Tawni’s Book Nook: Housebroke by Jaci Burton – A Feel-Good Romance with a Side of Adorable Pups
Okay, Housebroke by Jaci Burton might just be one of the most wholesome reads I’ve picked up this year. If you’re a sucker for dogs, charming small towns, and a slow-burn romance with depth and heart, this book is your next cozy couch companion. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel good from start to finish—and leaves you wishing you could foster a furry friend or two of your own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🐶 All the Dogs, All the Feels – What I Loved:
Hazel is everything I love in a romance heroine—strong, independent, stubborn (in a good way), and completely unapologetic about who she is. She’s back in her hometown, fostering dogs through an agency and temporarily helping out by cooking meals for Linc while he renovates the house. Each pup she brings home adds a unique spark to the story, and as a dog lover myself, I was hooked. Hazel’s love for animals and her dream of someday starting her own fostering agency made her journey even more inspiring.
Then there’s Linc. Insert dreamy sigh here. He’s smart, thoughtful, and ridiculously handy around the house—plus, he’s not afraid to challenge Hazel in the best ways. Their chemistry is easy and believable, and their banter made me smile more than once. I appreciated that this wasn’t a whirlwind, love-at-first-sight situation. It’s a relationship that grows with trust, vulnerability, and shared moments—exactly the kind of romance I root for.
💞 More Than Just Romance – Why I Loved Housebroke by Jaci Burton
What really stood out to me in Housebroke was Hazel’s personal growth. She isn’t looking to be “saved” or changed—she’s on her own journey to becoming the woman she chooses to be, not the one others expect her to be. Watching her embrace that, and seeing how Linc supported her rather than stifled her, felt incredibly empowering.
It’s also worth noting how grounded the story feels. Yes, there are romantic sparks and swoon-worthy moments, but there’s also emotional depth. Hazel’s hesitancy to let people in, her complicated family dynamics, and her love for dogs all added richness to her character.
🐾 Warm Fuzzies + Tail Wags – My Final Thoughts:
If you love romances with heart, humor, and lovable pets, Housebroke delivers. It reminded me that sometimes, love looks like someone showing up with a toolbox, a good attitude, and a willingness to be patient with your heart—and maybe also willing to share a couch with a pack of rescue dogs.
Hazel’s story of independence and choosing her own path really resonated with me. If you’re into wellness, self-care, and finding inspiration in everyday life, check out more over on my blog at TawniJanine.com.
👉 Ready to fall in love with Hazel, Linc, and their four-legged companions?
Check out Housebroke by Jaci Burton on Goodreads or wherever you get your books!
📚 Next up in Tawni’s Book Nook: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry!
I’m diving into this friends-to-lovers rom-com next—and I’m extra excited because it’s getting the page-to-screen treatment. The film adaptation will star Emily Bader as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen, and it’s rumored to be coming to Netflix sometime in 2025. I’ll definitely be doing a read-then-watch comparison once it’s out!
Have you read Housebroke by Jaci Burton? Did you fall for the pups as hard as I did?