Skip to Main Content

Life on the Leash

By Victoria Schade

Must Love Dogs meets My Not So Perfect Life in this hilarious romantic comedy about a dog trainer who’s a master at managing her four-legged friends, but when it comes to her love life...let’s just say she still has a lot to learn.

Cora Bellamy is a woman who thrives on organization. She’s successfully run her own dog training business for years, perfectly content with her beloved rescue pitbull as the main man in her life. She’s given everything to her business, and her lack of social life (or slobber-free clothes) has been completely worth it.

But all that changes when she meets Charlie Gill, the hottest client she’s ever had. The only problem? Charlie’s taken. Luckily, Cora has a new friend—the sweet, lovably geeky Eli Crawford. More loyal than a retriever, he’s always there to help Cora with her problems, including her love life. That’s why she’s shocked to realize that even as things start heating up with Charlie, there might just be a more-than-friends spark between her and Eli, too.

As Cora’s life gets more tangled up than a dogwalker’s leashes—and as she prepares to audition for a dog-training TV show that may irrevocably change her entire life—she has to figure things out before it all goes straight to the dogs.

Charming, witty, and warm-hearted, Life on the Leash inspires you to cheer for every underdog looking for love.
Natalie Napoleon.
Victoria Schade

Victoria Schade is an author, speaker, and dog trainer known for her upbeat approach to living and working with dogs. She has been featured in The Washington Post, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest, The Bark, and many dog-specific publications. Victoria has worked on Animal Planet’s annual Puppy Bowl special for the past twelve years. She has served as a pet expert for Petside, Pet360, petMD and PawCulture, writing training and behavior content and appearing in educational videos. Life on the Leash is her first novel.

Victoria Schade’s bright, funny writing and strong cast of supporting characters—from the feisty roommate to the endearingly tragic client—brings career-minded Cora, a dog trainer with a heart of gold, to life. If you’re looking for a light and fun read with a happy ending, you’re barking up the right tree. —Kate D., Editor on Life on the Leash

"My favorite part of this adorably smart story is the wealth of insight we get into the minds and behaviors of our most darling companions—not dudes, but dogs. One of America's foremost pet trainers and a sparkling writer, in Life On the Leash, Victoria Schade proves herself as a bright new voice in fiction."

– Kristine Gasbarre, author of How to Love an American Man

“Life on the Leash is a witty celebration of dogs, romance, and taking chances.  Cora is a heroine to root for even in her most complicated moments, and whether you have a dog, or just appreciate them from afar, this book will make you want to head to the nearest shelter, either to adopt or volunteer.  You’ll want to curl up with your favorite furry bundle and devour the whole thing in one cuddly sitting.”

                            

 

– Stacey Ballis, author of How to Change a Life and Wedding Girl

"A bighearted and witty debut from a writer with remarkable insight into the minds of dogs and those who love them. The winsome cast of characters will have you hooked on Life on the Leash from the first page."

– Meg Donohue, USA Today Bestselling Author of Dog Crazy

"Playful, lovable, and heartwarming, Life on the Leash is the definition of feel-good fiction. Victoria Schade’s irresistible debut will have you cheering for dog trainer Cora, and the cast of charismatic characters, furry and non-furry. Add this to your to-read pile immediately!"

– Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go

"Even cat lovers will get wrapped up in this delightful story of girl, girl’s best friend, girl’s best girlfriends and a couple of guys. Cora’s canines in training will steal your heart. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!"

– Shelley Noble, New York Times Bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach

“Charming and heartfelt, Life on the Leash will delight readers. The perfect book for dog lovers!”

– Chanel Cleton, USA Today Bestselling Author of Next Year In Havana

"A light, warmhearted romp... with an earnest, infectiously funny tone that dog lovers, especially, will find delightful."

– Publishers Weekly

"Life on the Leash is the novel you've been waiting for all year - a strong, funny, big-hearted heroine to cheer for in life and in love, plenty of "I've-been-there" dating moments, and adorable, endearing, sometimes mischievous dogs to love on every page."

– Nicolle Wallace, author of Madam President

"The perfect instant pick-me-up, this rom-com story is as irresistible as a pair of puppy eyes.”

 

– BookTrib

Life on the Leash

By Victoria Schade