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MacLaine Girls #3
Love Grind
She’s used to baring it all . . . but baring her heart is a whole different story.
Down on her luck and broke, Jennifer Dudley long ago traded dancing in the chorus line for swinging from a stripper pole to make ends meet. She’s hoping an offer to come back home and teach dance at her old performance academy will be the opportunity she needs to fix her life. When she moves in with—and falls for—a fine software developer with brains and a boyish smile, she decides she might be well on her way to a second chance at success—and love. But her X-rated past may come back to haunt her, compromising her newfound happiness and hurting the ones she loves the most.
Down on her luck and broke, Jennifer Dudley long ago traded dancing in the chorus line for swinging from a stripper pole to make ends meet. She’s hoping an offer to come back home and teach dance at her old performance academy will be the opportunity she needs to fix her life. When she moves in with—and falls for—a fine software developer with brains and a boyish smile, she decides she might be well on her way to a second chance at success—and love. But her X-rated past may come back to haunt her, compromising her newfound happiness and hurting the ones she loves the most.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
19 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Ellis
16 books381 followersShelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 5, 2021
4 Stars for Love Grind: MacLaine Girls #3 (audiobook) by Shelly Ellis read by Una Knight produced by Bryant Street Shorts.
This was a interesting story about a dancer trying to make her dreams come true. It deals with the many hard choices a young dancer may have to make. And all of the good and bad people along the way.
This was a interesting story about a dancer trying to make her dreams come true. It deals with the many hard choices a young dancer may have to make. And all of the good and bad people along the way.
May 3, 2022
I enjoyed the plot….but, the story was a bit lackluster….the writing was a bit simplistic and the characters had no depth. The narration did a good job.
October 22, 2023
This was an ok read. Very predictable, a bit clichéd. Jennifer was a stripper trying to get her life back together. Moved back where it all started. Her past followed her back home, where it caused some trouble for her and the people in her life, including her landlord Blair, whom she fell for.
If more developed, this story would have been a much more enjoyable read.
Narrator did ok!
If more developed, this story would have been a much more enjoyable read.
Narrator did ok!
February 3, 2019
Thanks to HoneyMagnolia and the author for a complimentary copy of this book. *greedy fingers* I absolutely loved it, in fact, I read it twice.
I don't know if it's fair to say, because I loved the previous books in this series as well, but I feel like Shelly Ellis saved the best for last. All three heroines left a life behind to work at MacLaine Academy, to try to save the place from being shut down. Bina, Monique and now Jennifer find themselves in a place they'd always called home.
I felt like this book was gritty, much like the feel of Ellis' other current series, IN THESE STREETS (if you've read Book 1, there's actually a surprise in this one!). Jennifer is as down on her luck as can be, moving from Broadway to the strip club and just when you think things couldn't get worse, they do.
After a serious threat, Jennifer ends up renting an AirBnB room from hunky Blair (yes, visions of Mr. Blair Underwood should dance through your head) and his cute-as-heck Boxer Horatio. Both become her saviors. I have to admit, a dog sells a book for me. If I fall in love with the dog, it's a TKO.
Blair has his own issues-- a redirection to his life, a... difficult... significant other ( Shelly always writes that one character I LOVE to hate) and now a new tenant. I won't give away what happens, but suffice it to say it is lush and sensual and... mmhmmm. Like others, I could have handled a novel length story on this couple.
Get this book and put it in your face. You won't regret it!
I don't know if it's fair to say, because I loved the previous books in this series as well, but I feel like Shelly Ellis saved the best for last. All three heroines left a life behind to work at MacLaine Academy, to try to save the place from being shut down. Bina, Monique and now Jennifer find themselves in a place they'd always called home.
I felt like this book was gritty, much like the feel of Ellis' other current series, IN THESE STREETS (if you've read Book 1, there's actually a surprise in this one!). Jennifer is as down on her luck as can be, moving from Broadway to the strip club and just when you think things couldn't get worse, they do.
After a serious threat, Jennifer ends up renting an AirBnB room from hunky Blair (yes, visions of Mr. Blair Underwood should dance through your head) and his cute-as-heck Boxer Horatio. Both become her saviors. I have to admit, a dog sells a book for me. If I fall in love with the dog, it's a TKO.
Blair has his own issues-- a redirection to his life, a... difficult... significant other ( Shelly always writes that one character I LOVE to hate) and now a new tenant. I won't give away what happens, but suffice it to say it is lush and sensual and... mmhmmm. Like others, I could have handled a novel length story on this couple.
Get this book and put it in your face. You won't regret it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
Although I loved all three books in the series, this one might have been my favorite. Jennifer Dudley comes back to the academy after things were not working out in Las Vegas. She meets computer programmer Blair Sanders, a hunky computer programmer. (At least that's the description I got from the story 😄). Things seem to go good, until Jennifer's past comes back that could put everything in jeopardy. Not only were all the characters authentic, including the children, You were able to see growth from Jennifer and Blair. Not to mention some of the interactions between Jennifer and Blair were HILARIOUS. Shocked me several times. A fitting end to this short novella series. Maybe we'll see some of the characters in future books?
February 6, 2019
Yes
Let me start by saying that I wanted to fight at least one character in this book.
This love story was great. The characters were human with flaws and that made me love them.
Let me start by saying that I wanted to fight at least one character in this book.
This love story was great. The characters were human with flaws and that made me love them.
April 5, 2020
Fantastic
I have read the entire series and I have enjoyed myself. Each book is a great stand along book but together you get to know each other’s strength and weakness and how they over come them.
I have read the entire series and I have enjoyed myself. Each book is a great stand along book but together you get to know each other’s strength and weakness and how they over come them.
February 11, 2019
I had the wonderful opportuity to read Love Grind by Shelly Ellis.
Jennifer is a professional dancer, making ends meet in Las Vegas. She's not happy, but she receives a timely letter from her former dance instructor, asking her to return to Washington, D.C., to be a part of the the academy she grew up in.
The chemistry between Jennifer (heroine) and Blair (the hero, the man she meets) is hot! They're in a sticky situation at first, but Ms. Ellis crafts the storyline so that they are able to become friends, get close, and move forward romantically, even when facing certain obstacles. It's very refreshing to read about two Black professionals having a good time, faling in love, and not being portrayed as unrealistic or tacky. Yes, there are sexy scenes!
Also, there is Blair's dog, Horatio - you'll fall in love with him.
The characters are well-balanced; some individuals are easier to love, than others. Everyone adds to the story, and not being a distraction.
The story doesn't drag along. I loved that the series is based in the DC area, but Ms. Ellis uses locations that aren't as popular. When I read about the particular metro stop, it made me smile, because I know exactly where that is!
Very happy that we get our HEA; Jennifer and Blair both deserved to be happy and content with their careers, and love lives.
I know it's a novella, but I was hoping for a few more dance scenes. But Ms. Ellis has done her research on studio / teaching / administration life. As a dance teacher, I relate to the stresses involved, so I approve on that front.
Love Grind is a fun and sexy read! If you're into contemporary romance, this will be a winner for you. So check out the first two books, and also dive into Love Grind.
-- I received an ARC of this novella, from Honey Magnolia PR -- thank you!
Jennifer is a professional dancer, making ends meet in Las Vegas. She's not happy, but she receives a timely letter from her former dance instructor, asking her to return to Washington, D.C., to be a part of the the academy she grew up in.
The chemistry between Jennifer (heroine) and Blair (the hero, the man she meets) is hot! They're in a sticky situation at first, but Ms. Ellis crafts the storyline so that they are able to become friends, get close, and move forward romantically, even when facing certain obstacles. It's very refreshing to read about two Black professionals having a good time, faling in love, and not being portrayed as unrealistic or tacky. Yes, there are sexy scenes!
Also, there is Blair's dog, Horatio - you'll fall in love with him.
The characters are well-balanced; some individuals are easier to love, than others. Everyone adds to the story, and not being a distraction.
The story doesn't drag along. I loved that the series is based in the DC area, but Ms. Ellis uses locations that aren't as popular. When I read about the particular metro stop, it made me smile, because I know exactly where that is!
Very happy that we get our HEA; Jennifer and Blair both deserved to be happy and content with their careers, and love lives.
I know it's a novella, but I was hoping for a few more dance scenes. But Ms. Ellis has done her research on studio / teaching / administration life. As a dance teacher, I relate to the stresses involved, so I approve on that front.
Love Grind is a fun and sexy read! If you're into contemporary romance, this will be a winner for you. So check out the first two books, and also dive into Love Grind.
-- I received an ARC of this novella, from Honey Magnolia PR -- thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
I haven't read the first two books I didn't even realize it was a series. But I really enjoyed this book. Very cute! It was realistic I feel like if Blair had acted any differently I would have disliked the book. Her experience with stigma and acceptance as she found happiness made for a good story.
We love to see it!
We love to see it!
December 17, 2019
Home again romance with secrets
Like the others in this series, Jennifer is an original part of the MacLaine Dance group. She returns home, amid personal turmoil, to a somewhat tepid reaction and tries to make it work without revealing her past.
Spoiler: Her past is revealed, because dramatic tension and angst. People are shocked and judgy.
Another of the girls has her own secret, which is handled quickly due to the novella format. The series feels good, but it would be better fully fleshed out for less rushed conclusions. The characters are engaging and the men enticing.
The writing for all three is good, but has enough typos to be distracting. An example of the style:
"He wasn’t just attracted to Jennifer, but he also felt protective of her. She was virtually alone in this world thanks to her mother’s and father’s deaths. She had lost her business back in Las Vegas and had to start all over again, picking up stakes and moving back to D.C. She couldn’t find an apartment she could afford. She seemed so vulnerable, just like the Little Red Riding Hood she resembled when she appeared on his doorstep more than a week ago."
Like the others in this series, Jennifer is an original part of the MacLaine Dance group. She returns home, amid personal turmoil, to a somewhat tepid reaction and tries to make it work without revealing her past.
Spoiler: Her past is revealed, because dramatic tension and angst. People are shocked and judgy.
Another of the girls has her own secret, which is handled quickly due to the novella format. The series feels good, but it would be better fully fleshed out for less rushed conclusions. The characters are engaging and the men enticing.
The writing for all three is good, but has enough typos to be distracting. An example of the style:
"He wasn’t just attracted to Jennifer, but he also felt protective of her. She was virtually alone in this world thanks to her mother’s and father’s deaths. She had lost her business back in Las Vegas and had to start all over again, picking up stakes and moving back to D.C. She couldn’t find an apartment she could afford. She seemed so vulnerable, just like the Little Red Riding Hood she resembled when she appeared on his doorstep more than a week ago."
February 24, 2019
I really like Jennifer she was so likable and her story from the pole to the classroom was really fun to read. I loved Blair, Jennifer and Horatio too! Blair needed a supportive girl and he got one with Jennifer. I like how this story really touched on the subject of stripping and how different people view it in a negative light and how it really is an unappreciated form of dance. I like how Jennifer wasn't afraid to fight for respect and how Ms. Yvonne's letters always come at the right time. Bina is still a type A personality but hopefully the baby on the way will calm her down. I really enjoyed this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
Bump and Grind
Part three was nice. Jennifer finally found her way back to her roots in DC. It was nice to see the other members of the trio. Blair was the right touch of boldness and kindness for Jennifer.... Bina and Monique's appearance was the icing on the cake.
Part three was nice. Jennifer finally found her way back to her roots in DC. It was nice to see the other members of the trio. Blair was the right touch of boldness and kindness for Jennifer.... Bina and Monique's appearance was the icing on the cake.
April 17, 2019
A great ending
This was my favorite books of this series. Jen was the most broken of the three and I'm always drawn to flawed characters. This series was an excellent introduction to this author! I will be looking out for her in the future.
This was my favorite books of this series. Jen was the most broken of the three and I'm always drawn to flawed characters. This series was an excellent introduction to this author! I will be looking out for her in the future.
Read
August 11, 2019This was a excellent finish to an exuberant trilogy of novellas. I loved both Jennifer and Blair (also of course I loved Horatio, Blair's dog), and I liked seeing how their friendship grew even before they were nurturing a romance.
February 18, 2019
This is definitely my favorite out of the series. I really liked Jennifer's character. Would have loved if this was a full-length novel.
March 19, 2019
Loved it!
Great continuation of the novella series, I enjoyed them all. I really liked Jen's story also . This is my first time reading this author, but it won't be my last.
Great continuation of the novella series, I enjoyed them all. I really liked Jen's story also . This is my first time reading this author, but it won't be my last.
September 14, 2022
This book was a solid 3 star. I read this and On Pointe in the series as audiobooks and both had great narrators. We have a woman who worked as a stripper drive from Las Vegas to Washington D.C. when she is contacted by her dance mentor Ms. Yvonne. She has to hide her former occupation to keep her new job and to protect herself from vicious judgement from others. I liked On Pointe more and wished that the storyline that Bina and Mo had in this book went to their own. Maybe Love Grind would have had more room for a meatier story.
December 2, 2021
I didn't realize this was book #3 of a series. It showed up in my recommendations, so I took a chance. I was pretty much sold when the lead characters name is Jennifer and she's a black girl, go figure! LOL But seriously, it was refreshing to read a story about not being afraid to start over. Yes, Jennifer was not public about her prior employment as an exotic dancer, but I didn't get the feeling she was ashamed of it (which she shouldn't be). She was more fearful of how others would judge her for her choice, which most of the time is the real issue. It's sad that she couldn't be honest with the people she trusted from the start, but the judgement of others can be a scary thing. The insta-love part of Jennifer's story was sweet and just what she needed to rebuild her life. The way she and Blair fell for each other was romance perfection. Boy meets girl, helps girl out, she supports his dreams without knowing its exactly what he needed, there's a dog, a crapy ex and...boom LOVE and HEA. My mom will love this. I'll definately recommend this for her. I also better read books 1 & 2.
April 26, 2020
I loved this series! Ms. Ellis does a great job and creates interesting characters that are true-t0-life and better reflective of present day America versus some fake and predictable characters in other books. I was happy with the ending and how Jennifer found a way to move forward. She'd made tough choices in the past and didn't need to be punished for them in her future.
December 26, 2022
Way too many people in this book were too anti-sex work. I wanted to strangle half of the cast. Jennifer deserves better from everyone.
This was more stressful than romantic to me, tbh. So uh...yeah.
Good audio narration from Una Knight, though.
This was more stressful than romantic to me, tbh. So uh...yeah.
Good audio narration from Una Knight, though.
March 16, 2023
I enjoyed this series but I still have some unanswered questions that I don 't believe will be answered.
In Love Grind we meet the last of the McClain sisters which is Jennifer who is a dancer and is looking to start over in her old hometown. With her shaky past will she be able to start over ?
In Love Grind we meet the last of the McClain sisters which is Jennifer who is a dancer and is looking to start over in her old hometown. With her shaky past will she be able to start over ?
April 1, 2020
Awesome Conclusion
I loved how this series came to an end. It was a nice and tidy HEA for evry person and it was just really good. Adding to the recommended list.
I loved how this series came to an end. It was a nice and tidy HEA for evry person and it was just really good. Adding to the recommended list.
May 9, 2020
I enjoyed this novella more than the first two. I'll he looking for more books by this author.
Did Not Finish
September 28, 2020I know we were meant to think it was bad and I appreciated that, I just wasn't in the mood for the attempted sexual coercion this morning and I'm going to stop reading.
March 11, 2021
Great story. Everyone deserves a happy ending.
September 17, 2020
Cute book. Good ending to the series.
September 22, 2022
Rife with anti-sex work rhetoric as the ex-stripper heroine is shamed for her former profession. I assumed there would be a twist or something but no, the heroine just apologizes to everyone who shamed her (including the hero).
Towards the end of the book an ancillary character (heroine of a previous book) cancels her planned abortion because her college student boyfriend got mad about it. This is treated as good news.
Towards the end of the book an ancillary character (heroine of a previous book) cancels her planned abortion because her college student boyfriend got mad about it. This is treated as good news.
July 4, 2023
This was okay i guess... i'm not in a rush to read the other books in this series, everybody was just so judgmental... (even Blair yuck)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews