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Something New #2
The Winner Takes It All
For two stubborn people…
Corporate mogul Shane Donovan sees the ultra-cool, collected Cecilia Riley as an ice queen—even if he can't deny that, on the surface, she's a work of perfection his body can't ignore. Forced to spend two weeks in the same house for his sister's upcoming wedding, Shane senses that deep down Cecilia mirrors his need. And he's determined to draw her into a sexy game that will melt away her reserve…
Losing is not an option…
Career-driven Cecilia Riley has just enough free time in her schedule to head out of town for her brother's wedding. But her agenda is thrown for a loop by the presence of Shane. Though his over-confident attitude leaves a lot to be desired, his insanely hot body has kept Cecilia up nights. Unsure what game Shane is playing, Cecilia takes the bait, bent on resisting him at all costs.
But as Shane and Cecilia discover, temptation follows no rules…
Corporate mogul Shane Donovan sees the ultra-cool, collected Cecilia Riley as an ice queen—even if he can't deny that, on the surface, she's a work of perfection his body can't ignore. Forced to spend two weeks in the same house for his sister's upcoming wedding, Shane senses that deep down Cecilia mirrors his need. And he's determined to draw her into a sexy game that will melt away her reserve…
Losing is not an option…
Career-driven Cecilia Riley has just enough free time in her schedule to head out of town for her brother's wedding. But her agenda is thrown for a loop by the presence of Shane. Though his over-confident attitude leaves a lot to be desired, his insanely hot body has kept Cecilia up nights. Unsure what game Shane is playing, Cecilia takes the bait, bent on resisting him at all costs.
But as Shane and Cecilia discover, temptation follows no rules…
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
31 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Dawson
21 books607 followersJennifer Dawson is the author of the popular Something New series, spicy, small town romance released with Kensington, and pens the dark and edgy contemporary romance series Undone.
Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog.
Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history.
These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.
Sign up for monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more. https://www.jenniferdawsonauthor.com/...
Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog.
Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history.
These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.
Sign up for monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more. https://www.jenniferdawsonauthor.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 24, 2016
KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (post-read: March 19, 2015)
9/7/15
lmao i can't believe i only said KYA in my review but that's basically how i felt finishing the book in March. this book is such a satisfying read i have no words to describe the feeling except incoherent screaming :p
anyway, Eri finished this yesterday and gushed about how good it was, which prompted me to do a little reread on my own and YEP. STILL GOOD. I AM STILL IN LOVE WITH SHANE DONOVAN. i am also in love with Cecilia; i have a penchant for ice queen characters who are really just softies inside.
the chemistry and ~tension between Shane and Cecilia are off the charts HOT. i love how they got together and how they ended.
i love Shane's family. i love the banter between the siblings. yea basically i pretty much want every character to have a book of their own. the third book in this series is about James and Gracie whom i ADORE, but i also NEED Penelope and Evan to have their own book. and also a book on Sam. and Sophie okay I NEED BOOKS ON EVERYBODY YEA JENNIFER DAWSON I BELIEVE IN YOU YOU CAN DO THIS WRITE ALL THE THINGS (!!!)
/sighs contently
I NEED THE THIRD BOOK LIKE FOUR MONTHS AGO OK
9/7/15
lmao i can't believe i only said KYA in my review but that's basically how i felt finishing the book in March. this book is such a satisfying read i have no words to describe the feeling except incoherent screaming :p
anyway, Eri finished this yesterday and gushed about how good it was, which prompted me to do a little reread on my own and YEP. STILL GOOD. I AM STILL IN LOVE WITH SHANE DONOVAN. i am also in love with Cecilia; i have a penchant for ice queen characters who are really just softies inside.
the chemistry and ~tension between Shane and Cecilia are off the charts HOT. i love how they got together and how they ended.
i love Shane's family. i love the banter between the siblings. yea basically i pretty much want every character to have a book of their own. the third book in this series is about James and Gracie whom i ADORE, but i also NEED Penelope and Evan to have their own book. and also a book on Sam. and Sophie okay I NEED BOOKS ON EVERYBODY YEA JENNIFER DAWSON I BELIEVE IN YOU YOU CAN DO THIS WRITE ALL THE THINGS (!!!)
/sighs contently
I NEED THE THIRD BOOK LIKE FOUR MONTHS AGO OK
February 27, 2019
I’m really diggin’ this series. It’s pretty great. The characters have a nice depth to them and I’ve grown fond of the family, eager to see what happens next.
December 12, 2014
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating~ 4.5-4.75 stars
Everyone has a dream as a child of what they want to be when they grow up Cecilia Riley’s was different then anyone elses, she didn’t want to be a princess or a world famous rock star. She wanted to be a politician, ever since she can remember. She has worked her entire life to get to a position where she now finally has a chance to get her life’s dream.
Cece in simple words is complicated as well fiercely guarded. She has worked tirelessly to achieve a dream she had since she was a child, that just shows how strong, intelligent and independent she is. But what is doesn’t show is that beneath that ice-queen exterior is woman who wants someone to understand and love her even though she believes herself to undeserving of it. Cece at that start of the book is a very different woman than the one that finally gets her happy ending. At the start she is conflicted and stuck in a place where she feels she has no choice but to go through with it. Throughout the book we see the ‘real’ Cece and see her development from a womam with only a dream to the fun, slightly emotional, loving but still a very strong and intelligent woman. I really liked her, I thought I wouldn’t with how she was at the start but she won me over completely.
Shane Donovan is the very handsome Corporate mogul but he isn’t without his own issues. He is caretaker in his family which is why he tends to be bossy and believes that he’s always right.
Shane was wonderful, he loves his family very much and would do anything for them because of his childhood he feels like he has constantly make more money for his family and always feels slightly threatened that it would all go away. He’s a workaholic. Shane is a genuinely good guy, who did everything in his will power to make his families live better in any way he could but nevertheless can’t help but feel that he failed them.
Cece and Shane have disliked each other from the first time they met at their siblings engagement party. Now those siblings are getting married and they are stuck in one house for weeks. Cece is the groom’s sister and Shane is the bride’s brother.
I loved Cece and Shane together. From their first scene in this book their connection and chemistry was evident. They are literally opposites of each other from the way they interact with others to which football team they support. They both have very strong wills though, neither is willing to back down. Their relationship was funny, exciting, at times emotional and passionate. Their banter was also wonderful to read. They both cared and loved each other so much and were willing to do and give up so much for each other. Shane brings the best and worst (its a matter of opinion) in Cece making her more human. From the moment Shane sees that Cece is more than the ice-queen she pretends to be, that she feels attracted toward him as well, it’s game on. Some of the best scenes were of them baiting and teasing each other. It bears mentioning again Wow! that chemistry was explosive.
The secondary character were also interesting and very intriguing. I cannot wait to read Gracie and James book (who FYI will be getting the next book in the series) because they are opposites too and I do love that trope in romance.
I really liked the realistic scenario of a child’s dream and the way that the parents impact the child’s behavior from an early age. Just because you have a dream of being a politician as a child shouldn’t make you feel forced to follow that dream later in life especially when you no longer know what you want to do, in that path lies misery.
Quibbles: The day I don’t have a quibble, that’s the day hell freezes over guys. Firstly I hated Cece’s father with a passion, what a bastard he was. Using his daughter as a scapegoat and treating her like an accessory to be used when needed and discarded when not. Secondly, View Spoiler » and lastly I just felt like Cece’s family namely her mother and brother, they should have been there for her and not made her feel like an outsider though they do come around.
This is the first time I ever read a book from the author and this book will definitely not be the last. Overall, I loved this book. This book was a gem! It had it just the right amount of everything you love in a romance, strong and sexy leads, a interesting plot and it left with a happy sigh. I really look forward to reading the next book in the series. Though this is the second book in the series Something New but it can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book but it didn’t effect my enjoyment of this book at all. Happy Reading!
Originally posted: http://www.afortressofbooks.com/2014/...
Rating~ 4.5-4.75 stars
Everyone has a dream as a child of what they want to be when they grow up Cecilia Riley’s was different then anyone elses, she didn’t want to be a princess or a world famous rock star. She wanted to be a politician, ever since she can remember. She has worked her entire life to get to a position where she now finally has a chance to get her life’s dream.
Cece in simple words is complicated as well fiercely guarded. She has worked tirelessly to achieve a dream she had since she was a child, that just shows how strong, intelligent and independent she is. But what is doesn’t show is that beneath that ice-queen exterior is woman who wants someone to understand and love her even though she believes herself to undeserving of it. Cece at that start of the book is a very different woman than the one that finally gets her happy ending. At the start she is conflicted and stuck in a place where she feels she has no choice but to go through with it. Throughout the book we see the ‘real’ Cece and see her development from a womam with only a dream to the fun, slightly emotional, loving but still a very strong and intelligent woman. I really liked her, I thought I wouldn’t with how she was at the start but she won me over completely.
Shane Donovan is the very handsome Corporate mogul but he isn’t without his own issues. He is caretaker in his family which is why he tends to be bossy and believes that he’s always right.
Shane was wonderful, he loves his family very much and would do anything for them because of his childhood he feels like he has constantly make more money for his family and always feels slightly threatened that it would all go away. He’s a workaholic. Shane is a genuinely good guy, who did everything in his will power to make his families live better in any way he could but nevertheless can’t help but feel that he failed them.
Cece and Shane have disliked each other from the first time they met at their siblings engagement party. Now those siblings are getting married and they are stuck in one house for weeks. Cece is the groom’s sister and Shane is the bride’s brother.
I loved Cece and Shane together. From their first scene in this book their connection and chemistry was evident. They are literally opposites of each other from the way they interact with others to which football team they support. They both have very strong wills though, neither is willing to back down. Their relationship was funny, exciting, at times emotional and passionate. Their banter was also wonderful to read. They both cared and loved each other so much and were willing to do and give up so much for each other. Shane brings the best and worst (its a matter of opinion) in Cece making her more human. From the moment Shane sees that Cece is more than the ice-queen she pretends to be, that she feels attracted toward him as well, it’s game on. Some of the best scenes were of them baiting and teasing each other. It bears mentioning again Wow! that chemistry was explosive.
The secondary character were also interesting and very intriguing. I cannot wait to read Gracie and James book (who FYI will be getting the next book in the series) because they are opposites too and I do love that trope in romance.
I really liked the realistic scenario of a child’s dream and the way that the parents impact the child’s behavior from an early age. Just because you have a dream of being a politician as a child shouldn’t make you feel forced to follow that dream later in life especially when you no longer know what you want to do, in that path lies misery.
Quibbles: The day I don’t have a quibble, that’s the day hell freezes over guys. Firstly I hated Cece’s father with a passion, what a bastard he was. Using his daughter as a scapegoat and treating her like an accessory to be used when needed and discarded when not. Secondly, View Spoiler » and lastly I just felt like Cece’s family namely her mother and brother, they should have been there for her and not made her feel like an outsider though they do come around.
This is the first time I ever read a book from the author and this book will definitely not be the last. Overall, I loved this book. This book was a gem! It had it just the right amount of everything you love in a romance, strong and sexy leads, a interesting plot and it left with a happy sigh. I really look forward to reading the next book in the series. Though this is the second book in the series Something New but it can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book but it didn’t effect my enjoyment of this book at all. Happy Reading!
Originally posted: http://www.afortressofbooks.com/2014/...
March 10, 2015
Coffee dates with The Winner Takes It All
First date: Dawson sucked me right in despite my hesitation with Cecilia Riley. The chemistry between Shane and Cecilia is immediately apparent. The two met in the previous novel. They do not like each other. HA! These two sizzle when they are in the same room. I enjoy their banter and love the haters to lover's trope. The next two weeks at the family homestead is going to be a blast.
Second date: I feel for Cecilia, she is a people pleaser and as much as she thinks, she knows what she wants she is clueless. Slowly we see her open up and I like this free spirited version of Cecilia. The romance at this point is purely sexual attraction and the hidden moments of kissing and heat are delicious. I am enjoying the families, wedding preparations and baking in Maggie’s kitchen. I love the small-town feel of it all. Can we talk about Shane for a minute? Ooo, the man will make you melt. His back-story and the way he takes care of his family just made me swoon. It does not hurt that the man can fill out his Levi jeans.
Third date: We finally see some delivery on all that heat and ooh-la-la. Of course, there are complications, but the growth we see in Cecilia is wonderful. I loved seeing her come into herself and her new take no prisoners attitude that emerges. The tale had some angst, but had a different outside twist that kept me flipping the pages, even if I knew my HEA was right around the corner. I ended this date with a smile. I am eager to go on dates with book one and will be looking for book three.
Copy provided by author.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
First date: Dawson sucked me right in despite my hesitation with Cecilia Riley. The chemistry between Shane and Cecilia is immediately apparent. The two met in the previous novel. They do not like each other. HA! These two sizzle when they are in the same room. I enjoy their banter and love the haters to lover's trope. The next two weeks at the family homestead is going to be a blast.
Second date: I feel for Cecilia, she is a people pleaser and as much as she thinks, she knows what she wants she is clueless. Slowly we see her open up and I like this free spirited version of Cecilia. The romance at this point is purely sexual attraction and the hidden moments of kissing and heat are delicious. I am enjoying the families, wedding preparations and baking in Maggie’s kitchen. I love the small-town feel of it all. Can we talk about Shane for a minute? Ooo, the man will make you melt. His back-story and the way he takes care of his family just made me swoon. It does not hurt that the man can fill out his Levi jeans.
Third date: We finally see some delivery on all that heat and ooh-la-la. Of course, there are complications, but the growth we see in Cecilia is wonderful. I loved seeing her come into herself and her new take no prisoners attitude that emerges. The tale had some angst, but had a different outside twist that kept me flipping the pages, even if I knew my HEA was right around the corner. I ended this date with a smile. I am eager to go on dates with book one and will be looking for book three.
Copy provided by author.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
March 18, 2015
1/12/14
HELLO NEW FAVORITE BOOK.
*Rose Calloway/Connor Cobalt lovers, I rec this one to you*
-----------------------
17/3
My review (written the day I finished reading):
I can’t believe I hadn’t read these amazing books - referring to first book as well. I am so in love right now. I just keep rereading favorite scenes and just replaying the moments – GAWD. This book is hot and hella cute and so pretty you could compare it to a cupcake.
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL is my baby now. I seriously was head over heels in love with Shane and when I read this was his book and was reading Take a Chance On Me, I was like I WANT TO GET TO HIS BOOK I WANT HIS CUTENESS AND PROTECTIVENESS ALL OVER IT. I got everything I’ve ever wanted. Shane was the best, in the whole book. I wanted to melt besides him and just my hands do the grabby grabby to be honest. He was just so *groans* frozen lollipop melts when you are around him. But THE FACT THAT HE IS NICE AND A /GOOD/ PERSON AND SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND JUST FILLS YOU WITH JOY, he gets every last star of this review.
But totally let’s not forget about my lady Cecilia. Ice queen in person, she really knows how to squeeze my heart. I was so intrigued by her character since the start and wanted to read more about her. Cute as hell, she made me fall in love with her pretty quickly – her actions, her persona, her everything – it’s just so not easy to ignore and you just fall fall fall fall for her.
And for Rose Calloway/Connor Cobalt lovers out there, this book is for you. You will totally love it. But like I won’t compare Cecilia/Shane to them, because as much as they are smart, beautiful, sassy as heck, they just don’t feel Rose/Connor-ish to be honest, which I enjoyed very much when I was thinking that “oh no no they are two different couples BUT THEY WILL TOTALLY BE DOUBLE DATES AND THE SASS IN THAT CONVERSATION”
Shane/Cecilia relationship was
* H
* O
* T
Enough said.
And after I finished my ARC and there was the first chapter of the next book, JAMES AND GRACIE, to be released on F A L L 2015? ?? ? ?? ? ? ?WHY ?? ? ? ? WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME. I just want every book of the Something New series.
HELLO NEW FAVORITE BOOK.
*Rose Calloway/Connor Cobalt lovers, I rec this one to you*
-----------------------
17/3
My review (written the day I finished reading):
I can’t believe I hadn’t read these amazing books - referring to first book as well. I am so in love right now. I just keep rereading favorite scenes and just replaying the moments – GAWD. This book is hot and hella cute and so pretty you could compare it to a cupcake.
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL is my baby now. I seriously was head over heels in love with Shane and when I read this was his book and was reading Take a Chance On Me, I was like I WANT TO GET TO HIS BOOK I WANT HIS CUTENESS AND PROTECTIVENESS ALL OVER IT. I got everything I’ve ever wanted. Shane was the best, in the whole book. I wanted to melt besides him and just my hands do the grabby grabby to be honest. He was just so *groans* frozen lollipop melts when you are around him. But THE FACT THAT HE IS NICE AND A /GOOD/ PERSON AND SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND JUST FILLS YOU WITH JOY, he gets every last star of this review.
But totally let’s not forget about my lady Cecilia. Ice queen in person, she really knows how to squeeze my heart. I was so intrigued by her character since the start and wanted to read more about her. Cute as hell, she made me fall in love with her pretty quickly – her actions, her persona, her everything – it’s just so not easy to ignore and you just fall fall fall fall for her.
And for Rose Calloway/Connor Cobalt lovers out there, this book is for you. You will totally love it. But like I won’t compare Cecilia/Shane to them, because as much as they are smart, beautiful, sassy as heck, they just don’t feel Rose/Connor-ish to be honest, which I enjoyed very much when I was thinking that “oh no no they are two different couples BUT THEY WILL TOTALLY BE DOUBLE DATES AND THE SASS IN THAT CONVERSATION”
Shane/Cecilia relationship was
* H
* O
* T
Enough said.
And after I finished my ARC and there was the first chapter of the next book, JAMES AND GRACIE, to be released on F A L L 2015? ?? ? ?? ? ? ?WHY ?? ? ? ? WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME. I just want every book of the Something New series.
October 1, 2015
Still waters run deep! And that’s the lesson Shane Donovan learnt the hard way with Cecilia Riley!
Shane Donovan is the typical hotshot head of the family – controlled, responsible yet a playboy – in short, tends to externalise everything he feels, the way he wants and when he wants!
Cecilia on the other hand, is a control freak – she doesn’t show emotion, has every bit of control an Ice Queen would, yet is yearning to be accepted into in a place and people she so desperately wants to belong with!
This book is brilliant and showcases the amazing talent that is Jennifer Dawson. She takes a plot that could have been mediocre and does something so brilliant with it, that you will never see it coming!
Shane is a character that I absolutely loved in the first book! He is protective, loving and loyal to those who are loved by him and isn’t that exactly what every guy should be like. He is the perfect fictional guy, even though he can be a bit of ass – but that just makes him all the more adorable to me :D (Yes I have a problem. No I don’t need a solution!)
Cecilia hasn’t exactly gotten the unconditional love that Shane is an expert in giving. In fact, her relationship with Mitch, her brother (and protagonist of Take a Chance on Me) is stale and quite strained. She has always longed for acceptance by the one person who has never given her the acceptance – and has never given credit to the unconditional acceptance she has always gotten from the two members of her family.
This isn’t just a story – it is a journey. A journey where Cecilia gets a little bit more confident and Shane gets a little less controlling! And their interactions? Boy, did they define “Opposites Attract” and they defined it oh so beautifully <3
Shane Donovan is the typical hotshot head of the family – controlled, responsible yet a playboy – in short, tends to externalise everything he feels, the way he wants and when he wants!
Cecilia on the other hand, is a control freak – she doesn’t show emotion, has every bit of control an Ice Queen would, yet is yearning to be accepted into in a place and people she so desperately wants to belong with!
This book is brilliant and showcases the amazing talent that is Jennifer Dawson. She takes a plot that could have been mediocre and does something so brilliant with it, that you will never see it coming!
Shane is a character that I absolutely loved in the first book! He is protective, loving and loyal to those who are loved by him and isn’t that exactly what every guy should be like. He is the perfect fictional guy, even though he can be a bit of ass – but that just makes him all the more adorable to me :D (Yes I have a problem. No I don’t need a solution!)
Cecilia hasn’t exactly gotten the unconditional love that Shane is an expert in giving. In fact, her relationship with Mitch, her brother (and protagonist of Take a Chance on Me) is stale and quite strained. She has always longed for acceptance by the one person who has never given her the acceptance – and has never given credit to the unconditional acceptance she has always gotten from the two members of her family.
This isn’t just a story – it is a journey. A journey where Cecilia gets a little bit more confident and Shane gets a little less controlling! And their interactions? Boy, did they define “Opposites Attract” and they defined it oh so beautifully <3
July 30, 2015
This book is so good I managed to finish it despite my weird reading funk and I loved it a lot.
I'm in love with this series and the characters. Everyone has something special and I adored the little moments between the various pairs and sparks. As for Shane and Cecilia, great chemistry, banter, tension, basically all the necessary things you need in a good ship were present.
I also thought the friendship and love and family in this book is just great. And I'm dying to read about Gracie and James in the next book, they're interesting and I also like the other potential pair-in-the-making Penelope and Evan who don't even have a book yet but I ship it already please make this book happen.
I'm in love with this series and the characters. Everyone has something special and I adored the little moments between the various pairs and sparks. As for Shane and Cecilia, great chemistry, banter, tension, basically all the necessary things you need in a good ship were present.
I also thought the friendship and love and family in this book is just great. And I'm dying to read about Gracie and James in the next book, they're interesting and I also like the other potential pair-in-the-making Penelope and Evan who don't even have a book yet but I ship it already please make this book happen.
April 22, 2015
ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Let me tell you what I LOVED about this book. Our heroine leaves something to be desired when we first meet her. Too me, she was cold and uppity. But Jennifer Dawson wrote her character and this storyline in such a way that she grows and blossoms right before our reading eyes! It was wonderful! The love story between our hero and heroine was magnificent. They are total opposites but yet their chemistry explodes off the pages! Their road was not an easy one and there were some twist thrown in there but in the end we get our HEA! :)
I hope to see more novels for the secondary characters!
Let me tell you what I LOVED about this book. Our heroine leaves something to be desired when we first meet her. Too me, she was cold and uppity. But Jennifer Dawson wrote her character and this storyline in such a way that she grows and blossoms right before our reading eyes! It was wonderful! The love story between our hero and heroine was magnificent. They are total opposites but yet their chemistry explodes off the pages! Their road was not an easy one and there were some twist thrown in there but in the end we get our HEA! :)
I hope to see more novels for the secondary characters!
July 27, 2016
Sooo my kind of a romance. So much sexual tension that I was fidgeting. I could read this again. After a long long time a four star romance. Thank his I don't give her up after her first book. I love books with matured characters, sensible ones and with lot of sexual tension than the actual deed. This is a fantastic read for me. I was smiling the whole time and i could help but finish it less than a day. :)
November 21, 2016
This was so cute and fun! Thanks to my friends continuous ravings, I finally picked up this series and I enjoyed this second book even more than the first.
August 13, 2016
4.5
this was sooo hot.... i looooove love cecilia and shane *heart eyes*
this was sooo hot.... i looooove love cecilia and shane *heart eyes*
June 7, 2017
might be my favourite book hands down
February 28, 2021
This was an okay read. Shane and Cecilia are very different. Normally that doesn't bother me but that day I wasn't feeling it. I get that Cecilia wasn't happy with everything in her life but I just never really cared much for her. I was glad that she made her life better and they got to have their happy ending.
July 14, 2017
For me, THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL by Jennifer Dawson was a disappointing follow up to the first novel in the Something New series. The novel seems to attempt to make up for the shallow plot development with a lot of graphic sex, the novel earns 2 stars from me.
This second installment of the Something New series picks up with the pre-wedding preparations of book one's Mitch Riley and Maddie Donovan. As family descends upon the Revival, Illinois farmhouse, unexpected sparks fly between the sister of the groom, Cecelia Riley, and the brother of the bride, Shane Donovan. Though they met once previously and were attracted to each other, Cecelia’s life has since had some major developments.
Shane has been taking care of his family for years, since his father died, and has a bit of an alpha hero complex. He notices a few odd moments when he and Cecelia meet again, which lead him to believe her ice queen persona is a total fake, and he is determined to find out why. Their attraction for each other develops into full conflagration, with the kitchen being their favored make-out spot, but the announcement of Cecelia’s engagement to a man who allegedly cheats at golf frustrates Shane’s progress. Senator Riley makes another appearance as the absolute unscrupulous power-hungry despot that he is, this time dragging another child through the mud. Can Cecelia save Shane’s reputation without throwing away their new-found relationship?
After reading the first novel in this series, I was intrigued by the plot summary of The Winner Takes It All and looked forward to finding out more about the Riley and Donovan families. However, the relationship between Shane and Cecelia seems to be based more on sexual aggression and control than actual love, and with declarations of love made just after two weeks of sex, the romance is not believable.
Shane’s protective streak is triggered by the various tensions in Cecelia’s life, and his sexual desire for her is triggered by his need to pop her prim and proper persona. While it’s clear that he seems to understand her as a person, his understanding isn’t based on anything other than intuition and stories told by the neighbors. There’s only one scene where any tenderness is shown and that’s when Cecelia becomes sick after a night of heavy drinking. Yes, it is sweet that he takes care of her while she’s vomiting, but I needed more of that and conversation and less of the hair-pulling, pushing, shoving, ripping caveman sex in public places that he seems to prefer.
Cecelia’s transformation in the book seems to have more to do with the location than any involvement with Shane. Her friends call her relaxed and wild side “Summer Ce-Ce,” which as children became more apparent as Cecelia’s summer vacations with her maternal grandparents progressed. Inevitably, though, Cecelia would return to Chicago and the next summer, the transformation would have to start anew. Yes, Summer Ce-Ce is more adventurous, but there really isn’t much of a basis for her “love” of Shane. I do like the fact that Cecelia has her own epiphanies about her life and what she wants to do with it, but again, I needed more non-sexual quality time between the two.
As for the rest of the plot, while I won’t post any spoilers, I will say that it was predictable, and for someone as smart as Cecelia is supposed to be, she took quite a long time to come up with the most obvious solution her problems. In that sense, the novel seemed to be a bit slow - perhaps dumbed down for audiences who care more about sex than an actual plot? The publisher has categorized this novel as contemporary romance, but like its predecessor, it really seems to be erotic romance bordering on BDSM. It’s important when writing a series that people’s characteristics are unique, and here, the sexual content was too similar to the first novel in the series to be considered anything other than formulaic. This kind of pervasive graphic sexual content may work for some people, but not me. I prefer much more actual character development outside of the sexual relationship.
As a last comment, the title of this novel doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the substance, and as with formulaic sexual content, this aspect of the novel suggests a focus on cookie-cutter novel production rather than on true literary artistry. Sad to say that I will not be reading any more of this series, regardless of my curiosity about the lives of the other characters.
This second installment of the Something New series picks up with the pre-wedding preparations of book one's Mitch Riley and Maddie Donovan. As family descends upon the Revival, Illinois farmhouse, unexpected sparks fly between the sister of the groom, Cecelia Riley, and the brother of the bride, Shane Donovan. Though they met once previously and were attracted to each other, Cecelia’s life has since had some major developments.
Shane has been taking care of his family for years, since his father died, and has a bit of an alpha hero complex. He notices a few odd moments when he and Cecelia meet again, which lead him to believe her ice queen persona is a total fake, and he is determined to find out why. Their attraction for each other develops into full conflagration, with the kitchen being their favored make-out spot, but the announcement of Cecelia’s engagement to a man who allegedly cheats at golf frustrates Shane’s progress. Senator Riley makes another appearance as the absolute unscrupulous power-hungry despot that he is, this time dragging another child through the mud. Can Cecelia save Shane’s reputation without throwing away their new-found relationship?
After reading the first novel in this series, I was intrigued by the plot summary of The Winner Takes It All and looked forward to finding out more about the Riley and Donovan families. However, the relationship between Shane and Cecelia seems to be based more on sexual aggression and control than actual love, and with declarations of love made just after two weeks of sex, the romance is not believable.
Shane’s protective streak is triggered by the various tensions in Cecelia’s life, and his sexual desire for her is triggered by his need to pop her prim and proper persona. While it’s clear that he seems to understand her as a person, his understanding isn’t based on anything other than intuition and stories told by the neighbors. There’s only one scene where any tenderness is shown and that’s when Cecelia becomes sick after a night of heavy drinking. Yes, it is sweet that he takes care of her while she’s vomiting, but I needed more of that and conversation and less of the hair-pulling, pushing, shoving, ripping caveman sex in public places that he seems to prefer.
Cecelia’s transformation in the book seems to have more to do with the location than any involvement with Shane. Her friends call her relaxed and wild side “Summer Ce-Ce,” which as children became more apparent as Cecelia’s summer vacations with her maternal grandparents progressed. Inevitably, though, Cecelia would return to Chicago and the next summer, the transformation would have to start anew. Yes, Summer Ce-Ce is more adventurous, but there really isn’t much of a basis for her “love” of Shane. I do like the fact that Cecelia has her own epiphanies about her life and what she wants to do with it, but again, I needed more non-sexual quality time between the two.
As for the rest of the plot, while I won’t post any spoilers, I will say that it was predictable, and for someone as smart as Cecelia is supposed to be, she took quite a long time to come up with the most obvious solution her problems. In that sense, the novel seemed to be a bit slow - perhaps dumbed down for audiences who care more about sex than an actual plot? The publisher has categorized this novel as contemporary romance, but like its predecessor, it really seems to be erotic romance bordering on BDSM. It’s important when writing a series that people’s characteristics are unique, and here, the sexual content was too similar to the first novel in the series to be considered anything other than formulaic. This kind of pervasive graphic sexual content may work for some people, but not me. I prefer much more actual character development outside of the sexual relationship.
As a last comment, the title of this novel doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the substance, and as with formulaic sexual content, this aspect of the novel suggests a focus on cookie-cutter novel production rather than on true literary artistry. Sad to say that I will not be reading any more of this series, regardless of my curiosity about the lives of the other characters.
January 21, 2015
After reading Take a Chance on Me last year, I was so excited to read Jennifer Dawson's latest release The Winner Takes it All. Due to the fact that my to-read-pile could be used to stock a medium sized library, it's taken me a while to make time to pick this one up, not least of all because I knew I would need to make time to read it in a single sitting. I wasn't wrong. Oh-em-gee, Jennifer Dawson can spin a tale.
Cecilia is straight laced, determined. She wants to run for office, ensure her father's approval, all with her Olivia Pope-esque superpowers. The idea of falling in love isn't even on her radar.
And then there's Shane. He wasn't born into money like Cecilia, but fought his way up to become a powerful businessman, all in the name of looking after his family. He's intensely protective and willing to do anything to look after the ones he loves.
The two are forced to spend time together in the lead up to Maddie and Mitch's wedding (our H/H from the last book), and sparks fly right off the bat. Cecilia and Shane are so hot together. That combination of the good girl letting go and the hero with a savior complex, plus the sexy clash of two control freaks. Ah, yum.
Nothing comes easy to these two, though. Not only do they have to fight their own personal issues, but this story includes political marriages and blackmail. The romance plot is definitely primary, driven by an intense sexual connection between our hero and heroine, but the blackmail plot feeds into this as well.
My only criticism is that I felt like one of the blackmail subplots wasn't entirely resolved - I don't want to give too much away, but I still want to understand the motivations of Miles (Cecilia's father's lackey) in his particular blackmail scheme. There seems to be some foreshadowing that never fully plays out. Admittedly, it doesn't end up being all that relevant to the resolution, but inquiring minds want to know.
One of my favorite things about the Something New series is the development of the secondary cast. We get a lot of wonderful detail about the relationships of Shane and Cecilia's family and friends in a way that makes them more complete characters, as well as giving us some tempting insight into future possible stories. I can't wait to read James and Gracie's story! I hope that's next...
The Winner Takes it All is a compulsive and sexy romance that I'd especially recommend to readers who love a family based series with a well developed secondary cast and a lot of heat between our primary characters.
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
Cecilia is straight laced, determined. She wants to run for office, ensure her father's approval, all with her Olivia Pope-esque superpowers. The idea of falling in love isn't even on her radar.
And then there's Shane. He wasn't born into money like Cecilia, but fought his way up to become a powerful businessman, all in the name of looking after his family. He's intensely protective and willing to do anything to look after the ones he loves.
The two are forced to spend time together in the lead up to Maddie and Mitch's wedding (our H/H from the last book), and sparks fly right off the bat. Cecilia and Shane are so hot together. That combination of the good girl letting go and the hero with a savior complex, plus the sexy clash of two control freaks. Ah, yum.
Nothing comes easy to these two, though. Not only do they have to fight their own personal issues, but this story includes political marriages and blackmail. The romance plot is definitely primary, driven by an intense sexual connection between our hero and heroine, but the blackmail plot feeds into this as well.
My only criticism is that I felt like one of the blackmail subplots wasn't entirely resolved - I don't want to give too much away, but I still want to understand the motivations of Miles (Cecilia's father's lackey) in his particular blackmail scheme. There seems to be some foreshadowing that never fully plays out. Admittedly, it doesn't end up being all that relevant to the resolution, but inquiring minds want to know.
One of my favorite things about the Something New series is the development of the secondary cast. We get a lot of wonderful detail about the relationships of Shane and Cecilia's family and friends in a way that makes them more complete characters, as well as giving us some tempting insight into future possible stories. I can't wait to read James and Gracie's story! I hope that's next...
The Winner Takes it All is a compulsive and sexy romance that I'd especially recommend to readers who love a family based series with a well developed secondary cast and a lot of heat between our primary characters.
---
More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
July 19, 2015
I read this a few months ago and completely forgot to rate it. I didn't read the first book but I have to rectify that asap.
This book was so good! It had the *coballoway* vibe (If you've read the addicted series and know who Rose and Connor are then you'll know what I mean)
Cecilia and Shane are very stubborn and frankly can't stand each other. They're always butting heads and don't see eye to eye... And don't you just love when a relationship starts off like that?! Cecilia's brother and Shane's sister are getting married to each other and now they have to live under the same roof until the wedding.
Their interaction and chemistry was so on point. Shane refers to Cecilia as the Ice Queen. She's very focused on her work and comes across as someone with no feelings and a little cold. As for Shawn he likes to poke Cecilia until he gets a reaction out of her. The banter and dialogue between the couple is great and slowly they start to actually see each other beyond the hatred.
Of course not everything goes according to plan. They go through their ups and downs and even though it was frustrating it was still very entertaining to read.
I need to read the first book and the third book in the series. I really liked getting to know the secondary characters in the series so it'll be nice to know their stories too.
This book was so good! It had the *coballoway* vibe (If you've read the addicted series and know who Rose and Connor are then you'll know what I mean)
Cecilia and Shane are very stubborn and frankly can't stand each other. They're always butting heads and don't see eye to eye... And don't you just love when a relationship starts off like that?! Cecilia's brother and Shane's sister are getting married to each other and now they have to live under the same roof until the wedding.
Their interaction and chemistry was so on point. Shane refers to Cecilia as the Ice Queen. She's very focused on her work and comes across as someone with no feelings and a little cold. As for Shawn he likes to poke Cecilia until he gets a reaction out of her. The banter and dialogue between the couple is great and slowly they start to actually see each other beyond the hatred.
Of course not everything goes according to plan. They go through their ups and downs and even though it was frustrating it was still very entertaining to read.
I need to read the first book and the third book in the series. I really liked getting to know the secondary characters in the series so it'll be nice to know their stories too.
March 22, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting to. When dealing with a series in the contemporary romance genre I often find that the stories can get monotonous and overly predictable. Although somewhat predictable I didn't once get bored with the characters and plot.
The characters were mature, strong and likeable as far as I was concerned. The attraction between Cecilia and Shane was undeniable and there were a lot more sexy and "blush" moments than I was expecting. The pages heat up on numerous occasions.
I didn't have the opportunity to read the first book in the series before this one but I was able to follow along easily. References are made to what happened in the first book that has me wanting to go back and read it. References are also made to indicate what the next book will be about that has peaked my interest as well.
I think fans of contemporary romance with mature characters (not teenagers or new adults) and steamy interactions will be sure to like this series just like I did. It was a very easy book to get through.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting to. When dealing with a series in the contemporary romance genre I often find that the stories can get monotonous and overly predictable. Although somewhat predictable I didn't once get bored with the characters and plot.
The characters were mature, strong and likeable as far as I was concerned. The attraction between Cecilia and Shane was undeniable and there were a lot more sexy and "blush" moments than I was expecting. The pages heat up on numerous occasions.
I didn't have the opportunity to read the first book in the series before this one but I was able to follow along easily. References are made to what happened in the first book that has me wanting to go back and read it. References are also made to indicate what the next book will be about that has peaked my interest as well.
I think fans of contemporary romance with mature characters (not teenagers or new adults) and steamy interactions will be sure to like this series just like I did. It was a very easy book to get through.
March 31, 2015
Yes! This was a real great story
Shane and Cecilia have to share a home for a few days as her brother and his sister prepare to get married. As both of them cannot really stand the other, this is a Bit problematic. But more than that is the chemistry between them - even as he thinks, she is an Ice queen and she thinks, he is a Macho and a Rouge
But Cecilia is not really cold but she has serious family issues that have stunted her emotions, making her reluctant to show her feelings. Shane is just as tentative, but his reasons are a bit different. He's long been the caretaker for his siblings, and he's so accustomed to looking out for them that he doesn't realize that he might need someone to look out for him.
I loved those two together. There were a Lot of feelings and chemistry and their encounters were always more than hot. It was fascinating to watch how Cecilia and Shane found their way and how that changed them, but not in a "I have to change so you Love me way" but in a" I can finally be myself" way
I can't wait for the next Book as the secondary characters really grew on me
All in all, i loved this book and highly recommend it to every romance lover
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review
Shane and Cecilia have to share a home for a few days as her brother and his sister prepare to get married. As both of them cannot really stand the other, this is a Bit problematic. But more than that is the chemistry between them - even as he thinks, she is an Ice queen and she thinks, he is a Macho and a Rouge
But Cecilia is not really cold but she has serious family issues that have stunted her emotions, making her reluctant to show her feelings. Shane is just as tentative, but his reasons are a bit different. He's long been the caretaker for his siblings, and he's so accustomed to looking out for them that he doesn't realize that he might need someone to look out for him.
I loved those two together. There were a Lot of feelings and chemistry and their encounters were always more than hot. It was fascinating to watch how Cecilia and Shane found their way and how that changed them, but not in a "I have to change so you Love me way" but in a" I can finally be myself" way
I can't wait for the next Book as the secondary characters really grew on me
All in all, i loved this book and highly recommend it to every romance lover
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review
October 8, 2014
A battle of wits has never been more sexy Shane and Cecilia basically play off each other and it was entertaining as hell, "...Cecilia's foot started to bounce, giving him all the confirmation he needed. She did not like his hands on Gracie." Shane has some big brass balls, "...let the woman eat before you start grilling her and telling her she looks like s***." As the book goes on you totally see the dominant, alpha side of Shane, "with the way I'm feeling you're lucky I don't take ahold of you right now and show every single person in this room I know exactly how to take care of you." Then we see the child like version of Shane which was totally cute, "please," he whispered, his breath hot in her ear. "I haven't been inside you for a whole six hours. It's been torture." We also learn ladies that we don't tempt a man like Shane on the dance floor in the middle of a dance while everyone is watching:
She bit his ear lobe. "I'm not wearing any panties."
He jerked up. "Song's over, come on."
I really enjoyed this book it gave me some ideas on how to keep men running for their money.
She bit his ear lobe. "I'm not wearing any panties."
He jerked up. "Song's over, come on."
I really enjoyed this book it gave me some ideas on how to keep men running for their money.
January 20, 2016
This was fine. Contemporary romance set mostly in rural Illinois. I think it was on my list because the next book in the series features a sexy professor and I have a type ya know.
Although....authors, explain to me why you continually write lazy jokes about librarians wearing drab clothing, hair buns and being generally unattractive and boring. Explain why you make jokes, mostly harmless ones, at the expense of the one profession that actually purchases your books. Last I checked Ms. Dawson, almost three hundred libraries own this book, that's not including multiple copies. So maybe don't insult the one group of people who actually buy your books en mass and promote them to readers. Just a thought.
Although....authors, explain to me why you continually write lazy jokes about librarians wearing drab clothing, hair buns and being generally unattractive and boring. Explain why you make jokes, mostly harmless ones, at the expense of the one profession that actually purchases your books. Last I checked Ms. Dawson, almost three hundred libraries own this book, that's not including multiple copies. So maybe don't insult the one group of people who actually buy your books en mass and promote them to readers. Just a thought.
March 4, 2016
damn this was pretty hot... every book makes me love the characters more!!! this had some coballoway-type vibes which i was loving. although i have to say i've been waiting for gracie and james' book because they are my faves
March 11, 2017
Nope. Never okay with the possesive white male lead after all. The only thing i'm probably a bit excited about is the next book because honestly james's and gracie's promise of relationship got me really interested.
April 20, 2016
2.5-3 stars - Contemporary Romance
June 21, 2016
Yaas to ice queen reads and cracking her shell! <3 This one was so sweet.
July 6, 2016
The bottom line: My favorite thing hands down are the moments when the whole gang gets together (and bicker haha). Though the story is pretty predictable, these books are pretty addicting!
December 5, 2016
4.5 stars
Genau mein Fall.
Genau mein Fall.
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars. I'm not sure where I like it or not. But for sure, it got me curious to read till the end. I kinda love both characters but I'm not really a fan of insta-lust romance. This, in my opinion, is one of those. But I got to admit, the writer had a way of writing which kinda sounds realistic, like real people, quite different from my usual read. Thus the 3.5, I couldn't quite decide whether I like it or not. To give 3 stars meaning it's not really good, but to give 4 stars meaning it's so good. So I opted for the in between.
January 15, 2025
⭐️ 4,25
Trochę słabsza niż poprzednia część. Wątek główny jest spoko z tą całą nienawiścią, ale tego ojca i narzeczonego nie da się zdzierżyć. Podobało mi się to jak było przedstawione jak Mitch zgrał się z rodziną Maddie i że on i Shane praktycznie zostali besties, pasują na przyjaciół i fajnie, że nie są tylko brothers-in-law.
Trochę słabsza niż poprzednia część. Wątek główny jest spoko z tą całą nienawiścią, ale tego ojca i narzeczonego nie da się zdzierżyć. Podobało mi się to jak było przedstawione jak Mitch zgrał się z rodziną Maddie i że on i Shane praktycznie zostali besties, pasują na przyjaciół i fajnie, że nie są tylko brothers-in-law.
February 13, 2020
This was delicious!
Excellent storyline! Perfect amount of story and sizzle!
Loved the characters!
Jennifer Dawson you are amazing!
And look her up on FB at The Lair!
Best group of women I have never met but hope to one day!
Excellent storyline! Perfect amount of story and sizzle!
Loved the characters!
Jennifer Dawson you are amazing!
And look her up on FB at The Lair!
Best group of women I have never met but hope to one day!
September 15, 2020
i liked it a lot!! solid, quick, read; had some truly lovely moments as well as v steamy scenes. the characters grow, develop, and are definitely solidly defined. a good follow up to book 1 of the series.
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