Pretty good for first novel. I found the characters to be charming for the most part, though toward the end the heroine bugged me some.

The mystery wasn't as well done. The actions of the villain and the h/h didn't make much sense in that respect. Overall the romance was good but the mystery left quite a bit to be desired. ( )

This was a fun easy read. Both the hero and heroine were likable enough, but the dog was the clear star of this book.

The plot centers around an old man's will in which he leaves his large fortune to his dog. The heroine of the book, Maddy, is named the dogs guardian and the hero, Tom, is the lawyer in charge of carrying out the will. Naturally, there is a rather villainous relative contesting the fact that the money was left to the dog, Brutus. The book had some comical moments and I liked how the story showed how two career driven people found love without sacrificing their ambitions.

I did have a few issues with cheesy dialogue and predictable plot, but I think if you aren't looking for anything too profound this could be a nice beach read. ( )

Tom O'Brien is an orderly man with a five-year plan to keep his life on the right track. His stellar work as an attorney at a prestigious law firm has him in line for a partnership and a coveted corner office. Into every perfectly aligned life plan, chaos and spontaneity must enter. The delightful disorder in Tom's life comes in the form of a little mixed-breed dog named Brutus who is the heir to a fortune. Along with Brutus comes his undeniably appealing guardian, Maddy Cartwright. Brutus' late owner, Walter Stoddard, had lived a very modest life, and his closest friends, including Maddy, had no idea that he was a multi-millionaire. Tom's law firm is handling Walter's estate, and Tom is responsible for maintaining the terms of Walter's last will and testament. When Tom informs Maddy that she has inherited both Brutus and a vast fortune, she is stunned. Tom is even more stunned by his immediate strong attraction to the charming, red-haired Maddy. A professional chef as delightful as the delicious desserts she creates, Maddy is unprepared for the changes in her life. Most of all, she never expected Walter's lawyer to be a gorgeous, chocolate-eyed hunk whose deep dimples war with his stern exterior. Before Tom and Maddy can find their own personal pot of gold, they are besieged by mischief, meddlers, mystery, and the paparazzi! Kandy Shepherd writes wonderful romances that are as sweet as they are sensual. Her writing gives you that same warm feeling inside that you get when you watch Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan at their romantic comedy best in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail". It's a feeling that doesn't come along every day, and that makes it even more special. If you love being in love, have a very special affection for your pets and other animals, and you appreciate great food, then you will adore this book! As soon as you read "Love is a Four-Legged Word", you will immediately want to read the sequel, "Home is Where the Bark Is". Both of these books are on my keeper shelf, destined to be reread! ( )

This is one of those books you take to the beach for a quick and fun read. It is rather silly,but it is on the same line as a chick-flick - I read it because I was not in the mood for anything deep or meaningful; I wanted a cute story line with some steamy outcomes. ( )