August Nights

by Bree M. Lewandowski

Kane Sah lives his life in a straight line. Years ago, personal tragedy dropped a little girl into his world who needed him above everything else. A military career crushed because of her, he fell back on years of dance training and opened a ballroom studio. But between his business and little Kelsey, there’s no room in his days for a detour.
Until one night, a pair of brown eyes makes him look left...
Willa is everyone’s favorite bartender at Nero Nites. But lately, life behind the bar at the nightclub has been bland as day-old pilsner. That is, until a chance dance lesson in the arms of a man with a voice like a summer storm bursts open her world with music and sensuality.
But responsibilities don’t stop for infatuation. And memories of growing up in a mud-puddle-nothing town get in the way.
Can the melody and rhythm of love drown out the doubts?
A love story novella about taking chances for the heart.
A romance that glows under August Nights!

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2017

About the author

Having lived all her life in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, author Bree M. Lewandowski incorporates all aspects of her life in her writing. A ballet dancer at a young age, continuing to teach ballet through her career as an author, she often turns to the tumultuous world of dance to find threads of a story. In love with classical literature, her writing not only pays homage to the style of writers like Dumas and Hugo, she also believes in creating main characters who are larger than life. Yet, struggles with body image, mental and emotional health, and the strained relationships so many have also play in and out of Lewandowski's writing. In the end, all these attributes combined, she loves to tell a love story.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!! This is an incredible story of two people so different yet yearning for something more but not sure what that is. Kane Sah is more than a dance teacher, a business owner, and the uncle to a special little girl. That is his life and though he thinks it's enough there is something missing. Willa left a little bitty nothing of a town looking for something that she knew would never find there. When Kane agrees to teach dancing classes at a club, he sees Willa behind the bar and when she sees him she can't get him out of her mind. Bree M. Lewandowski is an amazing author and this book just shows how amazing she is. These are amazing characters with so much emotion around and between them that I almost want to cry in joy in what I was reading. August Nights is a wonderful book that must be read. I'm excited about the next book in this series and thank you Bree M. Lewandowski for a book that made me laugh , cry and I could feel the emotions that Kane and Willa have toward each other.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author.

This woman certainly knows how to write and tug at your heartstrings. I really enjoyed reading this book. Admittedly its started out a little slow and there was a lot of descriptive development. I like a full story and its details but there can be too much where it bores you a little. It picked up pretty well around chapter 4 though right through the end. I would have liked to read more but honestly I think it was a sweet ending. Kane is a dance instructor and Guardian of his niece Kelsey who after a tragic accident comes to live with him a few years ago. I wouldnt necessarily call her special needs but yes she does need some special care. Kelsey has been his world ever since. Everything centered around her and whatever she needs and he's glad to do it. In the process he's lost a little of himself and thinking he never needed anything. He's perfectly fine with that until he sees her. Willa a bartender at the night club Kane is hired to teach lessons at. She's not had it easy either. Grateful to her boss, Reno for giving her a chance and giving her a job 8 years ago. He's not very good with words and he's not good for Willa's self-esteem although not a bad guy. She doesn't think she's good enough and my heart hurt for her. Can these 2 beautiful souls come together and will Kane allow Willa into his world with Kelsey? Can Willa handle it?

[Sherry Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked August Nights a lot. The cover is well done with vibrant colors and a good looking couple, reaffirming that I was going to get a romance story and it did deliver. The writing is very well done, and Bree Lewandowski knows how to put pen to paper in the telling of a good story.

All the characters in the story are well-rounded and fleshed out with some great backstory, actions, dialog, and emotion. Kane, the main male character is wonderfully done. After his sister dies, he takes over the rearing of his niece with special needs. I love how the author brought out the niece and her needs. Very realistic. Bree has done her research.

Willa, the main female character isn’t your typical woman in a romance, she actually has more of a realistic life as a bartender. I like her – a lot. We get a really good look into her world. The couple meets and falls in love while ballroom dancing.

The book has great descriptions and pulls out all of the reader’s emotions. If you like to dance, you’re going to love August Nights. Lots of great dance lessons and sexy moves. I recommend August Nights to all romance lovers. This is a great read – no graphic sex scenes needed. The love story works great just as it is.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kane Sah owns the dance studio Gold Coast since an accident has left him raising his niece, Kelsey, and he had to drop out of the army to take care of her. His world revolves around Kelsey and his studio and he never takes time for himself.

Willa Dean Evans is a bartender at Nero Nites and is intrigued by the new dance teacher hired by her boss, Reno Richards.

When Kane gives Willa an invitation for private dance lessons will she take it? When Willa discovers how complicated Kane's life really is will she run or be there for him?

This was a great book about sacrificing your life for someone you love and finding that someone who will support you through it all.

Kane was such a great character for doing the right thing with Kelsey and really being there for her with all her difficulties after the accident. He gave up his own life to help raise her and up until Willa he did give up any chance at love.

I thought Willa was great but I felt a little like we were missing part of her story. I liked that she gave Kane a chance by taking his card and actually calling him.

The end with the storm was scary but awesome for what Willa did! Good read!

[Candy76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short read this was a great story. In this story there is a hot sexy Asian dance instructor Kane who puts his needs on hold to be there for his niece Kelsey who has been through tragedy and he's all she has. Then you have curvy Willa a bartender from a small town wanting something different but not feeling like she's enough. One night these two meet and there is something there, Kane has never felt what he feels towards Willa and Willa isn't sure she'll be enough if they come together. Will these two give in or will Kane keep Willa at arms length because of his niece?
Bree I enjoyed this short read. You bring two people together with insecurities and the will to hope. You give a secondary story of a child with special needs, which has Kane wondering if Willa can accept Kane along with Kelsey. The passion behind this story has you rooting for the couple and for Kelsey.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest review**

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this story.
I mean just from reading the synopsis it sounds amazing! Who doesn't like the idea of this military man who comes home to raise a little girl and depends on a child and teenage years of dance to now bring in the money to care for his "daughter"?

But I wanted so much more from this book.
There is just too much history that bogs down the actually story between Kane and Willa. If I wanted to know the history behind the city of Chicago I would research that. Same with the history of the dances that Kane taught. There's so much more going on in this book that I feel the story lacks actual building to a relationship with Willa and Kane. With all the history this book gave I would've rather seen maybe how Willa builds a relationship with Kelsey. Or even how Kane goes from not having any care in the world besides his daughter and dance company to incorporating Willa into their family fold.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

When personal tragedy strikes Kane Sah, he is the man who steps up to the plate....no matter how difficult it may be to keep moving forward. He now has a little girl who needs him desperately and everything he does in his life surrounds Kelsey's world. But Kane IS a man, a beautiful, breathing, young and virile man. When he is charged with giving dance lessons at a local hot spot, Willa catches his eye. But Kane is NOT a player and his plate (in his mind) is quite full enough and doesn't have room for romance. The sparks between these two however will not be denied. Willa is searching....for something....but everything she tries on, just doesn't seem to fit. Will Kane be the one to finally ground her and show her that she is completely beautiful inside and out? I will say...I wanted more of these two and the story just wasn't long enough :).

[Andrea Miles]

I have read several books by this author and I have never been disappointed. She has a way of taking the storyline and making everything come to life. The characters are written as if you could reach out and touch them. Adagio is a beautiful piece of music as is with this story. The interaction between Lidiya and Patrick is amazing. The author takes you on a ride letting you see these two come together and a relationship blooms. The author has a way of writing that draws you into her stories and you experience all the ups and downs of daily life and in the end finding the perfect ending. You will not want to let this one pass you by. It is a MUST READ. The author is brilliant in her writing and always leave you wanting more. This book grabs you from page one and you will not want to put it down until you read the last page. Can not wait to read more from this author.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, short read. Here we see Kane, Willa, and sweet little Kelsey. Kane is a dance instructor who has custody of his niece Kelsey and has put everything in his life to the side so he can care for her. Then we have Willa who is a bartender that can't really find her place in life. Nothing she does seems to be what she wants. Kane and Willa have an attraction but Kane puts all of his priorities with his niece and doesn't think he has time to date. However, in true romance fashion these 2 will not be denied true love. Another issue arises where Kane isn't sure if Willa is the right person for Kelsey because she is a special needs child. He is a very devoted uncle and needs a special woman in his life.

I received a free copy of this book from the author

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kane comes back from Afghanistan to take care of his niece . A young girl who has been through so much in her young life . He lives and breathes for this young girl . Until the chance meeting when he is teaching dance lessons at a bar . Willa comes into his life and changes everything . Will they take a chance on each other .
This is a sweet read that will melt your heart in more ways then one . The characters are well written. And you can’t help fall in love with them . Kelsey will melt your heart and Kane will make you want to take dance lessons . Willa is a al around sweet girl who doesn’t know how awesome she is.
This was a fast read and you will get carried away for an hour. Check it out you will not be disappointed

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking at the cover you would not expect such a heartwarming and lovely romance, yet this was a real class act. Kane is just world-class being a guardian to a child is hard, but add in that the child has some special needs you have a beautiful soul. It seems fate - or good writing - brings this beautiful soul meet someone just as wonderful. These are characters that you will stand up and cheer for. You will want a happy ending for all these characters. If you read this book after having a hard day it will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. A quote from the book “A broken-winged songbird, battered by the storm. Her nest was this man.” What simple but beautiful words. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt romance with two people finding love when they least expected to.

Kane an ex soldier, who left the service when his sister dies and leaves him to raise her daughter, opened a dance studio to do the one thing he loves, dance.
Willa was stuck in a small town when a traveling businessman offers her a job in the city, bar tending in his club.
When the club tries to increase patronage by getting Kane to take classes in the club a couple of nights a week, Willa and Kane feel a connection. But with many things interrupting the time they try to spend together, will they ever be able to be share how they feel?

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing more romantic than a man that can dance. Now keep in mind we aren't talking about disco dancing by any stretch of the imagination. In this book, the couple actually takes the time to get to know each other especially since they both have their own issues, and it is refreshing. This author makes sure we feel the lure of Chicago by vivid imagery as we get to know these two and their story. Great read another goodie from this author who is most definitely knowledgeable about dance and the industry. I hope we get more of this couples story.

[Debra Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Brees that I have read and it was great just like the first

Kane is the owner of a dance studio. He left the army to raise his niece Kelsey after her
mother was killed in a accident. Kelsey and the dance is his world until he meets
Willa.

Willa is a bartender were Kane is hired as a dance instructor. She can't wait to see him hearing
Rummers he is hot .

Will she stick around when she finds out the responsibility he has of looking after his niece Kelsey?

Thank you for the chance to read this book Bree.

[Cassie Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say I LOVED this story! It’s a short read but packs so much love, fun and family in it that I would re-read it again!

This story is about Kane and Willa. Kane puts his life on hold for his niece and can dance, makes me swoon for him.

Willa is a bartender and gets a dance lesson with Kane.

Sparks fly between Kane and Willa but they also face obstacles. I don’t want to ruin it for you so go get this book and fall in love with Kane and Willa.

I give August Nights 5 stars.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

This is 1st book I’ve read written by Bree Lewandowski; she has done a great job at writing a good book. I am really impressed with her writing style and can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

[Bunni Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I am really mesmerized by Bree Lewandowski's story telling. It reminds me of the classics. The way the words wrap around you drawing you in.This sweet love story between Kane and Willa is no different. Her description of little Kelsey is heart wrenching. I don't want to spoil it for you. So you will just have to take my word for it, this is a must, must read!

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will learn to dance at any time after reading this well written story. It has a nice storyline and plot. The characters are likeable and well described. They develop nicely through the book. They have to open up and discover the world of romance. Secrets, family, trust and passion is a great mix in this story.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters have some insecurities and with then will to hope to overcome them. Kane is a dance instructor that had to leave his military career for his niece Kelsey. Willa is a bartender from a small town wishing for something more but not believing in herself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

His career in the military was cut short by a little girl but he would not change it for the world. He opens a dance school and has no time spare for dating. She is a bar tender and she is bored until she has a dance with him. Things may change for them both. See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mona williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really tried to get into this book! it really wasnt like the cover photo or the description.. its about a man who through tragedy gets a child. he raises her plus has a dance class. its where he meets a pretty woman.

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only this was the kind of man I had known...

Beautiful love story. Full of reality so bring you tissues. I was shocked. So many parts of this relate to things I know. Yet kindness is so much the soul of true love. This story has it.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read and even with my two left feet, this book makes me want to take up dancing. It is a really sweet and cute book with good likable characters this was really good and well worth picking up you will just love Kane, Willa, and his little niece Kelsey she is adorable

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written book that I enjoyed from the start, Kane Sah, his niece Kelsey and Willa's story is a beautiful story with great characters. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I bought the book.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

kane and willa feature in this sweet and short novella that sweeps you off your feet and doesn't put you back down until the story is done. very good

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more! I have questions-perhaps a sequel and a prequel?
I read August Nights quickly in one evening.

The word choice and descriptions are very detailed. I found myself retreading sentences in order to visualize every detail described.

Not your usual romance. I found myself judging Kane. Never judge a book by its cover-he is not your typical ex-military alpha. Kane is also not your typical dance instructor.

[Amanda Showalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why can’t we have dance teachers like that around here lol. I thought this was a cute story for 2 people who didn’t think they had anything else coming. They make a cute couple.

[Teri Ditchman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story. I would definitely recommend it. I love the dancing part since I used to be a trained dancer. The characters are very believable.

[JP Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about Kane and Willa! Good storyline and very interesting characters.

[Nadea Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick read, have good points, interesting storyline and concept that has some challenges makes an endearing read.