When professional ballerina Lillian has a one night stand with a beautiful stranger in Portland, she does so only because she’s certain she’ll never see her again. But when it turns out that Izzy will be competing in the same dance competition show, their growing connection may get in the way of the win they both desperately need.
I really loved Karelia Stetz-Waters’ previous book Behind the Scenes, so even though I haven’t been interested in reality show romances in the past I was excited to pick this one up. Stetz-Waters coauthored this book with her wife Fay, but their narrative voice is so unified it works well.
As with Behind the Scenes, the chemistry really sparkles between Lillian and Izzy, and I always enjoyed reading both their banter and their more quiet, intimate moments alike. Though they are both very different they are very likable, and they fit together perfectly. Additionally, both Lillian’s and Izzy’s separate character arcs are compelling, and I especially enjoyed the exploration of Lillian’s relationship with her art.
I did think the reality show aspect did fall to the side surprisingly – the dance troupes do compete in several challenges, but the show did feel more like a framing device in the end than something the lead characters were really engaging with. Similarly, I felt like the art of Izzy and her troupe’s burlesque was underdeveloped compared to the ballet scenes.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
