And So, We Dance

Military on Main #1

by Cissy Mecca, Cissy Mecca

I remember three things most about Lucas Warner.

One. He’s a dirty talker, and I doubt ten years in the military cleaned up that filthy mouth of his. (Not a complaint. In fact, just the opposite.)

Two. He has a possessive streak. When we dated, I was his. Hard stop.

Three. The look on his face when we broke up. When my father’s relentless complaints about “that boy from the wrong side of town” finally wore me down.

Unfortunately, my father was wrong about a lot of things including that breaking up with Lucas would effectively end my “bad boy” phase. Because he’s back home, raising hell in Kitchi Falls by opening up a tattoo parlor on our quiet little Main Street, and nothing would make me happier than to march into his studio and beg for him to possess me one more time.

The only problem? Besides the fact that Lucas hates me?

He’s not the only one on a road to redemption, and my path does not include a detour with the one man most likely to break my heart.

Again.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance, Ebooks

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2023

Reviews

[Christine (Shh Moms Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Michaels first series and when I saw the cover to this one, I had to read it!

It’s been 10 years since they broke up and they’ve never forgotten one another though Lucas feels nothing but anger toward her and Charlee wants nothing more than to apologize for how they broke up.

I loved the push/pull between them, I loved how Lucas was possessive and showed his dominant side.

I wished for more communication between them because I felt like things resolved itself somewhat too quickly and was a bit glossed over. I felt like I was missing something.

Overall this was a good start to a new series with secondary characters you want to know more about and I look forward to more.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one but in the end, I just couldn't. I don't know what I read but, this book was just not for me. I didn't like how the main characters acted for being in their 30's. I thought they were immature and their dialogue was off too. Like most of it was unbelievable.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Stunning Romance!!

Lucas and Charlee dated in high school. Charlee broke up with Lucas, under duress, we find out later. Lucas spends ten years in the Army and is back in town to open a tattoo parlor; much to the chagrin of many in the town.

Charlee was pressured to make her desired major; design, her minor and major in something that will help the family business; resorts. Charlee and Lucas are in each other's blood. Though Lucas tries to stay away, he finds himself making an agreement with Charlee to test the waters.

Small town gossip and nosiness. Soulmate romance. Controlling, or out-of-control parents, and taking a chance to be who you really want to be. An absolute delight of emotions, family, friends, staying true to yourself, and scintillating romance. Loved it!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[J.C. Hannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craft the day-to-day life that you want.

I LOVED this line, and this book! I'm a sucker for a good second chance romance, and that's exactly what And So, We Dance was! Lucas and Charlee were so cute together, their chemistry was so good!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

This is the first book in a new series.
This is a well written story which has engaging and realistic characters, family, friendships, challenges, emotions, humour, 2nd chances, twists, intrigue, romance and love which all leads to an entertaining and spicy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ambos son unos inmaduros.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was gone for 10 years...Now he's back and better than ever.

Charlee and Lucas were high school sweethearts that were forced apart by her father. In some respects , Charlee's father could have been erring on the side of caution because they were only 18, but there were social implications that may have had a little bit more of the truth to the breakup. Charlee allowed her father to break them up and she also allowed her father to dictate a few other areas of her life...until Lucas comes back. One tenet of her life now is to minimize regrets. She wants to live without them and when Lucas reappears, Charlee decides she will give it her utmost to make sure he knows she has never stopped loving him. Even the edgier side of him that he displays...she was unfamiliar with this side but clearly thrilled by it at the same time.
Lucas was hurt and blindsided by their breakup, but he resolved to enlist in the army where he was successful... although he has a blip on his early discharge. He was certainly changed by being in the army, and had a different outlook on life. He came back to Kitchi Falls and opened a tattoo shop. His motto is, " Know Thyself", and it becomes clear that he will need to fight his attraction to Charlee because if he doesn't he'll be vulnerable to being hurt again.
This is a second -chance, fake-dating, unrequited feelings and steamy romance. It's an easy read and not filled with contrived situations. They are mature adults dealing with adult situations.
Bella Michaels continues to get better with every book she releases in Contemporary Romance. Don't miss this 1st book in a brand new series.

[Brooke Keefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Bella at a book signing event and was so excited for the release of her newest book. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters. I wish Lucas and Charlee would have explored their past and the 10 years they weren't together more! So much happens over that length of time, and I think that could have added more depth to their relationship.

I also like how Bella dropped minor hints about the next book following Nate and possibly Zoe! I look forward to reading that this summer.

[WaterLillyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my free and honest review.

This is a second chance, small-town romance of an ex-military and a local girl. They never stopped caring for each other. It started strong, but the communication between the two was terrible, and they never resolved issues; cute, albeit frustrating, quick read.

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read & I don't mind reading more from her. It's the first book of the Military on Main Series & is a standalone. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect, though I did think there was going to be more moments of redemption. It's a good & spicy second chance dual pov romance.

While Charlee has a successful job working at her family's chain of resorts, it isn't her dream job. She has a passion for graphic designing but has been convinced by her father to work for him. When she's recommended for a promotion, she wants to refuse it but her father brings up some points for her to think about. Amidst this concern, Lucas reappears & she wants to have a proper conversation to talk about the way things ended between them. She is determined & knows what she wants so I liked that about her. However, I did find it funny that she kept being surprised by how different he was from when they dated considering that 10 years have passed, she broke up with him because of her father's bidding, & he was in the military for all those years like, girl, how did you expect him to stay the same?

After finishing his military service, Lucas has decided to return home & open a tattoo shop. He's not sure if it's the best idea given the residents of the town & the fact that he knows he'll eventually come face to face with Charlee. He can't forgive her for ending things between them, even if there are lingering feelings. However, he doesn't to fall for her charms once again & does his best to avoid her. When that proves more difficult than he thought it would since Charlee will not give up, he agrees to listen to Charlee's explanation under certain circumstances. While readers may want Lucas to simply listen to Charlee & give her another chance, it was easy to understand his reluctance to do so. One thing I liked about him is how he was straightforward with Charlee & wasn't going to say things simply to spare her feelings. His honesty led to her honesty.

Because it's a second chance romance, it's kind of a slow burn but doesn't feel that way because of the exchanges they have. However, some of the conversations felt repetitive like Charlee wondering about how he's different from when they dated. There was a bit of angst but I thought it was going to be stronger or that there would be more drama. I thought the jealousy factor was going to play a bigger role than it did too. But, the story still kept me entertained & I want to read more from the series so I rounded up. I think readers, especially those who have read the author's previous series, will enjoy this one.

[Liz Matzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas and Charlee dated in high school, but she broke up with him right after graduation, giving in to her father’s constant complaints about “that boy from the wrong side of the tracks.” Lucas left town soon after the breakup and joined the army and seldom visited their hometown of Kitchi Falls. Charlee never forgot the look on his face when they broke up and she never stopped loving him.

Now, 10 years later Lucas is back in town for good and opening a tattoo parlor in the quiet downtown of Kitchi Falls. Charlee is being groomed by her father to take over the family business, but that’s not the future she wants. Charlee wants a chance to explain to Lucas why she broke it off, she wants a second chance. Lucas doesn’t want to hear any of it, he knows she still works for her father and knows he’ll never be accepted by him. But Charlee doesn’t give up and when Lucas finally gives her a chance to talk, she’s able to break through some of the walls he’s built around his heart. As they grow closer the attraction between them is stronger than ever. Their connection is hot and intense and their love for each other is apparent. But they still have to learn to trust and both of them have issues, past and present, to deal with before they can be together.

And So, We Dance is a spin-off of the Grado Valley series and is a steamier story than Bella Michaels usually writes but it works so well for Lucas and Charlee! I can’t wait for what she gives us next! I read this in one day and loved it! This should be your next weekend read!

[Emmy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!!

Okay so these two were intense and the angst was perfect for this second chance, small town romance. After a bad bad bad break up 10 years earlier they now find themselves running into each other again in their hometown now that Lucas is out of the military. The push and pull between them in the first half was a lot to handle and they were toxic together. That might be an understatement. Lucas was cruel at times, cold and distance really out of fear of being hurt again.

Charlee felt desperate for his attention so their interactions were super sharp and they needled each other. Charlee was so strong in the later parts of the book that it was like night and day for her character. I have to admit that I didn’t love the FMC being the one to do anything just to get an ounce of attention from Lucas but it did work with the storyline and the dynamic Bella developed as the story went on.

A lot of the angst came from their barbs back and forth so I wished there were some other methods used to bring them past that weird phase. Maybe a good grovel or a jealous possessive few moments. I think all around, I wanted more drama or action for these two. Honestly, I just craved more of them and their story. There were so many threads left out there that I really hope we see these two again in Nate’s book next!

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just because you’re writing a fiction novel and not a school essay doesn’t mean you can just copy and paste quotes from NASA, etc. as character dialogue. And not even crediting your sources anywhere lmao. That’s plagiarism. At least the portion from the Fingerlakes Tourism Alliance had a couple words swapped for synonyms. Which would still get flagged by a plagiarism detector lol.

There were multiple instances that were so stilted and awkward within the surrounding dialogue that I just *knew* popping a portion of the quote in Google was going to pull up a source word-for-word quote. Big, big yikes.

Anyways, that alone would be enough to pop a book at 1-star and actually dedicate some time to a review. On top of that, you’ve got awkward dirty talk, boring smut, and pretty much no actual relationship development. Character development was very surface level. Timeline was a bit confusing. He’s been gone 10 years, since right after she finished high school, but she’s 30, so it’s actually 12 years-ish. Meh, whatever, only really bothered me because both points were reiterated so much. Lucas’s parents’ relationship timeline was also confusing and he was like…shocked to learn how old his parents were when they got married/had him…what? Who doesn’t know how old their parent is?

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chances small town romance with an ex-military sniper returning home and facing the one girl he never got over.

If you're a fan of Lucy Score, I highly recommend this book! Trust me, buy it now!!!

Lucas: a dirty-talking, full-on in-your-face, heart-racing, commanding-attention kind of guy!! He returns home after ten years, one thing at the forefront of his mind: to avoid Charlee. She broke his heart once, won't happen again. But seeing her again did things to him. To his mind, to his body. Suddenly avoiding her wasn't in the cards.

Charlee worked for her father, one who made decisions for her thinking he knew what was best for her. A loving father, but still, pushing for her future the way he wanted it to play out. Charlee let go of Lucas ten years ago but has never stopped loving him. No doubt, he hated her. Guess they'd find out because avoiding her now was not an option.

If you require blood-pressure meds I'd recommend taking them before starting this book. Kidding aside, it's a great read and something this author hasn't done before. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts.

[Jessica Avalos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance romances!

Lucas Warner, recently discharged from the Army after 10 years of service, has returned to Kitchi Falls prepping to open Grunt Ink Tattoo Shop. His focus is to move on with his life, should be easy, right? Except for the fact his ex-girlfriend is still very active in the community and still owner of his heart.
Charlee Donovan is currently up for a VP position at her father's company but she doesn't know if this is the route for her. The one thing she is certain is that Lucas is still very much attractive and their chemistry is undeniable.

Such a quick good read, it ties a lot back to the other series written by Bella, multiple references to the Grado Vineyard Series. I enjoyed getting more updates on Mazzie and Gian's relationship. There was even a nod to Brookes Blend! I enjoyed this read so much! Yes, a second chance romance typically gives it away that a happy ending is coming but the process is interesting. In this case we get parental approval or should I say disapproval. All in all I would recommend and I can't wait to read the next book staring Nate, snipper buddy to Lucas!

[alpha katt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this. I love reunited/second chance romances. This fell so flat on so many levels for me unfortunately and maybe it was because it was so short, there wasn’t a lot of depth and change with these characters for me to feel much for them and their story. Charlee was just a boring unchanged character, I saw no growth in her just a lot of talking about how much she’s changed. And, oh, Lucas… I wanted to like him, I wanted to see this side of him he claimed to be in the bedroom, but seriously? Sooooo boring. Pulling hair and light choking does not a Dom make, sorry, but the open door scenes were severely lacking in every element that I look for. I was just so bored and it’s sad because the build up got me thinking that it could save the book for me, but alas, a big fat no.
The worst thing for me though was on a Lucas chapter and him thinking “oh gawd”… like does any 30 year old man think “oh gawd”?? There was definitely a need for an editor because there were a few other parts that were really off like that.
I am debating reading on because I like to give authors a second chance, but this will definitely be a tough one for me.
📖: ⭐️⭐️
👸🏻: ⭐️
🙎‍♂️: ⭐️.5
🌶️ 0.5

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a steamy romance with shades of light and dark, Lucas returns to his hometown after ten years in the military. Seeing Charlee again brings back all the pain of parting and the reasons for their breakup. The daughter of a successful property owner, Charlee has been molded and groomed to take over from her father, but unfortunately, it isn't what makes her happy. Like magnets, Charlee and Lucas cannot avoid one another and when they clunk together, the force of their magnetism holds them tightly in its grip. Unfortunately, before they can pick up the pieces of their relationship, they have to resolve the past, and that isn't easy for a man with so much baggage. Because a love as strong as theirs cannot be denied, they cautiously navigate the path back together, however, it takes courage to face up to the damage that parental control can cause. I felt the pain that both Lucas and Charlee carried and had to cheer them on as they resolved the obstacles in their path. I received a copy of this love story as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

And So, We Dance is a second chance at the young love lost by Charlee and Lucas. Teenagers in love was what they were for that very hot summer so many years ago. An overbearing father puts a stop to the young love. Charlee is from a wealthy family and her father sees Lucas as a young man from the wrong side of town. Charlee breaks his heart, and he leaves to join the military. It is now ten years later, and he is back, and he is here to stay. He is starting a new business and he has no intentions of letting her back into his heart. He will play it off that hate is all he feels for her, but things are not going to go his way with that! All things begin to change as we see what really happened all those years ago and why Charlee broke the only person she ever loved. This couple is sassy, has off the charts chemistry, are filled with emotions and are going to bring the heat and sizzle on the pages! Lucas is our big burly stoic man with quite the side of dirty talk while our sassy sexy and smart Charlee is oh so ready to claim what she knows is hers. Get ready to be swept off your feet and into Luca's arms.
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas and Charlee almost had it all once. But they were young, a little rash, and fear of having the rug ripped out from under them made their break for them. But now Lucas is back. And determined to remain angry at Charlee. Distant from her. All….crud. He’s still in love with her. Trust me, he doesn’t want to be. And Charlee doesn’t want to still love Lucas either. Yet, here they are. Can they make it work this time?

I won’t lie. I wanted to slap some sense into Lucas once or twice. Luckily, the friends of both him and Charlee are more than willing to do that for me. Add in how brave Charlee is and I was hooked. She’s not the same lost girl, he’s not the same sort of lost boy. So when one retreats, the other stands strong for them. And that’s how it should be. These two sent me down a few emotional paths, but it was all worth the bits of misery and angst in the end. Even better? I’m pretty sure their friends will have their own story to tell soon enough!

[Dre]

I only made it like 6% in, I think?! I made it to Lucas and Charlee’s second meeting at the other bar in town, and I cannot stand her. I really need to start just DNF’ing things instead of forcing myself to continue with books just because they MIGHT turn around. Charlee broke up with Lucas cuz her dad didn’t like him cuz he was poor from the wrong side of the tracks, and now at 30, she still can’t tell her dad no. He offers her a promotion, she says no, but he offers her more money, so she’s considering it. Seems to me she’s spoiled and is more concerned about money than what her own wants are. Lucas is completely rude to her when she welcomes him home, and yet she can’t give it up and just leave him be, even when her bestie is telling her that’s her best option. So I’m supposed to believe that at some point she grows a pair and stops letting her dad control her and stops allowing a guy from her past treat her like crap in hopes she can get him back?! All set, thanks!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. I know I'm in the minority here - but this book did not do it for me. What a bunch of immature 30-year-olds. To be honest, I felt like this book was all over the place - which is kind of how this review is going to be.

Charlee and Lucas dated for a hot minute in high school. She was the rich girl - he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Her dad threatened not to pay for her schooling if she stayed with him. So she broke up with him, and he went into the army.

Fast forward ten years, he's back in town. Her dad is still clearly controlling her life. Lucas is holding one heck of a grudge, but Charlee is "still in love with him and never stopped". Come on.

They get together super quickly and it's pretty much all sunshine and rainbows from there.

As always, YMMV.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is my first Bella Michaels book. The title and military aspect caught my attention right away. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. The characters were likable, and I was intrigued by their story. I was invested early on and wanted to see it through.

I won't say the story fell flat for me, but I will say there weren't any surprises. It was pretty predictable. The hero gave off vibes and hints at being a "beast" in the bedroom and made some fairly convincing comments; however, his follow-up (to me) was lacking for a statement like that.

I feel like the story had so much more potential. Their conversations were surface-level.
However, you might enjoy this one if you like a low-angst, easy read with a fairly quick resolution. I did enjoy the epilogue and the hopeful outcome for all parties.
I look forward to Nate's story!

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this author and her books. Charlee is so adorable and I have always liked her. When the one man she has always loved comes back to town she will do whatever she can to make him listen to her side of the story. Lucas is back home with so many demons that he just wants to open his shop and do what he loves. When Charlee comes into his life again he has no intention of dealing with her whatsoever. These two have a past and a love like no other. When the truth comes out can Lucas forgive her and move on? Will this be eye-opening for Charlee to see what truths lie in her family and if she can break a cycle? I just love this whole book and I keep deleting and retyping because I don't want to add spoilers.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

And So, We Dance

Lord have mercy, make sure you have a hand fan handy cause this is a spicy little story. Lucas and Charlee go way back to High School. They broke up due to Charlee's dad. Whe Lucas comes back ten years later after serving in the military, he opens a Tattoo Parlor. He is still pissed about Charlee dumping him and refuses to talk to Charlee. Charlee feels guilty about what happened, but Lucas wants no part of what Charlee wants to say, well so he says. This story heats up very quickly from here, Lucas trying to deal with his dad's drinking, wanting Charlee but refusing to give in. Same for Charlee trying to deal with a controlling father AND wanting to so badly to talk to Lucas. This is a smoking hot book!!

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of Lucas and Charlie. The title goes so well with the story which captured my attention from the beginning. Their story was sort of like a dance, smooth, rough around the edges, with a little bit of sexy. I am so glad Charlie was able to put her foot down with her dad and tell him that his meddling will not be tolerated. Choosing love is always a good thing. Lucas is a hero in all aspects to include in forgiving Charlie for breaking his heart and taking her back. Hopefully their HEA will be one that lasts. Such a great title and story. Love our men and women in uniform especially those that do the right thing regardless of the consequences. Thank you for making Lucas a military hero.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Someone get me an extinguisher my kindle just melted!
I’m dying for you to meet Lucas, talk about hot 🥵

This is a step up in the steamier department for Bella, and it’s payed off brilliantly.
Lucas and Charlee are a couple made in heaven, that’s if heaven accepts former snipers who like ‘good girls’,
And ladies who like dominant men.

I’m all hot and bothered by this book, but in a good way,
Yes the change in tempo really works.
Yes Bella has definitely made me want to move to the Finger Lakes area.
Yes it’s a five star read.
Yes I want more !!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so fortunate to read some truly great stories from some amazing authors and this is one of them. I loved Charlee and Lucas and their journey to their HEA. You cannot help but fall in love with them. Torn apart by Charlee’s father’s demands when they were younger they are not reunited 10 years later but it is not an easy road for them and fate seems to bring them together time and again. Will they finally get their second chance? This is a great series by Bella Michaels and I have loved the stories and characters. Looking forward to reading more about Kitchi Falls.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book boyfriends don't get much more Alpha, yet completely restrained to some degree as Lucas Warren.
And his high-school sweetheart Charlee the princess of Kitchi Falls well she's sweet as pie and does what her controlling father tells her to. Including dumping Lucas in high school.
Ten years later and a lot of life experiences behind them, Lucas is back opening a business and Charlee is ready to do some explaining.
This story took me a little by surprise, pleasantly I might add.
It was edgier in some places then I expected and far softer in places I didn't expect. Overall it made for a great escape.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Amanda Zook · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school sweethearts forced to separate get a second chance, if they can keep outside forces from messing everything up again.

Lucas is home after serving in the military and when Charlee sees him for the first time since high school, he treats her badly, still hurt by the way she ended things with him. Eventually, they make time to open up to each other and expose all their secrets allowing for the relationship to blossom.

Lucas is rough and growly in the perfect book boyfriend way. Charlee learns so much about herself and what she is capable of with Lucas's support. They are sweet and hot together. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sugan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is penned as a second chance romance. Eh! It seemed like more of a second chance to have sex with your high school girlfriend. In my opinion, this story held a very small percentage of romance. Most of it was more of "Are you saying, is it... you want to choke me?" "Just enough for you to feel the strength of my hold over you." It wasn't until the last few chapters that I saw any part of the book that I liked. In fact, I almost stopped reading it several times. Bella Michaels may have other books out there that are worth reading, but this is not one of them.
I received an ARC for an honest review.