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The Parent App #1
Second Dance
She never forgot her first love. Her daughter just found him on a dating app.
One summer in New York City, Gillian Horton met Alex Garcia—the boy who made her laugh, dream, and fall head over heels. Then tragedy struck. Gillian returned home to raise her infant niece, and Alex went back to MIT. Their love story ended in silence.
Fourteen years later, Gillian has built a life in Willet Cove. Grace, the little girl she raised, is now a teenager who longs for a father. What Gillian doesn’t know is that Grace and her friends have secretly put her profile on a dating app. And the first match to appear nearly stops Grace’s heart—Alex Garcia, widowed billionaire and single father of two.
Seeing Alex again shakes Gillian to her core. His teenagers raise painful questions about whether he had a family the summer he loved her. But as Grace soon discovers, the truth is more complicated—and maybe more hopeful—than her mother believes.
Reuniting first love is never simple. With trust to rebuild, families to blend, and grief still tender, Gillian and Alex must find the courage to risk their hearts again. Because some dances are worth a second chance.
One summer in New York City, Gillian Horton met Alex Garcia—the boy who made her laugh, dream, and fall head over heels. Then tragedy struck. Gillian returned home to raise her infant niece, and Alex went back to MIT. Their love story ended in silence.
Fourteen years later, Gillian has built a life in Willet Cove. Grace, the little girl she raised, is now a teenager who longs for a father. What Gillian doesn’t know is that Grace and her friends have secretly put her profile on a dating app. And the first match to appear nearly stops Grace’s heart—Alex Garcia, widowed billionaire and single father of two.
Seeing Alex again shakes Gillian to her core. His teenagers raise painful questions about whether he had a family the summer he loved her. But as Grace soon discovers, the truth is more complicated—and maybe more hopeful—than her mother believes.
Reuniting first love is never simple. With trust to rebuild, families to blend, and grief still tender, Gillian and Alex must find the courage to risk their hearts again. Because some dances are worth a second chance.
- GenresRomance
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2025
93 people are currently reading
1549 people want to read
About the author
Tess Thompson
111 books1,737 followersTess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 22, 2025
4.0 stars. This was a fun setup for a new small town series from a new to me author. Five women, all best friends, are blindsided when they find out their kids set them up on a dating app. Single parents Gillian and Alex are the first matched couple. It's fate, and I was hooked from the start as Gillian and Alex's relationship/romance began. But this fairytale lost a little bit of its shine for me once the focus moved to the emotional drama with the kids and someone from the past that shows up. Still, overall, it was entertaining. With four single ladies left, I'm curious enough to try the next book.
November 11, 2025
Second Dance (The Parent App Book 1)
By: Tess Thompson
5 Stars
When I read the prequel, I knew this series was going to be a hit. In this first book we meet Alex, a widowed billionaire and Gillian, a dancer and young woman from his past. Both of them have dealt with loss and their own individual struggles through the years, but never forgot about each other. Now, the dating profiles the kids helped set up have lead them together again. Will they have a second chance at love? Or will this be a disaster in the making?
With this book you get all the classics. You get the romance and the drama, but you also get so much heart. This book was about getting a second chance and making the most of now. It was about holding on to hope that no matter how bad it may seem, things will be okay in the end. I loved this story. The whole concept behind this series is so fun and sweet. The "meddling" kids add a fun and surprising twist to this series. This first book was so well done because it was both descriptive and intriguing and promises so much more to come. I can't wait.
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Tess Thompson
5 Stars
When I read the prequel, I knew this series was going to be a hit. In this first book we meet Alex, a widowed billionaire and Gillian, a dancer and young woman from his past. Both of them have dealt with loss and their own individual struggles through the years, but never forgot about each other. Now, the dating profiles the kids helped set up have lead them together again. Will they have a second chance at love? Or will this be a disaster in the making?
With this book you get all the classics. You get the romance and the drama, but you also get so much heart. This book was about getting a second chance and making the most of now. It was about holding on to hope that no matter how bad it may seem, things will be okay in the end. I loved this story. The whole concept behind this series is so fun and sweet. The "meddling" kids add a fun and surprising twist to this series. This first book was so well done because it was both descriptive and intriguing and promises so much more to come. I can't wait.
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
November 21, 2025
I wasn’t sure author Tess Thompson could ever match or surpass the reading joy I got from her Crescent Moon Ranch and Sugarville Grove series. Oh me of little faith, because she is doing it once again with The Parent App series. Thompson is unequaled in writing stories of the soul, characters with big hearts and open to big love, unwavering and true, loyal and dependable to family and friends, with just the right amount of trial and tribulation – and sweet humor.
Second Act, The Parent App prequel novella, was the perfect introduction to the five women and their children who will be the stars of these stories: what led them to where they are today, their struggles and losses, their joys and achievements. How they lean on each other, count on each other, fight for each other and always step in without question whenever needed.
Gillian and Alex’s second chance romance in Second Dance is the perfect start to the series. It’s a bittersweet story of lost love, of what ifs. Neither of them was looking for or expecting love again. Life had dealt them both difficult hands but they had stepped up and accepted their responsibilities with love and care. Gillian had made a life for Grace and herself in Willet Cove. Her heart broke when decisions were made fourteen years ago, but she didn’t regret them; Grace was her biggest joy. Alex is still trying to settle in but big change isn’t easy. His heart was broken, too, when those decisions were made fourteen years ago, and his heart was broken again two years ago. He’s still shaky, and sometimes his children Bella and Peter are all that get him through the day. Of course, sometimes they – especially Bella – are why his days are hard.
It's true that first love is the sweetest, and second chance romance is the most heartwarming. It is so tender and sweet the way Alex and Gillian instantly fall back into their connection, the comfort, the familiarity. Author Thompson portrays it so well, not diminishing the love he had for his wife, the depth of his grief at her loss, or keeping his children his priority, but Thompson also shows us just how joyful he is to be with Gillian again. How they both begin thinking about those ‘what ifs’ and imagining a happy future with both of them in it.
Can’t be quite that easy though, can it? Their three teenage children – with their teenage feelings – are involved. Those feelings are real and the last thing Alex and Grace want is to hurt their beloved children. Bella is still deep in grief over the loss of her mother, and doesn’t hesitate to voice her disappointment, disapproval and feelings of betrayal, and to actively rebel. Her rebellion has serious consequences that could have long-term effects and that lands her and both families in danger.
Thompson sensitively deals with all these topics, blending the families without marginalizing or demeaning other loves, losses, allowing room for second chances, new experiences and new people to love and count on.
Second Dance is delightful. Not only because is it romantic and heartwarming, but also because the interactions between Gillian and her friends and their loyalty to Gillian in determining if Alex is “worthy” are fun to read, the antics of all the children, teenage or otherwise, will have you laughing, and the newly-rekindled-never-really-died attraction between Gillian and Alex is swoony and just the right amount spicy.
I received an advance copy of Second Dance as part of Thompson’s Tessers Review Crewsters team. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Second Act, The Parent App prequel novella, was the perfect introduction to the five women and their children who will be the stars of these stories: what led them to where they are today, their struggles and losses, their joys and achievements. How they lean on each other, count on each other, fight for each other and always step in without question whenever needed.
Gillian and Alex’s second chance romance in Second Dance is the perfect start to the series. It’s a bittersweet story of lost love, of what ifs. Neither of them was looking for or expecting love again. Life had dealt them both difficult hands but they had stepped up and accepted their responsibilities with love and care. Gillian had made a life for Grace and herself in Willet Cove. Her heart broke when decisions were made fourteen years ago, but she didn’t regret them; Grace was her biggest joy. Alex is still trying to settle in but big change isn’t easy. His heart was broken, too, when those decisions were made fourteen years ago, and his heart was broken again two years ago. He’s still shaky, and sometimes his children Bella and Peter are all that get him through the day. Of course, sometimes they – especially Bella – are why his days are hard.
It's true that first love is the sweetest, and second chance romance is the most heartwarming. It is so tender and sweet the way Alex and Gillian instantly fall back into their connection, the comfort, the familiarity. Author Thompson portrays it so well, not diminishing the love he had for his wife, the depth of his grief at her loss, or keeping his children his priority, but Thompson also shows us just how joyful he is to be with Gillian again. How they both begin thinking about those ‘what ifs’ and imagining a happy future with both of them in it.
Can’t be quite that easy though, can it? Their three teenage children – with their teenage feelings – are involved. Those feelings are real and the last thing Alex and Grace want is to hurt their beloved children. Bella is still deep in grief over the loss of her mother, and doesn’t hesitate to voice her disappointment, disapproval and feelings of betrayal, and to actively rebel. Her rebellion has serious consequences that could have long-term effects and that lands her and both families in danger.
Thompson sensitively deals with all these topics, blending the families without marginalizing or demeaning other loves, losses, allowing room for second chances, new experiences and new people to love and count on.
Second Dance is delightful. Not only because is it romantic and heartwarming, but also because the interactions between Gillian and her friends and their loyalty to Gillian in determining if Alex is “worthy” are fun to read, the antics of all the children, teenage or otherwise, will have you laughing, and the newly-rekindled-never-really-died attraction between Gillian and Alex is swoony and just the right amount spicy.
I received an advance copy of Second Dance as part of Thompson’s Tessers Review Crewsters team. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
Second Dance by Tess Thompson was almost a fairy tale. I loved every minute I spent with this book. If you remember, I read Second Act, which is a prequel to The Parent App Series. I was so excited when I finished that book, I immediately knew I wanted to read the remainder of the series.
When the Second Dance hit my inbox, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and get reading. The series is about 5 women who all had children starting their first day of school. They met at a coffee gathering for moms who were leaving their kids at school for the first time. They became like family over the years. The kids are now in high school and decide their moms need a man in their lives when they leave for college so they put their moms profile on a dating app. Each book is a different mom’s experience at finding forever love.
The Second Dance is about Gillian Horton who is reunited with her first true love Alex Garcia. These two characters were so warm and loving they made my heart sing. Alex is a widow and Gillian has never been married. Gillian is so understanding of young people and is patient and kind. Just the kind of parents you want to see today.
I’ve found myself leaning more toward romance lately. I think the main reason is it is a kinder and gentler world than the one we are living in right now. I think I need that escape from all the violent and horrible crimes that are happening right now. I find myself crying during the news at night and these books bring such joy into my life.
If you are like me and looking for books that are uplifting and make you forget the horror that is going on around you, then I highly recommend The Parent App Series. I suspect these books will be somewhat standalones but, we are early in the series so read the prequel first and then jump right in. I think the next book is coming out fairly soon and you will be ready for it. They definitely belong on your nightstand to bring you sweet dreams. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When the Second Dance hit my inbox, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and get reading. The series is about 5 women who all had children starting their first day of school. They met at a coffee gathering for moms who were leaving their kids at school for the first time. They became like family over the years. The kids are now in high school and decide their moms need a man in their lives when they leave for college so they put their moms profile on a dating app. Each book is a different mom’s experience at finding forever love.
The Second Dance is about Gillian Horton who is reunited with her first true love Alex Garcia. These two characters were so warm and loving they made my heart sing. Alex is a widow and Gillian has never been married. Gillian is so understanding of young people and is patient and kind. Just the kind of parents you want to see today.
I’ve found myself leaning more toward romance lately. I think the main reason is it is a kinder and gentler world than the one we are living in right now. I think I need that escape from all the violent and horrible crimes that are happening right now. I find myself crying during the news at night and these books bring such joy into my life.
If you are like me and looking for books that are uplifting and make you forget the horror that is going on around you, then I highly recommend The Parent App Series. I suspect these books will be somewhat standalones but, we are early in the series so read the prequel first and then jump right in. I think the next book is coming out fairly soon and you will be ready for it. They definitely belong on your nightstand to bring you sweet dreams. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 19, 2025
One of Tess Thompson’s best books yet!
Gillian’s story begins in “Second Act”, the prequel to this new series and it is strongly advised that this book is read first: a friendship between five single mothers, and the equally strong unity among their fourteen-year-old children, creates the support system each woman needs to navigate their lives and small businesses in Willet Cove.
Grace, Gillian’s daughter, is determined to ensure her mom finds the life-partner she deserves but could never have envisaged the results of her search. New arrivals in town, Alex and his son and daughter, trigger curiosity from the community, which only increases with events that unfold as Alex’s relationship with Gillian develops.
Ms Thompson adds suspense and danger to this riveting love story, portraying characters who demonstrate superbly authentic emotions and actions, with Alex’s daughter, Bella, holding the spotlight in this regard for me. The conclusion includes elements that hold symbolic memories for Alex and Grace, cementing their family into a compelling entity. This is my voluntary review of an ARC received from the author.
Gillian’s story begins in “Second Act”, the prequel to this new series and it is strongly advised that this book is read first: a friendship between five single mothers, and the equally strong unity among their fourteen-year-old children, creates the support system each woman needs to navigate their lives and small businesses in Willet Cove.
Grace, Gillian’s daughter, is determined to ensure her mom finds the life-partner she deserves but could never have envisaged the results of her search. New arrivals in town, Alex and his son and daughter, trigger curiosity from the community, which only increases with events that unfold as Alex’s relationship with Gillian develops.
Ms Thompson adds suspense and danger to this riveting love story, portraying characters who demonstrate superbly authentic emotions and actions, with Alex’s daughter, Bella, holding the spotlight in this regard for me. The conclusion includes elements that hold symbolic memories for Alex and Grace, cementing their family into a compelling entity. This is my voluntary review of an ARC received from the author.
November 28, 2025
This book the first in "Parent App" series was a sweet and fun read. It has a bit of everything all from getting to know the mothers of the five friends who have set them up on a Parent App. The first story is about Gillian a single mother with her own dancing studio, she lives with her daughter Grace. During the storytelling we will also discover the other mothers of the other main characters, a very nice put together description of the group. There is Alex the billionaire with two children, Peter and Bella where one of them wouldn't mind seeing his father finding someone. During the story there is lots of fun adventure and plenty of mystery leading into complicated situations. A new encounter for both Gillian and Alex, it takes them back fourteen years. New discoveries, trying to find a way back and new beginnings. It all comes with fun moments and some not so fun moments. I loved how there was a twist of suspense and where truths are revealed. I had a wonderful time reading this book and loved the sweet end. I'm happy to have read this book about the first mother in the "Parent App", indeed so entertaining!
Charlotte N
Charlotte N
November 16, 2025
Second Dance is so good. I loved this one so much. I could not put this down. Gillian is a single parent to her niece and hasn't had a relationship since taking custody. If you read the prequel then you know Gillian and her mom group were all put on a dating site by their kids. Alex is a single dad after his wife passed away. He is doing everything he can to move forward like she wanted. There may be challenges along the way but Alex is open to love again. Alex and Gillian had a summer love years ago and neither knew where the other ended up until one dating app brought them together again. This is a second chance romance that will own your heart. Both have been through a lot and the connection is still so strong. I love how they bring the kids together. I love how they take everything in stride. Gillian is so patient and supportive when it comes to Alex's daughter. I love how both families just seem to fit. This is a read you do not want to miss. I cannot wait for more to come in the Parent App series . You need to read this today.
November 23, 2025
Sometimes people are lucky and their first love becomes their forever love. But for Gillian Horton and Alex Garcia, circumstances beyond their control separated them. They each went on to have successful careers and Alex found love again. Fourteen years later though, a move to a new location, some meddling teenagers and a chance threw them together again. While they want their relationship to work again, there might just be a small problem. Alex’s stepdaughter. Will they be able to work through it all and be together again as a family because their no denying the connection is still there. Or will people come between them and push them apart again.
This is a new clean romance series by Tess Thompson. It mixes today’s technology, middle-aged adults, teenagers and some old-fashioned love into an amazing story. Each family has a unique story and the more you read, the more it brings you into their world. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thanks to 1852 Media and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a new clean romance series by Tess Thompson. It mixes today’s technology, middle-aged adults, teenagers and some old-fashioned love into an amazing story. Each family has a unique story and the more you read, the more it brings you into their world. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thanks to 1852 Media and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 23, 2025
Second Dance the first book in the series where we met Alex and Gillian. Alex is a single dad of two kids Peter and Bella and Gillian is a single mother of Grace that she adopted from her sister after she passed away. Alex and Gillian had previously met each other in college and then life happened and they lost touch.
Over the years while Gillian raised Grace she has a support group of 4 other single moms that she use each other to help raise each others children.
Alex was a tech owner of a company and after loosing his wife moved to Willet Cove to raise his children.
Gillian’s daughter had made a profile for her mom on a dating app because she thought she needed to get out there and met a partner and Bella really wants a father in her life.
After some encouragement Gillian agrees to met Alex and things from there reconnect with each other. There is a surprise at the end of the story that you have to read to find out.
Can’t wait to read the stories of the other women in the group and how their stories unfold.
Over the years while Gillian raised Grace she has a support group of 4 other single moms that she use each other to help raise each others children.
Alex was a tech owner of a company and after loosing his wife moved to Willet Cove to raise his children.
Gillian’s daughter had made a profile for her mom on a dating app because she thought she needed to get out there and met a partner and Bella really wants a father in her life.
After some encouragement Gillian agrees to met Alex and things from there reconnect with each other. There is a surprise at the end of the story that you have to read to find out.
Can’t wait to read the stories of the other women in the group and how their stories unfold.
November 20, 2025
A great start to a new series about 5 single moms, and their 14-year old kids, who have all become one big happy family/support system. The kids get the idea to create dating profiles for their moms on an app, hoping they might find partners to love since the kids will be grown and gone soon. NONE of the moms are happy about this, but this first book gives us a great idea of what’s to come for all the women. Gillian met Alex as 19-year old in New York City and shared a summer of love, ending tragically after she gets the call that her sister & brother-in-law were killed in an accident and she is now the guardian for their baby daughter, Grace. She put her dreams of dancing professionally aside, moves to a California beach town & opens a dance studio. Alex goes on to found a very successful company & fall in love with a lovely woman who has 2 small kids, Peter & Bella. When his wife gets sick, he sells his company to be there for her & the kids, and after her death, moves the family from San Francisco to a small beach town to give them all a fresh start. Both Alex and Gillian are shocked to find each other again after all these years on a dating app. Their path back to each other & a blended family will tug at your heartstrings. Loved the parents, loved the kids, loved their whole friend group too!
November 17, 2025
Great start to new series, you really should read the prequel to know what direction to storyline is going. Picture this five fourteen year olds decided to play matchmakers by putting their singles moms on a dating site. Once the moms found out they were all in big trouble, but as Gillian discovers one of her hits was the one that got away. She rethinks the whole dating thing and agrees to meet Alex her first and only love.
Alex has lead a good life, made a success out of his business. Fell in love again not only with his employee but her 2 children. Unfortunately their time together was cut short by cancer and honoring his wife’s death wish he moves with now the teenagers to a small town by the beach. It’s been two years and lonely so listening to his housekeeper’s suggestion he puts his profile up on a second chance for love. Only he discovers his first love!
Such a today story of blending families and finding their HEA. #SecondDance
Alex has lead a good life, made a success out of his business. Fell in love again not only with his employee but her 2 children. Unfortunately their time together was cut short by cancer and honoring his wife’s death wish he moves with now the teenagers to a small town by the beach. It’s been two years and lonely so listening to his housekeeper’s suggestion he puts his profile up on a second chance for love. Only he discovers his first love!
Such a today story of blending families and finding their HEA. #SecondDance
November 19, 2025
Second Dance is Gillian Horton and Alex Garcia’s second chance love story. It’s book one in The Parent App Series and after reading the prequel, Second Act I jumped in as soon as this book hit my kindle. I loved everything about this book from the meddling teenagers to the humour that flows through this book.
Gillian and Alex fell in love years ago but it wasn’t their time, fast forward to today and they are both single parents living in Willet Cove. Gillian’s daughter Grace has loaded her mums details on a local dating app and Alex has been talked into making a profile by his son. Reconnecting was always going to be easy but will the timing be right this time around……
This is a well written, entertaining and at times emotion story that touched me on so many levels. I quickly became invested in this couples story but what took this book to the next level was watching their families learning and excepting that you don’t need to be blood to be a family.
Gillian and Alex fell in love years ago but it wasn’t their time, fast forward to today and they are both single parents living in Willet Cove. Gillian’s daughter Grace has loaded her mums details on a local dating app and Alex has been talked into making a profile by his son. Reconnecting was always going to be easy but will the timing be right this time around……
This is a well written, entertaining and at times emotion story that touched me on so many levels. I quickly became invested in this couples story but what took this book to the next level was watching their families learning and excepting that you don’t need to be blood to be a family.
November 21, 2025
I adored this book, from beginning to end. The writing is lovely and easy to read. The characters are so three-dimensional that I feel like I know and love them personally. Gillian and Alex have a second chance at love, but it's a little more complicated than their first chance, because now they each have teenage kids they are raising. Can they meld their families together? There's a bit of turbulence as Gillian and Alex navigate those waters but the end result is beautiful.
I enjoyed the humour, stemming from the 5 kids, all fast friends, who have put their single moms (also fast friends) on a dating app. Grace and her friends did not want their moms to be alone. But now those moms need to decide if they will keep their profiles up. (You must read the prequel, by the way, it's wonderful.) I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. This book was a great start!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the humour, stemming from the 5 kids, all fast friends, who have put their single moms (also fast friends) on a dating app. Grace and her friends did not want their moms to be alone. But now those moms need to decide if they will keep their profiles up. (You must read the prequel, by the way, it's wonderful.) I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. This book was a great start!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2025
Alex and Gillian had three months together when they were younger, but circumstances tore them apart. When her daughter puts her profile on a dating app she is upset and shocked to see Alex on there. Alex is a widowed, single father who ready to move on and pleasantly surprised to see Gillian on the dating app. Whether they can find a sliver of happiness and a second chance remains to be seen.
This book will put you through the wringer. His daughter really irritated me with her reactions. I understand she was grieving and hurting, but there were times when she was truly horrible to people. Alex was patient and understanding and I was rooting for him and Gillian. When his kids’ biological father tries to ruin the family they have built, the five of them show how strong they are together.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
This book will put you through the wringer. His daughter really irritated me with her reactions. I understand she was grieving and hurting, but there were times when she was truly horrible to people. Alex was patient and understanding and I was rooting for him and Gillian. When his kids’ biological father tries to ruin the family they have built, the five of them show how strong they are together.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
December 9, 2025
Second Dance,The Parent App is Book 1 in this new series and I am infatuated with it already. This is one of those books that you are instantly hooked and cannot put down. The prequel got me anxious for more and this first book in the series definitely did not disappoint! This book is not only about the reunion of Gillian and Alex’s relationship but it also combines a mysterious anticipation of what may or may not happen in their family’s future. Love, romance, unbreakable friendship bonds and mystery all combined into one book is everything that you will revel. While you do not necessarily need to have read the prequel prior to reading this one, I HIGHLY recommend it as you will gain a complete understanding of all the individuals involved in this story and the following ones to come. Thank you to 4Kids5Cats Publishing for an early review copy at my request. All thoughts are my own and freely shared.
November 17, 2025
The sweetest start to a new series. When five best friends have five children create profiles on an app, the moms are furious. Turns out Gillian reconnects with Alex her first and only love. She learns the truth about Alex and his children. Widower Alex, is raising his late wife’s children as his own. Gillian became a mom to her six month neice after the death of her sister and brother in law.
Will the pair be able to reconnect? What about the children?
Bella, Alex’s daughter is not receptive to someone taking her mother’s place. Her search for her biological dad, Darren brings a whole new set of problems to Alex. Can Gillian convince her best friends to open up and look for love.
Beautiful descriptions and second chances, make this book hard to put down
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Will the pair be able to reconnect? What about the children?
Bella, Alex’s daughter is not receptive to someone taking her mother’s place. Her search for her biological dad, Darren brings a whole new set of problems to Alex. Can Gillian convince her best friends to open up and look for love.
Beautiful descriptions and second chances, make this book hard to put down
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
December 4, 2025
A beautiful start to a beautiful story line! The prequel to this series is fun and cute! A fun read that needs to be enjoyed. Five single moms in a small seaside town have loving teens that just want their moms to be happy after they leave the nest. They decide to help their moms out by creating profiles on a dating app. The moms aren't too happy when they find out but each have an excuse to keep the profile up.
This first start to the series is a beautiful story of love and second chances. We get to know all the moms a bit better but really see Gillian and Alex fall easily back in love. There are bumps along the way but the love they have for each other triumphs through it all. They find the true meaning of loving each other unconditionally, what family truly means and that it's worth it.
This first start to the series is a beautiful story of love and second chances. We get to know all the moms a bit better but really see Gillian and Alex fall easily back in love. There are bumps along the way but the love they have for each other triumphs through it all. They find the true meaning of loving each other unconditionally, what family truly means and that it's worth it.
November 18, 2025
This was an amazing beginning to this series. I loved Gillian and Alex's story.
The entire book was so full of real humanity and raw true emotion. You could feel everything the characters felt. I literally had a knot in my throat at certain parts.
Sometimes, I feel like books overplay the billionaire trope cuz it is so far from reality, but
Alex is so down to earth. He was just like any other 30 something yr old. You wouldn't know he was rich.
Gillian is so focused and independent and used to doing it all herself that she isn't sure of it all. But having know Alex in the past was a saving grace.
Then you have these sweet 3 meddling children who are all emotions and those all come unapologetically to play.
I cried, I laughed and in the end I smiled.
The entire book was so full of real humanity and raw true emotion. You could feel everything the characters felt. I literally had a knot in my throat at certain parts.
Sometimes, I feel like books overplay the billionaire trope cuz it is so far from reality, but
Alex is so down to earth. He was just like any other 30 something yr old. You wouldn't know he was rich.
Gillian is so focused and independent and used to doing it all herself that she isn't sure of it all. But having know Alex in the past was a saving grace.
Then you have these sweet 3 meddling children who are all emotions and those all come unapologetically to play.
I cried, I laughed and in the end I smiled.
November 19, 2025
I may have said this before, but this may be the best book yet written by this author. In the prequel novelette, Second Act, five friends created a profile on a dating app for each of their single moms. This book addresses Gillian's page. Gillian had a promising career in ballet when she received notice that her sister and brother-in-law were killed in an accident leaving their infant daughter to be cared for by Gillian. That summer in New York, she had met the love of her life, but he had to return to school.
Her profile has a match and it is Alex, her love from New York, who has adopted his deceased wife's two children. Can the reconnect and rediscover the love from so long ago?
I am thankful to have been able to read an ARC.
Her profile has a match and it is Alex, her love from New York, who has adopted his deceased wife's two children. Can the reconnect and rediscover the love from so long ago?
I am thankful to have been able to read an ARC.
November 7, 2025
A beautiful story that is heartwarming. The characters are so well developed and seem so real. Grace a 14-year-old daughter of Gillian put her information on a dating site where Gillian reconnected with her college sweetheart that she separated from upon taking custody of her niece Grace. Alex has 2 kids from his previous wife who passed away. I loved how they all grew close and loved and supported each other. There is some tension, some twists and surprises I didn’t expect making this such a fantastic storyline, I loved the kids and parents and how they were both important characters in this book. I am so excited for the rest of this series.
November 19, 2025
5 Star Review Second Dance (The Parent App #1) by Tess Thompson
After reading the novella, Second Act I couldn’t wait to dive in to Second Dance which is Gillian Horton and Alex Garcia’s second chance at love story.
Years ago they fell in love but circumstances tore them apart. Now fourteen years later they reconnect in Willet Cove. Alex is now a single dad and after Grace puts Giillian on a dating app, they match.
There is humor, romance, meddling children and drama in this book which made it an entertaining read.
Can they find happiness and merge their families or are they destined to part again?
After reading the novella, Second Act I couldn’t wait to dive in to Second Dance which is Gillian Horton and Alex Garcia’s second chance at love story.
Years ago they fell in love but circumstances tore them apart. Now fourteen years later they reconnect in Willet Cove. Alex is now a single dad and after Grace puts Giillian on a dating app, they match.
There is humor, romance, meddling children and drama in this book which made it an entertaining read.
Can they find happiness and merge their families or are they destined to part again?
November 21, 2025
A wonderful story. Alex and Gillian met many years ago, during their college days. Gillian ended up having to leave to care for her sister’s daughter after the death of her sister. Alex moved on and started his company. He connected
with the single mom of two children who worked for him. And they became a family. When she died, he found himself a single dad. Now her and Gillian have reconnected. But as with any time groups come together, sometimes things become complicated. These two have to decide how they are going to deal with the issues. Can they make a life for themselves? Loved the story from beginning to end.
with the single mom of two children who worked for him. And they became a family. When she died, he found himself a single dad. Now her and Gillian have reconnected. But as with any time groups come together, sometimes things become complicated. These two have to decide how they are going to deal with the issues. Can they make a life for themselves? Loved the story from beginning to end.
November 10, 2025
This is a great escape into romance and family drama. It's the first book in a series about 5 single moms, whose 14 yr old children have put their info into a dating app. First up is Gillian, who teaches Pilates and dance. Her daughter Grace sees widower Alex's info and realizes he's the man her mom loved as a young adult. At first meetup, they realize the spark is still there. There's drama around children learning to accept someone new into a parent's life, and an absent birth father. But it's swoony writing and a good escape from my heavier reading.
November 15, 2025
I love The Parent App series! Second Dance is a wonderful, heart touching, emotional romance. Alex and Gillian were perfect together! Alex has been through enough in his life, so when he found Gillian again, maybe his life would get better. Although there are some bumps along the way to their second chance. Second Dance is a wonderful, touching story with ups and downs and twists and turns that kept me glued to the book! It was an emotional roller coaster ride I’m glad I was on! I can’t wait for the next book in The Parent App series!
November 28, 2025
What a fun read. The start of a new series by this author, using a bit of her own life as inspiration for this book.
This series is about second time love and has five friends who have been there for each other through all the good times and bad times of children, broken relationships and the realities of life.
This story focuses on two parents who stepped up when they were needed and became parents to children through love and how they found each other again years later in the strangest way possible.
I think this will be a fun series to read.
This series is about second time love and has five friends who have been there for each other through all the good times and bad times of children, broken relationships and the realities of life.
This story focuses on two parents who stepped up when they were needed and became parents to children through love and how they found each other again years later in the strangest way possible.
I think this will be a fun series to read.
December 12, 2025
Great beginning to the new series by Tess Thompson called The Parent App series.
Gillian is a single mom of her niece whom she’d adopted. She is a dance and Pilates instructor. Also one of five moms who have been besties since their kids were in kindergarten.
Alex is a single dad and retired tech executive. He adopted his two teenage kids but now is a widower new to town.
They dated when they were college aged but things happened to keep them apart.
Now they reconnect through the Second Chance dating app.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Gillian is a single mom of her niece whom she’d adopted. She is a dance and Pilates instructor. Also one of five moms who have been besties since their kids were in kindergarten.
Alex is a single dad and retired tech executive. He adopted his two teenage kids but now is a widower new to town.
They dated when they were college aged but things happened to keep them apart.
Now they reconnect through the Second Chance dating app.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
November 11, 2025
I read this book as an advanced reader copy.
Gillian & Alex spent a wonderful summer together 14 yrs ago. She got a horrible phone call and he had to finish at MIT. He had recently lost his wife. Gillian’s daughter put her on a dating app and Alex saw her and reached out to her. After lots of trials and tribulations with teenagers. Everyone knows how teenagers are very emotional. Good days, bad days and in between days. They all got what they needed love.
Gillian & Alex spent a wonderful summer together 14 yrs ago. She got a horrible phone call and he had to finish at MIT. He had recently lost his wife. Gillian’s daughter put her on a dating app and Alex saw her and reached out to her. After lots of trials and tribulations with teenagers. Everyone knows how teenagers are very emotional. Good days, bad days and in between days. They all got what they needed love.
November 20, 2025
What a creative lovely story! Gillian and Alex fell in love when they were in their late teenage years in New York. They were deeply in love then suddenly Gillian had to move to take care of her baby niece. This left Alex to go back to MIT. 14 years later, Gillian's niece listed Gillian's profile on a dating site so that Gillian would not be alone. Little did she know that Alex was also on the same dating site and they matched. He is now a widow raising his wife's kids. This is a beautiful story of a blended family finding each other. This is a wonderful read and I can't wait to read the other stories in this series. Tess doesn't disappoint. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this book. My opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
This powerfully moving read is filled with heartbreaking honesty and raw genuine poignancy that has a deep impact on your heart and gives your emotions and feelings a real workout. Gillian and Alex's second chance romance is achingly beautiful. Complex layers of intense feels and emotions are woven with drama, heart, pain, grief, hope, joy, heart and family to create an impactful and unforgettable love story.
December 30, 2025
Second Dance
This is such a sweet story of second chances. Gillian and Alex had spent one summer together and in love until she became guardian to her niece at the age of nineteen. Alex still had another year on scholarship at MIT so they said goodbye. Fourteen years later they are reunited when Gillian’s daughter puts her profile on a dating app. I recommend you read the book for the rest of the story.
This is such a sweet story of second chances. Gillian and Alex had spent one summer together and in love until she became guardian to her niece at the age of nineteen. Alex still had another year on scholarship at MIT so they said goodbye. Fourteen years later they are reunited when Gillian’s daughter puts her profile on a dating app. I recommend you read the book for the rest of the story.
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