- with the help of a couple of saleswomen at Saks -- into a sexier woman. When she attracts the eye of Keenan, Tory isn’t sure what to do. Oh, she likes Keenan, but what if he finds out who she really is…and they end up working together…

Keenan is personable and appears to be the bachelor about town to many people, but deep down is a man who’s dealing not only with a nursing home bound mother, but a deep insecurity of not being the son his mother wants. Keenan’s brother has no interest in visiting their mother, despite pleas. Plus, Keenan has to deal with the dog, a huge animal that’s always getting into scrapes. Add in his newfound attraction for a patient that shouldn’t happen, he’s suddenly finding himself not sure what to do next.

Elaine Fox has delivered another winning tale in HELLO, DOGGY! that’ll keep you guessing as to what happens next and is enhanced by all the colorful supporting characters. From the other ladies who get help from Keenan, to Tory’s own family, you’ll be chuckling out loud, a lot. My advice is to not take this book out in public unless you’re willing to explain why you’re laughing so hard. The dog, Barbra Streisand, is really not seen often, despite the title of HELLO, DOGGY!, but she is definitely a good part of the story.

If you’re looking for a read that will have you smiling, then you won’t miss with the highly entertaining HELLO, DOGGY!

Patti Fischer