Burlesque River

by Kitty Bardot

EVERYTHING REVEALEDTwelve years ago Amanda Lane fled her small town, and the man she loved. She changed her life in Chicago, and found a new family with Burlesque A La Mode. Now on tour, the troupe is performing near her former home, and her past walks in looking better than he ever did.Mike Nichols never understood why Amanda left him, and his heart has never recovered since she ran away. Now, watching her take off her clothes in his crowded club, he wants to drag her off the stage and yet is mesmerized by her beauty and her charms. Mostly, he needs to know why the hell she disappeared, and what he can do to make her stay.

173 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2020

About the author

Kitty Bardot juggles a life full of excitement and love. By day she's a chef of her own catering company, by night she puts 10 years of burlesque experience to use in various venues around the Quad Cities. She writes from her country home not far from the Mississippi River, enjoying every moment with her husband and three children. Burlesque River is the first in a series inspired by her life on and off the stage. She's currently working on book three, Burlesque Baby. Due out May

Reviews

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FOR MAKING ME CRY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT) Ps: Kitty listened to my overwhelming dms very calmly and has promised me another HOT MAN in the next books

•Mike Nichols is this cool dude who gets his heart broken by my lady love, Amanda aka Bunny Demure (I sorta borrowed her for the time being)

•Her aunt is a bish and I wish I could set that woman on fire. Thank you very much.

•Slow burn but with enough steam (Kitty really made it work y'all)

•Stuff happens fast and stuff happens hard. (Oooh I did not just overdo myself with that double entendre)

•Let's talk about the rest of the gals and guys from Bunny's burlesque trope. They are the absolute BEST AND I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEM.

•Vic is my main man.

•Mike x Amanda fluff scenes >>>> smush scenes. (I'm not the one to usually say this but their fluff makes my heart go all ....melty-melty for the lack of better word)

•Second half was very slow and I was low-key DYING to find out what Amanda's big secret was.

•Kinda cross at Mike's reaction to the revelation of that secret but the portrayal was on point.

•The only second chance romance that I STAN.

•Self made man x self made gurl.

•CHILDHOOD LOVERS TO BETRAYAL TO STRANGERS TO SOMETHING MORE (DO YOU HEAR ME??! )

•Can I get myself a man like Mike please?

•Burlesque performance ✨✨✨

•The story is inspired by Kitty's own life SO YOU KNOW THIS IS FREAKING AMAZING SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????

[Lexi Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to the lovely Kitty Bardot by a mutual friend and Kitty was gracious enough to gift me a copy of her first book, Burlesque River, in exchange for an honest review and BOY am I glad she did because it was a lovely little diddy! 😍

Amanda and Mike really pulled on my heart strings and I loved seeing them get a second chance at love. The second chance romance trope doesn’t always work from me because the long-time pining sometimes feels unrealistic but that didn’t happen here! Amanda and Mike had solid history and it was wonderful reading about their backstory while watching them navigate a potential new relationship together after a long time apart. I also can’t forget to mention the spice in this book was *chefs kiss* 🤌

My friends that love spicy romance will LOVE this! There are two more books in this series (with a fourth book coming) and I would love having friends to talk about the next couple of books with so read this one!!

[Sara Reads Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things like this kill me. Plain and simple this book just wasn’t for me. I really wanted to love it, but it just didn't spark anything for me. Which absolutely kills me since I want to love everything I read but this just wasn’t in for me.

[Kristy Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot! Burlesque, romance, and redemption drew me in, and held me until the end. The characters are so well developed they are clear in your mind's eye. I'll be watching for Kitty's next installment in this series!

[MyDogAteMyBookReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ❤️

I’m a sucker for second chance romance, especially if they were high school sweethearts and the girl up and runs off. Usually it’s always the guy and she stays pining like a twit, waiting for him to return.

Typically, I don’t do any D/s because I get angry when the power dynamics are fucked up and I don’t do controlling assholes. I love an alpha hole with a protective streak though and Mike had just enough sweetness and softness for Amanda to balance it out for me. They never did get over each other and sometimes the reason people run isn’t the reason you think.

Kitty paints a very descriptive picture of burlesque, feels like you’re actually watching the show, I love it.

I’ll read book two for sure!

[Allthebooks (Lynette) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and here' s my honest review....The descriptive writing held my attention throughout. Some emotional scenes tickled my tear ducts. This book flowed like a live play....It was sweet and yet steamy...nice mix...even some BDSM thrown in...I have certain limits to my BDSM reads...but this book provided just enough to be hot but not over the top, as the sweetness of it all balanced it out. I think the writer's experience helped to make the burlesque theme more captivating by her descriptions...it was riveting...and the interesting characters that made up the team of burlesque dancers added a nice touch of realness to the story.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the well developed and engaging characters the book has within the pages. The storyline is well written and kept me entertained throughout the pages.

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

[Michele James · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Amanda left Mike without explanation twelve years earlier, she broke his heart and hers. Now that she's back in their hometown, it doesn't take them long to find they're still attracted to each other, but can passion overcome their past?
Burlesque River is an engaging read about second chances with a relatable hero and heroine and plenty of steamy sex.

[Brittany M. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up to 4)

This book was a fun, fast paced, short read. I loved the burlesque atmosphere and it was the first story I’ve read of its kind including that aspect. I’m a lover of burlesque shows so I knew I had to read it.

The “found love” story was very sweet to me and I enjoyed it. But where the book lost me was the slight inclusion of BDSM. It felt… out of place and unnecessary? The romantic sex scenes were just enough to make sense in the story. The submissive addition just didn’t seem to fit with the two main characters and the story itself.

Overall, I did enjoy the author’s storytelling and writing style a LOT and it was a fun, easy read but I’m a bit thrown off with the overall plot.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and dirty little romance

Amanda and Mike’s love story was cut short 12 years ago, but then she magically dances right back in. Can they get through what happened in the past to find a future?

Kitty Bardot has written a sweet but sexy second chance romance with lots of colorful characters. It has everything you could ask for in a romance plus a little bit you didn’t even know you needed.

Take a chance on this one, you won’t regret it!

[Caroline O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.

This is a new to me author and I will definitely be reading her work again.

🖤 Second chance
🖤 Childhood sweethearts
🖤 Hot
🖤 Sexual chemistry
🖤 Small town
🖤 True love
🖤 best friends

This book was amazing, it hooked me in right from the first sentence "can you see my vag?" 🤣🙈 seriously had me laughing out loud.

It did loose me for a minute at about 45% when all of a sudden we were in a BDSM scene, honestly I struggled with that so be prepared if that not your thing. I was actually going to put the book down, spoke to the author and explained I just found it to be to much. Anyway I was kind of disappointed as I was really loving the book, so in the end I decided to just skip the BDSM scene and carry on with the rest of the book.

I am SO glad that I decided to pick the book back up as I loved the rest of it and I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Mike and Amanda had an amazing connection, they really were best friends and the other part of each other's souls. Unfortunately this pair have been through a lot of twist, turns and heartbreak but in the end love really does Conquer all of that.

Great storyline, great writing and great characters.

I definitely recommend this book and if like me the BDSM scene is too much just flick by it because the love story is Beautiful 😍

Thank you so much for the chance to read this book Kitty.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for to Bridgette story!
Mike and Amanda definitely had issues to work through, was sad that due to Amanda's past it caused the issues in the first place, does young love rule of time and space? Read and find out!

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

[Samantha Feryance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review - Burlesque River by Kitty Bardot

Amanda is a burlesque dancer in a Chicago troupe called Burlesque A La Mode. Mike is a mechanic who owns a bar with his friend. 12 years ago they were madly in love until Amanda made the decision to leave home and leave Mike with the ring that held a promise of the future.

Unknowingly, Mike's partner hires Burlesque A La Mode to perform at their bar. Much to Mike's shock, the past comes sauntering onto stage and pulls him right back in.

This story follows Mike and Amanda's passionate days together and the reader learns why Amanda left in the first place. This book definitely has hints of 50 Shades of Grey. The passion is real and the story keeps the reader engaged. The characters are so vivid and full of life that you can easily picture how this would look on the big screen.

[Midnight Maiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most beautiful love stories. Mike and Amanda have been friends and together since she was 11 years old. After high school they were set to marry, but Amanda's rough childhood compared to Mike's normal family life weighed to heavily on her and she never felt good enough for Mike. For 12 years the both floated along, never finding love or anything close to what they had. When Amanda's Burlesque troupe performs at Mike's bar completely by chance, the two are reunited and feelings come flooding back. Emotional struggles are hard enough, but Amanda has a secret that can tear them apart. Four steamy days together bring these two on quite the roller coaster and we get to go along for the ride. Beautiful, emotional, perfect.

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

[Phoenix Seon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's your "too young to get married, so broke engagement, random meeting years later, 2nd chance at love, he'll hate me if he finds out the real reason I left" story.

HOWEVER...it's burlesque. And Amanda (AKA Bunny) doesn't waffle back and forth for chapters upon chapters of "should I tell him, should I not tell him", which frankly, is a drag. Amanda has grown strong and decisive in her years away from her hometown, and the plot line shows it. But you also realize she's someone who has been strong for so long that she wants someone to take charge, which is what she gets in her ex-fiancé Mike.

It's a good, strong story, and you'll enjoy the read. Promise.

(I received a review copy in return for an honest review. This is my honest review.)

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never read this author before, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed this story. Amanda and Mike are characters I easily connected with and I loved the fact that she was a burlesque dancer. Amanda's friends and fellow dancers are great and they were an important part of the story. The scenes between the main characters were hot and I loved that there was a little BDSM involved. It was great!! This is a wonderful story and I'm eager to read the next book.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance between Amanda and Mike. They were high school sweethearts when Amanda took off. She ends up a burlesque dancer performing in his club for one night when they reconnect. There are plenty of steamy bits with a light D/s. The cast of characters were intriguing and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

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

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written story of a love that has burned strong for over a decade. Bardot invites us into the world of burlesque with enticing characters and steam so hot, you’ll need a bucket of ice. Can Mike and Amanda deal with their past and rekindle what they once had?
With its cast of loveable supporting characters, Burlesque River will pull you in from the very first page and keep you reading until the end. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be on your TBR list!
“Burlesque River” is Mike and Amanda’s story of a second chance romance. This well-written tale feels very personal and is full of emotion. Kitty Bardot takes you on this journey of discovery and love right along with the main characters who feel as if they could be your family or close friends. I loved this tale and highly recommend this tale.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Amanda and Mike are amazing together. The last time they saw each other was twelve years ago. many things have changed yet many have not. These two share an intense connection in and out of the bedroom. I enjoyed their story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

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

[Ashleigh]

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
I'm not going to go into detail, no spoilers, just read the book if you are even mildly intrigued by the blurb. You'll thank me later!

The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting. Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Kenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason that this wasn’t 5 stars for me was because it just isn’t my cup of tea, that being said, it definitely will be for some of you out there. I am somewhat of a newb to burlesque and bdsm, but Kitty does a great job of setting scenery and crating characters you can’t help but love. This whole book played out like a movie, i would definitely recommend giving it a shot!

[Lindsay O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read. The way the Author articulates the characters is vivid and real. I felt connected to the characters as I learned more about who they were. Looking forward to more from this author and series!

[Joshua Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance is not my usual thing but I picked this up and ended up devouring it in two days. The love story is heartfelt, the sex is passionate, and the characters are all lovable and real. Definite recommend and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and here is my honest review. I enjoyed it immensely. I listened to the Burlesque OST the whole time, which enhanced the experience. I felt like I knew the characters and understood their point of view. I will definitely be reading the next one!

[Alisia M Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

As standard as romance novels get. It was a quick, easy read, the story and characters were enjoyable, and the spicy parts were 🥵

[Rowan_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the Author Kitty Bardot for an ARC of Burlesque River.
Burlesque River is a hot, sizzling, redemption second chance romance book. This book drew me in from chapter one along with captivating my attention throughout the whole book. The character development of Mike and Amanda was amazingly beautiful throughout the books storyline. These two main characters were well written and had a great connection. Mike and Amanda have been through ups along with downs but their love for each other outweighs all of the drama.
I definitely recommend this book and their love story is amazing along with beautiful.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy novella about a small town girl who left her boyfriend behind when she suddenly moved to the big city, Chicago. Twelve years later, she returns as part as a burlesque troupe scheduled to perform in a bar he co-owns. A quick read and the characters were better developed than I expected them to be, even if the story was a tad predictable.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nichol Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, spicy, second-chance romance.

It was cool to see the backstage of a burlesque experience, and the main characters definitely had chemistry. Something that surprised me was the quality of writing in the little moments where a character is just existing in a space. Romance novels can blend together, but those little anchor moments were like the author's signature on a page, making it special.

[MsV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a good read when I wanted to change things up after reading so many fantasy books. I enjoyed the interactions, especially between the 2 main characters. The smut scenes were, uhm, unexpected? But in a good way lol I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite but I’d read the rest of the series out of curiosity .