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Rose Bend #0.5
Slow Dance at Rose Bend
Goodbye is never easy…but neither is love.
Cherrie Moore is just passing through, the same way she does every year. Rose Bend’s annual motorcycle rally has been her sanctuary—two solid weeks just for herself, just for a little while; one long, peaceful ride through the Berkshires, then back home to bustling Chicago. In and out, and gone again. No strings, no commitments. Until she meets Maddox Holt.
The man is pure temptation, and he sure has a mouth on him—a redheaded bullet Cherrie knows she’d be smart to dodge. When the mysterious dive bar owner pulls her onto the dance floor that first night in town, her plans for a clean getaway turn muddy. Something’s there between them, sure…but Maddox has roots in quiet Rose Bend, and he’s looking for more than a fling.
Cherrie came here for a break from it all. After the year she’s had, her heart can’t take another hit. But before long, she’ll have to decide—should she risk her freedom for a second chance at love…or just enjoy the ride while it lasts?
Cherrie Moore is just passing through, the same way she does every year. Rose Bend’s annual motorcycle rally has been her sanctuary—two solid weeks just for herself, just for a little while; one long, peaceful ride through the Berkshires, then back home to bustling Chicago. In and out, and gone again. No strings, no commitments. Until she meets Maddox Holt.
The man is pure temptation, and he sure has a mouth on him—a redheaded bullet Cherrie knows she’d be smart to dodge. When the mysterious dive bar owner pulls her onto the dance floor that first night in town, her plans for a clean getaway turn muddy. Something’s there between them, sure…but Maddox has roots in quiet Rose Bend, and he’s looking for more than a fling.
Cherrie came here for a break from it all. After the year she’s had, her heart can’t take another hit. But before long, she’ll have to decide—should she risk her freedom for a second chance at love…or just enjoy the ride while it lasts?
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
About the author
Naima Simone
178 books2,355 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars
When I saw this, my first thought was has Naima Simone ventured down the path of the sweeter end of the scale romance? Noooooooooope. This is one steamy little novella and whilst it’s 40 odd pages didn’t really allow for much storyline depth, the characters were great and I’m pretty certain it’s done what was intended: I’m here for the next book(s) if this is an hint of what’s to come.
When I saw this, my first thought was has Naima Simone ventured down the path of the sweeter end of the scale romance? Noooooooooope. This is one steamy little novella and whilst it’s 40 odd pages didn’t really allow for much storyline depth, the characters were great and I’m pretty certain it’s done what was intended: I’m here for the next book(s) if this is an hint of what’s to come.
March 25, 2021
I. Need. More. Maddox & Cherrie are avocado on egg toast! I cannot get enough! This story had everything just in five chapters it contained. Believe me when I say it was love at first sight and F-I-R-E!!! I can’t wait to dive into book one!
“The thought of going through the rest of this life without knowing what it is to kiss you, to taste you, to be buried inside you... It f*cking scares me. Right now, baby.” He tugged her head back, and her soft gasp ghosted across his mouth. “So, Cherrie, ask me.” Indecision shadowed her gaze. But so did the desire making a mockery of his control. After a moment, she sighed. And whispered, “We’re going to have sex, aren’t we?” “F*ck. Yes.” Then he crushed his mouth to hers.
I love Naima’s tattooed cinnamon rolls. They are my undoing!! I have literal butterflies in my stomach, and this right here is why I read!!
“I love you, Maddox Holt. I want you to be my home base.”
“The thought of going through the rest of this life without knowing what it is to kiss you, to taste you, to be buried inside you... It f*cking scares me. Right now, baby.” He tugged her head back, and her soft gasp ghosted across his mouth. “So, Cherrie, ask me.” Indecision shadowed her gaze. But so did the desire making a mockery of his control. After a moment, she sighed. And whispered, “We’re going to have sex, aren’t we?” “F*ck. Yes.” Then he crushed his mouth to hers.
I love Naima’s tattooed cinnamon rolls. They are my undoing!! I have literal butterflies in my stomach, and this right here is why I read!!
“I love you, Maddox Holt. I want you to be my home base.”
February 1, 2023
SLOW DANCE AT ROSE BEND (A Rose Bend Book #0.5) by Naima Simone is an intense novella length contemporary romance featuring independent jewelry maker Cherrie Moore and Rose Bend bar owner Maddox Holt. This love at first sight novella is packed with more emotion than some full-length books.
Cherrie is once again in Rose Bend for two weeks to attend the annual motorcycle rally, to sell some of her jewelry, and catch up with old friends. When the hot bartender hits on Cherrie, she is at first not interested after just getting out of a difficult relationship, but the sparks are flying around her and Maddox. She agrees to two weeks of fun, but Maddox has other plans.
Explosive chemistry, hot sex, and finding the person who loves you for who you are. Yes, please!
Cherrie is once again in Rose Bend for two weeks to attend the annual motorcycle rally, to sell some of her jewelry, and catch up with old friends. When the hot bartender hits on Cherrie, she is at first not interested after just getting out of a difficult relationship, but the sparks are flying around her and Maddox. She agrees to two weeks of fun, but Maddox has other plans.
Explosive chemistry, hot sex, and finding the person who loves you for who you are. Yes, please!
May 7, 2021
Slow Dance at Rose Bend was a quick, fun read with a delightful romance.
For two weeks every year, Cherrie Moore calls Rose Bend home during the town's annual motorcycle rally. She meets up with old friends, sells her hand-made jewelry, and then it's back to Chicago. But when she meets Maddox Holt at this year's rally, she's tempted to throw all of her plans out the window. Maddox is walking temptation and if Cherrie isn't careful, she'll find herself in way deeper than she meant to be.
I loved Cherrie and Maddox together from the start. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sparks fly immediately when they're together. After a bad breakup Cherrie is wary to start anything new, particularly with someone in a town she only goes to for two weeks every year. But Maddox quickly gets under Cherrie's skin and connects with her in a way her ex-boyfriend never did. I loved the easiness between these two and how much they genuinely enjoyed one another. There's one steamy scene in this novella and it was fantastically done. The author really knows how to pack a lot into such a short story.
Overall I really enjoyed Slow Dance at Rose Bend and I definitely recommend picking it up if you plan to read the series or if you're just looking for a quick, steamy read.
For two weeks every year, Cherrie Moore calls Rose Bend home during the town's annual motorcycle rally. She meets up with old friends, sells her hand-made jewelry, and then it's back to Chicago. But when she meets Maddox Holt at this year's rally, she's tempted to throw all of her plans out the window. Maddox is walking temptation and if Cherrie isn't careful, she'll find herself in way deeper than she meant to be.
I loved Cherrie and Maddox together from the start. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sparks fly immediately when they're together. After a bad breakup Cherrie is wary to start anything new, particularly with someone in a town she only goes to for two weeks every year. But Maddox quickly gets under Cherrie's skin and connects with her in a way her ex-boyfriend never did. I loved the easiness between these two and how much they genuinely enjoyed one another. There's one steamy scene in this novella and it was fantastically done. The author really knows how to pack a lot into such a short story.
Overall I really enjoyed Slow Dance at Rose Bend and I definitely recommend picking it up if you plan to read the series or if you're just looking for a quick, steamy read.
February 11, 2024
love a romantic and steamy novella 🥰
June 8, 2022
3.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 23: Jun 5 – Jun 11, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 23: Jun 5 – Jun 11, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
April 2, 2021
4.5 stars
If you aren't familiar with Naima Simone and her writing, Slow Dance at Rose Bend gives you a really good idea of what her writing style is like. Cherrie Moore is strong, independent, sassy, snarky, and a little vulnerable. I might have a small girl crush on her. She's a plus-size woman who rides a motorcycle and is comfortable in her own skin. Maddox Holt is charming. He's an alpha but in my opinion, doesn't show his true alpha tendencies very often. He knows what he wants. He doesn't play games.
Their chemistry is off the charts. Their love affair is quick and intense. Honestly, it's pretty amazing what Naima was able to put into a 41-page novella. I loved Cherrie and Maddox from the start. Slow Dance at Rose Bend had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The title and the book cover definitely fit this story.
**Personal Purchase**
If you aren't familiar with Naima Simone and her writing, Slow Dance at Rose Bend gives you a really good idea of what her writing style is like. Cherrie Moore is strong, independent, sassy, snarky, and a little vulnerable. I might have a small girl crush on her. She's a plus-size woman who rides a motorcycle and is comfortable in her own skin. Maddox Holt is charming. He's an alpha but in my opinion, doesn't show his true alpha tendencies very often. He knows what he wants. He doesn't play games.
Their chemistry is off the charts. Their love affair is quick and intense. Honestly, it's pretty amazing what Naima was able to put into a 41-page novella. I loved Cherrie and Maddox from the start. Slow Dance at Rose Bend had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The title and the book cover definitely fit this story.
**Personal Purchase**
November 2, 2021
Cherrie is looking at a new lease on life after learning some things that caused her to make changes in her old ways. Her annual two weeks in Rose Bend should be the perfect escape before she goes back to her ordinary life. None of her plans took Maddox Holt into account, though. This story may not be long in words, but it’s huge in emotion. I found it easy to feel what these characters were going through. It was the perfect little teaser to get me hooked on knowing more about Rose Bend.
February 16, 2022
Short, steamy, and sweet this was a perfect feel good romance novella featuring bikers which I totally didn't expect from the cover. Going into this blind this was a surprising delight and now I want more from this author. It was fun and had a HEA. 5 ⭐
April 6, 2022
Adorable story! Insta Love and steam love love love
March 7, 2021
Cherrie and Maddox were a brief mention in the book when Sydney meets them at a rally and I loved their cuteness! So double yay for short stories and gingers;) This short explains Cherrie and Maddox’s hilarious first meeting and obvious chemistry while laying the groundwork for the very promising relationship Sydney got to witness in person. I hope to see future updates on this couple!
I received an advance reader copy from the Harlequin/Netgalley. (This was a bonus short story at the end of The Road to Rose Bend) This is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy from the Harlequin/Netgalley. (This was a bonus short story at the end of The Road to Rose Bend) This is my honest review.
May 9, 2021
Slow Dance at Rose Bend is a quick story to help the readers who enjoyed the full novel about the people in Rose Bend see Maddox and Cherrie's first meeting and how they fell in love. It was sweet, a little hot, and short.
April 8, 2022
I really wish this novella would have been twice as long. There's only so much you can do in a short amount of time. This book had 49 pages, and, unfortunately, that really worked against it.
Insta love. Insert eye roll emoji. That's what you are getting here. Not that there's much else you could do with 49 pages, but it's just not for me. I could have skipped the sex scene and dramatic break up/make up scene in exchange for a bit more character development. I thought this book started off decently, but then we so quickly headed to sex and then skipping forward two weeks (where we are told they get to know each other, not shown in words), and it left me wanting much more. I also really hated the caveman tendencies of Maddox. Dude, chill. You've known her for literally two hours. Cherrie is the only thing that remotely redeemed this book for me. From what I know, she seems strong yet vulnerable.
I planned on reading the Rose Bend series, so I started with this novella hoping it would set up the future books. It introduced me to the town but that's about it. If you are in the same position, I would suggest you skip this novella and just dive right in at book 1. Based on the positive ratings of this book, I'm nervous about reading further into this series. I have heard such stellar things about Naima Simone and she's been on my TBR forever, but if I can expect more insta love and toxic alpha characteristics, I'm going to have to pass. Now if we get more Cherrie type characters and character development, I can work with that!
Insta love. Insert eye roll emoji. That's what you are getting here. Not that there's much else you could do with 49 pages, but it's just not for me. I could have skipped the sex scene and dramatic break up/make up scene in exchange for a bit more character development. I thought this book started off decently, but then we so quickly headed to sex and then skipping forward two weeks (where we are told they get to know each other, not shown in words), and it left me wanting much more. I also really hated the caveman tendencies of Maddox. Dude, chill. You've known her for literally two hours. Cherrie is the only thing that remotely redeemed this book for me. From what I know, she seems strong yet vulnerable.
I planned on reading the Rose Bend series, so I started with this novella hoping it would set up the future books. It introduced me to the town but that's about it. If you are in the same position, I would suggest you skip this novella and just dive right in at book 1. Based on the positive ratings of this book, I'm nervous about reading further into this series. I have heard such stellar things about Naima Simone and she's been on my TBR forever, but if I can expect more insta love and toxic alpha characteristics, I'm going to have to pass. Now if we get more Cherrie type characters and character development, I can work with that!
November 10, 2022
This short story does just what it's supposed to, make me want to read the rest of the story. I liked what I've seen of the town so far, really liked Cherrie and Maddox, glad that both of them took a chance!
May 17, 2021
This very short but very sweet and spicy novella was included at the end of book 1 in the Rose Bend series. A quick courtship for the ginger, tatooed bar owner and a plus-size jewelry artist, but the author breathed soul into her characters and their personal story and romance.
April 25, 2021
I wish it was longer!
This was a good story, but I wish it was so much longer. Everything just felt rushed Ann's there was so much more to learn about these characters.
This was a good story, but I wish it was so much longer. Everything just felt rushed Ann's there was so much more to learn about these characters.
April 6, 2021
Okay
I saw many 5 star ratings for this book, that's why I picked it. The book started out slow to me, but picked up along the way. A cute short love story, but not a 5.
I saw many 5 star ratings for this book, that's why I picked it. The book started out slow to me, but picked up along the way. A cute short love story, but not a 5.
April 5, 2021
I have been anticipating the release of Naima’s new Rose Bend series since the second I saw the absolutely gorgeous covers, and thankfully since @korrieskorner and I buddy read everything, I was lucky enough to get ARCs too!
Slow Dance at Rose Bend is a short but sweet novella, that is the perfect introduction to the town of Rose Bend. The story follows Cherrie who passes through Rose Bend every year for an annual motorcycle rally where she sells her jewelry. Rose Bend has become her escape, her sanctuary, especially this year after some bad news, and a break up Cherry needs these two weeks free from any and all commitments just free to ride her motorcycle and sell her jewelry. Until she meets Maddox a big tattooed redhead who owns the bar in Rose Bend. And when he pulls her on to the dance floor of his bar their first night in town Cherrie knows she’s in trouble. Can Cherrie risk her freedom for a second chance at love?
I adored this story! The characters chemistry leapt off the page and the writing is so great I truly felt like I was there in Rose Bend. Of course I have a soft spot for Maddox because I do love me a tattoo’d man especially one with a hard exterior and a sweet inside! This is the perfect introduction to the town of Rose Bend and you should definitely grab this novella and get your first glimpse inside this awesome little town!!
Slow Dance in Rose Bend is available now and The Road to Rose Bend; the next book in the series, releases on April 27 so grab the novella and preorder the novel! You will not be disappointed!!
Slow Dance at Rose Bend is a short but sweet novella, that is the perfect introduction to the town of Rose Bend. The story follows Cherrie who passes through Rose Bend every year for an annual motorcycle rally where she sells her jewelry. Rose Bend has become her escape, her sanctuary, especially this year after some bad news, and a break up Cherry needs these two weeks free from any and all commitments just free to ride her motorcycle and sell her jewelry. Until she meets Maddox a big tattooed redhead who owns the bar in Rose Bend. And when he pulls her on to the dance floor of his bar their first night in town Cherrie knows she’s in trouble. Can Cherrie risk her freedom for a second chance at love?
I adored this story! The characters chemistry leapt off the page and the writing is so great I truly felt like I was there in Rose Bend. Of course I have a soft spot for Maddox because I do love me a tattoo’d man especially one with a hard exterior and a sweet inside! This is the perfect introduction to the town of Rose Bend and you should definitely grab this novella and get your first glimpse inside this awesome little town!!
Slow Dance in Rose Bend is available now and The Road to Rose Bend; the next book in the series, releases on April 27 so grab the novella and preorder the novel! You will not be disappointed!!
April 4, 2021
I hate insta-love.
...
Unless Naima Simone is writing it, apparently.
It's a true testament to Simone's skill as a writer that she not only managed to sucker me instantly - pun intended - into a trope I abhor but she did it in 41 pages.
41 pages to make me care and root for two characters who weren't bland, cookie-cutter romance drones but fully fleshed out, lovable, complex characters.
Two characters with real issues and genuine roadblocks in their potential relationship that are so often hyperbolised for dramatic effect.
Nothing was over the top. Everything was sincere.
From the landscape, to the dialogue and most importantly the chemistry between the MC.
And the chemistry was... damn, is the only word for it.
I've read a lot of fails recently and I needed a pick-me-up, something to remind me why I love this genre.
Slow Dance at Rose Bend was the perfect remedy for my romance fatigue.
Energetic, sincere, bold and comforting.
Perfect, in other words.
The only thing that bothers me is that the next book, the first book, will feature a different couple, and I was really hoping for more time with these two, to watch their relationship build.
But alas, knowing Naima, she'll distract with an equally lovable couple.
Because she's a queen.
And I love her.
...
Unless Naima Simone is writing it, apparently.
It's a true testament to Simone's skill as a writer that she not only managed to sucker me instantly - pun intended - into a trope I abhor but she did it in 41 pages.
41 pages to make me care and root for two characters who weren't bland, cookie-cutter romance drones but fully fleshed out, lovable, complex characters.
Two characters with real issues and genuine roadblocks in their potential relationship that are so often hyperbolised for dramatic effect.
Nothing was over the top. Everything was sincere.
From the landscape, to the dialogue and most importantly the chemistry between the MC.
And the chemistry was... damn, is the only word for it.
I've read a lot of fails recently and I needed a pick-me-up, something to remind me why I love this genre.
Slow Dance at Rose Bend was the perfect remedy for my romance fatigue.
Energetic, sincere, bold and comforting.
Perfect, in other words.
The only thing that bothers me is that the next book, the first book, will feature a different couple, and I was really hoping for more time with these two, to watch their relationship build.
But alas, knowing Naima, she'll distract with an equally lovable couple.
Because she's a queen.
And I love her.
May 22, 2021
Short, Sweet and Steamy!
Finding love in the most unexpected places and unplanned too.
This was a quick read and a page turner of a story. Naima brings us a short story that still had some depth to it.
Maddox was forward from the upfront and did not waste time about his feeling where as Cherrie was in a transitional place in her life making a pit stop at one of her favourite towns with no plans of settling down.
It definitely was too short for me. I wanted more. A little more of their story capturing their time together. I felt like it ended too quick.
Otherwise if you are looking for a short quick romance story where opposites attract then this is one of them.
Happy reading!
Finding love in the most unexpected places and unplanned too.
This was a quick read and a page turner of a story. Naima brings us a short story that still had some depth to it.
Maddox was forward from the upfront and did not waste time about his feeling where as Cherrie was in a transitional place in her life making a pit stop at one of her favourite towns with no plans of settling down.
It definitely was too short for me. I wanted more. A little more of their story capturing their time together. I felt like it ended too quick.
Otherwise if you are looking for a short quick romance story where opposites attract then this is one of them.
Happy reading!
May 5, 2021
This is a cute short story of Cherrie & Maddox meeting at an engagement party and see something in one another that is attractive. Initially meeting Cherrie, Maddox is smitten and truthfully so is Cherrie, but she is resistant. After a little back and forth Cherrie finally admits to the vision that Maddox has for the two of them and she gives in and admits her feelings.....and of course....HEA....Mari did a nice job with the narration for this short.
April 5, 2021
It was a cute and short read. It definitely was not as sizzling as some other of Naima Simone's work. I found that the characters and plot lacked depth; things felt a bit rushed as they unfolded.
One thing I liked was that Cherrie was a tattooed motorcycle enthusiast, that was different!
It was a pleasant enough book but not one I'll be itching to re-read.
One thing I liked was that Cherrie was a tattooed motorcycle enthusiast, that was different!
It was a pleasant enough book but not one I'll be itching to re-read.
May 5, 2021
My first venture into titles by this author, and its a honey! Who'd have guessed that such a tiny collection of pages would include an adventure into love and sex between two characters I wanted to know more about! Will there be a full-size tale to follow? I hope so.
April 20, 2021
Short story about another couple from Rose Bend. Really enjoyed it. Just wish it was longer so I could spend more time with the characters 🙂🙂
May 9, 2021
Normally I hate little novellas but this one….*chef’s kiss* perfection!!!
March 1, 2024
The Road To Rose Bend by Naima Simone
Rose Bend #1
Bonus Story: Slow Dance at Rose Bend
Rose Bend #0.5
11h 47m narrated by Mari, 395 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, African-American Fiction
Featuring: Massachusetts, Pregnancy, Charlotte, North Carolina, Divorcée, Single Mother, Homecoming Trope, Survivor's Guilt, Adopted Family, Inn & Cottages, Lawyer, Mayor, Widower, Cattiness, Parent Issues, Small-Town Drama, Sex - Detailed, Soul Searching, Spanish, Easy Solutions
* Biker Bar, Bartender, Motorcycles, Vacation Fling
Rating as a movie: X for strong sexual content
Artists and Songs for the soundtrack: John Coltrane, Wolfgang, The Supremes, Sonny & Cher, Maroon 5, Fallout Boy, One Direction, Harry Styles, Celine Dion, Leontyne Price, Sinéad O'Connor, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrews Sisters, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, "Only Wanna Be with You" by Hootie & the Blowfish
Books mentioned: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum (Lyman Frank Baum) aka The Wizard of Oz - Oz #1, By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Little House #5, Becoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The Road To Rose Bend ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🤰🏿 🏡 🌹
Slow Dance at Rose Bend ⭐️⭐️⭐️🕺💃🏿🌹
My thoughts: 📱22% 2:35:31 Chapter 6 - It's interesting but slow, it looks like it's going to be a Fern Michaels day.
The Road To Rose Bend 🤰🏿
This was a bit slow and frustrating but by the end I enjoyed it, I wasn't a fan of how the conflicts were resolved. I was eagerly excited about book 2 until the drama died instead of being hashed out. I may continue the series but not soon.
💃🏿88% 10:18:19 - Slow Dance at Rose Bend
I kinda didn't like this one, it was okay but I didn't believe them.
Recommend to others: Yes. I think some of y'all will love this.
Rose Bend
0.5 Slow Dance at Rose Bend
1. The Road to Rose Bend
1.5 A Kiss to Remember
2. Christmas in Rose Bend
2.5. The Love List
3. With Love from Rose Bend
3.5. Trouble for Hire
4. Mr. Right Next Door
4.5. The Husband Situation
5. The Single Dad Project
Rose Bend #1
Bonus Story: Slow Dance at Rose Bend
Rose Bend #0.5
11h 47m narrated by Mari, 395 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, African-American Fiction
Featuring: Massachusetts, Pregnancy, Charlotte, North Carolina, Divorcée, Single Mother, Homecoming Trope, Survivor's Guilt, Adopted Family, Inn & Cottages, Lawyer, Mayor, Widower, Cattiness, Parent Issues, Small-Town Drama, Sex - Detailed, Soul Searching, Spanish, Easy Solutions
* Biker Bar, Bartender, Motorcycles, Vacation Fling
Rating as a movie: X for strong sexual content
Artists and Songs for the soundtrack: John Coltrane, Wolfgang, The Supremes, Sonny & Cher, Maroon 5, Fallout Boy, One Direction, Harry Styles, Celine Dion, Leontyne Price, Sinéad O'Connor, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrews Sisters, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, "Only Wanna Be with You" by Hootie & the Blowfish
Books mentioned: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum (Lyman Frank Baum) aka The Wizard of Oz - Oz #1, By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Little House #5, Becoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The Road To Rose Bend ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🤰🏿 🏡 🌹
Slow Dance at Rose Bend ⭐️⭐️⭐️🕺💃🏿🌹
My thoughts: 📱22% 2:35:31 Chapter 6 - It's interesting but slow, it looks like it's going to be a Fern Michaels day.
The Road To Rose Bend 🤰🏿
This was a bit slow and frustrating but by the end I enjoyed it, I wasn't a fan of how the conflicts were resolved. I was eagerly excited about book 2 until the drama died instead of being hashed out. I may continue the series but not soon.
💃🏿88% 10:18:19 - Slow Dance at Rose Bend
I kinda didn't like this one, it was okay but I didn't believe them.
Recommend to others: Yes. I think some of y'all will love this.
Rose Bend
0.5 Slow Dance at Rose Bend
1. The Road to Rose Bend
1.5 A Kiss to Remember
2. Christmas in Rose Bend
2.5. The Love List
3. With Love from Rose Bend
3.5. Trouble for Hire
4. Mr. Right Next Door
4.5. The Husband Situation
5. The Single Dad Project
September 25, 2022
Nice intro novella, about Maddox and Cherrie. Maddox, a staid small town strong man, and Cherrie, a traveler who has friends in Rose Bend, and now she has Maddox, her possible second chance at love.
Maddox and Cherrie have a mature, grown-folk romance, which develops fast, but that's just because they have been through life's BS and can recognize good when they see it. Experience.
But is good too "good" to be true?
😩I didn't want this as a novella because as I was reading, I felt Maddox and Cherrie deserved a full story.
However, I hope that, because I liked this little tidbit, then I'll like the 1st book in the Rose Bend series: The Road to Rose Bend. Yet, I've read the blurb for the first 2 books, and I didn't get the urge until I got to the description of the third book: Christmas in Rose Bend.
If I start with the Christmas book, then I'll wait til Nov. or Dec. to dive into the series.
Happy reading.
Maddox and Cherrie have a mature, grown-folk romance, which develops fast, but that's just because they have been through life's BS and can recognize good when they see it. Experience.
But is good too "good" to be true?
😩I didn't want this as a novella because as I was reading, I felt Maddox and Cherrie deserved a full story.
However, I hope that, because I liked this little tidbit, then I'll like the 1st book in the Rose Bend series: The Road to Rose Bend. Yet, I've read the blurb for the first 2 books, and I didn't get the urge until I got to the description of the third book: Christmas in Rose Bend.
If I start with the Christmas book, then I'll wait til Nov. or Dec. to dive into the series.
Happy reading.
April 12, 2021
Letting Go of your Past
I enjoyed this Novella of Cheerie Moore and Maddox Holt that takes place in the small town of Rose Bend.
Cherrie Moore comes to a motorcycle rally to get away from a past hurtful relationship she is in. She meets Maddox Holt at the bar he owns in Rose Bend. The romantic sparks fly between them and continues for the next two weeks until it is time for Cherrie to leave and go back home to Chicago.
They each don't want to catch feelings but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Will Cheerie and Maddox find their happily ever after or will they part ways after the two weeks are up and Cheerie is ready to leave?
I recommend this book to read and any other books by this author.
Cassandra H.
I enjoyed this Novella of Cheerie Moore and Maddox Holt that takes place in the small town of Rose Bend.
Cherrie Moore comes to a motorcycle rally to get away from a past hurtful relationship she is in. She meets Maddox Holt at the bar he owns in Rose Bend. The romantic sparks fly between them and continues for the next two weeks until it is time for Cherrie to leave and go back home to Chicago.
They each don't want to catch feelings but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Will Cheerie and Maddox find their happily ever after or will they part ways after the two weeks are up and Cheerie is ready to leave?
I recommend this book to read and any other books by this author.
Cassandra H.
April 20, 2021
But...I want MORE!
Cherrie and Maddox are an unlikely duo, but they WORK!
Cherrie is a strong, independent, self-made woman who loves her work and loves traveling with it. That makes having a serious relationship hard - especially if your partner resents the time you spend away.
Maddox grew up traveling with his musician mom, but now he’s found his place in Rose Bend, and he’s happy there, not missing the road at all.
When these two meet and spend time together, they both know there’s an expiration date on their time together. But what if...there could be more?
This is a short but great story and I hope this couple gets another chapter or ten from Naima Simone!
Cherrie and Maddox are an unlikely duo, but they WORK!
Cherrie is a strong, independent, self-made woman who loves her work and loves traveling with it. That makes having a serious relationship hard - especially if your partner resents the time you spend away.
Maddox grew up traveling with his musician mom, but now he’s found his place in Rose Bend, and he’s happy there, not missing the road at all.
When these two meet and spend time together, they both know there’s an expiration date on their time together. But what if...there could be more?
This is a short but great story and I hope this couple gets another chapter or ten from Naima Simone!
April 2, 2022
Rose Bend obsession!!!💕💕💕💕💕
SLOW DANCE AT ROSE BEND- Naima Simone
Cherrie and Maddox is love at first sight, two hearts beating for each other. What I love about this series is Naima writes in such a way the romantic heart falls apart every. Single. Time. Succumbing to true love, the love that cares and doesn’t break. The love that is unconditional and not restricted. Heartbreak and disappointment has plagued these two, that when true love appeared, it was THE TIME, scary or not, to commit.
Each Rose Bend story has it’s puzzle piece and a place in my heart. It is the human connection at its best.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
SLOW DANCE AT ROSE BEND- Naima Simone
Cherrie and Maddox is love at first sight, two hearts beating for each other. What I love about this series is Naima writes in such a way the romantic heart falls apart every. Single. Time. Succumbing to true love, the love that cares and doesn’t break. The love that is unconditional and not restricted. Heartbreak and disappointment has plagued these two, that when true love appeared, it was THE TIME, scary or not, to commit.
Each Rose Bend story has it’s puzzle piece and a place in my heart. It is the human connection at its best.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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