To The Buddy Dog, Scarlett smells like strawberries and sunshine – a world away from the scents of danger, decay and death that plagued his old life in Doha.

Following his rescue from a dog-fighting ring, Scarlett brings Buddy home to Dubai. With Scarlett, Buddy forgets what it feels like to be hungry, or have a foot kick him in his side, or to feel alone.

But he never forgets the smells. So, when Scarlett falls for the enigmatic Finn, Buddy can’t understand why she can’t smell the burning rubber and fizzing adrenalin emanating from him. But instead of running away, Scarlett gets trapped tighter and tighter in Finn’s grip.

Before You Loved Me is an uplifting tale about two journeys out of abuse and the profound impact of a dog’s unwavering love.

Samantha Gregson