Librarian and aspiring ballerina Cara Livingston is watching her step, literally. All she’s ever wanted is to be accepted into Cygne Ballet Academy and fulfill the dream she and her mother share of her becoming a professional ballerina. Which leaves zero time in her life for distractions.
Ian O’Leary is a professional distraction. After getting kicked out of college in Kinsale, Ireland, his dad ships him off to the U.S. to work on an old friend’s fishing boat at Hope Island, Washington. There are only two things Ian wants; the sea and music. Well, until he meets the serious dancer, Cara. Then, he also wants to annoy her. Throw in the annual town-wide dance competition and Cara’s crown as the reigning champion is now in jeopardy.
Can they work out a rhythm that will keep them moving to the beat? Or will the beats that move them around and towards each other end up being the beats of their hearts?
Reel Love is a small town enemies-to-lovers holiday romantic comedy with new adult aged MCs that will have you laughing out loud, tearing up, and always wanting more from this hilarious island community.
This full novel contains profanity and is not a clean romance. It is a plot-focused, emotional slowburn HEA with realistic characters and no instalove. The MMC is a green flag / cinnamon roll hero. While part of the Hope Island Holiday Romance series, it can be read as a stand alone, and has no cliffhanger.
Join the wacky residents of Hope Island today and dive into this sixth book in the Hope Island Holiday Romances!
Teagan Hart has finished her Hope Island Holiday Series with a St. Patrick’s Day romcom that is guaranteed to make you laugh. I was so excited to get an ARC of this book. Reel Love had me laughing out loud, just like her other Hope Island Holiday Romances. We’ve got a great enemies-to-lovers romance with Cara and Ian and he is such a cinnamon roll. I’m so sad this series is over but can’t wait to enjoy this series again once the holiday season is back in later on in the year!!
Teagan Hart gave me such a great time with Reel Love! Ian and Cara are so much fun, as well as Rob and Pippa (can we please have a book about them next???)
Cara is trying to get in to Cygne Ballet studio for the third time, and all she has time for is dance. Teaching dance, rehearsing her own dance program, dreaming about dance, and suddenly getting hooked into all the St. Patrick's Day parade festivities by the terrifying Mrs. Bumble!
When Cara also gets talked into being part of a 4 person group called Shamrocks Off by Rob and Pippa for the ShenaniGames she's definitely feeling like there are just too many things going on in her life, especially when this leads her to singing Lord of The Dance in the pub with a pint of "The Black Stuff" she must empty somehow before the song is over!
At the beginning Ian is someone I was determined not to like, a guy that got kicked out of Uni for fighting and has a month on a boat to make a decision that his Dad will no doubt pay for him to take on? He just seemed so high and mighty, but through it all he was just trying to get everyone to see people to see how short life really was.
When Cara asked Ian what he wanted to do with his life his response was "Be Happy." There's nothing wrong with that answer, and it's something we should all strive for more often. I loved his look backs at his life when his mother was still around, and I felt so bad that he and his sister lost the one most supportive person they had once she was gone.
Ian's support of Cara, even before she started to see him in 'that way' is SO SWEET and it's not like she's immune to his charms. They're both coming closer and closer together, but will Cara be able to give a little and learn to just dance, or is she going to be unable to let go throughout it all?
I adore the side characters in Reel Love! PJ and the Doc on the boat are so supportive of what Ian needs, and how to help him see it before his father comes back at the end of the month. Rob and Pippa are the best friends Cara could ever ask for, explaining to Ian this is the happiest they've ever really seen her. And the townsfolk of Hope Island are hilarious!! Miss Maddie and Mrs. Bumble have to be my favorite, as we see more and more of them in each book! The Pincher is a RIOT, and Cara abandoning Ian to his own devices had me laughing so hard I snorted!
Five out of five stars for this beautiful Dancer and The Irishman. I absolutely adored Reel Love, and I can't WAIT to see what Teagan Hart brings us next. Her growth as a writer in each book has been so inspiring, and fun to watch!!
This novel was another fun installment in this very entertaining series. The people of Hope Island have some wild ideas about holiday celebrations; Ms. Hart has a terrific imagination and writes all sorts of hysterical contests, parades and such. Great fun to read about (I’m glad I don’t live there!).
Just when I was beginning to think that there was more “crazy” in the story than I could cope with, the plot takes up realistic events in the characters’ lives. I really enjoyed Ian and Cara and their friends - plenty of fun times as well as serious discussions as they navigate their lives. There were some intense, suspenseful moments in among the fun and the romance. Great balance and a fun read.
Full disclosure: I was provided with a advanced reader copy.
Sometimes what you think you want isn’t really what you want. Sometimes you have no idea what you want. Sometimes your destiny is standing right beside you and you don’t even see it. Sometimes it just takes a while to reel you in.
Watching Cara and Ian discover what each has been lacking in their life was not just fun. It was beautiful. Each brought what the other one needed; fun, direction and true love. I must admit I adored Ian’s joyful side in everything.
I don’t do spoilers but you should read this not just for the slow burn heat but for the fun and joy it will bring to your soul.
This was truly my favorite book of the series. What a way to end it. This book reeled me in hook, line and sinker! Can’t wait to see where this author takes us next.
Teagan Hart does it again! She took me back to the crazy place called Hope Island, where the people who live there are always finding a new way to celebrate the holidays. This time it’s St. Patrick’s Day and let the shenanigans begin! Ian is a handsome Irish lad who’s been sent to work on a boat as punishment for not following his father’s dreams; Cara is a ballerina/librarian who lives life with so much stress she is unable to enjoy the simple things. Ian is determined to change her outlook and win her heart at the same time. What follows is a fun, sexy slow, slow burn love story with some mystery and an exciting ending!
After all these holidays in Hope one could think that there's nothing more to this island we could not know, but the magic never ends and Hope never ceases to impress! I loved this new instalment of the Hope holidays romances and I just don't think we'll ever run out of fun and quirky things happening there. As long as we have Miss Mandie and the others we're set for life! I loved the lighter mood of this story, just like we had with Cupid Can Suck It, but with still a bit of a mystery that spices things up. Also, I've never been that into ballerinas and such but Cara and Ian made me re-evaluate my stand. Definitely recommend it!!
Happy to be visiting Hope Island once again. This book is the sixth book in a holiday romance series. This time the town is celebrating St. Patrick's Day. This holiday romance focuses on two delightful characters, Cara and Ian. Their meeting and subsequent romance begins and burns slow and hot. Ian, whose father sent him to America from Ireland, works hard to get Cara, super focused, ambitious dancer, to enjoy life to the fullest. The books in this series keep getting better and hotter. Can not wait to read the next book in this series.
I say this every time, but THIS is my favourite Teagan Hart book! Cara is so relatable. A perfectionist who's afraid but also brave, strong but needs support. She's a person I would love to be friends with, and needs a giant hug. Enter Ian. Ian is Irish. IRISH! So, obviously I immediately fell in love with him. He's sweet, caring, but also lost. Their character developments were a thrill to read, as they figure out who they are, how to be ok in that space and fall in love. Their love story felt so real and natural. I love their love!
Teagan. Teagan, how do I even talk about this book? I laughed so hard I cried AGAIN, and yet every single actual moment where our MCs realized they loved the other took my breath away. And the plot line with Cara's mother. Oh, my Lanta. I am in LOVE with Ian and his grumpy da and Miss Mandie is of course the one with her finger in every pie on your beautiful Hope Island. I have fallen so deeply in love with all the sweet AND sour characters from this island and I'm going to need any other books you write to stay in this universe so I can come visit any time, please and thank you.
I love being in Hope Island and seeing all of its quirky characters. This time the good citizens are celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Ian is a handsome Irish lad who was sent to Hope Island to work on a boat as a punishment because he didn't follow his dad's wishes. Cara has forgotten how to look for and appreciate the small things in life and when Ian meets her he's determined to help her discover the joys in the little things. Felt like I was back with old friends.
Going back to Hope Island and its community is always a hoot and this book keeps the fun coming during their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Cara and Ian take a while to warm up to each other because Cara is so stressed about achieving her future plans that she doesn’t want to take the time for romance. Ian is bound and determined to get Cara to enjoy life and in turn, him. I love the characters in Teagan’s stories and they are definitely unforgettable.
I absolutely love the whole Hope Island series! This is a series I can see myself rereading over and over again. The quirky little town and people have completely stolen my heart. Each book just gets better and better! Teagan Hart has definitely become one of my favorite authors… I just love her writing style so much!! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Back at Hope Island for St Patrick’s shenanigans. This island cracks me up, add in a mysterious Irishman and a mystery for a book full of romantic fun. Cara is stressed and driven and needs a good distraction. Thank goodness Ian arrives to help her concentrate on what’s really important in life while she helps him plan hospital future.
Fabulous! I couldn’t wait to go back to Hope after reading the first 5 books. It’s like returning to your favourite vacation place. Plus the stories are getting hotter with every book. Loved Cara and Ian!
If only Hope Island were reel. Get it reel? No? Well either way this is another great story written in our favorite small town. I've enjoyed the last 6 books so immensely that I can't wait to see what Teagan has in store for us next.
This series has been one of my favorite series to read. The characters are so damn loveable. Teagan has become one of my favorite rom com authors xo
I loved IAN!!! What a charmer! Cara was a bit of a mess - I find it hard to believe she is so close to her Mom but does not communicate honestly with her. The Island of Hope continues to be a HOOT. Miss Mandy and the world of DeFloured is always fun to visit. I highly recommend this series.
The story is cute, but the writing isn’t great. There were several typos and grammatical errors. Along with some pronoun switches that I don’t believe was on purpose. Apart from that, I enjoyed the quirky town and characters. It had a Stars Hollow feel that is always fun!
Another great holiday read! I can't remember any other book that I've read that has St. Patrick's Day as the central holiday. Certainly not a book that gently pokes fun at how the entire US turns Irish for this one day a year ... and in a less than authentic way. Once again, Hope Island shows how they embrace holiday after holiday in this small, touristy town. Unlike the last book, Cupid Can Suck It, the town and their shenanigans fade to the background a bit. This story centers more on the relationship between Ian and Cara, and with their families. Discovering your own identity and embracing what you really want in this life is the central theme. Surrounding these two very likable characters are friends and family who knowingly, and unknowingly, impact their decisions. A touch of mystery, longing, adventure, and discovery all have roles to play in this story, but so does humor, ridiculousness, and engaging banter. All around, a fabulous read with exceptional world-building.
Another home run for Ms Hart!!! I loved this story! So many pieces that hit close to home. Highly recommend any of her books. This can be read as a stand-alone but reading the others prior is definitely helpful.
I would have thought that by the 6th book in the Hope Island series that Teagan Hart would run out of funny, zany things that this island that she created is. But she absolutely has not. Reel Love is absolutely just as good as all of the other 5 books about Hope Island. Where else but Hope do you see a man tap dancing with ducks on his shoes or have Miss Mandie donate her soda bread, so do me, to a contest? Only you Miss Mandie, only you! This is probably the most serious of the books but you definitely still see Teagan’s humor in it. Cara is trying to balance work, teaching kids ballet and practicing ballet to audition at a top academy. Ian has been sent by his dad to Hope to punish him (which isn’t a punishment) for getting kicked out of university. But Ian falls in love with Hope and the punishment job that he was sent to do. It takes Ian awhile to get past Cara’s barriers. But the whole time she’s happier than she has been in a long time. Teagan knows how to make you fall in love with her characters. They are so real, they could be your next door neighbor. This book is absolutely classic Teagan Hart ❤️