Scan barcode
aliteraryescape's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Misogyny
katrinaburch's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
At first I wasn't sure because things seemed to take a while to get to but holy hell... Such a good book! The only reason it doesn't have five stars is for a couple of reasons. First, not quite enough dance content. Second, the narrator couldn't pronounce some words correctly and it drove me nuts! Third, the narration was too slow for my tastes so I had to listen to this at 1.4x speed. But the pronunciation thing was the biggest problem.
Overall a great book, Chloe's writing style is great and the spicy scenes? 10/10! Some of the best I've read and I'm now reading all my spice romance on audio ππ πππ
Overall a great book, Chloe's writing style is great and the spicy scenes? 10/10! Some of the best I've read and I'm now reading all my spice romance on audio ππ πππ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Grief
meganelise's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Emotional abuse
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
What a lovely story of two ballet dancers who need to heal and end up finding joy and comfort in each other's arms. It was wonderful to see Heather relearn herself after leaving an abusive relationship and rediscover her strength. Marcus had a similar character arc where he is overcoming a traumatic injury while struggling with grief from his dad's death, and finds solace in Heather. They felt real and flawed, but they're kind and patient with each other and give each other heartfelt apologies when they mess up.
The side characters were three-dimensional and well-developed, especially Marcus's family, Alice, and Carly. I love seeing depictions of strong female friendship in romance and that's exactly what I got with Heather and Carly in this. I also really loved the part whereHeather teams up with Carly and Melissa to take down Jack, and Heather realises how Melissa is caught in the same abusive cycle she was. I adore it when the 'other woman' character is humanised.
The descriptions of ballet and Sydney were so beautiful and evocative; you could really feel the author's love of both shine through. The ballet world was explored in depth and with nuance, without ever feeling as though that aspect took over the story. It was so enjoyable to read such an unusual setting for a romance, and to read a sports romance that wasn't focused on hockey or ball sports.
The side characters were three-dimensional and well-developed, especially Marcus's family, Alice, and Carly. I love seeing depictions of strong female friendship in romance and that's exactly what I got with Heather and Carly in this. I also really loved the part where
The descriptions of ballet and Sydney were so beautiful and evocative; you could really feel the author's love of both shine through. The ballet world was explored in depth and with nuance, without ever feeling as though that aspect took over the story. It was so enjoyable to read such an unusual setting for a romance, and to read a sports romance that wasn't focused on hockey or ball sports.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Death of parent, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Violence, and Sexual harassment
katfrenn_reads's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really loved this novel. I appreciate that Chloe Angyal didn't shy away from tackling such a difficult relationship dynamic. She did so with care and I think that seeing Heather healing from her previous relationship made me feel so seen.
Id recommend checking content warnings and considering the authors note before reading.
Id recommend checking content warnings and considering the authors note before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Grief, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
fiwwa's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heather's life crashed down just after she was promoted to became the principal dancer in new york because her shitty and misogynistic fiancΓ© cheated on her. the unfair part? he's not the one who got kicked out of nyb, heather is. the good part? once she finally got a new position in australia, she met marcus... by accident in the men locker room, not very cute. but he is. he is the dreamy guy type. and then the worst part came, pas de don't, the company rule where dancers are not allowed to date each other. but well, some rules aren't meant to be followed, right?
what a unique story! ballet romance is new to me and i'm amazed at how the author takes us into the world of real world of ballet with all its unflattering side especially inequities in treating women. the ending of the book is just what i needed, it's perfect and heather is a certified queen both in ballet and in general. the characters interact so naturally with one another and very supportive, i'm talking about you, carly!! she's the best friend everyone wants and her support for heather is what we all need in life.
loving the forbidden romance trope but it's unfortunate that this is written in third person pov, i would love to know what's on heather and marcus' minds! especially during the camping with koala bear scene and all the sneaky scenes.
thank you netgalley for the arc, all opinions are my own β‘
what a unique story! ballet romance is new to me and i'm amazed at how the author takes us into the world of real world of ballet with all its unflattering side especially inequities in treating women. the ending of the book is just what i needed, it's perfect and heather is a certified queen both in ballet and in general. the characters interact so naturally with one another and very supportive, i'm talking about you, carly!! she's the best friend everyone wants and her support for heather is what we all need in life.
loving the forbidden romance trope but it's unfortunate that this is written in third person pov, i would love to know what's on heather and marcus' minds! especially during the camping with koala bear scene and all the sneaky scenes.
thank you netgalley for the arc, all opinions are my own β‘
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent
More...