What do you think?
Gracie's Guide to Dating
Gracie Rhodes has a secret. She’s just moved back home with a degree in dance after finishing college, and while her family and old dance studio are ecstatic to have her back in Sweet River, she recently had an audition that might whisk her away to NYC.
She’s not telling anyone…except for Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her longtime crush, but only because she ran into him in New York during her secret audition. Luckily for her, she never sees Nathan around anymore.
Or never did…until he shows up at the dance class she’s teaching over the summer to pick up his niece. But maybe it isn’t so bad to have someone she can talk to about her big opportunity?
Nathan and Gracie decide to do more than just swap secrets: if she’ll give him dance lessons so he can help his niece for the upcoming Father and Daughter dance competition, he’ll play matchmaker and give her help in the dating department.
Nathan proves to be a pretty bad matchmaker constantly distracting his student from her potential suitors. And as a dance instructor, Gracie can’t seem to find anything wrong with being in his arms.
Gracie’s not sure where her future leads…except that she just might want to spend it with Nathan.
She’s not telling anyone…except for Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her longtime crush, but only because she ran into him in New York during her secret audition. Luckily for her, she never sees Nathan around anymore.
Or never did…until he shows up at the dance class she’s teaching over the summer to pick up his niece. But maybe it isn’t so bad to have someone she can talk to about her big opportunity?
Nathan and Gracie decide to do more than just swap secrets: if she’ll give him dance lessons so he can help his niece for the upcoming Father and Daughter dance competition, he’ll play matchmaker and give her help in the dating department.
Nathan proves to be a pretty bad matchmaker constantly distracting his student from her potential suitors. And as a dance instructor, Gracie can’t seem to find anything wrong with being in his arms.
Gracie’s not sure where her future leads…except that she just might want to spend it with Nathan.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Rebecca Jo Jackson
7 books186 followersRebecca Jo Jackson writes love stories that make you swoon. She grew up in a small town in TX, but now lives and writes in California.
Find her on Instagram @authorrebeccajojackson
Find her on Instagram @authorrebeccajojackson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 3, 2026
I had the pleasure of beta reading this one & it’s just the sweetest story.
I enjoyed seeing Gracie fall in love after witnessing her issues with her ex in the previous books. She is a high achiever with dancing in her blood. Although she struggled with people-pleasing, her character arc took her on a journey of letting herself unashamedly follow her dreams without apologizing for it.
Nathan was incredibly swoony. He saw Gracie so well & became a great friend and cheerleader for her. Their easy conversation and connection led to them providing a safe place for each other to just be themselves without expectation. His relationship with his sister and niece was just precious, and the NOTES he wrote were one of my favorite parts of the whole read.🥹🤩💃🏼
Sweet River & the Rhodes fam are top tier y’all. I loved the Mama Rhodes storyline as well. ‘Twas too cute!
Rebecca’s writing just keeps getting better & better. I’m excited to see who gets their story next, but please know, Rebecca, I will never stop petitioning for Katie and Terrence’s story lol.
Thanks for the opportunity to beta read & for the ARC, Rebecca! All thoughts are my own & no positive review was required.
This is a closed door romance with non-descriptive makeouts and no language. There’s mention of absent parents.
I enjoyed seeing Gracie fall in love after witnessing her issues with her ex in the previous books. She is a high achiever with dancing in her blood. Although she struggled with people-pleasing, her character arc took her on a journey of letting herself unashamedly follow her dreams without apologizing for it.
Nathan was incredibly swoony. He saw Gracie so well & became a great friend and cheerleader for her. Their easy conversation and connection led to them providing a safe place for each other to just be themselves without expectation. His relationship with his sister and niece was just precious, and the NOTES he wrote were one of my favorite parts of the whole read.🥹🤩💃🏼
Sweet River & the Rhodes fam are top tier y’all. I loved the Mama Rhodes storyline as well. ‘Twas too cute!
Rebecca’s writing just keeps getting better & better. I’m excited to see who gets their story next, but please know, Rebecca, I will never stop petitioning for Katie and Terrence’s story lol.
Thanks for the opportunity to beta read & for the ARC, Rebecca! All thoughts are my own & no positive review was required.
This is a closed door romance with non-descriptive makeouts and no language. There’s mention of absent parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
3.5⭐️ ARC Review: It literally breaks my heart to rate this less than 4 stars. I love Rebecca and her books. They are wholesome and tender, and I love her writing. The last book I read of hers was even a five star. I just don’t even know what happened here.
The story as a whole just lacked. I didn’t feel the chemistry and tenderness I have felt with her other books. Gracie and Nathan made sense together but didn’t at the same time somehow? Yeah I know I’m not making sense.
I enjoyed Gracie. She reminded me a lot of myself at times in my life when you have to put on face to make sure everyone around you is happy but yourself. But other than that she got on my nerves. She had such a supportive and incredible family whom she kept a big secret from for the entirety of the book, and it just bothered me.
Don’t get me started on Nathan. The single POV really didn’t help me root for him. He was an incredible friend but nothing more in my opinion. He also had zero personality. I wish we got a peak into his life and his job and we really didn’t. I think this needed a dual POV. He felt like a side character and the book as a whole felt like a women’s fiction rather than a romance.
I wanted to love this I really did. I just didn’t enjoy the story. I get chasing your dreams. I do. I think you should. But the message in this book felt toxic to me. She had the chance to love and be loved by a man who made her feel like herself, but she basically was willing to give it all up to live her dream. I think nothing is more important than family, so this story just wasn’t for me I guess.
Last thing, I did not enjoy the explanation of events. Like she goes in for her call back audition and the next scene is her leaving and being happy that she did well and explaining what happened. I want to be in the moment when I’m reading and the explaining happened waaaaay too much to be able to enjoy this.
I kinda was wanting to read a romance between the Rhode’s mom and the doctor rather than this story. I hope this is a one off.
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
The story as a whole just lacked. I didn’t feel the chemistry and tenderness I have felt with her other books. Gracie and Nathan made sense together but didn’t at the same time somehow? Yeah I know I’m not making sense.
I enjoyed Gracie. She reminded me a lot of myself at times in my life when you have to put on face to make sure everyone around you is happy but yourself. But other than that she got on my nerves. She had such a supportive and incredible family whom she kept a big secret from for the entirety of the book, and it just bothered me.
Don’t get me started on Nathan. The single POV really didn’t help me root for him. He was an incredible friend but nothing more in my opinion. He also had zero personality. I wish we got a peak into his life and his job and we really didn’t. I think this needed a dual POV. He felt like a side character and the book as a whole felt like a women’s fiction rather than a romance.
I wanted to love this I really did. I just didn’t enjoy the story. I get chasing your dreams. I do. I think you should. But the message in this book felt toxic to me. She had the chance to love and be loved by a man who made her feel like herself, but she basically was willing to give it all up to live her dream. I think nothing is more important than family, so this story just wasn’t for me I guess.
Last thing, I did not enjoy the explanation of events. Like she goes in for her call back audition and the next scene is her leaving and being happy that she did well and explaining what happened. I want to be in the moment when I’m reading and the explaining happened waaaaay too much to be able to enjoy this.
I kinda was wanting to read a romance between the Rhode’s mom and the doctor rather than this story. I hope this is a one off.
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
July 2, 2026
My heart, THIS BOOK!!! 😍
Rebecca Jo’s books are always a delight, but this one might be my new favourite. 🥹 Gracie’s struggle with people pleasing was so real, and I adore how Nathan became her cheerleader—his notes were the CUTEST!
Everything about this story was so sweet and tender—I’m a huge fan. And of course, I loved seeing the other Rhodes sisters and their mom! My heart is full.
Allllll the stars for this beautiful summer romcom! 💛
Rebecca Jo’s books are always a delight, but this one might be my new favourite. 🥹 Gracie’s struggle with people pleasing was so real, and I adore how Nathan became her cheerleader—his notes were the CUTEST!
Everything about this story was so sweet and tender—I’m a huge fan. And of course, I loved seeing the other Rhodes sisters and their mom! My heart is full.
Allllll the stars for this beautiful summer romcom! 💛
August 28, 2026
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. This pains me a little, but I did not relate to Gracie's conflict or her character. And stylistically, this was missing something for me that Lucy's and Olivia's books had. I gave both of their stories 5 stars and had five star feelings immediately...this one obviously not.
Gracie's communication skills were non-existent and I fear she had no distinctive character traits, other than putting on a front for people for what reason?!? I think the "youngest sister third-wheel thing" was leaned into a little too much and her inner dialogue was a broken record. Gracie's personal conflict of whether or not she would choose home or her dreams was a non-issue, because shocker she chose her dreams and all the people who love her obviously supported and extended themselves for her. Her secret-keeping her success and dreams made no sense because she had no evidence that her family wouldn't be thrilled for her. It wasn't fair to them for her thought process to even go there, which she kind of acknowledges, so I didn't get it at all. This is a short book and somehow felt too long.
The giving each other lessons (dating & dancing) trope was done at the bare minimum in my opinion. The dating coach side just falls away in the middle and was completely irrelevant to the actual conflict of the story meanwhile the dancing coach side could have made a better impact. I think Gracie and Nathan deserved a different main trope because the execution of this one did them a disservice.
I felt nothing for their romance. It was too fluffy and Nathan was a simp. The grand gestures never ended. I had no problem connecting with Adam and Victor through their FMC's single POVs in their stories, the ones I mentioned that I gave 5 stars, but for some reason I never connected with Nathan through Gracie's single POV. Nathan felt plopped into existence born loving Gracie.
I am so disappointed I did not love this because I absolutely adored Lucy Loves Him Not and Olivia's Only Pretending. The playlist the author created was amazing as always though. I was gifted a physical copy by the author but this is my honest review.
In this book:
-he falls first
-single-POV
-dating/dance lessons
-small town
-ballerina FMC
-broody MMC
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - clean
Gracie's communication skills were non-existent and I fear she had no distinctive character traits, other than putting on a front for people for what reason?!? I think the "youngest sister third-wheel thing" was leaned into a little too much and her inner dialogue was a broken record. Gracie's personal conflict of whether or not she would choose home or her dreams was a non-issue, because shocker she chose her dreams and all the people who love her obviously supported and extended themselves for her. Her secret-keeping her success and dreams made no sense because she had no evidence that her family wouldn't be thrilled for her. It wasn't fair to them for her thought process to even go there, which she kind of acknowledges, so I didn't get it at all. This is a short book and somehow felt too long.
The giving each other lessons (dating & dancing) trope was done at the bare minimum in my opinion. The dating coach side just falls away in the middle and was completely irrelevant to the actual conflict of the story meanwhile the dancing coach side could have made a better impact. I think Gracie and Nathan deserved a different main trope because the execution of this one did them a disservice.
I felt nothing for their romance. It was too fluffy and Nathan was a simp. The grand gestures never ended. I had no problem connecting with Adam and Victor through their FMC's single POVs in their stories, the ones I mentioned that I gave 5 stars, but for some reason I never connected with Nathan through Gracie's single POV. Nathan felt plopped into existence born loving Gracie.
I am so disappointed I did not love this because I absolutely adored Lucy Loves Him Not and Olivia's Only Pretending. The playlist the author created was amazing as always though. I was gifted a physical copy by the author but this is my honest review.
In this book:
-he falls first
-single-POV
-dating/dance lessons
-small town
-ballerina FMC
-broody MMC
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - clean
June 30, 2026
5/5 Stars!
First of all, I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book! All thoughts in this review are my own!
This was the fourth book in the series, and was just as good, if not better than the first three! I loved how easily the story came together yet it kept me guessing until the very end!
✨ Dating Coach
✨ Dancer FMC
✨ Matching Tattoos
✨ Biker MMC
✨ No Spice
✨ Secret Audition
✨ He Rescues Her
I LOVED getting to read Gracie & Nathan’s story! You saw bits and pieces of Gracie throughout Lucy & Olivia’s books, so it was so fun to hear more about her backstory and life! Nathan was such a walking green flag, I was curious how he’d be as a brooding biker but oh my goodness he was the best!
🌶️ No Spice, Just Kissing
🤬 No Language
This was such an incredible read! If you’re looking for a really good summer book, this is for you! I loved the first two sister’s books, so definitely recommend grabbing them first! BUT I also totally think this could be read as a stand alone! Another 5/5 Star read by Rebecca! 🩰
First of all, I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book! All thoughts in this review are my own!
This was the fourth book in the series, and was just as good, if not better than the first three! I loved how easily the story came together yet it kept me guessing until the very end!
✨ Dating Coach
✨ Dancer FMC
✨ Matching Tattoos
✨ Biker MMC
✨ No Spice
✨ Secret Audition
✨ He Rescues Her
I LOVED getting to read Gracie & Nathan’s story! You saw bits and pieces of Gracie throughout Lucy & Olivia’s books, so it was so fun to hear more about her backstory and life! Nathan was such a walking green flag, I was curious how he’d be as a brooding biker but oh my goodness he was the best!
🌶️ No Spice, Just Kissing
🤬 No Language
This was such an incredible read! If you’re looking for a really good summer book, this is for you! I loved the first two sister’s books, so definitely recommend grabbing them first! BUT I also totally think this could be read as a stand alone! Another 5/5 Star read by Rebecca! 🩰
June 13, 2026
4.5⭐️!
It’s not summer without Sweet River, TX, I said what I said🤭 my feet are kicking, my heart is swooning, and my mind is in love with Gracie and Nathan!
I’ve been missing Rebecca’s writing lately, and Gracie’s Guide To Dating dropped on my kindle right in time! The cozy small town romances she writes are some of my favorites, and this one was no different🥹
Finally getting Gracie’s story was everything I dreamed of; I’m obsessed with how obsessed Nathan is with her! The notes, the lessons, the pininggg😭 I adored that we got peaks into the other Rhodes sisters’ lives throughout the book too, their own romances are so nostalgic to me🥹🥹
A huge thank you to Rebecca for sending me a digital arc in exchange for my honest review!! Gracie’s Guide To Dating is releasing right around the corner on June 30🤭
You’ll love this is you love:
📖 opposites attract
📖 faith elements
📖 he only smiles for her
📖 closed door
📖 dancer X musician
✨TW: this book contains topics of parental abandonment and death of a grandparent (both are off page).
🎬 Sexual Content: PG: affection is limited to kissing
🩸Violence: G: no real violence
💬 Language: no strong language; no sexual innuendos
It’s not summer without Sweet River, TX, I said what I said🤭 my feet are kicking, my heart is swooning, and my mind is in love with Gracie and Nathan!
I’ve been missing Rebecca’s writing lately, and Gracie’s Guide To Dating dropped on my kindle right in time! The cozy small town romances she writes are some of my favorites, and this one was no different🥹
Finally getting Gracie’s story was everything I dreamed of; I’m obsessed with how obsessed Nathan is with her! The notes, the lessons, the pininggg😭 I adored that we got peaks into the other Rhodes sisters’ lives throughout the book too, their own romances are so nostalgic to me🥹🥹
A huge thank you to Rebecca for sending me a digital arc in exchange for my honest review!! Gracie’s Guide To Dating is releasing right around the corner on June 30🤭
You’ll love this is you love:
📖 opposites attract
📖 faith elements
📖 he only smiles for her
📖 closed door
📖 dancer X musician
✨TW: this book contains topics of parental abandonment and death of a grandparent (both are off page).
🎬 Sexual Content: PG: affection is limited to kissing
🩸Violence: G: no real violence
💬 Language: no strong language; no sexual innuendos
June 27, 2026
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
If a book gives me endless butterflies, makes me cry, and keeps me up until 1:30 AM to finish, it is a guaranteed 5-star read! Rebecca Jo Jackson's Gracie's Guide to Dating did exactly that. This was my first book by this author, and even though it's the fourth book in the Sweet River series, it works beautifully.
Gracie is a dancer born for the stage, but behind her talent lies a deep fear of abandonment after being left by both her father and her ex. While auditioning for a major role in NYC, she runs into Nathan—her high school crush’s brother. They share an incredible night of deep conversation, but she keeps the audition a secret from everyone back home but him. Weeks later, they cross paths again in their hometown when Nathan moves back to help his sister during her husband's deployment.
Nathan is the town's quiet, mysterious grump who never smiles, but underneath his rough exterior is a total heart of gold. Watching him care for his niece, Andie (whom he calls "Mint"—absolutely loved that nickname!), completely melted me. Gracie and Nathan have an effortless connection and open up to each other in ways they can't with anyone else.
When Gracie’s sisters push her to start dating again using an old list she made of the town's five hottest guys, Nathan gets roped into acting as her "dating coach." In exchange, Gracie promises to teach him how to dance for a competition with his niece. The tension and chemistry during these lessons? Absolutely unmatched! 🔥
Beyond the romance, they truly become each other's best friend. As a music producer, Nathan becomes Gracie’s ultimate cheerleader, helping soothe her anxiety and calm her nerves before big auditions. This book is proof that a romance can give you all the intense feels and tingles while still being a completely clean, closed-door story. I absolutely loved it and will be reading the other books in the series now!
I received a digital ARC from the author. This review is my honest opinion.
If a book gives me endless butterflies, makes me cry, and keeps me up until 1:30 AM to finish, it is a guaranteed 5-star read! Rebecca Jo Jackson's Gracie's Guide to Dating did exactly that. This was my first book by this author, and even though it's the fourth book in the Sweet River series, it works beautifully.
Gracie is a dancer born for the stage, but behind her talent lies a deep fear of abandonment after being left by both her father and her ex. While auditioning for a major role in NYC, she runs into Nathan—her high school crush’s brother. They share an incredible night of deep conversation, but she keeps the audition a secret from everyone back home but him. Weeks later, they cross paths again in their hometown when Nathan moves back to help his sister during her husband's deployment.
Nathan is the town's quiet, mysterious grump who never smiles, but underneath his rough exterior is a total heart of gold. Watching him care for his niece, Andie (whom he calls "Mint"—absolutely loved that nickname!), completely melted me. Gracie and Nathan have an effortless connection and open up to each other in ways they can't with anyone else.
When Gracie’s sisters push her to start dating again using an old list she made of the town's five hottest guys, Nathan gets roped into acting as her "dating coach." In exchange, Gracie promises to teach him how to dance for a competition with his niece. The tension and chemistry during these lessons? Absolutely unmatched! 🔥
Beyond the romance, they truly become each other's best friend. As a music producer, Nathan becomes Gracie’s ultimate cheerleader, helping soothe her anxiety and calm her nerves before big auditions. This book is proof that a romance can give you all the intense feels and tingles while still being a completely clean, closed-door story. I absolutely loved it and will be reading the other books in the series now!
I received a digital ARC from the author. This review is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2026
“He just seemed like a closed book tucked away on a shelf. But one of those thick ones with a story you could get lost in, the kind you returned to and scribbled notes in the margins.“
𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮: Romance
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼: Slow Burn, Dating Coach x Dance Coach, He Falls First, Small town, Tight-knit family, Summer Romance
🗡️𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 5/5 ✨
🗡️𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬: Rebecca Jo Jackson you know the way to my heart! I so loved this read & loved Gracie, this one is definitely close to Lucy Loves Him Not on my favorite scale & Nathan is high up there next to Adam!! The people pleaser, dancer/theatre kid, & dreamer in me felt so seen in Gracie, so I knew I had to bust out my ballroom shoes for this review! It was just a joy to read her story. The tension of trying to follow your dreams & where you feel called, all while balancing taking care of those who need you & trusting them to support you just felt so familiar.
Then you add in someone who just really saw her, called her back up into her purpose & gently challenged her along the way?…. And also rides a motorcycle?… I melted!! Nathan was the sweetest, most intentional, broody guy & I adored him in every moment!
I just adore the Rhodes family & seeing them become complete felt so wholesome!!!
🗡️𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓮: You know me by now, these books just are a good time! Things to keep in mind if you read it, this one may seem a little slower than past ones but really that’s only because it just starts more in a waiting season so that’s understandable! I think my only real thing was at the end I would have loved to see the logistics played out a little more but we do get a little glimpse into the future so I’ll take that!
𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮: Romance
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼: Slow Burn, Dating Coach x Dance Coach, He Falls First, Small town, Tight-knit family, Summer Romance
🗡️𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 5/5 ✨
🗡️𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬: Rebecca Jo Jackson you know the way to my heart! I so loved this read & loved Gracie, this one is definitely close to Lucy Loves Him Not on my favorite scale & Nathan is high up there next to Adam!! The people pleaser, dancer/theatre kid, & dreamer in me felt so seen in Gracie, so I knew I had to bust out my ballroom shoes for this review! It was just a joy to read her story. The tension of trying to follow your dreams & where you feel called, all while balancing taking care of those who need you & trusting them to support you just felt so familiar.
Then you add in someone who just really saw her, called her back up into her purpose & gently challenged her along the way?…. And also rides a motorcycle?… I melted!! Nathan was the sweetest, most intentional, broody guy & I adored him in every moment!
I just adore the Rhodes family & seeing them become complete felt so wholesome!!!
🗡️𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓮: You know me by now, these books just are a good time! Things to keep in mind if you read it, this one may seem a little slower than past ones but really that’s only because it just starts more in a waiting season so that’s understandable! I think my only real thing was at the end I would have loved to see the logistics played out a little more but we do get a little glimpse into the future so I’ll take that!
July 1, 2026
How will she choose between her heart and her home? Find out in Gracie’s Guide to Dating.
Small town life comes with small town expectations - and the expectations for Gracie is that she’ll take over the dance school, settle down and get married. But after so long pursuing her studies in dance, the desire to perform refuses to die.
Gracie feels torn between her desire to please the people she loves - even at the cost of her own happiness - and the urge to pursue the career she truly loves. Things become even more complicated when an old friend offers to swap dance lessons for dating lessons. Will Gracie be able to tell the people she loves what she really wants?
This contemporary romance was sweet. Gracie is a classic people pleaser who can’t bear the thought of disappointing the people she loves. The story is about her journey to accepting the validity of her own dreams - whether professionally or personally.
The romance between Gracie and Nathan is a sweet, slow burn deal. The story is completely spice free and appropriate for all ages. There are no specific triggers, but chronic people pleasers might feel called out.
This is the fourth book in a series, but it is easy to read as a standalone. If you want a sweet contemporary romance, add Gracie’s Guide to Dating to your TBR.
Small town life comes with small town expectations - and the expectations for Gracie is that she’ll take over the dance school, settle down and get married. But after so long pursuing her studies in dance, the desire to perform refuses to die.
Gracie feels torn between her desire to please the people she loves - even at the cost of her own happiness - and the urge to pursue the career she truly loves. Things become even more complicated when an old friend offers to swap dance lessons for dating lessons. Will Gracie be able to tell the people she loves what she really wants?
This contemporary romance was sweet. Gracie is a classic people pleaser who can’t bear the thought of disappointing the people she loves. The story is about her journey to accepting the validity of her own dreams - whether professionally or personally.
The romance between Gracie and Nathan is a sweet, slow burn deal. The story is completely spice free and appropriate for all ages. There are no specific triggers, but chronic people pleasers might feel called out.
This is the fourth book in a series, but it is easy to read as a standalone. If you want a sweet contemporary romance, add Gracie’s Guide to Dating to your TBR.
Did Not Finish
July 23, 2026dnf
this is a little hard to get into. So far it's clean but they do go to bars and have drinks, nothing outrageous. It's feels a little young for me but I would like to try again at some point.
this is a little hard to get into. So far it's clean but they do go to bars and have drinks, nothing outrageous. It's feels a little young for me but I would like to try again at some point.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is part of the Sweet River Series. While it can be read as a standalone, you'll want to read the full series as the characters crossover.
I have been excited for this book's release since I finished reading Olivia's Only Pretending. Gracie is the youngest of the Rhodes sisters and is a dancer. Now that she has graduated college, she is excited but also a little torn by others expectations and her hopes for the future.
Since high school, Nathan has always noticed Gracie. After they bumped into each other in New York and, later in Sweet River, Gracie see's him pick up his niece from dance class, their paths keep crossing.
In this book we get a slow burn where he falls first and constantly shows up for her. I loved the dynamic between Nathan and Gracie. How they both brought out the best in one another and they could fully be themselves with each other. Where Nathan was guarded and a little shy and broody with everyone else, he came out of his shell with Gracie - giving her smiles no one else got to see. I also loved how he was her biggest cheerleader; encouraging her to go for her dreams.
Sparks do take a hot minute to start showing up - at least on Gracie's side, but of course we get the sweet romance and a HEA at the end.
This is one series you don't want to miss!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Secrets always mean something to us."
"It's okay to want whatever it is you want."
"You don't' have to earn anything because you're the prize."
"Or maybe you're scared of the thing you want the most?"
"I'd only noticed him."
"...you don't have to be so strong. You can break. I like each piece of you."
"At what point would I finally stop judging myself for being exactly who I was and just accept her? Even the pieces of myself that let others down. Or that no one else could understand. Or that I thought should look different. Instead of constantly apologizing and second-guessing my desire for wings, maybe I would just have to accept I was destined to break out of my cocoon."
"Wasn't it funny...how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don't realize matter all that much until they've become memories?"
"Hope could be such a slippery thing."
"You make any dream of mine a thousand times better."
I have been excited for this book's release since I finished reading Olivia's Only Pretending. Gracie is the youngest of the Rhodes sisters and is a dancer. Now that she has graduated college, she is excited but also a little torn by others expectations and her hopes for the future.
Since high school, Nathan has always noticed Gracie. After they bumped into each other in New York and, later in Sweet River, Gracie see's him pick up his niece from dance class, their paths keep crossing.
In this book we get a slow burn where he falls first and constantly shows up for her. I loved the dynamic between Nathan and Gracie. How they both brought out the best in one another and they could fully be themselves with each other. Where Nathan was guarded and a little shy and broody with everyone else, he came out of his shell with Gracie - giving her smiles no one else got to see. I also loved how he was her biggest cheerleader; encouraging her to go for her dreams.
Sparks do take a hot minute to start showing up - at least on Gracie's side, but of course we get the sweet romance and a HEA at the end.
This is one series you don't want to miss!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Secrets always mean something to us."
"It's okay to want whatever it is you want."
"You don't' have to earn anything because you're the prize."
"Or maybe you're scared of the thing you want the most?"
"I'd only noticed him."
"...you don't have to be so strong. You can break. I like each piece of you."
"At what point would I finally stop judging myself for being exactly who I was and just accept her? Even the pieces of myself that let others down. Or that no one else could understand. Or that I thought should look different. Instead of constantly apologizing and second-guessing my desire for wings, maybe I would just have to accept I was destined to break out of my cocoon."
"Wasn't it funny...how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don't realize matter all that much until they've become memories?"
"Hope could be such a slippery thing."
"You make any dream of mine a thousand times better."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was given the opportunity to read this book before its release date.
This is my first impression of this author as I have never read any of her books before and wow! This book was such a great read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gracie Rhodes has a secret. She's just moved back home with a degree in dance, and while her family and old dance studio are ecstatic to have her back in Sweet River, she recently had an audition that might whisk her away to NYC.
She's not telling anyone...except for Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her childhood crush, but only because she ran into him in New York during her secret audition. Luckily for her, she never sees
Nathan around anymore.
Or never did... until he shows up at the dance class she's teaching over the summer to pick up his niece. But maybe it isn't so bad to have someone she can talk to about her big opportunity?
Nathan and Gracie decide to do more than just swap secrets: if she'll give him dance lessons so he can help his niece for the upcoming Father and Daughter dance competition, he'll play matchmaker and give her help in the dating department.
Nathan proves to be a pretty bad matchmaker constantly distracting his student from her potential suitors. And as a dance instructor, Gracie can't seem to find anything wrong with being in his ar
Gracie's not sure where her future leads. except that she just might want to spend it with Nathan.
SPOILER:
He brings her peaches!
His mouth twisted, almost sheepishly. “I saw peaches at the farmers’ market today. It made me think of how you said summer tastes like peaches.” “Peaches and saltwater.” “I grabbed these impulsively, thinking I’d give them to you.” He swung the bag toward me. I peered inside to notice three big, round peaches. I was already standing close to the emotional edge. Now, he was bringing me peaches because I ate them with my sisters. I sniffed.
This is my first impression of this author as I have never read any of her books before and wow! This book was such a great read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gracie Rhodes has a secret. She's just moved back home with a degree in dance, and while her family and old dance studio are ecstatic to have her back in Sweet River, she recently had an audition that might whisk her away to NYC.
She's not telling anyone...except for Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her childhood crush, but only because she ran into him in New York during her secret audition. Luckily for her, she never sees
Nathan around anymore.
Or never did... until he shows up at the dance class she's teaching over the summer to pick up his niece. But maybe it isn't so bad to have someone she can talk to about her big opportunity?
Nathan and Gracie decide to do more than just swap secrets: if she'll give him dance lessons so he can help his niece for the upcoming Father and Daughter dance competition, he'll play matchmaker and give her help in the dating department.
Nathan proves to be a pretty bad matchmaker constantly distracting his student from her potential suitors. And as a dance instructor, Gracie can't seem to find anything wrong with being in his ar
Gracie's not sure where her future leads. except that she just might want to spend it with Nathan.
SPOILER:
He brings her peaches!
His mouth twisted, almost sheepishly. “I saw peaches at the farmers’ market today. It made me think of how you said summer tastes like peaches.” “Peaches and saltwater.” “I grabbed these impulsively, thinking I’d give them to you.” He swung the bag toward me. I peered inside to notice three big, round peaches. I was already standing close to the emotional edge. Now, he was bringing me peaches because I ate them with my sisters. I sniffed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
🩰READ THIS IF YOU LIKE:
•Bright vs dark
•He only smiles for her
•NYC dreams
•He rides a motorcycle
•No spice!
🩷🎶 Gracie’s Guide to Dating 🏍️🩷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
RELEASE DATE: TODAY! 📣
*Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC!
If you like a sweet, genuine love, a story about chasing your dreams, and navigating new chapters, you’re going to love this! Please come and fall into the sweet romance that is Nathan Hadaway and Gracie Rhode. 💕
As someone who is a dancer that also moved back to her hometown, this book was absolutely everything and more!!! Nathan was such an unexpected softy and I was living for it. And having the addition of his niece, it made you feel so tender hearted towards him. Every single note he left for Gracie was so sweet and perfect! The subtle tension and chemistry they constantly had building seriously had me NONSTOP reading!
Gracie felt so genuine and relatable. Between trying to please the people around you, but also wanting to push yourself towards bigger, better things, it feels only natural that everyone will find a little piece of themselves in her. Her POV felt so well explained that I found myself physically feeling when things were becoming tough on her.
I wasn’t aware that this book was no spice when I started, but the amount of times I had my feet kicking and giggling, it was a pleasant surprise! It created such a sweet slow burn, I was loving it.
The last .5 left was simply because I felt as though the end of the book had some rushed parts. My wants to know everything gene wanted to live through some of the scenes just a little bit longer. It felt as though we would pass through an entire day or two writhing the same few sentences.
BUT STILL, I couldn’t put my kindle down!!
——————————————
📚Check out my booksta for my journal spread for this book and more things!
@rosiesjournalclub
•Bright vs dark
•He only smiles for her
•NYC dreams
•He rides a motorcycle
•No spice!
🩷🎶 Gracie’s Guide to Dating 🏍️🩷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
RELEASE DATE: TODAY! 📣
*Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC!
If you like a sweet, genuine love, a story about chasing your dreams, and navigating new chapters, you’re going to love this! Please come and fall into the sweet romance that is Nathan Hadaway and Gracie Rhode. 💕
As someone who is a dancer that also moved back to her hometown, this book was absolutely everything and more!!! Nathan was such an unexpected softy and I was living for it. And having the addition of his niece, it made you feel so tender hearted towards him. Every single note he left for Gracie was so sweet and perfect! The subtle tension and chemistry they constantly had building seriously had me NONSTOP reading!
Gracie felt so genuine and relatable. Between trying to please the people around you, but also wanting to push yourself towards bigger, better things, it feels only natural that everyone will find a little piece of themselves in her. Her POV felt so well explained that I found myself physically feeling when things were becoming tough on her.
I wasn’t aware that this book was no spice when I started, but the amount of times I had my feet kicking and giggling, it was a pleasant surprise! It created such a sweet slow burn, I was loving it.
The last .5 left was simply because I felt as though the end of the book had some rushed parts. My wants to know everything gene wanted to live through some of the scenes just a little bit longer. It felt as though we would pass through an entire day or two writhing the same few sentences.
BUT STILL, I couldn’t put my kindle down!!
——————————————
📚Check out my booksta for my journal spread for this book and more things!
@rosiesjournalclub
September 3, 2026
GRACIE’S GUIDE TO DATING is the first book I’ve read by Rebecca Jo Jackson and it definitely won’t be my last! It’s a must read for someone who likes him grumpy except around her and a girl with big dreams full of sunshine!
Oh how I loved Nathan! He is broody, mysterious, and pretty much keeps to himself giving everyone grumpy vibes. Gracie is full of life and big dreams but is settling for a life where she will be content but may not fully want. I loved the dynamics between Nathan and Gracie - come on she crushed on his brother in high school - which leads to some awkward moments. As Gracie starts teaching Nathan to dance and he helps her with her dating adventures, they become better friends. He definitely falls first, truly sees her, helps calm her anxieties, and knows just what she needs. I adored him for always being her biggest supporter. I enjoyed watching Gracie’s focus and feelings shift to Nathan. GRACIE’S GUIDE TO DATING definitely left me smiling and made my heart happy!
tropes: small town romance | music producer MMC | dancer FMC | dancing coach vs. dating coach | grumpy/sunshine | friends to lovers | he falls first | slow burn/no spice
My favorite things:
Oh my, the dance lessons!
The pink notebook
The chemistry
He brings her peaches
He makes her feel safe
He only smiles for her
The matching tattoos
First motorcycle ride
Kissing in the rain
The playlist
The audition
Her sisters and mom
Favorite quotes:
“I want you to remember to choose the guy who can’t get over how lucky he is to be chosen by you. To get a date with you. To even get you to look his way. If you take away anything from these dating lessons - take that.”
“I always noticed you. I don’t think there’s a world where you and I are in the same vicinity, and you don’t pull my attention.”
Happy reading!
Oh how I loved Nathan! He is broody, mysterious, and pretty much keeps to himself giving everyone grumpy vibes. Gracie is full of life and big dreams but is settling for a life where she will be content but may not fully want. I loved the dynamics between Nathan and Gracie - come on she crushed on his brother in high school - which leads to some awkward moments. As Gracie starts teaching Nathan to dance and he helps her with her dating adventures, they become better friends. He definitely falls first, truly sees her, helps calm her anxieties, and knows just what she needs. I adored him for always being her biggest supporter. I enjoyed watching Gracie’s focus and feelings shift to Nathan. GRACIE’S GUIDE TO DATING definitely left me smiling and made my heart happy!
tropes: small town romance | music producer MMC | dancer FMC | dancing coach vs. dating coach | grumpy/sunshine | friends to lovers | he falls first | slow burn/no spice
My favorite things:
Oh my, the dance lessons!
The pink notebook
The chemistry
He brings her peaches
He makes her feel safe
He only smiles for her
The matching tattoos
First motorcycle ride
Kissing in the rain
The playlist
The audition
Her sisters and mom
Favorite quotes:
“I want you to remember to choose the guy who can’t get over how lucky he is to be chosen by you. To get a date with you. To even get you to look his way. If you take away anything from these dating lessons - take that.”
“I always noticed you. I don’t think there’s a world where you and I are in the same vicinity, and you don’t pull my attention.”
Happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Format: e-ARC
Genre: contemporary romance (🌶️0.5/5)
Series: Sweet River series, book 5
Thank to the author, Rebecca Jo Jackson, and her team for a digital ARC of Gracie’s Guide To Dating in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
——
Gracie Rhodes is a ballet dancer full of big dreams. After college, Gracie returns to Sweet River and starts teaching at her old dance studio, though she isn’t sure if her dream life is back in Sweet River. Gracie dreams big, Broadway shows in NYC or traveling around the world is where her mind is.
In the midst of this conundrum, Gracie reconnects with Nathan, a friend from high school who needs serious help with dance lessons (read the book to see why!), so Gracie and Nathan decide to swap services: Gracie will teach Nathan how to dance, and Nathan will be his dating coach and play matchmaker for her! What could possibly go wrong? 👀
—
Oh I absolutely loved this book. It was swoony, funny, heartwarming and the perfect summer read. The book length at just short of 300 pages was perfect (although I found myself wanting to read more about these two, but just because I’m greedy!) and the pacing was really well done. I am not a big fan of the friends to lovers trope but this one was extremely well done. I also thought the book was very original, as I’ve never read a romance quite like this one.
I have been reading this series in random order and I’m glad I did because I was not a fan of book 1, and I feel if I had read book 1 first I might have stopped reading the series altogether, so I’m really thankful for it! This book and the previous book in the series have been some of my favorite romances of all times, and I cannot recommend them enough 🩷
Format: e-ARC
Genre: contemporary romance (🌶️0.5/5)
Series: Sweet River series, book 5
Thank to the author, Rebecca Jo Jackson, and her team for a digital ARC of Gracie’s Guide To Dating in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
——
Gracie Rhodes is a ballet dancer full of big dreams. After college, Gracie returns to Sweet River and starts teaching at her old dance studio, though she isn’t sure if her dream life is back in Sweet River. Gracie dreams big, Broadway shows in NYC or traveling around the world is where her mind is.
In the midst of this conundrum, Gracie reconnects with Nathan, a friend from high school who needs serious help with dance lessons (read the book to see why!), so Gracie and Nathan decide to swap services: Gracie will teach Nathan how to dance, and Nathan will be his dating coach and play matchmaker for her! What could possibly go wrong? 👀
—
Oh I absolutely loved this book. It was swoony, funny, heartwarming and the perfect summer read. The book length at just short of 300 pages was perfect (although I found myself wanting to read more about these two, but just because I’m greedy!) and the pacing was really well done. I am not a big fan of the friends to lovers trope but this one was extremely well done. I also thought the book was very original, as I’ve never read a romance quite like this one.
I have been reading this series in random order and I’m glad I did because I was not a fan of book 1, and I feel if I had read book 1 first I might have stopped reading the series altogether, so I’m really thankful for it! This book and the previous book in the series have been some of my favorite romances of all times, and I cannot recommend them enough 🩷
July 1, 2026
There’s something about Rebecca Jo Jackson’s books that make me fall in love instantly. She creates genuine, authentic characters I adore. She develops stories with humour & heart, always highlighting the importance of family & foundational relationship building. Gracie’s Guide to Dating is no different. This novel will leave you swooning over “peaches and salt water,” rooting for butterflies over bad dates, and yearning for after-hours dance lessons. Gracie’s Guide to Dating is the perfect “taste of summer!” You won’t regret choosing to
read this {smoothie + matcha kind of} sweet story.
Thanks to Rebecca, I received my very first ARC back in 2024 with Lucy Loves Him Not. I’m honoured to have been able to return again & again to Sweet River, taking part in celebrating each of the Rhodes sisters’ stories.
I ADORED both MMC and FMC leads in Gracie’s Guide to Dating, and how dance & music played such a strong role in the story. The little notes of advice Nathan wrote in Gracie’s dating notebook were so cute. I also appreciate how Rebecca clearly leans into the genre she is writing, even labelling one of her own tropes through a text message thread between characters in the story. (#datingbutindenial is sure to be trending soon - cheeky cheeky!)
Much like Gracie’s memory of bumping into Nathan in NYC, this novel is sure to remain “fresh in (your) memory, bubbling under (your) skin like champagne fizz.” 4.5 stars rounded up! Although it is part of the Sweet River Series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Thank you again SO SO much to Rebecca & Sisterhood Books PR for the advanced copy.
read this {smoothie + matcha kind of} sweet story.
Thanks to Rebecca, I received my very first ARC back in 2024 with Lucy Loves Him Not. I’m honoured to have been able to return again & again to Sweet River, taking part in celebrating each of the Rhodes sisters’ stories.
I ADORED both MMC and FMC leads in Gracie’s Guide to Dating, and how dance & music played such a strong role in the story. The little notes of advice Nathan wrote in Gracie’s dating notebook were so cute. I also appreciate how Rebecca clearly leans into the genre she is writing, even labelling one of her own tropes through a text message thread between characters in the story. (#datingbutindenial is sure to be trending soon - cheeky cheeky!)
Much like Gracie’s memory of bumping into Nathan in NYC, this novel is sure to remain “fresh in (your) memory, bubbling under (your) skin like champagne fizz.” 4.5 stars rounded up! Although it is part of the Sweet River Series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Thank you again SO SO much to Rebecca & Sisterhood Books PR for the advanced copy.
June 30, 2026
Another summer in Sweet River with the Rhodes sisters and I couldn't have loved it more. There's nothing like Sweet River, it always feels like coming home! Gracie's Guide to Dating had so many fun and sweet moments - I laughed, I swooned, I cried - it was perfection. I loved the main characters Gracie and Nathan, and really enjoyed getting more time with the other Rhodes sisters and their beaus, as well as Mama Rhodes and her dating adventures. It felt like being part of their family - consider me an added member for margarita nights.
There were so many relatable themes in the book - from sister dynamics to deconstructing people pleasing tendencies and my favorite of all: the beauty of truly being seen by someone. "I'd performed on stages so many times I'd lost count, but under his gaze, I felt truly seen for the first time." I simultaneously couldn't put the book down, and wanted to go slow to savor it.
I adored the dynamic between Gracie and Nathan! Their banter, friendship, shenanigans, care for each other and their families was beautiful, and watching their blossoming romance unfold was so sweet. I loved watching them continue to show up for each other and their families in big and small ways, while also pursing their own dreams.
Eternal gratitude to Rebecca Jo Jackson for the advanced copy of this book and having me part of your ARC team. Sweet River is one of my favorite fictional towns and I love coming back to it time and time again.
There were so many relatable themes in the book - from sister dynamics to deconstructing people pleasing tendencies and my favorite of all: the beauty of truly being seen by someone. "I'd performed on stages so many times I'd lost count, but under his gaze, I felt truly seen for the first time." I simultaneously couldn't put the book down, and wanted to go slow to savor it.
I adored the dynamic between Gracie and Nathan! Their banter, friendship, shenanigans, care for each other and their families was beautiful, and watching their blossoming romance unfold was so sweet. I loved watching them continue to show up for each other and their families in big and small ways, while also pursing their own dreams.
Eternal gratitude to Rebecca Jo Jackson for the advanced copy of this book and having me part of your ARC team. Sweet River is one of my favorite fictional towns and I love coming back to it time and time again.
June 9, 2026
3.5 Stars.
The vibes:
- Matchmaker
- Dancing coach
- Book 4 in interconnected standalones
- Closed door (kisses only)
My thoughts:
I liked a lot about this book. I think it was really cute and the perfect palate cleanser of a book if you’re wanting an easy, happy, low-stress read. I really like Gracie’s sisters and mom. They are definitely my favorite element that has spanned the entire series, and I liked seeing the mom find her happily ever after.
Nathan and Gracie had a lot of cute moments together. I definitely felt chemistry between them. With Gracie and her dreams, this almost leaned as a coming-of-age story for me. In some ways it seemed like she knew what she wanted, but then in other ways, it seemed like she had no clue. With Nathan, I loved the guy! He had it so bad for Gracie, but instead of communicating with her, he just kept setting her up on dates with other men, and I just wanted him to go hard after his woman.
Overall, this was cute and I do really enjoy this author’s books because they are just so wholesome and happy. The small town is cute, the family is adorable, and I have seeing the girls find their place in life and love.
Note / spice content: closed door (make outs)
Release date: June 30, 2026.
Thank you so much to Rebecca Jo Jackson for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary.
The vibes:
- Matchmaker
- Dancing coach
- Book 4 in interconnected standalones
- Closed door (kisses only)
My thoughts:
I liked a lot about this book. I think it was really cute and the perfect palate cleanser of a book if you’re wanting an easy, happy, low-stress read. I really like Gracie’s sisters and mom. They are definitely my favorite element that has spanned the entire series, and I liked seeing the mom find her happily ever after.
Nathan and Gracie had a lot of cute moments together. I definitely felt chemistry between them. With Gracie and her dreams, this almost leaned as a coming-of-age story for me. In some ways it seemed like she knew what she wanted, but then in other ways, it seemed like she had no clue. With Nathan, I loved the guy! He had it so bad for Gracie, but instead of communicating with her, he just kept setting her up on dates with other men, and I just wanted him to go hard after his woman.
Overall, this was cute and I do really enjoy this author’s books because they are just so wholesome and happy. The small town is cute, the family is adorable, and I have seeing the girls find their place in life and love.
Note / spice content: closed door (make outs)
Release date: June 30, 2026.
Thank you so much to Rebecca Jo Jackson for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt an immediate connection to Gracie and found myself wanting to give her advice to guide her down a road a lot of us only know how to navigate after years of learning from our mistakes. The author did a great job showing Gracie’s inner struggle between pursuing her dreams versus what everyone else expected of her. How it weighed her down, but she had to pretend the baggage wasn’t heavy so no one else caught on. She captured the growing pains of graduating from college and beginning the rest of your life perfectly.
Nathan’s dedication to his niece was heartwarming. Then Gracie being Nathan’s dance instructor. Cue excited shimmy (Yes, I did a shimmy. Don’t judge 😆). And then Nathan being Gracie’s dating coach. Yes, please. Both were ingredients I didn’t realize I’d love so much until it happened. And the notebook 😍. I can’t even.
This is a sweet book about navigating life, the changes that come with it, chasing your dreams, and finding someone who wants to do all of that with you along the way. If you like books with main characters who are different but complement each other in all the right ways, swoon-worthy chemistry, and heartfelt moments, then you’ll love Gracie’s Guide to Dating.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Past death of Grandparent, father who left, kisses only
Nathan’s dedication to his niece was heartwarming. Then Gracie being Nathan’s dance instructor. Cue excited shimmy (Yes, I did a shimmy. Don’t judge 😆). And then Nathan being Gracie’s dating coach. Yes, please. Both were ingredients I didn’t realize I’d love so much until it happened. And the notebook 😍. I can’t even.
This is a sweet book about navigating life, the changes that come with it, chasing your dreams, and finding someone who wants to do all of that with you along the way. If you like books with main characters who are different but complement each other in all the right ways, swoon-worthy chemistry, and heartfelt moments, then you’ll love Gracie’s Guide to Dating.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Past death of Grandparent, father who left, kisses only
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was cute, cheesy and very predictable.
I like the overall idea of the book, but something about the characters I just didn't connect with. I think we were told and not shown with the writing. It was SO cheesy.
I felt myself plowing through to the end just to finish. 😬
Gracie was fine. I think the problem of her not sharing her secret was fine, I just didn't buy into it. She was too much of a people pleaser and we were told that she was bubbly and that wasn't how she acted. Her and Nathan were cute, but I just had a hard time believing in them. It felt too easy. I also don't feel like I knew him by the end of the book. We didn't get a glimpse into his life at all. I needed more development from him.
I like the family dynamics and how close knit they were, but again if they were so close why couldn't she share her secret... The ending was predictable and kind of a let down in New York.
Overall, if you want a cute, sweet, cheesy romance this is the book for you.
Thanks Rebecca for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dating coach
Dancer x music producer
Tattooed MMC
Small town Texas
Following your dreams
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - child abandonment
Favorite things:
Bar meeting
Dates
Dance lessons with Nathan
Journal entries
Kisses in the rain
I like the overall idea of the book, but something about the characters I just didn't connect with. I think we were told and not shown with the writing. It was SO cheesy.
I felt myself plowing through to the end just to finish. 😬
Gracie was fine. I think the problem of her not sharing her secret was fine, I just didn't buy into it. She was too much of a people pleaser and we were told that she was bubbly and that wasn't how she acted. Her and Nathan were cute, but I just had a hard time believing in them. It felt too easy. I also don't feel like I knew him by the end of the book. We didn't get a glimpse into his life at all. I needed more development from him.
I like the family dynamics and how close knit they were, but again if they were so close why couldn't she share her secret... The ending was predictable and kind of a let down in New York.
Overall, if you want a cute, sweet, cheesy romance this is the book for you.
Thanks Rebecca for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dating coach
Dancer x music producer
Tattooed MMC
Small town Texas
Following your dreams
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - child abandonment
Favorite things:
Bar meeting
Dates
Dance lessons with Nathan
Journal entries
Kisses in the rain
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎀 ARC review 💕
Available June 30th 🎉
What a perfect time to read during a heat wave 🥵☀️
But man am I sad I finished this in a practical a day! I absolutely love the town of Sweet River 🥹 so of course I couldn’t put this book down! I didn’t know how much this book would get to me in such a wonderful way!!
Rooting for Gracie on giving younger Gracie her dreams was my favorite part about this as well as learning having her boundaries with people pleasing. I am so proud of Gracie and all the Rhodes sisters! 🩰
The Rhodes sisters are setting expectations for my future husband and their men are setting those expectations as well! Nathan with his motorcycle is already 🥵 but the way he shows up for Gracie 🤌🏼😍
This book is perfect for the summer days ☀️📖
I couldn’t get enough of Gracie and Nathan!
A few favorite quotes 💕🎀
“Here, write this down: you’re allowed to be picky. You should be picky. You’re picking someone to share your heart with. That’s the most important choice to make.” 😩
“Wasn’t it funny, I wondered as I walked into the bar, how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don’t realize matter all that much until they’ve become memories?” 💯
“Doing life together isn’t a location thing. It’s a love thing. When you love someone, you find a way to tangle your life up together like roots, even if they’re miles away,” 🥺
Available June 30th 🎉
What a perfect time to read during a heat wave 🥵☀️
But man am I sad I finished this in a practical a day! I absolutely love the town of Sweet River 🥹 so of course I couldn’t put this book down! I didn’t know how much this book would get to me in such a wonderful way!!
Rooting for Gracie on giving younger Gracie her dreams was my favorite part about this as well as learning having her boundaries with people pleasing. I am so proud of Gracie and all the Rhodes sisters! 🩰
The Rhodes sisters are setting expectations for my future husband and their men are setting those expectations as well! Nathan with his motorcycle is already 🥵 but the way he shows up for Gracie 🤌🏼😍
This book is perfect for the summer days ☀️📖
I couldn’t get enough of Gracie and Nathan!
A few favorite quotes 💕🎀
“Here, write this down: you’re allowed to be picky. You should be picky. You’re picking someone to share your heart with. That’s the most important choice to make.” 😩
“Wasn’t it funny, I wondered as I walked into the bar, how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don’t realize matter all that much until they’ve become memories?” 💯
“Doing life together isn’t a location thing. It’s a love thing. When you love someone, you find a way to tangle your life up together like roots, even if they’re miles away,” 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gracie’s Guide to Dating
Oh, how I enjoyed this romcom! Gracie is the youngest of the Rhodes sisters, and this romcom is part of the Sweet River Series, a series of interconnected but standalone romcoms. I love interconnected series, as they give the reader a chance to reconnect with beloved characters! Gracie is a dancer and has a huge secret about her future. Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her longtime high school crush and uncle to one of her dance students, is positively swoony. He volunteers to be her dating coach, and he falls first. Nathan and Gracie have amazing chemistry, and it is so difficult to watch him be her dating coach! As he writes dating tips in her notebook, the reader can easily read between the lines! C’ mom already, Gracie! Plus he is a tattooed motorcycle rider…need I say more? If you enjoy slowburn, swoony, kisses only romcoms with all the chemistry, this book is for you!
Favorite Quotes
“You’re the brightest light in every single room.”
“Wasn’t it funny, I wondered as I walked into the bar, how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don’t realize matter all that much until they’ve become memories?”
“I understood now why every single change had been worth it all along.”
Oh, how I enjoyed this romcom! Gracie is the youngest of the Rhodes sisters, and this romcom is part of the Sweet River Series, a series of interconnected but standalone romcoms. I love interconnected series, as they give the reader a chance to reconnect with beloved characters! Gracie is a dancer and has a huge secret about her future. Nathan Hadaway, the older brother of her longtime high school crush and uncle to one of her dance students, is positively swoony. He volunteers to be her dating coach, and he falls first. Nathan and Gracie have amazing chemistry, and it is so difficult to watch him be her dating coach! As he writes dating tips in her notebook, the reader can easily read between the lines! C’ mom already, Gracie! Plus he is a tattooed motorcycle rider…need I say more? If you enjoy slowburn, swoony, kisses only romcoms with all the chemistry, this book is for you!
Favorite Quotes
“You’re the brightest light in every single room.”
“Wasn’t it funny, I wondered as I walked into the bar, how some of the biggest, most life-changing moments of our lives we don’t realize matter all that much until they’ve become memories?”
“I understood now why every single change had been worth it all along.”
July 2, 2026
This one quickly became my new favorite by Rebecca Jo Jackson. I just adore Gracie and Nathan, and their sweet love story.
Gracie is the youngest sister of Rhodes women, and she has big dreams that she's afraid to admit to her family. So, when she randomly runs into her high school crush's older brother at a hotel bar in NYC and thinks she won't see him again, she confides in him about everything. Then, she finds out he moved back home and his niece is in her dance class. They strike up an agreement where she helps him with dance and he helps her with dating (and let's just say only one of them holds up their end of the bargain), and they continue confiding in each other. I simply love how good these two are together, how they pay attention, support, and encourage each other; I just love them.
It was also so fun getting to spend more time in Sweet River and revisit the Rhodes family and their significant others. And Nathan's family is such a wonderful addition, especially his niece and sister.
Thank you so much, Rebecca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 10 out of 10. No notes. I love this one so much, and can't wait for more Sweet River fun! All opinions are my own.
Gracie is the youngest sister of Rhodes women, and she has big dreams that she's afraid to admit to her family. So, when she randomly runs into her high school crush's older brother at a hotel bar in NYC and thinks she won't see him again, she confides in him about everything. Then, she finds out he moved back home and his niece is in her dance class. They strike up an agreement where she helps him with dance and he helps her with dating (and let's just say only one of them holds up their end of the bargain), and they continue confiding in each other. I simply love how good these two are together, how they pay attention, support, and encourage each other; I just love them.
It was also so fun getting to spend more time in Sweet River and revisit the Rhodes family and their significant others. And Nathan's family is such a wonderful addition, especially his niece and sister.
Thank you so much, Rebecca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 10 out of 10. No notes. I love this one so much, and can't wait for more Sweet River fun! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is just something about the way that Rebecca Jo Jackson writes a romance that I absolutely adore. She has such a beautiful way of blending the swoon worthy romance with small town and strong family vibes. Her stories bring such a coziness about them that I cannot help but be drawn into. And Gracie's story was certainly no exception. Gracie and Nathan together were simply perfection. I love a good 'dating coach/matchmaker' romance and this one was done really well... his notes were a highlight, and I loved how he kept distracting her from the men he was setting her up with. These two definitely had some obstacles to figure out, but their chemistry was undeniable and I loved seeing them figure it all out. I'm also a sucker for a MMC who has a soft spot for only her (or a select few, at least) and Nathan certainly had just that! This was an excellent addition to the series and one that I adored.
Gracie's Guide to Dating is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Sweet River series, but I do think it could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Gracie's Guide to Dating is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the fourth book in the Sweet River series, but I do think it could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2026
Gracie has just finished college and her family could not be more excited to welcome her home to Sweet River where the whole world has plans for her. It’s always been understood that she’d take over the local dance studio, where she was once a former student, that she’d live in the apartment above the coffee shop, the one she’d always talked about, and she’d pick right back up with Margarita nights with her sisters and her mom. The only problem was that Gracie auditioned for a show in New York before arriving back home, and she was nervously hoping to get that role. Plus, she happened to bump into Nathan while in New York, the quiet loner musician from Sweet River who was a few years older than her. He was full of encouragement, and he’s the only one who knows about the audition. Once back in Sweet River her sisters decided she should date the 5 guys who she crushed on back in the day, the first of which is Nathan’s brother. When Nathan offers to be a dating coach, Gracie starts to wonder what she actually wants out of life.
This was a really sweet romance about going for your dreams, and supporting the people you love. Great book for the summer! 4 ⭐️
This was a really sweet romance about going for your dreams, and supporting the people you love. Great book for the summer! 4 ⭐️
June 23, 2026
One of my favorite things about this story was the close knit Rhodes family. Their relationships added so much warmth and heart to the book, and I loved getting to spend time with all of them🤍
This book had me smiling from beginning to end. Nathan and Gracie completely won me over, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way🥹✨
And those notebook notes? My heart absolutely melted. The way Nathan encouraged Gracie, supported her dreams, and was always cheering her on made him impossible not to love. He was such a thoughtful, caring hero. If I have one complaint, it’s that I would have loved a few chapters from Nathan’s POV!
I also really enjoyed the side story involving Gracie’s mom and her dating life. It added an extra layer of charm and humor to the story and was so much fun to follow along with.
Overall, this was such a sweet, heartwarming read that left me with a smile on my face long after I finished💕
✨Single POV
🩰Small Town
✨Biker MMC
🩰Dating Coach x Dance Coach
✨Faith Elements
🩰Slow Burn
✨Sizzling Chemistry
🩰Opposites Attract
✨Summer Romance
🩰He Only Smiles For Her
🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book had me smiling from beginning to end. Nathan and Gracie completely won me over, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way🥹✨
And those notebook notes? My heart absolutely melted. The way Nathan encouraged Gracie, supported her dreams, and was always cheering her on made him impossible not to love. He was such a thoughtful, caring hero. If I have one complaint, it’s that I would have loved a few chapters from Nathan’s POV!
I also really enjoyed the side story involving Gracie’s mom and her dating life. It added an extra layer of charm and humor to the story and was so much fun to follow along with.
Overall, this was such a sweet, heartwarming read that left me with a smile on my face long after I finished💕
✨Single POV
🩰Small Town
✨Biker MMC
🩰Dating Coach x Dance Coach
✨Faith Elements
🩰Slow Burn
✨Sizzling Chemistry
🩰Opposites Attract
✨Summer Romance
🩰He Only Smiles For Her
🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
June 27, 2026
🩷🏍️ARC Review🏍️🩷
Thank you Rebecca Jo Jackson for this ARC of Gracie’s Guide to Dating! I absolutely love all these sisters and their shenanigans, but Gracie, she hits different 🫶
This book stole my heart in the best way possible the way you wrote Gracie and Nathan’s love story was emotional (in the best way) yet completely swoon worthy to the max.
It was so refreshing taking a trip back to Sweet River, I missed the Rhodes crew more than I realized, but let me say Gracie’s story was my absolute favorite‼️ Such a warm hug for my heart, Nathan and his secret notes to Gracie in the Dating Notebook that he gave her were such a little cherry on top of this PERFECT STORY🩷
The growth from friendship to partners was beautifully spectacular. I had happy tears when Nathan showed up for Gracie and then again when he continued to show up for her🥹
Over all the best way to put it, this book just made me so happy, giddy and just completely in awe of the way these two came together.
Tropes:
🩷Dating Coach x Dancing Coach
🏍️Tatted Biker MMC
🩷Small Town
🏍️Closed Door
🩷Slow Burn
🏍️Sister Shenanigans
🩷He only Smiles for her
Thank you Rebecca Jo Jackson for this ARC of Gracie’s Guide to Dating! I absolutely love all these sisters and their shenanigans, but Gracie, she hits different 🫶
This book stole my heart in the best way possible the way you wrote Gracie and Nathan’s love story was emotional (in the best way) yet completely swoon worthy to the max.
It was so refreshing taking a trip back to Sweet River, I missed the Rhodes crew more than I realized, but let me say Gracie’s story was my absolute favorite‼️ Such a warm hug for my heart, Nathan and his secret notes to Gracie in the Dating Notebook that he gave her were such a little cherry on top of this PERFECT STORY🩷
The growth from friendship to partners was beautifully spectacular. I had happy tears when Nathan showed up for Gracie and then again when he continued to show up for her🥹
Over all the best way to put it, this book just made me so happy, giddy and just completely in awe of the way these two came together.
Tropes:
🩷Dating Coach x Dancing Coach
🏍️Tatted Biker MMC
🩷Small Town
🏍️Closed Door
🩷Slow Burn
🏍️Sister Shenanigans
🩷He only Smiles for her
June 30, 2026
ARC BOOK REVIEW 📖: GRACIE’S GUIDE TO DATING by Rebecca Jo Jackson
Rating: 5⭐️/5
Format: ebook
Happy pub day!!
I was so happy to revisit Sweet River and dive into Gracie’s story! This has easily become one of my favorite series- between the Rhodes’ family, the men, and small town vibes, you just can’t beat it. Each story in this series just keeps getting better and better. Nathan and Gracie might just be my favorite of all the books! The chemistry between these two is unmatched! I found myself giggling, swooning, and smiling from ear to ear throughout, and couldn’t put it down.
Read if you love:
Dating coach x Dancing coach
Slowburn
Small town
He only smiles for her
Favorite Quotes:
“Do you ever think those sparks are kind of like nudges from God to show us where to go?”
“I think you’re distracted by someone who isn’t your date.” 😍
Thank you Rebecca for sending me your ARC in exchange for my honest review! Gracie’s Guide to Dating is part of the Sweet River series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the others (especially Lucy and Olivia’s stories) to fully understand and relate to these characters.
Rating: 5⭐️/5
Format: ebook
Happy pub day!!
I was so happy to revisit Sweet River and dive into Gracie’s story! This has easily become one of my favorite series- between the Rhodes’ family, the men, and small town vibes, you just can’t beat it. Each story in this series just keeps getting better and better. Nathan and Gracie might just be my favorite of all the books! The chemistry between these two is unmatched! I found myself giggling, swooning, and smiling from ear to ear throughout, and couldn’t put it down.
Read if you love:
Dating coach x Dancing coach
Slowburn
Small town
He only smiles for her
Favorite Quotes:
“Do you ever think those sparks are kind of like nudges from God to show us where to go?”
“I think you’re distracted by someone who isn’t your date.” 😍
Thank you Rebecca for sending me your ARC in exchange for my honest review! Gracie’s Guide to Dating is part of the Sweet River series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the others (especially Lucy and Olivia’s stories) to fully understand and relate to these characters.
July 2, 2026
Nathan and Gracie decide to play coach in each other’s lives. She’ll teach him how to dance and he’ll teach her how to date. How could this arrangement possibly go wrong?
I loved how naturally Gracie and Nathan’s connection started and evolved over the course of the novel. They have a sweet friendship that slowly starts feeling like something more as Gracie gets further into her dating adventures. She starts questioning if she should really be going on dates once she realizes she has feelings for her dating coach. The notes Nathan left for Gracie in her dating journal were so sweet and encouraging and gave the reader a glimpse of what he might be feeling for Gracie.
Some romances are built on grand gestures, but this one won me over with the little moments. Watching Nathan and Gracie grow closer through each conversation and dance lesson made it impossible not to root for them. If you love closed-door romances where a dating client falls for their coach, this story is sure to waltz its way into your heart.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved how naturally Gracie and Nathan’s connection started and evolved over the course of the novel. They have a sweet friendship that slowly starts feeling like something more as Gracie gets further into her dating adventures. She starts questioning if she should really be going on dates once she realizes she has feelings for her dating coach. The notes Nathan left for Gracie in her dating journal were so sweet and encouraging and gave the reader a glimpse of what he might be feeling for Gracie.
Some romances are built on grand gestures, but this one won me over with the little moments. Watching Nathan and Gracie grow closer through each conversation and dance lesson made it impossible not to root for them. If you love closed-door romances where a dating client falls for their coach, this story is sure to waltz its way into your heart.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2026
Such a sweet story 🎀
This book had the dating coach trope, which I only have read maybe once before, and I actually quite like it. It isn’t my favorite trope by far, but the author did a very good job with it!
NATHAN. Talk about a man who knows how to SHOW UP. for his family, for his girl, for her family. He was a brooding cutie with a motorcycle who just happened to be a closet cheerleader for the dreams of people he loves. He’s not one of those MMC who gives some “understandable space” to the girl he loves. And I’m not hating on books or situations where that works. He takes risks, because he loves so hard. There were just so many moments where he walked away from something and then turned right back around - it was refreshing!
I tend to start on the second or third in interconnected books for some reason 😅so I did not read the first three books before this one, but now I kind of want to! I can see how watching other couples' stories flesh out here is very sweet.
There was like half of a third act breakup-which I don’t always love, but it worked out okay so I’m fine with it.
AND Nathan takes care of his niece? My heart 🫶🏻
Content:
💋: kisses, make outs
⚠️: grief
This book had the dating coach trope, which I only have read maybe once before, and I actually quite like it. It isn’t my favorite trope by far, but the author did a very good job with it!
NATHAN. Talk about a man who knows how to SHOW UP. for his family, for his girl, for her family. He was a brooding cutie with a motorcycle who just happened to be a closet cheerleader for the dreams of people he loves. He’s not one of those MMC who gives some “understandable space” to the girl he loves. And I’m not hating on books or situations where that works. He takes risks, because he loves so hard. There were just so many moments where he walked away from something and then turned right back around - it was refreshing!
I tend to start on the second or third in interconnected books for some reason 😅so I did not read the first three books before this one, but now I kind of want to! I can see how watching other couples' stories flesh out here is very sweet.
There was like half of a third act breakup-which I don’t always love, but it worked out okay so I’m fine with it.
AND Nathan takes care of his niece? My heart 🫶🏻
Content:
💋: kisses, make outs
⚠️: grief
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews