For Hope McNeill, pugs are love, unconditional friendship, happiness, and freedom. She doesn’t have one of her own (busy life, tiny apartment), but she does have Pug Hill in Central Park, where pugs (and their owners) from all over New York convene.

She also has a crush on one of her co-workers, a flailing romantic relationship, and an unspeakable fear of public speaking. Then Hope’s father calls with an assignment: to make a speech at her parents’ anniversary party. Frantic, she signs up for a public speaking class, but can’t help wondering-will it transform her into an eloquent orator? Maybe some fears are so big that even all the pugs in the world might not be enough to assuage them.

If only life were as simple as a bench in Central Park surrounded by the most adorable dogs on earth. At least that’s what Hope McNeill wishes for, a life with no cares except which of her favorite pugs will make an appearance at Pug Hill. When she’s there her troubles slip from her mind with ease; no worrying about a lingering relationship that just doesn’t seem to be working, no pesky crush on a co-worker and most importantly no speech to give at her parents upcoming anniversary party. Through the help of a rather unorthodox public speaking class Hope not only discovers a few new friends, but something else entirely. She may have discovered just what it is she wants out of life.

Alison Pace is what I would classify as a quintessential Chick Lit author. Her novels have humor, romance, waffling leading ladies not entirely sure of where they’re headed and fantastic dialogue. In the case of Pug Hill, it not only has all of those elements but it also has pugs. My absolute favorite part of the story were the opportunities Hope took to escape to her favorite spot in Central Park, pug hill, to watch the pugs which she knew all by name. It was adorable and I could absolutely envision sitting there with her taking in this fantastic view.

With the quirky and fun addition of the pugs to the novel, you’d think that might be enough to make the entire reading experience enjoyable. It absolutely was, but Alison Pace also created a character in Hope that has you laughing hysterically at her goofy behavior. What was fun for me was the opportunity to take a look inside what was going on in Hope’s mind. There is quite a bit of inner monologue throughout the story and at times it does get a bit sluggish, but for the most part it was simply hilarious. It was especially funny in the instances where she spoke with her parents about her sister’s upcoming relocation to a commune with her earth-friendly boyfriend, priceless! Hope said and did nearly everything any normal yet slightly insecure girl might do, but as a readers you’re able to watch from the outside in. All of Hope’s doubts, thoughts and feelings were laid out for the reader to take in and enjoy.

An absolutely adorable story line with a wonderfully realistic leading lady, Pug Hill is the perfect read for Chick Lit fans who may also have love for pugs & dogs as well. Hope’s journey from a woman attached to a not-so-great relationship to a girl in love with her co-worker and then to an ending that brings everything home with a smile is so incredibly delightful. This was such an enjoyable Chick Lit read that left me feeling happy and looking forward to the next book in the series, A Pug’s Tale.

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