Making Moves

by Mei Dansen

If you can't love one man, try loving three more...


"My boyfriend broke up with me the day before I was supposed to fly three thousand miles across the country to move in with him. He did it over the phone, completely out of nowhere, while I was sitting in Los Angeles traffic on the way to a wedding..."


JENN SILVIANA might look perfect on the outside: gorgeous, intelligent, ambitious. But her complicated family has taught her that love is the root of all dysfunction, and her most recent attempt at a relationship has only reinforced that belief. Men are a means to an end, nothing more!


Until Jenn meets ASH WHEATLEY, her longtime Hollywood crush fighting to stay relevant in a cutthroat industry.


Not to mention ROMAN NAVARRO, the devilishly handsome leader of her biggest business competitor—and now a partner on the biggest deal of her life.


And then there's LIAM KENNA, the too-hot-to-be-trusted best friend of Jenn's loathsome older brother. Surely assholes of a feather flock together? Liam also happens to be the groom at the aforementioned wedding, which should make him untouchable. Right? Right.


No matter what, Jenn vows that no man or obstacle will stand in her way as she strives for success. But these three wild cards might upset her careful plans...


MAKING MOVES is a LOCKRIDGE LOVES Standalone Story. This is a Contemporary "Why Choose?" Romance for adult readers only!

Genres: Why Choose

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

About the author

https://amazon.com/author/meidansen

Mei Dansen became a romance book lover after snooping through her mother’s hidden stash of historical bodice rippers. (Those painted covers were melodramatic masterpieces and one day, a similar cover will adorn at least one of Mei’s books! A girl’s gotta have goals, right?)

After many sideways and wayward moves in life, Mei is currently settled in a suburb of Washington, D.C. with her loving husband and sometimes-loving feline. In her spare time, she daydreams about romance plots and someday attending a nearby BTS concert.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! The men felt a bit random in this contemporary rh, but I still devoured it!
The FMC is quirky which makes you love and hate her. The men are so understanding that it felt a bit anticlimactic.
This a great palate cleanser read with a 1/5 spice level 🌶️.

[kase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A cute contemporary why choose romance. I haven’t read many that are contemporary and not dark. The FMC’s family dynamics were interesting and made for good drama in the plot without being cartoony evil or drama for the sake of drama.

All 3 MMCs were good characters even though this book is a slower burn and we don’t get too much of the relationships once they’re serious. So I was kind of wanting more in the end.

[Laerke55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book..this was soo good i loved the realstionship beetween the two maincharacters and i'm def going to countuine reading this author

the way she writes her stories, her plot and characters is always soo good and always keeping me intrested in reading her stories

i'm soo exicted to see what the author comes up with in the future

if you haven't read anything by R.B. you should def start reading books by her.. they are steamy

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Mei and let me tell you that I absolutely loved this book. I am a huge RH reader and this book has it all. Spicy but not super spicy 🌶️ and trust me I’ve read all sorts of spicy. This book was just enough to get you going and it was a nice change. Jenn is an a bad a** that has lived a very different type of life. Always trying to hide in the shadows and felt like she never truly had a family. One night all things change. A random kiss for her childhood crush who didn’t know she existed. A super hot teen superstar who Jenn had a crush on. Every road and chance happening lead Jenn to embark on an amazing journey. Bring in Roman and Jenn’s big sassy mouth - only to be working with him in a project that could put Jenn in the map. I laughed, cried, and really was transported into Jenn’s life. Great read and looking forward to reading more of Mei’s books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geeky Fangirl Next Door · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish this was a duet or that the standalone was closer to the 500 page mark.

Imo the Dialogue was funnier in several ways than it’s other shared universe counterpart.

I really enjoyed the depth into real life issues surrounding the MFC. Unfortunately because there was so much focus on her, the guys back stories were never fully developed.

At the end of the book I was left wanting to know more about each of the guys. There’s just enough details about their personal history to get you intrigued and then not be told anything beyond surface level.

It also felt like the last 50 pages were rushed. Left me wishing to see more of them actually together.

There were almost too many characters for this length of book.

The spice is ok but it felt like a lot of fade to black instead of details like others in the universe. Which is fine, just surprising.

It would have been a 5 star if not for those things.


Spoilers below ⬇️

Things I wished had been explained more/covered

More closure with her family.
- she finally makes up a bit with the 1 decent sibling and promises to come see him and not make it about her. He was right to call her out on that. But with it being so close to the end of the book when the conflict arises it just felt like extra drama that wasn’t genuinely resolved
- her other brother sabotaging them all. Given the personal history Liam and her share with him, they all should have confronted him
- so much talk shoot her grandfather yet we only see him in one scene at the beginning and it’s very surface level
- her father threatens cutting her off. Extreme, but did it actually happen? It was unclear
- her mother. I understand her trying to improve herself with not blowing up already volatile situations. However, I wish she’d really lived up all of the hypocritical and abusive BS that she has allowed her daughter to go through.

Ash. Real explanation about Ash and his previous girlfriend. MFCs mom alludes to the MFC not really knowing Ash in regards to his work history.

Roman. Seems the most focused on his family, would have been nice for him to let them meet her.

Liam. This guy’s a mess. He seems so beat down from his previous long term relationship. I wanted more closure for him. Would have been great for him to have an opportunity to really stand up for himself or her.

Silly, but I wish in the epilogue they had all traveled somewhere together because there was so much focus on how she never had family to do that with.

[Jenny]

'Making Moves' is a contemporary romance novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, choices, and personal growth. The protagonist, Jenn Silviana, is a complex character who embodies the struggles of modern women navigating love and ambition. Her journey is not just about finding romance but also about confronting her own beliefs about love and family.

The narrative cleverly intertwines Jenn's professional aspirations with her unexpected romantic entanglements. Ash Wheatley, Roman Navarro, and Liam Kenna are not just love interests; they represent different facets of Jenn's desires and fears. Each character is crafted with depth, making them more than mere plot devices.

While the story is a 'Why Choose?' romance, it's refreshing to see a female lead who is unapologetically ambitious and flawed. Jenn's quirky nature adds a layer of relatability, as she oscillates between strength and vulnerability. The men in her life are understanding, perhaps unrealistically so, which may lead to an anticlimactic feeling for readers seeking more dramatic tension.

The book's spice level is mild, making it a palate cleanser for those who enjoy romance without overwhelming heat. However, the emotional journey is satisfying, with moments that will make you laugh and cry. Jenn's interactions with Roman are particularly engaging, showcasing her wit and resilience.

On the downside, some readers may find the resolution of family dynamics and Jenn's internal conflicts a bit lacking. The story leaves certain threads open-ended, which can be both a frustration and an invitation for readers to draw their own conclusions.

In conclusion, 'Making Moves' is a delightful read that offers a blend of humor, heart, and a touch of spice. It's a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage to make bold moves in life and love.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Making Moves" by Mei Dansen is an absolute page-turner! I was captivated by the intricate character backgrounds and the compelling plot that kept me hooked until the very end. The drama surrounding Jenn's family, particularly her tumultuous relationship with her father and the heartbreaking situation with her friend Jenn, added layers of emotion and depth to the story. Witnessing Jenn finally find love and acceptance from those who truly care about her was incredibly satisfying. However, I found myself yearning for more—especially exploring the fallout from her family's actions, such as with Wyatt and Shauna, and seeing her father's reaction when he realizes Jenn doesn't need his help anymore. While I wish there was more exploration of Jenn's relationship with her grandfather, what was included was beautifully done. And the way each guy's distinct personality added richness to the story, especially within the polyamorous dynamic, was both refreshing and captivating. If you're searching for a novel with rich storytelling, complex characters, and emotional depth, "Making Moves" is a must-read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenn is a boss running her own pr company and rocking it even though her personal life might be falling apart. Her first monogamous boyfriend dumped her and she’s always been the odd one out in her own family but she learns to create her own life and her own family to live the way she wants.. in a polyamorous relationship with the guys who are all bosses in their own way.

The beginning was kind of slow to get into but I loved this book. So much self reflection and drama can get stale sometimes but this was so well done. I loved the spice and the relationship building and all the hard work in between. Unlike some RH set ups she’s more one on one with each of the guys and it works so well for them. Love to see a diversity of polyamory. This book was so great I’m definitely going to go find Ava’s series and get lost in the world again.

[ljamison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenn is having a rough time. Her boyfriend breaks up with her on the phone and then tells her she can stay with him until she finds a new place. Jenn goes to a wedding for her cousin and while there she meets Ash who was a rush of hers, she kisses Liam the groom (and I don’t know how she wasn’t completely horrified about doing that). I have no problem with cheating in books but on the actual wedding day, even though the bride was a nightmare, it was a little hard to understand. Jenn and Ash were intimate that first night although the interaction between the two was very bizarre. Later she meets Roman a man in the same business as her. This story wasn’t very easy to follow. Many times I had to read it over to figure out what was going on. Great idea, just needed some work.

[Clauee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mei Dansen, Making Moves, (2023), 372p

Sometimes, women have the upper hand when it comes to love. A very interesting book to read this Christmas. Mei Dansen (Wanting Ava) writes Making Moves as a stand-alone book. At first glance, I already nod at the perspective that the book introduces. Not everything in life that we have planned will go flawlessly. Not every romance will turn into a happy ending despite the years shared. It is not always the man who gets excited with one-night stands, sometimes it is women. The book gives me a hint that no matter what happens in the next pages, Jenn will soon realize that falling in love is a risk that will give her what she has been looking for.

[Jess In Wanderland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers below

Free ARC

Standalone / RH / Low Angst

Overall it was a fun read and I liked the male characters. The FMC though comes across as stong in some instances but weak in other. Like how she just accepts how her family treats her. There also isn’t really a resolve one way or another; she kinda accepts that they will make up in the future and will go back to the way it was. The ending of the book also feel more of a HFN ending.
So although it was a fun read, I feel that there are a couple of things unresolved in the story.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried!

This was such a great read! I was so mad at Jenn's families and how they treated her, I wanted to reach in the book and slap someone. Jenn most definitely deserves to be loved, she's a wonderful character with a heart bigger than she knows! This book may make you cry but you sure won't regret the trip through Jenn's life, there is never a dull moment and the characters big and small are larger than life in their own ways. Jenn may not have the best biological family but she sure pieced together a beautiful one of her own with great loyalty and love.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A why choose where the MMCs don't feel like they've been lobotomized to justify why they love the FMC? Sign me tf up.

What I loved about this book is how much this is Jenn's story of finding her own family and recognizing herself as lovable when she has been mistreated her entire life, and how some of that love was right there.

The writing is superb and really invested in the thought processes and introspection of our narrator which I loved. Jenn's knowing of herself was highly relatable, especially when that knowing was questioned.

Roman Navarro >>>

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this book from a writing standpoint. It was interesting and moved along well. There was not as much spice as there is in many RH, but I truly enjoyed it.

I wish there would have been more of Jenn standing up for herself, but I think the cultural standpoint has a lot to do both that.

All in all, a good read.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is actually not the first book I read by this author and I was intrigued to see what this story was gonna be like. I loved the fmc and the guys where okay too but i felt they were a tiny bit of. I don't know it felt like not a great match. I did however enjoy this book and can recommend it as it reads quick and easy.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author who i happened to find by accident and am so glad I did. This isn’t your normal basic reverse harem story but so much more. Like the title says when choose. Each character and relationship is so complex and deep. I adore these characters. I am going right out to find more by this author.

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reverse harem books! I have read some phenomenal ones and some not so great ones. This author knows how to write some of the best RH scenes I have ever read or could ever hope to read. To say I loved this book is putting it mildly. This is an absolute must read if you love romance! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start was a bit weird at first but that might have been me not being in the right headspace. But once I got into the story that pacing made sense to me. I loved the development of the relationships with each guy they were all vastly different and how they worked with Jenn was kinda cool.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first RH book, and it was so great! Every new addition of a love interest made me gasp! The drama, the tension! The HEAT! I was rooting for all of them, the entire time. I loved the drive of the FMC, and her confidence. I loved the different balances that the MMCs provided to her. This was a fun and sexy read that I couldn't put down.