Oh Paul.  You poor fellow.

Our guy comes home one day and receives some unexpected news. His husband, Darren, feels he has had enough, and tells him so. Their five year marriage had run its course. They just weren’t the couple they thought themselves to be. 

To add insult to injury Paul had spent months planning a getaway for them both.  A trip to Venice, Italy during the Christmas season. It had all the makings for a romantic getaway.  But now, it’s a romantic getaway for one. 

You see, Paul is a little clingy and Paul can be anxious at times. Maybe neurotic, too. You can ask Darren. But make no mistake, Paul is also a very dear man and a hopeful soul. He is easy to root for. 

Not long after arriving he sees a street dog. A bit scruffy. A little worse for wear.  He went table to table getting scraps and ear scratches. But it was his confidence that caught Paul’s attention.  There was a self assurance he had that Paul wanted. So, he followed him.  He wanted to learn how this dog thrives on its own and walks with the confidence of a lion.  Because he wanted to do that too. 

A novella that is typical Steven Rowley – charming, engaging, well thought out and funny – we play witness to a good man finding an independence he didn’t know he was missing. Furthermore, he is doing it all in the most romantic city on earth. 

With a sincere thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, The Dogs of Venice is set to be released October 14.  Not coincidentally in time for Christmas. 

It was very sweet. I completely enjoyed it and Paul – as I said already – is a hopeful soul. Those are some of our best people. 

And when you’re done with this, go read his book The Guncle.  It’s rare that a book has me laughing out loud. Like, OUT LOUD. The Guncle did … often.