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Last Dance, Second Chance
Ballet dancer Jessica Stone has just landed her dream role in New York. At thirty-one this is her last chance to be a prima ballerina.
To celebrate, Jessica flies to England to surprise her parents before her rigorous training begins. But instead, when she gets home, she finds her whole family with their cases packed — they are going on holiday, without her!
Now she’s stuck in Surrey taking care of Monty the dog. At least he hasn’t abandoned her. But out on a walk his lead gets caught around Jessica and she falls, badly hurting her foot.
Luckily a handsome stranger comes to her rescue. Except he’s no stranger. He recognises Jessica immediately but it takes a moment for her to recognise this gorgeous man. It’s Nathan Townsend, an old friend she hasn’t seen for twenty years.
The chemistry between them is instant.
But Jessica knows this can’t happen, she’s going back to the States as soon as her foot heals. And Nathan has just worked through one heartbreak. He can’t face another.
But maybe, just maybe, some things are meant to be?
To celebrate, Jessica flies to England to surprise her parents before her rigorous training begins. But instead, when she gets home, she finds her whole family with their cases packed — they are going on holiday, without her!
Now she’s stuck in Surrey taking care of Monty the dog. At least he hasn’t abandoned her. But out on a walk his lead gets caught around Jessica and she falls, badly hurting her foot.
Luckily a handsome stranger comes to her rescue. Except he’s no stranger. He recognises Jessica immediately but it takes a moment for her to recognise this gorgeous man. It’s Nathan Townsend, an old friend she hasn’t seen for twenty years.
The chemistry between them is instant.
But Jessica knows this can’t happen, she’s going back to the States as soon as her foot heals. And Nathan has just worked through one heartbreak. He can’t face another.
But maybe, just maybe, some things are meant to be?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2024
130 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Emma Bennet
18 books128 followersEmma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband, 4 children, and many animals a few miles outside of a small Welsh market town. She can often be found in rivers attempting to control two overexcited chocolate labradors.
Seven charming romances are currently available from the Amazon bestselling authoress:
Number 1 Australian kindle bestseller, 'His Secret Daughter', is the heart-rending story of Iris, a woman falling in love with the father of her child. The only problem is she never told him they had a daughter.
The beautiful landscape around her home gave Emma the inspiration for 'The Green Hills of Home', a tale of love and duty in which country girl Gwen struggles to save her family home and avoid her feelings for her handsome, suave new boss. Is he quite all he seems?
'Snowed in for her Wedding Day' is a novella picking up Gwen's story as her wedding day approaches, but with terrible weather, and an absent groom, will she have the happy ending she so deserves?
'Just Desserts' is a novella about confused chef Leah, who's falling for her handsome French co-worker Jean-Claude, but meant to be marrying to Dan in just a few weeks! Who will she choose?
'Her Perfect Hero' was released in July 2015 as 'I Need a Hero', it's a lovely comic romantic read for anyone who's ever searched for Mr Right (and failed to find him!). Despair of Bronte, a romance writer, incapable of spotting when the perfect man is right next door! Full of horses, country houses and dentists, just beware of the foul-tempered cat Mr Darcy!
'Starstruck', proves that falling in love with a rock star is harder than you'd think! When newly divorced Kate finds school friend, now super famous rock star Joseph Wild, on her doorstep, her whole quiet, ordinary life is thrown into disarray. Is the attraction between them enough to make up for all the hurdles they have to cross if they want to be together?
Latest release, 'Her Sister's Baby' is a beautiful and emotional story about grief, the promises we make and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!
Seven charming romances are currently available from the Amazon bestselling authoress:
Number 1 Australian kindle bestseller, 'His Secret Daughter', is the heart-rending story of Iris, a woman falling in love with the father of her child. The only problem is she never told him they had a daughter.
The beautiful landscape around her home gave Emma the inspiration for 'The Green Hills of Home', a tale of love and duty in which country girl Gwen struggles to save her family home and avoid her feelings for her handsome, suave new boss. Is he quite all he seems?
'Snowed in for her Wedding Day' is a novella picking up Gwen's story as her wedding day approaches, but with terrible weather, and an absent groom, will she have the happy ending she so deserves?
'Just Desserts' is a novella about confused chef Leah, who's falling for her handsome French co-worker Jean-Claude, but meant to be marrying to Dan in just a few weeks! Who will she choose?
'Her Perfect Hero' was released in July 2015 as 'I Need a Hero', it's a lovely comic romantic read for anyone who's ever searched for Mr Right (and failed to find him!). Despair of Bronte, a romance writer, incapable of spotting when the perfect man is right next door! Full of horses, country houses and dentists, just beware of the foul-tempered cat Mr Darcy!
'Starstruck', proves that falling in love with a rock star is harder than you'd think! When newly divorced Kate finds school friend, now super famous rock star Joseph Wild, on her doorstep, her whole quiet, ordinary life is thrown into disarray. Is the attraction between them enough to make up for all the hurdles they have to cross if they want to be together?
Latest release, 'Her Sister's Baby' is a beautiful and emotional story about grief, the promises we make and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 14, 2024
➸ 2.75 | ⋆˚˖🩰‧｡⋆🦮⋆˚˖ 🩺‧｡⋆🪞
·˚ ༘♡.thoughts
╰✎ i wish i could say nicer things other than it was easy to read. that’s already a stretch since the writing was honestly not the best. what i didn’t anticipate was how british this book was. even when there was an american character who grew up in new jersey, they were using british slang. also the writing was very straight to the point. there was a lot of telling, but not showing to the point the plot felt forced. its what made the book kind of hard to enjoy. i was groaning and rolling my eyes more than i was swooning over the romance. I liked the banter between the characters and some of the quotes were cute.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡ ࣪characters
⤷jessica: could not tell you this bitch’s last name. i honestly thought i would hate her since the first chapter opens up her description like she’s perfect and better than everybody else but in reality she’s just independent. i respect that. jessica is career driven and doesn’t allow nothing to get in her way which i respect. even though she’s in her thirties, she doesn’t let that stop her dreams. i wasn’t connected to her and that might be because i’m so young and sometimes couldn’t understand her point of view or the reasons she said certain things (which pissed me off to another extent).
⤷nathan: he was a man. a british white man. who was a doctor. he was giving perfect book boyfriend to the point i didn’t think he had a personality except for being a doctor and latching onto the past (more in spoilers). that’s it. he was forgettable.
✩‧₊˚quotes
“For someone who hated being bossed around as much as she did, she quite liked it when Nathan became all doctory and strict with her. It made her feel looked after.”
“She loved how she could relax with him, not having to keep up the facade she usually maintained.”
“She’d needed things to fill up her time or else she’d go crazy counting down the days until her life could begin again.”
“I think it’s the first time that house felt like a home.”
“When she was with him, it always felt like there was someone on her side.”
˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆spoilers
^ྀི WHEN SHE TOLD HIM “no wonder you’re divorced” I WAS SCREAMING. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO MAD. This is where I started hating Jessica’s character again but I got over it. This was up to the 70% mark which had me questioning why this was called “second chance”. Technically, this is a right person, wrong time” trope because the breakup was mutual. To me, that’s not a second chance. It’s a personal thing. If the author set it up that she missed her family and loved them more (aka prioritizing them) I would’ve believed the random trip to England. It was only for the plot and made me remember this is a book. I wanted to be transported to a world, not remember that I’m just reading a book.
·˚ ༘♡.thoughts
╰✎ i wish i could say nicer things other than it was easy to read. that’s already a stretch since the writing was honestly not the best. what i didn’t anticipate was how british this book was. even when there was an american character who grew up in new jersey, they were using british slang. also the writing was very straight to the point. there was a lot of telling, but not showing to the point the plot felt forced. its what made the book kind of hard to enjoy. i was groaning and rolling my eyes more than i was swooning over the romance. I liked the banter between the characters and some of the quotes were cute.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡ ࣪characters
⤷jessica: could not tell you this bitch’s last name. i honestly thought i would hate her since the first chapter opens up her description like she’s perfect and better than everybody else but in reality she’s just independent. i respect that. jessica is career driven and doesn’t allow nothing to get in her way which i respect. even though she’s in her thirties, she doesn’t let that stop her dreams. i wasn’t connected to her and that might be because i’m so young and sometimes couldn’t understand her point of view or the reasons she said certain things (which pissed me off to another extent).
⤷nathan: he was a man. a british white man. who was a doctor. he was giving perfect book boyfriend to the point i didn’t think he had a personality except for being a doctor and latching onto the past (more in spoilers). that’s it. he was forgettable.
✩‧₊˚quotes
“For someone who hated being bossed around as much as she did, she quite liked it when Nathan became all doctory and strict with her. It made her feel looked after.”
“She loved how she could relax with him, not having to keep up the facade she usually maintained.”
“She’d needed things to fill up her time or else she’d go crazy counting down the days until her life could begin again.”
“I think it’s the first time that house felt like a home.”
“When she was with him, it always felt like there was someone on her side.”
˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆spoilers
^ྀི WHEN SHE TOLD HIM “no wonder you’re divorced” I WAS SCREAMING. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO MAD. This is where I started hating Jessica’s character again but I got over it. This was up to the 70% mark which had me questioning why this was called “second chance”. Technically, this is a right person, wrong time” trope because the breakup was mutual. To me, that’s not a second chance. It’s a personal thing. If the author set it up that she missed her family and loved them more (aka prioritizing them) I would’ve believed the random trip to England. It was only for the plot and made me remember this is a book. I wanted to be transported to a world, not remember that I’m just reading a book.
July 19, 2024
Esta bien la historia, pero le faltó emoción. Todo el libro lo sentí plano.
Jessica una bailarina de 31 años que está viviendo el sueño. Está tan centrada en su carrera que no tiene tiempo para salir, ni para ver a su familia, entonces cuando tiene unas pequeñas vacaciones aprovecha para regresar después se años a su ciudad natal y visitar a sus papás, pero se lleva una sorpresa cuando llega y sus padres le dicen que se irán de vacaciones por lo que no pueden quedarse con ella.
Jess decide quedarse y cuidar al perro de su pap. En un paseo tuvo un accidente, se rompió el pie y su puesto como bailarina principal se pone en peligro.
Nathan es doctor, vió el accidente de Jess, la ayudo, la llevo al hospital y la dejo quedarse en sí casa para que no tenga que subir escaleras. Poco a poco se hacen amigos y desarrollan sentimientos románticos, sin embargo, él está pasando por algo y no quiere tener una relación.
Durante su tiempo juntos ella se fue dando cuenta que estaba dejando que su vida pase, que aunque ame su trabajo debe encontrar un equilibrio en su vida laboral y personal.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica una bailarina de 31 años que está viviendo el sueño. Está tan centrada en su carrera que no tiene tiempo para salir, ni para ver a su familia, entonces cuando tiene unas pequeñas vacaciones aprovecha para regresar después se años a su ciudad natal y visitar a sus papás, pero se lleva una sorpresa cuando llega y sus padres le dicen que se irán de vacaciones por lo que no pueden quedarse con ella.
Jess decide quedarse y cuidar al perro de su pap. En un paseo tuvo un accidente, se rompió el pie y su puesto como bailarina principal se pone en peligro.
Nathan es doctor, vió el accidente de Jess, la ayudo, la llevo al hospital y la dejo quedarse en sí casa para que no tenga que subir escaleras. Poco a poco se hacen amigos y desarrollan sentimientos románticos, sin embargo, él está pasando por algo y no quiere tener una relación.
Durante su tiempo juntos ella se fue dando cuenta que estaba dejando que su vida pase, que aunque ame su trabajo debe encontrar un equilibrio en su vida laboral y personal.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 19, 2024Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and the chance to read this novel!
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this novel. The book suffered from telling and not showing. The interactions and characters were not believable and the dialogue was stilted. I don't mind a romance that defies logic, but was a too nonsensical for me. I do appreciate the author trying to show a ballerina in her 30s as well as a cute cover. This was simply not for me.
Not rating in fairness to the author as I did not finish the book.
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this novel. The book suffered from telling and not showing. The interactions and characters were not believable and the dialogue was stilted. I don't mind a romance that defies logic, but was a too nonsensical for me. I do appreciate the author trying to show a ballerina in her 30s as well as a cute cover. This was simply not for me.
Not rating in fairness to the author as I did not finish the book.
February 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.
This was such a cute, quick read for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the main character’s dance background as someone who has found dance in her mid-thirties.
I did wish that there was more banter between the FMC and MMC, but they were adorable regardless.
I did find a couple of times through the book that there would be something mentioned or discussed between the FMC and MMC but then the topic would change right away and the topic would not be revisited even though it definitely should’ve.
If you like spicy romance books, I would not recommend this as there little to no spice in it.
All in all it was a good book, but could’ve been a bit more detailed to draw readers in more.
This was such a cute, quick read for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the main character’s dance background as someone who has found dance in her mid-thirties.
I did wish that there was more banter between the FMC and MMC, but they were adorable regardless.
I did find a couple of times through the book that there would be something mentioned or discussed between the FMC and MMC but then the topic would change right away and the topic would not be revisited even though it definitely should’ve.
If you like spicy romance books, I would not recommend this as there little to no spice in it.
All in all it was a good book, but could’ve been a bit more detailed to draw readers in more.
July 25, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
Read As An Arc
🩰 Quick Read
🩰 Second Chance
🩰 Small Town England
🩰 Opposites Attract
🩰 Redemption
🩰 Returning Home
This book is honestly so cute and very heart warming that gives our FMC Jessica and MMC Nathan, a second chance at love in small town Surrey, England. This small town aspect really brings the charm, and also helps immersing yourself into the lives of the characters, at least for me it did. I also love the fact that Jessica is a ballerina -- and although it may not be considered a sport, it's nice to see the FMC being the active one over the MMC, landing her dream role until having to doggy-sit Monty.
The novel employs the second chance romance trope, which gives the opportunity to see the characters' growth and reconciliation after past misunderstandings and separations. One of the highlights of the book that I absolutely loved is the ideas of redemption and forgiveness, as the characters navigate their past mistakes and seek to rebuild their relationship because it actually shows the emotional depth and authenticity of their journey and the validation of the relationship, which is hard to get with characters at time.
The read is so short and engaging that it's hard not to finish it in one sitting. Okay so why the 3.75 ⭐️? I ama bit of a spice girl... and there is very little to no spice at all for this read. Spice is also subjective to the reader, but for me, it is 1 🌶️. Although there is also emotional depth, there is a bit of a lack with their characterization and development. This would have been a 4.25⭐️ read if I had some of this, and perhaps a bit of resonation with me and the characters.
Overall, this book is so cute, and a quick cozy read that will keep you engaged to the point where you genuinely feel happy for these characters despite the obstacles they are put through!
Definitely read this one if you enjoy uplifting romances with a touch of nostalgia and plenty of emotional resonance.
Instagram Post - link coming soon
* Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
Read As An Arc
🩰 Quick Read
🩰 Second Chance
🩰 Small Town England
🩰 Opposites Attract
🩰 Redemption
🩰 Returning Home
This book is honestly so cute and very heart warming that gives our FMC Jessica and MMC Nathan, a second chance at love in small town Surrey, England. This small town aspect really brings the charm, and also helps immersing yourself into the lives of the characters, at least for me it did. I also love the fact that Jessica is a ballerina -- and although it may not be considered a sport, it's nice to see the FMC being the active one over the MMC, landing her dream role until having to doggy-sit Monty.
The novel employs the second chance romance trope, which gives the opportunity to see the characters' growth and reconciliation after past misunderstandings and separations. One of the highlights of the book that I absolutely loved is the ideas of redemption and forgiveness, as the characters navigate their past mistakes and seek to rebuild their relationship because it actually shows the emotional depth and authenticity of their journey and the validation of the relationship, which is hard to get with characters at time.
The read is so short and engaging that it's hard not to finish it in one sitting. Okay so why the 3.75 ⭐️? I am
Overall, this book is so cute, and a quick cozy read that will keep you engaged to the point where you genuinely feel happy for these characters despite the obstacles they are put through!
Definitely read this one if you enjoy uplifting romances with a touch of nostalgia and plenty of emotional resonance.
Instagram Post - link coming soon
* Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
August 10, 2024
I want to start by thanking the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Thank you very much 🙏.
That said, this book was such a letdown 😕. When I read a good book, I want to feel all the feels—you know, like blushing, smiling, and getting those butterflies 🦋. I want to be so into the characters that I’m kicking my feet in the air. But with this one, I felt nothing. The whole time, I just had this serious face on, and I couldn’t connect with the characters or their relationship at all.
The chemistry between them felt super forced, like the author was trying way too hard to make something happen. It was rushed, and nothing about it felt natural. It was like the author just wanted to move the story along instead of letting the characters develop and actually build a connection. Because of that, the whole story just fell flat 😩.
Another thing that really bothered me was the dialogue. It could’ve been a bit more lively or engaging. It felt really flat, like it wasn’t pulling me in. And we definitely needed more description of the characters’ feelings. For example, I got to the kissing scenes, and they just felt bland. Usually, there’s some kind of description of how the kiss felt, how it made the characters feel, but this was just like, “he kissed me, he pulled me in,” and that was it. It felt lifeless, like there was no emotion behind it, just words on a page.
The writing was fine, but I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were boring, and the plot was so dry. I honestly wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me 😔.
And here’s the thing: I NEVER DNF books. Like, even if I’m not feeling it, I always push through to the end. But with this one, I was SO close to DNFing. The characters just didn’t do it for me, and the whole book was just not it. I wouldn’t recommend this one at all. It just didn’t have that spark or connection that makes a book fun to read.
1 star⭐
That said, this book was such a letdown 😕. When I read a good book, I want to feel all the feels—you know, like blushing, smiling, and getting those butterflies 🦋. I want to be so into the characters that I’m kicking my feet in the air. But with this one, I felt nothing. The whole time, I just had this serious face on, and I couldn’t connect with the characters or their relationship at all.
The chemistry between them felt super forced, like the author was trying way too hard to make something happen. It was rushed, and nothing about it felt natural. It was like the author just wanted to move the story along instead of letting the characters develop and actually build a connection. Because of that, the whole story just fell flat 😩.
Another thing that really bothered me was the dialogue. It could’ve been a bit more lively or engaging. It felt really flat, like it wasn’t pulling me in. And we definitely needed more description of the characters’ feelings. For example, I got to the kissing scenes, and they just felt bland. Usually, there’s some kind of description of how the kiss felt, how it made the characters feel, but this was just like, “he kissed me, he pulled me in,” and that was it. It felt lifeless, like there was no emotion behind it, just words on a page.
The writing was fine, but I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were boring, and the plot was so dry. I honestly wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me 😔.
And here’s the thing: I NEVER DNF books. Like, even if I’m not feeling it, I always push through to the end. But with this one, I was SO close to DNFing. The characters just didn’t do it for me, and the whole book was just not it. I wouldn’t recommend this one at all. It just didn’t have that spark or connection that makes a book fun to read.
1 star⭐
December 15, 2024
This is a first time read for me by this author. The story weaves a charming tale of second chances and unexpected connections. Jessica is a prima ballerina on the brink of her dream job in New York, and she decides to fly to England to spend some time with her parents before her life gets too busy. But when she gets there, she finds out her family is taking a holiday without her. She is left then to care for the family dog, Monty, while they are away. To pour more salt on her wound, she injures her foot while out walking Monty, but then a handsome stranger, Nathan, comes to her rescue. Nathan turns out not to be a stranger after all, but a good friend she lost contact with for over 20 years. As the two reconnect, sparks fly, but Jessica’s upcoming return to New York and Nathan’s painful history with love cast a shadow over the budding romance.
The chemistry between them is undeniable but of course nothing can come of it because Nathan lives in England and Jessica's life is in New York, and she will eventually need to go back after her foot heals. Jessica is torn between finally realizing her dream and the new connection she finds with Nathan. The tension between following her dreams and the unexpected romance with Nathan is drawn out well, capturing the conflict many face when love arrives at inconvenient times. Nathan, meanwhile, is a well-developed character with a past that keeps him guarded, adding depth to his relationship with Jessica.
This is a heartwarming story about rediscovering love when you least expect it, learning to reconcile dreams with personal happiness, and embracing the unexpected turns life offers. If you're in the market for a sweet, slow-paced romance with a touch of personal growth, you will find this novel a delightful escape.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The chemistry between them is undeniable but of course nothing can come of it because Nathan lives in England and Jessica's life is in New York, and she will eventually need to go back after her foot heals. Jessica is torn between finally realizing her dream and the new connection she finds with Nathan. The tension between following her dreams and the unexpected romance with Nathan is drawn out well, capturing the conflict many face when love arrives at inconvenient times. Nathan, meanwhile, is a well-developed character with a past that keeps him guarded, adding depth to his relationship with Jessica.
This is a heartwarming story about rediscovering love when you least expect it, learning to reconcile dreams with personal happiness, and embracing the unexpected turns life offers. If you're in the market for a sweet, slow-paced romance with a touch of personal growth, you will find this novel a delightful escape.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 6, 2024
In this charming romance novel, readers join ballet dancer Jessica Stone when she lands the role of a lifetime as a prima ballerina. To celebrate, she returns home to England to surprise her parents with her news, but it turns out that her parents are going on a vacation. Staying with her parents’ new dog Monty in her childhood home in Surrey proves to be harder than she thought, as an incident with his leash causes her to hurt her foot. However, handsome stranger and childhood classmate Nathan Townsend comes to her rescue, and sparks fly, but Jessica knows this is all temporary -- she has to return to New York eventually. Jessica and Nathan’s chemistry is brilliant, and their personalities are complex and dynamic, with full backstories. The romance tropes in this novel -- not to mention the dogs -- really add to the atmosphere and charm of the novel. The setting in a small town in Surrey, not to mention the various circumstances and minor characters, really build up the atmosphere and emotional heart of the novel around Jessica and Nathan. With its charm, heart, and fun atmosphere, fans of the modern romance genre and all of its tropes are sure to enjoy this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy.
August 1, 2024
A Nice Romance
Jessica Stone has worked hard as a professional ballet dancer and at last her effort has paid off. She has been cast in her much longed for role as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Jessica is delighted and decides to celebrate by returning to England to surprise her family with a visit, but it is she who gets the surprise. They are about to set off on holiday. Jessica says she will stay to look after their dog, but while out walking she falls injuring her foot. Luckily the rather handsome local doctor is on hand to help, and as she has no one to look after her he suggests she stays with him for a few days as she will not be able to look after herself and the family dog. They soon become attracted to each other, but Jessica’s life is in New York. I enjoyed the book and was torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars but I did find Jessica rather self obsessed and a bit irritating so 4 stars it is.
Jessica Stone has worked hard as a professional ballet dancer and at last her effort has paid off. She has been cast in her much longed for role as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Jessica is delighted and decides to celebrate by returning to England to surprise her family with a visit, but it is she who gets the surprise. They are about to set off on holiday. Jessica says she will stay to look after their dog, but while out walking she falls injuring her foot. Luckily the rather handsome local doctor is on hand to help, and as she has no one to look after her he suggests she stays with him for a few days as she will not be able to look after herself and the family dog. They soon become attracted to each other, but Jessica’s life is in New York. I enjoyed the book and was torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars but I did find Jessica rather self obsessed and a bit irritating so 4 stars it is.
August 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Jessica is a dedicated ballet dancer and she visits her parents on a whim before her next performance and discovers that they are going on holiday with her brother and family. They have adopted a dog and can't take it with them and the sitter has called sick. Jessica offers to dog sit Monty. She then meets someone she knew before she became a prima ballerina and starts to question if she is missing out.
I'm a sucker for a dog. I really enjoyed this book and seeing Jessica work through her life and discover something more in life. I liked the characters.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgallery.
I'm a sucker for a dog. I really enjoyed this book and seeing Jessica work through her life and discover something more in life. I liked the characters.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgallery.
July 30, 2025
2.5⭐️
okay, so it'ts not awful but the FMC is soooo annoying. Almost instantly (even though shes described as a small, petite, ballerina) when the big, stong, docotr guy picks her up to carry her, she wriggles and is like noooo don't im too heavy!! like STFU!!!!!! whe just irritated me throughout the whole book tbh. Hihg and mighty because shes a ballerina and the literal CHILDREN weren't at a professional standard in the old dance CLUB, not proper school, but CLUB that she attended when she was younger.
Other than that, the premise of the book was cute. I'm glad she sorted herself out in the end and decided not to be an utter prick!!
okay, so it'ts not awful but the FMC is soooo annoying. Almost instantly (even though shes described as a small, petite, ballerina) when the big, stong, docotr guy picks her up to carry her, she wriggles and is like noooo don't im too heavy!! like STFU!!!!!! whe just irritated me throughout the whole book tbh. Hihg and mighty because shes a ballerina and the literal CHILDREN weren't at a professional standard in the old dance CLUB, not proper school, but CLUB that she attended when she was younger.
Other than that, the premise of the book was cute. I'm glad she sorted herself out in the end and decided not to be an utter prick!!
October 15, 2024
This was a tell not show kind of novel, the interactions with the characters were just a bit off.
This was one of those "I picked it for the cover and blurb" books, but sadly, this was not the book for me.
The writing was a bit dry, details on things that didn't matter were there, versus giving meat to another part that could have used it.
Loved that Jessica was a ballerina in her 30s, and finally getting her big break (well almost). Loved that this portion was a bit more realistic.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my DRC.
This was one of those "I picked it for the cover and blurb" books, but sadly, this was not the book for me.
The writing was a bit dry, details on things that didn't matter were there, versus giving meat to another part that could have used it.
Loved that Jessica was a ballerina in her 30s, and finally getting her big break (well almost). Loved that this portion was a bit more realistic.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my DRC.
March 31, 2025
This is a good book. The two main characters are Jessica and Nathan. They have known each other for all their lives. Jessica has returned to her family’s home. Nathan works at the hospital. They meet when they both are walking their dogs. One of the dogs run into Jessica, she falls and breaks her foot. She is taken to hospital and has a cast. She contacts the ballet company where she works. Nathan offers a place for her and her dog to stay. There is an instant attraction. They both have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.
August 8, 2024
3* A light summer read
This is a beach read when you don't want to concentrate too much. Billed as a second chance love, the book didn't seem very romantic, va-va-voom was lacking between Nathan and Jessica, they only appeared mildly attracted to each other.
What came over clearly was that the professional life of a ballet dancer is short and full of excruciatingly painful hard work.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
This is a beach read when you don't want to concentrate too much. Billed as a second chance love, the book didn't seem very romantic, va-va-voom was lacking between Nathan and Jessica, they only appeared mildly attracted to each other.
What came over clearly was that the professional life of a ballet dancer is short and full of excruciatingly painful hard work.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. A good romance with a ballerina at its heart. I enjoy watching ballet but this story takes you behind the scenes and into the being of a dancer. I found it moving and informative! The heroine, Jessica, was highly believable and real, her hero, Nathan, all she could wish for. I particularly liked that the author rounded the story off fully with no loose ends.
August 23, 2024
A great read, the story of Jessica, a ballerina who is living and working in New York, and Nathan, a GP back in England. When they meet he takes care of her after an accident, so what will happen when it is time fr her to return to her life back in New York?
August 19, 2025
This was just okay. I started it on holiday thinking it would be a wee easy romance to read, and it was but like easy in the sense of someone wrote this for a school project and there was no real depth to anything.
August 12, 2024
Such a feel good book. I loved every aspect of this book.
November 10, 2024
Loved it
July 6, 2025
So much better than the first book! Then again I am obviously biased to the dancer storyline 🤷🏻♀️ very sweet read!
August 17, 2025
I wish I could break my ankle infront of a handsome dr but I doubt I will ever have such luck
November 7, 2025
A heartwarming story about the realistic struggles people face. It beautifully explores love, family, and friendship.
December 7, 2025
Very easy read, but felt a little like the story was missing things. Very little detail and a simple story line. Great book though, if you just fancy something quick and simple
September 3, 2025
3* This was a quick cozy read but the dialogue just wasn’t doing it for me.
November 15, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! A story of dreams, challenges, second chances, and love. The chemistry between Jessica and Nathan was excellent, and Jessica was so well developed as a character. I wish there had been a bit more backstory development with Nathan, which would have helped his character a bit more. The story was nicely paced and plot well done.
August 29, 2024
I chose this title from a list of advance preview copies on offer from the publisher, Joffe, and I am very glad I did!
I selected this book as the female lead, Jessica Stone, is a ballet dancer who, at the beginning of the novel, is living in New York. I liked the opening premise and I wondered how the story would unfold.
During a trip home to the UK, Jessica’s path crosses with an old school friend who had moved away before they were due to start secondary school. What then unfolds is a sweet romantic tale.
Jessica’s passion in life is dance and the question the novel poses is whether there is room for anything else in her life. As the story progresses we see how Jessica becomes aware of what she may be missing out on by being so focussed on her career.
I found the novel very easy to read with a plot that holds together and likable characters. It is a light-hearted romance.
I selected this book as the female lead, Jessica Stone, is a ballet dancer who, at the beginning of the novel, is living in New York. I liked the opening premise and I wondered how the story would unfold.
During a trip home to the UK, Jessica’s path crosses with an old school friend who had moved away before they were due to start secondary school. What then unfolds is a sweet romantic tale.
Jessica’s passion in life is dance and the question the novel poses is whether there is room for anything else in her life. As the story progresses we see how Jessica becomes aware of what she may be missing out on by being so focussed on her career.
I found the novel very easy to read with a plot that holds together and likable characters. It is a light-hearted romance.
July 18, 2024
Heart warming romance in Last Dance, Second Chance.
Highly recommend this book and it was a quick read.
When Jessica finally lands her prima ballerina spot in New York, she decides to fly back to England to surprise her parents and give them the good news. She then learns that her parents are headed out for vacation with her brother and his family for 10 days and she suggested she could house sit their dog. With an untrained dog, she winds up breaking her foot and she looses her prima spot, but she ends up finding her true love.
Highly recommend this book and it was a quick read.
When Jessica finally lands her prima ballerina spot in New York, she decides to fly back to England to surprise her parents and give them the good news. She then learns that her parents are headed out for vacation with her brother and his family for 10 days and she suggested she could house sit their dog. With an untrained dog, she winds up breaking her foot and she looses her prima spot, but she ends up finding her true love.
November 4, 2024
This was a cute, short romance. I did feel like there was a lot of telling instead of showing and the romance was sort of quick and out of nowhere even though they’re “old friends”, they haven’t seen each other since elementary school so I’m not sure how the chemistry got there so quickly. I did really enjoy the dogs, they were super cute. I’d recommend this book if you want a light hearted romcom, love dogs or love ballet.
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