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Strictly Come Dating
Fun, feel-good and a must read for fans of Strictly Come Dancing!
Saturday nights are strictly for dancing…
As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over. Or are they…?
Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.
Enter Seb. Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10! Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate! But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong.
And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever?
Saturday nights are strictly for dancing…
As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over. Or are they…?
Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.
Enter Seb. Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10! Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate! But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong.
And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever?
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2020
73 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Freeman
28 books447 followersI was born in Wallingford, England and have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, former pharmaceutical industry employee I’m now a self-employed medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 8, 2020
What fun! This was hands-down my favorite book from Kathryn Freeman so far! Maggie is a 37-year-old single mother of two little girls. Her fairly recent divorce did a lot to damage her self-worth. Every Saturday she gets together with her Besties to watch Strictly Come Dancing. Maggie has always had a passion for dance, but her ex-husband was certain to put the kibosh on that. One Saturday her best friends’ younger brother Seb shows up and there is an instant chemistry between Maggie and him. But Maggie it’s determined to resist his charms. Not only is he 10 years younger than her, her best friends’ brother, but he also has wanderlust, never stain too long in any one place.
This was a definite slow burn romance, but I loved every minute of it. Maggie was such a likable authentic character that I think most women over the age of 35 will find tremendously relatable. Seb was such a great guy he had so much spirit, energy, and heart. I appreciated that these two took things slowly, especially because there were kids involved. That really was my favorite part of the story Seb’s interactions with Maggie’s girls Tabby and Penny. I also had fun with all the dancing and the competition. This was an uplifting feel good romance that made me all warm and gooey inside.
This book in emojis 💃🏼 👩👧👧 🛷 🎢
*** Big thank you to One Mlre Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was a definite slow burn romance, but I loved every minute of it. Maggie was such a likable authentic character that I think most women over the age of 35 will find tremendously relatable. Seb was such a great guy he had so much spirit, energy, and heart. I appreciated that these two took things slowly, especially because there were kids involved. That really was my favorite part of the story Seb’s interactions with Maggie’s girls Tabby and Penny. I also had fun with all the dancing and the competition. This was an uplifting feel good romance that made me all warm and gooey inside.
This book in emojis 💃🏼 👩👧👧 🛷 🎢
*** Big thank you to One Mlre Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
September 4, 2020
5☆ A Must Read for Strictly Fans, looking for a Sweet, Witty RomCom!
Strictly Come Dating is a Must Read for those who love Strictly, love Dancing and Romance with a dash of wit and humour.
Maggie is recently divorced, has 2 young girls Tabby and Penny, and they're obsessed with Strictly come dancing & well dancing in general.
Maddie and her best friends (sisters) Alice and Sarah and their children always watch Strictly together. It's become a tradition.
So when Seb, Alice's & Sarah's younger and very handsome Brother turns up to stay, he really shakes things up for Maddie. As she gets more than she bargained for. He also secretly likes Strictly, he's great with Children, kind, sweet,... oh and did I mention devilishly handsome!!
For as long as she can remember Maddie has had a passion for dance. Her ex hubby stopped her dancing.
But now Alice and Sarah have convinced her to start up again.
But maybe, just maybe Maddie can discover more than just spine tingling passion on the dancefloor!!
Oh how I adored this book. I also have a passion for dance and have tried many different styles over the years from Scottish Dancing, Jive, Salsa, Tango to Line Dancing so this book ticked all the right boxes for me!
I simply loved everything about this book.
The characters were superbly written, the Romance was sweet and the humour was witty and had me giggling and smiling.
The plot was uplifting, inspiring and the message was to follow your dreams, don't give up and have fun!
What would make this book even better would be to add a playlist to accompany the book.
I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's books and I think this has to be my favourite!
So if you are looking for a Sweet Romcom, or you're missing your Strictly fix then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Strictly Come Dating you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Strictly Come Dating is a Must Read for those who love Strictly, love Dancing and Romance with a dash of wit and humour.
Maggie is recently divorced, has 2 young girls Tabby and Penny, and they're obsessed with Strictly come dancing & well dancing in general.
Maddie and her best friends (sisters) Alice and Sarah and their children always watch Strictly together. It's become a tradition.
So when Seb, Alice's & Sarah's younger and very handsome Brother turns up to stay, he really shakes things up for Maddie. As she gets more than she bargained for. He also secretly likes Strictly, he's great with Children, kind, sweet,... oh and did I mention devilishly handsome!!
For as long as she can remember Maddie has had a passion for dance. Her ex hubby stopped her dancing.
But now Alice and Sarah have convinced her to start up again.
But maybe, just maybe Maddie can discover more than just spine tingling passion on the dancefloor!!
Oh how I adored this book. I also have a passion for dance and have tried many different styles over the years from Scottish Dancing, Jive, Salsa, Tango to Line Dancing so this book ticked all the right boxes for me!
I simply loved everything about this book.
The characters were superbly written, the Romance was sweet and the humour was witty and had me giggling and smiling.
The plot was uplifting, inspiring and the message was to follow your dreams, don't give up and have fun!
What would make this book even better would be to add a playlist to accompany the book.
I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's books and I think this has to be my favourite!
So if you are looking for a Sweet Romcom, or you're missing your Strictly fix then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Strictly Come Dating you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
March 15, 2022
This is perfect for those who love the ballroom dancing show. I think Freeman has captured the passion of the show perfectly: from the dancing and emotions portrayed, to the enthusiasm of the fans. However, do be warned that there is a smidge of Christmas in this book which is to be expected, as the series is shown leading up to the festive season in the UK!
I found Maggie’s family to be really endearing and I loved watching the bond that she has with her children. Despite being a single mum with a demanding career, Freeman portrays a woman who has landed on her feet and, with the help of nanny Hannah, is able to juggle all her responsibilities. Her children, Tabby and Penny, did remind me of the personalities of my own daughters, and I think this is why I warmed to this family so much.
The seriousness behind the ‘Strictly Saturdays’ was quite entertaining! Frowned upon for interrupting or making the slightest comment, the writer has successfully captured the seriousness of fans! I did chuckle at the number of times Seb was reprimanded for not fully focusing on the television program, having been on the receiving end of this myself. It made the scenes all the more believable and showed how the friends really came together each week to share their passion for watching the show.
Seb is the romantic hero in this book, responsible for Maggie realising that she is not the person her ex-husband thought her to be. His spontaneity, criticised by his own family, is the quality that allows Maggie to understand that she is not too old to have fun and enjoy herself. Seb’s return from Australia to be with his family shows, early on in the novel, that he is family-orientated, and I think this prepares readers for how easily Seb interacts with Maggie’s children.
However, I did not find the relationship between Maggie and Seb completely convincing. There is a lot of attention paid to the ten-year age gap, emphasising how contrasting the couple really are in personality. From being punctual and organised versus living freely and (often) a little late, I did wonder how believable their relationship could be. I found the repeated concerns from Maggie to be understandable, but wanted to see her believe in herself a lot more. If she believed the relationship would work with Seb, then I would too, forgetting the decade that exists between them.
This is my only criticism of this sweet, romantic story. Even having a flash of Christmas when reading it in Spring was not enough to stop me enjoying this read! If less attention had been paid to the age difference, I think I would have been more swept away with the romance of it all. Indeed, if there had been less of an age gap in the characters, I think Freeman would have been able to use Maggie’s other insecurities instead, allowing Seb to work his magic on her in other ways. Therefore, I think a little alteration would have made this a more romantic story.
I think Freeman has the right ingredients to make a great romance read and this is another example. With passionate dancing, likeable characters and a bit of comedy thrown in too, this has plenty of qualities that should appeal to readers.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found Maggie’s family to be really endearing and I loved watching the bond that she has with her children. Despite being a single mum with a demanding career, Freeman portrays a woman who has landed on her feet and, with the help of nanny Hannah, is able to juggle all her responsibilities. Her children, Tabby and Penny, did remind me of the personalities of my own daughters, and I think this is why I warmed to this family so much.
The seriousness behind the ‘Strictly Saturdays’ was quite entertaining! Frowned upon for interrupting or making the slightest comment, the writer has successfully captured the seriousness of fans! I did chuckle at the number of times Seb was reprimanded for not fully focusing on the television program, having been on the receiving end of this myself. It made the scenes all the more believable and showed how the friends really came together each week to share their passion for watching the show.
Seb is the romantic hero in this book, responsible for Maggie realising that she is not the person her ex-husband thought her to be. His spontaneity, criticised by his own family, is the quality that allows Maggie to understand that she is not too old to have fun and enjoy herself. Seb’s return from Australia to be with his family shows, early on in the novel, that he is family-orientated, and I think this prepares readers for how easily Seb interacts with Maggie’s children.
However, I did not find the relationship between Maggie and Seb completely convincing. There is a lot of attention paid to the ten-year age gap, emphasising how contrasting the couple really are in personality. From being punctual and organised versus living freely and (often) a little late, I did wonder how believable their relationship could be. I found the repeated concerns from Maggie to be understandable, but wanted to see her believe in herself a lot more. If she believed the relationship would work with Seb, then I would too, forgetting the decade that exists between them.
This is my only criticism of this sweet, romantic story. Even having a flash of Christmas when reading it in Spring was not enough to stop me enjoying this read! If less attention had been paid to the age difference, I think I would have been more swept away with the romance of it all. Indeed, if there had been less of an age gap in the characters, I think Freeman would have been able to use Maggie’s other insecurities instead, allowing Seb to work his magic on her in other ways. Therefore, I think a little alteration would have made this a more romantic story.
I think Freeman has the right ingredients to make a great romance read and this is another example. With passionate dancing, likeable characters and a bit of comedy thrown in too, this has plenty of qualities that should appeal to readers.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2020
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Claro ejemplo de libro que me ha servido de bálsamo en un momento complicadete, me ha alegrado todos y cada uno de los momentos en los que me he puesto a leer. Tanto que le voy a hacer reseña en el blog y ahí os cuento más. Puede que está hinchando la nota por lo bien que me ha venido pero este libro sí ha sido un feel good en toda regla (y con un maromo per-fect-to ❤).
[Eso sí, tira más hacia la chick lit que hacia la romántica por cómo narra los guarrerismos]
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Claro ejemplo de libro que me ha servido de bálsamo en un momento complicadete, me ha alegrado todos y cada uno de los momentos en los que me he puesto a leer. Tanto que le voy a hacer reseña en el blog y ahí os cuento más. Puede que está hinchando la nota por lo bien que me ha venido pero este libro sí ha sido un feel good en toda regla (y con un maromo per-fect-to ❤).
[Eso sí, tira más hacia la chick lit que hacia la romántica por cómo narra los guarrerismos]
August 16, 2020
Maggie’s spark is gone, broken down by her ex Paul. No longer dancing, she vicariously lives through the show Strictly come dancing, enchanted by their grace and elegance. Seb, who’s travelled the world to find his purpose must return back home for his dad. There is instant attraction for another but there’s a catch. Seb is 10 years younger than her and the brother of her best friends. Can Seb change Maggie mind and give herself back the women she lost?
I instantly love in love with the characters. Maggie is so real. In the beginning of the book you can feel just how broken down she is. She’s left to be a single mother of two and much be the responsible one for her family. You can also tell how many sacrifices she’s made in her life for the people she loved. Freeman gives depth to her characters making them feel like real. Seb is such a delight to read about. Thought he’s known as the carefree youngest brother, he desperately want to make his dad proud. He wants to find his purpose in life and maybe even settle down. Both of them agree to keep it light but we can immediately tell from their chemistry that it will be more than that. Freeman writes her character so well it feels like we know them,
I loved seeing Maggie slowly rediscover herself and come out of her shell. Seb’s and maggie’s romance was so cute to read about. I loved how they brought out the best in each other. A great fluffy sweet romance.
I recommend this to anyone who loves romance, loved dancing movies and loves cute family dynamics.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.
I instantly love in love with the characters. Maggie is so real. In the beginning of the book you can feel just how broken down she is. She’s left to be a single mother of two and much be the responsible one for her family. You can also tell how many sacrifices she’s made in her life for the people she loved. Freeman gives depth to her characters making them feel like real. Seb is such a delight to read about. Thought he’s known as the carefree youngest brother, he desperately want to make his dad proud. He wants to find his purpose in life and maybe even settle down. Both of them agree to keep it light but we can immediately tell from their chemistry that it will be more than that. Freeman writes her character so well it feels like we know them,
I loved seeing Maggie slowly rediscover herself and come out of her shell. Seb’s and maggie’s romance was so cute to read about. I loved how they brought out the best in each other. A great fluffy sweet romance.
I recommend this to anyone who loves romance, loved dancing movies and loves cute family dynamics.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 13, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Since I finally found the time to dive into Strictly Come Dating, I will say that this was filled with all kinds of cuteness. In it, you will meet Maggie who is about 37 years old and a single mother of two girls. Just like all recent divorcees, she definitely has some insecurities that she is dealing with. So every weekend, she gets together with her best friends and watches 'Strictly Come Dancing.' Which reminded me of 'Dancing with the Stars' and I used to be obsessed with that show.
So when Seb walks into her life, well sparks definitely flew. Even though he was 10 years younger than her. To me? Well, age is just a number when you are an adult. So if a 40 year old and a 30 year old want to get together and make babies - then by all means, you do you boo boo. I don't feel the same way if it's like a 30 year old and a 16 year old. Sorry, not sorry.
As for the romance, it was a slow burn for sure. Which can go one way or another with me. For this book, it definitely worked just because I knew that Maggie was going through some things and she didn't think Seb was going to stick around.
Luckily for them, and me, they got closer and closer and I approved all of it. I loved them together and there was nothing that was going to change my mind about them. I'm very happy that I got the chance to dive into this and falling in love with some awesome characters.
Since I finally found the time to dive into Strictly Come Dating, I will say that this was filled with all kinds of cuteness. In it, you will meet Maggie who is about 37 years old and a single mother of two girls. Just like all recent divorcees, she definitely has some insecurities that she is dealing with. So every weekend, she gets together with her best friends and watches 'Strictly Come Dancing.' Which reminded me of 'Dancing with the Stars' and I used to be obsessed with that show.
So when Seb walks into her life, well sparks definitely flew. Even though he was 10 years younger than her. To me? Well, age is just a number when you are an adult. So if a 40 year old and a 30 year old want to get together and make babies - then by all means, you do you boo boo. I don't feel the same way if it's like a 30 year old and a 16 year old. Sorry, not sorry.
As for the romance, it was a slow burn for sure. Which can go one way or another with me. For this book, it definitely worked just because I knew that Maggie was going through some things and she didn't think Seb was going to stick around.
Luckily for them, and me, they got closer and closer and I approved all of it. I loved them together and there was nothing that was going to change my mind about them. I'm very happy that I got the chance to dive into this and falling in love with some awesome characters.
December 18, 2020
I was so excited to win Strictly Come Dating in the Love in Lockdown Giveaway by Harper Collins! The story follows Maggie as she finds herself and learns to love again. Maggie’s guilty pleasure is watching the show Strictly Come Dancing, which she watches with her best friends and the kids every week. When her friend’s younger brother watches with them one Saturday night, everything changes. They are instantly attracted to each other, but will their ten-year age difference and different lifestyles prevent them from being together?
Maggie, with encouragement from her friends, joins dance classes again. And when Seb becomes her partner, Maggie learns more than just dancing. She realized that Seb is more than the goofy, good-looking younger brother of her friend. He is fun and caring and generous and not what Maggie expected.
I love Maggie! A responsible, loving, and dedicated single mother and doctor who has been burned by love, Maggie likes to be in control. She is super organized and a bit insecure after the constant berating of her ex-husband. She is such a relatable and realistic woman who reminded me of one of my friends. Seb is very different from Maggie. A fun-loving and care-free man, Seb lives in the moment and is more impulsive. Much like Maggie, he is also very family-oriented, awesome with kids, and has a big heart.
The slow-building romance between Maggie and Seb is so sweet! They didn’t rush into a relationship, which I liked, especially considering there are kids involved, and they really got to know each other before jumping into anything. I also like that they don’t try to change each other. Maggie’s ex-husband squelched her identity and mocked her interests. I like how supportive and accepting Seb is. He gives her that confidence that her ex took from her, especially when he becomes her dance partner!
This is a sweet story with a slow-building and charming romance. I love the themes of friendship, family, and embracing life. Thanks so much to Harper Collins, NetGalley, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Maggie, with encouragement from her friends, joins dance classes again. And when Seb becomes her partner, Maggie learns more than just dancing. She realized that Seb is more than the goofy, good-looking younger brother of her friend. He is fun and caring and generous and not what Maggie expected.
I love Maggie! A responsible, loving, and dedicated single mother and doctor who has been burned by love, Maggie likes to be in control. She is super organized and a bit insecure after the constant berating of her ex-husband. She is such a relatable and realistic woman who reminded me of one of my friends. Seb is very different from Maggie. A fun-loving and care-free man, Seb lives in the moment and is more impulsive. Much like Maggie, he is also very family-oriented, awesome with kids, and has a big heart.
The slow-building romance between Maggie and Seb is so sweet! They didn’t rush into a relationship, which I liked, especially considering there are kids involved, and they really got to know each other before jumping into anything. I also like that they don’t try to change each other. Maggie’s ex-husband squelched her identity and mocked her interests. I like how supportive and accepting Seb is. He gives her that confidence that her ex took from her, especially when he becomes her dance partner!
This is a sweet story with a slow-building and charming romance. I love the themes of friendship, family, and embracing life. Thanks so much to Harper Collins, NetGalley, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2020
What a fun read to escape into this book is – just right for anyone getting excited for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing or who is looking for a great romance with an older heroine!
A GP, Maggie is thirty-seven years old, has two young children and their father, her ex-husband, has ditched her to move on to a younger model. This has knocked her confidence but her twin friends encourage her to start dancing classes again since it is something she had always loved until her husband’s attitude stopped her going. The friends, with their children, watch Strictly every Saturday . . . when Seb, her friends’ younger brother, joins them the fun really starts! However, to find out what happens next you’ll have to read it for yourself!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud and turning the pages. It is a story that shows that others can help inspire you, that life can change for the better. There are characters to love, and others you won’t, but they all interact to create an absolutely fabulous story. With glitter balls, sequins and dances galore, this is a story to have you figuratively tripping the light fantastic, getting out the high heels and kicking off the traces as you glide smoothly through the pages of this delightful story, one to put a huge smile on your face and leave you grinning.
Many thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
A GP, Maggie is thirty-seven years old, has two young children and their father, her ex-husband, has ditched her to move on to a younger model. This has knocked her confidence but her twin friends encourage her to start dancing classes again since it is something she had always loved until her husband’s attitude stopped her going. The friends, with their children, watch Strictly every Saturday . . . when Seb, her friends’ younger brother, joins them the fun really starts! However, to find out what happens next you’ll have to read it for yourself!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud and turning the pages. It is a story that shows that others can help inspire you, that life can change for the better. There are characters to love, and others you won’t, but they all interact to create an absolutely fabulous story. With glitter balls, sequins and dances galore, this is a story to have you figuratively tripping the light fantastic, getting out the high heels and kicking off the traces as you glide smoothly through the pages of this delightful story, one to put a huge smile on your face and leave you grinning.
Many thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
August 13, 2020
A quick fun rom com read! The story of almost forty-year-old Maggie, a recently divorced, physician and mother of two. Maggie lives here humdrum life day to day as rigidly planned except for Saturday’s... reliving her love for dancing with “Strictly” the dancing show she watches religiously with her best friends, kids and Seb!
Seb the brother of her best friend, ten years Maggie’s junior and the total opposite of Maggie rekindles a spark in Maggie she thought was long gone.
Now after several weekly “Strictly” shows and Maggie signing up for dancing lessons... the chemistry between Maggie and Seb continues to build.
The author did a great job not only with character portrayals but also in the relationships they are in be it family, friend or romance. The dancing competition was also a fun concept.0
I did enjoy reading this book and it was my first from author Kathryn Freeman. I look forward to reading more from this author and would recommend this book to others that enjoy a fun rom com!!!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Seb the brother of her best friend, ten years Maggie’s junior and the total opposite of Maggie rekindles a spark in Maggie she thought was long gone.
Now after several weekly “Strictly” shows and Maggie signing up for dancing lessons... the chemistry between Maggie and Seb continues to build.
The author did a great job not only with character portrayals but also in the relationships they are in be it family, friend or romance. The dancing competition was also a fun concept.0
I did enjoy reading this book and it was my first from author Kathryn Freeman. I look forward to reading more from this author and would recommend this book to others that enjoy a fun rom com!!!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2020
This book on paper had all the ingredients to make a marvellous one and make my day
This happened partially the story is funny and nice and the characters as as well nice
In my opinion a little too much cozy and nice too low angst level
Nevertheless
3.5 stars
Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman. #NetGalley
This happened partially the story is funny and nice and the characters as as well nice
In my opinion a little too much cozy and nice too low angst level
Nevertheless
3.5 stars
Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman. #NetGalley
September 3, 2020
A romantic story full of rhythm
Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman is the story of a 37yo divorced mom that once again finds love and joy in life by dancing with her friend's younger brother.
Our thanks to the author, One More Chapter, and Rachel Random Resources for the advanced reader's copy.
Maggie was a responsible adult. She worked hard, took good care of her daughters, had it all organized and planned. Everything worked like a clock: everything, but her empty love life.
The highlight of her week was to watch Strictly Come Dacing with her best friends every Saturday.
One night, her friend's younger brother Sebastian showed up while they were watching the show, and Maggie's life was never the same.
I simply loved Maggie! She was so sensible, so put together, and so harshly judged by her ex-husband. It was lovely to see how she managed to relax and to find herself through dancing.
Seb was a sweetheart and quite mature for his age. He worked with kids in a community center and was such a fun person to be around. He saw through Maggie's emotional walls and reached to her.
Despite, or maybe because of, the age difference, Maggie and Seb worked. They had similar values and morals, and their differences brought balance to their relationship.
Strictly Come Dating is an inspiring, romantic, and fun read.
Lovely!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman is the story of a 37yo divorced mom that once again finds love and joy in life by dancing with her friend's younger brother.
Our thanks to the author, One More Chapter, and Rachel Random Resources for the advanced reader's copy.
Maggie was a responsible adult. She worked hard, took good care of her daughters, had it all organized and planned. Everything worked like a clock: everything, but her empty love life.
The highlight of her week was to watch Strictly Come Dacing with her best friends every Saturday.
One night, her friend's younger brother Sebastian showed up while they were watching the show, and Maggie's life was never the same.
I simply loved Maggie! She was so sensible, so put together, and so harshly judged by her ex-husband. It was lovely to see how she managed to relax and to find herself through dancing.
Seb was a sweetheart and quite mature for his age. He worked with kids in a community center and was such a fun person to be around. He saw through Maggie's emotional walls and reached to her.
Despite, or maybe because of, the age difference, Maggie and Seb worked. They had similar values and morals, and their differences brought balance to their relationship.
Strictly Come Dating is an inspiring, romantic, and fun read.
Lovely!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
This really did tick all the boxes for me. A gorgeous story of a single mum who has lost some of her confidence who has closed herself off to impulsive decisions and runs her life like she does her household, like a well planned military campaign.
Maggie and her daughters are a close family. Maggie is a busy working mum but Saturday night is when they meet up with friends and watch Strictly Come dancing. A routine that Maggie, the girls and the other friends take very seriously indeed. So when Seb arrives back home the ritual of the Saturday night takes on a slightly different dynamic.
Seb, by the way, has returned home because his dad isn't well, he is the brother to Maggie's friends. He is the opposite of the super organised Maggie. He is impulsive in the way he lives his life, a carefree man who is the stereotype of a surfer. But there is more to him than meets the eye.
I loved the way the author tackled the age difference in this story. Maggie is nearing 40 and Seb 11 years her junior. Maggie's insecurities and reduced confidence made this an appropriate storyline. I mean why on earth would a gorgeous younger man be interested in a woman nearly 40, and that has children and who has no social life apart from meeting up with her friends for watching a dance show! Seb is such a carefree character who doesn't have the ties of children, the responsibility of a demanding job and can come and go as he pleases. He has never had a relationship that has made him stop and think about his future.
The theme of the dancing show worked really well as the story gradually brings these two opposites together. There is more to both of them than first meets the eye. I did initially think Maggie was a little reserved but as I learnt more about her I could understand her reticence. As for Seb, while he appears to be a wandering free-spirit, again there is a lot more to him and given him a set of doubts.
Overall this is a wonderful read that is heartwarming and hopeful. It is a story that brings the troubles of being a single working mum taking a chance. It is about a man who is trying to work out what he wants in life. Characters brought together by a dancing show but not for the same reasons. A story of family, friendship and one I would definitely recommend.
Maggie and her daughters are a close family. Maggie is a busy working mum but Saturday night is when they meet up with friends and watch Strictly Come dancing. A routine that Maggie, the girls and the other friends take very seriously indeed. So when Seb arrives back home the ritual of the Saturday night takes on a slightly different dynamic.
Seb, by the way, has returned home because his dad isn't well, he is the brother to Maggie's friends. He is the opposite of the super organised Maggie. He is impulsive in the way he lives his life, a carefree man who is the stereotype of a surfer. But there is more to him than meets the eye.
I loved the way the author tackled the age difference in this story. Maggie is nearing 40 and Seb 11 years her junior. Maggie's insecurities and reduced confidence made this an appropriate storyline. I mean why on earth would a gorgeous younger man be interested in a woman nearly 40, and that has children and who has no social life apart from meeting up with her friends for watching a dance show! Seb is such a carefree character who doesn't have the ties of children, the responsibility of a demanding job and can come and go as he pleases. He has never had a relationship that has made him stop and think about his future.
The theme of the dancing show worked really well as the story gradually brings these two opposites together. There is more to both of them than first meets the eye. I did initially think Maggie was a little reserved but as I learnt more about her I could understand her reticence. As for Seb, while he appears to be a wandering free-spirit, again there is a lot more to him and given him a set of doubts.
Overall this is a wonderful read that is heartwarming and hopeful. It is a story that brings the troubles of being a single working mum taking a chance. It is about a man who is trying to work out what he wants in life. Characters brought together by a dancing show but not for the same reasons. A story of family, friendship and one I would definitely recommend.
August 12, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins for the ARC for an honest review.
Strictly Come Dating is about Maggie Peterson, doctor, mom, divorcee, and Strictly Come Dancing fan. She and her friends all get together every Saturday to watch this show. One Saturday, said friends bring their prodigal brother over, Seb, to introduce him to the lot. He is immediately fascinated by Maggie and she's at first just curious and experiencing an attraction to him. Catch is, he's 27 and she's 37.
Maggie is very much type A, likes structure and making plans and sticking to said plans. She's very organized and methodical. Seb is carefree, easy going, lives by the seat of his pants. He just came in from Australia to help with his dad who suffered a heart attack. The likelihood of these two actually getting along and finding any kind of romance is hard to believe at first, but as you keep reading you realize that it just works. They compliment each other very well. Maggie suffers from lack of confidence due to the emotional crap her ex-husband put her through, and while getting closer to Seb and through dance classes, she finds that confidence that she has been lacking. Nothing really strokes the ego than being a 37 year old woman being found attractive by a 27 year old dude who looks like he belongs on Baywatch.
What I wish this book had more of was dancing. Maggie starts a dance class to which Seb joins to "save her" from men who are "boob height", and because of this, he's inspired to come up with a dancing competition as a fundraiser for the youth center he volunteers at. So they begin to dance in earnest and practice all the time. But the dancing is hardly ever described and you really have to use your imagination to see how they move in your head. I'd suggest watching a rumba video and just think about that. Perhaps Freeman didn't want to get too bogged down by the dancing, but that was the main focal point of this book. The dancing, the dancing show, and the dancing competition are pivotal aspects to the plot and we're told about things more than shown. Like we're told that Seb and Maggie looked hot and steamy on stage, but we're never actually shown it.
Besides that minor gripe, this book makes an excellent summer read, despite it being set in the fall/winter. You don't see novels where the main woman is older, by 10 years, than the main guy, and I really enjoyed that. There was barely any conflict and when there was, it resolved in a mature manner. Despite the age difference, this relationship was healthy and positive, and I couldn't help but root for them as a couple.
I would have given this 4 stars, but the author spelled lasagna as 'lasagne' and I can't forgive her for that. It's lasagna. This isn't like adding the letter 'u' to the British spelling of words, this is an actual dish with an actual name. British spelling be damned.
Strictly Come Dating is about Maggie Peterson, doctor, mom, divorcee, and Strictly Come Dancing fan. She and her friends all get together every Saturday to watch this show. One Saturday, said friends bring their prodigal brother over, Seb, to introduce him to the lot. He is immediately fascinated by Maggie and she's at first just curious and experiencing an attraction to him. Catch is, he's 27 and she's 37.
Maggie is very much type A, likes structure and making plans and sticking to said plans. She's very organized and methodical. Seb is carefree, easy going, lives by the seat of his pants. He just came in from Australia to help with his dad who suffered a heart attack. The likelihood of these two actually getting along and finding any kind of romance is hard to believe at first, but as you keep reading you realize that it just works. They compliment each other very well. Maggie suffers from lack of confidence due to the emotional crap her ex-husband put her through, and while getting closer to Seb and through dance classes, she finds that confidence that she has been lacking. Nothing really strokes the ego than being a 37 year old woman being found attractive by a 27 year old dude who looks like he belongs on Baywatch.
What I wish this book had more of was dancing. Maggie starts a dance class to which Seb joins to "save her" from men who are "boob height", and because of this, he's inspired to come up with a dancing competition as a fundraiser for the youth center he volunteers at. So they begin to dance in earnest and practice all the time. But the dancing is hardly ever described and you really have to use your imagination to see how they move in your head. I'd suggest watching a rumba video and just think about that. Perhaps Freeman didn't want to get too bogged down by the dancing, but that was the main focal point of this book. The dancing, the dancing show, and the dancing competition are pivotal aspects to the plot and we're told about things more than shown. Like we're told that Seb and Maggie looked hot and steamy on stage, but we're never actually shown it.
Besides that minor gripe, this book makes an excellent summer read, despite it being set in the fall/winter. You don't see novels where the main woman is older, by 10 years, than the main guy, and I really enjoyed that. There was barely any conflict and when there was, it resolved in a mature manner. Despite the age difference, this relationship was healthy and positive, and I couldn't help but root for them as a couple.
I would have given this 4 stars, but the author spelled lasagna as 'lasagne' and I can't forgive her for that. It's lasagna. This isn't like adding the letter 'u' to the British spelling of words, this is an actual dish with an actual name. British spelling be damned.
September 1, 2020
Oh my goodness, I loved this one! It’s not that often you feel such chemistry between the two main characters – it’s one of those romances that makes you ache for them, just desperate for everything to work out in the way you want it to.
Maggie’s a doctor, a recently divorced mother to two young daughters, lacking in confidence, living a life of routine, governed by lists, avoiding the unexpected: Seb is the younger brother of her two best friends, seems to likes living life in the fast lane, has an edge of excitement about him, just back from his latest adventure living on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, and with the ability to make Maggie feel uncomfortably warm under the collar.
They really don’t seem right for each other at all – Maggie’s quite content that the highlight of her week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with friends on a Saturday night (in fact it’s become a bit of a military operation) – and their lives are so very different. And there’s also the issue that he’s ten years her junior – why on earth would he even be interested in her?
At the beginning, I’ll will admit I did find things a little chaotic – there’s quite a large cast of characters, first encountered on one of their Saturday night get togethers, and I read the first few chapters a couple of times just to be clear who they all were, how they all related to each other, and who was going to be important to the story. But things soon settle down, and the focus becomes that strong spark of attraction between Maggie and Seb: the author fleshes out both their characters, against a well drawn background of supportive friendships and family dynamics, and slowly makes them people you grow to really care about, so very much more than the ice maiden and the chancer that they at first seem to be. Seb shows a caring side and a depth of character you’d never be expecting, even if his occasional impulsiveness sets things back at times – and when Maggie begins to smile again, you can’t help smiling with her.
There’s an immense warmth to this book – I loved Maggie’s young daughters, both really well developed little characters, and it was a particular pleasure to watch their relationship with Seb develop. I do guess some might say there’s an absence of tension and conflict to the story – other than the appearance of Maggie’s rather vile ex-husband – but I was more than happy with the “will they/won’t they” of the developing romance.
As well as watching it on the tv on those regular Saturday nights, Maggie has always loved to dance – and the Wednesday night classes she decides to attend at the village hall are a lovely device for moving the story forward while introducing some excellent new characters. And then there’s the approaching dance competition, with the possibility of Maggie winning a glitter ball of her own for the rumba – I really loved the way the story built up to that point, and provided a vehicle for the relationship to develop further.
As always, the author has the most wonderful touch with dialogue – the exchanges between Maggie and Seb really crackle and fizz, but I equally enjoyed their quieter moments. The humour’s perfectly judged throughout too. But the romance really is something rather special – quite beautifully developed, with depth and real authenticity, and a few more emotional moments that tugged quite wonderfully at the heartstrings and sometimes brought a little tear to the eye.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written contemporary romance – this was another real winner from Kathryn Freeman, and a definite 10 from me!
Maggie’s a doctor, a recently divorced mother to two young daughters, lacking in confidence, living a life of routine, governed by lists, avoiding the unexpected: Seb is the younger brother of her two best friends, seems to likes living life in the fast lane, has an edge of excitement about him, just back from his latest adventure living on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, and with the ability to make Maggie feel uncomfortably warm under the collar.
They really don’t seem right for each other at all – Maggie’s quite content that the highlight of her week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with friends on a Saturday night (in fact it’s become a bit of a military operation) – and their lives are so very different. And there’s also the issue that he’s ten years her junior – why on earth would he even be interested in her?
At the beginning, I’ll will admit I did find things a little chaotic – there’s quite a large cast of characters, first encountered on one of their Saturday night get togethers, and I read the first few chapters a couple of times just to be clear who they all were, how they all related to each other, and who was going to be important to the story. But things soon settle down, and the focus becomes that strong spark of attraction between Maggie and Seb: the author fleshes out both their characters, against a well drawn background of supportive friendships and family dynamics, and slowly makes them people you grow to really care about, so very much more than the ice maiden and the chancer that they at first seem to be. Seb shows a caring side and a depth of character you’d never be expecting, even if his occasional impulsiveness sets things back at times – and when Maggie begins to smile again, you can’t help smiling with her.
There’s an immense warmth to this book – I loved Maggie’s young daughters, both really well developed little characters, and it was a particular pleasure to watch their relationship with Seb develop. I do guess some might say there’s an absence of tension and conflict to the story – other than the appearance of Maggie’s rather vile ex-husband – but I was more than happy with the “will they/won’t they” of the developing romance.
As well as watching it on the tv on those regular Saturday nights, Maggie has always loved to dance – and the Wednesday night classes she decides to attend at the village hall are a lovely device for moving the story forward while introducing some excellent new characters. And then there’s the approaching dance competition, with the possibility of Maggie winning a glitter ball of her own for the rumba – I really loved the way the story built up to that point, and provided a vehicle for the relationship to develop further.
As always, the author has the most wonderful touch with dialogue – the exchanges between Maggie and Seb really crackle and fizz, but I equally enjoyed their quieter moments. The humour’s perfectly judged throughout too. But the romance really is something rather special – quite beautifully developed, with depth and real authenticity, and a few more emotional moments that tugged quite wonderfully at the heartstrings and sometimes brought a little tear to the eye.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written contemporary romance – this was another real winner from Kathryn Freeman, and a definite 10 from me!
August 19, 2020
Maggie is a 37 year old divorced mother of two, a doctor, and (naturally) super-organised, she lives and dies by her to-do lists.
Seb is Maggie's best friends' younger brother. He's single and carefree, only returned to the UK from his worldwide travels because of his father's heart-attack, living with his sister Sarah.
Every Saturday night Maggie and her BFFs: Hannah (the nanny); Sarah and her twin sister Alice meet at one of their houses with the children and pizza to watch that staple of early Saturday night entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing. Maggie has always loved dancing and longed to visit Blackpool, that mecca for ballroom dancers, but her ex-husband Paul said it was tacky.
Egged on by her friends, Maggie joins a ballroom dancing class on Wednesday evening, but sadly the only males on offer are short and bald. Then Seb steps up to the rescue.
This is a very low-key gentle romance, centred on Maggie and her two daughters, the dance lessons, Seb and his volunteering at a local youth centre, and Saturday night Strictly. I did enjoy it but I also wanted something more to happen, some interaction outside of the small group of characters, even some insight into Maggie's work as a GP. Heck, Hannah just seemed to be a plot device because we barely saw her working as a nanny to the children. If I say all the characters other than Maggie and Seb (and maybe Maggie's children) were sort of out-of-focus, does that make sense?
I enjoyed Kathryn Freeman's novel The New Guy and I thought that had more oomph than this one.
Overall, if Strictly is the highlight of your Saturday night and a romance about family is your thing then I think you will love this, I just wanted a bit more edge, some angst, some drama (said in a loud over-emphatic way).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Seb is Maggie's best friends' younger brother. He's single and carefree, only returned to the UK from his worldwide travels because of his father's heart-attack, living with his sister Sarah.
Every Saturday night Maggie and her BFFs: Hannah (the nanny); Sarah and her twin sister Alice meet at one of their houses with the children and pizza to watch that staple of early Saturday night entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing. Maggie has always loved dancing and longed to visit Blackpool, that mecca for ballroom dancers, but her ex-husband Paul said it was tacky.
Egged on by her friends, Maggie joins a ballroom dancing class on Wednesday evening, but sadly the only males on offer are short and bald. Then Seb steps up to the rescue.
This is a very low-key gentle romance, centred on Maggie and her two daughters, the dance lessons, Seb and his volunteering at a local youth centre, and Saturday night Strictly. I did enjoy it but I also wanted something more to happen, some interaction outside of the small group of characters, even some insight into Maggie's work as a GP. Heck, Hannah just seemed to be a plot device because we barely saw her working as a nanny to the children. If I say all the characters other than Maggie and Seb (and maybe Maggie's children) were sort of out-of-focus, does that make sense?
I enjoyed Kathryn Freeman's novel The New Guy and I thought that had more oomph than this one.
Overall, if Strictly is the highlight of your Saturday night and a romance about family is your thing then I think you will love this, I just wanted a bit more edge, some angst, some drama (said in a loud over-emphatic way).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
Think 'So You Think You Can Dance' ...but with a Contemporary Romance story to build all the tension, the potential drama, and the feelings you really need to make that routine SHINE! Add a twist on the May September type couple, two darling little girls, a few feisty seniors, and a gaggle of pre-teens that meddle just as much...and you've got the makings of this story set to dazzle and enchant!
I was listening to Dan + Shay while reading portions of this and..."...girl I wanna be what keeps you up at night..." just struck me as a very appropriate line for our boy Seb! Yes, he's the younger one in this equation, which doesn't raise other eyebrows as much as it does our leading lady's, but he's not one to give up when his heart is fully engaged. Maggie is wary with good reason. She doesn't want to mess up her friendship with his sisters, nor does she want to get her heart in a tangled mess again after her marriage ended in a less than lovely manner...but the age gap is also giving her pause. Can she let go enough to listen to her heart instead of just her mind and enjoy the moments given? Now, if they can just get each other on the same page, they'll be two stepping in no time!
In the end, I'd give it a 9.5 out of 10! Very entertaining, heartfelt, and yet realistic. Age gap romances when flipped the other way aren't generally even blinked at but put the woman older than the man and all of a sudden you've made news! These two though...make serious sparks, both on and off the dance floor, and that chemistry, that ability to be in step with each other could just see them making a go of something they never saw coming. Recommended for Contemporary Romance fans to put a skip in your step and a flutter in your heart!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
I was listening to Dan + Shay while reading portions of this and..."...girl I wanna be what keeps you up at night..." just struck me as a very appropriate line for our boy Seb! Yes, he's the younger one in this equation, which doesn't raise other eyebrows as much as it does our leading lady's, but he's not one to give up when his heart is fully engaged. Maggie is wary with good reason. She doesn't want to mess up her friendship with his sisters, nor does she want to get her heart in a tangled mess again after her marriage ended in a less than lovely manner...but the age gap is also giving her pause. Can she let go enough to listen to her heart instead of just her mind and enjoy the moments given? Now, if they can just get each other on the same page, they'll be two stepping in no time!
In the end, I'd give it a 9.5 out of 10! Very entertaining, heartfelt, and yet realistic. Age gap romances when flipped the other way aren't generally even blinked at but put the woman older than the man and all of a sudden you've made news! These two though...make serious sparks, both on and off the dance floor, and that chemistry, that ability to be in step with each other could just see them making a go of something they never saw coming. Recommended for Contemporary Romance fans to put a skip in your step and a flutter in your heart!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
August 10, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman was such a fun book to read that I devoured it in one day.
At age 37, Maggie is a single mom of 2 girls, a Doctor with a busy practice, and after a lousy marriage and divorce, she’s been left not feeling sure of herself and wondering what happened to the girl she used to be. Saturday nights, she and her two best friends, twin sisters, get together with their children, and they watch Strictly Come Dancing together. When her friends remind Maggie of how much she used to love to dance, she decides to do something for herself and sign up for ballroom dancing. Seb was enjoying life in Australia teaching surfing and living on a pontoon when his father had a heart attack, and he’s come home to England to help his father get back on his feet again. Seb has been staying with his sister (Maggie’s friend) and so becomes part of the Saturday night Strictly Come Dancing watching crew and the more times he spends with Maggie, the more he is attracted to her, even though she’s eleven years older and keeps trying to interest him in her nanny who’s more his age. Also, she’s the best friend of his older sisters so things could get awkward, plus he thinks she’s too good for him because here he is living in his sister's spare room, no job and not quite sure of his plans for the future. This is a charming friends to lovers story that’s filled with love, and laughter balanced by just the right amount of angst. I enjoyed reading it very much and do recommend it. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: August 15, 2020. #StrictlyComeDating #KathrynFreeman #HarperCollinsUK #HarperCollinsCanada #OneMoreChapter #NetGalley #ContemporaryRomance #bookstagram #EscapeRead
At age 37, Maggie is a single mom of 2 girls, a Doctor with a busy practice, and after a lousy marriage and divorce, she’s been left not feeling sure of herself and wondering what happened to the girl she used to be. Saturday nights, she and her two best friends, twin sisters, get together with their children, and they watch Strictly Come Dancing together. When her friends remind Maggie of how much she used to love to dance, she decides to do something for herself and sign up for ballroom dancing. Seb was enjoying life in Australia teaching surfing and living on a pontoon when his father had a heart attack, and he’s come home to England to help his father get back on his feet again. Seb has been staying with his sister (Maggie’s friend) and so becomes part of the Saturday night Strictly Come Dancing watching crew and the more times he spends with Maggie, the more he is attracted to her, even though she’s eleven years older and keeps trying to interest him in her nanny who’s more his age. Also, she’s the best friend of his older sisters so things could get awkward, plus he thinks she’s too good for him because here he is living in his sister's spare room, no job and not quite sure of his plans for the future. This is a charming friends to lovers story that’s filled with love, and laughter balanced by just the right amount of angst. I enjoyed reading it very much and do recommend it. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: August 15, 2020. #StrictlyComeDating #KathrynFreeman #HarperCollinsUK #HarperCollinsCanada #OneMoreChapter #NetGalley #ContemporaryRomance #bookstagram #EscapeRead
September 13, 2020
I have to state that I picked this book because of the premise of dancing and falling in love. Maggie was a huge Strictly Come Dancing fan. Her friends and children watch it every Saturday evening. One Saturday her friends invited their brother Seb over to watch the show with them. He was home from his travels to take care of his sick dad. Soon after Maggie and Seb started to take dancing lessons together. Of course they find that they liked each other regardless of the age difference. She was 37 and he was 27 at the beginning of the book. Which I honestly had no idea why that would be an issue but it was for Maggie at the beginning. Seb was a great guy who loved his family, was loyal, honest and took care of others. He was spontaneous with his planning but that added to the fun in life. Maggie was a doctor and mom who was too organized, fussy, rigid and lacked the confidence needed to date anyone quite frankly. She spent most of the time worried about why anyone wanted to date her. She was unfair and thoughtless towards Seb at times that drove me nuts.
I love dancing competition shows and wanted to read more about that. I felt that the dancing part of the story was too short. I’m sorry to state that I felt that the story dragged on at times. Overall, it was a cute story, but I needed more of something.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I love dancing competition shows and wanted to read more about that. I felt that the dancing part of the story was too short. I’m sorry to state that I felt that the story dragged on at times. Overall, it was a cute story, but I needed more of something.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2020
Thank you to One More Chapter UK and Netgalley for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Wow! Is Kathryn Freeman a speed writer or what!? This will be the third book of hers I've read this year. She's a brilliant romance writer and I'll be looking forward to her future novels. In Strictly Come Dating, she proves that age is nothing but a number. She does a great job capturing the stigma and stereotypes of an older woman dating a much younger man and vice versa. I don't read this trope a lot but I really enjoyed this one. I felt the chemistry between Seb and Maggie from the very beginning and I was really rooting for them. I loved Seb's commitment from the moment he saw her and seeing Maggie develop throughout the story from a type A rigid person to living in the moment and finding love again.
If you are looking for a closed door romance, this is a great one!
Wow! Is Kathryn Freeman a speed writer or what!? This will be the third book of hers I've read this year. She's a brilliant romance writer and I'll be looking forward to her future novels. In Strictly Come Dating, she proves that age is nothing but a number. She does a great job capturing the stigma and stereotypes of an older woman dating a much younger man and vice versa. I don't read this trope a lot but I really enjoyed this one. I felt the chemistry between Seb and Maggie from the very beginning and I was really rooting for them. I loved Seb's commitment from the moment he saw her and seeing Maggie develop throughout the story from a type A rigid person to living in the moment and finding love again.
If you are looking for a closed door romance, this is a great one!
March 13, 2021
Enjoyed this one, and was glad I gave the author another chance after 'Up Close and Personal' (which I found very meh). This one had lovely chemistry between the protagonists, and though nothing much really happens in terms of conflict, the chemistry and banter and just the sheer complicity you can see developing between these two people is good enough to carry the book through. Felt like the author delved well into the POVs of the protagonists, and though there wasn't much focus on much else (the dancing is there mentioned in passing all the time - I wonder if this would've translated better on the screen, because how well can you 'describe' dance moves without actually seeing them?), it was a nice flowing read where the characters really shone.
September 6, 2020
"Strictly Come Dating" by Kathryn Freeman is a refreshing and lovely Rom-com. It is the story of Maggie, a divorced doctor, mother of two, and heart broken by his ex, Paul, who not only left her, but shut her light before leaving. Maggie used to love dancing, but gave it up to support his family. She remembers her glorious days through the TV program, Strictly Come Dancing, which airs every week. She and her kids watch it religiously with Maggie's best friends. During one of their gatherings, Seb, her friends' younger brother appears. He is back to live with his family after traveling the world and there is an instant attraction between them, but he is 10 years younger than Maggie. I really enjoyed this love story and the way it shows us how a woman reclaims her life.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cute, clean love story. An easy read for this ending summer.
Released back on August 15th.
Thank you @netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cute, clean love story. An easy read for this ending summer.
Released back on August 15th.
Thank you @netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review
February 15, 2021
What a super cute book!
I loved seeing a younger male MC fall for an older single mother.
Lots of dancing references which were super fun! If you like the dancing competition shows you will love this book.
I also really enjoyed that both characters worked through some major life changes and still found love with each other.
Thank you Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an ARC to provide my sassy thoughts.
I loved seeing a younger male MC fall for an older single mother.
Lots of dancing references which were super fun! If you like the dancing competition shows you will love this book.
I also really enjoyed that both characters worked through some major life changes and still found love with each other.
Thank you Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an ARC to provide my sassy thoughts.
September 30, 2023
Omg this is probably one of my favourite books now!!! I know the title sounds cheesy, but it's so cute and i love it. What I loved about this book is that it's not your typical enermies to lovers where the woman is young sad and poor, vs the older rich successful man. Instead it was a successful woman with two young kids and a younger guy who isn't a billionaire. Also the kids are adorable and I love them.
THE EPILOGUE!! It was adorable 😭😭
THE EPILOGUE!! It was adorable 😭😭
September 17, 2020
I love Kathryn Freeman Romcoms. They're a treat to read with the perfect mix of romance and humor and the oh-so-hot chemistry between the lead pair along with lovely supportive characters to make it a wonderful treat for her readers!
Strictly Come Dancing is all about Dancing, of course. Our heroine's passion for dance and how life stopped her from following her passion more vigorously. Now with the help of her lovely sisters and adorable daughters, she's about to enter into the world of dancing again. Stilettos on, here comes Maggie the unstoppable.
Oh I almost forgot the hot and seriously handsome Seb who is also rude and arrogant but who cares unless he's fuming hot and their chemistry is ufff! You'll have to wait until Kathryn releases her magic moment with hands in pants for the bookorgasm and I can only assure you that it's completely worth the wait!
As ever, I'll hugely recommend this cute Romcom to everyone without a doubt. It's about following one's passion and I'm totally up for it! Many thanks to the publisher and Rachel for having me on the blog tour. All opinions mine.
Strictly Come Dancing is all about Dancing, of course. Our heroine's passion for dance and how life stopped her from following her passion more vigorously. Now with the help of her lovely sisters and adorable daughters, she's about to enter into the world of dancing again. Stilettos on, here comes Maggie the unstoppable.
Oh I almost forgot the hot and seriously handsome Seb who is also rude and arrogant but who cares unless he's fuming hot and their chemistry is ufff! You'll have to wait until Kathryn releases her magic moment with hands in pants for the bookorgasm and I can only assure you that it's completely worth the wait!
As ever, I'll hugely recommend this cute Romcom to everyone without a doubt. It's about following one's passion and I'm totally up for it! Many thanks to the publisher and Rachel for having me on the blog tour. All opinions mine.
September 21, 2021
Proper lovely little read
I flew through this book. Adored it really. Didn't help I'm a massive strictly come dancing fan already haha.
Honestly though, very sweet, heartwarming book with a lovely story of family and dancing.
I flew through this book. Adored it really. Didn't help I'm a massive strictly come dancing fan already haha.
Honestly though, very sweet, heartwarming book with a lovely story of family and dancing.
August 31, 2020
A wonderful light hearted read brimming with friendship, fun, dancing and romance.
Maggie is that wonderful organised mum that we all admire who always appears to have her life together and with two fab daughter's as a testament to her hardwork.
Whilst Seb is fun loving, disorganised and creates chaos wherever he goes. However the friendship that flourishes between them as he turns up with his sister's to watch Strictly each week is fantastic.
I loved the dancing lessons and the importance of the dancing throughout the story and how dancing encourages Maggie to let her hair down and have a bit of fun. This is a story that just dances off the pages as your reading I found that I was egging the characters on as I read and wanted to know what would happen next and how they would react as their friendship intensified.
The perfect read to curl up enjoy on a chilly evening and get lost in the wonderful dancin, fun and laughter.
Maggie is that wonderful organised mum that we all admire who always appears to have her life together and with two fab daughter's as a testament to her hardwork.
Whilst Seb is fun loving, disorganised and creates chaos wherever he goes. However the friendship that flourishes between them as he turns up with his sister's to watch Strictly each week is fantastic.
I loved the dancing lessons and the importance of the dancing throughout the story and how dancing encourages Maggie to let her hair down and have a bit of fun. This is a story that just dances off the pages as your reading I found that I was egging the characters on as I read and wanted to know what would happen next and how they would react as their friendship intensified.
The perfect read to curl up enjoy on a chilly evening and get lost in the wonderful dancin, fun and laughter.
August 7, 2021
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“Strictly Come Dating” is charming, romantic, and light-hearted and warms your heart. The story highlights the complexity of emotions the two leads go through when they date each other. I liked how the author approached the romance between the two characters, with dancing in the background. A few of my favorite scenes were when Maggie walks in and sees Seb and Penny bonding or when Maggie and Seb go on their first date. Their first date was humorous, especially when they meet Shirley and Pauline and how their date goes for a toss.
Maggie is adorable in the lead and shines. I loved her friendship with Alice. Seb is also a complex character as we see him go through a lot. Similarly, Maggie’s children are also adorable. The author also wrote Maggie’s feelings nicely, where she feels self-conscious about their age difference and that she is a friend of his sisters. Even the supporting cast like Rylan and Sarah were entertaining.
Similarly, even Seb has complex feelings that he is not as fancy and elegant as she wants him to be. It was interesting to see how they come together. On a side note, the author wrote some moments beautifully, especially when they start dating, like when they spend Christmas together. I also liked how the author threw Hannah into the mix as she is closer to Seb age-wise.
Since the story revolves around dance, I also enjoyed the various dance moves they talk about, like the rumba and the references they make, like Frank Sinatra. Overall, “Strictly Come Dating” is a charming contemporary romance and is a lovely book to read if you are a fan of the genre.
September 13, 2020
Maggie and her daughters and friends are all big fans of Strictly Come Dancing, a television show where ballroom dancers compete for cash and prizes. Every Saturday night, they all meet up to watch the show together. Seb comes home from Australia and, just for a laugh, joins his sisters Sarah and Alice along with their friend Maggie for the Saturday night ritual. What starts as only a chance to be an obnoxious kid brother turns into a life-altering event for Seb and Maggie.
What I Liked
What I liked the most about Strictly Come Dating is what the story is about – the themes and messages that the story conveys and does it well:
It's a story about finding that person who is not exactly like you, but that compliments you and brings out your best self.
Maggie was married to a man just as structured and societally-conscious as she is. They fell in love with those parts in each other that was most like themselves until the passion turned into a confining, unfulfilling shadow of what it once was, and then it was over. Maggie found herself a single mother of two precious little girls who mean more to her than life itself. Then in walks, Seb, literally into the weekly get together of Strictly Come Dancing fans. He is impulsive, carefree, late to everything, never prepared, and almost 11 years younger than Maggie. Not to mention, he is her best friend's younger brother. Maggie has many reasons not to give him a second glance.
It's an age story just being a number.
Maggie is 37 (close to 38), and Seb is 27. They are at different places in their life. Maggie is a respected doctor, and Seb…well, Seb, is still trying to figure out who he wants to be when he grows up. A relationship between the two of them could never work. What will people say? The only thing is, Seb could care less about all of that. There is a special something about Maggie that transcends beyond age and dignity. Through the course of the story, Maggie learns to accept that age truly is just a number and that if it's okay for men to date someone much younger, it is okay for women to also.
It's about not letting go of your passions.
Dance brings Seb and Maggie together. First through a dance competition television show that Seb loves to mock and Maggie loves to watch. Wishing it was her on the dance floor, her passion leads to actual dance classes and a local dance competition to raise money for a community program for children. Seb makes sure he makes all of Maggie's dance dreams come true, as he can see the spark that it causes in her and wants her to live out her dreams, even if it means he will look silly in the process. That is all part of the fun and charm of the story.
It's about not being afraid to live life to it's fullest.
Ultimately both Maggie and Seb learn to live life to its fullest potential. Their relationship and love help pull Maggie out of her shell while providing a sense of direction for Seb. They each had different lessons to learn, but through their love for one another, they found their path to happiness.
Technically, the story checks all the boxes. The dialogue flows naturally, and the characters are delightfully flawed and endearing. Maggie's daughters, Penny and Tabby, are too adorable for words. At times, Maggie's and Seb's constant misreading of each other becomes tiresome, but all-in-all, Strictly Come Dating was an enjoyable read for me.
To Read or Not to Read
Strictly Come Dating is a cute, light read that is as steamy as a rumba dance and is a beautiful reminder of all that is essential in life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I Liked
What I liked the most about Strictly Come Dating is what the story is about – the themes and messages that the story conveys and does it well:
It's a story about finding that person who is not exactly like you, but that compliments you and brings out your best self.
Maggie was married to a man just as structured and societally-conscious as she is. They fell in love with those parts in each other that was most like themselves until the passion turned into a confining, unfulfilling shadow of what it once was, and then it was over. Maggie found herself a single mother of two precious little girls who mean more to her than life itself. Then in walks, Seb, literally into the weekly get together of Strictly Come Dancing fans. He is impulsive, carefree, late to everything, never prepared, and almost 11 years younger than Maggie. Not to mention, he is her best friend's younger brother. Maggie has many reasons not to give him a second glance.
It's an age story just being a number.
Maggie is 37 (close to 38), and Seb is 27. They are at different places in their life. Maggie is a respected doctor, and Seb…well, Seb, is still trying to figure out who he wants to be when he grows up. A relationship between the two of them could never work. What will people say? The only thing is, Seb could care less about all of that. There is a special something about Maggie that transcends beyond age and dignity. Through the course of the story, Maggie learns to accept that age truly is just a number and that if it's okay for men to date someone much younger, it is okay for women to also.
It's about not letting go of your passions.
Dance brings Seb and Maggie together. First through a dance competition television show that Seb loves to mock and Maggie loves to watch. Wishing it was her on the dance floor, her passion leads to actual dance classes and a local dance competition to raise money for a community program for children. Seb makes sure he makes all of Maggie's dance dreams come true, as he can see the spark that it causes in her and wants her to live out her dreams, even if it means he will look silly in the process. That is all part of the fun and charm of the story.
It's about not being afraid to live life to it's fullest.
Ultimately both Maggie and Seb learn to live life to its fullest potential. Their relationship and love help pull Maggie out of her shell while providing a sense of direction for Seb. They each had different lessons to learn, but through their love for one another, they found their path to happiness.
Technically, the story checks all the boxes. The dialogue flows naturally, and the characters are delightfully flawed and endearing. Maggie's daughters, Penny and Tabby, are too adorable for words. At times, Maggie's and Seb's constant misreading of each other becomes tiresome, but all-in-all, Strictly Come Dating was an enjoyable read for me.
To Read or Not to Read
Strictly Come Dating is a cute, light read that is as steamy as a rumba dance and is a beautiful reminder of all that is essential in life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Kathryn Freeman but I have to admit that, having never watched Strictly Come Dancing and being unable to tell a foxtrot from a tango, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy her new novel, Strictly Come Dating. I needn't have worried as I enjoyed it immensely, so take note - this one isn't just for Strictly fans.
Maggie is a fabulous character and I loved how she and her friends gathered around the TV each Saturday to watch Strictly together. They take turns hosting and they're so serious about Strictly that phones and talking aren't allowed during the show. They all gladly accept the rules until Maggie's friends' brother, Seb, arrives back from Australia and can't hold his tongue. He finds the show amusing but spends most of the evening watching Maggie, which doesn't go unnoticed by his sisters although Maggie is completely unaware.
Seb is completely smitten with Maggie and he doesn't care that there is a 10 year age gap but Maggie is completely hung up over her age. I wanted to give her a good talking to as she keeps going on about her age (she's mid-thirties not an OAP) but I could understand her being a bit down on herself after her husband left her and her two fabulous girls. Seb does his best to bring back the sparkle into Maggie's life and there's nothing more sparkly than Strictly!
I loved the strong family vibe in Strictly Come Dating, both Maggie's relationship with her daughters and Seb's relationship with his sisters. Maggie's daughters, Penny and Tabby, totally stole the show for me - they are gorgeous girls and a credit to Maggie, with no thanks to her ex-husband, Paul. When Paul comes back on the scene he's like a Dementor from Harry Potter, sucking out all the fun from their life. I'm surprised Maggie even let him into the house after he had been absent for two years but then she was thinking of what was best for her girls.
Strictly Come Dating is a fabulously sparkly romance that isn't just for Strictly fans, although Strictly fans will LOVE it. It's a wonderfully heartwarming read that kept me entertained and left me with a big smile on my face. I loved it.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Maggie is a fabulous character and I loved how she and her friends gathered around the TV each Saturday to watch Strictly together. They take turns hosting and they're so serious about Strictly that phones and talking aren't allowed during the show. They all gladly accept the rules until Maggie's friends' brother, Seb, arrives back from Australia and can't hold his tongue. He finds the show amusing but spends most of the evening watching Maggie, which doesn't go unnoticed by his sisters although Maggie is completely unaware.
Seb is completely smitten with Maggie and he doesn't care that there is a 10 year age gap but Maggie is completely hung up over her age. I wanted to give her a good talking to as she keeps going on about her age (she's mid-thirties not an OAP) but I could understand her being a bit down on herself after her husband left her and her two fabulous girls. Seb does his best to bring back the sparkle into Maggie's life and there's nothing more sparkly than Strictly!
I loved the strong family vibe in Strictly Come Dating, both Maggie's relationship with her daughters and Seb's relationship with his sisters. Maggie's daughters, Penny and Tabby, totally stole the show for me - they are gorgeous girls and a credit to Maggie, with no thanks to her ex-husband, Paul. When Paul comes back on the scene he's like a Dementor from Harry Potter, sucking out all the fun from their life. I'm surprised Maggie even let him into the house after he had been absent for two years but then she was thinking of what was best for her girls.
Strictly Come Dating is a fabulously sparkly romance that isn't just for Strictly fans, although Strictly fans will LOVE it. It's a wonderfully heartwarming read that kept me entertained and left me with a big smile on my face. I loved it.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 14, 2020
Thank you One More Chapter UK, NetGalley, and author Kathryn Freeman for a free E-book Arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the third book this author has published just this year! I completely enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of using the usual tropes and reversing them in order to make a wonderful romance.
This book follow Maggie, a 37-year-old divorcee with two children, and Seb, the 27 year-old little brother of Maggie's best friend and the romance that develops between them. Are the feelings they begin to feel turning into something real or just strictly feelings that stem from dancing?
This story was not overly complicated, but had good character development and the pacing was very good. I did not feel any scenes were unnecessarily dragged out, but kept the story moving at a steady speed.The reader is really able to get a good grasp of Maggie's character by putting a voice to the insecurities she has when in comes to wanting to start dancing as well as a relationship with Seb, a much younger man. I felt Maggie was a realistic in her misgivings. I also appreciated how she was able to grow from the advice given to her throughout the story. Seb was just too cute for words. At the beginning of the book, he is very interested in Maggie, but also is dealing with his own insecurities as being seen as the younger brother of Maggie's friend and an unable provider due to his past of traveling and living in other countries for short times. I loved how Seb was not intimated by Maggie's age nor her children, but was eager to accept them as part of dating Maggie. His growth and maturity were also much appreciated. I was a little put off by the misunderstanding they seemed to have at the end, but it was easily resolved with a simple conversation. Overall, I really believe the author hit the ball out of the park with this book and I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one sitting. I would recommend this book to those who would love to read a reversal age gap/single parent romance. I can't wait for her next book.
This is the third book this author has published just this year! I completely enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of using the usual tropes and reversing them in order to make a wonderful romance.
This book follow Maggie, a 37-year-old divorcee with two children, and Seb, the 27 year-old little brother of Maggie's best friend and the romance that develops between them. Are the feelings they begin to feel turning into something real or just strictly feelings that stem from dancing?
This story was not overly complicated, but had good character development and the pacing was very good. I did not feel any scenes were unnecessarily dragged out, but kept the story moving at a steady speed.The reader is really able to get a good grasp of Maggie's character by putting a voice to the insecurities she has when in comes to wanting to start dancing as well as a relationship with Seb, a much younger man. I felt Maggie was a realistic in her misgivings. I also appreciated how she was able to grow from the advice given to her throughout the story. Seb was just too cute for words. At the beginning of the book, he is very interested in Maggie, but also is dealing with his own insecurities as being seen as the younger brother of Maggie's friend and an unable provider due to his past of traveling and living in other countries for short times. I loved how Seb was not intimated by Maggie's age nor her children, but was eager to accept them as part of dating Maggie. His growth and maturity were also much appreciated. I was a little put off by the misunderstanding they seemed to have at the end, but it was easily resolved with a simple conversation. Overall, I really believe the author hit the ball out of the park with this book and I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one sitting. I would recommend this book to those who would love to read a reversal age gap/single parent romance. I can't wait for her next book.
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