This book chronicles the romance of two survivors of catastrophic events, Summer Sheridan and Riley Ness, Summer, the heroine, survived a mass shooting at college. Having "died on the operating table", Summer has developed a joie de vivre based on not expecting a future for herself. She is beautiful, a successful business owner, a motivational speaker., a serial dater. She is the best friend to fellow survivor, Chloe, who is almost-engaged to Griff, the best friend of Riley. Riley is a survivor as well. While on a trip for a soccer world championship game, Riley and his best friends survived a near-death bus accident in the Alps. The five friends were considered heroes, but each dedicates his life to saving and serving others. Riley, in particular, heads the Highway division of the NTSB, and tries to plan and control for any possible negative outcome. Riley and Summer seem to be like water and oil, until he kisses her.. From there the games begin, with lots of ribbing from the mutual friends, lots of angst from the hero and heroine who don't want to become involved with someone they consider "not their type".
This book had lots of action, considerable character development, and enough background information about the supporting cast so that I didn't feel I missed anything by not reading other books in what is obviously a series.
I recommend the book and the author.

Kelly Jamieson is my spirit animal (I wish).... but really, I would read a grocery list by her and it would probably be interesting and possibly steamy at times — just the way I like it.

Wow! This book was really special. Emotional, sexy, fun - there was so much that I genuinely loved about this book. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Drew Sellers life has hit rock bottom. After winning the Stanley Cup, you would think he would be in Cloud 9, but no, he had to retire from the sport because of his knee. After several surgeries, he knew he was never going to play again. Now all he does is hang out at bars and get drunk, reliving his past. If he could only figure out what to do with his future. One afternoon he encounters a woman that was a one night stand in college, and hits him with the news that he is the father of an 11 year old preteen girl. The saddest part is that the mother is dying and has offered him the opportunity to meet the daughter he didn't know about. Meeting Chloe was terrifying but at the same time gratifying. However, when he meets Payton, Chloe's aunt, he keeps noticing how gorgeous she is, realizing he's having sexual feelings for her.
Peyton Watt is not thrilled that her dying sister has decided to allow Drew to get to know her niece Chloe. However, as she gets to know him, she realizes that he is a good man. Now if she could only stop having these sexual feelings when she's around him, everything would be fine.
This is a heartwarming story of loss, love and trust. I highly recommend it to all. I have become a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson, her stories always make you feel good.

“Yeah, and thank you for making me realize that I do need to have some goals and purpose in my life. And my biggest, most important purpose is making the two girls I love happy. Looking after you and supporting you and maybe playing hooky once in a while to have fun. “

THIS BOOK, OMG.

Dancing in the Rain pulls at all of your heartstrings and brings on the emotions. It’s a cathartic experience reading this book because it makes you FEEL.

Drew Sellers is at the end of his career. An injury forced him into retirement and he doesn’t know what to do with himself. He’s always played hockey and when he’s not, he was training for it. Now, the endless days have turned into endless nights of partying. Until one day he learns that a one night stand resulted in a daughter.

This is just what Drew needed. This was the push to get him to clean up. However, there’s major issues going around and Drew is the only one that can help. His daughter’s aunt, Peyton, isn’t too sure of Drew and she lets it be known.

Peyton knows Drew type and she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, Drew starts proving himself to be the man they all need. Peyton is a strong female character that doesn’t really want to need anyone. But, this book shows everyone’s vulnerable underbelly and it was a delight to see more than just the strong, no shits taken Peyton. During this really difficult time in her life, she wasn’t sure how she was going to get through it and she was starting to crumble. But Drew reminds her of what life is just about. Their steamy connection may be happening t the wrong time but it certainly feels right.

Peyton and Drew’s romance is so bittersweet. Its more than just about their relationship but also about his daughter. There is some heavy angst in this book but intermingled within is light banter with laughter and interactions of a family that is slowly rebuilding.

This story will grab your heart fiercely then slowly tear it apart from sadness and loss, then mend it again with joy, laughter, and family. In Drew you have the epitome of a man in search of his self worth after the loss of his career. In Payton you find a strong woman who slowly guides Drew through his journey, while he also helps her believe that there is life after loss. Bringing them all together is Chloe who gives them unconditional love and acceptance.

The depth and dimension this author has brought to her characters is endearingly touching. The growth that each character experienced had me cheering, smiling and laughing through their individual triumphs, but then crying from the loss that led them down the paths that brought them happiness. The amount of emotions that was packed into this story was amazing in the slow build up to the crescendo at the end. This is one very rewarding story.

This ARC book was a complimentary copy provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

4.5 Stars. When one of the heroes has been in a relationship with a sibling of their counterpart, it's not always easy to accept. The situation is delicate, to say the least. Despite my usual aversion to the scenario, I decided to give this a shot. I can't tell you how glad I was that I did. I will clarify some points when I advise on "safety".

These flawed characters were composed of so many dimensions that they felt real. Genuine. Drew was dropped into a very tough situation at a time when his life was exceedingly unstable. Peyton was trying to balance her professional life with a very devastating health situation with her sister. Despite their differences, they worked well as a couple. Drew exposed a depth to his character that left an impression. Peyton loved so fiercely and was a consistently strong heroine. I felt they built on a good connection even if it came at an inopportune time.

The plot. Oh, how I cried at a specific part of the story. I'm segmenting this part as a spoiler because it gives a detail of the plot. Here's why it touched me: (view spoiler) Was it perfect? No, the story did reach in some areas, but nothing ever is flawless. When it comes down to it, I really enjoyed myself. Even if I had a bit on an emotional cleanse :)

Safety: Hero had a one night stand with the heroine's sister 12 years before. No further romantic exchanges with the sister occur beyond the one night. However, A child was conceived. They lost contact but then Peyton's sister coincidentally finds him as her health is declining, bringing him into Peyton's life. No others after they become romantically involved. No rape or abuse.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful love story that is fast paced, filled with laughter, yummy steamy scenes and plenty of angst!
You will fall head over heels in love with Petyon's and Mark's journey and hoping they can get the HEA they so deserve!!!

Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A heartfelt story about self discovery, unconditional love, companionship and the strong bond of family, of dealing with how life goes on after the death of a loved family member.

4 Stars

Dancing in the Rain, is a story of family and finding love in the most unexpected of places. Having read many of Ms Jamieson's previous works I was very surprised by the depth of emotion and angst this book revealed.

This is Drew, Peyton, Sara and Chloe's story. Their story is an emotion filled read with heartwarming moments, that balance out the heartbreak. Be prepared that this book features a character facing terminal illness. I needed the tissues to be close at hand on more than one occasion whilst reading this book.

I loved the banter and interactions between not only the hero and heroine, but also their interactions with Chloe. Whilst I loved Drew's character and found him to be very endearing I struggled at times to like Peyton's character. I found myself drawn to Drew's character and really wanted him to forge a bond and relationship with Chloe and find his happy ever after.

This story is incredibly well written and very different to the normal sports romance that I have come to expect from Ms Jamieson. Whilst at times this story was not easy to read due to the topic it encompasses, it was still an incredibly moving story and overall I enjoyed it and look forward to more of Ms Jamieson's work in the future.

Sandy M’s review of Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson
Contemporary Romance published by Loveswept 11 Apr 17

Kelly Jamieson is another new-to-me author I decided to try because I liked the cover of this book and then the blurb. I’m happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed this story, enough to check out Ms. Jamieson’s backlist for more enjoyment down the road.

Drew Sellers is a well-known hockey player and has just retired from the sport, due to a knee injury. He’s at loose ends, not expecting his career to be over in a flash. Hockey is all he’s ever known. In another flash, in the middle of drinking and doing nothing at all, his life changes once again when he comes face to face with a one-night stand from years before telling him he has a daughter. I really like Drew. When he learns about his daughter, he does try to do the right thing. He cleans up his act and sets out to meet her, nervous as can be. At the last minute, he changes his mind, has doubts and all that goes with it when faced with such a huge and dramatic change in life.

It’s Peyton’s neice who is Drew’s daughter, and Peyton will do anything to help Sara and Chloe through Sara’s devastating health issues. She’s skeptical that Drew will or want to deal with Chloe, especially since his own future is so up in the air. Despite this, these two are attracted to one another. There was never any more between Sara and Drew, other than that one night twelve years before, but it still makes for a bit of an uncomfortable place for them with Sara in the mix. Peyton also has her own issues – she’s on leave from her career in New York and her boss is after her to get back from Illinois and get to work.

There are so many emotional tangles in this book. The one that pulled my heartstrings the most is young Chloe being forced to deal with losing her mother. She’s on the cusp of young adulthood, and while Aunt Peyton will be there for her, there will still be a huge hole in her life and heart. Getting to know her father has its ups and downs, but once he passes her tests, Chloe will eventually have some peace. Drew and Peyton hold on to their thinly veiled compulsion to act on their attraction out of respect for Sara. I’m usually not one for sexual tension being drawn out in romance anymore, but it’s done well here and for the right reasons. Of course, tears will rain when it’s time to say goodbye, in more ways than one for these characters.

Ms. Jamieson does a splendid job of investing the reader in her characters right off the bat. Every one of them is very likable and quite sympathetic; they’re all going through such a trial while life keeps throwing anything and everything at them. They stumble, but they never fall. They keep going, they stay strong, and they keep on loving. Your heart will break and then soar several times over while reading their story.

Grade: B

Kelly Jamieson has done it once again with her new novel, Dancing in the Rain. This is an author that is relatively new to me over the past few years, but she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

Drew Sellers is a former NHL player that was forced to retire due to multiple knee surgeries. He is basically lost...with no back-up plan for what to do with his life after his hockey career ended. He spends his days depressed, and his nights drinking and getting into fights in the local Chicago bars. One morning he is approached by Sara Watt, a one night stand from college, and she tells him he has an almost twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe. In addition to this bombshell, she also tells him that she has cancer and is dying. She explains that she wants nothing from him financially, but wanted him to have the opportunity to meet Chloe. Drew is reeling from this unexpected news and doesn't know what to think. After a DNA test and much thought, Drew decides to meet Chloe.

Peyton Watt is Sara's sister and she lives in New York. She receives a call from Chloe, asking her to come home because she's worried about her mom. Peyton flies to Chicago to be with Sara and Chloe. Shortly after her arrival, she finds out the truth about the man that is Chloe's father...Drew Sellers. She is skeptical of Drew wanting to meet Chloe, and is also very protective of both Chloe and Sara. The one thing she doesn't expect is the physical reaction she has to Drew once she meets him. Of course, she tries to deny what she feels, but some things are easier said than done.

The story that unfolds is truly a beautifully written love story. This is not just a romance novel...it is also about the love between family. Kelly Jamieson always writes characters that are well-developed, complex and realistic...characters that you fall in love with despite their flaws. As with her previous books, I was hooked from the first page to the very last! The storyline is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I love that Chloe is always put first whether it involves Sara, Peyton or Drew. I thoroughly loved seeing the transformation in Drew, even though I always felt beneath the tough guy routine was a genuine sweetheart. Drew and Peyton have a chemistry that is off the charts and their relationship is one that develops over time, but is in no way perfect. They have their share of problems, which only adds to the depth of the storyline. Everyone in this story is dealing with loss...but they all learn to lean on one another and their strength and bond helps them through even the absolute worst situation. Even in the face of darkness, with the right love and support, you can still find time to dance in the rain! I honestly can't stress enough just how beautiful and amazing this story is! Give it a chance, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Kelly Jamieson, Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book

This is not the first book that I have read by Kelly Jamieson but I can honestly say that none of the others has stolen my heart like this book. It was heartbreakingly romantic with just the perfect amount of laughs, drama, and sad moments.
Great job Kelly!

Dancing in the Rain is my favorite Kelly Jamieson book, by far! It's not as steamy as some of her other hockey reads, but it's got heart, damn does it have heart. Drew is an unwillingly retired hockey player who's drifting along through life now that his career is over. When he meets his long ago one night stand, Sara, again, though, he's given a reason to shake himself out of the fog his head is in. She lets him know that not only does he have a daughter, but that she, Sara, is dying, and if Drew (and Chloe, their daughter) want, he can be in her life. Then he meets Peyton, Sara's sister, and he's shocked at his reaction to her. He's attracted, but really, he knows better than to think about her that way.

As Drew, Peyton, Chloe and Sara deal with their new reality, emotions are roiling and tears are shed, so many, many tears, mostly by me, and any other reader who reads this beautiful story. Drew wants to become a better person so he can be a good dad, Peyton is fiercely devoted to Chloe and Sara, but she's also got her career to worry about, the career that she had to leave behind to come to Chicago to care for Sara and Chloe. And then there's the fact that she's falling for her niece's father, a man her sister slept with once upon a time. How they go about this crazy dynamic of theirs will have you tearing up in empathy for them, all of them, but it will also have you cheering them on, even as you are grieving, as they are grieving.

I absolutely love Dancing in the Rain. Drew is such a good man, a man who had been lost and who now has a reason to find himself, to right himself. Peyton is the kind of heroine all authors should take note of: she's strong, devoted, smart and so loving. Chloe is a tweener, but she's not just some cardboard cutout of a child: she's got heart, a heart that's grieving, and she's sweet and smart, too. And Sara, God, Sara. I felt for her out of them all. She was dying and had accepted it, but she knew she was leaving her daughter and sister behind. She'd never get to see Chloe grow up, go to college, fall in love, get married, get her heart broken, nothing. This adorable girl she had raised all by herself for 12 years, she'd have to leave her behind, and that was what she couldn't deal with. My heart broke for her, for all of them. But, amidst all the heartbreak, there is hope, too, and it is lovely. Drew and Peyton make an amazing couple, regardless of their timing, and I am so glad I got to read their story.

I haven’t been reading many Loveswept romances because they publish so many that are New Adult, and it takes a special NA to keep me engaged. I thought that Dancing in the Rain was NA, so I skimmed over it when I first saw it. Then I read some good reviews, I’m a sucker for a good hockey hero, and I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did, because it is easily one of my favorite contemporary romances so far this year.

Hero Drew has been forced to retire from hockey because of an injury. He isn’t dealing with his forced retirement well, and spends most of his nights bar hopping, bar brawling, or hooking up with one night stands. Then, out of the blue, he discovers that he has twelve year old daughter. Skeptical at first, because he can’t even remember sleeping with the woman making these outrageous claims, he takes a DNA test and must accept that, yes, he is indeed a dad. Now he has to decide whether or not to try to get involved in his daughter’s life. And, oh, yeah, his daughter’s mother, Sara, has terminal cancer and isn’t expected to live much longer.

God, this book really hit some raw emotions for me. The hospice scenes hit way too close for comfort, as I am still grappling, over a year later, to accept my mom’s death. Peyton, Sara’s sister and the heroine of the book, tries to deal with a gamut of emotions, all while putting on a brave face for both her sister and her niece Chloe. She doesn’t have much patience for Drew, who is just drifting aimlessly through life now that his hockey days are over. Some people have worse things to deal with, and she just can’t deal with his self-pity.

I think that first and foremost, Dancing in the Rain is about loss, grief, and accepting things that can’t be changed. It’s also about the realization that life is short. Sometimes painfully so. While dealing with her grief, Payton must also prioritize her own life. That fancy job in New York? Maybe it’s not really going to make her happy in the long run. Her boss is certainly a heartless turd, and maybe she can find something else that’s mentally stimulating, but will allow her to keep Chloe’s needs in the forefront, too. And Drew? Maybe instead of a private pity party, he needs to make a change in his expectations for life, and take a chance on making a solid commitment to both himself and to Payton.

The story seemed just a tad too drawn out, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Dancing in the Rain. I will have to give the Loveswept backlist another look

Grade: 4.5 stars

NHL superstar Drew Sellers is floundering as an injury forces him to retire with no plans in place for life after hockey. Peyton Watt has made her life about developing a successful career to the exclusion of the rest of her life. When a crisis joins these two together they find their priorities shifting and the potential for love with each other a strength they never dreamed would be their salvation.

I walked away from this book feeling optimistic and thinking what a great writer Kelly Jamieson is to bring this work's painful issues full circle and end on a high note. While sad Dancing in the Rain showed love at its very best. Kelly Jamieson left no emotion unturned and did it fearlessly to the betterment of all her characters. This author took Drew and Payton and gave clarity to the muddy waters of personal sacrifice versus accepting change. The attraction of this couple was nourished by their goodness making for a powerful pairing as they each found a way to see beyond their personal struggles. Touching you can't help but want to reach out and hug every character in this book and Kelly Jamieson for telling their story so eloquently.

A beautiful story with rabid emotions running through it from start to finish.
Refreshing and well written, the storyline flows flawlessly and the characters lives intertwine and mesh with the realistic issues anyone would expect and experience.
Beautifully done.

This was a real bittersweet love story but a second chance at love and family story too. Drew Sellers is disillusioned with the current state of his life. His ex-wife managed to take as much of him that she could and cheated on him to boot. A career ending injury has benched him permanently. With not much to look forward to he can only think of drowning his sorrows and overall feeling sorry for himself. Then a hook up from the past shows up and tells him he has a daughter and it's his choice to connect with her.

Making decisions for himself was never his strong suit and now he has all these big choices to make. What does he want to do next in terms of a career?, Does he want to be a part of his 12 year old daughter's life? Can he keep his hands off, his daughter's gorgeous aunt and guardian?

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

Another great read by Kelly Jamieson!

This was not a typical read for this type of book. Drew is actually a retired hockey player who is still reeling from losing the career he loves. Needless to say he is not handling himself well.

Peyton is also in the about to have a major change in her life. She is career oriented and living in another city when she comes to take care of her terminal sister and 12 year old niece.

Peyton and Drew meet through Sara Peyton's sister when he discovers that he has had a daughter with Sara from a one night stand. The story could have had an "ick" factor when you think about the fact that Drew had a short relationship with Sara and the fact that Drew and Peyton are finding each other as Sara is dying but it is well written and sensitive to those issues.

Kelly! This book was absolutely beautiful. It was romantic, it was happy, it was sad, and it was so incredibly heartbreaking. I think I was crying within the first couple chapters. By the end of the book I was ugly crying! There was so much going on in this story including meeting a child, dealing with cancer, end of a career, and a possible move. Drew was a complete stand up guy trying to help out where he could. I just recently lost a close family member to cancer and I felt so bad for what Chloe was going through, especially at her age. I kept thinking of how my emotions where all over the place and I couldn't imagine going through that at twelve. This book was just beautifully written and I know I will be rereading it quite a few times.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.