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Finders Keepers
Needing a change of scene, Griffin Burke moves from Brisbane to Coolum Beach to start a new job. The beautiful white sand, aqua-coloured ocean, blue skies, and summer breezes are everything he longs for. What he finds is a mud-covered dog, lost and hungry, with a nametag and a phone number.
Dane Hughes is stuck in Surfers Paradise at a week-long work conference when he gets a phone call from his distraught mother. His dog, his fur baby, Wicket, has run away. Unable to leave and feeling helpless and miserable, he gets a text from a guy. “I think I found your dog…”
Griffin and Dane start talking, and Griffin agrees to look after Wicket until Dane can collect him. With a few days left before his new job starts, Griffin takes Wicket on some coastal adventures and sends Dane photos of their fun, and so the start of something new and kind of wonderful begins.
Griffin might have moved to Coolum in search of a new life, but what he finds is so much more. What he gets to keep just might take some four-legged help.
Dane Hughes is stuck in Surfers Paradise at a week-long work conference when he gets a phone call from his distraught mother. His dog, his fur baby, Wicket, has run away. Unable to leave and feeling helpless and miserable, he gets a text from a guy. “I think I found your dog…”
Griffin and Dane start talking, and Griffin agrees to look after Wicket until Dane can collect him. With a few days left before his new job starts, Griffin takes Wicket on some coastal adventures and sends Dane photos of their fun, and so the start of something new and kind of wonderful begins.
Griffin might have moved to Coolum in search of a new life, but what he finds is so much more. What he gets to keep just might take some four-legged help.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2018
449 people are currently reading
1692 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,260 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 861 reviews
January 30, 2018
~4.5~
This is a story about a boy and his (lost) dog, and about the dog (now drenched, dirty, and hungry) and another boy who rescues him. And finally it's about both boys and THEIR dog.
Some books are so fluffy, it's like eating cotton candy: all sugar, no substance. And some books are so gritty, you need a shot of vodka to dull the pain.
But THIS book is refreshingly simple, like a fresh, organic, juicy strawberry is simple: perfectly sweet, delicious, satisfying.
Finders Keepers is a true-to-life, feel-good story about two men who have a real Meet Cute—first via text/phone and later face-to-face—and click on every level: they never run out of things to talk about; they have palpable sexual attraction; they like being outdoors, especially walking on the beach, LOVE kissing (each other), and get along like a house on fire.
I j'adore all three MCs (yes, I'm including Wicket the sassy dog, because he makes this story and is absolutely a character in his own right).
Griffin likes his job as a front desk hotel manager. He gets a big kick out of his 70-something-year-old landlady, Bernice (who is a fabulous secondary character!), and doesn't think twice about saving a scared, muddy dog and taking care of him until his daddy can come get him.
Dane is so grateful to Griffin and feels a tug toward the kind man who rescued his dog. Dane isn't a complicated guy. He works in retail, gets on with his parents, and is all around mellow and ready to settle down.
There is absolutely no relationship angst here. NONE. The guys fall for each other rather quickly, but the way the story unfolds makes this instant connection truly believable.
I loved that Walker took time to develop the relationship. We are not TOLD the guys are perfect together; we SEE it (the story is told in a dual first-person POV).
Finders Keepers doesn't feel overly fluffy or insubstantial. Not everything in life has to be hard. Sometimes people really do meet and fall in love with no drama or misunderstanding. Not everyone's life story involves bad parenting, homophobia, abuse, or violence.
I was never bored, not for a moment, even though the most exciting plot point is Griffin's landlady falling ill. But, like I said, Bernice and K (her longtime boyfriend but don't call him that) are awesome characters who add humour and poignancy to the plot. Bernice is a hoot!
Walker has really stepped up her game when it comes to the Hot & Sexy. This book is fairly steamy! And, HELL YES, that makes me giddy!
I didn't want this book to end. When it did, I felt like I had misplaced a warm, cuddly blanket.
This story made me HAPPY, and that's the best recommendation yet.
N.R. Walker
+
Dog on cover
=
This is a story about a boy and his (lost) dog, and about the dog (now drenched, dirty, and hungry) and another boy who rescues him. And finally it's about both boys and THEIR dog.
Some books are so fluffy, it's like eating cotton candy: all sugar, no substance. And some books are so gritty, you need a shot of vodka to dull the pain.
But THIS book is refreshingly simple, like a fresh, organic, juicy strawberry is simple: perfectly sweet, delicious, satisfying.
Finders Keepers is a true-to-life, feel-good story about two men who have a real Meet Cute—first via text/phone and later face-to-face—and click on every level: they never run out of things to talk about; they have palpable sexual attraction; they like being outdoors, especially walking on the beach, LOVE kissing (each other), and get along like a house on fire.
I j'adore all three MCs (yes, I'm including Wicket the sassy dog, because he makes this story and is absolutely a character in his own right).
Griffin likes his job as a front desk hotel manager. He gets a big kick out of his 70-something-year-old landlady, Bernice (who is a fabulous secondary character!), and doesn't think twice about saving a scared, muddy dog and taking care of him until his daddy can come get him.
Dane is so grateful to Griffin and feels a tug toward the kind man who rescued his dog. Dane isn't a complicated guy. He works in retail, gets on with his parents, and is all around mellow and ready to settle down.
There is absolutely no relationship angst here. NONE. The guys fall for each other rather quickly, but the way the story unfolds makes this instant connection truly believable.
I loved that Walker took time to develop the relationship. We are not TOLD the guys are perfect together; we SEE it (the story is told in a dual first-person POV).
Finders Keepers doesn't feel overly fluffy or insubstantial. Not everything in life has to be hard. Sometimes people really do meet and fall in love with no drama or misunderstanding. Not everyone's life story involves bad parenting, homophobia, abuse, or violence.
I was never bored, not for a moment, even though the most exciting plot point is Griffin's landlady falling ill. But, like I said, Bernice and K (her longtime boyfriend but don't call him that) are awesome characters who add humour and poignancy to the plot. Bernice is a hoot!
Walker has really stepped up her game when it comes to the Hot & Sexy. This book is fairly steamy! And, HELL YES, that makes me giddy!
I didn't want this book to end. When it did, I felt like I had misplaced a warm, cuddly blanket.
This story made me HAPPY, and that's the best recommendation yet.
N.R. Walker
+
Dog on cover
=
February 5, 2018
3.5 Stars!
I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and saw many reviews stating this one was a sweet and easy read with zero angst. It was just what I was wanting and this book definitely delivered.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet and to the point because I got a full day of RL crap to get to.
I really enjoyed that there was no drama. It was easy flowing from beginning to end. I thought the way these two men met and fell in love was really sweet. The dog was very cute. I liked how growly he got every time Dane and Griffin started getting handsy with each other. Like I said, he was very cute.
I loved Griffin's land lady and her man caller, K. They were both very funny and a lot of fun. I loved the way Beatrice had no filter and took pleasure in embarrassing Griffin when Dane was around which was often.
Even though the relationship moved a bit quickly their feelings for each other didn't seemed rushed. They had a connection and great chemistry so their feelings felt very real and not instant.
If your looking for something easy with zero angst then pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and saw many reviews stating this one was a sweet and easy read with zero angst. It was just what I was wanting and this book definitely delivered.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet and to the point because I got a full day of RL crap to get to.
I really enjoyed that there was no drama. It was easy flowing from beginning to end. I thought the way these two men met and fell in love was really sweet. The dog was very cute. I liked how growly he got every time Dane and Griffin started getting handsy with each other. Like I said, he was very cute.
I loved Griffin's land lady and her man caller, K. They were both very funny and a lot of fun. I loved the way Beatrice had no filter and took pleasure in embarrassing Griffin when Dane was around which was often.
Even though the relationship moved a bit quickly their feelings for each other didn't seemed rushed. They had a connection and great chemistry so their feelings felt very real and not instant.
If your looking for something easy with zero angst then pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
February 6, 2018
Suuuuuuuper fluffy & sweet, and suuuuuuper low conflict in this one.
Griffin and Dane were both really lovable MC's, with their celebrity good looks and easy-going attitudes, so I really liked both guys quite a bit.
And Wicket felt a bit like one of the main characters as well, more so toward the beginning of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the "getting to know one another" parts toward the start, then the bit of drama at the end surrounding the surfing lesson and Bernice's health.
But, if I'm being 100% honest, the middle part left me wanting at least some type of conflict. Don't get me wrong, I liked reading more and more about their budding romance, after a certain point, I just wasn't overly entertained during that part.
Overall, I'd rate this story at around 3.25 *mostly-entertaining* stars
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July 23, 2018
4.5 Stars!
This fucking book!!
I just want to squeeze its face and pinch its cheeks! Gah!
Every time I look at that cover it just makes me grin uncontrollably.
Go on. Take a good look. How does that not make you smile?
So this is exactly what the blurb says.
If you need to just roll around in some sugary cloud of the most adorable endearing fluff with a good dash of sexy, Walker hits a homerun with this!
Enjoy!
This fucking book!!
I just want to squeeze its face and pinch its cheeks! Gah!
Every time I look at that cover it just makes me grin uncontrollably.
Go on. Take a good look. How does that not make you smile?
So this is exactly what the blurb says.
If you need to just roll around in some sugary cloud of the most adorable endearing fluff with a good dash of sexy, Walker hits a homerun with this!
Enjoy!
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 2, 2025
Finders Keepers is a stand alone, sweet, sexy, wonderful romance by N.R. Walker. This is one of those books that just brightens up your day. It’s completely angst free and will make your heart happy.
Griffin Burke is twenty four years old and has just gotten a new job as second level management for a five star resort in Coolum Beach. He had known for awhile that it was time to move on from his previous job in Brisbane and getting this new job was perfect timing. He has a few days before his first day of work to get to know his new city. Griffin loves to hike and loves spending time at the beautiful beaches. And it’s there where he found the cute but very muddy little dog.
Dane Hughes is twenty six years old and is a manager of a cell phone store. He has been sent away for a week long management seminar so his mom is watching his dog, Wicket. Only Wicket gets out and there is nothing Dane can do since he is hours away at his required retreat. And then he gets the call from a stranger saying he thinks he found his dog! His name and number were on a tag on the dog’s collar.
As Griffin explores his new town, he takes his temporary companion along with him and sends cute photos to Dane to let him know what Wicket is up to. They are having the time of their lives while Dane is stuck in boring conferences. But something else is happening with the exchanging of photos, texts and phone calls that week. Dane and Griffin start getting to know one another and a foundation for something that has the promise of being more, begins to form.
This book was just so cute! And don’t even get me started on the cute little Wicket. I loved Dane and Griffin together. It’s like little Wicket just new that this man was the one he needed to get for his dad. I also have to mention Griffin’s new landlady, Bernice. She was amazing and funny and so perfect! I have read several of N.R. Walker’s books now and every one I’ve read has been equally amazing. Her characters always manage to wrap themselves up in my heart. And don’t even get me started on all the swoons involved. I adored this book and if you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll grab it and fall in love just as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Griffin Burke is twenty four years old and has just gotten a new job as second level management for a five star resort in Coolum Beach. He had known for awhile that it was time to move on from his previous job in Brisbane and getting this new job was perfect timing. He has a few days before his first day of work to get to know his new city. Griffin loves to hike and loves spending time at the beautiful beaches. And it’s there where he found the cute but very muddy little dog.
Dane Hughes is twenty six years old and is a manager of a cell phone store. He has been sent away for a week long management seminar so his mom is watching his dog, Wicket. Only Wicket gets out and there is nothing Dane can do since he is hours away at his required retreat. And then he gets the call from a stranger saying he thinks he found his dog! His name and number were on a tag on the dog’s collar.
As Griffin explores his new town, he takes his temporary companion along with him and sends cute photos to Dane to let him know what Wicket is up to. They are having the time of their lives while Dane is stuck in boring conferences. But something else is happening with the exchanging of photos, texts and phone calls that week. Dane and Griffin start getting to know one another and a foundation for something that has the promise of being more, begins to form.
This book was just so cute! And don’t even get me started on the cute little Wicket. I loved Dane and Griffin together. It’s like little Wicket just new that this man was the one he needed to get for his dad. I also have to mention Griffin’s new landlady, Bernice. She was amazing and funny and so perfect! I have read several of N.R. Walker’s books now and every one I’ve read has been equally amazing. Her characters always manage to wrap themselves up in my heart. And don’t even get me started on all the swoons involved. I adored this book and if you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll grab it and fall in love just as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 15, 2025
So ridiculously cheesy, I don't even know what to say except that it made me grin like crazy. It's not really anything special, but it made me feel extremely relaxed and happy, on top of the beach vacation I got to enjoy.
“Yeah, I’m here. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, really. I just woke up today certain it was Friday, thinking I’d see you tonight, only to be bitterly disappointed it’s only Thursday.” 🫠🫠🫠
“Yeah, I’m here. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, really. I just woke up today certain it was Friday, thinking I’d see you tonight, only to be bitterly disappointed it’s only Thursday.” 🫠🫠🫠
February 4, 2018
Runaway pup results in a sweet romance starting with text, phone calls and pictures. In the words of Griffin...
This is one of those books where you just sit back and enjoy it. There's no struggles. No fights or drama. No other people trying to ruin it. No crazy self-doubts or insecurities leading to stupid misunderstandings or separations. It's just easy going, sweet fluff.
I rather liked it.
"It was tender rocking, deep kisses, spine-tingling, ball-aching, cock-throbbing good."
This is one of those books where you just sit back and enjoy it. There's no struggles. No fights or drama. No other people trying to ruin it. No crazy self-doubts or insecurities leading to stupid misunderstandings or separations. It's just easy going, sweet fluff.
I rather liked it.
"Being joined with him, being buried inside him, making love to him, felt like heaven. It felt like home. Fury and tranquillity, all at the same time. An all-encompassing, raging storm and a peaceful summer breeze. He was everything. And when he clung to me and gasped my name as he unravelled beneath me, surrounding me, he was home, and I never wanted to leave."~Dane
February 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
If you’re looking for a feel-good M/M romance with absolutely zero relationship angst, then this is the story for you.
Griffin Burke has just moved to Coolum Beach (on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland) to start a new job. While out and about discovering his beautiful new town, he stumbles across a fluffy little dog that seems to be lost and scared. As all decent people would, Griffin takes the pup home and loves on him a ridiculously cute amount, finally calling the number on the dog tag and letting the owner know his dog is safe and sound.
Dane Hughes is away on a work conference when he gets the news that his dog has “escaped” his parents’ house. In a panic but with nothing he can do being stuck miles away, Dane waits it out and hopes for the best. A few days later he gets a call from a stranger named Griffin, saying that his dog, Wicket, has been found and is being cared for up in Coolum. They agree to leave Wicket in Griffin’s care until Dane returns from his work trip, with the two young men deciding to communicate back and forth via text, calls and shared photos during that time.
Brought together by an adorably intuitive dog, Griffin and Dane hit it off immediately. Conversation is effortless between the two, and soon enough both men begin to acknowledge that there is some serious relationship potential at play between them, especially once they get a glimpse of each other via shared selfies and realise they have the hots for each other physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
Once Dane returns from his conference, he and Griffin begin to date, initially attempting to take things slow even though their feelings and their mutual attraction is immense. Before they know it, the whole “let’s-take-it-slow” thing goes out the window and they're all boyfriend-ed up and loving on each other in a beautifully sweet and possibly forever kind of way.
I loved this story; it provided all the warm and fuzzies I could ever need. Dane and Griffin’s growing relationship was all things sweet and easy, with a natural progression that felt spot on perfect to me and with absolutely zero relationship angst along their way to a spectacular HEA.
The entire cast of characters were a welcomed treat, but ultimately, it was the dog that shined the brightest. I gave my heart away completely to little Wicket and I don’t care if I ever get it back. He was one of the most vibrant little animals I’ve ever come across on page, full of personality and exhibiting all the cute and ridiculous little doggie traits a dog owner/lover would expect to see. He was just too cute for words.
My absolute favourite thing about this story was the sunny, laid-back setting of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Growing up holidaying every year in Caloundra (close to the main book settings of Maroochydore and Coolum) is practically the scene of some of my absolute favourite memories from my childhood (with my family) and early twenties (with my friends). When you know a book setting really well in real life it’s hard not to read with a critical eye, looking for inconsistencies and assessing the legitimacy of the scene being set. Having said that, N.R. Walker absolutely nailed everything here, from the gorgeous tropical and beachy scenery, to the mood and vibe of the people and places mentioned. Reading this story made me incredibly nostalgic and I’m more than impressed by the way Walker captured my favourite place on Earth with such accuracy and love.
Finders Keepers has definitely been a great reading experience for me and now solidly stands in amongst (several of) my favourite Walker reads.
If you’re looking for a feel-good M/M romance with absolutely zero relationship angst, then this is the story for you.
Griffin Burke has just moved to Coolum Beach (on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland) to start a new job. While out and about discovering his beautiful new town, he stumbles across a fluffy little dog that seems to be lost and scared. As all decent people would, Griffin takes the pup home and loves on him a ridiculously cute amount, finally calling the number on the dog tag and letting the owner know his dog is safe and sound.
Dane Hughes is away on a work conference when he gets the news that his dog has “escaped” his parents’ house. In a panic but with nothing he can do being stuck miles away, Dane waits it out and hopes for the best. A few days later he gets a call from a stranger named Griffin, saying that his dog, Wicket, has been found and is being cared for up in Coolum. They agree to leave Wicket in Griffin’s care until Dane returns from his work trip, with the two young men deciding to communicate back and forth via text, calls and shared photos during that time.
Brought together by an adorably intuitive dog, Griffin and Dane hit it off immediately. Conversation is effortless between the two, and soon enough both men begin to acknowledge that there is some serious relationship potential at play between them, especially once they get a glimpse of each other via shared selfies and realise they have the hots for each other physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
Once Dane returns from his conference, he and Griffin begin to date, initially attempting to take things slow even though their feelings and their mutual attraction is immense. Before they know it, the whole “let’s-take-it-slow” thing goes out the window and they're all boyfriend-ed up and loving on each other in a beautifully sweet and possibly forever kind of way.
I loved this story; it provided all the warm and fuzzies I could ever need. Dane and Griffin’s growing relationship was all things sweet and easy, with a natural progression that felt spot on perfect to me and with absolutely zero relationship angst along their way to a spectacular HEA.
The entire cast of characters were a welcomed treat, but ultimately, it was the dog that shined the brightest. I gave my heart away completely to little Wicket and I don’t care if I ever get it back. He was one of the most vibrant little animals I’ve ever come across on page, full of personality and exhibiting all the cute and ridiculous little doggie traits a dog owner/lover would expect to see. He was just too cute for words.
My absolute favourite thing about this story was the sunny, laid-back setting of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Growing up holidaying every year in Caloundra (close to the main book settings of Maroochydore and Coolum) is practically the scene of some of my absolute favourite memories from my childhood (with my family) and early twenties (with my friends). When you know a book setting really well in real life it’s hard not to read with a critical eye, looking for inconsistencies and assessing the legitimacy of the scene being set. Having said that, N.R. Walker absolutely nailed everything here, from the gorgeous tropical and beachy scenery, to the mood and vibe of the people and places mentioned. Reading this story made me incredibly nostalgic and I’m more than impressed by the way Walker captured my favourite place on Earth with such accuracy and love.
Finders Keepers has definitely been a great reading experience for me and now solidly stands in amongst (several of) my favourite Walker reads.
February 3, 2018
Finders Keepers by NR Walker was just what the doctor ordered. This book was just an honest to god feel-good story. It's about an adventurous pup who found himself far from and the stranger who found and looks after him until his dad can come and get him. I swear, I agree with the guys, Wicket (the dog) totally knew what he was doing. ♥
Some highlights:
-Dane (Wicket's dad) and Griffin (savior) are two of the most lovable characters I've read. They were so adorable!
-Wicket, the dog. He had a big personality in a small package, but the best part is that his role in the book never became cartoonish and over the top.
-Bernice and K. Bernice is Griffin's hippy landlady and K....her "friend."They were a hoot, and I hope one day to be as cool as them when I'm their age.
-TEXT Messages!!!! I'm a total whore for relationships that start via text/email/social media. In FK it kind of started with a text.
-Alternating POVs. I swear I almost wept the first time I read an NR book with alternating POVs, and I was ecstatic we got both guys' thoughts and feelings.
-Relationship development. We're with them from the start and although there's nothing that goes wrong between Dane and Griffin I was never bored. They were a joy to read.
In the end, I can't say enough good things. I needed this book in my life, it proved a great escape from reality that had me smiling from ear to ear from beginning to end. 5 Stars.
March 29, 2021
4 to 4 1/2 stars
This is a super cute, super low angst M/M story, and those of you who love animals, dogs in particular, might really enjoy it.
It's sweet, sometimes funny, and has its share of sexy times.
I found myself smiling/chuckling a lot with Griffin, Dane, and the adorable pup (who was responsible for bringing the leads together), Wicket.
Wicket doesn't wear a costume and has white fur, but in the spirit of this book, I simply couldn't resist...
This was a light, fun, and happy read for me.
This is a super cute, super low angst M/M story, and those of you who love animals, dogs in particular, might really enjoy it.
It's sweet, sometimes funny, and has its share of sexy times.
I found myself smiling/chuckling a lot with Griffin, Dane, and the adorable pup (who was responsible for bringing the leads together), Wicket.
Wicket doesn't wear a costume and has white fur, but in the spirit of this book, I simply couldn't resist...
This was a light, fun, and happy read for me.
March 15, 2018
I love all of NR Walker's books. Most recently I adored "On Davis Row". "Finders Keepers" is a much lighter, cute, contemporary story and, unsurprisingly, it was a delight to read. Recommended.
February 7, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Super cute.
Somewhat steamy.
A lot sweet.
#wicketforthewin
Super cute.
Somewhat steamy.
A lot sweet.
#wicketforthewin
July 16, 2023
Finders Keepers is such an adorable romance. It's also the second book I've read recently that stars an absolute fluffy doggo (Faraway Match being the other one). Scene stealers, both of them.
Dane left his dog with his mother while he's away on a week-long work conference. But the worst occurs when his mother calls in tears that Wicket had run away.
Griffin has recently moved to the Sunshine Coast after getting a promotion, when he finds a dirty lost dog that hops in his car and makes himself at home. When he calls the number on the collar, it turns out it's Dane's dog Wicket.
Honestly, Dane's and Griffin's meet-cute is goals. The beginning of their relationship is through texts, photos of Wicket and calls. That foundation is there when they finally meet in person and hit it off even more.
N.R. Walker always delivers on great low-angst and cute romances.
Dane left his dog with his mother while he's away on a week-long work conference. But the worst occurs when his mother calls in tears that Wicket had run away.
Griffin has recently moved to the Sunshine Coast after getting a promotion, when he finds a dirty lost dog that hops in his car and makes himself at home. When he calls the number on the collar, it turns out it's Dane's dog Wicket.
Honestly, Dane's and Griffin's meet-cute is goals. The beginning of their relationship is through texts, photos of Wicket and calls. That foundation is there when they finally meet in person and hit it off even more.
N.R. Walker always delivers on great low-angst and cute romances.
June 30, 2018
Lili was right. This was chicken soup for the soul. And after a truly craptastic January, I needed it.
October 5, 2022
Everything started when Wicked ran away… to find his owner’s perfect match.
Griffin has just arrived in Coolum Beach, ready to start his new job. He doesn’t expect to find a lost dog, much less to hear a very sexy, very male voice when he calls the number on his collar. He promises to take care of Wicked until his owner, Dane, can come to get him. Of course, he would have to call every day to keep him updated on his dog’s adventures…
“All I learned today was that my dog is having the time of his life with the man of my dreams, and I’m stuck here with you guys.”
He’s just a nice stranger who likes dogs. No matter if he’s sexy as hell and has a bracelet with the gay flag, Dane shouldn’t be imagining having a date with him. But he kind of owes him dinner for taking care of Wicked, right?
Dane got to his feet, trying to hold a squirming Wicket, who was still trying to lick his face ()
I’d never seen anyone so handsome.
He held out his hand. “Dane Hugues.”
I shook his hand, warm and strong. “Griffin Burke.”
Griffin and Dane had a very unique meet-cute, and the rest was as endearing as the beginning. They keep calling, messaging and sharing photos for one week before physically meeting, both of them failing miserably to not get their hopes up for more than a brief dog exchange as final destination. Despite being predictable, the only sunshine, drama-free story was all I wanted and I found myself thinking about the characters days after finishing it, which doesn’t happen often with this kind of light romance. There is something about NRW’s books that always manages to touch my heart.
Griffin and Date were NRW’s typical heroes: beautiful inside and out, all smiles and good-vibes and happiness. While I wished it was easier to tell them apart, I couldn’t help but enjoy their easy-going nature. I think we all wish real love was as easy as in NRW’s stories, but they are my favorite place to go when I need to fool myself into thinking life is all rainbows and butterflies. I know I’ll come back some day for another dose of pure dopamine. In the meantime, I’d recommend this book if you want a feel-good romance with the cutest meet-cute, interesting secondary characters, a bit of smut and without the boredom that often comes with an angst-free story.
“Maybe it was about time I put my heart on the line, for real. For keeps.”
PS: the final scene was the cutest ever
*Rating: 3.5/5
Griffin has just arrived in Coolum Beach, ready to start his new job. He doesn’t expect to find a lost dog, much less to hear a very sexy, very male voice when he calls the number on his collar. He promises to take care of Wicked until his owner, Dane, can come to get him. Of course, he would have to call every day to keep him updated on his dog’s adventures…
“All I learned today was that my dog is having the time of his life with the man of my dreams, and I’m stuck here with you guys.”
He’s just a nice stranger who likes dogs. No matter if he’s sexy as hell and has a bracelet with the gay flag, Dane shouldn’t be imagining having a date with him. But he kind of owes him dinner for taking care of Wicked, right?
Dane got to his feet, trying to hold a squirming Wicket, who was still trying to lick his face ()
I’d never seen anyone so handsome.
He held out his hand. “Dane Hugues.”
I shook his hand, warm and strong. “Griffin Burke.”
Griffin and Dane had a very unique meet-cute, and the rest was as endearing as the beginning. They keep calling, messaging and sharing photos for one week before physically meeting, both of them failing miserably to not get their hopes up for more than a brief dog exchange as final destination. Despite being predictable, the only sunshine, drama-free story was all I wanted and I found myself thinking about the characters days after finishing it, which doesn’t happen often with this kind of light romance. There is something about NRW’s books that always manages to touch my heart.
Griffin and Date were NRW’s typical heroes: beautiful inside and out, all smiles and good-vibes and happiness. While I wished it was easier to tell them apart, I couldn’t help but enjoy their easy-going nature. I think we all wish real love was as easy as in NRW’s stories, but they are my favorite place to go when I need to fool myself into thinking life is all rainbows and butterflies. I know I’ll come back some day for another dose of pure dopamine. In the meantime, I’d recommend this book if you want a feel-good romance with the cutest meet-cute, interesting secondary characters, a bit of smut and without the boredom that often comes with an angst-free story.
“Maybe it was about time I put my heart on the line, for real. For keeps.”
PS: the final scene was the cutest ever
*Rating: 3.5/5
June 18, 2022
I told my BR partner in crime Cass that I was in an unexpected Hallmark channel type of mood. So, she suggested this and it was just what the doctor ordered.
It’s my first book by NR Walker but it’s certainly not my last.
What a super sweet meet cute. I loved that Wicket the dog was really the 3rd main character. He played a pivotal role and he was given ample page time.
The landlady is a real hoot! I love old hippies, in fact I wish I was one. They have no fucks to give unless you mess with their ganja.
Griff said something about a guy who loves his dog that much couldn’t be a serial killer. He obviously never saw Silence of the lambs and Buffalo Bill and his little beloved dog.
There wasn’t really any drama in this. Griffin and Dane fell together like perfect puzzle pieces. Seriously, perfect for each other in every way. Which is amazing but at the same time a little too easy for me. I honestly could’ve used a little bit of angst.
But that’s such a small complaint. Not only was this sweet and charming but funny to boot. I laughed out loud on several occasions. I wouldn’t say it was the steamiest book but the chemistry was on point.
Overall a wonderful read that hit the spot if you’re feeling like a good old fashioned time.
It’s my first book by NR Walker but it’s certainly not my last.
What a super sweet meet cute. I loved that Wicket the dog was really the 3rd main character. He played a pivotal role and he was given ample page time.
The landlady is a real hoot! I love old hippies, in fact I wish I was one. They have no fucks to give unless you mess with their ganja.
Griff said something about a guy who loves his dog that much couldn’t be a serial killer. He obviously never saw Silence of the lambs and Buffalo Bill and his little beloved dog.
There wasn’t really any drama in this. Griffin and Dane fell together like perfect puzzle pieces. Seriously, perfect for each other in every way. Which is amazing but at the same time a little too easy for me. I honestly could’ve used a little bit of angst.
But that’s such a small complaint. Not only was this sweet and charming but funny to boot. I laughed out loud on several occasions. I wouldn’t say it was the steamiest book but the chemistry was on point.
Overall a wonderful read that hit the spot if you’re feeling like a good old fashioned time.
April 22, 2024
I loved every single thing about this book.
September 5, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He felt so good against me, on me, like we fit together perfectly. Like all our hills and valleys rolled into one perfect landscape.
Totally get why folks talk about how cute this book is. It really is super sweet and will put a smile on your face. The dog adventures were adorable. It ended up feeling quite repetitive and I wanted a bit more relationship development maybe, but it was very enjoyable.
Plus points for memorable spice.
3.8 ⭐️
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Strangers to friends to lovers
Dog adventures
Size difference
Loud moaner
Low angst
Multiple orgasms
Bossy bottom
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Drug use (marijuana, SCs)
Explicit sexual content
Mention of skin cancer (side character, past)
Medical emergency and hospitalization of SC
MCs eating hash brownies
Brief vet visit (dog ate hash brownie)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 26
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 212
Happy ending: Yes
“All I learned today was that my dog is having the time of his life with the man of my dreams, and I’m stuck here with you guys.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
He felt so good against me, on me, like we fit together perfectly. Like all our hills and valleys rolled into one perfect landscape.
Totally get why folks talk about how cute this book is. It really is super sweet and will put a smile on your face. The dog adventures were adorable. It ended up feeling quite repetitive and I wanted a bit more relationship development maybe, but it was very enjoyable.
Plus points for memorable spice.
3.8 ⭐️
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Strangers to friends to lovers
Dog adventures
Size difference
Loud moaner
Low angst
Multiple orgasms
Bossy bottom
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Drug use (marijuana, SCs)
Explicit sexual content
Mention of skin cancer (side character, past)
Medical emergency and hospitalization of SC
MCs eating hash brownies
Brief vet visit (dog ate hash brownie)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 26
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 212
Happy ending: Yes
“All I learned today was that my dog is having the time of his life with the man of my dreams, and I’m stuck here with you guys.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
January 21, 2019
This is such a cute sweet read.
It’s also the first book I’ve read from this author which is surprising since I’ve got so many on my to-read list.
The book opens with Griffin moving from Brisbane to Coolum Beach. He’s enjoying a few days off before he starts his new job when he finds a lost dog. The dog, Wicket proves to be excellent company as Griffin familiarises himself with the area.
Dane left his beloved dog with his parents while he’s away on business. His mum’s distraught when Wicket escapes.
Okay so you how this is going. We have a cute adorable dog and two single handsome men. Throw in a chilled stoner neighbour and her boyfriend and sit back and enjoy the ride.
June 7, 2025
So a while back I read a review that said “loud moaner” — and that’s why I’m here 😅
This is your classic NR Walker bundle: super lameeeeeee, zero angst, zero drama, and a perfect, beautiful MC’s who just hadn’t found the one until now. Super sweet, aesthetically perfect, adorable, and hooooot! These two fuse together deliciously 🥵🥵🥵. Nothing really happens, it’s just them moving on with their normal relationship.
✨ Extra points for Wicket, the white floof of a dog who is totes adorbs and the real matchmaker of this story.
✨ Super extra points for Bernice and K — the stories these two could tell!
Also expect:
🏔️ hikes
🏄 Surf lessons
🐾 Beach walks
🐶 Wicket getting spoiled
🕺 Slow dancing in the living room
🥵And obviously... loud moaning
“Lights on or off?”
“On. I don’t want to miss a thing.”
This is your classic NR Walker bundle: super lameeeeeee, zero angst, zero drama, and a perfect, beautiful MC’s who just hadn’t found the one until now. Super sweet, aesthetically perfect, adorable, and hooooot! These two fuse together deliciously 🥵🥵🥵. Nothing really happens, it’s just them moving on with their normal relationship.
✨ Extra points for Wicket, the white floof of a dog who is totes adorbs and the real matchmaker of this story.
✨ Super extra points for Bernice and K — the stories these two could tell!
Also expect:
🏔️ hikes
🏄 Surf lessons
🐾 Beach walks
🐶 Wicket getting spoiled
🕺 Slow dancing in the living room
🥵And obviously... loud moaning
“Lights on or off?”
“On. I don’t want to miss a thing.”
October 11, 2023
3.5 stars - Cute, cute, cute! Adorable cover, adorable idea for a meet cute, adorable MC's, adorable Wicket and the most adorable epilogue ever. Dane and Griffin kept me smiling throughout this entire book. Their story was pure fluff of the zero angst variety. Pretty much nothing happens outside of the love story and even it was smooth sailing from the start. So much so that it occasionally veered towards boring, but I liked the characters enough to push through some of the more mundane conversations they had and their many, many walks. I do think I'm all fluffed out now, though. Time to look for a book with some teeth.
February 17, 2025
This book is sooooo much sweeter than sugar. And it has actual fluff in the form of a dog. Absolutely ZERO angst or conflict. This book is the equivalent of having dessert for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And to be honest, sometimes you do. Because if I’m honest, I’ve definitely counted a pint of ice cream as a full meal before.
November 25, 2018
This was all kinds of warm and fuzzy and I loved it, but I was a little disappointed with the “fade to black” sex during the last half if the book. Guess I’ll go and read one of Ms. Walker’s racier titles to get my fix.
January 4, 2019
This was so good!
Full RTC...
~*~
This was such a cute, fluffy, adorable, sexy read from Walker. Her books have been such wins for me lately. I've just adored every book I've read from her for awhile now and this was no different.
When Griffin moves for a new promotion in his job, he's still has a few days before it starts in his new town, so he goes hiking, and when he's done, he comes across a cute, small dog. At first Griffin thinks an owner is around somewhere and he leaves, but the next days he comes back after it's rained and he sees the dog again, this time soaked and covered in mud, and when he opens his car door and calls the to the dog, it jumps right in.
Turns out the dogs name is Wickett, he has an owner, and he actually has white fur, not brown. Wickett has actually run away from his owner's parents house and wandered all the way to the town Griffin lives in. Almost as if Wickett was trying to bring his owner and Griffin together...
Griffin calls Dane, said owner, and pretty soon they start to chat and fall for each other over the phone. While Dane is away at a conference for his work, Griffin looks after his dog, and when Dane has to pick Wickett up after his conference, they don't want to say goodbye to each other, so they don't.
They only live about 15 minutes from each other, so they continue to see each other and fall more and more in love. As with most Walker books, it's fluffy and their romance is SO there and so well written and it's so fluffy and cute and adorable. They also can't keep their hands off each other, and that along with the romance just makes it all the better.
These fall hard and they fall fast, and it makes sense. They just get each other in a way no one else ever has. Talking about mundane, everyday things can lead to them laughing and talking about anything. They never get bored with each other and even the silences aren't awkward silences.
The side characters were enjoyable too, like Griffin's old landlady Bernice who was awesome, and her unofficial boyfriend Kirk - or K - and I found myself rooting for these two a little as well, especially when Bernice was being so stubborn when it was clear she loved K.
This was just so wonderful, I loved it. I don't know why I waited so long to read it! Just great, cute fluff - and if you're in the mood for some uplifting, adorable fluff then definitely read this. We all need our dose of fluff sometimes, you know? There are plenty of angst filled books out there, lets keep the fluff to Walker books because they are the bEST!
Full RTC...
~*~
This was such a cute, fluffy, adorable, sexy read from Walker. Her books have been such wins for me lately. I've just adored every book I've read from her for awhile now and this was no different.
When Griffin moves for a new promotion in his job, he's still has a few days before it starts in his new town, so he goes hiking, and when he's done, he comes across a cute, small dog. At first Griffin thinks an owner is around somewhere and he leaves, but the next days he comes back after it's rained and he sees the dog again, this time soaked and covered in mud, and when he opens his car door and calls the to the dog, it jumps right in.
Turns out the dogs name is Wickett, he has an owner, and he actually has white fur, not brown. Wickett has actually run away from his owner's parents house and wandered all the way to the town Griffin lives in. Almost as if Wickett was trying to bring his owner and Griffin together...
Griffin calls Dane, said owner, and pretty soon they start to chat and fall for each other over the phone. While Dane is away at a conference for his work, Griffin looks after his dog, and when Dane has to pick Wickett up after his conference, they don't want to say goodbye to each other, so they don't.
They only live about 15 minutes from each other, so they continue to see each other and fall more and more in love. As with most Walker books, it's fluffy and their romance is SO there and so well written and it's so fluffy and cute and adorable. They also can't keep their hands off each other, and that along with the romance just makes it all the better.
These fall hard and they fall fast, and it makes sense. They just get each other in a way no one else ever has. Talking about mundane, everyday things can lead to them laughing and talking about anything. They never get bored with each other and even the silences aren't awkward silences.
The side characters were enjoyable too, like Griffin's old landlady Bernice who was awesome, and her unofficial boyfriend Kirk - or K - and I found myself rooting for these two a little as well, especially when Bernice was being so stubborn when it was clear she loved K.
This was just so wonderful, I loved it. I don't know why I waited so long to read it! Just great, cute fluff - and if you're in the mood for some uplifting, adorable fluff then definitely read this. We all need our dose of fluff sometimes, you know? There are plenty of angst filled books out there, lets keep the fluff to Walker books because they are the bEST!
February 4, 2018
El azúcar de este libro podría servir para hacer postres durante un año. Adorabilidad con perro incluido, cero angst y nada transcendental, pero una lectura que si es lo que necesitas en ese momento, feels good.
February 7, 2018
Cutesy-meet. This is going to depend on your tolerance of sweet fluff. I gave up at 42% which probably means I'm a bitter, bitter person.
The guys are lovely; sweet, funny, happy, well-adjusted people. The dog adorable. The setting is a sun drenched beach. There's a stoner landlady thrown in for quirkiness.
Just there's no tension at all, nothing to discover, no reason to keep reading. To me the characters were interchangeable I already couldn't tell you which was which! The story is told in alternating chapters (never a favourite format of mine) and they sounded the same.
Found I was skim-reading and was happy to walk away.
Also I had no concept of the distance between any of the houses. I'll google things that interest me but don't like when it's necessary for clarity.
The guys are lovely; sweet, funny, happy, well-adjusted people. The dog adorable. The setting is a sun drenched beach. There's a stoner landlady thrown in for quirkiness.
Just there's no tension at all, nothing to discover, no reason to keep reading. To me the characters were interchangeable I already couldn't tell you which was which! The story is told in alternating chapters (never a favourite format of mine) and they sounded the same.
Found I was skim-reading and was happy to walk away.
Also I had no concept of the distance between any of the houses. I'll google things that interest me but don't like when it's necessary for clarity.
January 5, 2020
Griffin's eyes met mine and his smile turned shy, and I knew -I just knew- he felt the same. He was in this as much as I was. This incredible, ridiculous thing that we'd found ourselves in. The beginning of something wonderful, of something perfect. Of something permanent.
Awww. I think I just found my ultimate comfort read! Nothing bad happens, there is absolutely zero drama, no one does anything stupid to upset me... You just get two incredibly adorable guys -plus one cute dog- finding each other by pure chance and being smart enough to grab that opportunity and be happy.
Definitely not my last book by this author!
Awww. I think I just found my ultimate comfort read! Nothing bad happens, there is absolutely zero drama, no one does anything stupid to upset me... You just get two incredibly adorable guys -plus one cute dog- finding each other by pure chance and being smart enough to grab that opportunity and be happy.
Definitely not my last book by this author!
February 5, 2018
This story is adorable and sweet. Loved both MCs and the secondary characters definitely added to the story.
August 30, 2019
***4 Stars***
This book had me smiling from start to finish!
Sometimes you want a sweet and cute, low angst read that makes your heart pitter patter and your face hurt from smiling. This book did that for me.
This is one of those books where you genuinely feel like you're just along for the ride. A voyeur looking into the lives of two people who meet and fall in love.
This had heart, humor, heat...and a dog! I mean, that's the dream right?
And that cover?? PERFECTION!
July 27, 2020
Re-read July 27, 2020
* Our setting is Australia here, and this is a cute story with terrific banter, snark and sweetness. The dog is adorable, even when he's a dirty mess and Wicket is a big part of the story. Dane's dog ran away from Dane's parents while he was at a work conference. Griffin found him and calls the tag number, and the fun begins.
Dane is 26, with dark hair and eyes, and works in Coolum as a phone tech at Telstra.
Griffin is 24, has short brown hair and blue eyes, and works as a front desk clerk at hotels.
Recently relocated Griffin lives upstairs from a sweet old hippy lady, and we see more to that part of the story. We see the smooth flow, clever writing and delightful characters. The guys text; Griffin takes pics of the dog and finally himself, and Dane is falling for him big time and vice versa.
They are getting to know each other before they even meet. After the conference and they meet, the relationship expands and grows, through more talks, easy back and forth visits, and form a deep bond. We see fabulous side characters, with a really romantic blending of two lives.
The epilogue is super, and will keep you smiling. N. R. Walker writes fantastic characters and story lines.
ENJOY !
====
* Our setting is Australia here, and this is a cute story with terrific banter, snark and sweetness. The dog is adorable, even when he's a dirty mess and Wicket is a big part of the story. Dane's dog ran away from Dane's parents while he was at a work conference. Griffin found him and calls the tag number, and the fun begins.
Dane is 26, with dark hair and eyes, and works in Coolum as a phone tech at Telstra.
Griffin is 24, has short brown hair and blue eyes, and works as a front desk clerk at hotels.
Recently relocated Griffin lives upstairs from a sweet old hippy lady, and we see more to that part of the story. We see the smooth flow, clever writing and delightful characters. The guys text; Griffin takes pics of the dog and finally himself, and Dane is falling for him big time and vice versa.
They are getting to know each other before they even meet. After the conference and they meet, the relationship expands and grows, through more talks, easy back and forth visits, and form a deep bond. We see fabulous side characters, with a really romantic blending of two lives.
The epilogue is super, and will keep you smiling. N. R. Walker writes fantastic characters and story lines.
ENJOY !
====
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