Rating: 
Summary: Great Summer (book) Fling!
Review: This was a great summer read! The story follows Liv Elliott on an Australian sabbatical as she tries to get over the fiancee she didn't really want to marry anyway after he abruptly walks out on her and their engagement. Liv tries to experience everything she's never tried before, from surfing to one-night stands. Along the way, Liv's new circle of friends introduce her to the concepts of "dog handling" which utilizes dog-training methods (since - according to Dave and James - all men are dogs) in order get a man to fall for you. The actual dog handling tips reminded me a lot of another book I received a few years ago as a "get-over-him" gift from a friend called, "How to Make Your Man Behave in 21 Days or Less Using the Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers" by Karen Salmansohn. Funny stuff that (sadly?) seems to ring true sometimes. "Dog Handling" isn't going to answer any profound questions for you, but Clare Naylor's sense of humor provides for a nice vacation from the serious. Having a brief summer break from cumbersome textbooks, this was a good place to go for an escape
Rating:
Summary: Light and Romantic
Review: Talented storyteller Clare Naylor (who you may know from her amazing books - "Love: A User's Guide" and "Catching Alice") has a new book called "Dog Handling". It's a very sweet, romantic and funny book about all-around perfect gal Liv Elliot. Liv lives in a great place, has a great job and has a great man. Not only is he great - but they are about to be married. However, that's when it all starts to go pear-shaped. Perfect boyfriend Tim calls the whole thing off and Liv is at a loose end. Insert wonderful friend with a wonderful beach house in Australia. Liv goes off to the beaches in search of a new and wonderful adventure and hopefully to recuperate from her disaster of an engagement. Predictably - but not unwanted - she meets up with a former flame and that's where the book takes off. I loved the light and romantic aspect of this book. It's not a hard read - it's perfect for summer and I just found Liv to be like all my friends. We may not do it the right way to begin with ---- but we usually figure it out before it's too late.
Rating:
Summary: Good light-reading
Review: If you pick up this book expecting to get any sort of depth out of it, you will not get what you want. But if you need something to read by the pool or at the beach, this is your book! (Assuming you are a woman.) It makes you laugh, and sympathize for a woman going through a break up who reacts to it by making some drastic, yet confident, changes. Very cute story.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining and cute, with reservations
Review: Clare Naylor's DOG HANDLING is a cutesy chick lit about a woman who, when dumped by her fiancé, takes the advice of well-meaning friends and starts to treat an old crush like she would a dog to make him notice her. Problem is, he's already noticed her without the dog tricks, and now she doesn't know if he fell for her for herself, or due to the dog tricks. As I said, it's cutesy. It's also nicely witty and full of self-deprecating humor, but it has all the trademarks of chick lit that I've come to realize annoy me: a heroine with weight/confidence issue, a "plain Jane," surrounded by gorgeous and sophisticated friends -- all the people always seem to be part of a jet-setting, cocktail-quaffing, extremely shallow crowd.
Despite the fact that it's a book about finding one's self, it comes off as kind of shallow overall. However, I consider it worthwhile just for the humor, pop culture references, the fun drag queens Dave and James and their explanation of what "dog handling" is. I'd recommend it, yes, but at the same time, it reminds me why I don't read chick lit all the time.
Rating: 
Summary: The Perfect Summer Read
Review: Clare Naylor's third book is easily her best yet. Covering familiar Chick Lit territory (boyfriends, shopping and self-fulfilment) this novel is, however, a cut above the rest of the genre. Naylor writes with fluidity and a light touch, her style sparkling at every line, while the abundant humour is deft and accesible. Liv escapes a broken heart and engagement for the sunny shores of Sydney determined to finally live her dreams. Along with her sexy best friend, she learns all about boys, flirtation - and surfing - while setting up a business and finding true love. The course of which, needless to say, does not run smooth, thanks to the advice of gay, cross-dressing friend Dave who aquaints her with the rules of Dog Handling, an updated (and much funnier) version of the old adage 'Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen'. Liv is a deeply likeable character and the reader is happy to share her adventures and discoveries. Naylor keeps the story moving, weaving in subplots and dilemmas that keep you turning the pages. The novel is as light and refreshing as a summer breeze, and just as welcome. Buy it now!
Rating:
Summary: Fun to read
Review: This is a typical chick book. Liv is heartbroken but she found love of her life and a new career... This book did not make me laugh, but it is fun to read.
Rating:
Summary: Light and Romantic
Review: Talented storyteller Clare Naylor (who you may know from her amazing books - "Love: A User's Guide" and "Catching Alice") has a new book called "Dog Handling". It's a very sweet, romantic and funny book about all-around perfect gal Liv Elliot. Liv lives in a great place, has a great job and has a great man. Not only is he great - but they are about to be married. However, that's when it all starts to go pear-shaped. Perfect boyfriend Tim calls the whole thing off and Liv is at a loose end. Insert wonderful friend with a wonderful beach house in Australia. Liv goes off to the beaches in search of a new and wonderful adventure and hopefully to recuperate from her disaster of an engagement. Predictably - but not unwanted - she meets up with a former flame and that's where the book takes off. I loved the light and romantic aspect of this book. It's not a hard read - it's perfect for summer and I just found Liv to be like all my friends. We may not do it the right way to begin with ---- but we usually figure it out before it's too late.
Rating:
Summary: How to treat a man ...
Review: Cute story. Not as good as some I have read recently but good none the less. This one has a different setting than most of the "Brit Chick Lit" books do. It is partially set in Australia and London. Liv is about to get married but she is having second thoughts. But, after some talks with her Mom and looking at photos she decided that the wedding is on. Only to have her fiancé call off the whole thing. This is devastating and causes her to become depressed to the point her boss makes her take a sabbatical (can I have that boss). So she joins her friend in Australia. This is where the fun begins. She fins an old Flame and decides she has always just wanted him. Then she sets out to get him by following here friends advice "Treat a man like a dog, and he'll be eating out of your hand". There are a lot of wonderful characters in this one including cross dressing gay investment bankers...
Rating:
Summary: Great Summer Read
Review: This book is fabulous! It's an entertaining summer read that keeps you interested and longing for a sequel! I recommended it too my best friend and she loves it as much as I do. Any girl who's life has ever gone off the course she planned for can relate to this book. I loved the adventure, romance, turmoil, and twist of fate. Don't pass this one up!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious-Romantic-Attention Grabbing with a twist
Review: This book is fabulous whether for light reading,or recovering from you're own "dog handling" mishaps. You fall inlove with this book right off the bat-I don't think I ever put it down, it's addictive. Liv keeps your attention with crazy plot twists and unfathomable adventures- this is a great book for just about anyone who appreciates a good laugh.
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