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Impossible Dream #1
Beauty & the Biker
Coming this fall from Beth Ciotta (author of the Cupcake Lovers). BEAUTY & THE BIKER, the launch book in a new contemporary series—Impossible Dream—celebrating hope, love, and the magic of the human spirit!
PRINCE CHARMING IS OUT THERE. SOMEWHERE.
Miracles happen every day. Even in Nowhere, Nebraska. That’s Bella Mooney’s philosophy and she’s sticking to it! A children’s librarian who writes fairy tales on the side, Bella has earned the reputation of fanciful Pollyanna. No surprise that she applied for her “ideal man” via ImpossibleDream.com, an Internet company designed to make dreams come true. However, even whimsical Bella has real-life issues, forcing her to take drastic actions in order to spin her dad’s life (and in turn her own) for the better. As fate draws her into the troubling world of her new neighbor—a cynical biker with a scarred soul and checkered past—Bella finds herself falling for the most unlikely man, twisting her perceptions of true love and testing her faith in dreams.
FATE LANDED HIM IN NOWHERE.
Expect nothing. Anticipate the worst. As a detective with the Chicago Police Department, Joe Savage witnessed heinous crimes and acts of cruelty on a daily basis, obliterating his faith in humanity. When a personal vendetta cost him his job and a quirky inheritance offered escape, Joe packed it in and steered his Harley toward a small town bordering Tornado Alley and the Twilight Zone. Where better to lose himself than Nowhere? Resigned to a dark and lonely existence, Joe’s life is suddenly shoved into the sunshine when his eccentric neighbor offers him a chance he can't refuse, especially after her kiss of hope rekindles his dead heart. Inspired and challenged by Bella’s infectious optimism, Joe dares to make the impossible come true.
PRINCE CHARMING IS OUT THERE. SOMEWHERE.
Miracles happen every day. Even in Nowhere, Nebraska. That’s Bella Mooney’s philosophy and she’s sticking to it! A children’s librarian who writes fairy tales on the side, Bella has earned the reputation of fanciful Pollyanna. No surprise that she applied for her “ideal man” via ImpossibleDream.com, an Internet company designed to make dreams come true. However, even whimsical Bella has real-life issues, forcing her to take drastic actions in order to spin her dad’s life (and in turn her own) for the better. As fate draws her into the troubling world of her new neighbor—a cynical biker with a scarred soul and checkered past—Bella finds herself falling for the most unlikely man, twisting her perceptions of true love and testing her faith in dreams.
FATE LANDED HIM IN NOWHERE.
Expect nothing. Anticipate the worst. As a detective with the Chicago Police Department, Joe Savage witnessed heinous crimes and acts of cruelty on a daily basis, obliterating his faith in humanity. When a personal vendetta cost him his job and a quirky inheritance offered escape, Joe packed it in and steered his Harley toward a small town bordering Tornado Alley and the Twilight Zone. Where better to lose himself than Nowhere? Resigned to a dark and lonely existence, Joe’s life is suddenly shoved into the sunshine when his eccentric neighbor offers him a chance he can't refuse, especially after her kiss of hope rekindles his dead heart. Inspired and challenged by Bella’s infectious optimism, Joe dares to make the impossible come true.
268 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2014
2 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ciotta
42 books470 followersStorytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 28, 2018
3.25 stars
A sweet small town-contemp with a Mary-Sue h and gruff H. There is a lot of insta luv going here. Not too bad a read.
A sweet small town-contemp with a Mary-Sue h and gruff H. There is a lot of insta luv going here. Not too bad a read.
November 8, 2014
A wonderful story that makes you believe in fairy tales. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.
November 11, 2014
Beauty and the Biker is the first book in Beth's Impossible Dream series. I loved it. It has magic, passion and heart. Bella is a sweet librarian who likes fairy tales. Joe is a former under cover cop from Chicago who has seen too much pain. They meet in Nowhere, Nebraska and somehow they connect. They bring out the best in each other and I loved their journey. I am really looking forward to the next books in the series with the other Inseparables - Bella/s group of friends. As the first book, Beth introduces many secondary characters, but she never loses sight of Bella and Joe and they are the primary focus. The secondary character add to the main story. Very highly recommended.
November 2, 2014
I LOVED THIS BOOK! And it's not because I'm biased and love the sweet quirky author(if you've been lucky enough to meet Ms. Ciotta you know what I mean)She is what she writes- you can see every bit of her personality on the pages she so beautifully crafts(yes, I'm gushing like a total fan girl). This is a strong start to this series. I laughed, and cried. Filled with humor, heart and touch of mystery, this is a truly magical book. I didn't want it to end. Bella and Joe are well developed, realistic characters. And for some reason lawn care will never be the same... :) Don't miss this fairy tale romance!
January 19, 2018
Loved this book!!! Not only was this book a great story!! It has a lot of passion, you just fall in love with Bella and Joe!!! Joe has a dark side, loved how Bella brings out the best in him!!! Can’t wait to read the next story, Bella’s friends are very interesting!!
May 21, 2018
Dusty rose colored glasses
I enjoyed Bella's optimism throughout the book. Even when she saw the rough in Joe's life, she was able to spin it around. Unrealistic maybe but alas this is the story of beauty and the biker, and they need their HEA.
I enjoyed Bella's optimism throughout the book. Even when she saw the rough in Joe's life, she was able to spin it around. Unrealistic maybe but alas this is the story of beauty and the biker, and they need their HEA.
July 12, 2021
Fanciful, amusing, and charming!
November 4, 2014
Bella Mooney is quirky, upbeat, optimistic, sweet, and non-confrontational, but she is going through a rough spot after the death of her mother. She has moved in with her father, who is also struggling with his wife’s death and who is drinking and gambling too much, to help him get through it. She has also ended a relationship with Carson, her boyfriend who is determined to be her fiancé, because she realized their relationship was more about comfort and convenience than affection. She also realized that he was being manipulative to try to keep her in the relationship and that he was critical of her desires and choices in life.
Bella, the local librarian in Nowhere, Nebraska, loves reading books during children’s story time, in character of course, and she dreams of writing children’s stories if only she could get published! Even though she is realistic enough to know that fairy tales are just that, she believes in exposing children to heroes and sweetness and hope to counteract the negative in the world. Perhaps if she could collaborate with a wonderful illustrator who could make her stories come to life in pictures…
If the loss of her mother and dealing with her attempted break-up weren't enough, another dark cloud has come along to rain on her parade – her new neighbor, Joe Savage, who inherited and moved into his late uncle’s property and who (of all things!) returned the welcome basket, unopened, that she left at his house, despite the ominous signs and warnings for all to stay away. Not only is he obviously rude, but he is determined to keep everyone at arm’s length. When he does make a rare appearance in public, he glowers darkly and broods at all and sundry, as he did to her when he suddenly appeared one day in the library during one of her story times.
Nevertheless, with the support of her girlfriends, known to one another as the Inseparables, Bella is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a published children’s author and finding love like her mother and father had. Thus, when she encounters a website called ImpossibleDream.com, she thinks she might as well take a chance and enter her specifications for her perfect partner/Prince Charming.
Bella’s usually sunny disposition deserts her, though, when she discovers that her new neighbor has won her father’s truck (and their only means of transportation) from him in a card game while he was quite intoxicated. Never one to sit by and allow someone to take advantage of another, she summons her inner avenging angel, and charges across the field between their houses on her father’s riding lawn mower still wearing her fairy gown from story time, a costume that Joe thinks of as her Princess Rainbow look. Her ferocious demeanor takes a hit when she climbs over the locked fence at the end of Joe’s drive and tumbles into the mud, but, not to be deterred, she takes Joe to task for his heartlessness.
What Bella doesn’t know is that Joe is a good man underneath his hard exterior. He is fighting to rid himself of the demons he acquired through 14 years of dealing with gangs and human trafficking through undercover work on the Chicago Police Dept. Later, when Bella discovers that ImpossibleDream.com has referred her to none other than Joe Savage as her perfect partner, sparks will fly as they grapple with the push/pull of their overwhelming attraction to each other and the obstacles that stand in the way of their own happily ever after.
Bella’s story is, in turn, sweet, fairy tale-like, and hot all while dealing gently-yet-firmly and with heart with subjects like human trafficking and deafness in young children. For example, when one of the Inseparables has a child born profoundly deaf, all of them learn sign language to communicate with her. In fact, after one has read a number of books by an author and has followed her in social media, one comes to know a good deal about the author herself. I see a great deal of Beth Ciotta in Beauty and the Biker, in Bella’s sunny, optimistic disposition, in her kindness and big heart, in her quirky humor, and even in her profession ( as librarian, author, and entertainer). If the subsequent stories in this series have as much heart and as much heat as this one does, I can’t wait for them to be written!
November 7, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...
3.5 stars
Beauty and the biker by Beth Ciotta is book #1 in The Impossible Dream Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is not exactly what I was expecting!!!
This is a sickly sweet romance where the female lead is literally nicknamed princess rainbow because she's actually that sweet and adorable!!!!
Bella I would guess at being one of the most wholesome and nicest characters I've ever read about!!!
She's the all American girl, she doesn't swear, she works with children at s library and dresses up as a sparkly princess to encourage children to read more!!! I swear she actually used the phrase 'Gosh Darn' more than once!!!!
Being truthful I'm not sure if I loved her or if I'm just horrified that someone this nice exists even in someone's imagination!!!!
I love the fairytale aspect because that's basically what this book is a grownups fairytale where the princess gets her happily ever after with her Prince Charming who in this story is Joe!!!
Let's talk about Joe for a minute in comparison with Bella he does start off as a bit of an arsehole but that lasts all of about 3 minutes then he falls hook line and sinker for the queen of sparkles and unicorns.
I loved the diversity in the inseparables but I do think its s bit sad that s group of 30 something women actually refer to themselves as the inseparables lol!!
But regardless of that Chrissy, Angel, Georgie, Bella, Emma and the long distance member Sinjun are a very sweet group of women who share a long standing history and friendship and I enjoyed the connection that they all shared!!
The sex is sort of glossed over which is a shame as I think it would have been fairly steamy had the author decided to get graphic!!!
I think I know who runs Impossible Dreams.com but I’m not going to spoil it lol!
The book dabbled into the dark on occasion went Joe was talking but it mainly focussed on the warm and fuzzy side of life.
I was hoping for a bit of action too and the author brilliantly built the tension till I was patiently waiting for it all to kick off. I really wanted Joe to fill his knight in shining armour quota of the fairytale but it all fizzled to nothing and I for one was GUTTED!!!
This is an incredibly nice book with a lovely romance I give it 3.5 stars!
3.5 stars
Beauty and the biker by Beth Ciotta is book #1 in The Impossible Dream Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is not exactly what I was expecting!!!
This is a sickly sweet romance where the female lead is literally nicknamed princess rainbow because she's actually that sweet and adorable!!!!
Bella I would guess at being one of the most wholesome and nicest characters I've ever read about!!!
She's the all American girl, she doesn't swear, she works with children at s library and dresses up as a sparkly princess to encourage children to read more!!! I swear she actually used the phrase 'Gosh Darn' more than once!!!!
Being truthful I'm not sure if I loved her or if I'm just horrified that someone this nice exists even in someone's imagination!!!!
I love the fairytale aspect because that's basically what this book is a grownups fairytale where the princess gets her happily ever after with her Prince Charming who in this story is Joe!!!
Let's talk about Joe for a minute in comparison with Bella he does start off as a bit of an arsehole but that lasts all of about 3 minutes then he falls hook line and sinker for the queen of sparkles and unicorns.
I loved the diversity in the inseparables but I do think its s bit sad that s group of 30 something women actually refer to themselves as the inseparables lol!!
But regardless of that Chrissy, Angel, Georgie, Bella, Emma and the long distance member Sinjun are a very sweet group of women who share a long standing history and friendship and I enjoyed the connection that they all shared!!
The sex is sort of glossed over which is a shame as I think it would have been fairly steamy had the author decided to get graphic!!!
I think I know who runs Impossible Dreams.com but I’m not going to spoil it lol!
The book dabbled into the dark on occasion went Joe was talking but it mainly focussed on the warm and fuzzy side of life.
I was hoping for a bit of action too and the author brilliantly built the tension till I was patiently waiting for it all to kick off. I really wanted Joe to fill his knight in shining armour quota of the fairytale but it all fizzled to nothing and I for one was GUTTED!!!
This is an incredibly nice book with a lovely romance I give it 3.5 stars!
October 31, 2014
In Beauty and The Biker (Impossible Dream #1) by Beth Ciotta, Bella believes in true love and happily ever afters...she just hasn't found hers yet. A children's librarian who also writes children's books, Bella is currently living with her father, trying to help him find his footing after the death of her mother.
Unexpected events bring Bella to the door of her neighbor, Joe. Former police detective, Joe keeps to himself and strongly discourages friendships and relationships. He definitely does not believe in true love and happily ever afters. But there is something about Bella that tugs at the parts of him he's hidden away.
As they spend more time together, Bella brings light into Joe's world. But he still resists. He doesn't want his past to touch Bella, and finally he might have pushed hard enough to keep her away. Joe has opened Bella's eyes too though, and she's not as easy as he thought to push away! Can the girl who sees the good and the boy who sees the bad find a way to be together?
Beth weaves a magical, fairy tale like story in Beauty and The Biker. I love the characters and descriptions of them...they are easy to see and easy to feel for. Beauty and The Biker is very entertaining with realistic situations and feelings. There is a lot of character growth, and the relationship development between Bella and Joe was believable.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in Beauty and The Biker from Bella's girlfriends and the close relationship they share, Bella's Dad, and even the cat that has attached itself to Joe.
Beth has a strong start to her new series with Beauty and The Biker. With a hint of suspense and a lot of love and hope, I'd recommend Beauty and The Biker to any romance reader.
Unexpected events bring Bella to the door of her neighbor, Joe. Former police detective, Joe keeps to himself and strongly discourages friendships and relationships. He definitely does not believe in true love and happily ever afters. But there is something about Bella that tugs at the parts of him he's hidden away.
As they spend more time together, Bella brings light into Joe's world. But he still resists. He doesn't want his past to touch Bella, and finally he might have pushed hard enough to keep her away. Joe has opened Bella's eyes too though, and she's not as easy as he thought to push away! Can the girl who sees the good and the boy who sees the bad find a way to be together?
Beth weaves a magical, fairy tale like story in Beauty and The Biker. I love the characters and descriptions of them...they are easy to see and easy to feel for. Beauty and The Biker is very entertaining with realistic situations and feelings. There is a lot of character growth, and the relationship development between Bella and Joe was believable.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in Beauty and The Biker from Bella's girlfriends and the close relationship they share, Bella's Dad, and even the cat that has attached itself to Joe.
Beth has a strong start to her new series with Beauty and The Biker. With a hint of suspense and a lot of love and hope, I'd recommend Beauty and The Biker to any romance reader.
November 8, 2014
What better way to please a romance fan then to bring us back to the first romances we ever read - the fairy tales? In this clever twist on Beauty and the Beast, Ciotta gives us all of the wonderful moments , updated with a modern twist.
Bella is a children’s librarian who wants to write happily ever afters and experience all of her dreams coming true? She is that adult with a child’s perspective on the world, she believes in happy ever after and is a bright pop of color that stands out in every situation. Her friends are wonderful additions, with humor and a zest for life, these ladies are living their lives with an eye on their dreams.
Joe has escaped the hustle and bustle of the Chicago police department, and has gone to Nowhere to find peace, quiet and some happiness. Little did he know that it would come in the form of a children’s librarian in a poofy yellow dress who can’t seem to stand on her own two feet.
As Bella manages to show Joe the light in life, Joe manages to give Bella the push to chase her own dreams and make them real. Well, that is, if they aren’t distracted by their own very palpable attraction that pulses between them.
In what I have come to see as Ciotta’s style, she mixes humor, heart and a zing of magic and brings a stellar first story in a series sure to become a favorite.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Bella is a children’s librarian who wants to write happily ever afters and experience all of her dreams coming true? She is that adult with a child’s perspective on the world, she believes in happy ever after and is a bright pop of color that stands out in every situation. Her friends are wonderful additions, with humor and a zest for life, these ladies are living their lives with an eye on their dreams.
Joe has escaped the hustle and bustle of the Chicago police department, and has gone to Nowhere to find peace, quiet and some happiness. Little did he know that it would come in the form of a children’s librarian in a poofy yellow dress who can’t seem to stand on her own two feet.
As Bella manages to show Joe the light in life, Joe manages to give Bella the push to chase her own dreams and make them real. Well, that is, if they aren’t distracted by their own very palpable attraction that pulses between them.
In what I have come to see as Ciotta’s style, she mixes humor, heart and a zing of magic and brings a stellar first story in a series sure to become a favorite.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 31, 2014
Beauty and the Biker is about a woman named Bella who is an upbeat, loveable and down to earth good person who looks on the bright side of things. In this story, Bella ends up falling in love with
'the biker', Joe Savage, a man who is haunted by his past which in return makes him a recluse. As Ciotta writes, he is 'the badass loner' but 'scary gorgeous'.
I loved the relationship between Bella and Savage. You have your good girl and your 'bad' boy, even though Savage really isn't bad at all, he just portays himself that way. He is a man with a huge caring heart and soul but doesn't believe that of himself. Plus he's good looking to boot! He's the caretaker/protector type and there's something comforting in that.
Ciotta introduced us to a close knit of friends called 'the inseparables'. We get to know these characters so that it leaves us wanting more and wondering how their story will turn out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fairytales and happy ever afters. This story is upbeat, magical, mysterious, fun and loveable. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I smiled and I really truly felt connected to the characters. To me, that's what makes a great story!
For some reason however, I don't believe I will ever look at a lawnmower the same again. I think I will be giggling everytime as the image from the story is what I will be picturing! ;-)
Thank you Beth for this opportunity to read your wonderfully and well written stories that as always, leave me wanting MORE as I really truly loved this story!
'the biker', Joe Savage, a man who is haunted by his past which in return makes him a recluse. As Ciotta writes, he is 'the badass loner' but 'scary gorgeous'.
I loved the relationship between Bella and Savage. You have your good girl and your 'bad' boy, even though Savage really isn't bad at all, he just portays himself that way. He is a man with a huge caring heart and soul but doesn't believe that of himself. Plus he's good looking to boot! He's the caretaker/protector type and there's something comforting in that.
Ciotta introduced us to a close knit of friends called 'the inseparables'. We get to know these characters so that it leaves us wanting more and wondering how their story will turn out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fairytales and happy ever afters. This story is upbeat, magical, mysterious, fun and loveable. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I smiled and I really truly felt connected to the characters. To me, that's what makes a great story!
For some reason however, I don't believe I will ever look at a lawnmower the same again. I think I will be giggling everytime as the image from the story is what I will be picturing! ;-)
Thank you Beth for this opportunity to read your wonderfully and well written stories that as always, leave me wanting MORE as I really truly loved this story!
November 1, 2014
can always edit it here.
Product Image
Beauty & the Biker
~Beth Ciotta
4.9 out of 5 stars (12)
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Feel Good Read, October 31, 2014
By cjr
This review is from: Beauty & the Biker (Impossible Dream Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I just finished reading this book and, I have to say, I'm not a biker kind of gal, or at least that's what I thought until I read this book. I read 200-300 books a year and I have to say that this is by far the best FEEL GOOD book I have read in a very long time!
The book is about Bella, a librarian who has a Pollyanna, head in the clouds, everything and everyone always has a happy ending kind of gal. She has moved back home with her father because her mom died a few months ago and she's trying to help him with his depression, job loss and drinking binges. A "biker-dude" moves in next door and shoots her down every time she attempts to be friendly until he does something that infuriates her and that's when the fun starts.
This will be a series about a group of women known as the Inseparables, who have been friends in this very small town since grade school.
Bella and Joe, the biker, have some serious issues to get thru = her optimism and his refusal to connect with anyone. Many obstacles that you think will never be gotten thru but, with the help of the town, family and friends, it works!
November 3, 2014
Charming, Witty and YES, dare I say MAGICAL, BEAUTY AND THE BIKER is a Must-Read for the "Little Girls" inside us all that still believe in a Happily Ever After!
In a time of Modern Re-Makes and Fairy Tales becoming just as much fun for adults as for kids, Beth Ciotta couldn't have picked a better time to launch the Impossible Dreams Series, about Five Friends, who might just be living out a Fairy Tale of their own!
Book One, BEAUTY AND THE BIKER, takes us into the world of Bella Mooney and her HUGE heart and warm, always stickly sweet nature, some don't believe she is "For Real" when they first meet her, as she is that kind natured. Then we have Joe Savage (Can we say OMG Delicious). Previously an Undercover for the Chicago PD, he has come to Nowhere with a hardened heart and a beast that lives within.
Bella, who is like a vibrant color among the black and white of Nowhere, manages to calm the beast within Joe, with her Accidental-Prone Nature, Poofy Yellow Princess Dress...and Maybe some of those Magical Kisses! And Joe teaches Bella how to take her dreams and make them a reality!
I have to say, I can't wait for the next in the series, as I have come to love all of the Inseparables and I know that Ciotta with have me falling deeply and madly in love, time and time again!!
In a time of Modern Re-Makes and Fairy Tales becoming just as much fun for adults as for kids, Beth Ciotta couldn't have picked a better time to launch the Impossible Dreams Series, about Five Friends, who might just be living out a Fairy Tale of their own!
Book One, BEAUTY AND THE BIKER, takes us into the world of Bella Mooney and her HUGE heart and warm, always stickly sweet nature, some don't believe she is "For Real" when they first meet her, as she is that kind natured. Then we have Joe Savage (Can we say OMG Delicious). Previously an Undercover for the Chicago PD, he has come to Nowhere with a hardened heart and a beast that lives within.
Bella, who is like a vibrant color among the black and white of Nowhere, manages to calm the beast within Joe, with her Accidental-Prone Nature, Poofy Yellow Princess Dress...and Maybe some of those Magical Kisses! And Joe teaches Bella how to take her dreams and make them a reality!
I have to say, I can't wait for the next in the series, as I have come to love all of the Inseparables and I know that Ciotta with have me falling deeply and madly in love, time and time again!!
November 1, 2014
Beauty and The Biker by Beth Ciotta
As I read the pages, I often felt a smile of giddy happiness on my face. He kisses her and her world spins. How perfect. It's exactly what you want every book and every romance to do as you read it. Make you sigh with satisfaction, happiness and maybe even a little envy.
Oh, I loved this book!
Bella Mooney achieved blissful joy reading to the children in her job as librarian. After filling out an application at Impossible-Dreams.com she is filled with determination, commitment and derring-do. And it's all aimed at new neighbor Joe Salvage since that's whom ID.com has said is her perfect partner even though they "cannot verify magical kisses".
Fun. A bit of humor. A whole lot of emotional feel-good romance.
“Carson was like a dog with a bone.
Bella was done being dogged”
“Her animated indignation stroked him as surely as a lover’s hand. Annoying. Surprising. She wasn’t his type. But by God, the woman was a beauty when riled.”
“Had the man ever eaten a cinnamon bun in his life? Did he pump iron twelve hours a day, seven days a week? The man was cut. And his abdomen! Six pack? Pffft. How about twelve-pack? She was pretty sure his muscles had muscles, not that she was looking that closely”
Excerpts From: Ciotta, Beth. “Beauty & the Biker.”
I received a copy of this book from the author.
As I read the pages, I often felt a smile of giddy happiness on my face. He kisses her and her world spins. How perfect. It's exactly what you want every book and every romance to do as you read it. Make you sigh with satisfaction, happiness and maybe even a little envy.
Oh, I loved this book!
Bella Mooney achieved blissful joy reading to the children in her job as librarian. After filling out an application at Impossible-Dreams.com she is filled with determination, commitment and derring-do. And it's all aimed at new neighbor Joe Salvage since that's whom ID.com has said is her perfect partner even though they "cannot verify magical kisses".
Fun. A bit of humor. A whole lot of emotional feel-good romance.
“Carson was like a dog with a bone.
Bella was done being dogged”
“Her animated indignation stroked him as surely as a lover’s hand. Annoying. Surprising. She wasn’t his type. But by God, the woman was a beauty when riled.”
“Had the man ever eaten a cinnamon bun in his life? Did he pump iron twelve hours a day, seven days a week? The man was cut. And his abdomen! Six pack? Pffft. How about twelve-pack? She was pretty sure his muscles had muscles, not that she was looking that closely”
Excerpts From: Ciotta, Beth. “Beauty & the Biker.”
I received a copy of this book from the author.
November 8, 2014
4.5 stars!
What can I say except that Beth Ciotta has done it again with the start of this new series. Take a jaded ex-cop from Chicago named Joe Savage and stick him somewhere in Nebraska next door to the optimistic ray of sunshine named Bella Mooney and you have Beauty and the Biker.
This story will delight readers as Ms Ciotta delivers another story with her signature blend of quirky humor, friendship, family, a dash of suspense, and of course a romance that tugs at the heart strings. You will love the heroine Bella who gives 100 % to everyone she knows even while dealing with the loss of her mother and worrying over her grieving father. She soon has the "monster" next door named Joe infatuated with her as she proves to be a balm to his wounded soul and helps him heal and realize that he still is a good man. These two wonderful characters that are polar opposites will have you believing in the powerful magic of love.
This was an enjoyable way to start the series and I can't wait for the next story. Romance fans, do yourself a favor and buy this book!
What can I say except that Beth Ciotta has done it again with the start of this new series. Take a jaded ex-cop from Chicago named Joe Savage and stick him somewhere in Nebraska next door to the optimistic ray of sunshine named Bella Mooney and you have Beauty and the Biker.
This story will delight readers as Ms Ciotta delivers another story with her signature blend of quirky humor, friendship, family, a dash of suspense, and of course a romance that tugs at the heart strings. You will love the heroine Bella who gives 100 % to everyone she knows even while dealing with the loss of her mother and worrying over her grieving father. She soon has the "monster" next door named Joe infatuated with her as she proves to be a balm to his wounded soul and helps him heal and realize that he still is a good man. These two wonderful characters that are polar opposites will have you believing in the powerful magic of love.
This was an enjoyable way to start the series and I can't wait for the next story. Romance fans, do yourself a favor and buy this book!
October 29, 2014
I loved this story! I have been a fan of Beth Ciotta's for some time now, always looking forward to her stories, and this one further solidified my adoration for her storytelling. The story is fun, upbeat, optimistic, a little magical but with enough edge, drama, twists and turns to make me unsure as to how it was eventually going to play out! Just when you think you know where things are going, surprise detour. This story touched on some personal emotions for me, but even beyond that, I really felt a connection with the characters in this new series. I found myself laughing out loud and choking back tears. The character diversity not only adds some great depth to the story line, but piques your interest in those characters. I am eager to learn about each and every one of them, hopefully, in subsequent books in the series!!! I was given an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, which is that I genuinely enjoyed the book!!
March 26, 2015
Ciotta is my go to author for quirky, sweet reads. I have a hard time believing that anyone is as sweet or innocent as some of her heroines, but I enjoy reading Ciotta's stories.
Bella is sweet and overly chirpy, yet doesn't cross the line into annoying. I smile as I read her interactions with others. Joe is more of a badass. he wants to push others away, and has PTSD (in my opinion, it is never called that in the book), from his work as an undercover cop. I did find his switch from pushing everyone away to falling in live with Bella and letting everyone in to be too fast. I would have preferred to have that change more gradually. Also there is some drama with Bella's ex and from Joe's previous job that could have built more but is either quickly dealt with or dealt with off scene. Even with those quibbles, I really enjoyed the story and I do want to check out the stories for the other Inseparables.
Bella is sweet and overly chirpy, yet doesn't cross the line into annoying. I smile as I read her interactions with others. Joe is more of a badass. he wants to push others away, and has PTSD (in my opinion, it is never called that in the book), from his work as an undercover cop. I did find his switch from pushing everyone away to falling in live with Bella and letting everyone in to be too fast. I would have preferred to have that change more gradually. Also there is some drama with Bella's ex and from Joe's previous job that could have built more but is either quickly dealt with or dealt with off scene. Even with those quibbles, I really enjoyed the story and I do want to check out the stories for the other Inseparables.
November 5, 2014
"Beauty & the Biker" by Beth Ciotta - this was an enjoyable and fairly light read. The Hero, Joe, is a man that lives with dark memories from his time as a cop, and Bella, our heroine, is a children's librarian that is the ultimate Ms. Optimist. I found this story to be uplifting and positive, although, I have to admit, Bella's overly sunny outlook on life did grate on my nerves at times. I did enjoy when she got riled up but, it didn't last and she always saw the silver lining. Joe's transformation was great to see - recognizing his feelings, both dark and light, was enlightening for all. Ms. Ciotta has done a great job of telling a tale that is a bit fairy tale, mixed with the harsh realities of the world. I look forward to Chrissy's story next. (Received copy for honest review)
May 15, 2016
Beauty and the Beast is a fun read. Beth Ciotta has come up with a great first book of a series called the Impossible Dream #1. The book takes place in Nowhere, Nebraska with two main characters that need each other. I love some of the scenes in the book, but by far my favorite was the opening scene for Bella Mooney and Joe Savage. (Yes there is a play on words for their names - there has to be!)
Bella is the children’s librarian in the small town. She is also trying to be a writer of children’s books. She believes in the good, positive, and fair of the world, but she is incensed by the new comer to the area, Joe Savage. Joe Savage is an ex cop. He is angry, negative and not ready for Bella and her world falling at his feet. Their story is fun, quirky and full of passion and drama. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward reading more of Beth Ciotta’s series.
Bella is the children’s librarian in the small town. She is also trying to be a writer of children’s books. She believes in the good, positive, and fair of the world, but she is incensed by the new comer to the area, Joe Savage. Joe Savage is an ex cop. He is angry, negative and not ready for Bella and her world falling at his feet. Their story is fun, quirky and full of passion and drama. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward reading more of Beth Ciotta’s series.
January 26, 2015
I have to admit that I was so disappointed when I found out Beth Ciotta's Cupcake Lovers series wouldn't be continuing, but if it has freed her up to tackle this Impossible Dream series then I'm 100% on board. I finished up Beauty & the Biker last night and was almost too giddy to fall asleep! There wasn't anything that I didn't like about this series premiere. Bella and Joe were such a case of opposites attract, but at heart had so many common qualities. It was great fun to watch them fall in love. I have the next one, Enchanting Christmas, waiting in my 'to read' pile and it just got moved to the top.
October 27, 2014
I receive and ARC copy of this book. I loved this book. I am a fan of Beth Ciotta's Cupcake series and got hooked on her books. This has marking of another great series. This is another great love story of the bad boy and the girl with rainbows over her head. I love her circle of friend the Inseparables who were friends from early childhood. It will be interesting to see how these girls stories play out in the next stories in the series. I loved how both Bella and Savage both signed up for Impossible Dreams.com. and from there magic was created. This had both the good and evil. It had love and mystery. It is a great story and am looking forward to Enchanting Christmas.
October 31, 2014
I was so excited for this new series to come out, and I was not let down. I enjoy the works of Ms. Ciotta because of her well-written, multi-dimensional characters, story lines that weave in and out of each other to involve those characters, and of course the buzz I get off of the happy ending. This book promises that it will be another series of all of this and more. One thing I especially love is that the characters are (mostly, except for the baddies) people I would want to hang out with and have as friends in real life, so that I feel invested in the story and outcome. I can't wait for the Christmas book (and second in the series) to be released.
May 7, 2016
Impossible Dream Book One
Bella is tired of living with Mr. Alright. She decides to apply to a new site called Impossible Dream. She asks for the perfect man, but she's pointed to her prickly new neighbor instead. Joe just moved from Chicago to Nowhere, Nebraska and must deal with his perky neighbor when he wants to live in peace. Both are thrown together time and again until they find they actually like one another. Maybe this site has it down, after all.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with a little perky and a little prickly thrown in, this is the book for you!
Bella is tired of living with Mr. Alright. She decides to apply to a new site called Impossible Dream. She asks for the perfect man, but she's pointed to her prickly new neighbor instead. Joe just moved from Chicago to Nowhere, Nebraska and must deal with his perky neighbor when he wants to live in peace. Both are thrown together time and again until they find they actually like one another. Maybe this site has it down, after all.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with a little perky and a little prickly thrown in, this is the book for you!
October 26, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! It's just so lovely and sweet, and yet has other elements as well -- a little suspense, family drama, friendship, etc. All in all, it's well rounded and everything weaves together beautifully! I adored it & seriously can't wait for the next book in the series!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way sways my view -- I love Beth Ciotta's books regardless!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way sways my view -- I love Beth Ciotta's books regardless!!
July 6, 2015
Sweet, charming, funny and magical are just a few words to describe the first book in what looks to be a great new series. While the romance develops extremely quickly, it goes with the whole fairy tale like story. Bella brings light into Joe's darkened soul, and Joe brings Bella out of her comfort zone with her writing. Loved the supporting cast of characters, can't wait to read Chrissy's story which is next in the series!
4.5 stars
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2015
I want to sign up at ImpossibleDream.com!! Oh, the dreams that come true! Beth proves that ALL your dreams CAN come true, even in Nowhere! Hold onto your hats as your "tumble" into love - in the most unexpected places with the most unexpected person. Hard hearts can soften and talents can change and blend.
January 2, 2016
Let me preface this by saying I do not believe in love. I am a jaded person I know..but I just finished reading Beauty and the Biker and it makes me want to fall in love and have that happily ever after..The book was magnificient..I laughed, I cried, I oohed and aahed all through the book.. Thank you for restoring some of my faith..
May 16, 2016
Good but ......
I'm in the minority on this read. It was good but I had a hard time connecting with the characters.
The book also had an overall sadness to it that I didn't anticipate.
Joe and Bella spent more time apart than together. I'm happy that they got their HEA but it took a long time to get there.
I'm in the minority on this read. It was good but I had a hard time connecting with the characters.
The book also had an overall sadness to it that I didn't anticipate.
Joe and Bella spent more time apart than together. I'm happy that they got their HEA but it took a long time to get there.
June 7, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. This is the first time I have read any of Beth Ciotta's books and will be looking forward to reading the next one in this series. The whole book was cute and funny. What I call a "feel good" book. A very good HEA book!
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