I’m a sucker for a story with dogs. But, since I’m also, ahem, a sophisticated, cultured, and discerning reader, I don’t quite break out the shiny five-star reviews for “See Spot Run.” (But Spot is awfully cute!) Lucky for me, there’s Phoebe Fox and her books about Jake – oh, and those human characters, too.

In Heart Conditions, the third book of the Breakup Doctor series, Brook is still beating herself up for shooting her relationship with Ben (Jake’s “dad”) in the proverbial foot. Regardless of the train wreck that happened at the end of book two, Bedside Manners, Brook has managed to salvage a tentative friendship with Ben. He’s seeing someone else, but Brook’s feelings for him haven’t changed, and she suspects he may still have feelings for her, too. Of course, as it does, life throws a big, clunky, metal wrench into the machine of Brook’s life in the form of her ex-fiance, Michael. He’s back in town and wants back into Brook’s life. Faced with a murky path leading forward (the possibility of a do-over with Ben) or a well-lit path looking back (another try with Michael), Brook stalls as long as she can, trying to figure out just what her heart wants. (#TeamBen) (#WhateverPathMeansMoreJake)

Reading Phoebe Fox’s books is just plain fun. Her characters are real and remind you, as a reader, of your our friends, family members, or exes. I snorted with laughter more than a couple of times reading the exchanges between Brook and her best friend, Sasha, who is warm, witty, and sharp in her own right, not just as a foil/sidekick to Brook. I feel a little like I’m gushing, but there is just so much to like and enjoy about Heart Conditions and the entire Breakup Doctor collection. It has quickly become a favorite and I am not above going back to re-read favorite or particularly memorable bits and pieces now and again. On the whole, the series is funny, poignant, witty, smart, and memorable. Certainly an outstanding set of books to have and keep on your home library shelves.

I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author
Phoebe Fox has been a contributor and regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications–currently for the Huffington Post as a relationship writer. She’s been a movie, theater, and book reviewer; a screenwriter; and has even been known to help with homework revisions for nieces and nephews. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.

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