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npetit01's review against another edition
3.0
The good:
- Fake relationship trope
- Smart and ambitious young black main characters
- Thoughtful discussions about chronic illness and grief
The not so good:
- The characters were really, really in their heads so the internal vs external dialog ratio was off
- Pacing could have been better; story seemed to slog a bit in middle
- Fake relationship trope
- Smart and ambitious young black main characters
- Thoughtful discussions about chronic illness and grief
The not so good:
- The characters were really, really in their heads so the internal vs external dialog ratio was off
- Pacing could have been better; story seemed to slog a bit in middle
mamas_gotta_read's review
4.0
This story was a pleasant surprise! While it was your typical fake relationship that turns real, that was real such a minor plot point compared to the heart of the story.
The MC is a 21 year old dancer who’s been diagnosed with Lupus and arthritis. She struggles the entire book with the changes to her life the illness brings about, and it’s a really poignant narrative on living with chronic health issues. I absolutely ADORED Cami’s story, and as a dancer I can’t imagine the denial and shock Cami dealt with in knowing her whole livelihood may have to change or be given up.
The other MC, Marsh, is a frat bro, struggling with the guilt and aftermath of a being involved in a fatal accident. Throughout the story, Marsh learns to absolve his own guilt and to move on with his life.
This book presented a really unique and sweet story! Both MCs go through incredible growth as the trajectories of their lives are changed and as they fall in love with one another. As I said before, the book was a total surprise to me and I loved it!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
The MC is a 21 year old dancer who’s been diagnosed with Lupus and arthritis. She struggles the entire book with the changes to her life the illness brings about, and it’s a really poignant narrative on living with chronic health issues. I absolutely ADORED Cami’s story, and as a dancer I can’t imagine the denial and shock Cami dealt with in knowing her whole livelihood may have to change or be given up.
The other MC, Marsh, is a frat bro, struggling with the guilt and aftermath of a being involved in a fatal accident. Throughout the story, Marsh learns to absolve his own guilt and to move on with his life.
This book presented a really unique and sweet story! Both MCs go through incredible growth as the trajectories of their lives are changed and as they fall in love with one another. As I said before, the book was a total surprise to me and I loved it!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
teesbookjourney's review
5.0
This book hit the spot it was a short, drama-filled college romance. This reminded me of Elle Kennedy minus the sports themes and adding in Black Culture
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
karinasbookishbrain's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tashaf's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it left me feeling underwhelmed. I liked the characters and the premise, though the execution could have been better. The writing was not great and a lot of editing is needed. One particular sex scene went on for so long I got bored and nearly nodded off twice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
shannanh's review against another edition
4.0
This was an adorable, new adult romance between two college students who would have normally otherwise never met. Carrie has always wanted to dance. But recently being diagnosed with a condition that can alter her life, Carrie is determined to ignore it so that she can compete in the yearly dance competition that could change her future. Marsh needs 4 credits to graduate and then move on to law school, and the only class that is available is dance, and it just so happens to be the same class Carrie is apart of. They both have secrets they are hiding, so they decide to fake date until the end of the school year so that they can ace the dance class and competition.
This was a new author to me, and I have to say I really enjoyed this story. From the characters, and how they grew and were developed, to the story line itself and how some taboo topics were approached were done with such a great job, I plan to read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
This was a new author to me, and I have to say I really enjoyed this story. From the characters, and how they grew and were developed, to the story line itself and how some taboo topics were approached were done with such a great job, I plan to read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
thegirlsifiso's review
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
infectiousreading's review against another edition
4.0
Cami and Marsh are an unforgettable couple in It Started With A Dance; they exude romance, seduction, and authenticity.
Having an understanding relationship with the characters is one of my favorite aspects of romance, and Cami and Marsh's relationship, even before they have this "pact," radiates from the page. While the novel is both emotional and lighthearted, it imparts depth to the romance that exists between the two characters; they are able to discern what is their own turmoil and what isn't. This made for a powerful connection between them not only as a couple but also as individuals.
There is something so wonderful about the dual pov between the pair. I truly enjoyed it. Marsh is one of my favorite man-candy characters so far, and I cannot get enough of his charm. I like the way he is, the way he talks, everything works for me, Cami knew what she was doing. I also appreciated the representation of Blackness in the form of family, food, language, and style. It was so illuminating to read Cami's braids flowing down her back.
The 'fake dating' trope is generally not my cup of tea, but Tinia's novel made it less about the 'fake dating' and more about how it was “okay” for them to catch feelings. They may not have intended to fall in love, but it is okay that they did. I often forgot it was 'fake' for a period of time while reading because they vibed so well.
I found the sex scenes to be both naughty and scrumptious. It was wonderful to listen to the dirty talk; Marsh, I am grateful to you on behalf of all men out there. I particularly enjoyed the finger-play scenes, which are not common. Usually, foreplay is missing from romance novels (I feel), and it is so fun, so I appreciate that this novel contains about three instances of it
Having an understanding relationship with the characters is one of my favorite aspects of romance, and Cami and Marsh's relationship, even before they have this "pact," radiates from the page. While the novel is both emotional and lighthearted, it imparts depth to the romance that exists between the two characters; they are able to discern what is their own turmoil and what isn't. This made for a powerful connection between them not only as a couple but also as individuals.
There is something so wonderful about the dual pov between the pair. I truly enjoyed it. Marsh is one of my favorite man-candy characters so far, and I cannot get enough of his charm. I like the way he is, the way he talks, everything works for me, Cami knew what she was doing. I also appreciated the representation of Blackness in the form of family, food, language, and style. It was so illuminating to read Cami's braids flowing down her back.
The 'fake dating' trope is generally not my cup of tea, but Tinia's novel made it less about the 'fake dating' and more about how it was “okay” for them to catch feelings. They may not have intended to fall in love, but it is okay that they did. I often forgot it was 'fake' for a period of time while reading because they vibed so well.
I found the sex scenes to be both naughty and scrumptious. It was wonderful to listen to the dirty talk; Marsh, I am grateful to you on behalf of all men out there. I particularly enjoyed the finger-play scenes, which are not common. Usually, foreplay is missing from romance novels (I feel), and it is so fun, so I appreciate that this novel contains about three instances of it
teesbookjourney's review against another edition
5.0
This book hit the spot it was a short, drama-filled college romance. This reminded me of Elle Kennedy minus the sports themes and adding in Black Culture
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
beyreads's review against another edition
1.0
Fake dating is a trope I thoroughly enjoy… most of the time. Unfortunately for me, this book does not deliver that enjoyment to me. I know fake dating is built on lies, but the main characters cannot even lie to save their lives. I’m just amazed how they actually buy their meet cute story when just one moment ago Cami said that she met Marsh for the first time. Plus point for the chronic illness and PTSD rep, but still the characters feel one-dimensional and annoying I cannot even name one character I like. Also, reading this feels like reading a YA book with a dash of smut scene, which is kinda off-putting even for me.
ARC provided by netgalley for voluntary review.
ARC provided by netgalley for voluntary review.