Member Reviews
Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.
Two to Tango
by Kathleen Fuller
Join the residents of Maple Falls, Arkansas, for a romance between highly organized librarian Olivia Farnsworth and over scheduled pediatrician Kingston Bedford. It takes quite a while for them to get together because Kingston promises to contact Olivia and then can’t find the time to do it between his busy practice and his volunteer activities. He is filled with guilt, and she has a hard time trusting him.
A group of older women, including Kingston’s domineering mother, decide to play matchmaker. Comedy shows up in the situation when the pair decides to have a pretend relationship to get the ladies to back off. Of course, things don’t go exactly by plan. Others become involved as the matchmaking extends to some older residents. The couple’s contemporaries are excited for them, and the new dance teacher could be a potential match.
This is the fourth book in the Maple Falls Romance Series. Each one focuses on a different couple, but in Two to Tango all of the couples from the various books play a role.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Notes: 1. #4 in the Maple Falls Romance Series. I don’t recommend this as a standalone. There are a lot of characters assembled from previous books. If you are interested in this clean, character-driven series, I suggest you start with the first one.
Publication: July 11, 2023—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
Aunt Bea was right. It was easier to hide behind the familiar and benign than to face the elephant in the room—life was changing, and she didn’t like it. While her life was staying routinely the same, the relationships she’d depended on had altered.
His mother was putting on her best social smile, but he could see she was simmering underneath the ruse. The woman considered punctuality the eleventh commandment.
But his mother’s expectation was clear. Being good wasn’t enough. He had to be the best.
A workaholic doctor and a soft-spoken librarian get a second chance at making a connection in this sweet Maple Falls Romance.
An enjoyable read from beginning to end with a full cast of new and familiar characters, I loved the BB's matchmaking schemes. Olivia is a quiet and more introverted soul, and I loved how her aunt challenged her to get out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile Kingston, is a busy man who needed to learn about over committing himself and taking time to re-charge. They have a wonderful group of friends around them.
My favorite part of the story was probably Irma and Jasper through, with their banter and unlikely friendship.
Overall, the perfect book to unwind with, sweet and heartwarming with characters that are easy to love. Highly engaging and entertaining, Kathleen Fuller has again shown why she is my go-to author for a relaxing read full of humor, faith, and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
As someone who has dabbled heavily in the Christian romance genre, I would like to say this is an exception to the standard they usually have. I typically love the characters I read about, and I know this is a fluke from what I have heard of Fuller’s books. However, this one does not live up to what I usually experience. Olivia is not a likable main character; she is boring and unrelateable in almost 100 pages. In the same amount of time, Kingston is a terrible human being, forgetting prior engagements and working way too hard to ever be considered attractive. Enter in the cliché, old women who like to meddle and play matchmaker, and this wasn’t the book for me. I know full well that I will enjoy others of this genre and author’s books, but unfortunately, this one wasn’t a good start. If you like a more flawed character and gritty start, you will probably enjoy this book, but for me, I sadly did not finish.
Two to Tango is a fun filled rom com that follows Brooks and Izzy as they interact with one another. The story starts off with a rivalry between the two main characters and eventually turns to love.
It was easy to read and follow the story and though quite predictable, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the characters and the close bonds that they share, especially Brooks and his circle of friends. What was unique for me about this story was the career path of the two characters. It was refreshing to read about what they do and the passion that they had for the same was well portrayed by the author. Through many ups and downs, Brooks and Izzy find a common rhythm and understanding, adapting their ways to incorporate the best of both their ideas.
Things do come together in the end and sometimes, it brings out the best! I think this classic enemies to lovers rom com is just what all of us need to come out of a stressful day or just unwind.
Fuller's Maple Falls Romance series has been a sweet series that are perfect for fans of Hallmark movies. Light hearted romance with a charming small setting that make the reader feel cozy and at home. While not an entirely original story, Two to Tango is a nice addition to the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Two to Tango is a romance novel written by Kathleen Fuller. It is part of the Maple Falls Romance series, but it is not necessary to have read previous books in the series in order to read this one.
Summary: Olivia has a strict schedule for her life. Everything has its time and place. Some would even call her stuck in her ways, and maybe she is.
Dr. Kingston Bedford is so busy he can hardly think straight. He says yes to everything, and as such is a jack of all trades, but a master of none.
Can Olivia break out of her shell and try something new? Can Kingston rearrange his priorities? With a little push from their friends, they might just have a chance.
My Thoughts: I did not like this book. First of all, the characters are not likable. I can’t root for a guy who can’t keep his promises. And I have a hard time taking the side of a girl who keeps giving him chances, and then blames herself when things don’t work out.
Plus, there is tons of busybody meddling from the townsfolk.
I can get behind a little nudge from those who love you most, but this was so serious the main characters felt like they were being threatened to get together.
There wasn’t even a real redeeming “I have worked on my issues, and I’m better now” scenario. It was just, “Yeah, I need to work on that.”
I have read other books in this series that I enjoyed, but this one was pretty disappointing, and unfortunately I can’t recommend it.
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.
Two to Tango is book 4 in Kathleen Fuller's Maple Falls romance series. It CAN be read as a stand-alone, but why would you want to when it's so much better after reading the other books in the series?
Olivia Farnsworth is a buttoned-up, stick to the schedule woman who doesn't step out of her comfort zone. Until Dr. Kingston Bedford sits beside her during Vintage Movie night at the local cinema. When he invites her for coffee afterwards, she takes a chance on him, only to wind up heartbroken when - after kissing her senseless and promising to call - Kingston seemingly forgets all about her. Not once, but twice. She has no interest in giving him a third shot. No matter what her aunt says, she is happy being single. Aunt Bea and her matchmaking pals, the Bosom Buddies, don't believe her, though, and proceed to set her up. Ballroom dance lessons are romantic, right?
Kingston Bedford's life is so out of control that his partner puts him on sabbatical. Two months with no work, only doing what he wants to do, should help him align his priorities. Unless, of course, his mother gets wind that he's at loose ends. Karen Bedford wants her son married, like the rest of her children, and he is NOT cooperating. He doesn't have time to woo a woman as a physician in a busy pediatric clinic, who also teaches at the college, and gives seminars, and works at the free clinic. If he did have time to date anyone, he wants to date Olivia, but he knows she probably won't even give him the time of day after the stunts he pulled a year ago.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The characters have just enough quirks to seem like real people, and the stories have enough angst to make the eventual ending extra satisfying. The Bosom Buddies are a meddling hoot. I definitely recommend!
Kathleen Fuller is one of my top go-to authors when I need an easy, feel-good, palate cleanser between heavier books. If I see her book on a new shelf at the library I will definitely pick it up, usually without reading the blurb.
Two to Tango is the fourth book in the Maple Falls series by Fuller. I think these books can be read as stand-alones, so don't let the fact that it's the last book in the series scare you away from reading it! You can always go back and catch up on the others in the Maple Fall series at another time.
Our main character, Olivia, is the town librarian. She has no desire to date or get married and enjoys spending time with her patrons and Aunt Bea, who is the head of an adorable meddling group of older ladies called the Bosom Buddies, or the BBs. Olivia admits that she loves her routine but feels like she's in a rut. When she runs into her best friends brother at the movies, sparks fly, but things don't really go the way the reader is expecting.
This clean romance is fun and quick to read, with themes of finding balance in your life and following your heart. I really enjoyed this series and think others will too.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Two to Tango is the 4th and final book in the Maple Falls series. Each book is the romance of one of a group of friends. This book features Olivia Farnsworth, the town's librarian. Olivia has no plans for romance and likes spending time with her friends, her Aunt Bea and watching vintage movies. Kingston Bedford, is her best friend's older brother. He is the local pediatrician, who is so busy that his patient care is suffering. Olivia and Kingston have history, they had a wonderful night a few years earlier at her Anita's wedding then he ghosted her. She wants nothing to do with him, but her Aunt Bea and her buddies as well as Olivia's friends have other plans. Kingston is dealing with his own issues, after being forced to take a two month sabbatical and get his life in order. Will they be able to resist the chemistry that they have?
I enjoyed being back in Maple Falls, especially Aunt Bea and her friends, the BBs, that want to see all the young women happy and married. Kingston was a noble character, that had a terrible time saying no. He wanted to help everyone and was juggling so many balls, that some were going to fall. One thing was his relationship with Olivia that fell by the wayside twice before. Olivia is in a rut, fighting her feelings for Kingston, especially after being dropped twice because he was too busy for a relationship. As they begin to spend time together and find out that they have lots in common and can make a relationship work, they finally give in. I also enjoyed the romance between one of the BBs with an old friend. This is a sweet, contemporary romance that brings this group of friends full circle with all of them finding their special someone. Lauren Berst narrated this story and does a nice job with the voices, expression pacing and story. If you enjoy a good, clean, sweet romance, then pick up Two to Tango or any of the books in The Maple Falls series.
You've got to love the nosiness of small town-ness and thinking that everyone's business is your business. Well that's just what happened to olivia and Kingston as they keep getting matched up. This was a super sweet book and was well done.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Maple Falls series, and Two to Tango was the perfect ending.
Olivia likes her routine, her job, and her people. And after two attempts at dating Kingston, her best friend's paediatrician brother, she's thrown in the towel on dating. Or at least dating him. But like most small towns, Maple Falls is full of meddlesome matchmakers--and they're scheming up a way to get Olivia and Kingston together. There will be dancing, there will be sparks, and of course, there will be plenty of drama; mostly from the Bosom Buddies.
Small town romances will always hold a special place in my heart. As an introvert who enjoys routine, I found Olivia's character relatable and likeable. Kingston was a bit of a struggle at the beginning, but as a people pleaser, I could relate to his need to do everything for everyone except himself. The chemistry between the two of them was obvious; how did nobody see it coming sooner? And as always, the Bosom Buddies' antics kept me laughing throughout the story. This was such a delightful read with plenty of romance and a good dose of humour.
Read this if you enjoy:
⭐️Small town setting
⭐️Close friend groups
⭐️Sizzling chemistry
⭐️Best friend's brother/forbidden romance
*I received a complimentary copy of Two to Tango through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
Two to Tango by Kathleen Fuller is book four in the Maple Falls series.
This was a delightful romance between a quiet librarian and her best friend’s brother. I loved the opposites between them, and how each grew personally through the story. All the way to the very end.
I also loved the emotion in this story. The charged arguments added a wonderful spark. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance, then give this one a read!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
On the opening pages of Two to Tango, by Kathleen Fuller, you will meet Olivia Farnsworth. When she makes her weekly visit to vintage movie night, she is surprised when Dr. Kingston Bedford, her best friend’s brother, shows up in the row beside her. Olivia has known Kingston her entire life; however, for some reason, tonight she is caught off-balance by his good looks!
Kingston is also surprised that he Is drawn to this woman whom he had always thought of as his sister’s little friend. After the movie, this duo goes out for coffee. This “coffee date” ends in a passionate kiss. Before Olivia knows it, Kingston is apologizing to her and then asking her out on a date. However, they have trouble finding a time in the midst their very busy lives!
Now, it is eight months later and no date has occurred. They are both standing up in his sister’s wedding. How will Kingston deal with Olivia’s cold shoulder? After another kiss and a promise of another date, you are suddenly one year later and Olivia is still dateless!
The next turn of the events will leave you in shock. Olivia and Kingston show up in the same dance class. Before you know it, they are pretending to be a couple. Kingston is even showing up on time for their dates!
This has been a fun series. I've really enjoyed it.
Olivia Farnsworth is a very strait-laced, no-nonsense librarian. Head librarian at that. She is efficient at her job and enjoys her once a month Vintage movie night. Kingston Bedford is a dedicated pediatrician. Very dedicated. The two meet by chance at the movie theater and quite shockingly feel the nearly overwhelming chemistry between them. Kingston
is Olivia's best friend's older brother. She has known him for many years. They agree to see one another again. The doctor goes back to doctor life and doesn't call. Then it happens again.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and I appreciate it. This is my own personal opinion. I will be perfectly honest. I did not like Kingston from the first time he met up with Olivia. Her character is such a good person. I got right into that emotion, feeling she deserved better. He did have to do some work to earn a second chance, for sure. Her hurt, anger and reactions were perfect for the situation.
Aunt Bea and the Bosom Buddies are treasures in the series and one of them gets her own romance which was a great part of the story for me. I love the story for the scheming, sweet romances and laugh out loud moments. I'm going to miss this series.
Two to Tango is a quick and sweet contemporary romance. The characters are a delight and seeing their growth over the course of the book was really nice. I adored the small town feel and the supporting characters were all really pleasant. I really enjoyed reading it and was left with a warm fuzzy feeling once it was over.
Two to Tango by Kathleen Fuller
Light hearted romance with delightful characters. Set in the small town of Maple falls where everyone knows everyone else’s business.
Funny read if a slow and repetitive in parts. Follows the will they won’t full in love very hallmark type story a generally feel good story to while away an afternoon. 3.5/5
The fourth book in the Maple Falls series by Kathleen Fuller is a warm and cozy romantic story depicting the story of Olivia, a rigid woman who is a stickler for routine and Kingston, a little too amenable busy doctor, who doesn't know how to say no.
Though Olivia is his sister's best friend, neither Kingston nor Olivia had ever thought of each other in a romantic light for the longest time. Things suddenly change for them one fine day when both find themselves being attracted to each other and seriously contemplating a relationship. But their own lives and restrictive natures put a stop to Kingston's efforts twice, leaving Olivia with an extremely negative view about Kingston.
What follows is a play of push and pull between Olivia and Kingston, as they try to resolve their feelings for each other and move on with their life one way or the other. Will these two lovely, sweet people overcome their own insecurities and habits to take a risk towards love and contentment. That is the crux of the story.
The story starts off in a moderate pace and stays there throughout the length of the book. But the lead pair lacked real spark and the way they stayed firmly in their errant ways even after a particular point becomes tedious after a point. The author also brings in small instances of relationships between other people in the town as well, and amongst them, one old pair were my absolute favorite. In fact, I found myself smiling at that pair's antics more than I did the main pair.
To sum it up, though the story falls short of excellence, it still is a very good story, told in a sweet way, which brings its characters alive in its pages. I would recommend this book for a light, breezy read, particularly for those looking for a good time-pass during the holidays.
A sweet and funny finale to a series I have really enjoyed. I was excited for this one and it did not disappoint. It’s a cute story and a light and easy read. I loved the secondary story-that brought a really nice element to the book and the epilogue wrapped up both storylines nicely. Great series!
The h is so structured that anyone looking for her, would know where to find her. She has seen The Quiet Man 13 times. The H meets up with her at the theater where she is waiting to see The Quiet Man. After the movie, the H kisses the h and promises to call her. He never does. Time passes and he is out an a sabbatical from his medical practice to destress. He goes back home where he sees the h. The H makes promises that he doesn’t keep and continues to disappoint the h.
I received an ARC from net galley.