A Missing Connection

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023 | Archive Date 13 Mar 2023

Talking about this book? Use #AMissingConnection #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

They are the voice in each other’s head. But they’ve never met.

A love story about two strangers who don’t feel seen, in a city that can make the impossible possible.

Beau Aaron Forrester’s entire life has been dictated to him. As the sole heir to the Forrester empire, he has money, prestige, and power. But he’d give it all up for someone who wanted the man underneath.

April Swan is sick of being told to settle down. She is perfectly content hiding in her office, deciphering data with her mighty macros. At least she can’t disappoint a spreadsheet.

When they realise they can speak telepathically, they make a promise - Say everything they’ve always wanted, as long as they never know who the other is.

Late-night conversations soon become more until neither can avoid the one thing they don’t talk about. But how could reality ever match up with the fantasy of the person they have been talking to?

Is it all in their heads? Or is it possible their connection is real?

A Missing Connection is a steamy contemporary romance from the Movie Magic Novella series. Each book is standalone and can be enjoyed out of order.

They are the voice in each other’s head. But they’ve never met.

A love story about two strangers who don’t feel seen, in a city that can make the impossible possible.

Beau Aaron Forrester’s entire life...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9780645533330
PRICE $1.99 (USD)
PAGES 162

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 213 members


Featured Reviews

"He catalogued each feature, slotting them in against everything he knew her to be--funny, shy, incredibly sharp, and loving. Her wide eyes sparkled with flashes of gold, her hair like gasoline to his heart. She was radiant, bursting with color and life."

What happens when you can hear someone in your head, but have no idea who they are? Beau Aaron Forrester and April Swan realize they can communicate with each other telepathically, but decide to keep their identities a mystery.

Being able to talk to someone so freely, without pressure, connects Beau and April in a way neither of them expected. They're quickly become each others support, comfort, and best friends while they're dealing the pressures their families and jobs are putting on them. They just have to figure out if this connection they're feeling is something that's real or all in their heads...

_______________

I have such a deep appreciation for The Movie Magic Novella series. Dani McLean created something that quite literally forces you to let go of any type of rationality or even reality. You have to live with the fact that there's magic and it's not something explained, just some razzle dazzle for a fun novella.

I adored Beau. He's your billionaire heir who is in line to take over the family business but has a stressful relationship with his father and doesn't want the life mapped out for him. Meanwhile, April has the job she's always wanted and has to fend off her mothers consistent matchmaking. A story like this has no choice but to have characters with strong communication, and I love it. They fell in love with each other before even meeting, and everything else just falls into place after.

I'm really excited for the rest of this series. Definitely something to pick up if you want a short novella, with soulmate type of attraction.

Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Dani McLean for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

-4.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

The cover alone was enough to pique my interest, but the blurb had me HOOKED! The premise felt fresh and interesting, and left me questioning how I would react if I was suddenly telepathically linked to a stranger. The story gave me similar feels to all the angst-filled romance movies I loved in my youth. A fun, quick read to fill an afternoon!

I did leave this review on goodreads.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a heart warming short story. I absolutely loved it so much. The relationship between Beau and April was beautiful. It reminded me of a Hallmark romance. This was the perfect love at first sight, mind-communication story. I can’t wait to pick up more from Dan McLean!

Was this review helpful?

Feel-good, cute, funny rom-com - think a telepathic version of 'You've Got Mail'! Solid characters and amusing while avoiding the slapstick some of these books can lead to. Just cute fun, and a quick read, a posotive emotion HEA any time.

Was this review helpful?

If you are looking for a book with hints of magic and steamy romance that will give you all the cutesy feels, then look no further. A Missing Connection is about Beau and April juggling their life struggles and a newfound romance, but the twist is that they've never met. They are able to talk telepathically and decide not to share any information that might give away who they are so they can get to know each other without any preconceived notions. This novella had me smiling the entire time. I gave it five stars because I was able to devour it in a day, the characters were so lovable, and the author tells the reader just to enjoy and believe in the magic of Chance City. Chance City is a perfect name for a magical city, by the way. The story captured my attention, but the steamy and cutesy romance kept me interested. Two big thumbs up from me!!! I can’t wait till this novella comes out for all to enjoy!!!

Was this review helpful?

Getting to know and read the Movie Magic Series has been one of the best things I've done this year so far, each book being top tier for me.

A Missing Connection it's a short novella where Beau and April can hear each other's voice in their heads, being this the beggining of an unusual relationship.

I loved every second of this, every page, every word made me want to keep reading. I'm a huge fan of easy and sweet reads and A Missing Connection it's a clear example of why.

At first glance it could be seen as only a romantic, fairytale-ish type of book but the more I kept thinking about it, the more meaning I could find to it. The idea of getting to know someone new without the preasure of trying to make a good first impression was so relaxing, being yourself and just being able to show how you truly are, the, good, the bad and everything in between, getting to fall in love with someone for the way they think, the way they are in the middle of the night when no one else is looking and taking out of the way any type of expectations when it comes to dating had me beliving in the most pure and authentic type of love.

10/10 for me! Couldn't get enough of April and Beau.

Thanks so much Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I simply love the concepts of these books - time loop, cupid (something like that), and now, telepathy. And I'm so in love with Chance ✨

Beau is the dream family man 🤌🏻 the way he wants to dedicate himself to someone - he is just so down-to-earth, and April is a strong character who values her work; she's such an independent woman with values.

When they finally met and that kiss tho ❤️‍🔥 Dani brings in the steam when it's least expected.

Verdict: Can I fall for a voice in my head? 🤧

Was this review helpful?

I loved this so much!! It was so adorable!!! What a good story!! I tore through this.
I just reviewed A Missing Connection by Dani McLean. #AMissingConnection #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Was this review helpful?

Take You’ve Got Mail, give the story a magical twist and a dash of telepathy, and the result is the impossibly charming novella A Missing Connection.

Stated for the record: I’m a sucker for an epistolary novel or film. Letters, emails, text messages…two people getting to know each other at an emotional level first, when done right, hits the notes often lacking in the instant I-wanna-tear-your-clothes-off stories. A Missing Connection gets that feeling right and more than once I got a little misty (though I will deny that in a court of law.)

All the Movie Magic Novella stories are set in the world of Chance, where we accept that two people somehow can talk to each other via their minds.

However, this is not a What Woman Want (film, 2000) mind-reader situation. The communication works as another form of conversation, just between two people who don’t have to pick up a phone to talk. That’s a smart choice by McLean as it removes the awkward elements which could easily turn this toward farcical territory.

Both Beau and April are kind people and the dual point of view shows how perfectly suited at a soul level they are, if they don’t let fear of rejection win out. The way they reach their happily ever after is sweet, full of big feelings, and tugged hard at the ol’ heart strings.

Given the short length, 128 pages, I’d recommend A Missing Connection for anyone looking for a quick hit emotional read where angst is replaced with yearning. Unlike You’ve Got Mail, there is no animosity between Beau and April. These are two folks dealing with some messy and emotionally difficult things, but who learn the importance of partnership for the tough spots.

Plus, there’s telepathic spicy times and who doesn’t want to see how that works. (Spoiler: It’s hot.)

This is a true stand-alone, although I would suggest Midnight Repeated (#1) from Dani MacLean as well.
_________
Tropes | Fairy Tale, Epistolary Novels, Secret Billionaire, STEM Heroine, Magic,
Heat Level | 🌶, open door, on-page
_________
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication Mar 7, 2023.

Was this review helpful?

This story was so cute! I loved the little disclaimer about the fact it’s movie magic series, and I loved that they just kind of accepted it as this strange thing that was happening. It may have been a novella, but I felt like I still really got to know the characters. It didn’t feel like I missed out on anything, and it was just adorable.

Was this review helpful?

Oh how I love a new twist on an old storyline. This is like nothing I've read before, such a brilliant story. Had me thinking so much and even after a few days of reading it, I find myself still thinking bout it, which says just how wonder the book really is.

Was this review helpful?

How many strangers have you locked eyes with on your commute? Now, imagine suddenly having a powerful connection with them. They can hear what you say and you can hear what they say—no matter where you are. A Missing Connection in an unique and adorable novella about Beau Forrister, future CEO of a huge corporation and April Swan, a data analyst who is more focused on her career than falling in love—much to her mother’s chagrin. One night they suddenly start hearing each others’ words like being on the phone with a stranger.
Through their connection, they discover a deeper meaning of their own life, heal old wounds, and fall in love.

I loved this novella! It was beautifully crafted. The dialogue was witty and brilliant. The characters—easy to love.

Was this review helpful?

“There’s no way I can be casual about this. At all. We don’t have to rush anything, but you need to know that you’re it for me.”

I tend to usually don’t give 5 stars to novellas, but Dani @dmc_lean knocked this one out of the park! A MISSING CONNECTION gets all the stars! Beau gets his own stars too! Thank you Dani and @netgalley for my e-arc in exchange for an honest review! This one publishes March 7!

Dani write this one with such a unique concept- I totally loved it! The tension between Beau and April is 🤌🏻😘 - and they don’t even meet until the end!! I read this entirely in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop!

Novellas are short by nature, and they can usually feel like they are missing something that you would find in a regular length novel. However, this novella has it all! The tension/steam, the real life issues, sweet/tender moments, family drama, society pressures and expectations.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate everything Beau Aaron is? Especially in a three piece suit 😍🔥

I have read and enjoyed all of Dani’s novellas in her series, but this one is by far my fav!

Was this review helpful?

The FMC, April, has an overbearing mother, declining father and has thrown herself into her work as a data analyst. I loved seeing this rep! She locks eyes through the windows with the yummy man in a suit in the office building across from hers and sees him again on the train but doesn’t introduce herself.

The MMC, Beau, is slated to take over his father’s company. It’s not his passion but he feels pressure to do as he’s expected. He finds the woman in the building over intriguing. That night, he hears a woman’s voice in his head and is able to have conversations with her.

They are both missing something in life and find it in their connection.

This was so cute (and a little spicy)!

Was this review helpful?

April and Beau are two stranger who discover that they can speak telepathically with each other . They speak about everything they want but they don't share their last name . Beau is going to take to place as CEO at the family business because his father is dying . He doesn't want to but he has to . While talking they develope feelings . When they learn who they really are will they still want to be together ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this ARC! Fell in love instantly with Beau and April! He finally had someone on his side despite how opposite they are!!! The part where they communicate through their mind scared me that I wasn’t going to enjoy this yet I was so incredibly wrong and made this novella so much more enjoyable !!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this book. This was a great novella! I loved how different of a love story this was! It was so beautiful for Beau and April to fall for each other through deep late night conversations telepathically. I truly enjoyed the depth of the characters struggles and connection in such a short time. It gave me everything I could want in a novella!

Was this review helpful?

Short and sweet! Sit back and suspend your disbelief and get ready for a fun and cute journey through the minds of Beau and April. I know the whole "billionaire hates his life, oh it must be so hard to have all that money" is kind of played out or annoying but I found Beau really charming and empathetic. There was a lovely bit of spice. I enjoyed the dynamic the characters had. I just wish it was longer so we could get more of their story and character development.

I received an advance review copy through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Was this review helpful?

5.0/5 ⭐
1.5/5 🌶️

This book was so stinking cute and the perfect little rom-com novella. I have adored all of Dani's Movie Magic stories, but I think A Missing Connection is officially my favorite. The moment Beau heard April in his head, I squealed with joy. I just knew this one was going to have me smiling from ear to ear.

These two were so delightful. The instant chemistry was perfect and I loved their flirtatious banter that started almost immediately. When April messes with him in a meeting, I was just rolling. Dani was able to pack a lot of emotion into just over a hundred pages too; these characters had some major hang-ups with starting relationships and their insecurities about their family lives. Watching them connect and build each other up was really heart-warming.

It should have only got one pepper for me due to my pepper "rules" but that tub scene was so hot I gave it an extra anyway. I think I would have loved a full length novel if for nothing else, more of Beau's dirty talk. He was spicyyyyyy.

The ending and epilogue were so great, I loved the little wrap up and hea that we got. I can't wait to read more from this series, every trip to Chance has been truly magical.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve so enjoyed all the books in the Movie Magic series, but this one is easily my favourite. I’m always totally okay with having to suspend disbelief in romance novels, and I loved the Ghost vibes in this. It was such a sweet love story 🥰 As always, I am left bereft as I could have devoured this all the same as a full length novel 😭 Also, I could totally see this series as a Netflix series…

Was this review helpful?

I don’t care what anyone says, I will ALWAYS be drawn to an illustrated cover.

♥️Soul mates with telepathy
♥️ Swapped gender norms I am HERE for
♥️Sexy phone scene (that’s what I’m calling it but it’s actually telepathy)
♥️ Gives off dreamy 2am vibes

BLURB: Two strangers with nothing in common but a shared view outside their window… and suddenly their thoughts? Neither of them know how this happened, but suddenly each of them find a connection that’s once in a life time.

This is a new to me author, and everything about this little gem felt like a dream in the best way. One of the things that felt most magical, was Dani’s ability to built a really deep story within a few chapters. Something else I found really refreshing, was a heroine questioning her future with children, and how that would work with her dedication to her career…. The best thing about it, the hero supported her for it, and was giving off hella “Mr. Mom vibes”

My only complaint, we had the one super sexy scene, but the rest was fade to black. I’m an open door gal all the way! However, that’s a personal preference.

Definitely recommend this treasure!

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Release Date: March 7, 2023

Was this review helpful?

This is the 3rd book of The Movie Magic Novella, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Beau not even blink and questioning his insanity when hear someone speaking in his head, he only thing to renew his therapy session lol. April busy with her job, her nagging mother and now her telepathic connection with Beau. I love how their relationahip build, when they meet oh my god i can feel the emotion, i can feel "the click".

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#AMissingConnection #TheMovieMagicNovella #DaniMcLean #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC

Was this review helpful?

The latest installment of Dani's Movie Magic Novella series and a fantastic read!

Packing my bags and moving to Chance as I type this. Seriously, such a fun town where anything can and will happen.

Beau and April start speaking telepathically and learning all about each other without knowing who the other is irl. They both fall hard, but will they live up to the other's expectations when they meet?

This was a quick, cute read. It was fun and different. I'll be thinking about THAT one scene for a while *fans self*


Thank you Netgalley for providing the ARC

Was this review helpful?

I loved this fun novella. The characters grow on you and I love Beau and April's dynamics. They get to know each other though the story without knowing what they look like, I love this idea. They're focusing more on their character traits and their behaviour. And because they don't know each other, they can speak with each other and voice their fears and problems. I can highly recommend this novella, It's fun, it's short and you'll surely laugh a lot.

Was this review helpful?

Now I know what my favorite novella. This one. I haven't thought I need this. But I fell for it 100%.

Beau trying to find a purpose and live a life his father wants for him. Even it's not what he wants. April avoiding any romantic relationship thought she is disappointment for everyone. Until some magic happened in Chance city - they can hear one another. They quickly find something in each other. Without seeing, it's more easily open to another person and being truly honest. But what if someone didn't want to meet? So many "what ifs" and only one chance to find out.

Besides a romantic plot, you may like the parents-children relationship. You can show love differently, but it's always love.

Was this review helpful?

What a delightful novella! I love a quirky romance and this one is so clever and creative. Best part? It’s short enough to reread whenever the spirit moves you! And thanks to the amazing chemistry between these characters, the spirit WILL move you. This is my first title by Dani McLean and it will not be my last. Can’t wait to check out more of her titles.

Was this review helpful?

A missing connection is a fast, cute and steamy read.
April and Beau start hearing each others voices in their heads and are getting to know each other through this telepathic connection. A creative idea of Dani McLean to have the characters meet this way, I sure never read something like it before.
I would have liked it more if they would have spend more time actually being together.

The cover is very beautiful and will attract readers to this book

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: