What do you think?
Rate this book
Taking Love in Stride
Taking Love in Stride by Donna Clayton. Born in the USA Delaware Single Dad s Proposal. Never had she met a more exasperating man. Andrea O Connor was fuming at the audacity of Ian Powers, the very attractive father of one of her students. He had offered to donate equipment to the school only if Andrea agreed to train him for a marathon. Well, train him she would. And not just in running. AS a widower with a high powered job, Ian needed some instruction in being a father to an active teenage daughter. Yet as this overbearing man opened up, Andrea found herself learning lessons in loving. But was she willing to risk her once broken heart and take a chance on this ready made family.
219 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1991
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 23, 2011
Romance novels are not something I usually read, but I was quickly hooked on Taking Love in Stride. Donna Fasano kicks off the book with conflict between two strong characters who feel mutual physical attraction. Good fodder for a romance novel.
Feisty Andrea reprimands recalcitrant track team member, Denise O’Connor. Andrea discovers Denise’s artistic talent and encourages it. Meanwhile, Ian, Denise’s father, demands his daughter be reinstated on the team. Does Andrea comply and let Denise run on the team or does she teach this pushy, coercive father some lessons of her own? Further complications arise when Ian insists Andrea train him to run a marathon. She trains him, but not in the way he expects. A bit of sexual heat spices up the action. The character development of Harry, Denise’s wheelchair-bound grandfather, is realistic and touching.
Authors don’t often enough weave all five senses into a book. By page three of Taking Love in Stride, we’ve been treated to touch, sight, smell, and sound. It’s one example of the care Ms. Fasano brings to her writing. Taking Love in Stride is a fun, quickly-paced read where sparks of all kinds fly in directions you won’t guess until you’ve finished the book.
Feisty Andrea reprimands recalcitrant track team member, Denise O’Connor. Andrea discovers Denise’s artistic talent and encourages it. Meanwhile, Ian, Denise’s father, demands his daughter be reinstated on the team. Does Andrea comply and let Denise run on the team or does she teach this pushy, coercive father some lessons of her own? Further complications arise when Ian insists Andrea train him to run a marathon. She trains him, but not in the way he expects. A bit of sexual heat spices up the action. The character development of Harry, Denise’s wheelchair-bound grandfather, is realistic and touching.
Authors don’t often enough weave all five senses into a book. By page three of Taking Love in Stride, we’ve been treated to touch, sight, smell, and sound. It’s one example of the care Ms. Fasano brings to her writing. Taking Love in Stride is a fun, quickly-paced read where sparks of all kinds fly in directions you won’t guess until you’ve finished the book.
April 24, 2011
The romance genre isn’t one I’ve read much. Chick-lit is another matter. I’ve been willingly reading it for years. Six months ago I couldn’t have told you the difference except for the “romance” books I read – yes, I thought chick-lit and romance were the same – I would sometimes find among the non-genre specific titles in my local supermarket’s paperback section. Those I didn’t read (the actual romance books) were in their own section. By the time I’d noticed the publisher’s imprint was “one of those” the description would already have me hooked.
Lately I’ve read a few of the romance genre and those I’ve read have not been what I had pictured. I thought I’d find cardboard characters, completely implausible or simplistic plots, and, if I was lucky, a bit of titillation. I haven’t, at least not the first two.
I’m still getting used to the conventions and terminology of the genre. Let’s tackle my preconceptions as they pertain to "Taking Love in Stride."
We’ll start with characterization. Andrea, the Heroine (“female lead” in the romance genre) is what you might expect of a female track coach. Feisty, prone to snap judgments, and cleans up nice. That works so far. Ian, the Hero (I think you can figure this one out) is attractive, used to being in control, and a single father. A book needs conflict and I’ll bet that from my thumbnail descriptions you can see it coming already. Then we throw in Ian’s dad, who lives with him and watches his granddaughter during Ian’s frequent business trips and we have the major players. Each has a distinct personality and idiosyncrasies that work well moving the plot forward. This is the third book of Clayton/Fasano’s I’ve read and, in my estimation, characterization is a strong suit. She seems to have an insight into what makes different people tick that translates well to her characters.
The plot isn’t complex like a good mystery or many suspense novels if for no other reason than this book is much shorter – I’m guessing genre conventions for romance dictate a length around half that of many genres. However, the plot is not simplistic. The story is realistic. (We’ve all had bosses like Andrea’s principal and had people we were attracted to and infuriated by, haven’t we?) It’s fun, at least for those of us who are voyeurs – I might feel different living it. The results, however, are worth it for Andrea and Ian. The “happily ever after” ending is, from what I understand, another genre convention. Letting that slip isn’t a spoiler.
As for titillation, not so much. It turns out that romance novels run from relatively innocent (suitable for teens) all the way to borderline erotica. This one is more warm than hot. However, for a relatively quick read and a chance to laugh at other people’s foibles (possibly much like our own) this book does the trick.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
Lately I’ve read a few of the romance genre and those I’ve read have not been what I had pictured. I thought I’d find cardboard characters, completely implausible or simplistic plots, and, if I was lucky, a bit of titillation. I haven’t, at least not the first two.
I’m still getting used to the conventions and terminology of the genre. Let’s tackle my preconceptions as they pertain to "Taking Love in Stride."
We’ll start with characterization. Andrea, the Heroine (“female lead” in the romance genre) is what you might expect of a female track coach. Feisty, prone to snap judgments, and cleans up nice. That works so far. Ian, the Hero (I think you can figure this one out) is attractive, used to being in control, and a single father. A book needs conflict and I’ll bet that from my thumbnail descriptions you can see it coming already. Then we throw in Ian’s dad, who lives with him and watches his granddaughter during Ian’s frequent business trips and we have the major players. Each has a distinct personality and idiosyncrasies that work well moving the plot forward. This is the third book of Clayton/Fasano’s I’ve read and, in my estimation, characterization is a strong suit. She seems to have an insight into what makes different people tick that translates well to her characters.
The plot isn’t complex like a good mystery or many suspense novels if for no other reason than this book is much shorter – I’m guessing genre conventions for romance dictate a length around half that of many genres. However, the plot is not simplistic. The story is realistic. (We’ve all had bosses like Andrea’s principal and had people we were attracted to and infuriated by, haven’t we?) It’s fun, at least for those of us who are voyeurs – I might feel different living it. The results, however, are worth it for Andrea and Ian. The “happily ever after” ending is, from what I understand, another genre convention. Letting that slip isn’t a spoiler.
As for titillation, not so much. It turns out that romance novels run from relatively innocent (suitable for teens) all the way to borderline erotica. This one is more warm than hot. However, for a relatively quick read and a chance to laugh at other people’s foibles (possibly much like our own) this book does the trick.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
March 18, 2016
I will start off by saying that although I have listed Romance as one of my least favorite, that does not mean that I don't love some of them and Taking Love in Stride is one of those I love.
The two main characters, Andrea and Ian are both written beautifully and both grow a lot in the book. Andrea is a teacher/track coach that has past issues with her father that she has let cloud her judgment on just about everyone. In taking the steps to help one of her students, she comes face to face with Ian.
Ian is a business man through and through, but he's also a dad and son. Which he tends to forget about in giving his daughter, Denise a life where she can have whatever she needs and mostly wants. Although what his daughter wants most is to have more time to spend with her father.
Andrea and Ian come together and connected from the start, but to Andrea he's just like her father. To him, she's bullheaded and jumps to the wrong conclusions too quickly. They end up helping each other in a lot of ways. I am really trying to keep it as vague as possible because this is definitely a book worth reading! I don't want to include any spoilers but this is a story that shows how hard AND rewarding it can be to go with your heart and come to terms with your past.
The two main characters, Andrea and Ian are both written beautifully and both grow a lot in the book. Andrea is a teacher/track coach that has past issues with her father that she has let cloud her judgment on just about everyone. In taking the steps to help one of her students, she comes face to face with Ian.
Ian is a business man through and through, but he's also a dad and son. Which he tends to forget about in giving his daughter, Denise a life where she can have whatever she needs and mostly wants. Although what his daughter wants most is to have more time to spend with her father.
Andrea and Ian come together and connected from the start, but to Andrea he's just like her father. To him, she's bullheaded and jumps to the wrong conclusions too quickly. They end up helping each other in a lot of ways. I am really trying to keep it as vague as possible because this is definitely a book worth reading! I don't want to include any spoilers but this is a story that shows how hard AND rewarding it can be to go with your heart and come to terms with your past.
January 5, 2011
As the track coach, Andrea O’Connor had the right to keep or kick off the team any student that she felt should or should not be on the team. Finding out his daughter Denise had been kicked off the team sent Ian Powers into that schools principals office with full intentions of getting his way. Learning that, maybe he had been misinformed about Denise’s true desires, he was determined to have Andrea coach him for an upcoming marathon that the family had an interest in.
*** Very cute and basic story. I really liked the head strong, know it all that Ian is, and him having to admit several times to not being absolutely right is a great bonus. Wasn’t sure if I liked the jump in with both feet before looking that was Andrea, made it more difficult to feel anything for her. It was predictable to the end, but a decent book and story all the same.
*** Very cute and basic story. I really liked the head strong, know it all that Ian is, and him having to admit several times to not being absolutely right is a great bonus. Wasn’t sure if I liked the jump in with both feet before looking that was Andrea, made it more difficult to feel anything for her. It was predictable to the end, but a decent book and story all the same.
October 18, 2012
This is a witty, smart and enjoyable book! The two strong personalities clash at first but that clash causes a fire! I loved the story and could see it really happening. A high powered executive running his family like a business, what's not to believe there? A strong female gym teacher secure in her own abilities as a person and willing to stand up for what she believes is true. Everyone needs a teacher like that! I loved the sparks that flew and the story that followed. I will definitely check out Donna Fasano's other books! I love the cover and I will recommend to friends.
June 24, 2015
Taking Love In Stride:
She's a track coach/teacher and he's a businessman. How do they come together? Ian's daughter has just been kicked off Andrea's track team because there is something more important to her than running.
Ian and Andrea feel the chemistry between them before they know who each other is. And as they work together, Andrea tries to avoid it. After all, men can't be trusted. Their careers are too important to them to notice they have families.
This was a good story and I'll be looking for more by this author.
She's a track coach/teacher and he's a businessman. How do they come together? Ian's daughter has just been kicked off Andrea's track team because there is something more important to her than running.
Ian and Andrea feel the chemistry between them before they know who each other is. And as they work together, Andrea tries to avoid it. After all, men can't be trusted. Their careers are too important to them to notice they have families.
This was a good story and I'll be looking for more by this author.
June 18, 2015
TAKING LOVE IN STRIDE is by Donna Fasano. Andrea is a take charge, no nonsense PE teacher and coach. Ian Powers in a single dad trying to take care of everyone and having trouble getting it right. They have a very rocky start, but soon find themselves enjoying each other's company. Soon their feelings change for one another, but can they make it work?
I really enjoyed this story by Donna Fasano.
I was given an ARC of an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
I really enjoyed this story by Donna Fasano.
I was given an ARC of an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
January 12, 2012
Very cute story about a women who shuns loving a certain kind of man becuse of her father and what do you know she falls for his type anyway. Cute interaction between Andrea and Ian, as well as Andrea and Ian's daughter Denise. Cute romance read.
April 15, 2014
Sweet
Jumping to conclusions will often get you into trouble. Andrea, the lead female character, sure did make plenty of conclusions that may cost her her job and the man she's grown to love despite thinking he's exactly like her father. Quick read and a sweet story.
Jumping to conclusions will often get you into trouble. Andrea, the lead female character, sure did make plenty of conclusions that may cost her her job and the man she's grown to love despite thinking he's exactly like her father. Quick read and a sweet story.
April 13, 2014
Fun read
loved all the family involvement in this book. Great ending for all characters and schools. Will definitely be buying more books authored by Donna Fasano
loved all the family involvement in this book. Great ending for all characters and schools. Will definitely be buying more books authored by Donna Fasano
April 3, 2015
Such a read
If your into romances, then this is the book to read. Considering how some people are just too stubborn to see that love is right there in front of them.
If your into romances, then this is the book to read. Considering how some people are just too stubborn to see that love is right there in front of them.
April 30, 2019
Taking Love In Stride by Donna Fasano
Story about Andrea and she teaches PE at high school level. One of the girls, Denise is not really interested in sports, running or anything physical.
She loves to paint but she's afraid to tell her dad. Problem is he shows up at the school demanding his daughter run in the marathon because of his father...
By the time the principal has talked she is being told she must teach the dad how to run in order to get money for school equipment.
She sees him as being too busy for not only his daughter-which he knows nothing about but he's always flying somewhere for work and has no time to train.
He is putting his best foot forward to train and she puts him through lots of struggles. He has sore muscles after the work out but he's determined to keep going...
There is some conflicts along the way with other things that come to light... Like hearing how this book comes out in the end, quite a feat!
Would like to read more from this author-good attention to details and descriptions. Few characters so it's easy to keep track of them.
Note from the author is included at the end and list of other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free from Amazon and this is my honest opinion.
Story about Andrea and she teaches PE at high school level. One of the girls, Denise is not really interested in sports, running or anything physical.
She loves to paint but she's afraid to tell her dad. Problem is he shows up at the school demanding his daughter run in the marathon because of his father...
By the time the principal has talked she is being told she must teach the dad how to run in order to get money for school equipment.
She sees him as being too busy for not only his daughter-which he knows nothing about but he's always flying somewhere for work and has no time to train.
He is putting his best foot forward to train and she puts him through lots of struggles. He has sore muscles after the work out but he's determined to keep going...
There is some conflicts along the way with other things that come to light... Like hearing how this book comes out in the end, quite a feat!
Would like to read more from this author-good attention to details and descriptions. Few characters so it's easy to keep track of them.
Note from the author is included at the end and list of other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free from Amazon and this is my honest opinion.
April 28, 2019
Taking Love in Stride by Donna Fasano is a thoroughly enjoyable story about a lovely but unsettled track coach, Andrea O’Conner, her unhappy student, Denise Powers, and Denise’s strong minded father, a hard working businessman. Also included in this romantic family drama is Denise’s grumpy grandfather, a former champion runner now confined to a wheelchair.
Ms. Fasano’s writing is addictive, smooth, and easy to read. I found the story calling to me daily, which was good, because I read on the treadmill. So thank you, Ms. Fasano!
The sensual tension between Andrea and Ian Powers developed immediately, and quickly grew throughout the novel, in spite of Andrea’s fierce desire to squash it. Her past influences her ability to judge Ian fairly. In spite of his strong personality and assertive ways, she is marred by a difficult past relationship with her father, who was often absent during her youth and who yielded a very heavy hand.
Meanwhile, Andrea discovers that Denise is only on the track team to please her father and grandfather. Her secret passion is art, at which she excels, but she’s never even told her father how much she loves to paint. Through her sometimes abrasive intervention, Andrea manages to influence Ian to be a better father and spend more time with his daughter.
Andrea also has a positive effect on the grandfather, but I’ll leave that for you to discover in the book. ;o)
I really enjoyed experiencing the life of a track coach and runner. It felt very authentic and I had to wonder if the author lived that life at some point.
Thank you, Ms. Fasano, for a delightful and inspiring read.
Ms. Fasano’s writing is addictive, smooth, and easy to read. I found the story calling to me daily, which was good, because I read on the treadmill. So thank you, Ms. Fasano!
The sensual tension between Andrea and Ian Powers developed immediately, and quickly grew throughout the novel, in spite of Andrea’s fierce desire to squash it. Her past influences her ability to judge Ian fairly. In spite of his strong personality and assertive ways, she is marred by a difficult past relationship with her father, who was often absent during her youth and who yielded a very heavy hand.
Meanwhile, Andrea discovers that Denise is only on the track team to please her father and grandfather. Her secret passion is art, at which she excels, but she’s never even told her father how much she loves to paint. Through her sometimes abrasive intervention, Andrea manages to influence Ian to be a better father and spend more time with his daughter.
Andrea also has a positive effect on the grandfather, but I’ll leave that for you to discover in the book. ;o)
I really enjoyed experiencing the life of a track coach and runner. It felt very authentic and I had to wonder if the author lived that life at some point.
Thank you, Ms. Fasano, for a delightful and inspiring read.
June 2, 2019
I really liked this story. Especially the challenges that both Andrea and Ian face when they're thrown together. It has some good depth, and the characters take responsibility for their actions, good and bad, which is something I appreciate in a romance novel and what I've come to expect and look forward to in this author's books. Also, as a former competitive runner, I was pleased that the training details were (mostly) spot on. I felt like I was there doing hurdler's stretches and running the race with them.
September 29, 2017
Running Around
My first book by this author. Andrea got on my nerves with her assumptions. And as a seasoned Romance reader this book didn't convince me that they were in love
My first book by this author. Andrea got on my nerves with her assumptions. And as a seasoned Romance reader this book didn't convince me that they were in love
March 27, 2019
I enjoyed!
This story has depth and a good love story. As Ian works through his relationship with his daughter and his dad Andrea grows as a person.
This story has depth and a good love story. As Ian works through his relationship with his daughter and his dad Andrea grows as a person.
June 18, 2014
Although urban fantasy and the paranormal is my favorite reads, like most women I enjoy a really good romantic read from time to time. For me the best romance novels have a good plot that includes a little humor, plenty of sexual tension and memorable characters. "Taking Love in Stride" has a great plot and memorable characters but not much else.
Andrea O'Connor is a P.E. teacher and coach at a prestigious private high school. Denise, one of her students on the track team has been coming to practise late or not at all. So, Andrea has decided to drop her from the team. However, she has no idea that this single action will change her life forever.
Single father, Ian Powers works hard in his business and that requires him to travel excessively. When he hears that his daughter has been dropped from the track team, he refuses to allow this decision to stand. When he goes to Denise's school to discuss the matter he has no clue that he is about to get a rude awakening. Not only does Ian learn more about his daughter and what she needs he also realizes he has a chance to do something wonderful for his disabled father if he can only get the stubborn but attractive track coach to train him for the upcoming marathon. Together, Andrea and Ian are going to learn some of life's most hard learned lessons about love.
This story had so much potential to be a really great read; but, unfortunately it quickly turned into a mediocre read. First, let me discuss what I liked. The plot was creative especially with the "running/track" theme and the characters were amazing and beautifully flawed. So, what went wrong? Although, there was some sexual tension, the so called romance in this book was tepid at best. If I am going to read a romance book, I want some serious and hot romance. No, it doesn't have to be sex especially since this book is not erotica; but, you would expect some really hot and steamy passion between the characters.
All and all, I was underwhelmed by this book and disappointed. It just wasn't for me. As always, read this book for yourself and decide.
Andrea O'Connor is a P.E. teacher and coach at a prestigious private high school. Denise, one of her students on the track team has been coming to practise late or not at all. So, Andrea has decided to drop her from the team. However, she has no idea that this single action will change her life forever.
Single father, Ian Powers works hard in his business and that requires him to travel excessively. When he hears that his daughter has been dropped from the track team, he refuses to allow this decision to stand. When he goes to Denise's school to discuss the matter he has no clue that he is about to get a rude awakening. Not only does Ian learn more about his daughter and what she needs he also realizes he has a chance to do something wonderful for his disabled father if he can only get the stubborn but attractive track coach to train him for the upcoming marathon. Together, Andrea and Ian are going to learn some of life's most hard learned lessons about love.
This story had so much potential to be a really great read; but, unfortunately it quickly turned into a mediocre read. First, let me discuss what I liked. The plot was creative especially with the "running/track" theme and the characters were amazing and beautifully flawed. So, what went wrong? Although, there was some sexual tension, the so called romance in this book was tepid at best. If I am going to read a romance book, I want some serious and hot romance. No, it doesn't have to be sex especially since this book is not erotica; but, you would expect some really hot and steamy passion between the characters.
All and all, I was underwhelmed by this book and disappointed. It just wasn't for me. As always, read this book for yourself and decide.
August 23, 2018
Andrea annoyed me. 3.25 stars
Andrea couldn't tolerate pushy, overbearing parents whose goals were to raise bright, profit-making, overachieving children. All these parents succeeded in doing was turning their happy, well-adjusted kids into insecure neurotics. She'd love the chance to tell Denise's father exactly what he was doing to his daughter. Diplomatically, of course. Her frown was replaced with a slow, devilish smile. She hoped Mr. Powers would come in to see her.
"I'll be waiting for him," she whispered.
"I'm going to let you in on a little secret, Mr. Powers." Andrea knew her face was red with fury, she could feel the heat. "It's pushy, obnoxious parents like you that—"
"Miss O'Connor!" Mr. Scott checked her before she could continue.
"It's quite all right," Ian Powers remarked. "I'd like to hear everything Miss O'Connor has to say. It's much more satisfying when I get what I want after the opposition has thoroughly embarrassed themselves stating their opinion of why I can't have it."
His jaw snapped shut and his nostrils flared with fury, but he calmly plucked the check from her hand. "That flaw in your character that makes you dive into things headfirst isn't cute anymore, Andrea. In fact, I think it's just caused you to snap that pretty little neck of yours. You've jumped to the wrong conclusion once too often."
Andrea couldn't tolerate pushy, overbearing parents whose goals were to raise bright, profit-making, overachieving children. All these parents succeeded in doing was turning their happy, well-adjusted kids into insecure neurotics. She'd love the chance to tell Denise's father exactly what he was doing to his daughter. Diplomatically, of course. Her frown was replaced with a slow, devilish smile. She hoped Mr. Powers would come in to see her.
"I'll be waiting for him," she whispered.
"I'm going to let you in on a little secret, Mr. Powers." Andrea knew her face was red with fury, she could feel the heat. "It's pushy, obnoxious parents like you that—"
"Miss O'Connor!" Mr. Scott checked her before she could continue.
"It's quite all right," Ian Powers remarked. "I'd like to hear everything Miss O'Connor has to say. It's much more satisfying when I get what I want after the opposition has thoroughly embarrassed themselves stating their opinion of why I can't have it."
His jaw snapped shut and his nostrils flared with fury, but he calmly plucked the check from her hand. "That flaw in your character that makes you dive into things headfirst isn't cute anymore, Andrea. In fact, I think it's just caused you to snap that pretty little neck of yours. You've jumped to the wrong conclusion once too often."
Read
January 8, 2014Great Romance worth the read
I am fast becoming a fan of this author the more books I read. This book was a fun, light read. The only drawback was there was no epilogue included. I would have liked to know how they became a family, what the final decisions were on a few things & how Harry was doing with coaching. Aside from these things, I would recommend reading it for yourself.
I am fast becoming a fan of this author the more books I read. This book was a fun, light read. The only drawback was there was no epilogue included. I would have liked to know how they became a family, what the final decisions were on a few things & how Harry was doing with coaching. Aside from these things, I would recommend reading it for yourself.
September 25, 2009
Modern
June 15, 2011
Very sweet story about a track coach who brings father and daughter back together--and finds the love of her life in the process.
April 28, 2014
Ok read
A little too sappy for my tastes, but ok just the same. The characters weren't very deep, even though the author tried. Good enough for a quick read.
A little too sappy for my tastes, but ok just the same. The characters weren't very deep, even though the author tried. Good enough for a quick read.
August 5, 2014
A short, fast, fun read.
September 30, 2014
Silly Little Romance, like I love !
July 13, 2015
It takes a lot of persistence for a very unlikely couple to cross the finish line.
When family members don't communicate maybe it is time for outside coaching.
When family members don't communicate maybe it is time for outside coaching.
January 30, 2016
3.5, actually.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews