Reviews

Just One Dance by Jenny Frame

annikaho's review

3.0

It wasn't my first novel by Jenny Frame, however this one fell short if of others I've read before. I didn't connect to the characters as much, compared to the storyline and the idea of the novel. To me the characters romance didn't feel deep and as connected as I would've liket, However I loved the storyline with the queer Regency Balls and al.l. As someone who loves history and is a hopless romantic, I appreciated the idea, of a queer safe place recreating the past.


I received an ARC by Bold Strokes Book through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

alinetrochu's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kays_reading_journal's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Rep: I believe both the MC’s are white and lesbians (although I don’t think the term lesbian was every used). The LI seems to be demisexual, but again, it’s not explicitly mentioned. 

Just One Dance is a medium-paced romance with a touch of historical aspects. This novel is dual pov and switched between third person limited with the MC and the LI. Taylor is 25 and Bailey is 44. 

While the idea for the story felt really promising, I just don’t think it was executed well. While it definitely is grumpy x sunshine, I found the grumpy character quite unlikable. When it came to the regency plot, I really wanted it to feel historical but besides a few pet names, it just didn’t fulfill that. I’d say it was closer to an academic cottagecore. 

I really wish the age gap had been mentioned in the synopsis, because I never would’ve picked this book up if it had. Even without discussing the morality of it, I just have no want to read the pov of a mid forty year old, especially in romance. 

The writing style also took me out of the book. The dialogue was incredibly unnatural and should have just been the characters thoughts. The narrating would also switch between the two MC’s in a really confusing way (like mid paragraph). 

Lastly, I was really looking forward to the whole dating club thing cuz I’m a sucker for ballgowns, but it turned out to be something super expensive and the main character was incredibly privileged. The fact that the whole idea was unrealistic was just annoying. I get that it’s fiction, but it really took me out of the story because it’s something I’d never be able to enjoy. 

If you’re looking for an age gap romance, then you may enjoy this. Otherwise, I don’t really think I’d recommend it. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.