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Dance #2
Tap Dance
Book Two in the Dance series finds Marianne Gibson with a few too many men on her hands.
First, there's the Chief of Police, Ram Patel, who she has lusted after ever since they spent some brief time together in her apartment .
There's Detective Paul Adler, one of Ram's best, that asked her out within two minutes of meeting her.
There's her ex-husband, Steve Quinlan, who needs to get back with her to feel safe.
And Gregor Milosevic, the local crime boss' son, who took her good-natured flirting as a challenge and who makes it very clear that he intends to pursue her.
Then there's an unknown someone that thinks she is in possession of something and they want it back.
Tap Dance is the 2nd in the Dance series and is intended for mature readers only. Contains graphic language and explicit, detailed sexual situations.
First, there's the Chief of Police, Ram Patel, who she has lusted after ever since they spent some brief time together in her apartment .
There's Detective Paul Adler, one of Ram's best, that asked her out within two minutes of meeting her.
There's her ex-husband, Steve Quinlan, who needs to get back with her to feel safe.
And Gregor Milosevic, the local crime boss' son, who took her good-natured flirting as a challenge and who makes it very clear that he intends to pursue her.
Then there's an unknown someone that thinks she is in possession of something and they want it back.
Tap Dance is the 2nd in the Dance series and is intended for mature readers only. Contains graphic language and explicit, detailed sexual situations.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2013
7 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Hornbuckle
20 books396 followersMy heart was beating so freaking fast. I could hear the murmurings of the crowd behind the curtain where I was hiding, that separated me from them.
It was time. Time for me to come out and talk with them, those people from Goodreads that had read my books, rated my books and that wanted to know the person behind the words.
I stepped my way carefully out onto the stage, my heartbeat the only sound my ears could hear.
"Hi," I mumbled into the microphone. "My name is Judy and I write as J.A. Hornbuckle."
Damn. My voice sounded as hesitant as I felt.
"Tha-thank you so much for your interest." I was fumbling. But, I'd done this before. The public speaking thingie. And I really hadn't ever been this nervous before. But, geesh, I'd had notes then.
Not now.
Deep breath, my mind instructed.
Okay, that I could do.
"I, ah, I don't know what to…uhm, I'm uncertain what I'm supposed to talk about," I began.
The fact that I couldn't see into the crowd was a problem. Talking to crowds is supposed to be like talking to other people. But I couldn't actually SEE the other people.
Crap.
Just start at the beginning.
"I started writing because of a migraine," I started, my voice reedy and thin even in the amplification of the microphone. "I'd read three crap books in a row and thought I could do better."
I cleared my throat which I hadn't realized beforehand would be captured by the speakers.
"Sorry," I mumbled and tried again.
"I read three books that convinced me that I could write better. I'm an avid reader. A voracious reader that consumed four to six fiction books a week. Three books, three crap books, meant that I had wasted fifty percent of my reading time. And I knew that I could do better, could write better."
The noise in the large room lessened as I spoke and I gained courage from that silence.
"As I laid on the floor of my walk-in closet because it, of all the rooms in my apartment, had no noise, no light, and with my frozen pack of corn on my head, thought of the book I might write."
I remembered that time of pain. Of hurting so bad that my stomach would roil, where every heartbeat was torture and I couldn't breathe without the air hurting my teeth.
"I started to think about Caitlin and Jake, about what was to become 'Pole Dance', and eventually I found that I could shove that pain to one side as I planned. I learned to stash a steno pad and pen in there with me and use my baby finger to hold the end of the steno pad and write in the dark."
I heard a couple of chuckles which made me bolder.
"I tried to capture the story on my computer in my 'dull roar' times. And, in a word? It was crap. I didn't know what I was doing. So I started to study. Read, absorbed. But you know what I found? Writing is like driving a car. You can read about driving, learning the rules of the road, reading about safety tips and precautions. But until you are actually behind the wheel? Oh, baby. Completely different story."
More laughs this time. My knees were steadier and I felt my voice strengthen.
I needed to finish up.
"My name is Judy. And I'm a new author who is learning by the seat of her yoga pants as she goes. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my books. You mean a lot to me."
I smiled and waved into the glare that was hiding the group that had come to hear me speak.
Because I've never spoken so much and with such honesty from my heart at one time.
It was time. Time for me to come out and talk with them, those people from Goodreads that had read my books, rated my books and that wanted to know the person behind the words.
I stepped my way carefully out onto the stage, my heartbeat the only sound my ears could hear.
"Hi," I mumbled into the microphone. "My name is Judy and I write as J.A. Hornbuckle."
Damn. My voice sounded as hesitant as I felt.
"Tha-thank you so much for your interest." I was fumbling. But, I'd done this before. The public speaking thingie. And I really hadn't ever been this nervous before. But, geesh, I'd had notes then.
Not now.
Deep breath, my mind instructed.
Okay, that I could do.
"I, ah, I don't know what to…uhm, I'm uncertain what I'm supposed to talk about," I began.
The fact that I couldn't see into the crowd was a problem. Talking to crowds is supposed to be like talking to other people. But I couldn't actually SEE the other people.
Crap.
Just start at the beginning.
"I started writing because of a migraine," I started, my voice reedy and thin even in the amplification of the microphone. "I'd read three crap books in a row and thought I could do better."
I cleared my throat which I hadn't realized beforehand would be captured by the speakers.
"Sorry," I mumbled and tried again.
"I read three books that convinced me that I could write better. I'm an avid reader. A voracious reader that consumed four to six fiction books a week. Three books, three crap books, meant that I had wasted fifty percent of my reading time. And I knew that I could do better, could write better."
The noise in the large room lessened as I spoke and I gained courage from that silence.
"As I laid on the floor of my walk-in closet because it, of all the rooms in my apartment, had no noise, no light, and with my frozen pack of corn on my head, thought of the book I might write."
I remembered that time of pain. Of hurting so bad that my stomach would roil, where every heartbeat was torture and I couldn't breathe without the air hurting my teeth.
"I started to think about Caitlin and Jake, about what was to become 'Pole Dance', and eventually I found that I could shove that pain to one side as I planned. I learned to stash a steno pad and pen in there with me and use my baby finger to hold the end of the steno pad and write in the dark."
I heard a couple of chuckles which made me bolder.
"I tried to capture the story on my computer in my 'dull roar' times. And, in a word? It was crap. I didn't know what I was doing. So I started to study. Read, absorbed. But you know what I found? Writing is like driving a car. You can read about driving, learning the rules of the road, reading about safety tips and precautions. But until you are actually behind the wheel? Oh, baby. Completely different story."
More laughs this time. My knees were steadier and I felt my voice strengthen.
I needed to finish up.
"My name is Judy. And I'm a new author who is learning by the seat of her yoga pants as she goes. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my books. You mean a lot to me."
I smiled and waved into the glare that was hiding the group that had come to hear me speak.
Because I've never spoken so much and with such honesty from my heart at one time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 28, 2013
Bk 2 of the Dance Series. Not as strong as JAH’s first 2 bks and it seems she’s lost a bit of that KA charm that influenced her first 2 bks which endeared them to me. Although I liked main characters Marianne and Ram well enough the first 75% of the bk just wasn’t all that exciting and I just couldn’t warm up to their story. After the 75% mark the drama picks up and it got a bit more interesting. It’s somewhat confusing since there are 2 separate series with all the same characters and this bk was written after those. This story goes back and forth between those two bks. For instance…(from Human Hieroglyphix) Leila’s makeover is mentioned and that Leila/Dex were apart/broken up, but by the end of the story they’re back together. There were a few others mentions of how this bk fits in between and around the first two. If a reader truly wanted to get a feel for all the characters and what’s going on, it would be best to read them in the order written rather than the series order. (Scratching head…) I think…like I said a little bit confusing. Kind of reminds me of R. L Mathewson’s paranormal series that overlap each other. Also JAH mentions her in comments at the end of the bk that when the a story comes to her she’s got to write what’s in her head at the moment, so I’m good with that.
Looks like Crys/Gabe’s bk is up next, bk 2 in the Human Hieroglyphix series, that’s mentioned as having a tentative release date in early April. Also two new characters (Trevor/Zoe) are introduced near the later part of Tap Dancing that will be featured in yet a 3rd series which sounds like fun, Bewitchments (they own the towns sex shop), so lots more from this author to look forward to. JAH mentions she now has a team that she’s recruited to help her with error/typos, story pacing, dialog, etc which has seemed to refine her writing and come up with her own style as was evidenced in this bk. Tap Dancing had no typos/spelling errors than I can recall and if there were they weren’t noticeable. Although I was a bit disappointed in Tap Dancing I’m still intrigued enough to keep reading what comes next.
Looks like Crys/Gabe’s bk is up next, bk 2 in the Human Hieroglyphix series, that’s mentioned as having a tentative release date in early April. Also two new characters (Trevor/Zoe) are introduced near the later part of Tap Dancing that will be featured in yet a 3rd series which sounds like fun, Bewitchments (they own the towns sex shop), so lots more from this author to look forward to. JAH mentions she now has a team that she’s recruited to help her with error/typos, story pacing, dialog, etc which has seemed to refine her writing and come up with her own style as was evidenced in this bk. Tap Dancing had no typos/spelling errors than I can recall and if there were they weren’t noticeable. Although I was a bit disappointed in Tap Dancing I’m still intrigued enough to keep reading what comes next.
June 26, 2017
I enjoyed this book far more than it's predecessor. The relationship between Ram and Marianne is very pure and I loved reading about them. I was a bit confused about everything surrounding Marianne (crime, men, etc.) Overall this novel was definitely entertaining and worth the read.
March 25, 2013
4.5* I really liked the characters in these books very much. Relateable and real. I wish that they would just leave out the 'suspense" element of the books, I don't think they add anything, if anything, they take away. Like the way these and the HH books overlap. Looking forward to more.
November 26, 2017
I really enjoyed the characters, and the story was well done. I liked that it wasn't over the top or put the heroine in a position of suddenly besting experienced police officers when she's had zero training, but still kept her strong and likable. I wish the characters had been a bit more fleshed out and I felt the ending was pretty abrupt. I'll definitely buy the next book and I'm preparing to try the first in this authors MC series.
February 19, 2018
I wasn't feeling this the way I did book one, not sure why......still a decent read even though the emotional connection wasn't there for me.
May 24, 2013
I really like this author, and I think she writes books that are fun to read. I enjoyed this book, except for two things. One was an issue with the hero, I felt that he completely did not step up like a man during a critical scene, and it really made me like him less To be more specific The other issue has to do with the mystery. Other than those two things I really did like this book, and I am planning on reading her future books.
March 25, 2013
NOT QUITE AS COMPELLING AS HER OTHER BOOKS
This is the second book in the Dance series. This is Ram and Marianne's story. Ram is the police chief and Marianne is an accountant. The story kicks straight off with the mystery part of the story, but as the book progressed, I thought that it became fairly predictable.
The tension between Ram and Marianne was not quite as strong as the authors previous couples. Characters from her other series Human Hieroglyphics feature in this, but readers might find that confusing if they haven't read that series. This does pick up towards the end. I did like it just not quite as much as her previous books. The author is a big fan of Kristen Ashley, which was readily apparent in the books before this. But here the author has found her own style. There are still the occasional flashes of the KA influence. Overall this was okay, I just didn't feel the connection with the characters, or the plot as I had hoped.
This is the second book in the Dance series. This is Ram and Marianne's story. Ram is the police chief and Marianne is an accountant. The story kicks straight off with the mystery part of the story, but as the book progressed, I thought that it became fairly predictable.
The tension between Ram and Marianne was not quite as strong as the authors previous couples. Characters from her other series Human Hieroglyphics feature in this, but readers might find that confusing if they haven't read that series. This does pick up towards the end. I did like it just not quite as much as her previous books. The author is a big fan of Kristen Ashley, which was readily apparent in the books before this. But here the author has found her own style. There are still the occasional flashes of the KA influence. Overall this was okay, I just didn't feel the connection with the characters, or the plot as I had hoped.
July 28, 2013
THIS IS THE 2ND IN THE "DANCE SERIES", SHOWCASES CHARACTERS (ram & Marianne)FROM THE FIRST BK# "POLE DANCE". I ENJOYED SEEING SOME OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE PREVIOUS BOOK. I LIKED THE PROGRESS OF RAM & MARIANNE'S LOVE STORY, I WAS A BIT WORRIED FOR A MINUTE BUT EVERYTHING TURNS OUT RIGHT. THE STORYLINE WAS A LITTLE PREDICTABLE, FOR ME ANYWAY, IT WAS SEXY AND ROMANTIC. THERE ARE TWO REPETITATIVE THINGS THAT GOT ON MY NERVES "PYARI & HONEY, SAID BY THE MAIN CHARACTERS. I DON'T THINK ANYONE TALKS LIKE THAT ALL THE TIME TO EACH OTHER(SAID WAY TO MANY TIMES). I THINK I WOULD HAVE ENJOYED THE STORY MORE HAD THAT NOT BEEN DONE. I MUST SAY I ENJOYED THE 1ST BOOK MORE AND WILL TRY THE NEXT BOOK "HUMAN HIEROGLYPHIX I&II" SHOWECASING SOME OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS.
February 2, 2013
4.5 stars,/b>
As a new author her books keep getting better and better! I LOVED this story and the MC's. I was introduced to Ram and Marianne in Pole Dance and could not wait until their story was released. Ram is the Chief of Police and a SEXY hero. Marianne is a sweet and sultry heroine who has had the "hots" for Ram ever since she first met him. I do not want to give any of this story away because it is best to experience their story as you read it. I can say that it definitely was not what I thought it was going to be; or went in the direction I thought it would (that's a good thing).
As a new author her books keep getting better and better! I LOVED this story and the MC's. I was introduced to Ram and Marianne in Pole Dance and could not wait until their story was released. Ram is the Chief of Police and a SEXY hero. Marianne is a sweet and sultry heroine who has had the "hots" for Ram ever since she first met him. I do not want to give any of this story away because it is best to experience their story as you read it. I can say that it definitely was not what I thought it was going to be; or went in the direction I thought it would (that's a good thing).
October 13, 2013
I'm not sure I gave this book a chance because I loved Cait and jake. Will there be a book 3?
Mari and Ram were cute but just didn't really seem to do it for me. I found myself speed reading towards the end just to finish and find out what was going on. And what was up with the warning from Sara about Jake? That just seemed irrelevant, but because I love Mr. And Mrs. Gorgeous, I want to know. I get it, she was just jealous, but couldn't she see that he has grown up and that was the past and how happy and real the couple are?!
Sorry, sorry. Yes, I'm still all about book 1. Book 2 had a good storyline....but I don't know, just wasn't exciting. I love you, Jake! =)
Mari and Ram were cute but just didn't really seem to do it for me. I found myself speed reading towards the end just to finish and find out what was going on. And what was up with the warning from Sara about Jake? That just seemed irrelevant, but because I love Mr. And Mrs. Gorgeous, I want to know. I get it, she was just jealous, but couldn't she see that he has grown up and that was the past and how happy and real the couple are?!
Sorry, sorry. Yes, I'm still all about book 1. Book 2 had a good storyline....but I don't know, just wasn't exciting. I love you, Jake! =)
February 27, 2015
This book was about a girl who took her dream as being a tap dancer, but she got trampled into a situation with a detective. She wanted to stop her dream of being a tap dancer but after she did she felt very bad and sad that she quit so she went back but so did the detective. While her dreams are being ruined the detectives dreams are being granted.
This book wasn't the best book in the world. The placements were out of order and it was just plain out confusing to me and I wanted to cry when I finished. There was only one part were it caught my eye and it was were they had a romantic setting.
I recommend this book to people who like fiction and fantasies and a hint of romance.
This book wasn't the best book in the world. The placements were out of order and it was just plain out confusing to me and I wanted to cry when I finished. There was only one part were it caught my eye and it was were they had a romantic setting.
I recommend this book to people who like fiction and fantasies and a hint of romance.
September 7, 2015
I enjoyed this story, it has just the right amount of humor, romance, eroticism and suspense. A little repetitive in parts, but with a consistent and well-structured story.
I liked very much the Ram and Marianne's story, though I think that she has a serious problem saying no, which caused her unnecessary inconvenience with several guys.
also I like that retook part that had remained unfinished situations of the first half but I still expecting a punishment for Jamison, I can not believe he still come out with impunity.
I definitely want to know more about the story of Leyla and Crys, which can be glimpsed in the plot, but also I want to know more about Sara and Dale
I liked very much the Ram and Marianne's story, though I think that she has a serious problem saying no, which caused her unnecessary inconvenience with several guys.
also I like that retook part that had remained unfinished situations of the first half but I still expecting a punishment for Jamison, I can not believe he still come out with impunity.
I definitely want to know more about the story of Leyla and Crys, which can be glimpsed in the plot, but also I want to know more about Sara and Dale
March 2, 2013
I liked the characters, and there's definitely chemistry between the H/h and the prerequisite hot sex ensues. It could have scored higher if I'd felt there was a stronger mystery or challenges for these two to be together. Considering their cultural differences, I thought it would be a bigger part of the story and I would have welcomed it. The mystery was kind of weak and I didn't feel that tension, wondering if it would all work out.
All in all, it wasn't bad, just feel that it could have been a tighter story.
All in all, it wasn't bad, just feel that it could have been a tighter story.
April 20, 2013
I was able to read this in one night.
what I liked:
1. Ram reminded me of Hank a little bit from KAs Rock Chick series.
2. Ram's term of endearment for Marianne: Pyari.
3. The couples drama issues were short lived.
4. How Ram treats Marianne.
5. Secondary cast of characters.
6. Ram and Marianne's ending.
7. Ram and Marianne's Pov's
8. The crime story line.
Content: language and detailed sexual situations.
what I liked:
1. Ram reminded me of Hank a little bit from KAs Rock Chick series.
2. Ram's term of endearment for Marianne: Pyari.
3. The couples drama issues were short lived.
4. How Ram treats Marianne.
5. Secondary cast of characters.
6. Ram and Marianne's ending.
7. Ram and Marianne's Pov's
8. The crime story line.
Content: language and detailed sexual situations.
March 9, 2014
Entertaining and quick read. I first picked up this author because she reminded me of Kristen Ashley but this book had more of her own voice. Marianne and Ram are secondary characters in Hornbuckle's first book, Pole Dance and this is their story.
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April 3, 2013This book wasn't that strong enough to over come the excitement that I felt reading the first one. Though Ram Patel is very mysterious and strong guy. I liked him a lot. But I wished its more sweeter than the first book.
February 26, 2013
I just loved this book. It had everything in it. She's made this book more hers and not too much like KA. Just read it. You'll love it.
April 27, 2013
I loved pole dance and I liked tap dance, looking forwards to starting human hieroglyphix series
July 14, 2013
This one was great, loved the humor and in my mind Ram is flipping gorgeous.....
January 28, 2015
I like the plot, but there are some scenes that are unnecessary to the story.
March 3, 2013
Getting better!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews