She's camera shy. He's a big star. Is love worth the limelight?
Thirteen years ago, Chris McPherson drunkenly declared his love for Joy Albright … right in front of her husband. Though her angry rejection still stings, Chris, now a successful Hollywood actor, has never forgotten his feelings for her. When he returns to Silverweed Falls to direct a summer Shakespeare play, he is thrilled—and a little apprehensive—to learn that Joy will be managing the play.
One year ago, Joy Albright’s marriage imploded in a public scandal when her husband was caught by the press with another woman. All she wants now is to avoid the limelight, but she can’t refuse the request of a dying friend to help save the local theater group.
Reunited, sparks fly. Joy is desperate to avoid more gossip. Chris comes trailed by the tabloids. But neither of them can deny the temptation to act on their impulses.
World traveler, vegetarian, salsa dancer, film fanatic, lover of happy endings. In an alternate steampunk universe, Thea travels by dirigible and gets in sword fights with dashing villains.
In this one, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband/salsa partner, three antic children, and an agenda-driven cat. She writes at the intersection of sweet and steamy, and hopes her stories will melt your heart and brighten your day.
Unexpected …. If I had to use one word to describe my thoughts on Acting on Impulse by Thea Dawson that would be it.
I hope its OK if I am totally honest … ? Well I would be anyway #hahaha… I really liked this book. It was the first by this author that I read and her writing style is engaging. (I know you are sensing the BUT – and here it is…) BUT I almost did not read any further than the Opening chapter…
I never thought that I would ever say this but ME yes ME the hater of NOW and THEN chapter changings thinks in this very specific case it might have been better to not open the book with this chapter. Usually I hate it when during reading you get switched between past and present. I always call it the “Titanic” effect … because we know where the past ends up as it is our present now… I usually always opt for telling a short” what happened in the Past” story before getting into the present… But here - well - here it made Chris (the male lead) look bad and I mean not a little bit stupid or so but REALLY bad … like an egoistical jerk – yeah … so thank god for my 3 chapter / 10 % rule or I might not have read further …
As soon as the “present” story starts it feels like a 180 when it comes to Chris and that almost gave me a whiplash thinking there had to be more to his behavior … but what that is – you will only find out by reading the story and not from me (remember I am the women that tries to give as little as possible spoilers)
What I admired was that this story felt real. I mean if you take a look at the people you for example shared school classes with. I was shocked to find out that my first school kiss belongs to a guy that is now a catholic priest (and yeah I heard all the jokes about it) and another one of my school friends is a well known heart surgeon … So why shouldn’t you find one amongst your friends that became a famous actor ?
There was no glamour in that story – not that sounds wrong - . What I mean is that it was not sparkly shiny Hollywood fake. It was heartwarming and real. From their friendships, developing feelings, their insecurities to the inevitable loss.
I noticed that it seems to be the second book in the Silverweed Falls series. You will not notice this as it is perfectly readable as a standalone. Acting on Impulse introduces us to a bunch of interesting secondary characters so I would not be surprised to see them return in future books.
Strangely one of the secondary characters already has his story told in the first book (from what I read in the blurb). Yet in the second book I got the impression that the story of the first book did not yet happen or was just on the way of happening I am not 100% sure with the time line there but for reading the second book alone that does not matter. I guess only if you already read the first one it might feel strange.
Why not 5 stars ? well I felt with the characters but they did not go all the way in making my laugh or cry which is the top criteria for that star
Anyway – I am pretty sure I will pick up another book from this author if the blurb “speaks” to me so I feel good when I suggest this book to everybody who thinks the blurb might appeal to him and who likes a good Hollywood story with a bunch of REAL in it
P.S. to the Author … why am I smiling now when I look at the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy ?
There was quite a bit of depth to this age gap romance that I wasn't exactly expecting. I enjoyed the cast of characters but was more drawn to the side characters than the MC's. They were dynamic in a way that the synopsis promised but didn't completely deliver. Overall, though, the book was good, it progressed fluidly, the characters grew individually and together, there was passion and forgiveness as well as compassion, and an HEA that was slightly glossed over but effective nonetheless.
Chris was young, immature, and crazy about Joy. His young man's head and heart couldn't grasp what was growing and acted in a way that embarrassed her, himself, and left him with the egg on his face. Later, though, he could see what he was feeling and can understand where Joy was coming from. His barbs hit the mark for her, though, he just didn't know it. When the opportunity presented itself to help a dying friend and mentor he took the chance and was only a bit apprehensive about the possibility of seeing Joy again. Meeting in Victor's home was a surprise as well as all kinds of awkward. But with a mental shake he gets to business and avoids thinking about how well Joy matured and grew into her sensuality, features, and focus. She could destroy his adult heart if he let her, but it's a good thing he's immune...right?
Joy is thrown for a loop. Knowing Chris could be involved with her professionally and now together at the behest of Simon and Victor, she does everything she can think of to avoid emotional complications with one very hot, very grown up Chris McPherson. Getting to know him as a man is a bit of a revelation and try as they might, they can't fight what is between them.
They both have a past to overcome in order to find their HEA together and it'll take a lot of humility, groveling, and letting go of preconceived notions, fears, and regrets. There are very different circumstances that they have to move beyond but each of them have something that can help the other to do just that, if only they're open to a true partnership where all their cards are on the table. With a particular event in Joy's college history I was expecting something more with that than just a flashback that gives us background to her being so uptight. But that's all we get. Insight. That can be helpful, but it doesn't really do anything to help us see if she's willing to move beyond that and accept reality for what it is and how that shaping moment is actually a stumbling block now because she took her reaction to it a bit too far. Then there's Chris' acceptance of his own issue with his past and his success. Self-sabotage isn't pretty, especially when it negatively affects those he cares about, not just himself.
Eventually they find their way to light and love and the ending is sweet and full of hope for the future. The MC's work well together once they straighten everything out and get on the same page. There's passion, compassion, forgiveness, support, and love. Ultimately, their impulsiveness led to lasting happiness. I'm very interested in the next story, though, featuring the most compelling of the side characters, Luke and Krystal.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
I have never read this author and this was a great first book for me by her. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I fell in love with the quaint town of Silverweed Falls. The premise was great and I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the author's writing style as well. I honestly didn’t know what I was expecting but loved this book. This is not your typical second chance romance. This is a second chance at romance book. I grabbed my attention and did not let go.
Chris and Joy first met thirteen years before while working together on a summer acting production. He is young cocky and has a huge crush on Joy even though she is married and has a child. When he makes his drunken declaration it does not go over well.
Joy is strong beautiful and a bit smitten with Chris as well. The downside is she is already taken by her husband.
Now, again we fast forward thirteen years and we get to see a grown up and mature Chris. He has hit it big in Hollywood. He gets a call from his PR company and they want him to do charity. Then he gets another call to return to Silverweed Falls to go back to his roots. He is asked to come in and direct a play as a last wish to Victor who gave him his start. Joy will be there now, divorced, and has an almost high school graduate. Joy has an issue with their age because, well she is older and thinks there will be a stigma. She is also afraid of letting him in and what can happen. He is in the public eye and she isn't a fan of the paparazzi.
I loved all the people in this book and all their playful banter. I had laughs and even got a bit teary-eyed as well. Victor and Simon were awesome. Joy and Chris such great chemistry. They had all that unresolved sexual tension that you could cut with a knife. All while she is having to move on from the stigma of her divorce and her ex-husband's actions.
Overall a good book that I found myself rooting for the couple. I highly recommend to anyone that wants a sexy actor and his second chance at romance. Maybe even the one that got away.
For me I have to say that this book was all about second chances for me. I love a book that have to do with second chances. I have to say for me this book was about a lot more than a second chance at love. First off you have Joy who has just been divorced recently. She is trying to get her life together and for her it is hard because she honestly does not know what her life is missing. She does not know what her life needs to be better. She just knows she is in a place she does not like very much. Second you have Chris who has achieved a lot in his life. He is an actor who has a film about to be released that could potentially make him millions. He is headed in the wrong direction. His manager gives him an idea about what he could do to help turn this around. You take Joy and Chris and you have them meet again. You take these people that are looking for a new lease on the way they are living. That is where the story really starts. Both Joy and Chris are beginning to learn to live for what they want and what makes them happy. So if you want to know where all these second chances come from and what they do to make them happen you are going to have to read this book. It has an amazing cast of characters and I can guarantee it will leave you reading well into the night. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say well done. Definitely a 5 star read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for a honest review.
I haven’t read this authors work before, so I made sure that when I sat to read this I paid it attention and tried to get a feel for the pattern and tone of not only the book but the author…I have to say it didn’t take long because darn it this woman can spin a tale! A delightful second chance story that brought old friends and unrequited lovers back into each other’s lives. Chris fell hard for Joy, but it was a case of the right person at the wrong time as she was a married woman with a child but is it too late to go back? Has his stardom blown everything out of proportion…including his ego? Or is it a case of rekindling the possibility that this still might be the real McCoy? Chris knew then just as he knows now that there is something special between the two of them, but will it come to fruition or is it a sad end to what could be a fairy-tale romance? A great read with two superb main characters and a multitude of secondary characters who could have easily stolen the limelight without such a firm hand at the helm…to the author… bravo!
The second book in the Silverweed Falls series, is a second chance romance, a bit of a taming of a bad boy, and a second chance at love, for Joy. A fun read for me, not just that we get to watch a local theater production come together, but we get to see a young woman, who may have chosen to wallow in misery, instead, is actually living well. When Joy's marriage disintegrates, in a very humiliating and public scandal, she takes the high road in every aspect of her life. She keeps her bitterness to herself, her head held high, and moves on. The younger man, who once had a unrequited crush on her, is back in her life and he is gorgeous, a movie star and still very interested in her! Flirting, playful banter and steamy love scenes, (finally,) and a well deserved, happily ever after. I believe that romance lovers will enjoy this well-written romance. I received this book as an ARC and I volunteered this review.
This is the second book in the Silverweed Falls Series. I absolutely loved the first book! Loved this one, and can't wait for the rest. Honestly, at first I thought Chris couldn't have matured enough for Joy in the 13 years they'd been apart, but through well constructed characters, dialogue and events, I was thrilled that they got their HEA! This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I love how the author is tying the series together, like when Joy and Richard run into each other just outside The Riverfront Cafe. Richard is the "hero" from the first book, Desire By Design. If you hadn't read the first book, this one quickly tells their relationship, but having read the first book, it was a wonderful little memory! I can't praise this series enough!
Acting on Impulse (Silverweed Falls Book 2) by Thea Dawson This is Chris McPherson and Joy Albright’s story.
Chris and Joy go back a long time ago. They were in a play together before Chris became famous. Chris had feelings for Joy but she was married with a child plus he was younger.
Joy and Chris’ paths cross again and the chemistry between them is still hot. Things have changed a lot in their lives. Now, Joy is divorced.
This is a sweet story of two people finding true love while supporting a good friend that is dying.
FYI, contains mature and graphic content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book felt too crowded for me. The previous book was easier to follow because it was mostly five characters with occasional appearances from other characters. This one was too overwhelming. There were the people in the theater, the Hollywood people, the people in town.....just too many supporting characters.....
However, I did enjoy parts of the romance between the hero and the heroine when they were alone together and not surrounded by everything and everyone else. Like I said, I did enjoy reading about Silverweed Falls previously and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
A Review of Acting On Impulse (Silverweed Falls, Book 2) by Thea Dawson
Chris and Joy - 4.5 stars
I absolutely LOVE the cover for this book—the colors and the lightness of it really drew me in. The two main characters have a lot of chemistry between them, but I really enjoyed the relationship between Victor and Simon as well. Ms. Dawson is a new author to me and I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series as well. While this is a series, the books are definitely stand-alones, which makes me happy.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is a second at romance for Joy Abright and Chris McPherson. They starred in a community theatre performance years ago, Chris declared his love for Joy at the end of season party, but she was married with a child. Years later Job is single and Chris is a movie star. He arrives back at Silverweed Falls to help his mentor put on the summer play. Things heat up between Joy and Chris, but with their age difference, his career and their different lives can they make a relationship work?
First time reading this author. Second book in the series, but I have not read the first (plan to move it to the top of my TBR pile). I don't feel like I missed out on anything not reading the first book but since reading the synopsis for the first, I understand it's about the spouse of the woman involved in Joy's husband's affair. But, back to Joy and Chris, I liked the story with their history from thirteen years prior and then present day. There wasn't much Hollywood drama which was good. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This book by Thea Dawson was definitely about the heartache and struggles from trying to resurrect feelings from many years past, as well as attempting to deal with those same feelings now. The characters were put through some intense emotional rides from tear jerking lows to hot sexy highs during their search for meaning in their lives. It was also a story about second and even third chances for people to finally figure out what they really want and to get things right. This is a voluntary review of and Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Once again, this author has delivered. A sweet contemporary second (or third?) chance romance. And yet it is not just the romance which carries this story. The secondary cast of characters add a blend of flavours to the melting pot which fleshes out this story delightfully. From the humorous interactions with a teen daughter, to the poignant scenes with mentors, to the intimacy between Joy and Chris; this just works.
A one sitting read for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Chris McPhearson has made it big. First his stint on a sitcom and now a leading role in a major blockbuster, his star is on the rise. But he never forgot Joy, the older woman he had a crush on during his one summer of theater 13 years ago.
Joy is out of her marriage, but not sure where to go in life. When Victor, her mentor and friend asks her to team up with Chris for a summer to save their theater group, she isn't sure what to expect.
The characters share this chemistry that is hard to ignore. Definitely one click this one!
Acting on Impulse can be read as a standalone even though it is part of a series. The characters are great, the chemistry undeniable, and the plot intriguing.
Chris made a pass at Joy when she was still married 13 years ago, but since then he became a movie star and she got a divorce. Now they are thrown together to star in a play together that just might save her theatre troupe. Will it be more than just acting between them, or will they find something more together?
I really enjoyed reading this story and highly recommend it. One click this today. 4 stars.
OMG, what brilliant writing only wished I could read it in one go because it is that good but unfortunately with kids I don’t have the luxury of reading such a big novel in one seating.
But this series absolute speak to the heart and I can’t recommend them highly enough. You will not be disappointed as they touch on different aspects of life in an ordinary town for ordinary people with a little twist of fame and heart wrenching moments that will have your emotions all over the place.
A sweet second chance story that will warm your heart. This is the second book in the Silverweed Falls series and features Joy and Chris who met thirteen years ago. She was married with a small child and he fell in love with her while they were in a play together. She rejected him, but has since divorced her cheating husband. He is now a big movie star the the sparks are still there. No shortage of drama or supporting characters. Steamy scenes will heat up your kindle.
Short review. Well-crafted, well-written second chance love story. Chris and Joy have wonderful chemistry, enjoyed the secondary characters especially Joy's daughter Charlotte who thankfully isn't written like a stereotypical teenage daughter. I would love to read a book about her finding love. This book will make you laugh, tear-up and want more but most of all it will make you smile.
This was an Good Book. Can't wait for tge next one. The ending was Good Too. Love it, when she bring other characters from the last book into the second oart.
There were a couple areas where there was such a huge difference in Chris' behavior that it was a little hard to believe, but overall very enjoyable story!
This is the love story of Joy and Chris. They met 13 years ago, doing a summer Shakespeare play. Joy at the time was married with a child. Chris had a crush on Joy which he came out and yell at on the final cast party.
13 years later, Chris is a mega movie star coming back to Silverweed to direct at the same Shakespeare play company. Joy is cast to work on the behind the scenes. Joy at the time was divorce after a public falling out. Sparks fly. Joy and Chris has a love story to remember.
I love the idea of second chance romance. Chris and Joy’s chemistry was off the charts. They were meant to be together.
I can identify with Chris sabotage issues. When things go well, he tended to sabotage it. He struggle with upper limit. I was glad that Joy was there to help him out.
This book is part of a series but I only read the second book as a stand alone.
An excellent book that involves you in the characters lives and rooting for them. There is a second chance romance but its also about teamwork for a good cause.