I was hooked from the cover and description, and was so glad I was able to read this book. It had that element that I was hoping for from the genre and thought the overall viewpoints worked well overall. I cared about what was happening with Layla, Franklin, and Betty and thought the overall cast worked in this and was engaged with their storyline. Gary Goldstein has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.

I judge a book by its cover, and when I saw this one, I knew I wanted to read it!

I love books with dogs, but Betty, and getting her perspective on everything that happens?? Absolute cinema.

A light, fun read that hooks you from the very beginning. You don’t have to “wait” for it to get good.

★ 4 stars ★

Canine Custody was such a heartfelt read, and as someone who firmly believes pets are family, the premise immediately drew me in.

What I appreciated most was how the story explored the emotional bond between people and their animals without making it feel overly sentimental. At its core, this isn’t really just about who gets custody of a dog—it’s about love, responsibility, grief, and the complicated relationships that shape our lives.

The custody dispute itself created a lot of emotional tension because it highlights something many pet owners understand: our animals become woven into the fabric of our daily lives and relationships. The book does a really good job of showing how difficult those decisions can be when relationships fall apart and both people feel that same deep attachment.

I also enjoyed the focus on personal growth throughout the novel. The characters are forced to reevaluate their priorities, their relationships, and what truly matters to them. Watching them navigate difficult choices and confront their own flaws gave the story a lot of emotional depth beyond the central conflict.

One of the strongest aspects of the book was its warmth. Even when dealing with heavier themes, there’s an underlying sense of hope and compassion that makes it an easy story to become invested in. The relationships felt authentic, and I found myself reflecting on how much comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love animals bring into our lives.

Great romance book 📖

Wonderful characters like Layla + Franklin ☺️💛

Great detailed unique storyline 😭

Wonderful tempo and memorable book 📖

Canine Custody is a heartfelt, messy, and quietly emotional look at a marriage falling apart, and the dog neither side is willing to lose.

Layla and Franklin’s separation turns complicated when custody of their dog, Betty, becomes the real battleground. What starts as a breakup story quickly becomes about love, resentment, and everything left unsaid between two people who once fit perfectly together.

Told through alternating perspectives, including Betty’s, the story adds humor and warmth even in its more bittersweet moments. It’s reflective and a bit introspective at times, but that gives it emotional depth rather than rushing the experience.

At its core, this is a story about connection; and how sometimes the hardest part of letting go isn’t the relationship, but what you built together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Köehler Books for the eARC!