independent Chelsea Barnes has caught a rare break and been cast as the first
non-celebrity on the hit show Celebrity Dance Off. Chelsea is coined ‘America’s
Chance to Dance,’ but her partner planned on an A-lister, not a nobody.
partner, she’s ready to go home; but during an emotional dance, her
heart-breaking past as an abandoned, homeless teen is revealed. Not only do the
viewers fall in love with her, so does the flirty British guest singer,
Broadway star Thomas Evan Oliver.
this feisty girl who complicates his over-structured life, and pursues her in a
romantic cross-country courtship until she’s voted off and joins him. Their
sexy whirlwind love affair blossoms in New York as she navigates the big city
and his exhausting eight shows a week, but most important, her scarred heart
begins to heal. Perhaps happily ever after might be a possibility after
all.
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars
If Ever is a sweet romance set in the world of both reality television and Broadway. Chelsea is such a damaged soul, abandoned by her father and orphaned as a teenager. Even though she doesn’t see herself as a survivor, she definitely is — and thanks to Broadway star Tom Oliver, she begins to heal her scarred heart and live again, rather than just exist.
Because of her past, Tom is so very patient with Chelsea, and I found that incredibly endearing. Even when he was frustrated, he was understanding. There were parts of the story that I felt dragged a bit, and that Chelsea and Tom had the same argument/disagreement one time too many. The romance between the two characters is a slow burn — they most definitely don’t jump into bed together at the first opportunity, which was rather refreshing to read. And their sexcapades is not a primary focus of the story, either; Stanton really focuses on the relationship between Chelsea and Tom, how they operate together and apart, and the life they are building.
My only complaint is the rather abrupt ending. I turned the page, sure that I was missing something! I couldn’t believe that was it! But overall, If Ever is a sweet romance that shows how love and patience can heal, and the right person can pick you up and carry you through life’s hard times.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent
to use writing contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that
follow.
been translated into French, German, and Bulgarian. In her spare time,
Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best live entertainment
experience–Broadway. She is a contributing writer to Broadway
World is currently working on another Broadway-themed book.
Sunny Shelly Reads 