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Club Devant #1
Lead and Follow
The best partners share everything...
Lizzie Maynes's torn ACL threatens more than her career as an international Latin ballroom champion. During her lengthy recovery, her longtime professional partner, Dima Turgenev, has been dancing at the Chelsea District's most notorious burlesque, Club Devant. More than just dancing, he’s been experimenting with shocking new moves that make her want to pull him off stage and get back on tour as soon as possible--the better to keep their successful friendship safe.
Dima knows all about safety, and the lack thereof, because he blames himself for Lizzie’s injury. Far from the pressures of competition, Club Devant is the perfect creative venue to rebuild his rattled confidence. He’d love for Lizzie to join him and revel in the club's intoxicating freedoms. By exploring the new sensual energy simmering between them, they could become more than friends.
Paul Reeves, a recently divorced Texan starting over in the Big Apple, is all for joining the dancers as they blaze through sexual boundaries. But he also knows their sizzling trio won’t last. Lizzie and Dima belong together. Before the last sparks fade, he plans to transform two stubborn friends into lasting lovers--one raunchy lesson at a time.
Lizzie Maynes's torn ACL threatens more than her career as an international Latin ballroom champion. During her lengthy recovery, her longtime professional partner, Dima Turgenev, has been dancing at the Chelsea District's most notorious burlesque, Club Devant. More than just dancing, he’s been experimenting with shocking new moves that make her want to pull him off stage and get back on tour as soon as possible--the better to keep their successful friendship safe.
Dima knows all about safety, and the lack thereof, because he blames himself for Lizzie’s injury. Far from the pressures of competition, Club Devant is the perfect creative venue to rebuild his rattled confidence. He’d love for Lizzie to join him and revel in the club's intoxicating freedoms. By exploring the new sensual energy simmering between them, they could become more than friends.
Paul Reeves, a recently divorced Texan starting over in the Big Apple, is all for joining the dancers as they blaze through sexual boundaries. But he also knows their sizzling trio won’t last. Lizzie and Dima belong together. Before the last sparks fade, he plans to transform two stubborn friends into lasting lovers--one raunchy lesson at a time.
262 pages, ebook
First published January 8, 2013
5 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Katie Porter
30 books208 followersKatie Porter was the award-winning writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown, who began as friends and critique partners in 2007. They established a shared pseudonym to explore their mutual interest contemporary romance and eroticism. Before Lorelie's passing in 2023, they published twelve novels and two short stories. From fighter pilots to ballroom dancers, all of their characters enjoy very sexy, very happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 16, 2018
I've had this on my Kindle for at least a couple of years. So when I was looking for something short and light I said to myself "why not?". Well, it didn't turn all that well for me. Two words describe this best - artificial drama. If the two idiots of MCs had once opened their mouths to talk instead of suck/lick each other and/or the third partner in their bizarre courtship things would have ended in like 3 chapters. But no, they had to bottle things up and then be angry that the other partner wasn't reacting the way they wanted. *shrugs* At least I got another entry for my clean-up challenge.
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/01/07/...
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Jan 8th
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Lizzie Maynes’s torn ACL threatens more than her career as an international Latin ballroom champion. During her lengthy recovery, her longtime professional partner, Dima Turgenev, has been dancing at the Chelsea District’s most notorious burlesque, Club Devant. More than just dancing, he’s been experimenting with shocking new moves that make her want to pull him off stage and get back on tour as soon as possible—the better to keep their successful friendship safe.
Dima knows all about safety, and the lack thereof, because he blames himself for Lizzie’s injury. Far from the pressures of competition, Club Devant is the perfect creative venue to rebuild his rattled confidence. He’d love for Lizzie to join him and revel in the club’s intoxicating freedoms. By exploring the new sensual energy simmering between them, they could become more than friends.
Paul Reeves, a recently divorced Texan starting over in the Big Apple, is all for joining the dancers as they blaze through sexual boundaries. But he also knows their sizzling trio won’t last. Lizzie and Dima belong together. Before the last sparks fade, he plans to transform two stubborn friends into lasting lovers—one raunchy lesson at a time.
Warning: Burlesque meets ballroom in this f***ing sexy book when a smoldering Russian dance god and a blonde firecracker with hips possessed by the devil share a sunny, filthy-minded Texan—for just a dance or two.
This blurb came from the authors’ website.
I have enjoyed Porter’s books since their debut about extremely hot fighter pilots and the men and women who love them, so I was excited to see that Porter has started a new series revolving around a burlesque club. I enjoy watching ballroom dancing so I was very curious about the combination of ballroom dancing and burlesque along with what seems to be a Porter trademark of intense sexual scenes. While Porter provided all of that in Lead and Follow, it just did not work as well for me as I had hoped.
Lizzie and Dima have been together as dance partners for years, competing in Latin-style ballroom dancing. Their relationship was so close that even when they were no longer forced to live together due to finances, they remained roommates. They shared everything except for a sexual relationship, appearing to sublimate that between their dancing and outside sexual partners yet that precarious balance was under noticeable strain for at least the six months since Lizzie’s injury. That strain became immediately evident through both Lizzie and Dima’s thoughts during the initial scenes. Both individuals were emotionally hurting, so in an attempt to demonstrate their lack of caring they ended up deliberately inflicting emotional pain on the other. I think one of my issues with this story was the fact that as close as Dima and Lizzie had been, both were remarkably blind about certain aspects.
Lizzie struck me as rather immature. She appeared unable to actually have a conversation with Dima that did not include hurting him unless they were dancing together. Granted, she wasn’t usually trying to hurt him but her lack of self-confidence in anything other than dance made her word choice and phrasing very aggressive. I did not like how she treated Paul, even if it was with his consent. I thought she viewed him as a tool and not an individual with feelings. I did end up liking how Lizzie grew up towards the end and made a bold statement to Dima about her wishes for their future.
Dima really was the strong too silent type. He was haunted by the specter of his parents and their inability to deal with disappointment so he refuses to speak up about his dreams. I liked how he didn’t desert Lizzie after her injury even though I thought he really needed to improve his verbal communication skills. He thinks that if he plans and leads, Lizzie will follow just like she does on the dance floor and it will all come out the way he wants it. However, Lizzie isn’t exactly following and some of her comments/actions towards Dima made him rethink his plans. Dima seemed to understand that most of Lizzie’s words and action were generated by her fear but he was also dealing with his own combination of guilt and fear about their future.
Paul. I think Paul was the reason this book didn’t work for me. For some reason I had the feeling that while he provided advice and a way to bridge the gap, he was being used. Neither Lizzie nor Dima seemed to really care about him as a person – Paul was just a means to feel better for the moment by taking the focus off of the underlying issue between Lizzie and Dima. I couldn’t shake the impression that Dima and Lizzie were cheating on each other with Paul even when they were all together at the same time. Intellectually I understood that Paul was in it for fun and a chance to try to recover from his painful divorce but I still wanted him to have a HEA or at least a HFN.
Overall I enjoyed the dancing aspect and how it can be formal and sensual at the same time. Both Lizzie and Dima had to grow emotionally but I thought that if the two of them had bothered talking to each other about more than dance moves their problem would have been solved. They did not need Paul but I did wonder that since Dima is bisexual will he be satisfied with only Lizzie or will they continue to find an occasional third? Like I said initially, Lead and Follow just did not work as well for me as I had wanted. I like the idea of the burlesque club and I look forward to finding out what happens next with the club employees and the club owner…but this installment isn’t my favorite.
I give Lead and Follow a B-
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Jan 8th
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Lizzie Maynes’s torn ACL threatens more than her career as an international Latin ballroom champion. During her lengthy recovery, her longtime professional partner, Dima Turgenev, has been dancing at the Chelsea District’s most notorious burlesque, Club Devant. More than just dancing, he’s been experimenting with shocking new moves that make her want to pull him off stage and get back on tour as soon as possible—the better to keep their successful friendship safe.
Dima knows all about safety, and the lack thereof, because he blames himself for Lizzie’s injury. Far from the pressures of competition, Club Devant is the perfect creative venue to rebuild his rattled confidence. He’d love for Lizzie to join him and revel in the club’s intoxicating freedoms. By exploring the new sensual energy simmering between them, they could become more than friends.
Paul Reeves, a recently divorced Texan starting over in the Big Apple, is all for joining the dancers as they blaze through sexual boundaries. But he also knows their sizzling trio won’t last. Lizzie and Dima belong together. Before the last sparks fade, he plans to transform two stubborn friends into lasting lovers—one raunchy lesson at a time.
Warning: Burlesque meets ballroom in this f***ing sexy book when a smoldering Russian dance god and a blonde firecracker with hips possessed by the devil share a sunny, filthy-minded Texan—for just a dance or two.
This blurb came from the authors’ website.
I have enjoyed Porter’s books since their debut about extremely hot fighter pilots and the men and women who love them, so I was excited to see that Porter has started a new series revolving around a burlesque club. I enjoy watching ballroom dancing so I was very curious about the combination of ballroom dancing and burlesque along with what seems to be a Porter trademark of intense sexual scenes. While Porter provided all of that in Lead and Follow, it just did not work as well for me as I had hoped.
Lizzie and Dima have been together as dance partners for years, competing in Latin-style ballroom dancing. Their relationship was so close that even when they were no longer forced to live together due to finances, they remained roommates. They shared everything except for a sexual relationship, appearing to sublimate that between their dancing and outside sexual partners yet that precarious balance was under noticeable strain for at least the six months since Lizzie’s injury. That strain became immediately evident through both Lizzie and Dima’s thoughts during the initial scenes. Both individuals were emotionally hurting, so in an attempt to demonstrate their lack of caring they ended up deliberately inflicting emotional pain on the other. I think one of my issues with this story was the fact that as close as Dima and Lizzie had been, both were remarkably blind about certain aspects.
Lizzie struck me as rather immature. She appeared unable to actually have a conversation with Dima that did not include hurting him unless they were dancing together. Granted, she wasn’t usually trying to hurt him but her lack of self-confidence in anything other than dance made her word choice and phrasing very aggressive. I did not like how she treated Paul, even if it was with his consent. I thought she viewed him as a tool and not an individual with feelings. I did end up liking how Lizzie grew up towards the end and made a bold statement to Dima about her wishes for their future.
Dima really was the strong too silent type. He was haunted by the specter of his parents and their inability to deal with disappointment so he refuses to speak up about his dreams. I liked how he didn’t desert Lizzie after her injury even though I thought he really needed to improve his verbal communication skills. He thinks that if he plans and leads, Lizzie will follow just like she does on the dance floor and it will all come out the way he wants it. However, Lizzie isn’t exactly following and some of her comments/actions towards Dima made him rethink his plans. Dima seemed to understand that most of Lizzie’s words and action were generated by her fear but he was also dealing with his own combination of guilt and fear about their future.
Paul. I think Paul was the reason this book didn’t work for me. For some reason I had the feeling that while he provided advice and a way to bridge the gap, he was being used. Neither Lizzie nor Dima seemed to really care about him as a person – Paul was just a means to feel better for the moment by taking the focus off of the underlying issue between Lizzie and Dima. I couldn’t shake the impression that Dima and Lizzie were cheating on each other with Paul even when they were all together at the same time. Intellectually I understood that Paul was in it for fun and a chance to try to recover from his painful divorce but I still wanted him to have a HEA or at least a HFN.
Overall I enjoyed the dancing aspect and how it can be formal and sensual at the same time. Both Lizzie and Dima had to grow emotionally but I thought that if the two of them had bothered talking to each other about more than dance moves their problem would have been solved. They did not need Paul but I did wonder that since Dima is bisexual will he be satisfied with only Lizzie or will they continue to find an occasional third? Like I said initially, Lead and Follow just did not work as well for me as I had wanted. I like the idea of the burlesque club and I look forward to finding out what happens next with the club employees and the club owner…but this installment isn’t my favorite.
I give Lead and Follow a B-
January 15, 2013
Wow, that was the first word that came to mind when I finished Lead And Follow (Club Devant, Book 1) by Katie Porter. First off, I have to say to the writers who are Kate Porter, Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown, thank you for getting together and writing. I have read each and every book and the Vegas Top Guns books were some of my favorites of 2012 and this one is destined to be a favorite of 2013. Last year I became involved with ballroom dancing and since that time I've attended many competitions and spent time around a lot of dancers both professionals and their students. The absolute authenticity of the dance scenes and the relationships between partners was amazing. The descriptions of the dancing were so spot on; I could imagine myself in the role. Never and I mean never have I felt so caught up completely in a book. For this, I must commend you both on a job well done.
This book blew me away, not only for the reasons mentioned above but because of the extremely emotional plot. There is no doubt that Lizzie and Dima have a special relationship, they basically grew up together competing and while they share one intimate moment years ago, they've remained in the "friends" zone for the past decade. They live together as it's convenient or so they tell themselves. I can't even begin to explain the mine field these two walk through to get safely to the other side. I'm blown away by their thoughts and feelings for each other.
Some might think it's strange that Lizzie and Dima always seen and dated other people and weren't really a couple, but being around dancers I can honestly say that happens a lot. I'm amazed at how many pro dancers out there who are involved with other pro dancers but they don't dance together. It's fairly common and to be honest I understand it. When you dance with someone you know so well (like me and my husband), I have a harder time following because I'm able to anticipate what he's going to lead next and therefore I start before I should. I'm not letting him lead. Ahhh...yes, that is a HUGE problem. Now, while I don't actually think that's the problem with these two, it's not unusual. Their problem is communication and it takes Lizzie making a bold move with Club Devant's bartender, Paul, to make Dima understand. When Lizzie flaunts Paul in Dima's face things begin to change rapidly. It was like waving a red flag at a charging bull and we find out just how masterful Dima can be. The scenes with the three of them were so incredibly hot and the fact that Paul realized he was what these two needed to go from friends and dance partners to lovers was one of the most selfless acts. That's not to say he didn't enjoy every minute of it, but he knew their time together was short term. Paul was an amazing friend to both Lizzie and Dima and I sure hope we see more of him in the future.
The scene has been set for this series and I can't wait to see what the writing duo of Katie Porter has in store for us next. If Lead And Follow is an example of what we can expect, then I expect this to be one of my favorite series of all time. I loved this book and I can't think the authors enough for bringing this story to life!
This book blew me away, not only for the reasons mentioned above but because of the extremely emotional plot. There is no doubt that Lizzie and Dima have a special relationship, they basically grew up together competing and while they share one intimate moment years ago, they've remained in the "friends" zone for the past decade. They live together as it's convenient or so they tell themselves. I can't even begin to explain the mine field these two walk through to get safely to the other side. I'm blown away by their thoughts and feelings for each other.
Some might think it's strange that Lizzie and Dima always seen and dated other people and weren't really a couple, but being around dancers I can honestly say that happens a lot. I'm amazed at how many pro dancers out there who are involved with other pro dancers but they don't dance together. It's fairly common and to be honest I understand it. When you dance with someone you know so well (like me and my husband), I have a harder time following because I'm able to anticipate what he's going to lead next and therefore I start before I should. I'm not letting him lead. Ahhh...yes, that is a HUGE problem. Now, while I don't actually think that's the problem with these two, it's not unusual. Their problem is communication and it takes Lizzie making a bold move with Club Devant's bartender, Paul, to make Dima understand. When Lizzie flaunts Paul in Dima's face things begin to change rapidly. It was like waving a red flag at a charging bull and we find out just how masterful Dima can be. The scenes with the three of them were so incredibly hot and the fact that Paul realized he was what these two needed to go from friends and dance partners to lovers was one of the most selfless acts. That's not to say he didn't enjoy every minute of it, but he knew their time together was short term. Paul was an amazing friend to both Lizzie and Dima and I sure hope we see more of him in the future.
The scene has been set for this series and I can't wait to see what the writing duo of Katie Porter has in store for us next. If Lead And Follow is an example of what we can expect, then I expect this to be one of my favorite series of all time. I loved this book and I can't think the authors enough for bringing this story to life!
February 8, 2013
Book exchanged for an honest review~
Lizzie Maynes is a professional Latin Dance champion that has been injured knee for the past six months. Lizzie's dance partner Dmitri (Dima) Turgenev has been doing a new type of dance separate from the professional circuit. Lizzie wants something more from Dima but is totally terrified by the prospect. Dima keeps everything close to the vest as far as his emotions and dreams are concerned. Dima dances at Club Devant and Lizzie finally sees him dance without her. Lizzie flirts with the bartender Paul. Little did Paul, Dima, and Lizzie know that their lives are about to change and move in directions not thought possible to any of them. Can Lizzie face not dancing with Dima? Will Dima finally speak his mind? What does Paul bring to Dima and LIzzie's relationship? What does Paul offer? Can either Lizzie or Dima acknowledge the truth? Your answers await you in Lead and Follow.
Every little girl dreams of dancing and I'm proud to say I'm one of those girls. I love watching dancing. Some of my favorite dance movies are Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance, and Step UP. That being said this book was truly about lead and follow at it's core. I can truly relate to problems both Lizzie and Dima face together and separately. I loved the commandin tone that Dima used because I wished it was me that he was commanding. I hope to continue following this series of books. The author did an excellent job of crafting a truly beautiful story. A story that's truly unique and honest in too many ways to count or say aloud. It's time to Lead and Follow.
Lizzie Maynes is a professional Latin Dance champion that has been injured knee for the past six months. Lizzie's dance partner Dmitri (Dima) Turgenev has been doing a new type of dance separate from the professional circuit. Lizzie wants something more from Dima but is totally terrified by the prospect. Dima keeps everything close to the vest as far as his emotions and dreams are concerned. Dima dances at Club Devant and Lizzie finally sees him dance without her. Lizzie flirts with the bartender Paul. Little did Paul, Dima, and Lizzie know that their lives are about to change and move in directions not thought possible to any of them. Can Lizzie face not dancing with Dima? Will Dima finally speak his mind? What does Paul bring to Dima and LIzzie's relationship? What does Paul offer? Can either Lizzie or Dima acknowledge the truth? Your answers await you in Lead and Follow.
Every little girl dreams of dancing and I'm proud to say I'm one of those girls. I love watching dancing. Some of my favorite dance movies are Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance, and Step UP. That being said this book was truly about lead and follow at it's core. I can truly relate to problems both Lizzie and Dima face together and separately. I loved the commandin tone that Dima used because I wished it was me that he was commanding. I hope to continue following this series of books. The author did an excellent job of crafting a truly beautiful story. A story that's truly unique and honest in too many ways to count or say aloud. It's time to Lead and Follow.
April 4, 2013
Dance and erotic romance! Katie Porter combined two of my favorite things in the world and poured them into a fabulous book filled with angst, emotion and hot sex! I don't think I can watch ballroom dance competions or SYTYCD without some dirty flashbacks to this book.
Though the Vegas Top Guns are still my fave Katie Porter series, Club Devant can be marked as a very close second and I can't wait to read the upcoming entries in this series.
Fave Scenes:
- the dances: paso doble at the benefit and the samba at Club Devant
Fave Quotes:
He hardly knew where to start. So much beauty and temptation. Every inch of her deserved his full attention. He’d even crawl inside her brain and start over again, from the inside out. The day he actually figured out what was in that head of hers, he’d retire from dancing and become a guru on women. None could be more complicated than his Lizzie. None could be more perfect.
Her orgasm hit her like slamming into a wall at a dead run. Motion and feeling and momentum suddenly stopped, suspended, as pleasure too hot, too frantic, burst across every nerve. She was pulling out of her own skin. And screaming. Her hoarse, raw-throated bellow filled the tight bedroom. She was completely unmoored, despite two strong men who held her captive, one with his relentless pumping c#ck, the other with his lovely filthy mind.
Though the Vegas Top Guns are still my fave Katie Porter series, Club Devant can be marked as a very close second and I can't wait to read the upcoming entries in this series.
Fave Scenes:
- the dances: paso doble at the benefit and the samba at Club Devant
Fave Quotes:
He hardly knew where to start. So much beauty and temptation. Every inch of her deserved his full attention. He’d even crawl inside her brain and start over again, from the inside out. The day he actually figured out what was in that head of hers, he’d retire from dancing and become a guru on women. None could be more complicated than his Lizzie. None could be more perfect.
Her orgasm hit her like slamming into a wall at a dead run. Motion and feeling and momentum suddenly stopped, suspended, as pleasure too hot, too frantic, burst across every nerve. She was pulling out of her own skin. And screaming. Her hoarse, raw-throated bellow filled the tight bedroom. She was completely unmoored, despite two strong men who held her captive, one with his relentless pumping c#ck, the other with his lovely filthy mind.
January 10, 2013
I was a little surprised though the book definitely had steamy sections some of the writing was flat. As if some of the emotion and spirit was missing until close to the end when it finally revved up. I liked the book but found the Vegas Fly boys/girl to be ever so much more titillating as well as having better story lines.
March 14, 2021
Couldn't connect with any of the characters.
July 19, 2023
Review also posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
This is my first book from the fabulous Katie Porter and it definitely will not be my last. My blog partner has read Katie's books before and I read the synopsis of "Lead and Follow", I knew it was one book I had to read from Katie Porter.
"Lead and Follow" is a erotica with M/M and Menage in it. Erotica is one of my fave genres and having M/M and Menage elements made this book beyond HOT.
Remember me saying the synopsis sold me on reading this book, well reading this book, I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the Club Devant series and so on.
This is the first book I have read that has danced in it and the dancing is ballroom style, but with a lot of sexiness involved.
Here you have the sexy Russian who has the right moves and the sexy blonde bombshell who knows the sexy Russian's moves by heart. In fact, she knows how to make the Russian fall for her.
After her injury, while dancing with her partner, Lizzie has been coping with what happened. She could lose everything she ever worked for including her partner if she does not get her act together.
Dima remembers the day his partner tore her ACL and it has been eating at him since then. He wants his dance partner back, but she has been acting different ever since the injury.
Club Devant where Dima dances at now with his new partner is not what he truly wants. He feels stressed due to what happened to his partner and the club owner knows something is missing in Dima's life.
It takes an outsider to have Lizzie and Dima realize what they are capable of doing together.
Paul, the outsider who is the bartender at Club Devant meets with Lizzie and has some fun with her and he is intrigued with Dima the minute he sees him. Lizzie and Dima are about to make his world different, but he is about to change their world as well.
Katie Porter pulls you into the story of two stubborn friends who put themselves through so much drama and sex. She then makes you run to take several cold showers after all the amazing sex between Paul, Dima, and Lizzie. OMG! Just thinking about those scenes...makes me want to have a cold glass of water to calm down.
Dima and Lizzie have so much chemistry, not only because of their dances together but being there with and for each other since they were young. I fell in love with both of them the minute they were introduced. The best part of this book was you get inside the head of both of them so you feel each of their emotions and what they are going through. Who did I side with more though...Dima. Poor guy...he definitely was feeling crazy over what Lizzie kept putting him through. I just wanted to go through the book and hug him and maybe even steal him from Lizzie. I was rooting for them to get together though. They definitely were meant for each other.
Paul, the sexy cowboy bartender....my thoughts on him...sex in a cowboy hat...enough said on that one.
Remember the saying, save a horse, ride a cowboy....definitely thinking that when I read the scenes with Paul.
Lizzie was one lucky gal in this story. She had both Dima and Paul. She needed that swift kick in the butt at the end though.
Oh...and the ending was the best part of the story. I was literally in tears. I felt like I was on stage with Dima when his dance partner came into the light.
Katie Porter's "Lead and Follow" is an amazing sexy start to the Club Devant novels. The title alone should have you wanting to buy the book because the title has meaning to the story and what happens between the characters.
I give this book 4.5 full moons and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy the erotica genre.
I look forward to what Katie Porter does in the next books and I will be well-prepared ahead of time when I read the next books too...cold water and ice to help me cool down and maybe even a glass of wine or two or three. Oh yes...this is that kind of book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book from the fabulous Katie Porter and it definitely will not be my last. My blog partner has read Katie's books before and I read the synopsis of "Lead and Follow", I knew it was one book I had to read from Katie Porter.
"Lead and Follow" is a erotica with M/M and Menage in it. Erotica is one of my fave genres and having M/M and Menage elements made this book beyond HOT.
Remember me saying the synopsis sold me on reading this book, well reading this book, I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the Club Devant series and so on.
This is the first book I have read that has danced in it and the dancing is ballroom style, but with a lot of sexiness involved.
Here you have the sexy Russian who has the right moves and the sexy blonde bombshell who knows the sexy Russian's moves by heart. In fact, she knows how to make the Russian fall for her.
After her injury, while dancing with her partner, Lizzie has been coping with what happened. She could lose everything she ever worked for including her partner if she does not get her act together.
Dima remembers the day his partner tore her ACL and it has been eating at him since then. He wants his dance partner back, but she has been acting different ever since the injury.
Club Devant where Dima dances at now with his new partner is not what he truly wants. He feels stressed due to what happened to his partner and the club owner knows something is missing in Dima's life.
It takes an outsider to have Lizzie and Dima realize what they are capable of doing together.
Paul, the outsider who is the bartender at Club Devant meets with Lizzie and has some fun with her and he is intrigued with Dima the minute he sees him. Lizzie and Dima are about to make his world different, but he is about to change their world as well.
Katie Porter pulls you into the story of two stubborn friends who put themselves through so much drama and sex. She then makes you run to take several cold showers after all the amazing sex between Paul, Dima, and Lizzie. OMG! Just thinking about those scenes...makes me want to have a cold glass of water to calm down.
Dima and Lizzie have so much chemistry, not only because of their dances together but being there with and for each other since they were young. I fell in love with both of them the minute they were introduced. The best part of this book was you get inside the head of both of them so you feel each of their emotions and what they are going through. Who did I side with more though...Dima. Poor guy...he definitely was feeling crazy over what Lizzie kept putting him through. I just wanted to go through the book and hug him and maybe even steal him from Lizzie. I was rooting for them to get together though. They definitely were meant for each other.
Paul, the sexy cowboy bartender....my thoughts on him...sex in a cowboy hat...enough said on that one.
Remember the saying, save a horse, ride a cowboy....definitely thinking that when I read the scenes with Paul.
Lizzie was one lucky gal in this story. She had both Dima and Paul. She needed that swift kick in the butt at the end though.
Oh...and the ending was the best part of the story. I was literally in tears. I felt like I was on stage with Dima when his dance partner came into the light.
Katie Porter's "Lead and Follow" is an amazing sexy start to the Club Devant novels. The title alone should have you wanting to buy the book because the title has meaning to the story and what happens between the characters.
I give this book 4.5 full moons and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy the erotica genre.
I look forward to what Katie Porter does in the next books and I will be well-prepared ahead of time when I read the next books too...cold water and ice to help me cool down and maybe even a glass of wine or two or three. Oh yes...this is that kind of book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2013
Before I say anything else about Lead and Follow, I just have to take a moment and note that I picked up this book with a really open mind. You see I have never before read anything quite similar to this story. Never. But I just couldn't resist myself and ask this book for review (and here I really need to say a huge thank you to both Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown for providing me with a copy of this book upon my request).
I mean, have you read that premise? As soon as I read it I just had to get this book at all costs. I have a thing both for dancers and Russians. A hot Russian dancer? How could I ever resist that combo? No way! So, I picked this book up and literally devoured it! Oh it's that good and if it's possible, even better!
The writing style and character development is great as one would expect from the duo of authors. I'm not familiar with Lorelie Brown's writing style (but now I desperately want to!) but I'm in love with Carrie Lofty's writing style. I have still not read a story of hers that didn't grab me and in the end of day I didn't enjoy. So, as far as the writing is concerned, Lead and Follow is incredible! The characters are multi-dimensional, have wants and needs and they are flawed as any real person would be. So even though I couldn't really understand them (I'll explain in a bit why) and their needs and wishes I cared for them and I could connect with them. And it's the first time that I can connect with a set of characters I can't fully understand what motivates them.
So, let me explain now why I couldn't really understand the characters. Like I said in the beginning, it's the first time I read something like Lead and Follow. And that is a truly erotica novel. Yeah, that 50 Shades craziness has caught up with me, so sure, I have read some erotica novels, but nothing with menage or M/M romance in it. Lead and Follow is erotica in its very core. It's all about sex and carnal wishes but with a great set of characters and a plot in there. It has lots of hot sex in it, but even if the story is centered around sex, it's not just that. So, the reason I couldn't fully understand Dima and Lizzie was purely personal and simply because I couldn't myself fathom what motivated them. How could they love so much each other and engage in sex with others. I couldn't put myself in Lizzie's shoes and imagine myself being turned on by seeing the man I love having sex with another man. That's why I couldn't relate to the characters, but still, I could connect with them. To make a long story short, the whole story was outside my comfort zone. Am I making any sense?
Anyway, Lead and Follow delivers exactly what the premise indicates and then so much more!!! I couldn't care less if I understood the characters. The scenes were incredibly sexy and I couldn't care less if Dima was playing for both teams. He was one sexy man with an incredibly dirty mind!
But like I said, Lead and Follow, although centered around sex, isn't only about that. It explores relationships and their dynamics, how our fears can hold us back, from everything, and how much better it is to chase what you want even if you're afraid you might lose everything in the process. Because otherwise, you might lose the chance of even trying to.
Lead and Follow is how an erotica novel should be written. Because a good erotic story isn't only about well written sex scenes. It's about making you care for characters outside your comfort zone. And in that area, this story delivered everything I didn't even dare to hope for!
January 14, 2013
This review was posted at Under the Covers
*sigh* You should be able to hear my satisfaction all the way across the screen. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. First, because when an author becomes a favorite of mine I tend to stop reading blurbs and when I saw the name of the series was Club Devant immediately I thought BDSM. Surprise # 1, Club Devant is a burlesque club in New York City. Sexy….dancing. Surprise # 2, the main theme of this book and the hero/heroine revolves around dancing. Love!
Lizzie and Dima have known each other since they were young. Both children of dancers, they were steered in that direction from an early age and they went down that road together. Until they both realized that ballet and any kind of stuffy dancing wasn’t for them. And they became 3-time international Latin ballroom champions. No other couple had better chemistry and moves than Lizzie and Dima. Until he let her fall during a show and she tore her ACL. Now while she’s recovering, Dima decides things will change between them. He’s always wanted her and now he will have her. So he starts dancing at Club Devant and expanding his repertoire of moves. Sexier, edgier. Free. He wants that with Lizzie, not going back on the road.
I love the idea of best friends since childhood, and the fact that they grew up so close together they were integral to the other person. They both have similar backgrounds. They both have similar goals for the future, even though they don’t see that yet. And they are both so attracted to each other it drips off the pages!
Now, lets not put anything down. Each aspect of this story was hot. Lizzie and Dima together were crazy and smokingly amazing. Yes, sparks flying, panting, the whole nine yards. And then there’s Lizzie and Paul… ‘cuz I have a soft spot for a good looking big cowboy. And we can’t leave behind Paul and Dima, just purrrrrrr. Lets just say that in the heat department, this book will leave you looking for the nearest ice bucket. Have I mentioned how sexy it is when Dima’s accent gets heavier when he’s aroused or excited?
But the story was good too. Most of the background between Lizzie and Dima is already there. You are rooting for them from the very beginning. But their connection to Paul was nice as well. I find that it worked well, for the time it was there.
I am definitely looking forward to more burlesque dancing at Club Devant. It’s new, different and refreshing. It pushed all my buttons and then some. I can’t wait to get more!
*ARC provided by publisher
*sigh* You should be able to hear my satisfaction all the way across the screen. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. First, because when an author becomes a favorite of mine I tend to stop reading blurbs and when I saw the name of the series was Club Devant immediately I thought BDSM. Surprise # 1, Club Devant is a burlesque club in New York City. Sexy….dancing. Surprise # 2, the main theme of this book and the hero/heroine revolves around dancing. Love!
Lizzie and Dima have known each other since they were young. Both children of dancers, they were steered in that direction from an early age and they went down that road together. Until they both realized that ballet and any kind of stuffy dancing wasn’t for them. And they became 3-time international Latin ballroom champions. No other couple had better chemistry and moves than Lizzie and Dima. Until he let her fall during a show and she tore her ACL. Now while she’s recovering, Dima decides things will change between them. He’s always wanted her and now he will have her. So he starts dancing at Club Devant and expanding his repertoire of moves. Sexier, edgier. Free. He wants that with Lizzie, not going back on the road.
I love the idea of best friends since childhood, and the fact that they grew up so close together they were integral to the other person. They both have similar backgrounds. They both have similar goals for the future, even though they don’t see that yet. And they are both so attracted to each other it drips off the pages!
Now, lets not put anything down. Each aspect of this story was hot. Lizzie and Dima together were crazy and smokingly amazing. Yes, sparks flying, panting, the whole nine yards. And then there’s Lizzie and Paul… ‘cuz I have a soft spot for a good looking big cowboy. And we can’t leave behind Paul and Dima, just purrrrrrr. Lets just say that in the heat department, this book will leave you looking for the nearest ice bucket. Have I mentioned how sexy it is when Dima’s accent gets heavier when he’s aroused or excited?
But the story was good too. Most of the background between Lizzie and Dima is already there. You are rooting for them from the very beginning. But their connection to Paul was nice as well. I find that it worked well, for the time it was there.
I am definitely looking forward to more burlesque dancing at Club Devant. It’s new, different and refreshing. It pushed all my buttons and then some. I can’t wait to get more!
*ARC provided by publisher
January 5, 2013
This was another case of me getting lucky and having an author send me a hot read. I knew going in that it would be hot as the writing team of Katie Porter never disappoints… They know how to write very strong characters that go after what they want and need.
This is a hot friends to lovers story where you just want two very stubborn people to let down their walls and admit that what they need is standing right in front of them. Dima and Lizzie have been competitive ballroom dance partners for years. They know each other better than anyone else will probably ever be able to but even with all of this intimacy they have never been able to open up to one another about their true feelings. I mean they are friends who live, train, and travel together but neither wants to ruin the friendship they have to find out if they could be more. Lizzie gets hurt and is unable to compete which leaves Dima at loose ends. He decides to try out working/dancing at a local club to keep himself in the game. He learns that while he enjoyed ballroom this new style of dancing and performing fulfills something deep inside him. He gets the rush of performing but also gets to express his creativity outside of the rigid rules ballroom entails.
Lizzie is very shocked to see her partner wasting his talents on this new style of perfuming and isn't shy about telling him that she doesn't feel it is the right thing. She reacts strongly but it is more driven by fear of losing him to this new life than being truly offended about the dance. She wants him for more than a friend but is so frightened of losing her other half she can't take the risk. She tries to push him by making moves on the bartender but Dima knows it is fear talking and not what she really wants. Even while with the bartender he knows she is thinking of him and imagining him there. I loved how he pushed her almost to the breaking point but was willing to take that risk to have the woman who holds his heart and soul. The scenes with Paul were incredibly hot but at the core of this story is a wonderful friendship that morphs in to the thing everyone I think wants…. A partner in everything….
Again.. thanks to Katie Porter for giving me the chance to read this with no expectation of a review let alone a glowing one… Ya'll can send me anything… (Hint Hint)
This is a hot friends to lovers story where you just want two very stubborn people to let down their walls and admit that what they need is standing right in front of them. Dima and Lizzie have been competitive ballroom dance partners for years. They know each other better than anyone else will probably ever be able to but even with all of this intimacy they have never been able to open up to one another about their true feelings. I mean they are friends who live, train, and travel together but neither wants to ruin the friendship they have to find out if they could be more. Lizzie gets hurt and is unable to compete which leaves Dima at loose ends. He decides to try out working/dancing at a local club to keep himself in the game. He learns that while he enjoyed ballroom this new style of dancing and performing fulfills something deep inside him. He gets the rush of performing but also gets to express his creativity outside of the rigid rules ballroom entails.
Lizzie is very shocked to see her partner wasting his talents on this new style of perfuming and isn't shy about telling him that she doesn't feel it is the right thing. She reacts strongly but it is more driven by fear of losing him to this new life than being truly offended about the dance. She wants him for more than a friend but is so frightened of losing her other half she can't take the risk. She tries to push him by making moves on the bartender but Dima knows it is fear talking and not what she really wants. Even while with the bartender he knows she is thinking of him and imagining him there. I loved how he pushed her almost to the breaking point but was willing to take that risk to have the woman who holds his heart and soul. The scenes with Paul were incredibly hot but at the core of this story is a wonderful friendship that morphs in to the thing everyone I think wants…. A partner in everything….
Again.. thanks to Katie Porter for giving me the chance to read this with no expectation of a review let alone a glowing one… Ya'll can send me anything… (Hint Hint)
January 8, 2013
Ava's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
This is first book in a new series, Club Devant, by the writing team know as Katie Porter. This is my first title by the author and I loved it!
I was somewhat expecting a Dancing with The Stars type setting. All I got to say is this way better! It’s got the sizzling partnership of two competitive dancers with the kind of chemistry championships are made of. There’s even a fun lovin’ Texas cowboy to spice up the connection, and then the fireworks ensue.
Lots of passion, and more exciting dancing than I would have thought possible in a book. You could feel the performances and emotion during the dance sequences.
I loved the references to Latin music and dance. The fact that Latin dance performers have more hips and curves than many other dancers. One of the sexier ones mentioned is the Bachata, and if you haven’t heard any Bachata tunes, I suggest you give them a shot. Super sensual and lots of tropical flare: Romeo Santos of Aventura isn’t too hard on the eyes either!
I was somewhat expecting Dima to be effeminate knowing he’s bisexual and also a dancer going into this, but I never got that feeling while reading. He’s a dominant force with lots of ‘control’ in his movements and emotions. It was so sexy to finally see the top of his level head blow off... :)
Overall a great start to a steamy new series. Very impressed with this new to me duo - Katie Porter. I’m heading over to buy their other series called Vegas Top Guns, right now! If you’re a fan of believeable menages (MMF) and sweaty sexy dancing both on and off the dance floor, this is perfect for you!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
This is first book in a new series, Club Devant, by the writing team know as Katie Porter. This is my first title by the author and I loved it!
I was somewhat expecting a Dancing with The Stars type setting. All I got to say is this way better! It’s got the sizzling partnership of two competitive dancers with the kind of chemistry championships are made of. There’s even a fun lovin’ Texas cowboy to spice up the connection, and then the fireworks ensue.
Lots of passion, and more exciting dancing than I would have thought possible in a book. You could feel the performances and emotion during the dance sequences.
I loved the references to Latin music and dance. The fact that Latin dance performers have more hips and curves than many other dancers. One of the sexier ones mentioned is the Bachata, and if you haven’t heard any Bachata tunes, I suggest you give them a shot. Super sensual and lots of tropical flare: Romeo Santos of Aventura isn’t too hard on the eyes either!
I was somewhat expecting Dima to be effeminate knowing he’s bisexual and also a dancer going into this, but I never got that feeling while reading. He’s a dominant force with lots of ‘control’ in his movements and emotions. It was so sexy to finally see the top of his level head blow off... :)
Overall a great start to a steamy new series. Very impressed with this new to me duo - Katie Porter. I’m heading over to buy their other series called Vegas Top Guns, right now! If you’re a fan of believeable menages (MMF) and sweaty sexy dancing both on and off the dance floor, this is perfect for you!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 24, 2013
For me Lead and Follow just didn’t provide enough storyline. . I didn’t feel like I was able to know either Dima or Lizzie as characters, I wasn’t vested in their story, but I knew the authors would give the reader the expected HEA.
The book had a very small cast of characters (6, and 3 of those were mostly name only references) I felt no intimate connection or chemistry between Dima and Lizzie, They had a long term dance partnership going back to their teens, now as adults they both seemed to want more from their relationship, but didn’t know exactly what they wanted from each other or how to get it. Adding to this, Dima and Lizzie both had different views on what their dance future should be, and there was little communication between them on this topic.
The bright spot in the book for me was Paul, he was a warm, caring character, who gave of himself to both Dima and Lizzie. I felt more chemistry between Paul and Lizzie, then I did between Dima and Lizzie, and would have been happy if they had stayed together as a threesome, but alas that was not the HEA the authors had in mind.
The sex scenes in the book played a supporting part in the limited plot, but I found myself saying “enough” let’s have some character development, growth, dance scenes, plot.
I was actually bored by the overall book. For me this was a 2.75 star read.
The book had a very small cast of characters (6, and 3 of those were mostly name only references) I felt no intimate connection or chemistry between Dima and Lizzie, They had a long term dance partnership going back to their teens, now as adults they both seemed to want more from their relationship, but didn’t know exactly what they wanted from each other or how to get it. Adding to this, Dima and Lizzie both had different views on what their dance future should be, and there was little communication between them on this topic.
The bright spot in the book for me was Paul, he was a warm, caring character, who gave of himself to both Dima and Lizzie. I felt more chemistry between Paul and Lizzie, then I did between Dima and Lizzie, and would have been happy if they had stayed together as a threesome, but alas that was not the HEA the authors had in mind.
The sex scenes in the book played a supporting part in the limited plot, but I found myself saying “enough” let’s have some character development, growth, dance scenes, plot.
I was actually bored by the overall book. For me this was a 2.75 star read.
June 1, 2013
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review.
Dancing With The Stars is influencing authors now; "Lead & Follow" by Katie Porter (and the Club Devant series), "Ballroom Blitz" by Lorelei James, etc... As found in some of Katie Porter's non-Harlequin books, this has some HEAT -- so if m/m or menage action in a book turns you off, this probably won't be a favorite read for you. However, the sex is nicely balanced with dancing -- and quite frankly, the descriptions of the dance (as read by someone who DOESN'T know the dances) makes you feel like you are right there dancing with the leads. However, what really drives the story is the darkness that threatens to overtake the characters as they try to get to their happily ever after. Will their inability to communicate... inability to overcome their guilt over the end of their ballroom career... become an inability to become a TRUE partnership?
It looks as if there is already a second book out in this series, and that there are a total of 5 planned at this point. Next book, "Chains & Canes" looks to feature a bit more of Remy; I can only hope that one of the future books will show Paul striding back into the door, wearing his white hat, to get his HEA!
Dancing With The Stars is influencing authors now; "Lead & Follow" by Katie Porter (and the Club Devant series), "Ballroom Blitz" by Lorelei James, etc... As found in some of Katie Porter's non-Harlequin books, this has some HEAT -- so if m/m or menage action in a book turns you off, this probably won't be a favorite read for you. However, the sex is nicely balanced with dancing -- and quite frankly, the descriptions of the dance (as read by someone who DOESN'T know the dances) makes you feel like you are right there dancing with the leads. However, what really drives the story is the darkness that threatens to overtake the characters as they try to get to their happily ever after. Will their inability to communicate... inability to overcome their guilt over the end of their ballroom career... become an inability to become a TRUE partnership?
It looks as if there is already a second book out in this series, and that there are a total of 5 planned at this point. Next book, "Chains & Canes" looks to feature a bit more of Remy; I can only hope that one of the future books will show Paul striding back into the door, wearing his white hat, to get his HEA!
February 7, 2013
This book is full of emotion. Dima is a strong, arrogant, dominant Russian who keeps himself and his dreams closed off from Lizzie out of fear of failure. Lizzie is impetuous and demanding and wants nothing more than to have all of Dima. The push and pull between these two emotionally, sexually and on the dance floor, was so beautiful. The way the author(s) opened Lizzie’s eyes to what was real and solid in front of her, and the way Dima was able to finally share himself, were both perfect. This is a complicated, messy, sexy book. The writing is choppy and the emotions and attitudes were all over the place. However, something about it just plain works.
Read my full review here!
Read my full review here!
January 24, 2013
I liked this book, but I must say, though, the best part of it was definitely the sex. And we are talking HOT, HOT, HOT! There's nothing wrong with the storyline, per se, but I found it to almost pale in comparison to the sexy bits, like it was white noise until the next sex scene. The premise was good, but the characters seemed a little dense because they are clearly letting each other know how they feel, but neither are picking up on it. I really liked Paul, and Dima was flippin' hot with his cockiness! I was hoping that they would all end up happy ever after together, but here's to hoping we'll eventually get to see Paul get that!
May 24, 2013
I was given a copy for an honest review. It started out and was hot, hot, hot. You got what you needed to know about the characters to start to invest in them, but not much more. Then it really takes a surprising turn and there is more story than anything and you genuinely want the best for these characters. The main characters are award winning Latin dancers, so I loved all the dancing references and how they described the moves. It was really well done. I was happy with the ending, but I still wanted more. I think I will be checking out the rest of the series to see if you learn more about these characters as more time passes.
July 24, 2013
I felt Lead and Follow was mainly sex, with a bit of story line thrown in for good measure! But that didn't stop me enjoying it. The story line was a bit predictable, but the sex was hot! There were many steamy, erotic sex scenes, the first of which involved Paul and Lizzie, then we got Lizzie and Dima and then Paul, Lizzie and Dima. The M/M/F scenes were not something I was used to - but they were definitely interesting. The dancing scenes were sexy as hell - which may be why I felt there was more sex than story line. Overall it was an exciting, quick read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2016
I was all excited to read this one after reading a review from a friend, but unfortunately the communication issues between these two were so bad it drove me nuts. The only thing that kept these two apart was their lack of communication that has span the entirety of their 15-year relationship as dance partners. Some of the scenes were pretty hot and totally original, so I did really enjoy those. I just have issues with believing that these two could make it work long-term. I wanted her to end up with Paul lol
January 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this new series from Katie Porter. (Although I'm pretty sure that nothing can top the Vegas series.) The chemistry between the hero sand heroine was so potent. And the descriptions of dance blew me away, they were so vivid. I loved the fact that the m/f/m ménage resolved to a pairing between the original couple in a graceful way, with everyone happy, no one bitter. So yeah, a good read.
Bought from Kobo.
Bought from Kobo.
August 13, 2013
I liked to club Devant! it was a great idea for a club. The two main characters were wonderful together you could tell that they really loved each other. the main heroine with her knee Torn up and you could almost feel her pain not being able to dance! The love scenes were fabulous and the tension buildup was great, plot was good, excellent read!
August 29, 2013
This was ok for me. The best scenes were those when Lizzie and Dima were dancing. Of course I liked Paul the cowboy, he was so sexy and laid back. But mostly I took stars away for this seeming so trite. Also enough already with the tormented I am afraid you will reject me crap. Man up Dima, and you too Lizzie! A decent naughty read, but I probably wouldn't read it twice.
May 6, 2014
I tried to read this one twice and had to put it down both times. It just seems like two of them are out to hurt each other as much as possible without talking. I know they are passionate, but I hurt to read some of what they were doing to each other.
March 30, 2014
I really wanted to like this. I'm all about a little ménage. But I never felt anything for the characters and I didn't even understand why a third was brought in except so there could be ménage scenes in the book. He served no purpose. Just never came together for me
January 12, 2013
See my full review @ http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
January 10, 2013
I thought this story was really good. I am not a huge fan of 3 people in a bedroom together but it worked for me in this book. I can't wait for the next one.
June 14, 2015
Fast and easy sexy romance with love triangles.
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