A sophisticated city girl, a small town guy. Will their differences drive them apart or will they discover that home is where the heart is?
When the only girl Joey Bennett ever loved stole his heart and sped off to the city lights, he swore he’d never again surrender his heart or be measured by someone’s big city ideals. Love is for chumps. Trust is only given to family and locals who care about him for who he is, and what he isn’t. But when a beautiful stranger dances into his bar, he takes up the challenge to prove that his hometown is different.
Brittany Carlson hates small towns after growing up where the old boy’s network turned a blind eye to her father’s abuse, destroying her mother’s life… and her own. She left that hell in the rear-view mirror the minute she turned eighteen. New York City is her new hometown where her neighbors are friends and everyone looks out for each other. They keep her safe. But a weekend visit to Oak Grove and one dance with a sexy local threatens to change… everything.
Joey is not like any guy she’s ever met. And she likes that. Long nights stoke Joey and Brittany’s desire to stay together, but reality is different when exposed to the harsh light of day. If Brittany goes back to New York, she’ll be heartbroken. But she promised herself long ago that she wouldn’t ever again live her life looking over her shoulder, wondering what secrets people are hiding and what ugliness lurks in the shadows with no one there to help.
Can she take the small town out of Joey, or can the love of a good man become her new home?
Oak Grove Series: Last Call (Book 0.5) One Last Risk (Book 1) One Last Dance (Book 2) One Last Chance (Book 3) One Last Objection (Book 4)
Thanks for visiting my profile. I'm a new Contemporary Romance author and I'm so excited about the possibilities. I've been falling in love with characters in books for a long time, and even more so now that they are speaking through me for other readers.
I've been remiss in updating my shelves but I'll be doing that soon, so check out some of my favorite reads, including some that I've read over and over because, yeah, they're just that good.
I'd love it if you'd add my books to your TBR shelf. If you want to find out more about me, click over to my website: http://www.nancystopper.com
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
Sometimes the place you belong is where you least expect it.
Joey loves life in his small town and his thriving business is proof that you don't have to venture to the big city to make a good living. He has everything he needs right where he is. Well, almost everything. He's growing tired of one night stands and is starting to wonder if being single is better than the empty nights with meaningless women.
Brittany has found her perfect life in the city. Sure, she doesn't really love her job and the small town she's visiting is starting to grow on her. However, she spent her childhood waiting to escape her town and swore she'd never go back to one. But Oak Grove isn't like her hometown and there are things here that she can't find in her new city. Like a certain handsome bar owner...
Flirtations turn into a lust-filled fling as Joey and Brittany decide to have a little fun for the weekend. But neither is ready to let go of the other just yet. A few days turns into a week and soon Brittany is starting to question the reasons she's hiding in the city. Maybe she is meant for greater things and a future with the man who wormed his way into her heart.
This was a sweet story with a lot of passion-filled romance. Joey is a hard-working man who knows exactly what he wants in his life. Brittany is determined to escape her past and do whatever it takes to find meaning in her own life. I wasn't sure at the beginning how these two could possibly make it work since Brittany loved the city and Joey adored his small town.
Somewhere along the way, our couple start to move past the physical attraction and open up about their pasts, dreams, and heartaches. I enjoyed watching Joey come to accept his need for a woman in his life. And it was nice to see Brittany learn to let go of her fears about small town life and learn how to rely on someone else. There was some good character development here.
The pacing was pretty steady and a lot happened in a short amount of time. In fact, most of the story happens within about a week. Yet, it never felt forced or unbelievable. Our couple did a lot of internal second-guessing of their whirlwind romance, which made the story a little on the wordy side but not so much that it annoyed me. The balance was much better in this book.
One thing I thought really shined in the first book was the way the love scenes were written. I'm happy to say that this story has a nice amount of satisfying romance in it, too. The ending was sweet and the epilogue was adorable. This series is definitely getting better with each book.
In closing... I cannot wait to read the next book. I just know that Rachel's story is going to be a powerful one. Four suns!
I received this ARC and am voluntarily providing my review.
I loved One Last Risk and couldn't wait for this next in the series. I was a little worried about the situation with the Bennett men and how they were handling a dicey issue with their sister but we get a lit more back ground and a lot more detail into what is going on with her through out this book which focuses on Joey Bennett and Brittney Carlson.
Joey isn't interested in any kind of relationship after Shelby shattered his heart 6 years ago. She couldn't handle staying in their small town so she left it and him for the big city. Until now occasional hook-ups have worked just fine. When he sees a beautiful brunette in his bar and grill hanging out and dancing with her friends all other thoughts seem to evade him. When a hard knock on his door after closing time finds that same woman looking for her purse he's more than pleasantly surprised.
Brittney has worked hard to put herself through college and she's proud of the degree she earned as an architect. New York is everything she has ever wanted. Coming to Oak Grove to visit her friend is great but small town living is not now, nor will it ever be something in her future. She grew up in a similar small town, one where she couldn't escape the nightmares there fast enough.
But a late evening chatting with the owner and then one dance before she leaves has both Brittney and Joey thinking that everything they ever thought they wanted may just have been a fantasy.
The journey these two go on to find their way past the damage done to them years before will be a challenge but one they will find well worth the effort. I loved the build up of this relationship, the wonderful community and friendships of this small town, and the amazing writing that takes us on a wonderful ride with these two.
I was anxious and glad to also get a glimpse of the next book which focuses on Rachel and Sawyer. Can't wait!
A heartwarming story and a great second chance romance. A struggle between big city lights and starry country nights and which one wins out. This is the romantic story of Brittany and Joey who learn to love again and in turn learn so much about themselves. No spoiler here, but you'll love this book. Well written with adorable characters and an engaging plot that captures your attention and keeps it. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions. I grew up in a small community theres nothing like it, yes unfortunately some people do turn a blind eye but not all. Well written plot, combining family, love and romance, with doubt and vulnerabilities. I was captivated to the last page.
A heartfelt and delightful story about finding your destiny, finding your place in the world, about love and living, friends and family, life in the small town where people genuinely care for each other and look out for each other. I am loving the Bennett family, the tight-knit solidarity they have, the unit the brothers form to protect their family and loved ones when needed. The stories do entwine yet they are easily read as stand alone books. The ongoing problems their sister Rachel is having in her relationship gets more insights in One Last Dance, and the abuse she faces might be a trigger to some. The tragic, terrifying situation Rachel lives with is painted with realistic and vivid, heartbreaking images, I have to say I am anxiously looking forward to her story coming up next month. But One Last Dance is about Joey Bennett and Brittany Carlson. Joye, the former happy go lucky from fling to fling guy is looking at the happiness his brother has found and is longing for something more to his life as well. His business is going well, he volunteers his time to a great cause, and his dedication to help veterans and raise awareness of their needs is admirable. Joye is easy to like, he has charm, wit, and charisma. His protectiveness towards his sister is fierce, and eventually, his temper gets him in trouble. He had his heart broken once by a girl longing for the city lights, yet he is learning that some risks are worth to take to find your place in life. Brittany has thick walls around her, to protect her secrets and hold herself together, to keep going. She has a temper to match Joye's, but her heart is golden, her desire to serve and help others is genuine, and her feelings towards Joye are unavoidable. The abused girl in her sees the reality Rachel is living in, by looking in her eyes. With Brittany's help, the situation with Rachel starts finally unravel as the family finds more about her life. There is a lot going on in the story, with the family, and with Joye and Brittany. The connection between them is adorable and passionate. They are so perfect together, perfect for each other, despite the seemingly opposite lifestyles. I loved how they supported each other, how well they fit with each other and their interests in life. They do things together that they both enjoy and that brings them even closer together. The development of their characters, the healing and the growing they absorb through their journey is remarkable. Even though the events in the book all happen within a short time period, a lot of living and learning is done during those days. The feelings, the emotions, the relationship developing between Joye and Brittany is believable, solid, sweet, and taking deep roots. I'm really liking this series and the range of emotions and life the stories hold. One Last Dance is a great addition to the saga of the Bennett family and left me excitedly waiting for the next installment. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I loved returning to Oak Grove to visit with characters from the prequel and book 1. The series focuses on the adult children of the Bennett family as they finding their HEAs. This is the love story of Joey Bennett, the youngest of the three Bennett boys. We met Joey in previous books as the owner of the newest establishment in Oak Grove, the neighborhood bar and grille. He's the town playboy after having been left by his high school sweetheart who decided she's rather move to NYC than marry Joey and stay in small town Oak Grove. When he meets Brittany, visiting from the city, he has her pegged as another city girl. But Brittany is running from another small town in Montana, where she witnessed and endured years of abuse. She believes all small towns keep the secrets of their residents and loves the freedom of the city...or does she? Visiting Oak Grove and spending time with Joey, reminds her of everything she misses about small town living. Plus, she is increasingly draw to him and wants to help him with a family situation involving the youngest Bennett, Rachel. This was a beautifully told story about finding your path and learning to trust again. Joey and Brittany helped each other heal their past hurts as they learned to let go of the preconceived ideas about city life vs. small town living. Warning: readers sensitive to domestic abuse may want to know there is both childhood abuse and partner abuse in this book. Ms. Stopper handles the subject matter gracefully, but there's enough that it could be a trigger. That heavy topic aside, it was a great read, and I can't wait to return to Oak Grove again and again.
One Last Dance is a sweet, entertaining and delightful love story. The story is an inspiring story full of romance, passion and emotion. Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people but the trials and pains can create a stronger person within. With a man that is not willing to give up while going all out to show you what you can have, what hope does Brittany have? Joey is every women’s dream. He is passionate, emotional and would do anything for you.
The characters are entertaining and well developed. The story line is fresh and moves along at a good pace. This is a sweet and delightful story that will captivate you and keep your attention from the beginning to the end. This story hooked me from the very start and I could not put it down. So many emotions put together in one book that causes an emotional overload. You will finish this book with faith and hope in love no matter what pain and loss you might have experienced in the past. There is someone special out there for every person despite your quirks while being your comfort and holding your heart.
This is the second book I have read by Nancy Stopper and will definitely not be my last. The Oak Grove series has been a great series to read. Nancy Stopper does a great job on each aspect in her books. She really seems to do a great job at the research behind it to give the book a realistic feel that keeps you connected to the characters. I recommend this book (and the series) to anyone that enjoys sweet and passionate romance stories.
Funny how sometimes the path people think they want to take turns out to be the wrong one for them. Or when they're thinking "there's no way I would do..." and then it turns out you WILL do that! Essentially, that's the underlying theme of One Last Dance.
Joey Bennett, owner of J.J.'s, a bar and grill in the small town of Oak Grove, has sworn off girls who want big city lights while Brittany Carlson, on vacation from her home in New York City, hates small towns after seeing the way an "old boy's network" turned a blind eye to her father's abuse of her mother, sister and herself. Brittany is just visiting the town with her friend Karen, who grew up in Oak Grove. Then she meets Joey...
This was another wonderful story from Nancy Stopper's Oak Grove series. The characters have a depth to them that makes you feel like you know them - and know them well enough to identify with why they each feel the way they do and why they want to proceed with caution in their relationship. Their attraction is strong but so is their desire to protect their hearts!
Is Joey able to overcome his reluctance to become involved with a woman who lives and works in a big city? Can Brittany overcome her perceived notion of small town life enough to give Joey a chance? Are either of them like the people they've known who have hurt them? If you're looking for a feel-good romantic story - you will enjoy this!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
This is a great love story! Joey, owner of JJ’s in Oak Grove, is fascinated by Brittany when he meets her in his bar & grill. She is visiting a close friend who is an old friend of Joey’s. Joey has recently decided he wants a change in his life. Instead of a string of one night stands, he really wants to find someone who he can build a life with. He and Brittany seem to hit it off over the holiday weekend while she is visiting. Brittany is a small town girl who left her hometown in the rear view mirror when she left for New York to go to college. After watching her father abuse her mother all her life and then being the recipient of his abuse also, she couldn’t wait to leave all that behind her. She doesn’t trust men, thinking they are all like her father. She realizes Joey is nothing like that and Joey, who never got over his high school girlfriend leaving him behind, slowly realizes Brittany isn’t really the big city girl she claims to be. He is also very touched when she tries to help his little sister Rachel who is being abused by her boyfriend. You need to read the book to find out how they get their HEA. I received an ARC of this book from the author and am writing a voluntary review because I want others to know how good this book is. I highly recommend this book.
One Last Dance is a wonderfully emotional addition to Nancy Stopper's Oak Grove series. Wow, that was quite the mouthful, but let's go with it! I loved this book. From the characters to their romance to Nancy's writing style, everything was top notch. Rather than focusing on what I loved about One Last Dance, I'm going to talk about an element of the first book that left me with some unease and give a bit of an update. Without spoilers, of course.
Like I said, there was an element in the first book that left me with some uneasiness. While I had a feeling that it would continue to unfold in the next book(s), I felt that some of the characters actions (or lack of) seemed uncharacteristic. I have to say, One Last Dance made me feel so much better about the situation surrounding one particular character. I love how this story-line is naturally progressing because when you think about it, this sort of thing doesn't magically disappear and I'm actually glad that it wasn't resolved suddenly at the end of the previous book. I freaking love that it'll all come to a conclusion in the next book and I don't know how much longer I can stop myself from dropping everything to read it. It'll be soon, that's for sure.
I received an advance copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
A bar owner and a city girl meet at the bar he owns and sparks fly. Is the bar owner, Joey, too country town for the city girl? Can the city girl, Brittany, become a country girl? Joey and Brittany feel the sparks, fight the attraction, and fall for each other. One Last Dance has a HEA (Happily Ever After) ending which is what I expected. I didn’t expect all the hard work they had to do to get that ending.
I liked that they each had their own lives before they met. They are not a couple coming back together. That means they had to get to know each other, trust each other, and tell each other about their histories. Joey has an ex that makes his heart leery to love again and a family that ties him to his home. Brittany is extra careful due to her father and mother’s tumultuous relationship. Together they have to share their pasts and open up their futures to be able to become a couple.
One Last Dance is the second book in the Oak Grove Series but each book is its own story. There is a HEA ending, a complete story, and each one is wonderful. I recommend picking up either of them and enjoying the marvelous story that Nancy Stopper tells.
Brittany hates small towns, & so she left her town behind in the past for better things. When she goes to a small town to visit friends, she meets Joey, who is very different than anyone she’s ever seen before. They each have to deal with things in their pasts before they can have a chance to move forward...
Near the beginning of the book, when Brittany falls into the water, he kicks off his shoes & jumps in after her. Then just a couple of paragraphs later, it’s written that he’s annoyed his shoes are wet... A tad contradictory there...
This book has a few other contradictions... For example, Joey doesn’t want another relationship with anyone, especially not a city girl. He’s also decided not to do any one night stands. He decides that he can’t be with Brittany at all for these reasons, yet at the very same time just a tryst wouldn’t matter, right? So he decides that a quickie is just what he needs. I’m not sure if it’s even a contradiction only, or just immaturity, holding two sides of the same argument, so to speak.
This story was a tad predictable, as well, but despite this, it was a nice short story.
Joey Bennett didn't leave their small town in Pennsylvania to go to college or enlist, but bought a bar. He fixed it up and improved it. The bar was a great success. His fiancée from six years ago left him because she wanted the dig city of New York City and not their small town. He has just had one night stands since. He sees a woman dancing in his bar and is attracted to her. He ends up meeting her and she is Brittany visiting from New York City with her friend Karen. Brittany had a bad childhood which included abuse. No one from her small town in Montana helped her or her sister. She thinks all small towns are the way hers was. The last thing she wants to do is live in a small town. This was a good story where Joey was opening his heart to a woman that wants the big city even though he tells himself it is just for the weekend. Brittany saw another side of a small town where people cared and tried to help each other. Their journey together has some ups and downs. I encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Loved the story. And although it had hard topics. It’s something that needs to be addressed and I can see from excerpts that is the case for the next book. Joey usually the ladies man is over with that empty promise of no tomorrows and a revolving door. He wants a partner. But he can’t risk getting hurt again. And when he see Brittany across the dance floor of his bar he feels drawn to her. After extricating herself from a bar creep she is attracted to what she merely thinks is just the bartender. Many ups and downs. Both are closed off and through a shared experience of loved ones and going through abusive relationships. They form a bond. They balance each other out. And she sees what a small town is supposed to be. Not what her horrible past experiences have shown her. People have always said you usually treat those who you love the most and who are closest to you the worst when times get extreme because you trust them enough to not leave and batten down. That partially played I. Here but did require some finesse. Can’t wait for Rachel’s book.
I loved One Last Dance by Nancy Stopper, the second book in her Oak Grove series. In this story we get to know Joey, brother to Lucas and owner of JJ’s, and Brittany, an aspiring architect from New York City visiting Oak Grove with her friend Karen. Joey no longer believes in love after getting his heart broken by his high school sweetheart. Trust is a major issue for him. Brittany left small town living when she was eighteen to get away from her abusive father and never planned to live in one again. She also lacks trust in men after her treatment by her father. Brittany is the first woman to interest Joey since his ex left him, so Joey works hard to not only convince Brittany on the wonders of his city. Joey’s sister Rachel makes an appearance and Ms. Stopper gives us a peek of the abusive relationship she is in. Since no one ever helped Brittany, she tries to help Rachel. Both Joey and Brittany need to figure out if they are capable of trusting each other.
I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. This was a sexy, fun, and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters. I loved the fact Ms. Stopper honored those who served our country in this story; from Honor Beer to the housing for those injured during the war. I highly recommend this book to other readers and am looking forward to the next entry in this series which is supposed to feature Rachel.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Love this series, and I really enjoyed this book. The author has done a really great job of entwining the town into the books, yet making each book a stand-alone read. In One Last Dance, we got to know Joey Bennett more, and we found a man who was slow to trust due to a past break-up. When Brittany arrives in town, the attraction was instant, but she carries baggage from the effects of abusive relationships in her childhood.
The author did a really great job with character development, and I thought she did a great job of showing the long-term effects abuse can have on a person. It's a delicate subject, and she did a great job making readers understand how it can influence other relationships. Of course, their happily ever after was very sweet, and it left me wanting more. I'm SO excited for the next book -- cannot wait to see what's in store for Rachel Bennett.
** I received a free ARC of this book, and I chose to provide this review. All opinions are my own. **
Joey appears to have just about everything he needs in life - his family, his friends, his successful bar and a secret cabin to get away and recharge. He loves living in Oak Grove but he is not as happy as he seems. Brittany has made her own way after leaving home at 18 for life in New York City. She comes to Oak Grove to visit her friend Karen's home town. She shies away from small towns because of how much it reminds her of her childhood. She meets Joey at his bar and sparks fly. They have a immediate strong chemistry. Joey isn't looking for a relationship especially with a city girl, Brittany isn't looking for anything that will tie her to a small town. The author does a great job of developing their relationship and adding more to the story than just their relationship. I enjoyed this book even more than the first Oak Grove book and feel like the author is hitting her stride in the series. I am very much looking forward to Rachel's story.
I am really loving the Oak Grove book series! It was great reading Joey's story and why he wanted to prove himself. His honoring of his friend Kyle was so heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes. Brittany's story broke my heart but it was great to see her blossom in a small town. Joey, having sworn off of love after his high school sweetheart left and never returned. Brittany, who had grown up in the worst of circumstances in a small town. Both trying to find their way, not wanting to love because love meant pain. I enjoyed reading about the Bennett family and how they watch over one another. Cannot wait to read Rachel's story but I am sure it will a sad one. Well-written, fast read that will you wanting the next book in the series like now. I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way sways my review.
I just love this series it had me hooked with the first book One last risk and this one just has good. I would love to live in Oak Grove and love reading about the Bennett family. This book is about Joey the youngest Bennett boy, but you also get a bit more information about their sister Rachel. This book is about love/lust as first sight and how a weekend maybe able to change your life for every if you are open for it. Both main characters have a history they need to face or leave behind to find out what will make their lives fulfilled and happy. I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review. You can read this as a stand-alone but I would suggest reading the first one before this one to get the full experience the author has written about.
Once again, Nancy Stopper gave a beautiful read with characters from Oak Grove that we knew in the first book. This can be a stand alone but I love when authors writing a series so we get even more in depth with the characters
This story was a hard one to read with the main character, Brittany who came from an abuse family and ran from the small town as soon as she turned 18. Small towns are not for her, That all changed when she arrived at Oak Grove and met Joey Bennett. He wasn’t looking for a relationship but once he saw Brittany he forgot all of that. The story goes into whether you can trust your instincts and follow your heart. With the two of them do they follow their heart or stay where they are.
5 stars I purchased a copy of the full length novel One Last Dance : a Small- Town Romance Oak Grove book 2: by Nancy Stopper and this review was given freely. A complexed and steamy romance set in rural southeastern Pennsylvania and an emotional story with wonderful characters and a rocky romance and a theme of overcoming self doubt. . JJ's Bar and Grill owner Joey Bennett's love for solitude and mistrust of relationships are challenged when New York Arhitect Brittany comes to town. This is an easy flowing steamy instant attraction of opposites story combined with a rocky romance, an emotional tribute to Memorial Day and all war veterans as well as an advocating against mental and physical abuse.
Nancy Stopper has built a wonderful family unit in her Family Ties Series. Although, there are times when families are not in the ‘wonderful stage’ every time, and Nancy includes these real struggle in her books.
In her book, "One Last Dance", Nancy has written each characters so readers can feeling the hurt, the disappointment, of loss and disparity at times. But she also includes the awakening of emotions, the feeling of want, of that something that’s been missing, and of finding. Nancy writes about the strength of each character, giving her readers a way to get lost in the pages.
I really enjoyed Joey and Brittany's story, and look forward to getting lost in her other books!
One Last Dance is not always sweet. Sometimes it's heartbreaking, others inspiring, but with Ms. Stopper emotion is as central to the journey as the main characters. Brittany's journey is to rise above an abusive childhood and learn to feel safe again. Joey seeks to mend his broken heart as he learns to trust again. Bad things, sometimes happen to good people. Only through the trials can we learn how strong we really are. Wise advice, great characters and an emotionally full filling story dominate the pages of One Last Dance.
Oak Grove is a perfect place to live and their people are wonderful, but Brittany, visiting for the weekend with a friend, just is not into small towns, that what she repeats herself when she mets Joey Bennet, but the attraction seems just to strong to pull away. She is running from her past and Joey lost once his heart to her sweetheart from high school when she left to live in the big city. Can they put aside their demons and be together? A very beautiful story about love, friendship, and family.
I am loving this series! Nancy Stopper is on a roll! Britanny, "the city girl", and Joey, "the small city bar owner" are a super cute couple and their story is so engaging. Britanny's backstory is so important and looking forward to the next book that will unfold it by telling Rachel's own story on this matter. In addition, Joey is a sweet character homaging veterans that are an important and essential part of our society to keep democracy and freedom.
This is a standalone but I truly recommend the Oak Grove series as a whole.
One Last Dance explores the heartbreaking reality of abuse and the far reaching effects it can have. But, that is only a small part of this falling in love story. Almost love at first sight, the meet cute between Joey and Brittney is funny and sweet. This book embodies the small town feel. The characters wrap themselves around your heart. More than once I shed a tear. But there were more smiles and squirming than anything.
Great story of letting the past go and learning to open your heart to love. Oak Grove Series is filled with characters you will come to love. There's friendship, family and small town charm. Brittany and Joey both have pasts that have harden their hearts. But love has a way to changing your mind and opening your heart to new possibilities. Great addition to the series. Can't wait to read the next book. No cliffhanger and hea. I voluntarily received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Joey and Brittany both struggling with their pasts and afraid to trust someone with their future. Loved how these two were so much more than they thought. Joey's pursuit of Brittany was sweet. Loved Brittany's friend and hope she gets her own book. Enjoyed seeing characters from the past book and also the set up of the next one, Rachel's story (can't wait to read). The title and scene were they dance reminded me of Brad Paisley's song.