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Second Dance
Cait has finally broken her streak of failed relationships and plans to marry the man of her dreams…if his mom doesn’t break them up first.
Cait
My first serious boyfriend said I wasn’t long-term material. Oh, and cheated on me. So I learned to keep men at arm’s length. Too many jerks saw me as a trophy to collect before moving on to the next. I had to protect my heart.
That is, until I met Bryson Walker–smart, sweet, and superhero-level hot. I lowered my defenses and he proposed.
The last thing I needed was for his mom to drop into town and make me second-guess myself and our relationship.
I’ve found the man of my dreams and I don’t want to let him go, even if his mother is infuriating. I will be Mrs. Walker, won’t I?
Bryson
Between law school and starting my own sports agency, my schedule was hectic. I wasn’t too worried about settling down. Besides, most of the women I dated lacked depth.
For starters, none of them would’ve set foot in the gym without taking an hour to get ready. But Cait? She was different. Even in sweatpants, an oversized tee, and without makeup, she was confident. It’s no surprise she was down to earth, too. When we got engaged, I felt like the puzzle pieces of a championship life were falling into place.
But ever since my mom came to town to help with the wedding, Cait has been crazy stressed and not acting like herself. I’m determined to keep her happy and remind her this all ends with us together…hopefully.
Second Dance is a swoony second chance rom com with heartfelt moments, sassy banter, and no explicit language or scenes. It’s a feel-good love story with a guaranteed happily ever after that fans of Hallmark movies can enjoy.
Cait
My first serious boyfriend said I wasn’t long-term material. Oh, and cheated on me. So I learned to keep men at arm’s length. Too many jerks saw me as a trophy to collect before moving on to the next. I had to protect my heart.
That is, until I met Bryson Walker–smart, sweet, and superhero-level hot. I lowered my defenses and he proposed.
The last thing I needed was for his mom to drop into town and make me second-guess myself and our relationship.
I’ve found the man of my dreams and I don’t want to let him go, even if his mother is infuriating. I will be Mrs. Walker, won’t I?
Bryson
Between law school and starting my own sports agency, my schedule was hectic. I wasn’t too worried about settling down. Besides, most of the women I dated lacked depth.
For starters, none of them would’ve set foot in the gym without taking an hour to get ready. But Cait? She was different. Even in sweatpants, an oversized tee, and without makeup, she was confident. It’s no surprise she was down to earth, too. When we got engaged, I felt like the puzzle pieces of a championship life were falling into place.
But ever since my mom came to town to help with the wedding, Cait has been crazy stressed and not acting like herself. I’m determined to keep her happy and remind her this all ends with us together…hopefully.
Second Dance is a swoony second chance rom com with heartfelt moments, sassy banter, and no explicit language or scenes. It’s a feel-good love story with a guaranteed happily ever after that fans of Hallmark movies can enjoy.
Unknown Binding
First published January 22, 2025
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 12, 2025
*I was given an early ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This does not affect my review.*
This story! I don't read rom-com types stories as often as other genre, so when I started this I knew it sounded fun but wasn't sure what to expect. I'm also not sure I would have loved it so much if I didn't fine Cait so relatable, so in that way, this one might be a little biased, I'm sorry!
I've found a few character who I relate to, oddly enough it seems to mostly be in historical stories though. So finding one in a contemporary setting was a rare treat, and I loved how the relationship struggles and faith were handled in the story along the way! Cait's life is average by most standards, yet in both Cait and Bryson's stories, there's more than meets the eye. Or perhaps a better way to phrase it, neither are what they first appear to be.
I loved seeing how things work turn out, and work out, as the story goes on, and loved meeting these characters. While I can see why many people don't like Cait, I can also very much relate to her at the same time. It's realistic and relatable, and that's part of what I loved so much about her. The story was also not afraid to touch on some difficult topics and relationship struggles, and takes an interesting approach to start during the engagement phase of their relationship. A stressful, yet exciting time for many, but what happens with things don't go as planned? The Second Dance tries to shine a light on some of the struggles that can arise, and I loved seeing how the story turns out.
This story! I don't read rom-com types stories as often as other genre, so when I started this I knew it sounded fun but wasn't sure what to expect. I'm also not sure I would have loved it so much if I didn't fine Cait so relatable, so in that way, this one might be a little biased, I'm sorry!
I've found a few character who I relate to, oddly enough it seems to mostly be in historical stories though. So finding one in a contemporary setting was a rare treat, and I loved how the relationship struggles and faith were handled in the story along the way! Cait's life is average by most standards, yet in both Cait and Bryson's stories, there's more than meets the eye. Or perhaps a better way to phrase it, neither are what they first appear to be.
I loved seeing how things work turn out, and work out, as the story goes on, and loved meeting these characters. While I can see why many people don't like Cait, I can also very much relate to her at the same time. It's realistic and relatable, and that's part of what I loved so much about her. The story was also not afraid to touch on some difficult topics and relationship struggles, and takes an interesting approach to start during the engagement phase of their relationship. A stressful, yet exciting time for many, but what happens with things don't go as planned? The Second Dance tries to shine a light on some of the struggles that can arise, and I loved seeing how the story turns out.
Want to read
February 12, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
January 20, 2025
This was a different take on the second chance trope! It was done really well though! Cait and Bryson are engaged for the majority of the book with his mother attempting to break them up.
Things I loved about this book:
-how deeply Cait and Bryson loved each other. They were so good for each other.
-Cait’s relationship with her sisters. They were good at helping each other grow.
-Adriana pulled a Tony move at the restaurant with the appetizers— if you’ve read First Class Romance you know, if you haven’t, you should go read that one too
-there are more things but I don’t want to give spoilers! The book wraps up really nicely. ❤️
Favorite Quotes!
“Bryson!” a voice shouts. It warms me from the inside out and by the time I turn around, I’m wearing a massive grin that reaches across my face. “Cait.” An awkward chorus of noises erupt from the players and even the coach is covering a laugh at the ridiculous response to my fiancé’s arrival at the field. She rarely comes, but when she does meet me here to grab dinner after work, it’s like dessert. And I love dessert.
“That’s what marriage is about, isn’t it?” I ask, searching the faces of my sisters and expecting the answer to be etched in their expressions. “It’s not about finding the perfect person to give you the life you’ve always wanted. It’s about finding the person who you want by your side, the one you know is imperfect, but whose good qualities far outweigh the bad ones. The person you want to build a life with that will be full of beauty and growth for both of you.”
Things I loved about this book:
-how deeply Cait and Bryson loved each other. They were so good for each other.
-Cait’s relationship with her sisters. They were good at helping each other grow.
-Adriana pulled a Tony move at the restaurant with the appetizers— if you’ve read First Class Romance you know, if you haven’t, you should go read that one too
-there are more things but I don’t want to give spoilers! The book wraps up really nicely. ❤️
Favorite Quotes!
“Bryson!” a voice shouts. It warms me from the inside out and by the time I turn around, I’m wearing a massive grin that reaches across my face. “Cait.” An awkward chorus of noises erupt from the players and even the coach is covering a laugh at the ridiculous response to my fiancé’s arrival at the field. She rarely comes, but when she does meet me here to grab dinner after work, it’s like dessert. And I love dessert.
“That’s what marriage is about, isn’t it?” I ask, searching the faces of my sisters and expecting the answer to be etched in their expressions. “It’s not about finding the perfect person to give you the life you’ve always wanted. It’s about finding the person who you want by your side, the one you know is imperfect, but whose good qualities far outweigh the bad ones. The person you want to build a life with that will be full of beauty and growth for both of you.”
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January 21, 2025ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Caitlyn (Cait) Taylor and Bryson Walker are recently engaged. Admittedly the pair met, fell in love, and are getting married rather quickly. But as the old adage goes, “when you know, you know”.
With Bryson’s career finally taking off, he is left with little to no time to help Cait plan their nuptials. So when his mother offers to lend a hand and foot the bill, he is overjoyed. Will adding Mrs. Walker to the mix alleviate Cait’s stress, or will it exacerbate the situation?
Emily Maxwell’s Second Dance is a delightful departure from the typical romantic comedy!!!
As an avid romance reader, I have found authors tend to focus on the very beginning of a couple’s love story (in standalone novels). As soon as the main characters get together, the story abruptly ends. If we are lucky there is an epilogue, briefly depicting where their lives ended up. However, we are mostly left in the dark.
With that being said, it was fun to see Maxwell start her story during the protagonists’ engagement. It has been quite a long time since an author has abandoned the tried and true formula for success. This deliberate and well thought out choice made for a refreshing read!
Not wanting to give too much away, I will simply say I am impressed by the character development, dialogue, and overall writing. I look forward to reading more from Emily Maxwell, starting with her debut novel, First Class Romance.
Special thanks to Emily Maxwell for offering me a complimentary copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Caitlyn (Cait) Taylor and Bryson Walker are recently engaged. Admittedly the pair met, fell in love, and are getting married rather quickly. But as the old adage goes, “when you know, you know”.
With Bryson’s career finally taking off, he is left with little to no time to help Cait plan their nuptials. So when his mother offers to lend a hand and foot the bill, he is overjoyed. Will adding Mrs. Walker to the mix alleviate Cait’s stress, or will it exacerbate the situation?
Emily Maxwell’s Second Dance is a delightful departure from the typical romantic comedy!!!
As an avid romance reader, I have found authors tend to focus on the very beginning of a couple’s love story (in standalone novels). As soon as the main characters get together, the story abruptly ends. If we are lucky there is an epilogue, briefly depicting where their lives ended up. However, we are mostly left in the dark.
With that being said, it was fun to see Maxwell start her story during the protagonists’ engagement. It has been quite a long time since an author has abandoned the tried and true formula for success. This deliberate and well thought out choice made for a refreshing read!
Not wanting to give too much away, I will simply say I am impressed by the character development, dialogue, and overall writing. I look forward to reading more from Emily Maxwell, starting with her debut novel, First Class Romance.
Special thanks to Emily Maxwell for offering me a complimentary copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2025
Cait doesn't think anyone will give her what she needs and doesn't think she's good enough. Bryson has been too busy getting his career together to think about dating. When they meet over a bizarre smoothie flavor, all bets are off.
"This is it. I don't need to do anything or be anywhere, with him there is warmth and calm."
I loved the relationship between Caitlin and Bryson, as well as Cait's family. The girls were so close and they weren't afraid to tell their sister that she was being selfish or that she needed to look at others feelings. GROWTH!! I am glad for it, because there were moments I wasn't sure if I liked Cait or not.🤣 There was a lot in the story that helps you realize how many people truly suffer from experiences or anxiety. I know we're not supposed to like the "bad guys" so it's good that I despised her. That is good writing if you don't like the characters you aren't supposed to. I didn't even feel like she should be redeemed.
"People are humans and humans have strengths and weaknesses. When you marry another person, you have to understand you are marrying their strengths and their weaknesses."
Another great books in the Always California series. This was a sweet story that was more about how things go once you're in a relationship on your way to bliss and how to make it work.
"It's not about finding the perfect person to give you the life you've always wanted. It's about finding the person who you want by your side, the one you know is imperfect, but whose good qualities far outweigh the bad ones."
I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
"This is it. I don't need to do anything or be anywhere, with him there is warmth and calm."
I loved the relationship between Caitlin and Bryson, as well as Cait's family. The girls were so close and they weren't afraid to tell their sister that she was being selfish or that she needed to look at others feelings. GROWTH!! I am glad for it, because there were moments I wasn't sure if I liked Cait or not.🤣 There was a lot in the story that helps you realize how many people truly suffer from experiences or anxiety. I know we're not supposed to like the "bad guys" so it's good that I despised her. That is good writing if you don't like the characters you aren't supposed to. I didn't even feel like she should be redeemed.
"People are humans and humans have strengths and weaknesses. When you marry another person, you have to understand you are marrying their strengths and their weaknesses."
Another great books in the Always California series. This was a sweet story that was more about how things go once you're in a relationship on your way to bliss and how to make it work.
"It's not about finding the perfect person to give you the life you've always wanted. It's about finding the person who you want by your side, the one you know is imperfect, but whose good qualities far outweigh the bad ones."
I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
In this wonderful novel from @authoremilymaxwell I felt that she captured the anxiety and excitement that comes with planning a wedding. 🤍
When Cait meets Bryson it’s a connection that seems too strong to let go, so Bryson doesn’t…yes they both have busy lives, and a relationship isn’t a perfect ingredient to toss into that mix…but they make it work because they want to. Six months later and they are starting to plan their wedding…until Bryson’s mom appears to “help plan” their day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
Ugh. I have seen a few friends of mine deal with situations like this. It’s so hard to find love and commitment with one person, but toss their family into the mix and sometimes it is just too much for the couple.
I loved this more realistically beautiful story as the couple is determined to grow together and hopefully not apart through the many obstacles they face. I just wish the MIL had faced a bit more consequences for her horrid actions. 👏🏻🤍
When Cait meets Bryson it’s a connection that seems too strong to let go, so Bryson doesn’t…yes they both have busy lives, and a relationship isn’t a perfect ingredient to toss into that mix…but they make it work because they want to. Six months later and they are starting to plan their wedding…until Bryson’s mom appears to “help plan” their day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
Ugh. I have seen a few friends of mine deal with situations like this. It’s so hard to find love and commitment with one person, but toss their family into the mix and sometimes it is just too much for the couple.
I loved this more realistically beautiful story as the couple is determined to grow together and hopefully not apart through the many obstacles they face. I just wish the MIL had faced a bit more consequences for her horrid actions. 👏🏻🤍
January 24, 2025
Second Dance by Emily Maxwell is a second-chance romance that pulled me out of my comfort zone—and I’m so glad it did. The story of Cait and Bryson will have you shouting, whether out loud or in your head! I found myself yelling at Cait for her impulsive decisions and at Bryson for his obliviousness. And don’t even get me started on Bryson’s mom!
Cait’s journey through personal growth and self-discovery is as relatable as it is gripping. If you’re looking for a story filled with emotional depth and second chances, this one’s for you.
Cait’s journey through personal growth and self-discovery is as relatable as it is gripping. If you’re looking for a story filled with emotional depth and second chances, this one’s for you.
January 24, 2025
This is a fun book. It's a romance with the backdrop of a wedding and if you've been here a minute, you know I love that. But this one is about the main characters wedding. Actual wedding. Not fake dating, marriage of convenience. So, that's pretty fun. It features Adrina and Tony from book 1, a pill of an almost mother in law, wedding plans, California, a sports agent and a plastic surgeon assistant that encouraged people to not get surgery. See, unique?
Check it out! We all love romance and ones that aren't standard tropes are so fun to read!
Check it out! We all love romance and ones that aren't standard tropes are so fun to read!
January 19, 2025
This was a bit of a different take on the second chance trope! taking place during the engagement era and it was well done! It was confused from the beginning but was pleased with how everything played out. I loved how the MCs grew as the story progressed not only individually but as they helped each other. i highly recommend this read!
i received this as an eARC and these are my honest opinions
i received this as an eARC and these are my honest opinions
January 22, 2025
I love an already established relationship romance!
The engagement period can be the hardest part of a relationship... Add some insecurities, a busy work schedule, and a meddling mother (not in the good way).... Can they make it to the wedding?
Love the characters and the story!
The engagement period can be the hardest part of a relationship... Add some insecurities, a busy work schedule, and a meddling mother (not in the good way).... Can they make it to the wedding?
Love the characters and the story!
January 29, 2025
I adored the first book, but this one was a miss for me. I just didn’t like Cait, like at all, and her whiny attitude just ruined it for me.
February 8, 2025
I really just can't stand whiney, self centered, MCs who blame all of their problems on everyone but themselves.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews