Reviewed by Ami
Title: Sometimes the Best Presents Can’t Be Wrapped
Author: B.G. Thomas
Heroes: Ned Balding/Jake Carrara
Genre: MM Contemporary Holiday
Length: 131 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 25, 2017
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Ned Balding used to be a decent man—until the stress of seemingly countless responsibilities changes him, and he becomes cold and driven—the kind of man who considers firing an employee days before Christmas. The kind of man who kicks a dog…. But Ned’s transgressions haven’t gone unseen. A Salvation Army Santa witnesses his misdeeds and decides Ned needs to be taught a lesson.
When Ned wakes up the next morning, he’s stunned to discover he’s been transformed into a dog.
In the past year, Jake Carrara has lost his mother, a lover… even his dog. His boss came close to firing him just before the holidays. He isn’t sure he’s ready for another pet when he’s asked to foster a dog, but Jake’s good heart won’t let him refuse. Little does he know, this isn’t just any dog.
Through a twist of fate, two people with little reason to be friends might teach each other to rediscover the good—and the love—in life.
Review: I had a hard time enjoying this one because I couldn’t feel enough sympathy for Ned. And my star-rating is always about whether I like the story or not.
The thing is, I found Ned to be quite a jerk from the very beginning. Yes, yes, I know that this story is meant to show that Ned learns his lesson after turning into a dog – to show him about compassion and understanding towards other people (and animals!). It also has an Ebenezer Scrooge – Christmas Carol theme to it because apparently, the love interest is Ned’s employee (who stutters, by the way).
But my GOD, it was so hard when reading all those vitriols coming from Ned’s mouth. AND HE KICKED A DOG!! Not just once, but twice. URGH! At this point, I couldn’t raise enough care for Ned. At one point I even wish that he stayed a dog. *lol*
Maybe it has a good quality, a ‘lesson-learned’ kind of thing. But I also found the journey for Ned to be better wasn’t as emotionally engaging as I thought it would be.
Sorry book!
Overall Impression: It was okay
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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