She's an architect in the city. He's the bad boy she left behind in the small town. They share vows from the past. But some vows are meant to be broken.
Cindy Hale returns to small town Glendale Falls after years of staying away, hoping to avoid Ryan, her former best friend. She hasn't talked to him in ages. She'll simply slip into town over the weekend for a funeral and make a quick exit. But when she comes face to face with him as he rescues her, he's her only hope, and sparks fly. When family commitments require she stay in town, they'll bump heads again, turning into the best of frenemies.
She'd give him a chance, only she can't let go of a vow from the past.
Ryan Lee never expected to stay in Glendale Falls, but it's become his home. Bound by duty to his family, and loyal to a fault, the single dad stays and works hard. But change is all he craves. When gorgeous Cindy returns to town, she could prove the one thing he needs to stir up all his plans. The problem? They clash every time, turning simple conversations into heated arguments.
Until one night, the heat between them becomes something more. If only Cindy would give him another chance.
Or will she be the one that got away from him—twice?
From USA Today Best-selling Author, Zee Irwin, read Return to Glendale Falls, and join the Hale family of sisters as they navigate life, love, and triumph in the face of loss. Their heroes will swoop in and give them everything they deserve with a satisfying happily ever after. So cuddle up, read their steamy stories, and stay awhile in the small town of Glendale Falls.
Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves. Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.
The second book of her Return to Glendale Falls series, Zee Irwin's Dance in the Light is a sizzling, swoony small-town second chance romance. Cindy escaped her small hometown years ago, vowing to her mother she would go spread her wings in New York City. When her father passes away, and she loses her job, she returns home to Glendale Falls to help her four sisters. Ryan was her best friend through high school - until she left him behind with a broken heart. When her car causes issues on her way into town, Ryan is her first contact - and all of the feelings are still there. Only now Ryan is a single dad to an adorable three year old, Rose, and someone's dreams will need to change for a second chance to happen. A high heat, low drama, steamy small town romance that is well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A spectacularly written story about two friends who feel in love in school but one listened to her mother and the other stayed waiting for her. He mother pasted when she was younger and she came back to town to go to her father’s funeral. When she was coming back she had an accident and a tow truck came up that’s when she found out that her friend was the owner of the local garage in her small town. He took her to her family home. They went through the funeral of her father as well as two of her sister’s baby showers. During this time she has been staying at the old family home that she grew up in, she has been going through deciding what to keep and what goes so that there won’t be anymore fighting among the five sisters. The one time that they fought she would up telling them that she lost her job and that she was had an affair with her boss. While going through everything as well as cleaning the house up room by room she went to take a shower, she was thinking about him when something broke and water went every where and when she screamed for him he was there as soon as she did. He was there to get the stuff she had marked to get rid of. Soon after that was the first time they made love. She found out that her friend had a child and that one of her friends from high school was the mother of the girl. She didn’t want to get into another situation like she did with her old boss so she decided not to pursue him. He calls his daughter the nickname that she use to call her. He told her that he wasn’t with the lady who had his baby but the lady has been trying to get him marry her because of their daughter, he told her no though. Her and her friend was starting to get close again and they both was starting to get feels for one another again. She went to go pick up her car from the garage when she found him holding his daughter, the child was sick with a temperature. But he needed to go to work so she told him that she would watch the daughter. He took his daughter to her room laying her down in bed before going to work, he had to go to an accident. The daughter woke up and she held her until she heard footsteps, she thought it was him but it wasn’t it was the child’s mother. The two women had words but before the lady could leave with her child, the child went over to her and wouldn’t go back to her mother for a short time but when she did they left. She left his place but before he left him a note. She was upset about what the lady said to her. She went home but she when to her mother’s grave site before she did anything, she went to talk to her her mother about everything. That’s were he found her, they both know now that they love one another but now he knows that she found out that she’s pregnant with his baby. They decide to get married and be together. A year later she comes back to her mother’s grave site to talk to her mother. She told her about her sister’s as well as about her moving back to the small town, being married to her friend and them having a baby boy, that they bought the family home and fixed it up. That she’s happy and in love. Wonderful characters make this easy to read as well as a great page turner with a steamy romantic happily ever after ending that’s an amazing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 ⭐s You can't live someone else's dream, only your own.
Cindy Hale was born and raised on a dairy farm in Glendale Falls. She's the middle daughter in the family of 5 girls. She wanted to become an architect and sample city life.
Her mother, although she dearly loved her family, always felt stifled living in a small town. Quoting from the book, here are her mother's words. “Don’t settle. Spread your wings and fly like a bird to the big city. You’re meant for bigger things, but if you stay here you’ll be nothing, like me.” Since she never had the chance to spread her wings and fly, she wanted Cindy to do what she hadn't. Cindy promised her mother that she would get her degree and move to New York City. She's rarely returned.
In the city, Cindy became involved with her married boss, James. It was the same old story of that he'd leave his wife for her... When she broke off the affair, James was not happy. He became very critical of her work and made her life miserable. When she made a big mistake, he fired her.
Now Cindy has returned home for her father's funeral. She has an accident outside of town and before she can call for help a passing by tow truck stops to help. The driver is none other than Ryan Lee her former boyfriend.
Ryan never wanted to leave Glendale Falls. Although a star HS star quarterback, he turned down offered scholarships. When the owner of the local garage retired Ryan bought it. He lives upstairs with his 3 year old daughter, Rose. Rose was the result of a one night stand and he shares custody with Rose's mother, Trudy.
Ryan and Cindy had been best friends for years. After the prom, he confessed to her that he loved her. She shot him down and placed him firmly in the friend zone.
Now that she's back, Cindy begins to see that her feelings about being home again are changing. Maybe a home there and a family of her own isn't so bad. Maybe that's her dream now. Maybe it's time for her to follow her dream and not her mother's.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This is book two of this series, a quick read told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. This is an interconnected standalone story, meaning you don’t have to read book one to enjoy this book, but it is more enjoyable when read in order.
I loved Cindy and Ryan from book one and just knew when we got their story it would steal my heart. Zee Irwin did not disappoint! I’m a sucker for a second chance story, and that is exactly what this story gives you. I love that Cindy didn’t break her promise to her mother and became stronger for it. I love that Ryan never gave up on Cindy, but also grew in his life as well. I love that when circumstances brought Cindy back home, the fates and forces brought her and Ryan back together.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series and to see which Hale sister will be the next to fall in love and get her HEA.
I received an advanced readers copy via Booksprout. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own enjoyment.
Cindy Hale is the middle daughter of five sisters. She lives her life through her mother’s will ,that she spread her wings and not settle as she had, she’s made it too, until her boss James fired her after nitpicking her work after she ended their affair ,this after he’d who promised her that he would leave his wife for her but didn’t. She heads home though to go to her father’s funeral , breaking down on her way into town she is spotted by Ryan in his tow truck . She used to be best friends with him but after he told her he loved her she ended it as she vowed to get away from this town and Ryan is a home boy. Ryan was stunned when he found out who was in the broken down vehicle. He hasn’t just got himself to think of getting hurt though he has his three year old little girl to cherish. This is their lovely heartbreak of a story well told and good background and descriptions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A second chance short story with complications. I always get a smooth flow of writing from this author, so this time was no different and I enjoyed it. Their individual journeys when they separated made me warm up to Ryan more than Cynthia/Cindy. I was intrigued by their story from start to finish and kept going till the end. I love a small town romance, but because this story was so short, it left me wanting more meat in the plot. I wanted more also of the side characters, I just got a taste that makes me want to read their stories. Overall this was a quick and sweet read. Not really steamy as advertised, but then I probably have a higher expectation of what steamy is :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book made my heart happy. I have been desperate for Cindy and Ryan’s story because I knew it would give me everything I crave in a romance. The only negative I have is it was over way too quickly. This is the kind of book I would love a full-length novel for. That way there could have been a delay in their reunion, and we could have seen more of the fallout from Cindy leaving. Not to mention Ryan, I’m a bit salty I didn’t get to see him struggling with telling Trudy his decision. However, I think I now have a new ZI favourite couple. Sorry, Cass and Bronson. You’ve still a super close number 2 though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ryan and Cindy were best friends, but when he declared his love on prom night, Cindy laughed and said she wouldn't love him. She left town in keeping a promise to her mother. Both parents are now deceased and her father's passing brings her back. Emotional reunion with Ryan, brings back memories and the love is still there.....he has a young daughter the product of a one night stand, but her mother is not happy to see Cindy. Time has moved on and brought many changes for both of them, but foundations are firm and opportunity and happiness are there for the taking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in this series, and this is Ryan and Cindy’s story. These two were best friends, and after Ryan confessed his feeling for her, Cindy left town to follow her dream, as per her dying mom’s wishes, and left him heartbroken. Cindy is back in town for her dad’s funeral, and Ryan is now a single dad. but when they cross paths, the sparks fly. This is a well written sweet and quick read, which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, second chances, loss, grief, heartbreak, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very good second chance read. Ryan has loved Cindy all his life but she left just after high school and has only returned for her fathers' funeral. Ryan is a father to a 3 year old from a one night stand he had. Can he finally get Cindy to admit she loves him and stay with him or is all his chances gone when Cindy finds out who the mother of his daughter. Loved this story, fast and steamy and told with a great depth of feeling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cindy and Ryan were sweethearts in high school until he revealed his feelings for her and she promptly left town. Now she is back after getting fired from her job where she was sleeping with her boss who told her he was getting a divorce. When her car breaks down it is Ryan who shows up to tow it to his garage for repair and where he lives in the top apartment with his three year old daughter Rose. Will Cindy and Ryan get back together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You'll Enjoy Cindy and Ryan's story. They were best friends in high school. After, he confessed his love for her, they went their separate ways. She was conditioned by her mother to leave this small town for the city. On her way back to town for her father's funeral, her car breaks down and Ryan stops her to help her. The sparks are still there. Do they get their second chance? They are perfect for each other and their chemistry is explosive. Does she follow her heart? I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout. And I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Sometimes decisions made in haste don’t always turn out the way we expect. For Cindy and Ryan, these decisions brought about very different paths in life. I really enjoyed watching both of these characters come together, reflecting on what they had and their priorities in life. Sometimes the most important things do not provide the easiest path to take. It was also satisfying to have the warm fuzzy HEA at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A sweet small-town second chance read. Cindy promised her mom that she would spread her wings and live a different life than hers, so she hasn't been to town in years. Ryan was her best friend and boyfriend, but he was a homeboy so when he tells her his feelings she breaks his heart. Coming back for her father's funeral, Ryan is the one to rescue her when her car breaks down. This was a fast-paced and steamy story, that was well-written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cindy made her mother a promise, but even though she tried to honor it, everything went crumbling down. Then her father died, and she went back to her hometown. Ryan couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Cindy off the road, standing by her car. This was a beautiful story about a second chance and how life changed our priorities when we become older and wiser. I loved how Ryan always kept his love for her deep in his heart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is steamy second chance story that tugs at your heart while you take a double take.
Cindy's mom always wanted her to leave the small town, and she did and with that she left the only man she loved. Now back in town after the death of her father, the reality and truths come out.
Ryan always loves Cindy and loved the small town, when she returned, he wanted to go with his heart, but he had his daughter to think about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dance in the Light is book 2 of the Return to Glendale Falls series by Zee Irwin. This author keeps amazing me with her beautiful love stories. Each one is a compliment to the next one. You get invested in the love story of the MCs and find yourself rooting for their love. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great addition to the series by Zee Irwin. Cindy is back in Glendale Falls even though she promised her mom she’d never return. Before she can even reach town, her car and needs a tow. Her best friend and ex arrives to tow her in to town. What a surprise to find out he’s a single dad of a cute three year old. Tender moments when they finally realize their true feelings, but will it last or will she keep her promise to her mom? *Adult language and situations.
If you're after a small town romance that is short but still steamy then Zee Irwin has you covered with Cindy & Ryan's story. After years away Cindy returns to her hometown & runs into the guy she left with a broken heart. The sparks are still there but is that enough for a second chance at love? Read their story & see where Ryan & Cindy end up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautiful second chance romance. Cindy and Ryan were best friends but a promise to her dying mother led to her leaving their small town to follow her dreams, breaking his heart. When she comes home for her father’s funeral she finds much has changed but much is still the same. Steamy and emotional, a great fast read with a wonderful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a second chance friends to lovers story and this one had it all! Cindy left the small town of Glendale Falls to follow her dreams. She comes home to her father’s funeral and to help her sister’s sort out the house. Only to be pulled back in by Ryan, the one she ran away from all those years ago. Their story was so good, with an absolutely real feeling. Great story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zee Irwin Dance in the Light: A Steamy Small Town Second Chance Story (Return to Glendale Falls: Steamy Small Town Romance Book 2). Cindy and Ryan. What a sweet and steamy shorty! I really enjoyed reading it! My favorite part was when Ryan brought Cindy to see the pergola.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awww a super sweet story about high school crushes. Cindy seems to be stuck, running from her life in Glendale Falls, but being dragged back for her father's funeral.
It's an emotional story, but has a lovely HEA. Definitely one that I'd recommend you read!
I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
They were high school sweethearts, and he was in love with Cindy she left town after high school only returning after the death of her father. Is it too late for them to find happiness. This heartwarming story drew me in and had me in Cindy and Ryan's corner to get their second chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sad beginning but happy ending. A good story about how life changes, especially after high school but you still wind up where you belong in the end. Just enough drama to keep you interested, but the twists keep you hooked!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This short story shows us love eventually wins. Ryan held stead fast in his love for Cindy. He was sure my fav compared to Cindy. Rose was just too adorable. A feel good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cindy and Ryan were best friends but Ryan poured his heart out to her before she broke it and left town. Now, years later she is back for her father’s funeral and they reconnect. Great short novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a nice second chance for Cindy and Ryan. Cindy kept her promise to her mom and then returned home to have the best of everything with Ryan.
I spent years in Boston love these stories wish I could find the next one that was to be out in September. Maybe it was delayed. Thank you for the memories ma'am.