Two families. Two hearts. One forbidden love. One Date.
Timing is a funny thing. It can make or break any situation. Any relationship. The only thing worse than timing is miscommunication, especially when one person thinks the other isn’t interested.
When Cammie Spencer is left to sort out the mess that’s becoming her life, she reflects on what she thinks she knows versus what is reality. Has her perception of what’s expected of her high society life kept her from the one person she’s always wanted but resigned herself to never having?
After all, her fiancé is definitely not what she thought he was. And to make matters worse, or maybe better, Holden Masters has always been the most tempting form of forbidden love. She’s discovering he also may very well be the best medicine for her broken heart.
For Holden Masters, his haunted past collides with the present. His plans, which seemed so clear, become muddied. Will he finally drop his façade and back up his words of affection with actions or is he the player Cammie’s long pegged him to be?
Now that the auction is over, could it be that Holden Masters has already won the prize before he’s even had The Date?
J.B. McGee is a mother, wife, and the Amazon Top 100 author of the best selling This Series. Amazon Crossing acquired the German rights to her debut novel, Broken. Heartfall, her coming of age novel about a bullied ballerina, is a #1 best seller in the Teen and Young Adult Performing Arts genre. Skipping Stones, a military romance about a young woman strongly influenced by her faith and her family all the while searching for her true love, is a #1 best seller in Women's Christian Fiction.
When J.B.'s not writing, she enjoys reading as well as watching and live-chatting her favorite television shows with her friends. Her favorite shows are Quantico, Blindspot, Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Below Deck, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Scandal (mainly because of her love of Scott Foley).
Born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, she attended Converse College and eventually earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2006.
In college, she was told by her children’s literature professor she would be the one student from her class to be an author. McGee shook her head and laughed. But in 2012, over six years after that statement was made and after a love of reading had been reignited, she gave writing a shot. J.B. gladly ate crow when she emailed her first book to the above mentioned children’s literature professor thanking her and acknowledging the accuracy of her prophecy.
In 2011, it was discovered that not only do both of her children, but also she and her husband, have mitochondrial disease. Affecting 1 in 2500 people, it has no cure or treatments. Being a writer allows J.B. to care for her family’s unique needs while also providing a platform for raising awareness for this disease.
She is a hopeless romantic who loves to escape into fairy tales—some she reads and some she creates.
J.B. McGee and her family now reside in Buford, Georgia.
The Date is the second book in the Magnolia Grove series and it picked up right where book one left off.
“My worth isn’t defined or dependent on a man.”
Celia’s life has just been flipped upside down and luckily Holden is right there to help her pick up the pieces. The years of attraction between them come to a head and it’s hard to figure out what is right and wrong at this point.
“My engagement, my life, is upside down. And all I want to do is have Holden send me into a euphoric bliss, a faraway paradise.”
We did get some more insight into their lives growing up, but there are still so many questions that need answered. I can’t wait for the next installment. I need to know what is going to happen! ~ Tiffany, 4 Stars
The Date is the second book in this series. I am loving this series and the characters. I do not want to give too much away but if you read The Auction you know how that one ended. Cammie found out that her relationship with her fiancé was anything but honest. And now she must decide how to handle it all.
Holden as won a date with the girl that he has been in love with for as long as he can remember. But she has also just found out that her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. He does not want to be her rebound but he also does not want to lose her. He wants her in very way possible. This is the woman that he has dreamed of being with since he was a teenager. He will do what it takes to make her see how much he loves her and how much they belong together. But given her current circumstance, Cam is not sure of anything right now, her feelings for Holden, what to do about her failed relationship, and how to handle it. All though maybe she is aware of her feelings for Holden, but is afraid to admit them, or is not sure what to make of them, or just doesn’t know how these two can be together given their past. So what is she to do about it all? You will have to read this series to find out.
I just love this series so far. I love the chemistry between Cam and Holden but I think what I really enjoy is seeing how much Holden loves this woman and what he will do to make sure he doesn’t lose her again. He is sweet and completely swoon worthy. I think Cam had this idea about who he was, thinking that because she knew him once upon a time that she knew the man that he has become. But I think she is so wrong when it comes to Holden Masters.
I really love Cam and feel so bad for her because of everything that has just happened in her life. But at the same time it has led her back into the arms of the man that was once her best friend. and who would complain about being in Holden’s arms?
This is definitely going to be a bumpy ride for the tow of them because of their pasts as well as their present. But I for one am looking forward to it all.
Okay, so in the first book Holden win's the auction to take Cammie out on a date. The title of this book is 'The Date' but 'the date' never actually happens in this book.
However, these two do spend time together in this story so maybe that counts as a date as such?!
This book picks up right where the first one left off, Cammie is feeling betrayed and pissed off at her fiance, Oliver. Holden is there to pick up the pieces, well as much as she will let him.
There is definitely a building hum between these two, they have known each other since they were kids and despite the years that have passed, Holden has always wanted to be with Cammie.
Now he just needs to convince her to forget about the past and think of having him in her future
I'd endure anything for Camellia Olivia Spencer. The question is, will she do the same for me.'
The Date is the second serial in the Magnolia Grove series. So if you have not read the Auction, do not read any further as this review will contain spoilers. Also where the books in this series are serials with Cammie and Holden being the main characters throughout the series, the must all be read and done so in order .
The Date picks right up where we left off in The Auction. Cammie has just found out that not only is her fiancé cheating on her unbeknown to her but he is cheating with another man. Deep down she knew Oliver wasn’t the one she loved nor was he the one that would truly make her happy but she believed he was the right person for her to be with and marry for perception sake. Now she is faced with so many decisions, does she keep his secret or become the talk of the town. Does she go back to him knowing he is with someone else only to save the scandal from happening or does she end it, call off the wedding and truly live the life she wants to live. Holden wants Cammie to choose him, he has loved her for a very long time but he also doesn’t want to be her rebound, so he is determined to make sure she know what she wants before he jumps in with two feet, he won’t be able to survive it if she is not in it for long term.
Like The Auction, this one was a very quick read that I read in one short sitting today. Now that we have seen what has happened to Cammie and Oliver’s relationship, this one picks up with Cammie now needing to decide how to move forward with her life and has left Holden wondering if he has a part in her life when she does move forward. We also get to see some of Cammie’s and Holden’s past and see how close they once were and the moment that things changed for the. But we also get to see that even though things changed for them, the feelings these two shared never did.
I absolutely loved Holden’s character in the first serial, but I must say I loved that we got to see more of him in this one, really getting to see who he really was. I loved how much he cared for Cammie and that for him, it was more than just sex, and he had waited this long already, he was willing to wait until she was sure it was him she wanted. He was so loving, so very patient and oh so very sexy.
I must say Cammie’s character did annoy me a bit in this book. But I think that’s what made this installment more interesting. I just wanted to smack her and say look what you have in front of you, why are you worried about what people will think or say about you both. I wanted her to be stronger, to step up and live the life she wanted and not let others influence what she did. But when I take a step back and look at things, that is all she has known, it’s how she lived growing up, doing what her parents told her to do.
We leave off in this one wondering what comes next for these two and I must say I am looking forward to see how things are going to play out. This one doesn’t leave you hanging as much as the last one did but it definitely leaves you needing so much more, good thing we don’t have to wait long.
Cammie and Holden grew up together, when the adults drift apart are their teenage feelings enough to bridge that gap? As adults Holden needs to find a way to prove to Cammie he's the one for her, only problem is she's engaged. Can a mystery date win him her heart?
This was a short read, I enjoyed the characters and banter. I felt for both Cammie and Holden and the situations they found themselves in both as teenagers and then as adults. This book picks up where The Auction left off and I would definitely recommend reading that one first. You could probably pick this up and start here but why miss out. I'm looking forward to more from these characters.
There is one thing that I am certain about after reading The Auction and The Date and that is that J.B. McGee really knows how to tease the reader. The Date begins with Cammie finding out her fiance's secret which leaves her confuse and upset.
When Holden Masters wins a date with the woman he has loved practically all his life, he never expected that night at the auction for his plans to win the heart of his friend (who is engaged) for her to fall right into his hands before the date even begins. Holden has a reputation and a past that has him not caring about what the people in his prestigious community think about him. He decides to just be who they always expected out of him.
Cammie Spencer has lived up to her high society lifestyle that even means marrying a man that everyone expects her to be with. It takes over hearing a conversation that will have Cammie opening her eyes and really look into the future she had all planned out, she ends up realizing that all she can think about is her past. Will she be strong enough to go after what she truly wants?
The chemistry between Cammie and Holden is felt, maybe teased a little to much in the story but I am anxiously waiting. The Date is a sweet and sensual story of forgotten friendship hoping to be rekindled into something more something that might have been destined but with so many obstacles between them, did they even have a chance when they were younger? I will say it again J.B. McGee has a way with leaving the reader reaching for the next book. 4.5 Stars
The Date is the second book in J.B. McGee's Magnolia Grove series continuing the romance between Camellia and Holden. They have known each other since they were children. However, after an unfortunate incident (which we haven’t yet learned the details of) they began to drift apart, although their hearts truly always remained connected. After the passage of years, Holden is no longer able to ignore Camellia and is determined to save her from the life path she seems to be spiraling towards. But because of occurrences from the past, is there truly any chance that their love will flourish and will Holden ever be able to convince Camellia that they do have a future together?
The Date is an amazing continuation of this series. The dialogue and sexual tension shared between Camellia and Holden unquestionably kept my attention chapter after chapter. This novella only tells a little bit more of their story leaving me now anxiously awaiting book 3 to see what will happen next with this intriguing and captivating couple.
*Review copy received form the author for an honest review*
4 “always” stars
So at the end of The Auction, we are left with a surprise and a dilemma. And The Date starts the same way. How will Cammie handle the news that was dropped on her? And how will she handle her new situation with Holden?
“I am not prepared for the backlash that will come from all these decisions.”
The Date takes you back a lot, to all the history between Holden and Cammie, and how they have gotten to this point. I enjoyed seeing this part of their lives, and understanding why they are in this situation. Plus, we have the now, which gets a little heated ;) The author teases us with just a tiny bit of naughtiness between Holden and Cammie.
“I don’t want to be your rebound. I want to be your forever.”
And then BAM!! Again, it is over too soon, and I am still left with questions!! Definitely looking forward to what comes next for Cammie and Holden. Happy Reading!!
The Date is the second book in the Magnolia Grove series and it picked up right where book one left off.
“My worth isn’t defined or dependent on a man.”
Celia’s life has just been flipped upside down and luckily Holden is right there to help her pick up the pieces. The years of attraction between them come to a head and it’s hard to figure out what is right and wrong at this point.
“My engagement, my life, is upside down. And all I want to do is have Holden send me into a euphoric bliss, a faraway paradise.”
We did get some more insight into their lives growing up, but there are still so many questions that need answered. I can’t wait for the next installment. I need to know what is going to happen! (4 stars)
Now that Oliver has shown his true colors it is time for Holden to rescue his girl and finally have his HEA. Too bad Cam is struggling with what the town will think and how she is to go about ending things with Oliver and moving on. She will go back and forth with what she feels , wants and needs BUT Holden doesn't hold back when it comes to telling her what he feels , wants and needs. He may not want to scare her off or rush into things but he is sure to be by her side while she recovers and if anything they can rekindle their long lost friendship. Did I mention before about their childhood friendship/family ties ?? OMG that always does me in - my favorite type of book !! Thankfully I have The Promise because the way this ends had me drooling for more !!
As with the first book in this serious I am so in love with it. It's uber sweet, steamy, and low on angst. I'm loving Cam and Holdins story. She picks up exactly where she left off in the last book. This is something that I LOVE too, she doesn't spend the first chapter or two re-hashing the first intallment in this serial series.
It's a short read and perfect for those who's lives are so busy they can only dedicte small times to reading, but it's also a super sweet story perfect for those love romance and have time to read alot.
I highly recommend this book and the series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
J.B. Mcgee had done it again she picks up where Cam and Holdins story left off. Cam just found out some devastating news and now she has some choices to make. Holdin had been in love with Cam his whole life and now he might have that chance to prove to Cam that everything she thought about him was just smoke and mirrors. Can Cam and Holdin have a future together? Just as you think your going to find out J.B. leaves you hanging on waiting for the next book.
Okay, so this is turning into more of a serial read. I got sucked in with The Auction, book 1, and now The Date leaves me with more questions than answers. We learn more of the connection of Cammie and Holden during their youth, and that some type of betrayal happened that involves their families. So now that my interest are really peaked, I've got to wait for The Promise!
Holden and Cam need to work out some stuff. She wants Holden and Holden wants her but there's something that needs to be handled and as much as they want each other. Holden wants it to be right and not a rumor mill waiting to hurt them before they start. Great book. Can't wait for the next.
This book is a continuation of The Auction. We got to see how the story about Holden and Cammie and their past slowly unraveled, and how they started to open up and the chemistry between each other is growing hotter. J.B. has really done well and I'm so looking forward for the third book!
I love these stories! The chemistry between Cammie and Holden is sizzling. I really want them to give that town and those society queens the finger!! I'm still mad at Oliver. Mainly for how he handle the circumstances. Own up man!! Can't wait for the next one.
Another great read but a bit frustrating. I just wish Cammie and Holden would be together. They are so concerned what everyone else thinks that they are putting what they want on hold. Excited to see what happens next. Starting The Promise now.
The second book in this series brings Cammie and Holden more into the light. You learn a little more about them each day. Their chemistry seems to escalate even more with each page. Highly recommended series!
Even though this is called The Date, Holden and Cammie do not actually go on the date that Holden bid on in the auction. They do spend some quality time together, though, and I enjoyed seeing them reconnecting and having Cammie realize that Holden isn't what he portrays himself to be on the outside. That the depths of what he will do for her is something she's always longed for in another man. There is a backstory that has not been revealed in full detail, but I am interested in discovering more about it since it seems to be the key to unlocking the answers for how everything fell apart in the past.
True love can be hard when it's never the right moment for the two involved. It can be hard to go for what you want sometimes when everyone in your life doesn't understand
So, Holden won the auction, but can he keep the girl? Secrets are coming out and Cammie is shocked and hurt. Will she trust Holden to be the guy for her? Her dad ways in with his opinion and threats. Will she cave to parental pressure.
The Date picks up perfectly where The Auction left off. In The Auction, Holden won a date with Cammie in the auction and Cammie found out some shocking and very upsetting news about her fiancé, Oliver. News that will change her life.
In the Date, we get the next part of the story. How will Cammie handle what she learned? Is there a chance for her and Holden to be together? Will they let living in a small town where everyone knows everyone influence them in what they decide?
I love this series. The novellas are short and sweet and fun. They leave you wanting more and waiting for the next one. And thankfully, they come out a week apart, so we don’t have to wait long between releases.
Holden and Cammie have amazing chemistry. But is it enough? Timing. Circumstances. They seem to stand in the way. I liked that in this story we get some flashbacks and see a side of Holden and Cammie when they were younger. About the choices they made. How that time affects the present. And I loved that this one is a little steamier than the first book. I can’t wait to see what happens in the third installment in this series!
An arc was provided to Stephanie’s Book Reports for an honest review.