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The Donovans #4
Curl It Up
A failed marriage and single parenthood are enough to bring the strongest woman down, but Jolie Donovan refuses to let the choices she made when she was younger define her life. Raising her son to be a good person, enjoying the life she has surrounded by family, and watching her brothers and sisters find love should be enough to make her happy, right?
Dante Pardo has the weight of the world on his shoulders. The loss of his wife and mother weighs heavily on him. The father who’s here but still so far away makes his life hard to handle on the best of days, but he has to push through for the sake of his daughters and the rest of the family.
Jolie and Dante thought that their time together had ended years ago, but a chance meeting and then another showed them that if they work together to fight for what they want, they might get the life of their dreams.
Join Cee Bowerman in Marlboro in this second chance, single-parent love story. Catch up with the Donovans you’ve come to love and check in with some of your other favorite characters as Cee helps Jolie and Dante find their happily ever after.
Dante Pardo has the weight of the world on his shoulders. The loss of his wife and mother weighs heavily on him. The father who’s here but still so far away makes his life hard to handle on the best of days, but he has to push through for the sake of his daughters and the rest of the family.
Jolie and Dante thought that their time together had ended years ago, but a chance meeting and then another showed them that if they work together to fight for what they want, they might get the life of their dreams.
Join Cee Bowerman in Marlboro in this second chance, single-parent love story. Catch up with the Donovans you’ve come to love and check in with some of your other favorite characters as Cee helps Jolie and Dante find their happily ever after.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
229 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 19, 2022
Holy shit this was amazing! I loved this one so much. It was different the guy had a bigger problem the the girl and they still found each other again. I love the Donavan family.
November 17, 2022
The history between Jolie and Dante was crazy, more crazy when you learn the truth! I feel for everyone involved, but really thought Robert, as the adult, would/could have come up with a better way to help Dante. Makes a person wonder what if...but that is a foolish game to play.
I liked how Jolie and Dante dealt the hand they were given and how each of them reached out so fast at the second chance. And not only did the go for the second chance, they went at it with lightening speed, with the full backing of their families, including the kids. I loved how the 2 older kids talked to their parent about what was going on and how excited they were and even how all the kids were suddenly a cohesive unit.
What was going on with Dante's father was sad and crazy. Sad, because anyone dealing with dementia is awful, for them and for their families. The crazy part came in with how he dealt with Dante going out of control and trying to support his family. It was fun to see Dante's family and all the Donovan's get excited about what was left behind and finding everything.
The ending to this one was great! Loved that a horrible thing Zeb had to deal with was done, Dante played a good hand there. But the best was the wedding with all their loved ones around and seeing the family grow.
I liked how Jolie and Dante dealt the hand they were given and how each of them reached out so fast at the second chance. And not only did the go for the second chance, they went at it with lightening speed, with the full backing of their families, including the kids. I loved how the 2 older kids talked to their parent about what was going on and how excited they were and even how all the kids were suddenly a cohesive unit.
What was going on with Dante's father was sad and crazy. Sad, because anyone dealing with dementia is awful, for them and for their families. The crazy part came in with how he dealt with Dante going out of control and trying to support his family. It was fun to see Dante's family and all the Donovan's get excited about what was left behind and finding everything.
The ending to this one was great! Loved that a horrible thing Zeb had to deal with was done, Dante played a good hand there. But the best was the wedding with all their loved ones around and seeing the family grow.
November 16, 2022
4.4 stars.
This is the kind of second chance romance I can get behind.
This was super sweet and heartwarming.
I loved the way they came back together.
I would’ve liked a tiny bit more on the developmental side for their relationship, but it was really freaking cute how much they still loved each other after so long apart.
Plus we got to see a couple guys from the Time Served crew. So cool.
I loved the way Dante helped Jolie with her in laws.
I loved the playfulness and the banter and the side characters and just the found family feels this book exuded from its pages.
This author really has a knack for creating characters that I absolutely adore and infusing humor into even the darkest of circumstances.
I love it.
I can’t wait for her next release.
This is the kind of second chance romance I can get behind.
This was super sweet and heartwarming.
I loved the way they came back together.
I would’ve liked a tiny bit more on the developmental side for their relationship, but it was really freaking cute how much they still loved each other after so long apart.
Plus we got to see a couple guys from the Time Served crew. So cool.
I loved the way Dante helped Jolie with her in laws.
I loved the playfulness and the banter and the side characters and just the found family feels this book exuded from its pages.
This author really has a knack for creating characters that I absolutely adore and infusing humor into even the darkest of circumstances.
I love it.
I can’t wait for her next release.
November 19, 2022
Spoilers ahead
2.5 stars
For some readers this isn't safe. They were high school sweethearts, longish term relationship, he dumped her harshly to 'save' her. I generally don't like this trope. He has kids with two different women. Married the second one, she dies in childbirth.
She also got married and had one child
I'm not going to name all the reasons on my LONG list why this wasn't for me.
Note to self, don't reread
2.5 stars
For some readers this isn't safe. They were high school sweethearts, longish term relationship, he dumped her harshly to 'save' her. I generally don't like this trope. He has kids with two different women. Married the second one, she dies in childbirth.
She also got married and had one child
I'm not going to name all the reasons on my LONG list why this wasn't for me.
Note to self, don't reread
November 25, 2022
Absolutely FANTASTIC Story😂😁
Just WOW!!!. Cee blew this one completely out of the water!!!. It is so moving, exciting, entertaining and funny and again just WOW!!!. I think I have read all of her stories and I just keep coming back for more🤗😁. Cee is a PHENOMENAL writer and storyteller!!!.
Just WOW!!!. Cee blew this one completely out of the water!!!. It is so moving, exciting, entertaining and funny and again just WOW!!!. I think I have read all of her stories and I just keep coming back for more🤗😁. Cee is a PHENOMENAL writer and storyteller!!!.
March 14, 2023
This was the best one in the series imo. They were all excellent and I loved them all but this one hit home for me having lived with a father that had alzheimer's. I also love a story where first love's get back together when older and having more experience. Dante was wonderful. Yes he had a lot of shit happen to him and he suffered the consequences but I feel he learned from them. Having also lived with a person with an addiction it also hit home for me. There is always that chance that they will slip and its a hard road to travel on but if you love the person then you will do whatever it takes to help them if they want the help. Cee mentioned in her blurb that we would encounter Jolie's ex in-laws and that we wouldn't like them and she was on the money with that one. These people were truly vile and my heart went out to Zeb and it also brought tears to my eyes reading how he suffered each time he had to meet with them. God bless Dante for what he did to help the situation is all I can say. Aside from the serious matters in this story there was also the crazy Donovan family and all their antics which brought a lot of laughter. I understood why Robert did what he did and I don't agree with how he did it but I believe he truly regretted it. I'm hoping that there are more books to come and soon because this series is awesome. Well done Cee Bowerman!!!!!
November 16, 2022
This is the 4th book in The Donovans series. Jolie fell in love with Dante in high school. After a serious family issue Dante breaks up with Jolie in a devastating manner. Years later, they meet again; but there are secrets and complications in their lives that seem to make getting back together seemingly impossible or is it possible. If you’ve read Cee Bowerman’s Tenillo Guardians: Time Served MC series, you get some glimpses of some old friends. This book has laughs, tears and everything in between because after all it’s a Cee Bowerman book. This a funny, truly romantic love story kind of book.
Cee writes stories of wonderfully strong women who meet and fall for strong, protective alpha males and this one is no exception.
Cee writes stories of wonderfully strong women who meet and fall for strong, protective alpha males and this one is no exception.
November 19, 2022
Truly a second chance at love. If you had the chance, would you be delighted to see your first love? Would you want to right the wrongs of the past and build a life together? Dante was Jolie's first love, first boyfriend. Then he broke her heart and went off the rails. Now its years later when they run into each other. Suddenly, everything that never was, now is possible. Truths are revealed, pain is purged and happiness is within reach. So do you grab hold, grip it tight and embrace your new life? This was incredibly heart-wrenching with moments of hilarity. The Donovans are a big family but there is always room for more. Every single book about this family is a gem and boy how they shine! 10 stars for Dante and Jolie!
June 30, 2023
Book four and the lovely Dante and Jolie
This is book four in the series and the author has me in love with the Donovan’s. This family is just so adorable, funny, weird and lovable. I love their intercom system. It’s the best. Okay so this story is a bit heartbreaking for the Pardo Family (Dante). They own a garage in the neighborhood and are a good family but somehow all their boys ended up in trouble with drugs. Dante is making his way back but life is not easy. His father Don is not well and doesn’t remember his own family. Dante and his sisters are trying to take care of him but it’s becoming too much. Then Dante has a chance meeting with Jolie, his high school sweetheart, at the garage. Now hope blossoms for these two. Read On!
This is book four in the series and the author has me in love with the Donovan’s. This family is just so adorable, funny, weird and lovable. I love their intercom system. It’s the best. Okay so this story is a bit heartbreaking for the Pardo Family (Dante). They own a garage in the neighborhood and are a good family but somehow all their boys ended up in trouble with drugs. Dante is making his way back but life is not easy. His father Don is not well and doesn’t remember his own family. Dante and his sisters are trying to take care of him but it’s becoming too much. Then Dante has a chance meeting with Jolie, his high school sweetheart, at the garage. Now hope blossoms for these two. Read On!
November 18, 2022
Simply Amazing!!
A wonderful second chance romance. Dante and Jolie dated in high school. Family issues arise in Dantes family and he ends up breaking Jolie’s heart. Both of them go through some hard times before finding each other again. This book will break your heart but in true Cee fashion she puts in back together again. A few secrets in the Donovan family come out I was a little shocked. I just love this family no matter what you need they have your back. I always want to be apart of the family's she creates they're just so wonderful. Cee you truly have an amazing mind!!❤️
A wonderful second chance romance. Dante and Jolie dated in high school. Family issues arise in Dantes family and he ends up breaking Jolie’s heart. Both of them go through some hard times before finding each other again. This book will break your heart but in true Cee fashion she puts in back together again. A few secrets in the Donovan family come out I was a little shocked. I just love this family no matter what you need they have your back. I always want to be apart of the family's she creates they're just so wonderful. Cee you truly have an amazing mind!!❤️
November 15, 2022
I absolutely loved Jolie and Dante.
I enjoyed this whole story and how they overcame and worked through all the outside problems together.
The way Dante redeemed himself was amazing. And how he stepped up to help his family through the tough times while working and taking care of his children was outstanding.
Bringing two families together can be hard with so many problems but not for this couple, they were perfect for each other and the kids were adorable.
They both had problems to overcome and I am so glad they got their HEA.
💯 MUST READ.
BRILLIANT 👏
I enjoyed this whole story and how they overcame and worked through all the outside problems together.
The way Dante redeemed himself was amazing. And how he stepped up to help his family through the tough times while working and taking care of his children was outstanding.
Bringing two families together can be hard with so many problems but not for this couple, they were perfect for each other and the kids were adorable.
They both had problems to overcome and I am so glad they got their HEA.
💯 MUST READ.
BRILLIANT 👏
November 17, 2022
Cee wrote another great story.
Cee writes the best stories. Her stories feel so real. How she can put so many emotions and feelings into it. Her stories always shows no matter how hard life can get, her characters get through it. Dante's life was hard by the choices he made while he was young. His father's illness was a hardship on their whole family. The Pardo family is like the Donovan's they love with their whole hearts. Jolie's dad still feels bad about his part in the past. Dante to
Cee writes the best stories. Her stories feel so real. How she can put so many emotions and feelings into it. Her stories always shows no matter how hard life can get, her characters get through it. Dante's life was hard by the choices he made while he was young. His father's illness was a hardship on their whole family. The Pardo family is like the Donovan's they love with their whole hearts. Jolie's dad still feels bad about his part in the past. Dante to
November 17, 2022
Oh the tears
Once again Cee has brought me to tears..from laughter and from sadness. The memories of my Dad as he and I navigated through that horrible disease that is Dementia is truly soul destroying for all involved. Thank you Cee for your glimpse into what families have to face with their loved ones and the guilt that comes from decisions that have to be made.
Can I just say you are the bomb and the books just keep getting better. Now we need to know about these friends of Dante please
Once again Cee has brought me to tears..from laughter and from sadness. The memories of my Dad as he and I navigated through that horrible disease that is Dementia is truly soul destroying for all involved. Thank you Cee for your glimpse into what families have to face with their loved ones and the guilt that comes from decisions that have to be made.
Can I just say you are the bomb and the books just keep getting better. Now we need to know about these friends of Dante please
November 19, 2022
Such a powerful story
Jolie was just trying to keep her life and her son’s life without heartache and anger. When she found the love of her life again things began to get better. Only thing was the awful people who thought Jolie didn’t deserve to have her son. Everyone goes through tough times and addiction can really put you in a place you don’t want to be but if you push yourself to be stronger and better for those in your life rewards will come. And the rewards are beautiful.
Jolie was just trying to keep her life and her son’s life without heartache and anger. When she found the love of her life again things began to get better. Only thing was the awful people who thought Jolie didn’t deserve to have her son. Everyone goes through tough times and addiction can really put you in a place you don’t want to be but if you push yourself to be stronger and better for those in your life rewards will come. And the rewards are beautiful.
February 13, 2023
beyond excellent
I have waited to enjoy this book. I read straight through as I became immersed in the story and the characters. No one brings to life a multitude of characters like this author. This is a story of two people torn apart when young who come back together and discover they are still in love. The story centers around the couple but it thoroughly encompasses all the other family members. This story has rung every emotion out of me. I found myself laughing out loud and later crying. So sad it ended. Going to miss the Donovan’s.
I have waited to enjoy this book. I read straight through as I became immersed in the story and the characters. No one brings to life a multitude of characters like this author. This is a story of two people torn apart when young who come back together and discover they are still in love. The story centers around the couple but it thoroughly encompasses all the other family members. This story has rung every emotion out of me. I found myself laughing out loud and later crying. So sad it ended. Going to miss the Donovan’s.
August 2, 2023
Great!
I chose this rating because this was actually a pretty good book. I pretty much enjoyed all of the characters. Well except for Jolie's little boy grandparents on the dad side. This was a book of protection, kindness, gratitude, awareness, happiness, and getting the one back you fell in love with. I really enjoyed Dante and Josie story. This was a really good story. Of course all of the Donovan books are great so for. This book should be read by everyone, they had a love that was awesome talking about Jolie and Dante. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
I chose this rating because this was actually a pretty good book. I pretty much enjoyed all of the characters. Well except for Jolie's little boy grandparents on the dad side. This was a book of protection, kindness, gratitude, awareness, happiness, and getting the one back you fell in love with. I really enjoyed Dante and Josie story. This was a really good story. Of course all of the Donovan books are great so for. This book should be read by everyone, they had a love that was awesome talking about Jolie and Dante. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
November 15, 2022
Awesome!
I loved Julie and Dante! I've been care giver to my mom for over a decade, and I really felt for Dante and his father. Although there were some heavy issues explored in this book, there was also plenty of the humor that has become the hallmark of Cee's writing.
I don't know how she does it, but every book is better than the last and own thief space on my keeper shelf.
I loved Julie and Dante! I've been care giver to my mom for over a decade, and I really felt for Dante and his father. Although there were some heavy issues explored in this book, there was also plenty of the humor that has become the hallmark of Cee's writing.
I don't know how she does it, but every book is better than the last and own thief space on my keeper shelf.
November 15, 2022
One of the Greats!
All of Cee Bowerman’s books are outstanding, she writes real world people with real world problems and I find myself wrapped up in her worlds quite often. However Julia and Dantes story was different for me because I absolutely identified with Dante he lived my life.
This is a second chance romance we are mistakes are repaired and anger forgiven. I can’t wait to see who’s next! I highly recommend this And all her books!
All of Cee Bowerman’s books are outstanding, she writes real world people with real world problems and I find myself wrapped up in her worlds quite often. However Julia and Dantes story was different for me because I absolutely identified with Dante he lived my life.
This is a second chance romance we are mistakes are repaired and anger forgiven. I can’t wait to see who’s next! I highly recommend this And all her books!
November 15, 2022
5 ⭐️
This book is my favourite in this series, I love this couple,everything they overcame to be together, the ups and downs they dealt with to find their happily ever after. Dante & Jolie are perfect together.Laughter, tears and lots of love in this story.The sibling dynamic in this book is hilarious, I love how this family interact with each other,they are so funny #siblinggoals I highly recommend this book 🖤❤️
This book is my favourite in this series, I love this couple,everything they overcame to be together, the ups and downs they dealt with to find their happily ever after. Dante & Jolie are perfect together.Laughter, tears and lots of love in this story.The sibling dynamic in this book is hilarious, I love how this family interact with each other,they are so funny #siblinggoals I highly recommend this book 🖤❤️
November 15, 2022
Jolie and Dante were high school sweethearts until it all fell apart. 15 years later their lives entwine again and even though both have their heartaches and baggage, their chemistry and attraction to each other draws them back together like a moth to a flame. Battling family issues on both side, these star crossed lovers fight to make it work this time round. You just must love Cee's story telling. She pulls you in to the world of the characters and makes you wish you were part of the story!
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November 15, 2022Curl it up
This story was brilliant it kept me on the end of my chair. The little boy been torn in so many ways by his nasty grandparents. The love story between his mother and her boyfriend friend from there youth and how they found each other again. So much love from there families bringing there love story to a beautiful ending. Thank you Vee Bowman for another fantastic book.
This story was brilliant it kept me on the end of my chair. The little boy been torn in so many ways by his nasty grandparents. The love story between his mother and her boyfriend friend from there youth and how they found each other again. So much love from there families bringing there love story to a beautiful ending. Thank you Vee Bowman for another fantastic book.
November 16, 2022
Dante and Jolie
Another perfect story in the Donovan series. My heart simply shattered, healed and shattered again as I read the pages of this book. If anyone ever deserved happiness it would be Dante and to see him and Jolie find their happily ever after was perfect. It was also great to catch a glimpse of some old friends. Any time you have an opportunity to choose a book by Cee Bowerman do it. You will never regret the time spent.
Another perfect story in the Donovan series. My heart simply shattered, healed and shattered again as I read the pages of this book. If anyone ever deserved happiness it would be Dante and to see him and Jolie find their happily ever after was perfect. It was also great to catch a glimpse of some old friends. Any time you have an opportunity to choose a book by Cee Bowerman do it. You will never regret the time spent.
November 17, 2022
Dante
Wow such a beautiful story so many emotions I shed a few tears reading it and felt The sadness for poor Don and his kids and what Dante went through was heartbreaking just one blow after another and especially having to give up the love of his life how he survived everything and rose above for his girls well he so deserved to have everything he ever dreamed of especially his beautiful Jolie . Thank you Cee for your wonderful words pure beauty.🌸
Wow such a beautiful story so many emotions I shed a few tears reading it and felt The sadness for poor Don and his kids and what Dante went through was heartbreaking just one blow after another and especially having to give up the love of his life how he survived everything and rose above for his girls well he so deserved to have everything he ever dreamed of especially his beautiful Jolie . Thank you Cee for your wonderful words pure beauty.🌸
November 18, 2022
I loved this second chance romance. Dante & Jolie had never stopped loving each other even though their first breakup had been hard and it was very emotional once all the truth came out. They immediately reconnected and weathered their individual family issues while building their new blended family.
I'm enjoying this series as much as I've enjoyed all the author's other series. She does a stellar job with family series!
I'm enjoying this series as much as I've enjoyed all the author's other series. She does a stellar job with family series!
November 18, 2022
Dante & Jolie
Everything that Cee Bowerman writes is gold! While it ends with the fairytale love, they go through heartbreak and more to get there. I love the whole Donovan clan - and the Pardo family as well. The Donovan’s handle everything with grace and class and so much humor and fun and good times. Nothing like a good, fun family brawl, am I right!? Loved this so much! Will definitely be rereading this whole series and I’m looking forward to more!
Everything that Cee Bowerman writes is gold! While it ends with the fairytale love, they go through heartbreak and more to get there. I love the whole Donovan clan - and the Pardo family as well. The Donovan’s handle everything with grace and class and so much humor and fun and good times. Nothing like a good, fun family brawl, am I right!? Loved this so much! Will definitely be rereading this whole series and I’m looking forward to more!
December 7, 2022
Dante and Jolie
It was great seeing Dante and Jolie reuniting after so many years apart. What Dante did for Jolie at such a young age, truly shows the love he had for her, but it still broke her heart and his as well. Really enjoyed seeing that he has friends in high and low places, because the Franks thought with their money, that they'd win custody of Jolie's son Zeb. The surprise about what Don did all these years with the garage money was awesome. Happy reading.
It was great seeing Dante and Jolie reuniting after so many years apart. What Dante did for Jolie at such a young age, truly shows the love he had for her, but it still broke her heart and his as well. Really enjoyed seeing that he has friends in high and low places, because the Franks thought with their money, that they'd win custody of Jolie's son Zeb. The surprise about what Don did all these years with the garage money was awesome. Happy reading.
November 16, 2022
Dante and Jolie - a beautiful and heartwarming story
This is my favorite Donovan story and Dante is my favorite alpha of all the men. He's sexy and badass and sweet, just love him!! Jolie is a great mom and feisty and caring - the perfect complement to Dante. You will LOVE this!!
This is my favorite Donovan story and Dante is my favorite alpha of all the men. He's sexy and badass and sweet, just love him!! Jolie is a great mom and feisty and caring - the perfect complement to Dante. You will LOVE this!!
November 16, 2022
WOW!!!!
Cee Bowerman you out did yourself this time. I loved Jolie and Dante's story. I couldnt stop I started it. They had me laughing, crying, yelling, raging and sworning. Jolie is so lucky to find her soul mate again. And I love the crossing over with the Time Served crew. Dante has a strength that will make their future amazing.
Cee Bowerman you out did yourself this time. I loved Jolie and Dante's story. I couldnt stop I started it. They had me laughing, crying, yelling, raging and sworning. Jolie is so lucky to find her soul mate again. And I love the crossing over with the Time Served crew. Dante has a strength that will make their future amazing.
November 17, 2022
Emotional roller coaster ride
Cee Bowerman never disappoints. I loved this story. I don't want to give too much away, but it's worth the read. Dante's family issues are heartbreaking, and something too many families go through. It's well balanced with the hilarity of the Donovan family. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Cee Bowerman never disappoints. I loved this story. I don't want to give too much away, but it's worth the read. Dante's family issues are heartbreaking, and something too many families go through. It's well balanced with the hilarity of the Donovan family. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
November 17, 2022
Wow, just wow
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It pulls at your heartstrings and tickles your funny bone. The characters felt real, and the book ties in well to the others in this series, and other books in this world, but it reads just fine as a stand-alone. The difficult subject are dealt with tastefully, but the book isn’t gloomy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It pulls at your heartstrings and tickles your funny bone. The characters felt real, and the book ties in well to the others in this series, and other books in this world, but it reads just fine as a stand-alone. The difficult subject are dealt with tastefully, but the book isn’t gloomy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews