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Second Chances #4
Slow Dancing
Fifteen years ago, Drake Rosen was forced to leave the girl he loved, only to find her gone when he returned. He never forgot her, the only girl his heart belonged to, until he sees her during Oliver and Felicity’s wedding. She has now become a beautiful woman who gives meaning to every beat of his heart. The woman who can bring him to his knees.
Bethany Brooke was never one to fit in. Scrawny, shy, and partially hearing impaired she was the butt of cruel taunts in school. Drake was the boy who protected her, shielded her and gave her the time of day. Her knight in a faded uniform, he was the one who drew the curtains back to let light colour her world and sound even more beautiful. He was the one she fell in love with. But when Drake is forced to leave, Bethany is left to fend for herself until she, too, is forced to leave her home. Fifteen years later, while walking the trails of Sandbanks, she sees the boy who owned her heart from the very start. He is now a man that gives sound to her racing pulse, someone she now craves.
Giving in to the attraction they have had for a long time, they take the chance of kindling the love denied them all those years ago. But someone is working in the background to pull them apart. If Drake finds out the secrets Bethany is keeping, not only will it destroy their fragile love. Bethany knows that it is the ultimate betrayal that will break Drake’s heart.
They say it takes two to tango. For Drake and Bethany, it will have to be the slow dance of their lives.
Bethany Brooke was never one to fit in. Scrawny, shy, and partially hearing impaired she was the butt of cruel taunts in school. Drake was the boy who protected her, shielded her and gave her the time of day. Her knight in a faded uniform, he was the one who drew the curtains back to let light colour her world and sound even more beautiful. He was the one she fell in love with. But when Drake is forced to leave, Bethany is left to fend for herself until she, too, is forced to leave her home. Fifteen years later, while walking the trails of Sandbanks, she sees the boy who owned her heart from the very start. He is now a man that gives sound to her racing pulse, someone she now craves.
Giving in to the attraction they have had for a long time, they take the chance of kindling the love denied them all those years ago. But someone is working in the background to pull them apart. If Drake finds out the secrets Bethany is keeping, not only will it destroy their fragile love. Bethany knows that it is the ultimate betrayal that will break Drake’s heart.
They say it takes two to tango. For Drake and Bethany, it will have to be the slow dance of their lives.
Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2018
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Isobelle Cate
44 books230 followersSome stories stay with you forever. Some characters feel like old friends. Isobelle Cate writes both. Her books are full of love that surprises, second chances that feel real, and people who’ve been through heartbreak but find the courage to love again. Every story she tells reminds us that hope is never lost, and love always finds a way.
Her characters are alive, flawed, brave, funny, and achingly human. Whether it’s a sweeping romance or a touch of magic, her stories pull you in and refuse to let go.
Off the page, Isobelle is just as captivating. She’s warm, thoughtful, and a little delightfully quirky someone who loves quiet afternoons with a book, the smell of baking drifting through the house, and the gentle rhythm of crocheting. She lives in Manchester with her family and their tiny, fearless goldfish, Ninja, who somehow makes every day a little more interesting.
Readers don’t just come for her stories, they stay for her heart. Isobelle’s words comfort, inspire, and remind us that even when life feels impossible, love has a way of finding us.
Her characters are alive, flawed, brave, funny, and achingly human. Whether it’s a sweeping romance or a touch of magic, her stories pull you in and refuse to let go.
Off the page, Isobelle is just as captivating. She’s warm, thoughtful, and a little delightfully quirky someone who loves quiet afternoons with a book, the smell of baking drifting through the house, and the gentle rhythm of crocheting. She lives in Manchester with her family and their tiny, fearless goldfish, Ninja, who somehow makes every day a little more interesting.
Readers don’t just come for her stories, they stay for her heart. Isobelle’s words comfort, inspire, and remind us that even when life feels impossible, love has a way of finding us.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 12, 2018
Honestly, i didn't know if i would be able to finish this book. I wanted to quit so many times. I just couldn't deal with Bethany's character anymore. An example of her behavior is when Drake says an unpleasant comment to her She jumps out of the car. This book was so exhausting to read. Overall this book is a big NO for me. I'm rating it 2 stars.
March 13, 2018
What can I say about this book?
Well..there is romance, suspance, an hounting past, secrets untold, sparks fly and, of course, there are pages so hot you will think of getting a cold shower.
What else can a reader desire?
I loved it from the first pages and I couldn't put it down.
This Author never disappoints me.
I heartly reccomend you the Cynn Cuors books too: they are amazing.
Well..there is romance, suspance, an hounting past, secrets untold, sparks fly and, of course, there are pages so hot you will think of getting a cold shower.
What else can a reader desire?
I loved it from the first pages and I couldn't put it down.
This Author never disappoints me.
I heartly reccomend you the Cynn Cuors books too: they are amazing.
March 15, 2018
I love this series so much. I could not wait to read this.
Gosh what a heartbreaking story. So much drama, tears and anguish. But I love Drake and Bethany, they went through so much to be together. I could not wait to finish reading their story but I did not want to finish it because I wanted to stay in their world just a little bit longer.
Amazing. As all books by Isobelle Cate are.
Gosh what a heartbreaking story. So much drama, tears and anguish. But I love Drake and Bethany, they went through so much to be together. I could not wait to finish reading their story but I did not want to finish it because I wanted to stay in their world just a little bit longer.
Amazing. As all books by Isobelle Cate are.
April 13, 2018
3.75 stars
The last few chapters really saved the rating I was going to give this book at first. I mean really saved, I was going to give this a 2.5 rating. Without spoiling anything big, lets just say that things were not as I had presumed. Maybe i’ve read too many other books with similar storylines so that I just thought I knew for sure what would happen in this one.
I didn’t really connect with Bethany, I can’t say I was a fan of her really. Naturally almost any woman would build up a wall around her when going through a traumatic experience, but sometimes her attitude and choices weren’t reasonable to me.
Also, during one of their fights, I felt that Drake was unfairly portrayed. After reading this book and getting to know the character, it felt very weird to read about some of the cruel things he told Bethany. It just didnt feel like something he would say, it was rather as if the author needed them to fight in order to get the story going so she just wrote it as ugly and dramatic as possible.
The last few chapters really saved the rating I was going to give this book at first. I mean really saved, I was going to give this a 2.5 rating. Without spoiling anything big, lets just say that things were not as I had presumed. Maybe i’ve read too many other books with similar storylines so that I just thought I knew for sure what would happen in this one.
I didn’t really connect with Bethany, I can’t say I was a fan of her really. Naturally almost any woman would build up a wall around her when going through a traumatic experience, but sometimes her attitude and choices weren’t reasonable to me.
Also, during one of their fights, I felt that Drake was unfairly portrayed. After reading this book and getting to know the character, it felt very weird to read about some of the cruel things he told Bethany. It just didnt feel like something he would say, it was rather as if the author needed them to fight in order to get the story going so she just wrote it as ugly and dramatic as possible.
March 30, 2018
Oh I just love love love Drake and Bethany! What an amazing couple! I love reading about childhood sweethearts reuniting, and even though it was an extremely bumpy ride and in places it seemed they faced the impossible, they melted my heart at the end and I didn’t want it to end at all!
I love this author’s writing style and how she brings the characters to life. Though I found there were so many characters added in this book that I couldn’t keep up with who was who!
Beautifully written, full of emotion and a gripping story. Can’t wait to read more from Isobelle Cate!
I love this author’s writing style and how she brings the characters to life. Though I found there were so many characters added in this book that I couldn’t keep up with who was who!
Beautifully written, full of emotion and a gripping story. Can’t wait to read more from Isobelle Cate!
April 5, 2018
I always know that i'm in for a great read whenever I get to read a copy of one of Isobelle Cate's stories and Slow Dancing didn't disappoint as it was so full of drama, mystery and edgy suspense. It's such a heartbreaking story of how young love was torn apart and of finally getting a second chance at love after so many years without each other. Drake Rosen and Bethany Brooke's characters had a great chemistry and connection in both personality and a sexual way but at times they are both a little frustrating and too headstrong for their own good, having said that they are still very likeable characters.
I only really wished that we were told a little more of the reasons why Bethany made the decisions she did over the years to do the type of jobs that she did as I know we are told a small part of it but I needed to know why she would want to be lead down that road in more detail after what had happened to her, but that is my only reason that this book didn't make a 5 star read for me as I wanted just that little bit more of her back story.
This is still a very angsty story which I enjoyed very much and deserves it's 4 stars.
I only really wished that we were told a little more of the reasons why Bethany made the decisions she did over the years to do the type of jobs that she did as I know we are told a small part of it but I needed to know why she would want to be lead down that road in more detail after what had happened to her, but that is my only reason that this book didn't make a 5 star read for me as I wanted just that little bit more of her back story.
This is still a very angsty story which I enjoyed very much and deserves it's 4 stars.
March 26, 2018
I received a ARC copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. I loved this book. A well written story. I do love to read Isobelle Cate books. I have found that when her name is attached to a book I can bet on the fact that I will be getting a fantastic book. I do encourage everyone to get this book it's a winner. This is a second chance at love and I have to say it's not without the problems that come with a second chance at love. Worth your time and effort. Don't over look this one!!!
April 6, 2018
This book has everything and more, romance, lust and a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. Although it is part of a series, this is the first book I have read. I didn’t feel that I missed out on anything and enjoyed reading it.
The characters are likeable, with the exception of the ones you are supposed to dislike. The past history between them makes for interesting reading and you just know there is more to it than meets the eye,
The characters are likeable, with the exception of the ones you are supposed to dislike. The past history between them makes for interesting reading and you just know there is more to it than meets the eye,
April 9, 2018
I didn’t realise that this was part of a series though reading it before reading the previous books has taken nothing away from the story itself.
This is a beautiful well written second chance romance. Bethany and Drake are so good together and I was so rooting for them to find a happy ever after.
Great twists and turns. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author especially the previous books. Loved it.
This is a beautiful well written second chance romance. Bethany and Drake are so good together and I was so rooting for them to find a happy ever after.
Great twists and turns. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author especially the previous books. Loved it.
April 8, 2018
I am a huge lover of second chance romances, i think it because things always seem more intensified and the passion is more powerful. This is true with this book, Isobella has wrote a story of passionate romance that survives the test of time and what life throws at both of the main characters. Beautifully written and heartfelt this was a great book to read.
April 23, 2018
Amazing story as always with Cate’s books. Loved the heartache and the action packed parts. And the love story. All around good!
April 7, 2018
Very good book. I wished I’d been able to read the previous books in the series before this one. Bethany and Drake are a great couple and it was an interesting story about them, that I loved reading about. It had a lot of twists and turns to get through. First book for me by this author and now she’s been added to my TBR list of authors!
April 1, 2018
I couldn't get enough of this book. I love this series meeting all the different members of the group in their own way. I couldn't get enough of this book as well my life evolved around it for just over a week. I haven't stopped telling and my friends and family about this book.
November 27, 2018
This heart-tugging romance grabs readers and keeps their full attention with a strong hero and heroine and lots of heart-felt emotional turmoil.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 30, 2018
Slow Dancing is Book 4 in the Second Chances Series. This the first book I read in this series and had absolutely no problems following along and getting involved in the story. Though, after reading this book it makes me want to go back and read the rest of the books in the series.
I really felt for Bree and everything she went through her school years especially having watched my daughter experience some of the same things. Drake was her protector for years until he left and she was left unprotected. Kids can be so cruel.
Many years later we follow along as they reconnect not only emotionally but physically. I really liked that this story was told by both of their points of view. Written this way I think we get more insight into their characters.
This story had many hooked on many levels...2nd chance at love, drama, suspense, intrigue. My emotions were all over the place and I loved it! Due to all the twists I felt I got very invested in the story. I was pulling for Bree and Drake.
This story was well written and flowed easily.
I really felt for Bree and everything she went through her school years especially having watched my daughter experience some of the same things. Drake was her protector for years until he left and she was left unprotected. Kids can be so cruel.
Many years later we follow along as they reconnect not only emotionally but physically. I really liked that this story was told by both of their points of view. Written this way I think we get more insight into their characters.
This story had many hooked on many levels...2nd chance at love, drama, suspense, intrigue. My emotions were all over the place and I loved it! Due to all the twists I felt I got very invested in the story. I was pulling for Bree and Drake.
This story was well written and flowed easily.
April 9, 2018
My first book by this author but I hope not the last. It was a nice read. Well written and has a nice storyline and plot. Characters well described. They have an amazing chemistry between them but both are very stubborn which gives the story a twist.
I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating. The twists and turns are so unexpected that they made it worth the read. A story that is an emotional rollercoaster. It is of a great length.
I would have like more depth to the background stories of the characters but absolutely an enjoyable read.
I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating. The twists and turns are so unexpected that they made it worth the read. A story that is an emotional rollercoaster. It is of a great length.
I would have like more depth to the background stories of the characters but absolutely an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2018
I have never been disappointed with anything that Isobelle Cate has written and this is no exception. I love Isobelle’s writing style.
Slow Dancing is a second chance romance that you will fall in love with. The two main characters Drake and Bethany will crawl right into you heart and never leave. They both have a lot of demons to extinguish but together they overcome a lot to be together.
Another 5 star read that I would recommend.
Slow Dancing is a second chance romance that you will fall in love with. The two main characters Drake and Bethany will crawl right into you heart and never leave. They both have a lot of demons to extinguish but together they overcome a lot to be together.
Another 5 star read that I would recommend.
April 17, 2018
What can I say about this book? I freaking loved Drake and Bethany! They were amazing from the first page! If you love reading about childhood sweethearts then you will love this book.
Isobelle Cate is an amazing author that you have to add to your collection
Isobelle Cate is an amazing author that you have to add to your collection
December 31, 2018
"It will never be enough, Bethany," he said, his tone lost it's teasing giving way to seriousness. "With you it will never be enough until you realise that I'm back."
I'm very happy to be ending the year on a reading high with Slow Dancing. I didn't know what to expect with this book. Slow Dancing kind of felt like a new book compared to the others within the series-yes I know every book is new BUT the only link we had was Drake. Drake who we know nothing about, other than being a sexy playboy and who has his friends back in times of crisis but what else is underneath the layers of Drake...who is Bethany his childhood sweetheart and what secrets has she been hiding for 15 years?
She was stronger now and no longer the naive girl who fell for sweet promises and blood assurances only to be left lying on the ground beaten and picking up the shards of glass that made blood soaked ribbons out of self-respect.
It all started in High school, where Bethany was bullied for being 'imperfect' due to her hearing impairment and wearing a hearing aid. Drake would come and rescue her and together they formed a true friendship. But in more ways than one Bethany was saving Drake from the unfortunate cards that he had been dealt. Suddenly fate intervenes, forcing Drake to leave without so much as a goodbye and Bethany unprotected.
A lot can happen 15 years...
He liked the layer of mystery that surrounded her
where were you the whole time Drake Rosen? What happened to you?
When these two meet again, both of them have changed, but that doesn't stop the flames from rekindling pulling them together that they burn brightly together.
Now this wouldn't be a Second chance series with dark edge to it. Secrets, a villain, revenge, heartache and of course our favourite gang of people are linked in with this story as well as, new loveable characters. Bringing a ray of emotions, plenty of bomb dropping and moments where you are gasping on one page and then in the next chapter.
"Imagination didn't cause this. You did. You've always done this for me. Imagination was a poor replacement when we were apart but it allowed me to keep the flame you burning."
I had my suspicions as I started to read this story and still enjoyed reading as it all came to light.
Brilliant addition to the series <3
"You were alway's the one I wanted," he mumbled against her mouth. "You were always mine."
I'm very happy to be ending the year on a reading high with Slow Dancing. I didn't know what to expect with this book. Slow Dancing kind of felt like a new book compared to the others within the series-yes I know every book is new BUT the only link we had was Drake. Drake who we know nothing about, other than being a sexy playboy and who has his friends back in times of crisis but what else is underneath the layers of Drake...who is Bethany his childhood sweetheart and what secrets has she been hiding for 15 years?
She was stronger now and no longer the naive girl who fell for sweet promises and blood assurances only to be left lying on the ground beaten and picking up the shards of glass that made blood soaked ribbons out of self-respect.
It all started in High school, where Bethany was bullied for being 'imperfect' due to her hearing impairment and wearing a hearing aid. Drake would come and rescue her and together they formed a true friendship. But in more ways than one Bethany was saving Drake from the unfortunate cards that he had been dealt. Suddenly fate intervenes, forcing Drake to leave without so much as a goodbye and Bethany unprotected.
A lot can happen 15 years...
He liked the layer of mystery that surrounded her
where were you the whole time Drake Rosen? What happened to you?
When these two meet again, both of them have changed, but that doesn't stop the flames from rekindling pulling them together that they burn brightly together.
Now this wouldn't be a Second chance series with dark edge to it. Secrets, a villain, revenge, heartache and of course our favourite gang of people are linked in with this story as well as, new loveable characters. Bringing a ray of emotions, plenty of bomb dropping and moments where you are gasping on one page and then in the next chapter.
"Imagination didn't cause this. You did. You've always done this for me. Imagination was a poor replacement when we were apart but it allowed me to keep the flame you burning."
I had my suspicions as I started to read this story and still enjoyed reading as it all came to light.
Brilliant addition to the series <3
"You were alway's the one I wanted," he mumbled against her mouth. "You were always mine."
April 30, 2018
Slow Dancing is Book 4 in the Second Chances Series. This the first book I read in this series and had absolutely no problems following along and getting involved in the story. Though, after reading this book it makes me want to go back and read the rest of the books in the series.
I really felt for Bree and everything she went through her school years especially having watched my daughter experience some of the same things. Drake was her protector for years until he left and she was left unprotected. Kids can be so cruel.
Many years later we follow along as they reconnect not only emotionally but physically. I really liked that this story was told by both of their points of view. Written this way I think we get more insight into their characters.
This story had many hooked on many levels...2nd chance at love, drama, suspense, intrigue. My emotions were all over the place and I loved it! Due to all the twists I felt I got very invested in the story. I was pulling for Bree and Drake.
This story was well written and flowed easily.
I really felt for Bree and everything she went through her school years especially having watched my daughter experience some of the same things. Drake was her protector for years until he left and she was left unprotected. Kids can be so cruel.
Many years later we follow along as they reconnect not only emotionally but physically. I really liked that this story was told by both of their points of view. Written this way I think we get more insight into their characters.
This story had many hooked on many levels...2nd chance at love, drama, suspense, intrigue. My emotions were all over the place and I loved it! Due to all the twists I felt I got very invested in the story. I was pulling for Bree and Drake.
This story was well written and flowed easily.
April 8, 2018
Isobelle Cate is a new author for me but Slow Dancing didn't disappoint! Slow Dancing was chalk full of drama, mystery, suspense and of course romance. Second chance romances tend to be a bit on the dramatic side for me, but this story was put together so perfectly that it didn’t feel like it had angst to me at all. Drake Rosen and Bethany Brooke's characters had amazing chemistry but could both be a little bullheaded which made the story that much more readable. I do wish that there was a bit more back story for Bethany’s reasons for the decisions she made but that was all that felt lacking, which is why I am giving four stars. However I very much enjoyed reading Slow Dancing and look forward to reading more from Isobelle Cate.
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.*
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.*
March 18, 2018
I wasn't sure about this at the start - my bad for not reading the previous stories in the series (don't know how I missed them) BUT Drake and Bethanys story grabs the heart strings and doesn't let go easily, even at the end! With a history back to school days, when they were torn apart, Drake and Bee cross paths by accident some years later. Drake never gave up looking, Bee did what she had to to keep a roof and food on the table for her parents and daughter. Afraid of the past, the life choices, and emotional scares will be too much to overcome, are they together strong enough to make a future together, consider reading a story packed with saucy gasps, shocked groans and a few tears that will play those heart strings. Highly recommended (nice if you've read stories 1-3 but not essential)
April 8, 2018
This is one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride, Drake and Bee were the best of friends at school but he was also her protector and they loved each other through their bond of being outcasts in their own ways. Circumstance mean Drake leaves before school ends that leaves Bree unprotected and Drake trying to redeem his life which changes them both. Now they are thrown together but their pass which are heartbreaking at times is doing all it can to stop them from being together again after 15 years, you are kept guessing all the time. There are characters you just can't help but love and there is one I wish I could have some time with in the hanger as well! This is the first book in the series and will now be reading the previous 3 books!!
February 27, 2019
I found Isobelle Cate through "the Club" series. I enjoyed her Second Chances series. Good storytelling and strong characters. My favorites were Oliver and Drake. I like the way the author weaves in the erotic...you're not waiting until halfway through the book for a taste. However, the erotic content is repetitive book to book. Needs more diversity. My other big complaint is the grammar. She has a nice vocabulary, but there are many places with missing and transposed words. I am pretty good at self-correcting as I read, but it was so bad in a few places that I lost the meaning of the sentence. Is the need for speed so demanding, that there's not enough time for better quality editing? Overall, I was very entertained.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews