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Harper Family #1
Chasing Dreams
* * * A SEXY small-town contemporary romance * * *
He's a single father. She's a former ballerina. Can they risk getting involved when a little girl's heart is involved?
Isabella Harper lived in the bright-lights of New York, a performer at the top of her field until a career-ending injury drove her home to find a new dream. If she can’t dance anymore, at least she can open a studio and help other dancers find their own dreams.
Tanner Ross has been burned before, left to raise his daughter alone. He won’t consider a relationship with anyone who has their eyes on the horizon, unwilling to risk his or his daughter’s heart by falling in love with someone destined to leave again. He had no plans to get involved… and then he met Izzy.
A few stolen moments turn serious quickly, and neither of them knows how to react.
Just when she thought she’d built a new life for herself, Izzy receives an offer she cannot refuse. Tanner's hopes of building a future with someone are dashed. Will she stick around or will the draw of the spotlight be too much to resist?
He's a single father. She's a former ballerina. Can they risk getting involved when a little girl's heart is involved?
Isabella Harper lived in the bright-lights of New York, a performer at the top of her field until a career-ending injury drove her home to find a new dream. If she can’t dance anymore, at least she can open a studio and help other dancers find their own dreams.
Tanner Ross has been burned before, left to raise his daughter alone. He won’t consider a relationship with anyone who has their eyes on the horizon, unwilling to risk his or his daughter’s heart by falling in love with someone destined to leave again. He had no plans to get involved… and then he met Izzy.
A few stolen moments turn serious quickly, and neither of them knows how to react.
Just when she thought she’d built a new life for herself, Izzy receives an offer she cannot refuse. Tanner's hopes of building a future with someone are dashed. Will she stick around or will the draw of the spotlight be too much to resist?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2018
797 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Stopper
16 books189 followersThanks for visiting my profile. I'm a new Contemporary Romance author and I'm so excited about the possibilities. I've been falling in love with characters in books for a long time, and even more so now that they are speaking through me for other readers.
I've been remiss in updating my shelves but I'll be doing that soon, so check out some of my favorite reads, including some that I've read over and over because, yeah, they're just that good.
I'd love it if you'd add my books to your TBR shelf. If you want to find out more about me, click over to my website: http://www.nancystopper.com
I've been remiss in updating my shelves but I'll be doing that soon, so check out some of my favorite reads, including some that I've read over and over because, yeah, they're just that good.
I'd love it if you'd add my books to your TBR shelf. If you want to find out more about me, click over to my website: http://www.nancystopper.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
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June 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/1/2019)! 🎁
April 3, 2018
The well-written, ardent, and passionate stories from the Oak Grove introduced the author Nancy Stopper to me, and the first installment of the Harper Family series is delivered with the same smooth and fluent way that pulls you into the life of The Harper's and their friends while telling an entertaining and enjoyable story.
Isabella Harper and Tanner Ross's story is a steamy, erotic, passion-filled tale of falling in love and learning to trust again despite the past hurt. There is a lot of intriguing drama happening in the background of Isabella and Tanner's lives, yet most of the focus of the story is in the instant, strong, even at times overpowering physical attraction between Tanner and Izzy.
Izzy's eating disorder, challenging dancing career, issues with abusive relationships, her father's infidelity and alcoholism, her ex's verbal abuse, the way she had to retire from the stage, have all shaped her mind to be careful who she trusts. Some of those issues that were introduced were not dealt with, mostly regarding the family, and I am assuming they will be handled in the future installments of the series.
Tanner is a hero easy to admire because of his dedication and loyalty to everything he holds dear. There is nothing he wouldn't do for his daughter and the center for the youth and the well-being of the young people participating there are close to his heart. His attraction to Izzy is detailed and overwhelming at times. This story is much steamier than I remember the Oak Grove series being, and I felt that I really didn't need to know each and every hard-on he got while being enamored with Izzy. [Of course, that is a personal preference, and the whole issue, if too many sex scenes are even a possibility, will be debated as long as romance novels will be written. As long as the sex scenes contribute to the plot and show the growing emotions and commitment between the couple, I am all for them, just for the sake of having them is not necessary, in my opinion.]
The fluid flow of the tale was inviting, enticing the mind and engaging it in the story. With just enough drama and trouble, ardent attraction, and cute as can be puppy moments the story was well balanced, seductive, and charming. Can't wait for the continues of the series and to find the destinies of Izzy's siblings.
~ Four Spoons
Isabella Harper and Tanner Ross's story is a steamy, erotic, passion-filled tale of falling in love and learning to trust again despite the past hurt. There is a lot of intriguing drama happening in the background of Isabella and Tanner's lives, yet most of the focus of the story is in the instant, strong, even at times overpowering physical attraction between Tanner and Izzy.
Izzy's eating disorder, challenging dancing career, issues with abusive relationships, her father's infidelity and alcoholism, her ex's verbal abuse, the way she had to retire from the stage, have all shaped her mind to be careful who she trusts. Some of those issues that were introduced were not dealt with, mostly regarding the family, and I am assuming they will be handled in the future installments of the series.
Tanner is a hero easy to admire because of his dedication and loyalty to everything he holds dear. There is nothing he wouldn't do for his daughter and the center for the youth and the well-being of the young people participating there are close to his heart. His attraction to Izzy is detailed and overwhelming at times. This story is much steamier than I remember the Oak Grove series being, and I felt that I really didn't need to know each and every hard-on he got while being enamored with Izzy. [Of course, that is a personal preference, and the whole issue, if too many sex scenes are even a possibility, will be debated as long as romance novels will be written. As long as the sex scenes contribute to the plot and show the growing emotions and commitment between the couple, I am all for them, just for the sake of having them is not necessary, in my opinion.]
The fluid flow of the tale was inviting, enticing the mind and engaging it in the story. With just enough drama and trouble, ardent attraction, and cute as can be puppy moments the story was well balanced, seductive, and charming. Can't wait for the continues of the series and to find the destinies of Izzy's siblings.
~ Four Spoons
May 11, 2020
A single dad disillusioned with love after his wife simply left because she “couldn’t be a mom anymore” and an eight-year-old daughter who has to come first makes giving a second shot at any type of a relationship nearly impossible. That’s Tanner’s lot in life. Plus, he’s always tied up with the kids at Jason’s House. Then he meets Isabella.
A newly single and disillusioned ballerina whose career ended suddenly due to an accident has come home to open a dance studio and still keep ballet in her life somehow. That’s Isabella’s story. She doesn’t have time for a relationship and even if she did, she’s been burned badly and has no desire to trust someone with her heart ever again. Then she meets Tanner and Hayley.
This is a solid story. It’s not overly dramatic, there are no surprises really, it just moves along as you would expect it to. There’s nothing that made me stand up and cheer, but neither was there anything that made me want to scream in frustration. If you’re looking for something you can’t put down you probably want to keep looking. But, if you’re looking for a more relaxing story this may be for you.
A newly single and disillusioned ballerina whose career ended suddenly due to an accident has come home to open a dance studio and still keep ballet in her life somehow. That’s Isabella’s story. She doesn’t have time for a relationship and even if she did, she’s been burned badly and has no desire to trust someone with her heart ever again. Then she meets Tanner and Hayley.
This is a solid story. It’s not overly dramatic, there are no surprises really, it just moves along as you would expect it to. There’s nothing that made me stand up and cheer, but neither was there anything that made me want to scream in frustration. If you’re looking for something you can’t put down you probably want to keep looking. But, if you’re looking for a more relaxing story this may be for you.
March 21, 2018
Nancy Stopper speaks to the dreamers of the world. Chasing Dreams is a voice of hope in a world that can often feel hopeless. Tanner and Isabella are the perfect example of how one person can make a difference. She's lost her way. Injury has sidelined Isabella's promising career as a ballet dancer. He's lost his faith. One broken heart is one too many. Tanner wants to be happy and he wants his daughter to be happy, yet despite his penchant for encourages others to never lose heart in navigating the maze of life, love is not in the cards for him. Or is it? Using realistic circumstances, Chasing Dreams inspires and teaches. At the heart of Isabella and Tanner's story is the circle of life. It seldom turns out the way we want it to, but somehow despite the twists, we end up in the right place.
March 21, 2018
Love single dad romances!! Tanner, single dad is wonderful to his daughter, Hayley and does not want her heart broken again, so no relationships for him. Until he meets Izzy, a ballerina who has returned to town from the big stage to open her own studio. Neither are in a place in their lives to start a relationship but can they deny the chemistry.
This is the first book in a new series by Nancy Stopper and I thoroughly loved. Loved the family of both characters, the charm of the small town and the sexy romance between Tanner and Izzy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend.
This is the first book in a new series by Nancy Stopper and I thoroughly loved. Loved the family of both characters, the charm of the small town and the sexy romance between Tanner and Izzy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend.
April 29, 2020
There was a story here. A romance between a ballerina and a social worker/single father got my attention.
But the storytelling was quite dull and the main characters were so bland. Their dialogue was bland and the way they spoke was unrealistic.
The subplots sounded interesting at first but didn't end up anywhere exciting.
I don't mind sex scenes but at least two could have just been alluded to. Those pages could have been better used elsewhere.
But the storytelling was quite dull and the main characters were so bland. Their dialogue was bland and the way they spoke was unrealistic.
The subplots sounded interesting at first but didn't end up anywhere exciting.
I don't mind sex scenes but at least two could have just been alluded to. Those pages could have been better used elsewhere.
December 30, 2019
I am always looking for authors new to me , and when I came upon this book, I knew I had to give it a try.
This first book in a series about four siblings, centers around Izzy Harper. She was a prima ballerina in NYC but an injury brings her back home where she’s looking forward to opening a ballet school. She’s dealing with the loss of her career, and the boyfriend who left her when she got injured.
Tanner Ross is a single Dad, who adores his daughter and when she begs him to take her to the dance school opening, he can’t refuse.
The moment Tanner and Izzy meet, the attraction is immediate. But with a child and a new endeavor as well as both having been hurt by love, the road to their HEA is not smooth.
But what happens when an offer comes Izzy’s way? Will Tanner and his daughter once again be left behind?
Truly a wonderful story about family, hope , new beginnings and second chances in love.
This is an author I will continue to follow.
This first book in a series about four siblings, centers around Izzy Harper. She was a prima ballerina in NYC but an injury brings her back home where she’s looking forward to opening a ballet school. She’s dealing with the loss of her career, and the boyfriend who left her when she got injured.
Tanner Ross is a single Dad, who adores his daughter and when she begs him to take her to the dance school opening, he can’t refuse.
The moment Tanner and Izzy meet, the attraction is immediate. But with a child and a new endeavor as well as both having been hurt by love, the road to their HEA is not smooth.
But what happens when an offer comes Izzy’s way? Will Tanner and his daughter once again be left behind?
Truly a wonderful story about family, hope , new beginnings and second chances in love.
This is an author I will continue to follow.
May 4, 2020
Feel good story
This is a story about a woman who has to figure out her life after her dancing carrier was brought to an abrupt end. She also has to deal with her demons. She meets a wonderful man who is also dealing with demons of his own. They have immediate chemistry. Tanner has a daughter that is his world and he needs to protect her from being hurt. Izzy is finding who she is as a dance teacher and reconnecting with her family. They come together in spectacular fashion. Good read.
This is a story about a woman who has to figure out her life after her dancing carrier was brought to an abrupt end. She also has to deal with her demons. She meets a wonderful man who is also dealing with demons of his own. They have immediate chemistry. Tanner has a daughter that is his world and he needs to protect her from being hurt. Izzy is finding who she is as a dance teacher and reconnecting with her family. They come together in spectacular fashion. Good read.
May 21, 2020
Great Story
Tanner was a single dad with a daughter who he loved dearly, but he worries about all the girl things she might want to do. He sees a sign for a new fan e studio opening up and he knows that his daughter would love it. Izzy is opening the studio with her best friend after recuperating from a knee injury and surgery. When she meets Tanner and his daughter she know it is something.
Tanner was a single dad with a daughter who he loved dearly, but he worries about all the girl things she might want to do. He sees a sign for a new fan e studio opening up and he knows that his daughter would love it. Izzy is opening the studio with her best friend after recuperating from a knee injury and surgery. When she meets Tanner and his daughter she know it is something.
April 25, 2020
Sweet love story
Good characters Izzy and Tanner are perfect together and his daughter Hayley adds so much warmth and humor. A quick read filled with romance, love, humor and a little intrigue. This is the start of a series and has hooked me enough to read the next book in this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 Stars from with a recommendation you read it too.
Good characters Izzy and Tanner are perfect together and his daughter Hayley adds so much warmth and humor. A quick read filled with romance, love, humor and a little intrigue. This is the start of a series and has hooked me enough to read the next book in this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 Stars from with a recommendation you read it too.
April 30, 2020
Follow your dream
Story of a lost love, dreams, a fathers alcoholic addiction, Dad raising a small daughter on his own when he finally loses his heart ❤ and his desire agajn. A very elicited sexual description of wild lust. This would have been given a five star rating of I had not had to do many pages due to sexual orientation.
Story of a lost love, dreams, a fathers alcoholic addiction, Dad raising a small daughter on his own when he finally loses his heart ❤ and his desire agajn. A very elicited sexual description of wild lust. This would have been given a five star rating of I had not had to do many pages due to sexual orientation.
August 3, 2020
Sweet
Cute story. I like all the underlying themes. Body image distortion, issues with eating, come backs after being injured and overcoming being cheated on and discarded for something new. Abandonment, among other issues were also touched on. Tanner, Izzy and Haley were adorable together with their unique family dynamic.
Cute story. I like all the underlying themes. Body image distortion, issues with eating, come backs after being injured and overcoming being cheated on and discarded for something new. Abandonment, among other issues were also touched on. Tanner, Izzy and Haley were adorable together with their unique family dynamic.
May 23, 2018
A very emotional story well written I hope the following books live up to this one
Well done Nancy keep up the good work I really enjoyed it. I will read the next book in this series
Well done Nancy keep up the good work I really enjoyed it. I will read the next book in this series
June 7, 2018
4.5/5.0
“Chasing Dreams” is the first novel in the Harper Family series by Nancy Stopper.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Chasing Dreams” is the first novel in the Harper Family series by Nancy Stopper.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 4, 2020
Chasing Dreams
This book was so good! It's the first I have read by this Author and I will be reading more of her books. She pulled me right into this story and I didn't want to put it down.
This book was so good! It's the first I have read by this Author and I will be reading more of her books. She pulled me right into this story and I didn't want to put it down.
October 21, 2020
A prima ballerina is hiding out. Or is she?
Izzy retired from ballet after injury to knee. Moved home and opened dancing school. Meets Tanner and daughter Hayley. Some ups/downs but eventually HEA.
Izzy retired from ballet after injury to knee. Moved home and opened dancing school. Meets Tanner and daughter Hayley. Some ups/downs but eventually HEA.
October 25, 2020
Average
A average story. Very steamy bedroom scenes but little storyline of their relationship out of it. Both are sweet and charming characters but just not much to connect them.
A average story. Very steamy bedroom scenes but little storyline of their relationship out of it. Both are sweet and charming characters but just not much to connect them.
May 11, 2020
Delightful story!!!
The positive attitudes exhibited in this read really warmed my heart and I enjoyed every word of it from beginning to end. Thank you!!
The positive attitudes exhibited in this read really warmed my heart and I enjoyed every word of it from beginning to end. Thank you!!
May 18, 2020
Good Book. Well written. Explicate sex scenes.
May 20, 2020
CHasing Dreams
Loved the storyline. Kept one interested throughout the book. Did not appreciate the lengthy descriptions of the various sexual activities.
Loved the storyline. Kept one interested throughout the book. Did not appreciate the lengthy descriptions of the various sexual activities.
May 30, 2020
3 star
Felt character driven and relationship had enough stressors to be credible. I would read more from this author if I had opportunity.
Felt character driven and relationship had enough stressors to be credible. I would read more from this author if I had opportunity.
July 10, 2020
Very good book
October 31, 2020
Kind of sappy, predictable.
One thing that really bothered me is how Tanner could frivolously spend so much money on a non-profit salary.
One thing that really bothered me is how Tanner could frivolously spend so much money on a non-profit salary.
February 10, 2021
To live yourdrea
The story was A movement of emotions. Each character was brought out with real believable set of feelings. You feel the pain and notwithstanding each charactor.
The story was A movement of emotions. Each character was brought out with real believable set of feelings. You feel the pain and notwithstanding each charactor.
February 22, 2021
It's a really nice, warm, fuzzy with loads of love book. 2 people with wonderful dreams but still not jeopardising everything just for the sake of being together.
January 1, 2024
4.5 stars
March 9, 2018
What a great start to a new series. Tanner Ross is the director of Jason’s House which is a safe place for troubled teens in Cedar Hill, Pennsylvania. He is raising his eight year old daughter Haley by himself as her mother left when Haley was young wanting nothing to do with either one. Tanner puts all his energy into the kids of Jason’s House and his daughter. In a meeting with the mayor, he is told that a new dance studio is opening that Isabella Harper, the prima ballerina from New York, is opening. His daughter wants to take lessons so he goes to the open house to sign up Haley. Tanner and Izzy have a connection. He later runs into her at a restaurant and bar where they dance and spend time together. He wants to see more of Izzy, but is concerned about his daughter taking dance classes from her and doesn’t want his daughter to get attached if the relationship goes nowhere.
This book touched my heart. The author handled all the situations so well. There are things I enjoyed about such as adopting a puppy from a shelter that Izzy’s sister runs, Haley who is such a sweetheart and how well Tanner is raising her, the love that Izzy shows Haley as well as her dance students and how protective Izzy’s siblings are. With all situations in life, we have baggage from our past that has to be worked through and this is the case with Tanner and Izzy. Some episodes broke my heart with the troubled teens. Others made me laugh and feel good. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
This book touched my heart. The author handled all the situations so well. There are things I enjoyed about such as adopting a puppy from a shelter that Izzy’s sister runs, Haley who is such a sweetheart and how well Tanner is raising her, the love that Izzy shows Haley as well as her dance students and how protective Izzy’s siblings are. With all situations in life, we have baggage from our past that has to be worked through and this is the case with Tanner and Izzy. Some episodes broke my heart with the troubled teens. Others made me laugh and feel good. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
March 11, 2018
Isabella Harper has returned home to Cedar Hill after a serious injury ended her career as a prima ballerina in New York. Now, with her good friend they have opened a dance studio in her home town where she can indulge her greatest love by teaching young children. With her hopes of a future on a New York stage behind her as well as her ex boyfriend who no longer had any use for her after her accident, Izzy is ready to move on. She just doesn't expect a handsome teen center director and his adorable young daughter to play such a pivotal part in this new chapter of her life.
Tanner Ross swore he would never allow another woman into his and Hayley's life after his wife just walked out years ago and left him to raise their daughter alone. Protecting Hayley is his first priority but meeting the new dance teacher when signing Hayley up for classes has his best laid plans flying out the window. Still, his daughter is and always will be his first priority and it isn't long before having Izzy in their lives proves to be best for all of them. So when a call has Izzy reconsidering her future in New York Tanner realizes he can't stand in the way of her achieving her dreams. But, how will he protect his fragile daughter's heart from another tragic loss?
Amazing love story filled with heart, sweet romance and just enough heat! Nancy Stopper knows how to lure you in to a story from the very beginning, with heartwarming characters that keep you reading to very last page.
Tanner Ross swore he would never allow another woman into his and Hayley's life after his wife just walked out years ago and left him to raise their daughter alone. Protecting Hayley is his first priority but meeting the new dance teacher when signing Hayley up for classes has his best laid plans flying out the window. Still, his daughter is and always will be his first priority and it isn't long before having Izzy in their lives proves to be best for all of them. So when a call has Izzy reconsidering her future in New York Tanner realizes he can't stand in the way of her achieving her dreams. But, how will he protect his fragile daughter's heart from another tragic loss?
Amazing love story filled with heart, sweet romance and just enough heat! Nancy Stopper knows how to lure you in to a story from the very beginning, with heartwarming characters that keep you reading to very last page.
April 1, 2018
A passionate, sweet and charming romance!
Chasing Dreams is the first book in the Harper Family series. This is an inspiring story full of romance, passion and emotion. There is just enough action and romance throughout to keep my interest piqued. This story caught my attention from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. This is a great book to start the new series off. It will draw you in and have you engaged from start to finish.
Nancy Stopper does a fantastic job of creating characters that are engaging and realistic with their flaws, imperfections, insecurities, and problems just as a normal “real” person has. From tragedy to new beginnings, this story will take you through the hurts Izzy battled within herself to finding a love that will change her and set her free. Tanner is the “perfect” man with his past hurts, courting and passion to compliment Izzy and show her love. The added cuteness of Tanner’s daughter brings two people together and creates a beginning for two people that need each other.
This is one of several books that I have read by Nancy Stopper and will certainly not be my last. I was not disappointed at all. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what will happen next and which character(s) will get their happy ending. I recommend Chasing Dreams if you enjoy being entertained with passionate romance and finding love when you least expect it.
Chasing Dreams is the first book in the Harper Family series. This is an inspiring story full of romance, passion and emotion. There is just enough action and romance throughout to keep my interest piqued. This story caught my attention from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. This is a great book to start the new series off. It will draw you in and have you engaged from start to finish.
Nancy Stopper does a fantastic job of creating characters that are engaging and realistic with their flaws, imperfections, insecurities, and problems just as a normal “real” person has. From tragedy to new beginnings, this story will take you through the hurts Izzy battled within herself to finding a love that will change her and set her free. Tanner is the “perfect” man with his past hurts, courting and passion to compliment Izzy and show her love. The added cuteness of Tanner’s daughter brings two people together and creates a beginning for two people that need each other.
This is one of several books that I have read by Nancy Stopper and will certainly not be my last. I was not disappointed at all. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what will happen next and which character(s) will get their happy ending. I recommend Chasing Dreams if you enjoy being entertained with passionate romance and finding love when you least expect it.
March 21, 2018
I was so excited to read the first book in Nancy Stopper's new Harper Family series. This book was about to Isabella Harper, who left her position as a prima ballerina in New York to return to her home town, to find a hunky single dad with a daughter who wants to take dance lessons at Izzy's new studio. The book also introduced us to some of Izzy's family, and it left me excited to see what's in store for all of them.
This author does such a great job of drawing you into the story, and Chasing Dreams was no different. From the beginning, I was drawn into the plot. Both main characters were very likeable, and it was easy to relate them. The attraction was hot, and the writing style made it so easy to visualize the characters, as well as the town. I'm always a sucker for romance stories when children are involved, and I thought the relationship between Izzy and Hayley, Tanner's daughter, was excellent. I read this book in an afternoon, because I had a hard time putting it down, and I'm confident you will feel the same way about this sweet love story.
I received an ARC of this book to read in advance of the release, however I also purchased it from Amazon. This author doesn't disappoint, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This author does such a great job of drawing you into the story, and Chasing Dreams was no different. From the beginning, I was drawn into the plot. Both main characters were very likeable, and it was easy to relate them. The attraction was hot, and the writing style made it so easy to visualize the characters, as well as the town. I'm always a sucker for romance stories when children are involved, and I thought the relationship between Izzy and Hayley, Tanner's daughter, was excellent. I read this book in an afternoon, because I had a hard time putting it down, and I'm confident you will feel the same way about this sweet love story.
I received an ARC of this book to read in advance of the release, however I also purchased it from Amazon. This author doesn't disappoint, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews