She’ll save him a dance… …if he follows his heart. Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back … goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?
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Rhys McGrath may be a genius but he’s horrible with people (somewhat humorously if you’re not on the receiving end). The reclusive man is the center of much of the gossip in Pacific Cove, and his sister is on a mission to improve his image.
Enter Camile Wynn whose schedule is so packed she can barely squeeze in sleeping…or eating. But the offer she’s handed to teach Rhys dance lessons is hard to refuse. Even if she’s going to refuse anyway.
Second Chance for the Single Dad is a wonderful story about two people trying to do everything on their own who discover the wonder of sharing their burdens with someone else. Sure, Camile and Rhys have very different burdens, yet they each also have different strengths to support the other.
Not only does Carol Ross take readers on a complex emotional ride, but she also invites readers to experience life as a resident of Pacific Cove. Plus, some familiar faces are integral to this book.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Emotionally captivating! With our latest visit to her fictional town of Pacific Cove, Oregon author Carol Ross delights readers once again with the perfect combination of turmoil and sass as we meet a so-called recluse and a lovable friend to all. The past they share and current happenings kept me riveted from start to finish. Really enjoyed Camile and Rhys!
Camile is an easy character to like. She’s been working non-stop for so many years to put herself through grad-school and as she’s hitting a few roadblocks, she’s still upbeat and trying to figure out how to react.
Rhys gets a bad rap but under it all he’s a really caring guy and I enjoyed him more than I can say.
I highly recommend this book and all of the other Pacific Cove books to anyone who enjoys a small town filled with an eclectic group of family and friends who share the good and the bad in each other’s lives as they work towards finding their happily ever afters. Well developed and full of heart!
Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross is an encouraging tale about finding love for the second time and trying to keep family close.
Can Camile and Rhys keep Willow?
Camile Wynn
Camile is the last daughter of the Wynn family, and she has been paying her way since she decided not to become a doctor as her father wanted. She works a lot of part-time jobs along, on of them as a dance teacher. This job comes into play for Rhys’s sister Anne and their niece Willow. Camile grows a lot throughout this book from a terrified young woman afraid to date to a confident young woman who would do anything to help an uncle keep custody of his niece. I like that she tries to help those around her, and I can’t think of anything that I don’t like about her.
Rhys McGrath
Rhys is a rich guy that we met in the last book of this series with Harper as the female lead. In this one, Rhys is trying to be more social so that the judge will grant him custody of his niece instead of his sister-in-law’s sister. Rhys grows a lot in this book as well, just like Camile. In a way, he is still awkward, but he has someone to help him in getting past the ways that he talks to people. I just love the chemistry between these two people and the way it shows throughout the book.
Five Stars
Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross is a beautiful love story of how two people reconnect after a tragic ending to their first date and all of that because of an uncle’s love for his niece. Rhys and Camile are two people that you wouldn’t think would work, but they do work wonderfully together.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
“He’d assumed….The truth was, it wasn’t uncommon for women to be physically attracted to him, and he’d believed that was the case. Apparently not. That revelation should have been a relief. It was not.”
Rhys McGrath is used to having women attracted to him and he doesn’t always appreciate their interest but this is a different scenario. There’s just something about this dance teacher that sparks his attention. Is it her beautiful smile or could it be her joy for life? She initially appears unaware of him but what he doesn’t remember is that several years ago he actually had a blind date with her that ended after a short twenty-three minutes. Could this be the cause of her indifference?
I loved Camile Wynn and I hated that she’d had so many disappointments in her life but it soon becomes apparent that she is more aware of Rhys McGrath than she admits. It is when she observes the love that he has for his young niece that she realizes that he is more than a anti-social bachelor. Any man who is willing to take dance lessons so that he can take a young orphaned girl to a father-daughter dance deserves another look!
Second Chance for the Single Dad is filled with memorable scenes that alternate between laugh-out-loud circumstances to grab-your-tissues moments and the chemistry between Camile and Rhys is undeniable. I loved that they both become better people because of their relationship and I couldn’t help hoping that they could work through their individual pasts and somehow build a future together.
Author Carol Ross has given readers a heart-warming story and I recommend this book to all who enjoy contemporary romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Prism Tours but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my honest opinions.
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What a great book by Carol Ross ! When dance teacher Camille Wynn finds out Single Dad Rhys McGrath could lose custody of his Niece she decides to help him with dance lessons for The father-daughter dance Only to be surprised by her connection to him! This is such a great book I gave it a 5 star review !
Second Chance for the Single Day is the fourth book in the Pacific Cove Romance Series. This was a new author and series for me, and I really enjoyed it. It was well written, easy to read, had great characters, and was hard to put down once I started. I usually like to start with the first book when reading a series, but this book was good as a stand-alone. I did enjoy it so much that I have placed the other books on my list to read.
I loved how the author developed the characters and how they were so perfect for each other. Camile was outgoing and lively whereas Rhys was quieter. They completed each other perfectly. I can’t wait for the next book. The preview was included and it looked like it would be just a good as this book!
This was a sweet clean romance that followed the story of Camile and her many jobs and her struggle to figure out her career and direction of life. She meets Rhys 2 years after their dating disaster and still isn’t impressed by his lack of socialization and awkwardness. As they get to know each other she starts to change her mind about him.
I liked reading about Camile and her many jobs (hilarious!) and her determination to succeed in life. Although she is met by negativity, she continues to press forward, being kind to others and helping others. I also liked reading about Rhys and him taking care of his niece and his determination to make a good life for her. I didn’t particularly care for his character and abruptness during this story but I eventually got use to him.
Good story line, interesting characters which kept my interest during the entire story.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own
This was a sweetly, romantic story about two people that were very likable and captured my attention. Rhys is an attractive single dad to his niece, whom he would like to keep raising. He is in a custody battle with Willow’s aunt so he has to be especially well behaved. However, Rhys is a very private and a very literal person. He won’t lie, not sure he can, and his interactions with other people leave him less then desired and his social skills are just not there. This leads to all manor of false hoods and rumors about him, all of them bad.
Wanting to do something nice for his niece, he decides to take dance lessons. He has hired Camile Wynn to be his instructor. Problem is, they have met before only he doesn’t remember. She does and that meeting has haunted her. Camile is very sensitive over that and doesn’t really want to be around Rhys but she needs the money. She is still extremely attracted to him and cannot understand what happened when they first met for their blind date.
Rhys is a one woman man and he falls pretty hard for Camile. Camile gets him and can calm him down unlike anyone before. I really enjoyed their chemistry and their connection. Camile really did understand Rhys which was a major quality he was looking for. And once he found her, he was going to do anything possible to keep her. Cue in the romance, and boy did he score big…
Despite their misunderstandings, they do find their way to their soul mates. Looking forward to more by author Ross.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book had me at single dad. Once I started this book I literally couldn’t out it down. I read this one in one day. I loved the characters so much. Camile was awesome. She has such a big heart. I would want to be friends with her in a heartbeat. Rhys is off putting to some with his personality, but once you get to know him you get to see the sweet guy underneath. Camile has two bad impressions of him, but as she gets to truly know him she sees what most don’t. It warmed my heart to see these two together. There is one part when Rhys takes care of Camile that solidifies my opinion of Rhys. Some of my favorite scenes are with Rhys and Willow. Those scenes are heart melting. There are times this book brings tears to me eyes and then it has me smiling with happiness. The epilogue is the icing on the cake for this book. I would highly recommend this one. Times right now in the world this is a book to get lost into and make you believe in humanity once more.
I gave this book five stars because it’s been a great adventure!
I love Second chance romances and this one is no exception!
Ross has done an amazing job with Ryhs and Camile. Two of the greatest people you’ll ever want to know.
While I’m not a dance teacher I have done some dancing in my younger years called clogging which is pretty popular here in my home state of Kentucky. I did it for at least 5 years. I was sad to see it end. But I’ll never forget.
I like Ryhs. He’s quiet, shy and only speaks when he has to. He’s like me and likes his own company much of the time. Same here.
I do like to socialize every now and then though.
Camile I liked immediately! Her personality just flows through the book and I admired her for that. Although I probably can’t do what she does because I’ve tried and it ended up backfiring on me.
I enjoyed being a part of these character’s lives for a short time. They were a joy to be around and I especially loved the setting of Pacific Ocean. I could imagine myself there.
Ross has an amazing talent to keep you interested in the story from page one.
I will say that I couldn’t put the book down until I was finished with it and I didn’t really want to say goodbye.
The supporting characters were awesome too. Especially Rhys daughter. I snickered when I think about Rhys and Willow.
I was happy to see some of my friends from previous books. I was especially excited with Kyle. He was my favorite. Cause he could do just about anything.
A great story that deserves 5 stars along with the cover. I could imagine myself in that scenario lol!
My thanks to Prism Tours for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Carol Ross, and Prism Book Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, all words are my own.
Carol Ross is yet another new-to-me author, which seems to be the case more often than not. I am getting quite familiar with Harlequin’s Heartwarming line though.
This is the “clean, wholesome” line of the Harlequin novels and one I’m VERY fond of. This line ranks #3 with Love Inspired #2, and Love Inspired Suspense being #1. There are no sex scenes or foul language. This book also has no Christian references for those looking for a clean read without them.
This story is heart-breaking, uplifting, endearing, precious, and beautiful. I love the message that perceptions can change based on how well we know someone as well as our own experiences.
Right off I disliked Rhys McGrath. The man was insufferable. And, right off I ALMOST skipped ahead. I didn’t. I just KNEW there was something there that had to redeem him – after all, this is a “wholesome story of love, compassion, and belonging” (the standard wording for the series). In addition there was his selfless “quiet” work with “The Other Front Line”, which focused on specific tools and prosthetics for Vets. How bad can this guy be?
The more I read; I saw how the writer wrote him in a sympathetic manner and explained Rhys the more it went. It was more so how the character talked and acted that explained him.
Once I realized what his “problem” was (as the story progresses), it was easy to see how misunderstood he was. I know, anyone can say that about someone. In Rhys’ case, the reader (in this case me), has to be willing to be patient and accept him.
What exactly is his problem? Rhys is a genuine, honest person – to a fault. However, he does have a problem in interacting with others. Rhys’ honesty can be almost offensive, rude, and overbearing. Yet, there is no maliciousness in this multi-dimensional character. He also has a soft and compassionate side to him which is seen in several ways.
Camile, having had a previous encounter with him, doesn’t see it.
As luck (bad at that) would have it, they had previously crossed paths two years earlier. After a disastrous “dump and run” blind date, Camille’s view of him hasn’t changed – more so when he left her holding the check with no explanation as to what happened. And, worse? He doesn’t even remember the incident!
At first Camille becomes his “dance” teacher solely because of the money as she has a ton of part-time jobs to make ends meet. Yet, something about Rhys draws her to him. Still, she can’t shake off that moment two years earlier.
She witnesses his softer side when he takes care of her after she falls ill. That doesn’t reconcile with the first meeting and it plagues her as to what happened all those years ago. In addition, she also finds herself in major legal trouble.
Rhys wants to keep to himself, but that jeopardizes his custody case. His brother Evan, and even Evan’s wife Vanessa, wanted Rhys to get custody of Willow upon their deaths. Evan died two years ago of a stroke, Vanessa three months earlier. Vanessa’s sister won’t stand for it and sues for custody.
Despite her own misgivings about Rhys, I enjoyed Camille’s compassion for him, even defending him against unfounded rumors due to his aloofness.
In an effort to help him keep custody of his niece, Willow, Camille agrees to what his sister Anne asks – be his companion since Camille seems to be a positive force in his life. As a result, he becomes slightly more outgoing, and less off-putting.
What is interesting is that she doesn’t demand he change who he is, but softens his bluntness and brings balance. She, for lack of a better description, becomes the “better half”. At first, she does it for the money, but she soon (and genuinely) comes to care for him. Slight spoiler: she had been a psychology major who failed her thesis (watch for that little plot to come back in the story). That likely gives her insight into Rhys’ behavior.
While she is trying to help him keep Willow, he is also having a friend of hers “investigated” after the woman makes snide comments about Camille’s situation. He just feels something is off.
And, something is not only off with Camille’s friend, but Heather as well.
In this little, sweet romance, there is also a slight twinge of suspense –
Is Heather acting from a truly altruistic side? Why is Laura so snotty to her friend? And, why did Rhys blow Camille off all those years ago?
Ross ties it all together without overwhelming the reader. I will say there are “hints” as to what happened two years ago on that date.
As usual – this has the standard “happily ever after ending” which is endearing.
Ross’ realistically portrays family dynamics and dysfunction, jealousy, along with the impact of false allegations and assumptions.
I truly enjoyed this story which was definitely ‘too good to put down”.
While Rhys was introduced in the last book of the “Pacific Cove” Romance series, this book acts as a standalone. However, as the “residents” of that series are also in this book, I would recommend that the reader read those books as well.
Loved this book. Rhys is such an interesting character, and I adore the way he’s willing to go way outside his comfort zone for his niece. Camille is the perfect counterpoint to him. This may be my favorite Carol Ross book yet.
The most heartwarming and heartbreaking book I have read in awhile. While Rhys McGrath is a keep to himself kind of guy he will do anything for his niece who has lost so much. That’s why he’s letting his sister parade him all over town to different functions. To show he can be around other people. He doesn’t have many friends, and he only has a few he trusts.
The last thing he expects to do his take dance lessons. However for his niece he will. The teacher is extremely pretty. He almost backs out of it, but it’s important so he does it. She’s great and the more time they spend the more he likes her.
She’s also very good friends to a friend of his. There’s just something she’s hiding. It seems she doesn’t like him very much, and he doesn’t know why.
Camile can’t believe her eyes. It’s Rhys. It’s been two years since she’s seen him. He doesn’t even remember who she is. She won’t remind him in front of all his friends, and there hers as well. When she’s asked to teach him how to dance well she’s not sure what to say. He’s offered to pay her a lot of money to do so. The next day she sees him, and is ready to say no. She finds herself giving him the lessons. She learns the real reason behind the lessons and so much more.
Buy the book to see what happens. You won’t be sorry.
Oh the ending to sum it up in one word. Endearing.
I also highly suggest Keeping Her Close where we first meet Rhys
I have read other books by Ms. Ross and everyone of them have been wonderful. So I highly suggest
looking them over.
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Tragic that can rip a family apart for all the wrong reasons. This one how Rhys has to fight for his niece Willow and then how he also helps Camile while she helps him. A love story you don’t want to put down. As this is book four in the series it is a standalone read but one that pulls you in to get the rest.