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Hearts and Crafts #2
Win Me Over
WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING
Callie Daniels is a singular sensation. She owns and operates her own bakery, contributes to a popular lifestyle blog, and is the dance team coach at a local high school. She lives by her own design and is much too busy to consider dating. Mr. Right will have to fit into her life when the time is right...
UNLESS YOU'RE PLAYING FOR KEEPS
Football coach Bennett Clark always plays by the rules. He knows that his new colleague Callie is off limits but she's so beautiful-and irritating!-that Bennett can't get her off his mind. She wants him to participate in a charity dance contest, and won't take no for an answer. Soon, what begins as a festive athletic endeavor turns into a heated flirtation on and off the dance floor. Could it be that the free-spirited Callie has finally found a way through Coach Clark's line of defense?
Callie Daniels is a singular sensation. She owns and operates her own bakery, contributes to a popular lifestyle blog, and is the dance team coach at a local high school. She lives by her own design and is much too busy to consider dating. Mr. Right will have to fit into her life when the time is right...
UNLESS YOU'RE PLAYING FOR KEEPS
Football coach Bennett Clark always plays by the rules. He knows that his new colleague Callie is off limits but she's so beautiful-and irritating!-that Bennett can't get her off his mind. She wants him to participate in a charity dance contest, and won't take no for an answer. Soon, what begins as a festive athletic endeavor turns into a heated flirtation on and off the dance floor. Could it be that the free-spirited Callie has finally found a way through Coach Clark's line of defense?
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Michaels
11 books85 followersNicole resides in a small town outside of Kansas City with her husband and three sons. When she isn't writing, she's a wedding and portrait photographer, loves to cook, read, and watch historical dramas or documentaries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 6, 2016
4 - "This aint football, big boy. This is dance." Stars!
Win Me Over is the second book in Nicole Michaels Hearts and Crafts series, and it follows on pretty much where Start Me Up left off, only this time we have Callie Daniels and Bennett Clark as the main characters. To say I was impressed with book one would be an understatement, but I am even happier now as this book was just as enjoyable as its predecessor.
School Football Coach and School Dance Coach come together in aid of a local fund raising dance competition. Little do they know that their chemistry on the dance floor soon morphs into something even hotter outside of practice.
”Are you being dirty, Coach Clark?”
This series has pretty much gone from good to even better with this addition, I liked Callie and Bennett together and the inclusion of all of the characters that we met in the first book as well as some new ones, kept up the momentum of the series as a whole. Both Bennett and Callie are keeping more than a few secrets from each other at the beginning of the book, but as their story progresses things start to be revealed.
I loved Eric, his conversations with Callie, both verbal and through BFF mental perception, made for a few giggles, not to mention Anne and Lindsey having equal page space as Callie’s Blog partners on My Perfect Little Life, and the development of the series as a whole, everything was well written and perfectly paced.
Draw Me Close; Lindsey and Derek’s story is due March 2016 (which seems like ages to wait for this desperate reader!) Given their interactions in Win Me Over I am expecting fireworks between them, and more than a few bumps in the road for their relationship.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Win Me Over is the second book in Nicole Michaels Hearts and Crafts series, and it follows on pretty much where Start Me Up left off, only this time we have Callie Daniels and Bennett Clark as the main characters. To say I was impressed with book one would be an understatement, but I am even happier now as this book was just as enjoyable as its predecessor.
School Football Coach and School Dance Coach come together in aid of a local fund raising dance competition. Little do they know that their chemistry on the dance floor soon morphs into something even hotter outside of practice.
”Are you being dirty, Coach Clark?”
This series has pretty much gone from good to even better with this addition, I liked Callie and Bennett together and the inclusion of all of the characters that we met in the first book as well as some new ones, kept up the momentum of the series as a whole. Both Bennett and Callie are keeping more than a few secrets from each other at the beginning of the book, but as their story progresses things start to be revealed.
I loved Eric, his conversations with Callie, both verbal and through BFF mental perception, made for a few giggles, not to mention Anne and Lindsey having equal page space as Callie’s Blog partners on My Perfect Little Life, and the development of the series as a whole, everything was well written and perfectly paced.
Draw Me Close; Lindsey and Derek’s story is due March 2016 (which seems like ages to wait for this desperate reader!) Given their interactions in Win Me Over I am expecting fireworks between them, and more than a few bumps in the road for their relationship.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
August 20, 2015
Win Me Over was a fun contemporary romance with two great main characters. Both were likable, and the romance between them was tender and heartwarming. I enjoyed the storyline, and am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Callie Daniels has just become the dance coach for the local high school, and now the principal has asked her to be the football coach's partner in a dance competition that he has no intent in entering. When Callie offers to help Bennett Clark win the competition, he is initially resistant, but then decides to participate, as it would help him win an award that could benefit his team with college scholarships. As Callie and Bennett get to know one another, they genuinely like one another and share a strong attraction. They develop a friendship that starts to deepen into more, but a crisis in the football team brings Bennett's painful past into focus, raising questions as to whether he will let Callie fully into his life.
I enjoyed the small town feel to this book, and liked the characters, both main and secondary. Callie's bakery, the school, and the dancing competition practices all came together to create a wonderful background for the story. The storyline was interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next with this group of friends. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Callie Daniels has just become the dance coach for the local high school, and now the principal has asked her to be the football coach's partner in a dance competition that he has no intent in entering. When Callie offers to help Bennett Clark win the competition, he is initially resistant, but then decides to participate, as it would help him win an award that could benefit his team with college scholarships. As Callie and Bennett get to know one another, they genuinely like one another and share a strong attraction. They develop a friendship that starts to deepen into more, but a crisis in the football team brings Bennett's painful past into focus, raising questions as to whether he will let Callie fully into his life.
I enjoyed the small town feel to this book, and liked the characters, both main and secondary. Callie's bakery, the school, and the dancing competition practices all came together to create a wonderful background for the story. The storyline was interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next with this group of friends. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2015
4.5 stars
Callie is a successful bakery owner and high school dance instructor. Bennett is a formal football player/current high school football coach. Callie and Bennett each have their reasons on why they don't want a relationship. When Callie and Bennett dance together for a fundraiser to help Bennett win an award, he wins something else instead.
This book started off a little slow for me but once it picked up I loved it. Callie and Bennett were fantastic together. I loved the chemistry between these two from the moment Bennett first sees Callie. Even though this is a standalone, I also really loved catching up with Anne and Mike from Start Me Up. I can't wait for the next book in this series - Lindsey and Derek. Highly recommend!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Callie is a successful bakery owner and high school dance instructor. Bennett is a formal football player/current high school football coach. Callie and Bennett each have their reasons on why they don't want a relationship. When Callie and Bennett dance together for a fundraiser to help Bennett win an award, he wins something else instead.
This book started off a little slow for me but once it picked up I loved it. Callie and Bennett were fantastic together. I loved the chemistry between these two from the moment Bennett first sees Callie. Even though this is a standalone, I also really loved catching up with Anne and Mike from Start Me Up. I can't wait for the next book in this series - Lindsey and Derek. Highly recommend!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
May 6, 2019
2.5
"Nur die Liebe gewinnt" ist der zweite Teil der Made with love Reihe, den man aber auch gut lesen kann, ohne den Vorgänger zu kennen. Der Klappentext hatte mich sehr neugierig gemacht und ich war gespannt auf die Geschichte.
Leider konnte das Buch jedoch nicht mit meinen Erwartungen mithalten. Für meinen Geschmack war das Buch viel zu überladen. Da haben wir zum einen die Charaktere: Callie, die eine Bäckerei führt und nebenbei noch Tanzlehrerin ist und Bennett, der verletzte Football-Star, der nun Trainer einer Highschool-Mannschaft ist. Dann gab es auch diverse andere Charaktere, und ich hatte zum Teil ein paar Probleme die Personen auseinander zu halten. Auch die Handlung selbst hat immer wieder neue Elemente und mir war das irgendwann einfach viel zu viel und damit auch nicht mehr unterhaltsam.
Ich hatte mir auch erhofft, dass durch das Tanzen sich mehr Chemie zwischen Callie und Bennett entwickelt, aber dem war leider nicht so. Für mich wirkte die Beziehung der beiden leider sehr distanziert. Mitfiebern konnte ich mit den beiden leider ebenso wenig.
Der Schreibstil war ok und relativ flüssig zu lesen, aber auf weitere Teile der Reihe werde ich verzichten.
"Nur die Liebe gewinnt" ist der zweite Teil der Made with love Reihe, den man aber auch gut lesen kann, ohne den Vorgänger zu kennen. Der Klappentext hatte mich sehr neugierig gemacht und ich war gespannt auf die Geschichte.
Leider konnte das Buch jedoch nicht mit meinen Erwartungen mithalten. Für meinen Geschmack war das Buch viel zu überladen. Da haben wir zum einen die Charaktere: Callie, die eine Bäckerei führt und nebenbei noch Tanzlehrerin ist und Bennett, der verletzte Football-Star, der nun Trainer einer Highschool-Mannschaft ist. Dann gab es auch diverse andere Charaktere, und ich hatte zum Teil ein paar Probleme die Personen auseinander zu halten. Auch die Handlung selbst hat immer wieder neue Elemente und mir war das irgendwann einfach viel zu viel und damit auch nicht mehr unterhaltsam.
Ich hatte mir auch erhofft, dass durch das Tanzen sich mehr Chemie zwischen Callie und Bennett entwickelt, aber dem war leider nicht so. Für mich wirkte die Beziehung der beiden leider sehr distanziert. Mitfiebern konnte ich mit den beiden leider ebenso wenig.
Der Schreibstil war ok und relativ flüssig zu lesen, aber auf weitere Teile der Reihe werde ich verzichten.
October 27, 2018
3.5 stars
Another nice one from the author. The heroine runs her own bakery, and is also a dancer. The hero is a football highschool coach who had his one moment of glory before losing the pros in an accident, but has rebuilt his life since. The hero had major issues and had this bad habit of taking the weight of the world on his shoulders, and sometimes it did feel like the heroine was too good for him. All in all enjoyable.
Another nice one from the author. The heroine runs her own bakery, and is also a dancer. The hero is a football highschool coach who had his one moment of glory before losing the pros in an accident, but has rebuilt his life since. The hero had major issues and had this bad habit of taking the weight of the world on his shoulders, and sometimes it did feel like the heroine was too good for him. All in all enjoyable.
September 12, 2015
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
This was such a sweet read.
Callie is the new dance coach at the town's local high school. She loves dance and has always competed throughout her life. She is excited for this venture in addition to her wonderful little bakery that she also newly opened over a year ago. Life is good for her. She is a little lonely, but that's okay right?
Bennett was in an accident over 6 years ago, which resulted in a left and hip injury that ended his new NFL career. He lost everything, including his fiancee. Since then he has lived a pretty solitary life. He teaches and coaches at the town's local high school and is all about his kids. He is a wonderful guy. He is also a little lonely, but that's okay, right?
That is until Callie and Bennett meet. There is a dancing with the stars type of competition coming up in town and both want to enter for their own selfless reasons. During these practices, not only do they become good friends, but then lovers as well. I loved their banter and their relationship. They just fit so well together. You could tell each other them adored the other, but there were no declarations until later on.
Tragedy strikes later on in the book and the hero does do what he does best (and what he did when he was in his accident over 6 years ago) he does push Callie away and all of his other friends as well. Callie does put up a good fight, but when he lets her down for the last time, she has had enough and the hero realizes that he needs to fix this. He realizes that the love he has for Callie is true and real. The only time he has ever felt like this about a woman. Not even with his ex, Ashley.
I felt like Bennett definitely gave a good grovel and I look forward to reading the next installment.
I did read the excerpt for the next read. I know it should be "safe" for the most part, I just want to know why he left the heroine all those years ago and how he was able to move on to have a child with another woman? What was that all about? So we will see! I hope I'll be okay with whatever it is, because I am really interested in reading this book.
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
This was such a sweet read.
Callie is the new dance coach at the town's local high school. She loves dance and has always competed throughout her life. She is excited for this venture in addition to her wonderful little bakery that she also newly opened over a year ago. Life is good for her. She is a little lonely, but that's okay right?
Bennett was in an accident over 6 years ago, which resulted in a left and hip injury that ended his new NFL career. He lost everything, including his fiancee. Since then he has lived a pretty solitary life. He teaches and coaches at the town's local high school and is all about his kids. He is a wonderful guy. He is also a little lonely, but that's okay, right?
That is until Callie and Bennett meet. There is a dancing with the stars type of competition coming up in town and both want to enter for their own selfless reasons. During these practices, not only do they become good friends, but then lovers as well. I loved their banter and their relationship. They just fit so well together. You could tell each other them adored the other, but there were no declarations until later on.
Tragedy strikes later on in the book and the hero does do what he does best (and what he did when he was in his accident over 6 years ago) he does push Callie away and all of his other friends as well. Callie does put up a good fight, but when he lets her down for the last time, she has had enough and the hero realizes that he needs to fix this. He realizes that the love he has for Callie is true and real. The only time he has ever felt like this about a woman. Not even with his ex, Ashley.
I felt like Bennett definitely gave a good grovel and I look forward to reading the next installment.
I did read the excerpt for the next read. I know it should be "safe" for the most part, I just want to know why he left the heroine all those years ago and how he was able to move on to have a child with another woman? What was that all about? So we will see! I hope I'll be okay with whatever it is, because I am really interested in reading this book.
September 7, 2015
This football-and-dance-coach love story is a major win. Adorable flirting leads to serious orgasms and a whole lot of love. Callie, a bake shop owner/blogger extraordinaire/dance coach, is one strong cookie. She’s determined never to depend on a man in her life for her self worth and I couldn’t help but want to hug her to death during these proclamations. Of course, these same thoughts make her hesitant to start anything with Bennett, the sexy former NFL player turned high school football coach.
The basic set up has the makings of a traditional love story. Callie is sort of arm twisted into teaching Bennett how to dance so that they can enter a dance competition. Bennett’s not thrilled about dancing – being as how he can’t dance – but he’s equally as coerced, so they schedule practice…and the seduction begins.
While the heat intensifies with each touch, they each try to fight off their feelings for the other. The internal battles are commendable, but never had a chance. I really loved how funny they were with each other. Even sex became a chance to crack a joke…at least until Bennett’s kisses drowned out all thought from Callie’s brain. *bliss*
I absolutely enjoyed these characters, their commitment to their town, their players, and their growing feelings. Bennett’s a little more complicated that I initially thought – he’s selfless, sweet, and an All American kind of guy on the surface, but he battles some demons that he needs to address. Thankfully, Callie’s a take no shits kind of girl and I loved that she stood up for herself when necessary. GO CALLIE.
As their feelings deepen, both character grow & develop in completely believable ways. Sometimes love has a way of showing you what really matters. Maybe a little corny, but it’s really true. Callie & Bennett are a great couple to snuggle up with and learn from. Win Me Over had me won from the start. 4.25 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
The basic set up has the makings of a traditional love story. Callie is sort of arm twisted into teaching Bennett how to dance so that they can enter a dance competition. Bennett’s not thrilled about dancing – being as how he can’t dance – but he’s equally as coerced, so they schedule practice…and the seduction begins.
While the heat intensifies with each touch, they each try to fight off their feelings for the other. The internal battles are commendable, but never had a chance. I really loved how funny they were with each other. Even sex became a chance to crack a joke…at least until Bennett’s kisses drowned out all thought from Callie’s brain. *bliss*
I absolutely enjoyed these characters, their commitment to their town, their players, and their growing feelings. Bennett’s a little more complicated that I initially thought – he’s selfless, sweet, and an All American kind of guy on the surface, but he battles some demons that he needs to address. Thankfully, Callie’s a take no shits kind of girl and I loved that she stood up for herself when necessary. GO CALLIE.
As their feelings deepen, both character grow & develop in completely believable ways. Sometimes love has a way of showing you what really matters. Maybe a little corny, but it’s really true. Callie & Bennett are a great couple to snuggle up with and learn from. Win Me Over had me won from the start. 4.25 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
August 16, 2015
*ARC FROM NETGALLEY*
YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! :)
Nicole Michaels may have been placed on my “favorite authors” list after I read Start Me Up but she has been bumped up to my “read every book this author writes” list.
I have to be honest and start off with I fell head over heels in love with “Uncle Mike” in Start Me Up and I wasn’t expecting to get over him. It’s UNCLE MIKE, there is absolutely no getting over him!
Although I have not moved on from this sexy as sin man, he has to share some room on that pedestal that I have placed him on.
Enter Bennett Clark.
Nicole Michaels has come up with the most amazing men. Ever. There is no way that I will ever be able to find a man like the ones she has written.
I don’t know why she does this to her readers. It’s horrible. I love her for it.
I’m just gushing over this book. I can’t even think.
I can’t think of too much to say now… I just really loved this book. I’m way too excited for book three of this series.
She gave a little glimpse of Lindsey and Derek’s past, not a lot (FRUSTRATION) but a tad so I’m SUPER excited for Draw Me Close.
Win Me Over Review
YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! :)
Nicole Michaels may have been placed on my “favorite authors” list after I read Start Me Up but she has been bumped up to my “read every book this author writes” list.
I have to be honest and start off with I fell head over heels in love with “Uncle Mike” in Start Me Up and I wasn’t expecting to get over him. It’s UNCLE MIKE, there is absolutely no getting over him!
Mike Everett had a way of doing the right thing, especially when it came to Anne’s daughter. How could you not like a guy like that? A man who put your needs above everything?
Although I have not moved on from this sexy as sin man, he has to share some room on that pedestal that I have placed him on.
Enter Bennett Clark.
He was the complete opposite of everything she’s imagined the notorious high school football coach to be. This sexy thing could grace pages of magazines wearing nothing but briefs and a bad attitude.
Nicole Michaels has come up with the most amazing men. Ever. There is no way that I will ever be able to find a man like the ones she has written.
I don’t know why she does this to her readers. It’s horrible. I love her for it.
I’m just gushing over this book. I can’t even think.
I can’t think of too much to say now… I just really loved this book. I’m way too excited for book three of this series.
She gave a little glimpse of Lindsey and Derek’s past, not a lot (FRUSTRATION) but a tad so I’m SUPER excited for Draw Me Close.
Win Me Over Review
August 29, 2017
Callie Jo has always been a busy girl. A chilhood fill with beauty pageants and dance lessons, she now own a bakery and teach dancing to teenage girls. She's not looking for love and she's okay with being single. When would she have the time anyway ?
Coaching football in high school is the only tie former professional athlete Bennett can keep with his sport after a car accident that cost him his careeer and a fiancée. When the manipulative Principal concoct a plan to make them take part in a dancing competition for a fund-raiser, Bennett and Callie's relationship that got off to a bad start will evolve into an other sort of tension.
I can pinpoint a few things that bugged me, like a slow pace and too much teenager's drama, but I still have a hard time understanding why this book didn't work for me when this kind of story is usually right up my alley. I love watching dancing shows so I was excited by the initial idea. I guess it just wasn't what I expected. The author did things a little different with that. And I was disappointed by the hero toward the end. He was feeling sorry for himself when someone was in more serious trouble and both the heroine and his colleague had to open his eyes about his attitude.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned about how the HEA for the next characters will happen because we got a glimpse at their dynamic and I'm not convinced, but I'm still gonna read it nevertheless.
Coaching football in high school is the only tie former professional athlete Bennett can keep with his sport after a car accident that cost him his careeer and a fiancée. When the manipulative Principal concoct a plan to make them take part in a dancing competition for a fund-raiser, Bennett and Callie's relationship that got off to a bad start will evolve into an other sort of tension.
I can pinpoint a few things that bugged me, like a slow pace and too much teenager's drama, but I still have a hard time understanding why this book didn't work for me when this kind of story is usually right up my alley. I love watching dancing shows so I was excited by the initial idea. I guess it just wasn't what I expected. The author did things a little different with that. And I was disappointed by the hero toward the end. He was feeling sorry for himself when someone was in more serious trouble and both the heroine and his colleague had to open his eyes about his attitude.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned about how the HEA for the next characters will happen because we got a glimpse at their dynamic and I'm not convinced, but I'm still gonna read it nevertheless.
September 1, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Sometimes you read a book and it is simply delightful and that describes Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels perfectly. I loved that this book was on the sweeter side of romance yet the sexual tension between the two main characters was thicker than the fog that hounds the San Francisco bay area. I loved that the hero was a former NFL player who understood that there is more to life than football and strove to make his high school players understand that. I loved that the heroine was a former beauty pageant queen with tiaras in her closet she'd like to forget about and that she was hard working, dedicated, giving and had a warmth about her that made people comfortable. I loved that this book is set in a small town where the people might be all up in your business but when something happens they are right there to help you. Most of all I loved that two people who thought they had everything they needed in their lives found each other and took a chance, it wasn't easy; there were some really messy times but with some soul searching, a bit of groveling, a whole lot of help from friends and family, a pretty big public grand gesture and a whole lot of forgiveness they managed to make it work. Sweet and sensual and packed with a whole lot of emotion Win Me Over did exactly that and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I love sassy heroines and Callie Daniels defines the word. Smart, ambitious and with more energy than normal people Callie not only owns her own bakery (a dream come true for her) but she's the new coach of the high school dance team. While Callie hated the pageant circuit her mother loved she loved dancing and embraced it with her whole heart and sharing that with the squad of the local high school is a challenge she's excited about. Agreeing to take part in a charity dance competition and teaching the head football coach how to dance is a challenge she could do without but the possibility of earning new uniforms for her squad makes her agree, too bad the football coach refuses because he certainly is someone that trips her trigger.
Following a career ending accident and more than a year of rehab Bennett Clark has enjoyed being the head coach of the Preston Panthers and hiding out in small town Missouri where he was no longer big news. With the new dance coach after him to participate in the charity dance competition and the principal dangling a chance at winning some scholarship money for his players Bennett knows he has to suck it up and agree; he just hopes his injury doesn't make him show weakness in front of the one woman his body has shown interest in in a very long time.
From the first moment they meet it is easy to see the attraction they are both fighting and feel the tension between them. As they begin to train together for the competition it only heats up but Callie puts on the brakes which has Bennett acting like an ass. There is some drama in this book because we are dealing with high school kids and a coach that is way involved with his players. Callie tries to balance out Bennett's need to control everything and while it works for awhile until an accident throws him into a spiral of self hate, depression and despair. I'll admit Bennett was hard to like for a lot of this book; sure he was charming and sexy but it was easy to see that the man was battling demons and refused to let anyone help him and he ended up hurting those close to him often. I loved how strong Callie was through everything and how she rallied and worked to keep her spirits up and that of the whole town. I admire her for her dedication, her selflessness and the fact that she understood enough to let go but to also make Bennett see she wasn't a push over.
The secondary characters in this book were fabulous especially Callie's friends and even her Mom who was kind of over the top and larger than life but I loved that Callie began to see her Mom in a new light and even grew to appreciate her and understand her a bit more.
I really appreciated the pacing of this book and the fact that while the hero and heroine were at a good place at the end not everything worked out perfectly in their lives; that added a realism to this story that you don't often see in romances and made me anxious to read the first book in this series (I wasn't aware this the second book) and has me looking forward to the third. Vivid characters, a realistic storyline and lots of small town excitement made Win Me Over an excellent romance and one I know I will enjoy reading again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Sometimes you read a book and it is simply delightful and that describes Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels perfectly. I loved that this book was on the sweeter side of romance yet the sexual tension between the two main characters was thicker than the fog that hounds the San Francisco bay area. I loved that the hero was a former NFL player who understood that there is more to life than football and strove to make his high school players understand that. I loved that the heroine was a former beauty pageant queen with tiaras in her closet she'd like to forget about and that she was hard working, dedicated, giving and had a warmth about her that made people comfortable. I loved that this book is set in a small town where the people might be all up in your business but when something happens they are right there to help you. Most of all I loved that two people who thought they had everything they needed in their lives found each other and took a chance, it wasn't easy; there were some really messy times but with some soul searching, a bit of groveling, a whole lot of help from friends and family, a pretty big public grand gesture and a whole lot of forgiveness they managed to make it work. Sweet and sensual and packed with a whole lot of emotion Win Me Over did exactly that and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I love sassy heroines and Callie Daniels defines the word. Smart, ambitious and with more energy than normal people Callie not only owns her own bakery (a dream come true for her) but she's the new coach of the high school dance team. While Callie hated the pageant circuit her mother loved she loved dancing and embraced it with her whole heart and sharing that with the squad of the local high school is a challenge she's excited about. Agreeing to take part in a charity dance competition and teaching the head football coach how to dance is a challenge she could do without but the possibility of earning new uniforms for her squad makes her agree, too bad the football coach refuses because he certainly is someone that trips her trigger.
Following a career ending accident and more than a year of rehab Bennett Clark has enjoyed being the head coach of the Preston Panthers and hiding out in small town Missouri where he was no longer big news. With the new dance coach after him to participate in the charity dance competition and the principal dangling a chance at winning some scholarship money for his players Bennett knows he has to suck it up and agree; he just hopes his injury doesn't make him show weakness in front of the one woman his body has shown interest in in a very long time.
From the first moment they meet it is easy to see the attraction they are both fighting and feel the tension between them. As they begin to train together for the competition it only heats up but Callie puts on the brakes which has Bennett acting like an ass. There is some drama in this book because we are dealing with high school kids and a coach that is way involved with his players. Callie tries to balance out Bennett's need to control everything and while it works for awhile until an accident throws him into a spiral of self hate, depression and despair. I'll admit Bennett was hard to like for a lot of this book; sure he was charming and sexy but it was easy to see that the man was battling demons and refused to let anyone help him and he ended up hurting those close to him often. I loved how strong Callie was through everything and how she rallied and worked to keep her spirits up and that of the whole town. I admire her for her dedication, her selflessness and the fact that she understood enough to let go but to also make Bennett see she wasn't a push over.
The secondary characters in this book were fabulous especially Callie's friends and even her Mom who was kind of over the top and larger than life but I loved that Callie began to see her Mom in a new light and even grew to appreciate her and understand her a bit more.
I really appreciated the pacing of this book and the fact that while the hero and heroine were at a good place at the end not everything worked out perfectly in their lives; that added a realism to this story that you don't often see in romances and made me anxious to read the first book in this series (I wasn't aware this the second book) and has me looking forward to the third. Vivid characters, a realistic storyline and lots of small town excitement made Win Me Over an excellent romance and one I know I will enjoy reading again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
This is the 2nd book in the series but the first book I have read by Michaels and I really got into it. This is another small town romance that has football in it.
Bennett was in the nfl until a horrible car accident shattered his leg and ended his career. And to top it off his fiancé left him. Since then he has been a science teacher and a football coach. His life has been pretty content, he had dated here and there but nothing to serious unless he lays eyes on Callie.
Since Callie has moved to town she has opened her own bakery and this will be her first year becoming the dance coach. Bennett is up for an award for the past 6 years but hasn't won. The principal believes with Callie's help he can win. Callie expects coach Clark to be some old stuffy guy so when she goes to class room she is completely taken off guard to the hot guy who is standing in front of her.
These two had such amazing attraction and chemistry from there first meeting. Both are a little taken back with one another it was really cute. They have this cute, flirty banter that keeps them both intrigued by the other. The more time they spend with one another dancing the more they tend to learn about one another.
Their first kiss was so unexpected but sweet. Since they are working together Callie basically says it can't happen again but then she just can't get him out of her head. I liked as the story progressed they acted a little like teenagers stealing kisses and fooling around in the backseat of Bennetts truck.
This book didn't really seem like all the other football/small town books that are out there. I thought the whole dancing with the Stars concept with Callie teaching him how to dance was a really fun and interesting idea. It added to the storyline and didn't bore me.
Each of the characters were likable and I liked how Bennett was there for his students and wanted to help them no matter what the situation was. The more I got into the book the more I enjoyed this series. Since I didn't read book one I will HAVE to do that just to get a better feel for some of these characters.
Overall this book was everything I loved and enjoyed in a contemporary romance. I really have high hopes for this series. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happened with Lindsay and Derek. And I can't wait to catch up with Anne, Mike, Bennett and Callie again.
Bennett was in the nfl until a horrible car accident shattered his leg and ended his career. And to top it off his fiancé left him. Since then he has been a science teacher and a football coach. His life has been pretty content, he had dated here and there but nothing to serious unless he lays eyes on Callie.
Since Callie has moved to town she has opened her own bakery and this will be her first year becoming the dance coach. Bennett is up for an award for the past 6 years but hasn't won. The principal believes with Callie's help he can win. Callie expects coach Clark to be some old stuffy guy so when she goes to class room she is completely taken off guard to the hot guy who is standing in front of her.
These two had such amazing attraction and chemistry from there first meeting. Both are a little taken back with one another it was really cute. They have this cute, flirty banter that keeps them both intrigued by the other. The more time they spend with one another dancing the more they tend to learn about one another.
Their first kiss was so unexpected but sweet. Since they are working together Callie basically says it can't happen again but then she just can't get him out of her head. I liked as the story progressed they acted a little like teenagers stealing kisses and fooling around in the backseat of Bennetts truck.
This book didn't really seem like all the other football/small town books that are out there. I thought the whole dancing with the Stars concept with Callie teaching him how to dance was a really fun and interesting idea. It added to the storyline and didn't bore me.
Each of the characters were likable and I liked how Bennett was there for his students and wanted to help them no matter what the situation was. The more I got into the book the more I enjoyed this series. Since I didn't read book one I will HAVE to do that just to get a better feel for some of these characters.
Overall this book was everything I loved and enjoyed in a contemporary romance. I really have high hopes for this series. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happened with Lindsay and Derek. And I can't wait to catch up with Anne, Mike, Bennett and Callie again.
September 1, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with this Wonderful Sweet romance. This was a great story with lovable characters and great details as well as good flow throughout and an excellent build. I was hooked from the beginning to the end while I was whisked away to Preston Missouri. It was sweet, entertaining and Hot. They had easy fun and a playful demeanor with one another. Great balance between sexy and fun.
Callie Daniels is the proud owner of Callie's Confections a bakery in Preston Missouri as well as the new part time Dance Coach for Preston High's Pantherettes. She is mouthy, gorgeous and smart as well as upbeat and entirely to busy with her life to consider dating. When she is manipulated by the Principal to be in a dance contest with the Football Coach in exchange for new uniforms for her team, she walks into his classroom expecting an older less fit Football Coach. She is shocked to see a gorgeous, Breathtaking, Built, Hunk.
Bennett Clark is ex NFL Player who is the Head Football Coach and a Science Teacher at Preston High. After being injured in a accident, with a career ending leg injury, being a Coach is the only way that Bennettt can have Football in his life. But when the new Dance Coach walks into his classroom and challenges him to enter a dance contest with her after he has already refused to do it, she knocks the wind out of him with her hot body, good looks and spunk. Although he refuses her, Callie is all about winning and she is not going to take no for an answer.
These two have some great chemistry as well as witty banter and some sexy moves on as well as off the dance floor. But what happens when Bennett's past gets the better of him and things happen that are out of their control. Can Bennett let Callie in before its to late for them? Will they get their HEA? You will have to read this to find out. Loved this Wonderful Sweet, Sexy, Heartbreaking Romance! Highly Recommend! LOVED IT.
Received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Callie Daniels is the proud owner of Callie's Confections a bakery in Preston Missouri as well as the new part time Dance Coach for Preston High's Pantherettes. She is mouthy, gorgeous and smart as well as upbeat and entirely to busy with her life to consider dating. When she is manipulated by the Principal to be in a dance contest with the Football Coach in exchange for new uniforms for her team, she walks into his classroom expecting an older less fit Football Coach. She is shocked to see a gorgeous, Breathtaking, Built, Hunk.
Bennett Clark is ex NFL Player who is the Head Football Coach and a Science Teacher at Preston High. After being injured in a accident, with a career ending leg injury, being a Coach is the only way that Bennettt can have Football in his life. But when the new Dance Coach walks into his classroom and challenges him to enter a dance contest with her after he has already refused to do it, she knocks the wind out of him with her hot body, good looks and spunk. Although he refuses her, Callie is all about winning and she is not going to take no for an answer.
These two have some great chemistry as well as witty banter and some sexy moves on as well as off the dance floor. But what happens when Bennett's past gets the better of him and things happen that are out of their control. Can Bennett let Callie in before its to late for them? Will they get their HEA? You will have to read this to find out. Loved this Wonderful Sweet, Sexy, Heartbreaking Romance! Highly Recommend! LOVED IT.
Received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
September 1, 2015
I am LOVING this series! This is the second book in the Hearts and Craft series by Nicole Michaels. Isn't that just the cutest name for a book series, especially one about a blog that three friends run?!
Callie runs the local bakery, is the high school dance coach and contributes to a blog with two other friends in town. Bennett is a former NFL star that took up coaching High School football after an injury took him out of the game. They both have pasts they're hiding from each other, but will the outcome be worth letting the other see their true selves?
I'm from a small town and even though we weren't the greatest football team, you could find the whole town at the field on Friday nights. We never had a romance blossom between a dance of cheer coach and the football coach, but I love the premise and Miller does a great job putting these two together.
When the coach and dance teacher are asked to take part in a fundraiser, there's some hesitation from the former NFL player but after finding out he can help some of his graduating seniors he agrees. The sparks fly on and off the practice floor between these two do-gooders.
All of the outside influences at play in their love story were great additions. Callie's bakery, the way the town gets involved when there is a tragedy and just the feel of Fall in the air really got me psyched for Fall Football in general.
This is a stand alone, but if you're interested in reading the series as a whole I would encourage you to check out Start Me Up for Anne and Mike's story.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series, Draw Me Close, due March 2016 which involves Lindsey and Derek who had a rather interesting run in and back story discovered in Win Me Over.
I was provided with a copy of Win Me Over in exchange for my honest review.
Callie runs the local bakery, is the high school dance coach and contributes to a blog with two other friends in town. Bennett is a former NFL star that took up coaching High School football after an injury took him out of the game. They both have pasts they're hiding from each other, but will the outcome be worth letting the other see their true selves?
I'm from a small town and even though we weren't the greatest football team, you could find the whole town at the field on Friday nights. We never had a romance blossom between a dance of cheer coach and the football coach, but I love the premise and Miller does a great job putting these two together.
When the coach and dance teacher are asked to take part in a fundraiser, there's some hesitation from the former NFL player but after finding out he can help some of his graduating seniors he agrees. The sparks fly on and off the practice floor between these two do-gooders.
All of the outside influences at play in their love story were great additions. Callie's bakery, the way the town gets involved when there is a tragedy and just the feel of Fall in the air really got me psyched for Fall Football in general.
This is a stand alone, but if you're interested in reading the series as a whole I would encourage you to check out Start Me Up for Anne and Mike's story.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series, Draw Me Close, due March 2016 which involves Lindsey and Derek who had a rather interesting run in and back story discovered in Win Me Over.
I was provided with a copy of Win Me Over in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2015
Callie Daniels is a strong beautiful woman who owns and operates her own bakery, contributes to a popular lifestyle blog, and is the new dance team coach at a local high school. In other words, Callie Daniels is a very busy woman.
So when she is convinced to help out with a dance competition she knows her answer should be no..until she sees coach Bennett Clark..then maybe she has a little bit more free time then she thought(wink, wink)
Football coach Bennett Clark is an ex-NFL football player who is happy to just be the coach of the local high school football team. He does not need any special awards or attention, he just wants to work hard and have his team win games.
But what's a man to do when he sees that one small completion can help his players get into college and then he sees that his partner is extremely HOT?... Put down his whistle, put on his dance shoes and hope for the best of course!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review
This book was funny, sweet, romantic and just a little bit heart breaking. I loved that Nicole Michaels did not make the romance between Bennett and Callie super easy and predictable. There were definite ups and downs and twists and turns that will leave you shocked.
This is the first book that I have read in this series but I think I am going to go back and read book 1 and of course find book 3. This book is selling right now for 7.99 and honestly I am not surprised by the price because this book is worth it. I recommend this book and I can't wait to see more from this Author!
So when she is convinced to help out with a dance competition she knows her answer should be no..until she sees coach Bennett Clark..then maybe she has a little bit more free time then she thought(wink, wink)
Football coach Bennett Clark is an ex-NFL football player who is happy to just be the coach of the local high school football team. He does not need any special awards or attention, he just wants to work hard and have his team win games.
But what's a man to do when he sees that one small completion can help his players get into college and then he sees that his partner is extremely HOT?... Put down his whistle, put on his dance shoes and hope for the best of course!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review
This book was funny, sweet, romantic and just a little bit heart breaking. I loved that Nicole Michaels did not make the romance between Bennett and Callie super easy and predictable. There were definite ups and downs and twists and turns that will leave you shocked.
This is the first book that I have read in this series but I think I am going to go back and read book 1 and of course find book 3. This book is selling right now for 7.99 and honestly I am not surprised by the price because this book is worth it. I recommend this book and I can't wait to see more from this Author!
July 23, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read more reviews like this one, check out Obsessive Book Nerd!
I really enjoyed Win Me Over. I wanted to read this book because the plot line looked pretty interesting. Two high school coaches paired together to win a fundraising dance competition for charity - that seemed unique. And it was. The book was quite enjoyable.
The main characters, Callie and Bennett were enjoyable and easy to connect with. This book is part of a series and I since I didn't read the first in the series, I was a tad concerned before I started reading. But I think this book read really well as a stand alone. And while I'm not sure I'll go back and read the first one, I would like to continue with the series. The characters set up for book three are quite intriguing. In closing, the story was predictable but it was a perfect summer read, and I'm all about fun, easy summer reads.
I really enjoyed Win Me Over. I wanted to read this book because the plot line looked pretty interesting. Two high school coaches paired together to win a fundraising dance competition for charity - that seemed unique. And it was. The book was quite enjoyable.
The main characters, Callie and Bennett were enjoyable and easy to connect with. This book is part of a series and I since I didn't read the first in the series, I was a tad concerned before I started reading. But I think this book read really well as a stand alone. And while I'm not sure I'll go back and read the first one, I would like to continue with the series. The characters set up for book three are quite intriguing. In closing, the story was predictable but it was a perfect summer read, and I'm all about fun, easy summer reads.
July 17, 2015
Bennett hopes his woman thinks good things about him, "she laughed, low and throaty. “Sexiness is always a good idea in dancing. I have a feeling you’ll be able to pull it off.” Was she implying that he was sexy? He wouldn’t ask her to clarify , but he hoped that was it." Bennett gives the best answers to Callie's questions:
“Ow, what is with you and slapping my butt?” Callie asked. “It’s those tight little pants,” he said. “Your a** is just asking for it.”
I enjoyed this book it kept my attention and kept me entertained.
“Ow, what is with you and slapping my butt?” Callie asked. “It’s those tight little pants,” he said. “Your a** is just asking for it.”
I enjoyed this book it kept my attention and kept me entertained.
June 19, 2017
My first book in 2016 and yay, I have stars in my eyes with this romance. As the second book in her Hearts and Crafts series, Nicole Michaels doesn't disappoint. I love how the author balances both the sweet and some HOT moments. Had to fan myself a couple of times there! But the feelings aren't lacking; therefore, the romance was realistic. With such likable characters, I cheered for both the hero and heroine! And we get a little bit more of a glimpse of the main characters for Book 3. I cannot wait for more!
August 20, 2015
Loved it!! This is the second book in the Hearts and Crafts series and I was worried I wouldn't like it as much as I did the first. I was wrong!! I loved Callie and Bennett's story. Take a little football, a hunky coach, some dancing with the stars, and a beautiful dance coach and you've got yourself a great story! This one was fun, sexy, and emotional at times. Definitely one I would recommend to everyone.
December 21, 2015
Sweet, I would recommend this and I have!!!
Another sweet book in this series. In fact, it is well-writte, so well written that you might find yourself wanting to shake up the hero, for being as obstinately uncommunicative as he was. argggg!!! But somehow this story was convincing and I thought he deserved a second chance, in real life though, an uncommunicative man is the very worst type of man and not worth a second chance, lol. As you can see I got very involved in the romance here.
Another sweet book in this series. In fact, it is well-writte, so well written that you might find yourself wanting to shake up the hero, for being as obstinately uncommunicative as he was. argggg!!! But somehow this story was convincing and I thought he deserved a second chance, in real life though, an uncommunicative man is the very worst type of man and not worth a second chance, lol. As you can see I got very involved in the romance here.
September 13, 2015
I cried, I swooned, I cheered! Loved it!
January 23, 2019
Erst als ich anfing merkte ich das dies der zweite Teil der Reihe ist, dies ist aber nicht weiter schlimm gewesen, denn ich kam auch ohne Vorkenntnisse gut zurecht. Der Schreibstil der Autorin war locker und flüssig und ließ einen sehr schnell in die Geschichte eintauchen. Die Geschichte selbst wird aus beiden Sichten der Protagonisten erzählt. So konnte man sich gut in sie und ihre Gefühle hineinversetzen.
Zur Geschichte, Callie Daniels steht mitten im Leben und führt eine kleine erfolgreiche Konditorei. Dazu kommt noch der gemeinsame Blog mit ihren Freundinnen Anne und Lindsey und seit neustem ein Trainerjob der Cheerleader-Truppe der örtlichen Highschool. Sie ist also sehr gut ausgelastet. Und dann kommt noch der Schuldirektor auf Callie zu und bittet sie den Footballtrainer für einen Tanzwettbewerb fit zu machen. Am liebsten möchte sie ablehnen. Doch dann lernt sie Coach Clark kennen und hat mit ihm das ein oder andere Wortgefecht. Dieser man werkt in ihre Gefühle und eine riesen Portion Ehrgeiz um diesen Wettbewerb zu gewinnen.
Zu den Protagonisten, Callie hat ihren Traum von einer Konditorei verwirklicht und kann davon auch sehr gut Leben. Sie hat eine liebevolle und herzliche Art sodass man sie einfach nur sympatisch finden kann. Zudem ist sie ein ziemlicher Wirbelwind und temperamentvoll. Sie hat ein ziemlich loses Mundwerk und nimmt kein Blatt vor dem Mund. Sie hat wunderbare Freunde die ihr immer mit Rat und Tat zur Seite stehen und eigentlich hat sie alles was sie braucht nur eines fehlt ein Mann.
Bennett Clark war früher ein sehr erfolgreicher Profi-Footballer. Vor ein paar Jahren hatte er aber einen Unfall was zu dem Aus seiner Karriere führte. Nun ist er der Football-Trainer der örtlichen Highschool und steckt dort seine ganze Kraft und Leidenschaft hinein. Er ist ein kleiner Grummel. Bis lang störte es ihn auch nicht das sich sein ganzes Leben nur um diesen Sport gedreht hatte, doch nun als er Callie besser kennen lernt kommen ihn erste Zweifel an sein bisheriges Leben. Er ist ein Charakter der Ecken und Kanten hat und das gefiel mir sehr gut an ihm. Er ist liebevoll, aufopferungsvoll und kümmert sich toll um seine Spieler und Schüler. Zudem ist er gut in Schlagabtäuschen.
Zwischen diesen beiden Charakteren fliegen nur so die Funken. Beide harmonieren so gut miteinander das alles von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite stimmig war. Die Handlung wirkte auf mich zu jederzeit nachvollziehbar und authentisch. Auch die verbalen Schlagabtäusche der Protagonisten brachten mich des öfteren zum Schmunzeln. Ich bin neugierig auf den nächsten Teil und werde mir höchstwahrscheinlich auch nochmal den ersten holen.
"Made with Love" ist eine schöne Liebesgeschichte die ich innerhalb weniger Stunden verschlungen hatte. Beide Charaktere waren überaus sympatisch und liebevoll gestaltet das man sie nur in sein Herz schließen konnte. Die Charaktere müssen erst einige Hindernisse überwinden um ihr gemeinsames Glück zu finden. Und es machte Spaß diese humorvolle und liebevolle Geschichte zu verfolgen. Ich kann euch dieses Buch nur weiterempfehlen!
Zur Geschichte, Callie Daniels steht mitten im Leben und führt eine kleine erfolgreiche Konditorei. Dazu kommt noch der gemeinsame Blog mit ihren Freundinnen Anne und Lindsey und seit neustem ein Trainerjob der Cheerleader-Truppe der örtlichen Highschool. Sie ist also sehr gut ausgelastet. Und dann kommt noch der Schuldirektor auf Callie zu und bittet sie den Footballtrainer für einen Tanzwettbewerb fit zu machen. Am liebsten möchte sie ablehnen. Doch dann lernt sie Coach Clark kennen und hat mit ihm das ein oder andere Wortgefecht. Dieser man werkt in ihre Gefühle und eine riesen Portion Ehrgeiz um diesen Wettbewerb zu gewinnen.
Zu den Protagonisten, Callie hat ihren Traum von einer Konditorei verwirklicht und kann davon auch sehr gut Leben. Sie hat eine liebevolle und herzliche Art sodass man sie einfach nur sympatisch finden kann. Zudem ist sie ein ziemlicher Wirbelwind und temperamentvoll. Sie hat ein ziemlich loses Mundwerk und nimmt kein Blatt vor dem Mund. Sie hat wunderbare Freunde die ihr immer mit Rat und Tat zur Seite stehen und eigentlich hat sie alles was sie braucht nur eines fehlt ein Mann.
Bennett Clark war früher ein sehr erfolgreicher Profi-Footballer. Vor ein paar Jahren hatte er aber einen Unfall was zu dem Aus seiner Karriere führte. Nun ist er der Football-Trainer der örtlichen Highschool und steckt dort seine ganze Kraft und Leidenschaft hinein. Er ist ein kleiner Grummel. Bis lang störte es ihn auch nicht das sich sein ganzes Leben nur um diesen Sport gedreht hatte, doch nun als er Callie besser kennen lernt kommen ihn erste Zweifel an sein bisheriges Leben. Er ist ein Charakter der Ecken und Kanten hat und das gefiel mir sehr gut an ihm. Er ist liebevoll, aufopferungsvoll und kümmert sich toll um seine Spieler und Schüler. Zudem ist er gut in Schlagabtäuschen.
Zwischen diesen beiden Charakteren fliegen nur so die Funken. Beide harmonieren so gut miteinander das alles von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite stimmig war. Die Handlung wirkte auf mich zu jederzeit nachvollziehbar und authentisch. Auch die verbalen Schlagabtäusche der Protagonisten brachten mich des öfteren zum Schmunzeln. Ich bin neugierig auf den nächsten Teil und werde mir höchstwahrscheinlich auch nochmal den ersten holen.
"Made with Love" ist eine schöne Liebesgeschichte die ich innerhalb weniger Stunden verschlungen hatte. Beide Charaktere waren überaus sympatisch und liebevoll gestaltet das man sie nur in sein Herz schließen konnte. Die Charaktere müssen erst einige Hindernisse überwinden um ihr gemeinsames Glück zu finden. Und es machte Spaß diese humorvolle und liebevolle Geschichte zu verfolgen. Ich kann euch dieses Buch nur weiterempfehlen!
January 5, 2018
Leider kein ganzer Touchdown und nur 3 Feenpunkte für MADE WITH LOVE
Leider konnte mich das Buch von Nicole Michaels nicht so wirklich mitreißen. Ich hatte auch ein bisschen was anderes erwartet. Wahrscheinlich war ich zu sehr auf eine Mona Kasten Story aus, als ich den Klappentext gelesen habe … leider war das dann nicht der Fall.
Die Figuren haben mich ziemlich kalt gelassen. Auf den Protagonisten Bennett konnte ich mich nicht wirklich einlassen und fand ihn sogar recht unsympathisch. Die weibliche Hauptfigur Callie fand ich auch sehr kühl.
Die Story selbst ist ziemlich geplätschert ohne eigentlichen Inhalt. Gerettet wurde das ganze zum Glück noch durch die dramatische Wendung gegen Ende - deshalb gibt es auch drei Punkte und nicht nur zwei. Aber es dauert ziemlich lange, bis man sich durch das ganze Geplänkel zu diesem Punkt hingearbeitet hat.
Den Klappentext finde ich zudem irreführend. Ich dachte es ginge mehr um den Blog oder die Bäckerei oder Callie. Aber die Handlung wird auch aus Bennetts Sicht erzählt. Hatte ich nicht erwartet … fand ich jetzt zwar nicht schlimm, aber ich lese lieber Stories nur aus Sicht der Frau.
Also für mich war es nichts, deshalb werde ich die anderen Teile die es von der Reihe gibt auch außer Acht lassen.
Und darum geht's in MADE WITH LOVE - NUR DIE LIEBE GEWINNT:
Coach Clark hat eigentlich anderes zu tun als mit der neuen Tanzlehrerin an der Schule an einem blöden Wettbewerb teilzunehmen - und das nur um sich bei der Jury für einen Sportpreis anzubiedern?! Eigentlich gar nicht sein Ding; aber das Preisgeld können seine Schüler natürlich gut gemacht. Und auch Callie, die Bennett Clark nun trainieren soll hat alles andere im Kopf: ihre Konditorei, ihren Blog und die neue Stelle als Lehrerin. Aber auch sie nimmt die Herausforderung Zähne knirschend an. Womit hier nicht rechnen: der magischen, erotischen Anziehung zwischen ihnen, die das regelmäßige Tanz-Training zwischen ihnen auslöst.
www.ellabuecherfee.jimdo.com
Leider konnte mich das Buch von Nicole Michaels nicht so wirklich mitreißen. Ich hatte auch ein bisschen was anderes erwartet. Wahrscheinlich war ich zu sehr auf eine Mona Kasten Story aus, als ich den Klappentext gelesen habe … leider war das dann nicht der Fall.
Die Figuren haben mich ziemlich kalt gelassen. Auf den Protagonisten Bennett konnte ich mich nicht wirklich einlassen und fand ihn sogar recht unsympathisch. Die weibliche Hauptfigur Callie fand ich auch sehr kühl.
Die Story selbst ist ziemlich geplätschert ohne eigentlichen Inhalt. Gerettet wurde das ganze zum Glück noch durch die dramatische Wendung gegen Ende - deshalb gibt es auch drei Punkte und nicht nur zwei. Aber es dauert ziemlich lange, bis man sich durch das ganze Geplänkel zu diesem Punkt hingearbeitet hat.
Den Klappentext finde ich zudem irreführend. Ich dachte es ginge mehr um den Blog oder die Bäckerei oder Callie. Aber die Handlung wird auch aus Bennetts Sicht erzählt. Hatte ich nicht erwartet … fand ich jetzt zwar nicht schlimm, aber ich lese lieber Stories nur aus Sicht der Frau.
Also für mich war es nichts, deshalb werde ich die anderen Teile die es von der Reihe gibt auch außer Acht lassen.
Und darum geht's in MADE WITH LOVE - NUR DIE LIEBE GEWINNT:
Coach Clark hat eigentlich anderes zu tun als mit der neuen Tanzlehrerin an der Schule an einem blöden Wettbewerb teilzunehmen - und das nur um sich bei der Jury für einen Sportpreis anzubiedern?! Eigentlich gar nicht sein Ding; aber das Preisgeld können seine Schüler natürlich gut gemacht. Und auch Callie, die Bennett Clark nun trainieren soll hat alles andere im Kopf: ihre Konditorei, ihren Blog und die neue Stelle als Lehrerin. Aber auch sie nimmt die Herausforderung Zähne knirschend an. Womit hier nicht rechnen: der magischen, erotischen Anziehung zwischen ihnen, die das regelmäßige Tanz-Training zwischen ihnen auslöst.
www.ellabuecherfee.jimdo.com
November 12, 2020
#2 in the Hearts and Crafts romance series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't too sure about Callie at first because she is loud and talkative and independent to a fault. When she is asked to enter a dance contest with Bennett (the football coach), she's reluctant but willing to give it a try. As we get to know her better, we see that she is open to new ideas and possibilities. Despite her somewhat uncomfortable relationship with her mother, I loved that she was able to face the reality of their relationship and recognize the good things her mother offers. Bennett, on the other hand, is a former NFL player and we first meet him as a nice guy who is always looking out for "his boys." He's handsome, kind, and willing to try something new, but he certainly has some demons that he gives in to, and that made him a lot more vulnerable. Their relationship developed slowly and carefully, which made sense because of their personalities. But I'll admit that there were some slow moments, which is why it took me so long to finish this. I'm glad I did, though, because it eventually became one of my more enjoyable romance reads. I particularly liked that there was a strong dose of reality in it--not all the hearts and flowers that are so common with this genre. Callie doesn't recognize her mother's worth, only remembering her as a typical child-pageant mom. And Bennett definitely lost some points after the exciting football game moments, but that also made him more realistic and not so perfect. They both were open to new ideas and were willing to take closer looks at themselves and try to improve as individuals. And the fund-raising efforts by the town was totally inspiring and touching. The story ultimately left me feeling warm and cozy and very satisfied with a pleasant romance. And the characters were great, so I'm happy that I continued with this series despite a disappointing first book.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't too sure about Callie at first because she is loud and talkative and independent to a fault. When she is asked to enter a dance contest with Bennett (the football coach), she's reluctant but willing to give it a try. As we get to know her better, we see that she is open to new ideas and possibilities. Despite her somewhat uncomfortable relationship with her mother, I loved that she was able to face the reality of their relationship and recognize the good things her mother offers. Bennett, on the other hand, is a former NFL player and we first meet him as a nice guy who is always looking out for "his boys." He's handsome, kind, and willing to try something new, but he certainly has some demons that he gives in to, and that made him a lot more vulnerable. Their relationship developed slowly and carefully, which made sense because of their personalities. But I'll admit that there were some slow moments, which is why it took me so long to finish this. I'm glad I did, though, because it eventually became one of my more enjoyable romance reads. I particularly liked that there was a strong dose of reality in it--not all the hearts and flowers that are so common with this genre. Callie doesn't recognize her mother's worth, only remembering her as a typical child-pageant mom. And Bennett definitely lost some points after the exciting football game moments, but that also made him more realistic and not so perfect. They both were open to new ideas and were willing to take closer looks at themselves and try to improve as individuals. And the fund-raising efforts by the town was totally inspiring and touching. The story ultimately left me feeling warm and cozy and very satisfied with a pleasant romance. And the characters were great, so I'm happy that I continued with this series despite a disappointing first book.
September 27, 2017
Win Me Over is book two in the Hearts and Crafts series by Nicole Michaels and I had it on my reading list for a long time. But after going through book one (Start Me Up) and not finding it amazing, I couldn't make myself read book two immediately. I guess I was afraid to be disappointed again, but I can now safely say I was totally wrong. Book two is so much better than book one (and it can be read stand-alone too). There's a lot more character development and a much more realistic tone. There's a happy ending, yes, but not every little detail works out perfectly, which makes total sense to me. You can't win everything in life and you have to learn to make the best of what you have. That's the main message that comes across in the book.
There were a few things that didn't add up in the plot for me, and for that reason alone I'm not rating the book with five stars, but I still recommend it very much.
Win Me Over also prepares us for the next book in the series (Draw Me Close (Hearts and Crafts)), and I can say I'm totally curious about it.
There were a few things that didn't add up in the plot for me, and for that reason alone I'm not rating the book with five stars, but I still recommend it very much.
Win Me Over also prepares us for the next book in the series (Draw Me Close (Hearts and Crafts)), and I can say I'm totally curious about it.
September 12, 2018
Loved the characters in this second book of the series. I had not read the first one but it didn't impact the story line. This novel made me frustrated with Bennett Clark because he was so sweet at moments but so stubborn and withdrawn at others. It was a great technique employed by Nicole Michaels because it made me as the reader feel for Callie. I found myself routing for them to work things out because it was obvious to everyone that they should be together. Loved this book and can't wait to read more of the Hearts and Crafts series.
April 28, 2021
While I liked their romance, I never really got overly excited about it throughout much of Win Me Over. There were a couple of parts where I felt like there was too much drama being added. Bennett had a tendency to make things all about himself – even things that actually involved other people – and that was a turn off to me as a reader. Callie really has the heart of their relationship and there were times when I wondered if he really deserved her.
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February 14, 2023
This is the second entry into Nicole Michaels' Hearts and Crafts series. It's a contemporary steamy romance featuring everyday characters. I appreciate how their problems are ordinary, real-life issues - no millionaire swooping in and saving the day with a bunch of money. It's about learning to be honest with one's self and with each other and communicating. It does contain a bit of salty language.
October 16, 2017
This couple was adorable and I loved their group of friends and colleagues. This story follows the usual formula for romantic reads with HEAs, but it was still very enjoyable. Now I want to go on and read other books by this author.
I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
January 2, 2018
Take a bakery full of cookies and cakes, mix in some football, stir in an unfortunate event, and a cast of likable characters and you get a winning combination. Some of the characters face their troubles, and one is having great difficulty moving on.
September 21, 2018
Cute, sweet story with lots of football and dancing.
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