I loved the author’s series Bridgeport Social Club as well as book one in this series titled, Shall We Dance? and this one was just as touching, thought provoking and wonderful.
If you are new to the series, it centers around three sisters that at a very young age were given up for adoption. separated and never knowing the others existed. It was a Shannon , the main character in book one, that discovered she had sisters and reunited them in the town of Bridgeport. Each of their upbringing was totally different. From Shannon growing up as a Southern Bell, to our protagonist, Traci Lucky, growing up in the foster system.
Traci is now a cop and a very good one. During a raid she finds a pregnant teen in a corner who obviously is in need of help, and can’t stop herself from stepping in to assist . What started out as a professional assistance, becomes personal and in her quest to help Gwen, she meets Dr. Matt Rossi.
The lives of these three will be changed forever. But the road to finding hope, support and love will be one filled with some physical and emotional danger. Gwen’s ex is determined to find and harm her, while Traci’s heart has to learn to trust and open itself up to love.
Will they each find the inner peace, and love they hope for?
This was another touching story by this very talented author. Being a dancer, I specially enjoed the quotations throughout the book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I loved being back with these amazing sisters, yes, this is the second book in this series that I have read, and you might want to read the first, but this can stand alone.
Amazing DNA, and these sister's finding one another, and while we are with all three sister's, and we are updated, this story focus is on Traci Lucky, and she seems to have had the hardest life of all. She grew up in foster homes, and never was adopted. She sure has a heart for the less fortunate, and being a Bridgeport police woman, she finds a pregnant teen, on drugs, but she can't let go, and ends up being there for Gwen. Because of Gwen she meets Dr. Matt Rossi, and thus we have a sweet romance for Traci!
This story will keep you page turning, and wondering about Gwen's brother, and if the abusive boyfriend will find and hurt her. Will Matt's family accept her, and will the sister's embrace Gwen?

I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

I LOVE this series. It’s about three women who find out that they’re sisters and decide to live together to get to know one another. As they come to trust and rely on each other as family, their circle starts to grow.
In this book, Traci, a policewoman, takes an 18 year old pregnant girl on drugs to the hospital and becomes entwined with her and the handsome doctor, Matteo. Gwen blossoms as she realizes she is worth caring for. I found Matteo’s family fascinating and fun. I would love to see a book about them one day.
The characters are authentic. The writing style makes for effortless reading. It’s a great read. I’d highly recommend it.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Dance With Me series:
Book 1: Shall We Dance
Book 2: Take the Lead
Book 3: Save the Last Dance (coming November 2020)

TAKE THE LEAD – Shelley Shepard Gray
Dance With Me Series – Book 2
Perfect 10
Blackstone Publishing
ISBN-10: 198265855X
ISBN-13: 978-1982658557
September 8, 2020
Women’s Fiction

Bridgeport, Ohio - the Present

Officer Traci Lucky left Cleveland where she worked as a police officer to move to the small town of Bridgeport to spend a year living with two sisters she never knew she had. Her sister Shannon found them through a DNA test. Traci grew up in foster care, and while she eventually landed in a good group home, she had many bad experiences in foster care. In Bridgeport, she got a job with the local police force and has now partnered with her sister Shannon’s new husband, Dylan Lange (series book 1 SHALL WE DANCE). Today during a raid on a suspected meth house, Traci finds an emaciated girl and takes her to the local hospital. There, Doctor Matt Rossi learns the girl, Gwen, is pregnant and still under the effects of drugs. Traci believes Gwen is another person who feels abandoned like she once felt. Rossi keeps Gwen in the hospital. His actions and approach to his patient impress Traci, and she feels a strong attraction to him.

Matt (Matteo) Rossi is happy to work in a small town where he gets to know his patients, and it is where his family lives. This makes his life meaningful. While treating Gwen, he can’t help but be attracted to the woman officer who brought his patient in. She is authoritative, independent, and compelling, but also caring, and unlike any woman he has known. With her visits to Gwen bringing her to the hospital daily, he tries to talk to her more frequently. Then his brother makes a demand that gives him an opportunity to get to know Traci better. His brother Anthony demands his younger brother Matt dance a waltz at his upcoming wedding reception. Matt doesn’t dance, but Traci’s sister teaches dancing, and he knows the perfect partner to ask.

Traci hasn’t shared much of her past life with her new-found sisters. She has come to love them, but she still feels reluctant to disclose her past. She feels the same with Matt once they grow closer. While this causes emotional turmoil in the story, so does Gwen’s situation. Her ex-boyfriend trouble-maker Hunter doesn’t love her or want their baby but feels he owns her and is going to get her back. The story’s themes of family, building protective, loving relationships, even when unexpected events cause turmoil, makes this a captivating read.

Robin Lee

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain” Vivian Greene

I enjoyed all the dancing quotes sprinkled throughout this novel. I liked this story more than the last as two professionals Officer Traci Lucky and Dr. Matt Rossi meet in their efforts to save Gwen and her unborn child. Things are not what they appear at first. Gwen is 19 lost and alone. She does want to save her baby, but she has an abusive boyfriend and an equally mistrusting older brother. They work together to keep Gwen safe.

Traci tells Matt about her sisters…”Shannon, Kimber, and I all grew up really differently. But, we each became people to be proud of.”…”Shannon was raised in a small town in West Virginia and has a sweet country accent. Kimber grew up in New York, just outside the city….I grew up in a group home in Cleveland.”

She continues to share that they decided to live together for a year to get to know each other for the first time, since social workers separated them at birth.

Matt brings Traci home to meet his Italian family. Traci is amazed at all the food and the love poured out one to another. Matt’s family is thrilled to meet Traci. With Matt’s busy schedule as a Dr. He didn’t get out much. Traci can feel all the love and enjoys the family dinner she never experienced before. It was kind of reminded me of the Christmas scene in the movie, While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock, as she holds the present to her chest and takes in everyone opening up their present. It is a special moment in the movie and in this book.

I liked what the author said to readers, “I hope you, too, connected with some of the characters in the series. The trilogy will end with Save the Last Dance, which is Kimber’s story. In it, Kimber steps away from modeling, meets a mechanic named Gunnar and even gets talked into learning the cha-cha from Shannon – all during the month of December.” That will be an interesting story for sure.

Here's another dance quote I liked, “When a body moves, it’s the most revealing thing. Dance for me a minute, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Mikhail Baryshnikove”

This book was just Fun, Fun, Fun! It’s one (and the series) you don’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

After reading the first book in this series, I couldn't wait for the next book in this tale of three long lost sisters who find each other again. It would be a lie if I say I wasn't biased towards Traci. From the first book, I really liked her strong personality and the fact that she had a different traumatic experience growing up unlike her sisters, made my heart ache for her even more.
I love the sisterhood mentioned in this book. The sisters gang were seriously amazing and are actually the main plot of the series. I loved each of their personalities.
Officer Traci Lucky, has gone through a lot in her life. She might seem to be tough, but beneath all those layers she has a soft heart. The moment she finds young pregnant Gwen at a crack house, she feels an instant connection with her owing to her own rough teenage years.
Matt Rossi, the gynaecologist, Traci meets at the emergency room while saving Gwen is one of the most kindest guy you will ever read about. And he comes from a big loving Italian family. Though we meet Matt's family only a few times in the whole book, I instantly found myself loving them. They are clearly a no-filter, welcoming household. I also loved reading about Gwen, about the struggle she endures before and while expecting her baby boy. Gwen with her stalker ex adds more drama to the story. One thing which is in common with both the books and I absolutely loved, was how the author adds stories of Rape and Abuse survivors along with their own POV.
The author surely delievers an well-written plot perfectly and those dance quotes were equally amazing to read.
From the first page to the last, I was so hooked on this story. Each of the characters were so lovable. The only thing that made me sad was how most of Matt and Traci's scenes happend off the pages.
However, I highly recommend this wonderful book. I am so excited for the third sister, Kimber's story! Can't wait to read it.

The second in a trilogy finds Tracy, a police officer helping a troubled teen out of a bad situation. I I loved that the three sisters welcomed Gwen and made her feel safe and wanted even though they had doubts of their own. Matt, the OB-GYN doctor was very compassionate about his patients which is commendable. I'd not read the first in the series but was able to follow the story pretty well. Looking forward to reading the next in the series along with catching up with the first. Recommended!

Shelley Shepard Gray writes compelling stories, and this series has become one of my favorites among her many series. I’ve loved following the story of these three sisters. This book focuses on Traci, who is the police officer. I liked Traci—she’s smart; brave; and compassionate. I admired the way she had overcome her difficult childhood and uses her memories to make her a better officer. I wear cheering on her sweet romance with Matt, and I loved the way the sisters rallied around to help Traci as she tried to protect Gwen. This is a great story, and I’m looking forward to ready Kimber’s story in the next book.

This is a clean, sweet contemporary romance. I normally review Christian fiction, but I’d put this series in the general fiction genre.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I am enjoying this series. Anxiously awaiting the next installment.
It’s interesting to see the differences between the sisters and how they have come together.

This was a heartwarming read that continues the author’s series about three sisters who were separated at birth and now have found each other and settled together in a small midwestern town.

This book’s heroine is Traci Lucky who was the one sister who was not adopted, but raised in many foster homes. She is slow to accept new people and has a certain prickliness that hides a very soft heart. When she meets a pregnant girl strung out on meth, it really triggers her because her mother was also addicted to drugs while pregnant with her. She wants to care for Gwen, but has to get over that personal history.

It helps that the doctor taking care of Gwen in the emergency room is the yummy Dr. Matt Rossi who is immediately attracted to Traci. Since he comes from a large and loving family, he just wants to share that love with Traci. As they get to know each other, their relationship deepens and Traci and her sisters also welcome Gwen into their hearts.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I loved this story about Traci and Matt the chemistry was phenomenal. Shelley Shepard Gray is defiantly at her best!

An entertaining and well written romance by one of my favorite authors. Great plot and character development. A beautiful romance. I highly recommend this book.

I read Shelley's first book in the "Dance with Me" series and enjoyed it so I knew I had to read this one too. It was great to read about the second sister, Traci Lucky, and also see more of the sisters' family. I liked her guy Matt and his family was fun as well.

This is a contemporary, clean romance published by Blackstone. It's a little different from her inspirational books but still good. I'm looking forward to book 3 "Save the Last Dance" that will be out in November 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Take the Lead is the second book in the Dance With Me series by Gray. The book features Traci who is a cop. I really enjoy a strong heroine who has vulnerabilities. She has a tough exterior but a soft heart. The hero, Matt is a compassionate and sweet doctor who pretty much falls for Traci at first sight. This book has danger and suspense as well as family fun and sweet romance.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

In this second book of the series, Dance with Me, we continue to follow sisters, who learned in the first book that they are related and have moved in together to get to know each other.

Drama of family, love, addiction, danger, new friends, new love, and a baby made this a very quick read as I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to see how it would handle each person’s situation.

I received a copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Shelley Shepard Gray’s books, which are always good, clean romances, and drama.

Traci is the second sister in this trilogy. She is smart, determined and has wonderful vulnerability. While trying to help young woman Gwen get away from her past life she meets Matt. Matt is a doctor who senses her vulnerability underneath all her strength. Matt knew from the first that Traci is someone special. Traci has some emotional baggage from her past. Traci is afraid of getting hurt so she keeps people at a distance. Traci is champion for Gwen and girls in need. Traci and Matt grow closer thru dance lessons. When Matt and Traci dance they complete each other. Traci recently connected with her sisters and I love the interaction with the sisters. It was great catch up with Kimber , Shannon and Dylan again. This is a wonderful series and very excited for Kimber story.

The premise of "Take the Lead" caught my interest, and I quickly requested to receive the advanced copy of this book. Upon receiving it, I began reading it and was hoping to really enjoy the book. Unfortunately, I couldn't get interested in the relationship between Traci and Matt. I did, however, enjoy Gwen's story and found myself flipping through the book to find information about Gwen and her uphill battle to become a healthy mom for her son. I thought the book concluded nicely, but I wish the plot line had been more compelling.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Having been a dancer for several years and one still at heart I did enjoy reading this book and loved all of the little descriptions of different dance styles and quotes at the start of each chapter. I did enjoy the characters in this book, they worked so well together and I was disappointed when the book ended. I would read more of Shelly Shepard Gray’s Dance With Me Series and will be following her new books as they come out. I love finding a new author!

I received this book in kindle format from NetGalley.com. The thoughts above and comments on this book are my own and weren’t required in order to receive a copy of the book. #TakeTheLead. #NetGalley

Description as found on Netgalley.com:
The new novel in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's The Dance With Me Series
Growing up in foster care, Officer Traci Lucky had a rough start to life, but things are looking up now that she’s found a place in Bridgeport with two sisters she never knew she had. One night while on the job Traci finds Gwen, a pregnant teen caught up in a dangerous world of drugs, and takes her straight to the hospital. There Traci encounters the oh-so-charming Dr. Matt Rossi, who surprises Traci with his compassion—and his movie-star good looks.
A busy ob-gyn with a huge, meddling Italian family, Matt Rossi hasn’t had much time for love in his life. All that changes when he meets the beautiful Officer Lucky. He’s intrigued by her strength and the kind heart she tries to hide beneath her tough exterior.
When Matt confides that he needs to learn to waltz for his brother’s wedding, Traci reveals that her sister happens to be a ballroom dance teacher. Next thing they know, Matt and Traci are juggling busy careers, helping young Gwen with her pregnancy and personal safety, and learning to waltz together. But when Gwen’s escalating problems threaten to put all of them in danger, they wonder if they’ll ever find time for a little romance too.
Shelley Shepard Gray takes us back to Bridgeport, Ohio, a town where family comes in all different shapes and sizes, love has no limits, and community means everyone deserves a little help when they’re lost.

Traci is a police officer, and she finds a pregnant teen in a drug house, and rushes her to the hospital. There she meets hunky doctor Matt, and the sparks fly. Overall a good story, and the side story of Gwen and her baby and the other "sisters" add a nice touch. Quick read, and one I highly recommend. Good story.

I loved this story about Traci and Matt. There wasn't one thing I would have changed. I usually read Shellys Amish books but this was a wonderful departure for me.