What do you think?
Rate this book
Fenbrook Academy #1
Dance For Me
Natasha is one of the most promising ballet dancers at the prestigious Fenbrook Academy of Performing Arts and she’s just landed a life-changing audition. But no one knows the guilt she carries...or the damage it makes her inflict on herself when she’s alone.
Darrell is a multi-millionaire designer at 25. But past traumas have pushed him into isolation and the intense pressure of his work has brought him to the edge of burnout. Seeking inspiration, he sees Natasha dance and hires her as his muse.
As she dances for him, the two become entwined in a passionate but troubled relationship. He starts to see the pain inside her and helps her gradually lower her defenses...but Darrell has demons of his own. Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
This New Adult Romance is recommended for 17+ due to mature themes, sexual situations and language
Darrell is a multi-millionaire designer at 25. But past traumas have pushed him into isolation and the intense pressure of his work has brought him to the edge of burnout. Seeking inspiration, he sees Natasha dance and hires her as his muse.
As she dances for him, the two become entwined in a passionate but troubled relationship. He starts to see the pain inside her and helps her gradually lower her defenses...but Darrell has demons of his own. Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
This New Adult Romance is recommended for 17+ due to mature themes, sexual situations and language
259 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2013
154 people are currently reading
2592 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,339 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
September 28, 2013
Natasha lives to dance, it is her entire life, it defines who she is. Dancing is the one thing that keeps her grounded and keeps her memories at bay. Until she sees Darrel and he turns her entire world upside down. Before Daniel the only thing that had the power to unravel her was remembering, but she's learnt to control the memories by doing something that no one would understand.
She wouldn't dare reveal herself to Darrel, if he new he'd leave her, and she'd lose the one person who's brought light to her darkness. She's lived with guilt for so long that she cannot even imagine that there might be someone out there willing to help her, to absolve her.
Darrel is a wealthy engineer, and when he sees Natasha dancing he is enthralled. He propositions her, she must dance for him, he'll pay her. But he soon realises that he wants so much more than to just watch her dance. He wants her to be a part of his life, he wants to share himself with her.
But for a their relationship to work, he has to be honest with her, but his secrets could break their tentative connection. He isn't prepared to take the chance of her leaving him, but fate never gives us a choice.
Darrel and Natasha, need to let go of their pasts in order to begin their future. They have been living a life which as feeding off their pasts. Until they let go, they can never heal or feel whole again.
Final Thoughts
Although this book dealt with some heavy topics, I found it quite fun to read. When reading about a subject such as self mutilation, I tend to feel a bit depressed, which wasn't the case with this book. All in all a fun light read with some heavy topics but they didn't overwhelm me!
July 15, 2013
An author-requested book to review that I actually liked?!?! Be still my heart! Bravo to Helena Newbury for putting out a really impressive debut novel
"Dance For Me" was a wonderful addition to the YA genre. This book falls into a similar category as The Sea of Tranquility in my mind. Past horrors that are emotionally scarring? Check! Instant chemistry between two damaged individuals? Check! Angst up to wazoo? Double check! Despite the fact that this was an angst-fest, it never became annoying or overbearing. It was really captivating, actually. I couldn't put it down all day today.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out the story of what happened with Natasha and Darell's personal lives. However, the lack of surprise didn't really bother me. I liked how the author handled each of the characters and made them really made sense. Their personal demons felt real and devastating. I also really dug the secondary characters (are those the ones that are getting their story next??). The book as a whole really worked for me.
So any minor flaws? Sure. I thought the sex could have used a bit more umph. What can I say, I like my books pervy! And the speed at which they progressed from "like" to "love" was far too rapid for my tastes. I like romances that have a sloooow burn. The fast move to love-town rang a bit false. However, this book was really well done and it was a great surprise for me. Hopefully this book gets the hype that it deserves.
"Dance For Me" was a wonderful addition to the YA genre. This book falls into a similar category as The Sea of Tranquility in my mind. Past horrors that are emotionally scarring? Check! Instant chemistry between two damaged individuals? Check! Angst up to wazoo? Double check! Despite the fact that this was an angst-fest, it never became annoying or overbearing. It was really captivating, actually. I couldn't put it down all day today.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out the story of what happened with Natasha and Darell's personal lives. However, the lack of surprise didn't really bother me. I liked how the author handled each of the characters and made them really made sense. Their personal demons felt real and devastating. I also really dug the secondary characters (are those the ones that are getting their story next??). The book as a whole really worked for me.
So any minor flaws? Sure. I thought the sex could have used a bit more umph. What can I say, I like my books pervy! And the speed at which they progressed from "like" to "love" was far too rapid for my tastes. I like romances that have a sloooow burn. The fast move to love-town rang a bit false. However, this book was really well done and it was a great surprise for me. Hopefully this book gets the hype that it deserves.
October 24, 2019
3 Disturbing Yet Understandable Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
I love ballet and the dedication it takes to accomplish it. There is a beauty in all the control... with the parallel feeling of freedom when the dancer performs gravity defying jumps and spins.
This story has two characters wracked with guilt and need. Both are tortured with nightmares and driven in their own ways.... that they end up connecting and finding each other is a miracle.
We meet the dancer and are introduced to her way of coping. She has systems, rituals, and ways to block out her demons. The engineer is working on his project and is stuck... he cannot seem to find the answer to his problem and turns to the TV for distraction. There he discovers a dancer soaring through the air and is captivated. He researches everything on dance and finally feels he must see it live...while it is actually happening.
There is an audition taking place: our gal is there in the middle of her performance and he barges in disrupting her concentration. She starts over with his eyes on her... they are connected... and both will never be the same.
This covers serious issues... guilt for loved ones; how we can feel responsible. It also touches on the need for grieving and how important it is to work through it.
This book may be difficult as there are a lot of plot points that may have triggers for some. They were handled with care, yet they were there.
This is a part of a series in the new adult genre.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * Spoiler Free
I love ballet and the dedication it takes to accomplish it. There is a beauty in all the control... with the parallel feeling of freedom when the dancer performs gravity defying jumps and spins.
This story has two characters wracked with guilt and need. Both are tortured with nightmares and driven in their own ways.... that they end up connecting and finding each other is a miracle.
We meet the dancer and are introduced to her way of coping. She has systems, rituals, and ways to block out her demons. The engineer is working on his project and is stuck... he cannot seem to find the answer to his problem and turns to the TV for distraction. There he discovers a dancer soaring through the air and is captivated. He researches everything on dance and finally feels he must see it live...while it is actually happening.
There is an audition taking place: our gal is there in the middle of her performance and he barges in disrupting her concentration. She starts over with his eyes on her... they are connected... and both will never be the same.
This covers serious issues... guilt for loved ones; how we can feel responsible. It also touches on the need for grieving and how important it is to work through it.
This book may be difficult as there are a lot of plot points that may have triggers for some. They were handled with care, yet they were there.
This is a part of a series in the new adult genre.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 1, 2015
Items ticked off: 18
I more or less have one thing to say about Dance For Me. No, make that two. Say what you will of this book's plausibility, but in regards to the romance, I'm saying it's ridiculous. This is the heroine after seeing him. Not talking to him. Not meeting him. Literally seeing him from afar.
It had been two minutes and I felt like I hadn’t seen him in months.
This is the
Two hours later, I had a program that would grab the photo of anyone on Facebook between 19 and 22 (I’d pegged her at 21, but I couldn’t be sure) who went to one of the long list of dance schools, academies and colleges I’d drawn up. It eliminated the men and then flashed up the photos one every second on my monitor. I poured more coffee and clicked Go. The hell with the odds. I was going to find her.
This is the heroine when she meets the
Hearing him say her name, I was suddenly jealous.
This is the
Who was Harper? A girl? A guy? Was it some guy’s house? I thought of her going to some open house college party with kegs of beer and chisel-jawed actors, while I was stuck in Virginia. I didn’t want to go overboard on the texts, so I sat there and stewed for a while and then, while I should have been listening to some guy talk about jet thrust, I found http://fenbrookacademy.com on my phone and discovered under Life at Fenbrook that Harper’s was a coffee shop, and that made me feel a little better.
This is on the second – or first, don't remember – date.
“I love you.”
He took my face between his hands and kissed me again and again. I managed a delighted “I love you too!” between kisses.
In conclusion, the romance sucked. It takes the prize for quickest insta love, ever. Anything you can come up with, this takes the prize. Something plausible, who the fuck needs that? They are in love after meeting three times? The heroine claims to know this
The second, and final, thing: The "hero" in this story is the reason why restraining orders are necessary.
| BookLikes | Leafmarks |
November 26, 2015
***Reviewed the Boxed Set for the author, but bought this book previously, therefore adding review here.***
4 Ballerina Stars
Natasha has had a horrible guilt weighing on her for the past five years. The only way she can get through the day is by self-harming. She knows she should stop, but its the only thing that grounds her. Clarissa, her friend and roommate, is the only one who knows what she does to herself. Natasha is now attending the Fenbrook Academy, a Performing Arts College, where she and Clarissa are both studying Ballet. Needing money to help pay her portion of the rent, Natasha goes to an audition for a commercial.
At the same time Darrell Carner, an engineer of sorts, is looking for inspiration. While scouring the internet, he stumbles across a ballet performance. Needing to see something in person, he barrels into Natasha's audition and is instantly mesmerized by her. No other dancer will do. So even though she's turned him down and he doesn't know her name, by a matter of deduction and internet searches, he finds her and messages her on Facebook. He's being used by the company who contracts him for his work. Never allowing him to heal from his pain.
Natasha's friends encourage her to do it, not only for the money but the adventure. Which opens both she and Darrell up to the possibility that their lives, as they've both lived them, aren't working for them anymore. But they both have secrets they aren't willing to share.
Will those secrets tear them apart or, once they are exposed, make them stronger?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series when I discovered the author was looking for reviews. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters have real life issues that the reader can understand aren't easy to discuss with anyone, let alone someone you think you have the potential to fall in love with. We as human beings are always so worried about what others think of us and our choices. So much so that bringing out your baggage to someone who you truly care for, can be daunting.
This was a very new adult story, but when it got to the sexual component, it was sizzling. There were hilarious moments and very sad moments. As soon as the story went back in time to tell Natasha's story, I was crushed for her and couldn't imagine how someone might feel that would have this happen to them. The same with Darrell. Their stories are both so tragic on their own. But they needed to find each other because they would have either gone crazy or hurt themselves beyond repair if they hadn't.
Interspersing the story with lighter moments was needed and extremely well done.
4 Ballerina Stars
Natasha has had a horrible guilt weighing on her for the past five years. The only way she can get through the day is by self-harming. She knows she should stop, but its the only thing that grounds her. Clarissa, her friend and roommate, is the only one who knows what she does to herself. Natasha is now attending the Fenbrook Academy, a Performing Arts College, where she and Clarissa are both studying Ballet. Needing money to help pay her portion of the rent, Natasha goes to an audition for a commercial.
At the same time Darrell Carner, an engineer of sorts, is looking for inspiration. While scouring the internet, he stumbles across a ballet performance. Needing to see something in person, he barrels into Natasha's audition and is instantly mesmerized by her. No other dancer will do. So even though she's turned him down and he doesn't know her name, by a matter of deduction and internet searches, he finds her and messages her on Facebook. He's being used by the company who contracts him for his work. Never allowing him to heal from his pain.
Natasha's friends encourage her to do it, not only for the money but the adventure. Which opens both she and Darrell up to the possibility that their lives, as they've both lived them, aren't working for them anymore. But they both have secrets they aren't willing to share.
Will those secrets tear them apart or, once they are exposed, make them stronger?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series when I discovered the author was looking for reviews. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters have real life issues that the reader can understand aren't easy to discuss with anyone, let alone someone you think you have the potential to fall in love with. We as human beings are always so worried about what others think of us and our choices. So much so that bringing out your baggage to someone who you truly care for, can be daunting.
This was a very new adult story, but when it got to the sexual component, it was sizzling. There were hilarious moments and very sad moments. As soon as the story went back in time to tell Natasha's story, I was crushed for her and couldn't imagine how someone might feel that would have this happen to them. The same with Darrell. Their stories are both so tragic on their own. But they needed to find each other because they would have either gone crazy or hurt themselves beyond repair if they hadn't.
Interspersing the story with lighter moments was needed and extremely well done.
May 14, 2015
There, I finished it. I'm sorry for the low rating dear author, I always feel bad knowing that someone put effort into writing the story and I end up not liking it.
I picked it up because I really wanted to read about ballet and I was intrigued with the fact that the guy made weapons, I haven't read anything like that before. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I take self-harming very seriously and I think people should talk and read about it, I always say that we fear the unknown. I wanted to put that out there so it’s clear that that’s not the reason I didn’t like the book but it didn’t make me connect with the characters because of it either. I didn’t like them in general.
Let’s start at the beginning. How they met and how she started dancing for him. Ridiculous. It was supposed to be mysterious and romantic I imagine but it ended up being inappropriate, unrealistic and dumb. Random stranger asks you to dance for him in his underground garage and you say yes because hell, he is hot and rich and I need the money. Why not. ?!?!?
And I hate instalove. Loathe it. Honestly, this book was a mess. It wasn't the worst one out there, far from it but I couldn't bring myself to give it more stars because I really didn't enjoy it.
I picked it up because I really wanted to read about ballet and I was intrigued with the fact that the guy made weapons, I haven't read anything like that before. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I take self-harming very seriously and I think people should talk and read about it, I always say that we fear the unknown. I wanted to put that out there so it’s clear that that’s not the reason I didn’t like the book but it didn’t make me connect with the characters because of it either. I didn’t like them in general.
Let’s start at the beginning. How they met and how she started dancing for him. Ridiculous. It was supposed to be mysterious and romantic I imagine but it ended up being inappropriate, unrealistic and dumb. Random stranger asks you to dance for him in his underground garage and you say yes because hell, he is hot and rich and I need the money. Why not. ?!?!?
And I hate instalove. Loathe it. Honestly, this book was a mess. It wasn't the worst one out there, far from it but I couldn't bring myself to give it more stars because I really didn't enjoy it.
March 18, 2017
A copy of this book was given in exchange for a honest review
Natasha is a ballet student dealing with a traumatic past in the best way she knows how. Darrel is an design engineer who crashes her audition blindly looking for inspiration to study the movement of dancers for his latest project. Their eyes meet and so begins this epic story.
All I can say is "Wow" at this point. I have a soft spot for books that feature dancers; that's what caught me eye when seeing the review request in one of my groups. Lately I've been volunteering to review a lot of books, but not really being that impressed. Dance For Me has broken my slump. Anyone looking for a read in the new adult genre should definitely give this book a chance. I can not believe this is Helena Newbury's first book. The main character have interesting best friends that exhibit steamy chemistry that really intrigued me. I think this is going to be a series so can't wait for the next installment.
Natasha is a ballet student dealing with a traumatic past in the best way she knows how. Darrel is an design engineer who crashes her audition blindly looking for inspiration to study the movement of dancers for his latest project. Their eyes meet and so begins this epic story.
All I can say is "Wow" at this point. I have a soft spot for books that feature dancers; that's what caught me eye when seeing the review request in one of my groups. Lately I've been volunteering to review a lot of books, but not really being that impressed. Dance For Me has broken my slump. Anyone looking for a read in the new adult genre should definitely give this book a chance. I can not believe this is Helena Newbury's first book. The main character have interesting best friends that exhibit steamy chemistry that really intrigued me. I think this is going to be a series so can't wait for the next installment.
June 30, 2013
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
I.NEEDED.THE.SECOND.BOOK.NOW.PLEASE!!
This was so beautifully written, it was distracting!!
I found myself time, and time again putting this book down to google videos of the moves!
Helena HAS to have been a dancer! Either that or this is one of, if not, the BEST researched novel I have ever, EVER, had the pleasure of reading.
For those that know me I read a book a night, this gem took me three, yes you read right, THREE days to finish as I found myself re-reading the dance scenes over and over and over again, then watching on you tube.
I had so many emotions during this journey, and they started at just 3%!!
I was just....CAPTIVATED.
Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
The story of Natasha and Darrell is filled with so much it could almost be too much, but somehow it just works!
They are so incredibly broken. They think they deserve the lives they have. If that's even what you call it.
They don't live.
They exist.
Then they meet.....
Both hiding horrendous pasts almost destroys their future. Guilt ridden and copping in different ways, leads them to a chance meeting.
I loved everything about this novel. The character development was a dream to read. The POV changes smooth. The angst. The emotion. The love. The hate. EVERYTHING was beautiful, especially the ugly!
'Im never going to be a normal person now. I'd escaped, with Darrell-for a wonderful handful of days, I'd stepped outside of my fate and lived another life. And now I was being plunged back into it and that made my very soul howl in pain. '
'I turned to him. The rain made it impossible to see tears, but I could see how red his eyes were. '
'The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them. '
"Is this man the reason your pas de chat looks like a pas de herd-of-goddamn-buffalo?"
I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Helena for allowing me to read for you.
I.NEEDED.THE.SECOND.BOOK.NOW.PLEASE!!
This was so beautifully written, it was distracting!!
I found myself time, and time again putting this book down to google videos of the moves!
Helena HAS to have been a dancer! Either that or this is one of, if not, the BEST researched novel I have ever, EVER, had the pleasure of reading.
For those that know me I read a book a night, this gem took me three, yes you read right, THREE days to finish as I found myself re-reading the dance scenes over and over and over again, then watching on you tube.
I had so many emotions during this journey, and they started at just 3%!!
I was just....CAPTIVATED.
Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
The story of Natasha and Darrell is filled with so much it could almost be too much, but somehow it just works!
They are so incredibly broken. They think they deserve the lives they have. If that's even what you call it.
They don't live.
They exist.
Then they meet.....
Both hiding horrendous pasts almost destroys their future. Guilt ridden and copping in different ways, leads them to a chance meeting.
I loved everything about this novel. The character development was a dream to read. The POV changes smooth. The angst. The emotion. The love. The hate. EVERYTHING was beautiful, especially the ugly!
'Im never going to be a normal person now. I'd escaped, with Darrell-for a wonderful handful of days, I'd stepped outside of my fate and lived another life. And now I was being plunged back into it and that made my very soul howl in pain. '
'I turned to him. The rain made it impossible to see tears, but I could see how red his eyes were. '
'The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them. '
"Is this man the reason your pas de chat looks like a pas de herd-of-goddamn-buffalo?"
I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Helena for allowing me to read for you.
February 21, 2015
Dance For Me was a lot darker, but also a lot better than I had anticipated! It opens up with Natasha cutting. She feels like her world is off balance, and it's the one thing that steadies her. She's very careful about it though: alcohol wipes, fresh blades each time, bandages, and high up enough on her thigh that no one can see. She's on her way to her biggest dance audition, and she's feeling confident now that she's calm. But then, Darrell comes barging into the audition and throws her off. She doesn't get the part, but Darrell makes her an offer that's hard to refuse.
I actually loved Dance For Me once Darrell was introduced. He's a mad scientist! Well, he's an engineer who gets so focused on his work that he looses track of time. He spends more time in his underground workshop than in his plush mansion. It's his latest project that brings him to Natasha. He can't get it to do what he wants, but then he sees a woman dancing on TV and is enrapture by her movements. So Darrell tracks down the soonest ballet audition to find a muse. I loved how he looked at dance scientifically. His problems involves aerodynamics, so watching how a ballerina moves in the air makes total sense.
I also really liked how Natasha didn't just show up at his place. He could be a total psycho! I mean, he's offering to her $500 an hour to dance for him! Luckily, she has friends who look him up, and decide he seems legit. But even still, one of them goes with her just in case. That is smart! Of course, Darrell isn't a serial killer, so Natasha was fine. But he does have his own demons which drive him into throwing himself into his work. He does realize that what he's doing is wrong, but at that point, he couldn't help it.
Yes, this is one of those stories about damaged people coming together and "fixing" each other, and I adored it! Dance For Me is definitely one of the better ones. I believed Natasha and Darrell fully! Things have happened to them, and they can't let go. They're coping in ways that they think are helping, even though they know they aren't really helping. It was kind of heartbreaking, but I loved watching them come together and give the other what they really needed.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I actually loved Dance For Me once Darrell was introduced. He's a mad scientist! Well, he's an engineer who gets so focused on his work that he looses track of time. He spends more time in his underground workshop than in his plush mansion. It's his latest project that brings him to Natasha. He can't get it to do what he wants, but then he sees a woman dancing on TV and is enrapture by her movements. So Darrell tracks down the soonest ballet audition to find a muse. I loved how he looked at dance scientifically. His problems involves aerodynamics, so watching how a ballerina moves in the air makes total sense.
I also really liked how Natasha didn't just show up at his place. He could be a total psycho! I mean, he's offering to her $500 an hour to dance for him! Luckily, she has friends who look him up, and decide he seems legit. But even still, one of them goes with her just in case. That is smart! Of course, Darrell isn't a serial killer, so Natasha was fine. But he does have his own demons which drive him into throwing himself into his work. He does realize that what he's doing is wrong, but at that point, he couldn't help it.
Yes, this is one of those stories about damaged people coming together and "fixing" each other, and I adored it! Dance For Me is definitely one of the better ones. I believed Natasha and Darrell fully! Things have happened to them, and they can't let go. They're coping in ways that they think are helping, even though they know they aren't really helping. It was kind of heartbreaking, but I loved watching them come together and give the other what they really needed.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
July 7, 2013
I was provided with this book from the author to give and honest review!
First off I must say I really enjoyed the book, though at times I found Natasha far too forgiving, I know I wouldn't be quite as understanding if I was her!! The plot of the story was well conceived with ballet dancer Natasha struggling with her own personal demons from her past when she is suddenly staring in to the crystal blue eyes of millionaire inventor Darrell Carner following an interruption in her audition. Darrell has thrown himself into his work following a tragedy in his past, struggling with his latest invention he found inspiration in ballet, after seeing Natasha dance he knows that she is his muse and he wants to pay her to dance for him to give him the inspiration that he needs!
I really enjoyed the dual perspective of the story and although at times I wanted to give Natasha a good shake I enjoyed the intensity of their relationship and how they opened up to each other! Although they had very different coping mechanisms for their past tragedies, there was this unspoken understanding between them and you are jus willing them to sort themselves out so they could be what each other was looking for!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys new adult romance novels.
First off I must say I really enjoyed the book, though at times I found Natasha far too forgiving, I know I wouldn't be quite as understanding if I was her!! The plot of the story was well conceived with ballet dancer Natasha struggling with her own personal demons from her past when she is suddenly staring in to the crystal blue eyes of millionaire inventor Darrell Carner following an interruption in her audition. Darrell has thrown himself into his work following a tragedy in his past, struggling with his latest invention he found inspiration in ballet, after seeing Natasha dance he knows that she is his muse and he wants to pay her to dance for him to give him the inspiration that he needs!
I really enjoyed the dual perspective of the story and although at times I wanted to give Natasha a good shake I enjoyed the intensity of their relationship and how they opened up to each other! Although they had very different coping mechanisms for their past tragedies, there was this unspoken understanding between them and you are jus willing them to sort themselves out so they could be what each other was looking for!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys new adult romance novels.
April 4, 2014
1 star. Here's what was wrong with this book:
You do not feel an electric, static, "wow he can keep me grounded in life" connection at the first point of eye contact. I'm telling you. You don't.
You do not, under any circumstances, go to an older man's house after he asks you to "dance for him." Alone. This is absolutely common sense!
Actually, you do not add the same man you met at your recital - who was staring at you throughout your presentation and during others' presentations - on Facebook. Also, you do not MESSAGE BACK HI WHEN HE MESSAGES YOU LESS THAN 10 SECONDS AFTER YOU'VE ACCEPTED HIS FRELIEND REQUEST.
The worst part? Why would you venture 3-floors beneath the ground - again, ALONE - AND END UP KISSING. AND GROPING.
NO.
THIS IS STALKING. THIS IS CREEPY. HIS ATTRACTIVE, MOVIE STAR LOOKS DO NOT EXCLUDE HIM FROM USING YOUR COMMON SENSE.
THIS IS COMMON SENSE.
AND THIS IS STUPID.
I hate seeing these careless mistakes in NA literature; not only does it piss me off, but it sends an unconscious message out to those who naively read these books for entertainment. Thus I do not regret giving this book a one star rating. I don't regret it at all.
You do not feel an electric, static, "wow he can keep me grounded in life" connection at the first point of eye contact. I'm telling you. You don't.
You do not, under any circumstances, go to an older man's house after he asks you to "dance for him." Alone. This is absolutely common sense!
Actually, you do not add the same man you met at your recital - who was staring at you throughout your presentation and during others' presentations - on Facebook. Also, you do not MESSAGE BACK HI WHEN HE MESSAGES YOU LESS THAN 10 SECONDS AFTER YOU'VE ACCEPTED HIS FRELIEND REQUEST.
The worst part? Why would you venture 3-floors beneath the ground - again, ALONE - AND END UP KISSING. AND GROPING.
NO.
THIS IS STALKING. THIS IS CREEPY. HIS ATTRACTIVE, MOVIE STAR LOOKS DO NOT EXCLUDE HIM FROM USING YOUR COMMON SENSE.
THIS IS COMMON SENSE.
AND THIS IS STUPID.
I hate seeing these careless mistakes in NA literature; not only does it piss me off, but it sends an unconscious message out to those who naively read these books for entertainment. Thus I do not regret giving this book a one star rating. I don't regret it at all.
July 17, 2013
This book had it's original high points: WMD developer/engineer, who lost his family in a car bomb abroad having been targeted by terrorists. Female character has a unique tragic history of losing her family too and copes with cutting herself to maintain control of her life. Put together there was a lot of potential looking at the bones of this novel, unfortunately it missed the mark.
My main issues with it 1) build up to their relationship was great, but author lost credibility when they instantly said I Love You on their first date, *rolling my eyes. 2) Female character ran and cried so much - not much to root for and made male character look like a chump. 3) Supporting cast of Neil and Clarissa should have been leveraged more, they added much needed levity. 4) Lastly, didn't like the ending, was abrupt and needed an epilogue.
For 99 cent read, worth the money, but likely won't be recalling this one in the future. However would be open to giving this author another try.
My main issues with it 1) build up to their relationship was great, but author lost credibility when they instantly said I Love You on their first date, *rolling my eyes. 2) Female character ran and cried so much - not much to root for and made male character look like a chump. 3) Supporting cast of Neil and Clarissa should have been leveraged more, they added much needed levity. 4) Lastly, didn't like the ending, was abrupt and needed an epilogue.
For 99 cent read, worth the money, but likely won't be recalling this one in the future. However would be open to giving this author another try.
July 4, 2013
Kind of weird and lot of angst-y. Not what I expected, but interesting enough to keep me reading. I always like reading ballet lingo. It takes me back.
August 12, 2016
Original review posted: http://www.aliisbookjungle.com/2/post...
Wow, okay I don't even know when to begin. I finished this like not even 10 minutes ago, so I want to write down my thoughts while everything's still fresh. I mentioned on my Facebook page that I've received an ARC for the second book in the series, In Harmony (I'm part of the upcoming blog tour), and Helena provided me with a copy of Dance For Me, thank goodness because you know I have to read chronologically or I'll just die from a panic attack. Up until I signed up for the tour, I had never heard of Helena or the Fenbrook series, I know I deserved to be flogged, but allow me to redeem myself. Starting with the fact I have a mega girl crush on Helena, you see I started this in the early hours of the morning as I couldn't sleep (not to mention I needed to get a move on), and within the first few pages I was completely ensnared.
You got to hang on to your past, but if you let it own you, it’ll kill you.”
From the very first page I connected with Natasha, I understood where she was coming from. Self-harm is a very sensitive topic, and unless you've done it yourself you'll never really understand the need people have. I felt like Helena handled the matter in such heartbreaking detail, that even a 'normal' person could understand where Natasha's need came from. I thought it was illustrated beyond beautifully the ramifications of self-harming and how it impacts those around you, we saw the strain it put on her relationships. How helpless the people who cared for her felt, and it was endearing to see how they coped with her actions. It was refreshing to have a hero enter the scene and actually work to help her, to understand and figure it all out, rather than getting a hero who would try to understand or end up getting wholly pissed.
Cutting gave me an anchor. When I cut, I immediately felt like I was latched in place, and the feeling lasted the rest of the day— sometimes into the next one. From that toehold, I could tentatively stretch out and reach other things, like friends and rehearsals and sitting eating lunch around other people, without falling to my doom. My daily dose of punishment— a millionth of what I deserved— offered up as some sort of appeasement, to stop the guilt swallowing me whole..
If I could I'd put in every single scene I highlighted, but that's like most of the book so I'll control myself. It wasn't just the insight into the matter of self-harm, but the amazingly detailed insight into the life of a dancer. I've always admired the art of ballet, ever since I wanted to be one as a child, and Helena holds nothing back when describing Natasha's passion. Every step given it's name and every move so vividly clear you can see it all playing out in your head. It was all so alluring and appealing, I actually felt Darrell's draw towards it and honestly it makes me want to be a ballerina all over again.
As the music started, I allowed myself to just... be, stepping out with nothing to cling onto and accepting the memories for what they were. For once, I wasn’t dancing to block something out or to punish myself. I was dancing for the sheer simple joy of it and there was nothing so good in the world.
Now you know I'm not a fan for the insta-love thing, but this was different I can't really describe how but I'm gong to try and put it into words. Their relationship was just so bittersweet, yet utterly endearing. Their first meeting is so electrical and bewitching you instantly feel the connection between them, it makes your gut clench in anticipation and you just know this chance encounter happened for a reason. Like they were both adrift waiting for something, or this case someone, to help lighten the way.
I loved Darrell! Seriously I know what you're thinking, rich guy meets poor girl = fast whirlwind romance. Don't stereotype minions, it doesn't suit you. It's not like that, well not the way you think, what makes Darrell stand out is that he's not really broken more like compulsively obsessed with his work, with a sad and tragic past motivating him. He was every bit as insecure and awkward as Natasha, they just fit together so well. I loved getting his POV it just made me understand him better, and his monologue had me swooning, laughing, crying and just plain falling in love.
Helena represented Darrell's decisions very well, people make a lot of impulsive or crazy decisions when lost in their grief, and these decisions can impact our lives so severely we don't even realize we've set ourselves up on a road leading to self-destruction. I felt Natasha was as good a wake up call as any, Helena gave no illusions to it all becoming hunky dory with an unrealistic HEA. They both endured a lot in their lives, and as a couple went through a lot of trust issues, if anything Helena illustrated perfectly they don't know what the future holds but they've take that first step and as long as they're together they'll figure it out.
But I couldn’t accept the idea of her being broken. Not my Natasha. I had to fix her, and if that meant working out what had happened to her on my own, so be it.
She clung to me, surprised. “It’s okay,” she told me, feeling the tension in my body, every muscle rigid.
“It isn’t,” I told her. “But I’m going to make it okay, Natasha. I’m going to make everything okay.”
I adored the background characters, I want them all to get their own book. Jasmine and Clarissa were awesome friends. I felt for Clarissa, knowing her best friends secret, yet feeling unable to help or understand. I loved her for standing by Natasha, like a true friend she made it non-verbally clear she was there when Natasha was ready. I really enjoyed her scenes with Nial, and if they don't get a book I think I might hurt someone. I loved the vibe that came with Nial's character, a biker getting his masters from MIT, say what? Sounds so weird but it so totally worked.
“Well then what the hell are you waiting for?” Jasmine was staring at me incredulously. “He’s super-gorgeous, you should do it.”
“Wait, wait...” I held my hand up. “A second ago he was a creep and probably wanted a lap dance. Now just because he’s rich and”— I flushed—“ and hot, he’s suddenly okay? What if he’s a rich, hot creep?”
“I don’t think you can be rich, hot and a creep,” Jasmine told me, then turned to Clarissa. “Can you?”
Clarissa shook her head happily. “No, if he’s rich and hot then he’s just kinky. Adventurous.”
The writing style flowed smoothly, it was slow at times but picked up again after a few pages. Helena is very meticulous with the dance scenes, making the art of ballet hypnotizing. The characters have an extraordinary amount of depth, it's hard not to become fascinated by them. The background characters help bring the story full circle, and go a long way into understanding the relationships and emotions of the characters.
I rate this enthralling book 4.2 dazzling stars. Like I said I'm not a fan of the insta-love thing, and while Helena made it work I still felt like there was this tiny piece missing from pulling it off successfully. At times I thought it was a little repetitive, and then there were scenes that were built up so well but never reached their peak. If anything the drama aspect was very minimal, it focused more on the dancing and self-harm aspect. Which I know I said I liked, but I don't know I just feel like it needed that little something more. Despite that Helena still managed to make me fan of her work, and I recommend you purchase a copy minions.
Blog: Alii's Book Jungle
Facebook page: Alii's Book Jungle
Twitter: GeektasticAlii
Wow, okay I don't even know when to begin. I finished this like not even 10 minutes ago, so I want to write down my thoughts while everything's still fresh. I mentioned on my Facebook page that I've received an ARC for the second book in the series, In Harmony (I'm part of the upcoming blog tour), and Helena provided me with a copy of Dance For Me, thank goodness because you know I have to read chronologically or I'll just die from a panic attack. Up until I signed up for the tour, I had never heard of Helena or the Fenbrook series, I know I deserved to be flogged, but allow me to redeem myself. Starting with the fact I have a mega girl crush on Helena, you see I started this in the early hours of the morning as I couldn't sleep (not to mention I needed to get a move on), and within the first few pages I was completely ensnared.
You got to hang on to your past, but if you let it own you, it’ll kill you.”
From the very first page I connected with Natasha, I understood where she was coming from. Self-harm is a very sensitive topic, and unless you've done it yourself you'll never really understand the need people have. I felt like Helena handled the matter in such heartbreaking detail, that even a 'normal' person could understand where Natasha's need came from. I thought it was illustrated beyond beautifully the ramifications of self-harming and how it impacts those around you, we saw the strain it put on her relationships. How helpless the people who cared for her felt, and it was endearing to see how they coped with her actions. It was refreshing to have a hero enter the scene and actually work to help her, to understand and figure it all out, rather than getting a hero who would try to understand or end up getting wholly pissed.
Cutting gave me an anchor. When I cut, I immediately felt like I was latched in place, and the feeling lasted the rest of the day— sometimes into the next one. From that toehold, I could tentatively stretch out and reach other things, like friends and rehearsals and sitting eating lunch around other people, without falling to my doom. My daily dose of punishment— a millionth of what I deserved— offered up as some sort of appeasement, to stop the guilt swallowing me whole..
If I could I'd put in every single scene I highlighted, but that's like most of the book so I'll control myself. It wasn't just the insight into the matter of self-harm, but the amazingly detailed insight into the life of a dancer. I've always admired the art of ballet, ever since I wanted to be one as a child, and Helena holds nothing back when describing Natasha's passion. Every step given it's name and every move so vividly clear you can see it all playing out in your head. It was all so alluring and appealing, I actually felt Darrell's draw towards it and honestly it makes me want to be a ballerina all over again.
As the music started, I allowed myself to just... be, stepping out with nothing to cling onto and accepting the memories for what they were. For once, I wasn’t dancing to block something out or to punish myself. I was dancing for the sheer simple joy of it and there was nothing so good in the world.
Now you know I'm not a fan for the insta-love thing, but this was different I can't really describe how but I'm gong to try and put it into words. Their relationship was just so bittersweet, yet utterly endearing. Their first meeting is so electrical and bewitching you instantly feel the connection between them, it makes your gut clench in anticipation and you just know this chance encounter happened for a reason. Like they were both adrift waiting for something, or this case someone, to help lighten the way.
I loved Darrell! Seriously I know what you're thinking, rich guy meets poor girl = fast whirlwind romance. Don't stereotype minions, it doesn't suit you. It's not like that, well not the way you think, what makes Darrell stand out is that he's not really broken more like compulsively obsessed with his work, with a sad and tragic past motivating him. He was every bit as insecure and awkward as Natasha, they just fit together so well. I loved getting his POV it just made me understand him better, and his monologue had me swooning, laughing, crying and just plain falling in love.
Helena represented Darrell's decisions very well, people make a lot of impulsive or crazy decisions when lost in their grief, and these decisions can impact our lives so severely we don't even realize we've set ourselves up on a road leading to self-destruction. I felt Natasha was as good a wake up call as any, Helena gave no illusions to it all becoming hunky dory with an unrealistic HEA. They both endured a lot in their lives, and as a couple went through a lot of trust issues, if anything Helena illustrated perfectly they don't know what the future holds but they've take that first step and as long as they're together they'll figure it out.
But I couldn’t accept the idea of her being broken. Not my Natasha. I had to fix her, and if that meant working out what had happened to her on my own, so be it.
She clung to me, surprised. “It’s okay,” she told me, feeling the tension in my body, every muscle rigid.
“It isn’t,” I told her. “But I’m going to make it okay, Natasha. I’m going to make everything okay.”
I adored the background characters, I want them all to get their own book. Jasmine and Clarissa were awesome friends. I felt for Clarissa, knowing her best friends secret, yet feeling unable to help or understand. I loved her for standing by Natasha, like a true friend she made it non-verbally clear she was there when Natasha was ready. I really enjoyed her scenes with Nial, and if they don't get a book I think I might hurt someone. I loved the vibe that came with Nial's character, a biker getting his masters from MIT, say what? Sounds so weird but it so totally worked.
“Well then what the hell are you waiting for?” Jasmine was staring at me incredulously. “He’s super-gorgeous, you should do it.”
“Wait, wait...” I held my hand up. “A second ago he was a creep and probably wanted a lap dance. Now just because he’s rich and”— I flushed—“ and hot, he’s suddenly okay? What if he’s a rich, hot creep?”
“I don’t think you can be rich, hot and a creep,” Jasmine told me, then turned to Clarissa. “Can you?”
Clarissa shook her head happily. “No, if he’s rich and hot then he’s just kinky. Adventurous.”
The writing style flowed smoothly, it was slow at times but picked up again after a few pages. Helena is very meticulous with the dance scenes, making the art of ballet hypnotizing. The characters have an extraordinary amount of depth, it's hard not to become fascinated by them. The background characters help bring the story full circle, and go a long way into understanding the relationships and emotions of the characters.
I rate this enthralling book 4.2 dazzling stars. Like I said I'm not a fan of the insta-love thing, and while Helena made it work I still felt like there was this tiny piece missing from pulling it off successfully. At times I thought it was a little repetitive, and then there were scenes that were built up so well but never reached their peak. If anything the drama aspect was very minimal, it focused more on the dancing and self-harm aspect. Which I know I said I liked, but I don't know I just feel like it needed that little something more. Despite that Helena still managed to make me fan of her work, and I recommend you purchase a copy minions.
Blog: Alii's Book Jungle
Facebook page: Alii's Book Jungle
Twitter: GeektasticAlii
January 26, 2020
After having a couple of DNF's and nothing capturing me, I decided to browse through my kindle and read an older book. Dance for Me jumped out at me with the word Academy and I figured I would enjoy it as I loved school-based novels. Fenbrook Academy is a school for the arts and our main character Natasha is a ballet dancer at the school. She is trying to make it big by going to auditions when she meets our male lead. Darrell is an engineer who dropped out of MIT but his mind makes him a genius at what he does as he builds for the government. Darrell is stuck and needs a new muse when he gets a block - he searches through ballet videos as the fluid of the dancers calm him and boosts his inspiration. On this particular day, the videos aren't working so he goes in search of the real thing and on this day crashes into a ballet audition that Natasha is doing and distracts her, making her lose out. He apologizes and pays her to dance for him. She learns he is a millionaire and soon she is dancing while he works and building a friendship. Of course, though sparks will fly and the pair get closer. What will happen though when Natasha learns about Darrell's work? Can she have this on her conscience? When he stands her up on a date and doesn't contact as he's lost in his work - can Natasha come second to his work or does she need to be his main priority? Find out in Book #1 Dance for Me by Helena Newbury.
July 11, 2013
*This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
It has been some time, well at least a couple of weeks, since I have read a book that elicited in me that utter desperation to return to it at every available moment. This book did that! I admit, this morning I was late for work. Actually I pulled up in the car park 25 minutes early but I was at 90% (I'd had it on text to speech, I'm not a dangerous driver!) and there was no way I was stopping! So, yeah, well done for that Ms Newbury, it was a truly engaging story right until the very end.
There is something beautiful and desparate about this romance. Both characters live in a constant state of managed panic it seems yet find something in each other that grounds them, makes them want to be a better version of themselves. We have two people falling in love within days/weeks who I actually believe are in love. I could feel it. I could feel how each others presence shifted the gravity for them. This resonated deeply with me. Not because I could identify with their demons but because it reminded me of falling in love and how utterly it changes you from within, changes your perception of the world and of yourself.
The intensity in this book born from the traumas that Natasha and Darrell were dealing with was present throughout. It defined them as characters in a very realistic way. You never had the sense that it was gone. I hate it in books when the suffering disappears overnight because they meet some hot guy/girl. That didn't happen here. This book was about love yes, and about how love heals and helps nurture personal strength. It's also about control. About how we as fragile emotional beings search for control and yet often our so called coping mechanisms end up controlling us. It is about self awareness and personal growth. A true New Adult book.
I loved the tenderness in this book and the passion (yeah that was very good!)and the raw emotion of the characters. The dual pov really helped to build both of them in my head. I think otherwise I would have struggled to get why Darrell didn't run for the hills as clearly Natasha was all kinds of broken, but he was too so well it made sense then.
I did, however, have a love/hate relationship with the guessing game. Having to wait so long to have the mystery unravelled as to what was hanging over Natasha was incredibly frustrating. Don't get me wrong, it had me hooked, but I built it up so much in my head throughout that when it was finally revealed it felt a little anti-climactic. That scene felt a little flat and calm compared to some of the other 'edge of my seat' intense ones (eg. in the rain).
The only other thing that prevented the big 5 stars was that it did come across as a little unrealistic. It's the millionaire thing and his job didn't seem right, I can't believe that's how these things are actually done. It just felt contrived, there only to create an exaggerated tension. I would love to read something by this author set with real life characters so to be a little more accessible for the reader. It was like the author was caught between whether to write 'realistic fiction' or 'hot, steamy, falling in love with a billionaire' fiction. I think the former is braver and this author is talented enough to pull me along with the story without all the 'bling'.
Oh and btw, I loved the dancing thing! I'm not any variety of dancer and have seen maybe two professional ballet productions, but I did feel it added a lot of sensuality to this story and I loved the role it played in Natashas character. I could empathise with the feeling of losing yourself and your body to something. This author clearly understands depression, she captured in a number of ways how one tries to bury emotional pain in physical acts. She also captured the struggle to break free from that pattern, how painful and scary yet exillerating that can be.
Anyway, I've rambled on quite enough! To summarise, I loved this book and what it did to me. I feel that I've been on a spiral of intense emotions. This book resonated with me. It reminded me of how love builds people up and sets them free.(I think there's even a quote in the book about 'falling' in love not being the right description) It did that for me. For a book to have me thinking about the love I feel for my husband is a special thing. My only wish was that the setting was more realistic. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author, she has made my auto buy list!
It has been some time, well at least a couple of weeks, since I have read a book that elicited in me that utter desperation to return to it at every available moment. This book did that! I admit, this morning I was late for work. Actually I pulled up in the car park 25 minutes early but I was at 90% (I'd had it on text to speech, I'm not a dangerous driver!) and there was no way I was stopping! So, yeah, well done for that Ms Newbury, it was a truly engaging story right until the very end.
There is something beautiful and desparate about this romance. Both characters live in a constant state of managed panic it seems yet find something in each other that grounds them, makes them want to be a better version of themselves. We have two people falling in love within days/weeks who I actually believe are in love. I could feel it. I could feel how each others presence shifted the gravity for them. This resonated deeply with me. Not because I could identify with their demons but because it reminded me of falling in love and how utterly it changes you from within, changes your perception of the world and of yourself.
The intensity in this book born from the traumas that Natasha and Darrell were dealing with was present throughout. It defined them as characters in a very realistic way. You never had the sense that it was gone. I hate it in books when the suffering disappears overnight because they meet some hot guy/girl. That didn't happen here. This book was about love yes, and about how love heals and helps nurture personal strength. It's also about control. About how we as fragile emotional beings search for control and yet often our so called coping mechanisms end up controlling us. It is about self awareness and personal growth. A true New Adult book.
I loved the tenderness in this book and the passion (yeah that was very good!)and the raw emotion of the characters. The dual pov really helped to build both of them in my head. I think otherwise I would have struggled to get why Darrell didn't run for the hills as clearly Natasha was all kinds of broken, but he was too so well it made sense then.
I did, however, have a love/hate relationship with the guessing game. Having to wait so long to have the mystery unravelled as to what was hanging over Natasha was incredibly frustrating. Don't get me wrong, it had me hooked, but I built it up so much in my head throughout that when it was finally revealed it felt a little anti-climactic. That scene felt a little flat and calm compared to some of the other 'edge of my seat' intense ones (eg. in the rain).
The only other thing that prevented the big 5 stars was that it did come across as a little unrealistic. It's the millionaire thing and his job didn't seem right, I can't believe that's how these things are actually done. It just felt contrived, there only to create an exaggerated tension. I would love to read something by this author set with real life characters so to be a little more accessible for the reader. It was like the author was caught between whether to write 'realistic fiction' or 'hot, steamy, falling in love with a billionaire' fiction. I think the former is braver and this author is talented enough to pull me along with the story without all the 'bling'.
Oh and btw, I loved the dancing thing! I'm not any variety of dancer and have seen maybe two professional ballet productions, but I did feel it added a lot of sensuality to this story and I loved the role it played in Natashas character. I could empathise with the feeling of losing yourself and your body to something. This author clearly understands depression, she captured in a number of ways how one tries to bury emotional pain in physical acts. She also captured the struggle to break free from that pattern, how painful and scary yet exillerating that can be.
Anyway, I've rambled on quite enough! To summarise, I loved this book and what it did to me. I feel that I've been on a spiral of intense emotions. This book resonated with me. It reminded me of how love builds people up and sets them free.(I think there's even a quote in the book about 'falling' in love not being the right description) It did that for me. For a book to have me thinking about the love I feel for my husband is a special thing. My only wish was that the setting was more realistic. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author, she has made my auto buy list!
October 11, 2013
4 Captivating heart breaking stars!!
2 Broken Tortured Souls
Drowning in guilt and anger
Holding on to a broken past
Can two broken souls heal each other?
This is the story of Natasha and Darrel.They are two different people, one rich and one poor, yet they have a lot in common. They both are hiding a hideous past that has scarred them for life.Can they move forward without letting their past drag them back?
Natasha is a ballet dancer its all she knows and its one of the ways she escapes. Ballet makes her forget everything for a moment but sometimes ballet isn't enough to keep her grounded sometimes everything becomes too much for her to handle..
"You're beautiful," he said,and it was so out of nowhere that I wobbled."Sorry" he said quickly."But you are."
Darrel is a multi-millionaire designer at 25, he creates dangerous things due to his past. His escape is work.He works to forget about his brutal past, he works to stamp down on his anger and guilt, he works to escape.
They are both surviving, they are both just existing
But meeting each other changes everything..
"I could feel his eyes on the shape of my extended leg as I leaned into the six o'clock arabesque, on the line of my arm as I straightened up.He wasn't watching,he was absorbing.."
It all starts when Natasha has a big audition and half way through it Darrel barges in and knocks Natasha's concentration.When she runs out after the messed up audition, she is approached by Darrel he asks her to dance for him.Darrel needs a muse and Natasha is perfect for the job but what is he creating that he needs a ballet dancer for a muse?
I really enjoyed the book and discovering what happened to Natasha and Darrel that caused them to be drowning in anger and guilt.Why did they need an escape?
"The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them."
This is a well written book especially the dancing scenes i could imagine it all each dance step was written perfectly to create an amazing overall picture.Some parts were slightly slow for me and I wanted Natasha to quit running and face her problems head on.
Overall this is a great book and I am looking forward to the next one to see how the story will continue..
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
2 Broken Tortured Souls
Drowning in guilt and anger
Holding on to a broken past
Can two broken souls heal each other?
This is the story of Natasha and Darrel.They are two different people, one rich and one poor, yet they have a lot in common. They both are hiding a hideous past that has scarred them for life.Can they move forward without letting their past drag them back?
Natasha is a ballet dancer its all she knows and its one of the ways she escapes. Ballet makes her forget everything for a moment but sometimes ballet isn't enough to keep her grounded sometimes everything becomes too much for her to handle..
"You're beautiful," he said,and it was so out of nowhere that I wobbled."Sorry" he said quickly."But you are."
Darrel is a multi-millionaire designer at 25, he creates dangerous things due to his past. His escape is work.He works to forget about his brutal past, he works to stamp down on his anger and guilt, he works to escape.
They are both surviving, they are both just existing
But meeting each other changes everything..
"I could feel his eyes on the shape of my extended leg as I leaned into the six o'clock arabesque, on the line of my arm as I straightened up.He wasn't watching,he was absorbing.."
It all starts when Natasha has a big audition and half way through it Darrel barges in and knocks Natasha's concentration.When she runs out after the messed up audition, she is approached by Darrel he asks her to dance for him.Darrel needs a muse and Natasha is perfect for the job but what is he creating that he needs a ballet dancer for a muse?
I really enjoyed the book and discovering what happened to Natasha and Darrel that caused them to be drowning in anger and guilt.Why did they need an escape?
"The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them."
This is a well written book especially the dancing scenes i could imagine it all each dance step was written perfectly to create an amazing overall picture.Some parts were slightly slow for me and I wanted Natasha to quit running and face her problems head on.
Overall this is a great book and I am looking forward to the next one to see how the story will continue..
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
July 18, 2013
I am on a winning streak with books I have been asked to review. Two that are getting 5 stars from me in a row. Awesome!
I started this yesterday and ended up carrying my ipad with me EVERYWHERE. Family BBQ? I was reading. Waiting for fireworks to start at the school? I was reading. It was that good.
I was drawn into Dance For Me from the first page. The very first. This book just hits you with emotion right from the beginning and doesn’t let up. Natasha has one of those problems that polite people don’t talk about in public. (That’s sarcasm. It’s one of the reasons I talk about my depression/anxiety/panic attacks so much, even to the point where I joke about them – when I’m not having one. People have a tendency to feel shame when it comes to these things we can’t always control on our own, through no fault of our own. I refuse to feel shame about it anymore. It’s not my fault.) She, like everyone else with this behavior, hides, feels shame, feels it’s all her fault, the same things the rest of us feel about our own issues. When I was reading and came to the first mention of what she does, I thought that Helena Newbury has to be the most empathic person to get all of those emotions behind what is driving the behavior.
Then there is Natasha’s dancing. Helena, you have to be a dancer. I was impressed with all of the terms she used, not just used, but the description of the movements behind the term. I haven’t been a dancer for years and I know I couldn’t come up with all of that, even with a ton of research. I was taken out of dance before I was able to dance en Pointe (one of my saddest regrets), so while I was familiar with a lot of the terms, I wasn’t familiar with what movement it was. Thank you YouTube. I love watching ballet dancers en Pointe.
Oh Darrell. {sigh} Poor guy has his own issues. These two both have such a painful history, both hiding their past, both with their own ways of dealing with the pain. Both blaming themselves for what happened. I’m telling you this book has drama, emotion, and heat.
The love scenes were fantastic and safe (always makes me happy when an author keeps her characters safe and smart) and full of heat. Look for the one on the table.
I loved the 2 main side characters two. Clarissa (Natasha’s best friend) and Neil (Darrell’s best friend). I’m really hoping those two get the next Fenbrook Academy book because those two have some serious chemistry going on plus we’ll get to see Natasha and Darrell some seeing as they are best friends. *fingers crossed*
All in all absolutely wonderful new adult book! I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you Helena for sending me over a copy to read!
I started this yesterday and ended up carrying my ipad with me EVERYWHERE. Family BBQ? I was reading. Waiting for fireworks to start at the school? I was reading. It was that good.
I was drawn into Dance For Me from the first page. The very first. This book just hits you with emotion right from the beginning and doesn’t let up. Natasha has one of those problems that polite people don’t talk about in public. (That’s sarcasm. It’s one of the reasons I talk about my depression/anxiety/panic attacks so much, even to the point where I joke about them – when I’m not having one. People have a tendency to feel shame when it comes to these things we can’t always control on our own, through no fault of our own. I refuse to feel shame about it anymore. It’s not my fault.) She, like everyone else with this behavior, hides, feels shame, feels it’s all her fault, the same things the rest of us feel about our own issues. When I was reading and came to the first mention of what she does, I thought that Helena Newbury has to be the most empathic person to get all of those emotions behind what is driving the behavior.
Then there is Natasha’s dancing. Helena, you have to be a dancer. I was impressed with all of the terms she used, not just used, but the description of the movements behind the term. I haven’t been a dancer for years and I know I couldn’t come up with all of that, even with a ton of research. I was taken out of dance before I was able to dance en Pointe (one of my saddest regrets), so while I was familiar with a lot of the terms, I wasn’t familiar with what movement it was. Thank you YouTube. I love watching ballet dancers en Pointe.
Oh Darrell. {sigh} Poor guy has his own issues. These two both have such a painful history, both hiding their past, both with their own ways of dealing with the pain. Both blaming themselves for what happened. I’m telling you this book has drama, emotion, and heat.
The love scenes were fantastic and safe (always makes me happy when an author keeps her characters safe and smart) and full of heat. Look for the one on the table.
I loved the 2 main side characters two. Clarissa (Natasha’s best friend) and Neil (Darrell’s best friend). I’m really hoping those two get the next Fenbrook Academy book because those two have some serious chemistry going on plus we’ll get to see Natasha and Darrell some seeing as they are best friends. *fingers crossed*
All in all absolutely wonderful new adult book! I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you Helena for sending me over a copy to read!
October 6, 2013
Natasha (21) and Darrell (25?) are both orphans, both obsessed by their professions, both hiding secrets related to the death of their parents. (Doesn't hurt that they are both attractive and well-built.)
Natasha is a dancer/dancing student by day, bartender by night. Darrell is an engineer who builds bombs. As he struggles with his newest design, he stumbles on the idea of dance, ballet in particular, that just might hold the key to his design problem. Obsessed, he crashes an audition while Natasha is mid-leap. Eyes lock, time stops, etc., but the author tells this part of the story in a way that feels new and fresh. Darrell decides to hire Natasha to dance for him, in private - both because he wants to see more of her, on a personal level, but also because he believes dancing holds the key to designing a bomb that can twist, turn, and avoid missiles aimed to destroy it. This concept and the way it's laid out is ingenious, IMO.
Because he's learned that few people are as enthusiastic about bombs as Darrell's mentor/project supervisor/sexy cougar Carol, he hides that his project is a bomb from Natasha. All she knows is he's designing... something - a car, maybe, or a motorcycle.
One of Natasha's secrets is that she's a cutter. Cutting helps keep her from sliding into memories too painful to cope, from losing what little equilibrium she has left. The rituals and descriptions of cutting are graphic enough that I suspect it could be triggering to someone recovering from that behavior (or, it could be cathartic). The reason she cuts we don't find out till near the end of the book.
Natasha and Darrell are compelling characters, and there's a charming "B" romance between Natasha's rich roommate Clarissa and Darrell's dirty-biker friend Neil. My peeves are 1) Natasha cuts-and-runs a little too much for my taste; I'd have liked to see her TRY to stand up without her standby helpers or her new romance with Darrell. 2) There were very few typos I noticed in the book, but in TWO different steamy sex scenes I got knocked out of the story by them. Things like, "he reached over and did X, then WE did Y." Felt like a splash of cold water in the face at the wrong moment.
On the whole, this was very well-written, the sex scenes were hot, and the characters felt new, fresh, and very real.
Natasha is a dancer/dancing student by day, bartender by night. Darrell is an engineer who builds bombs. As he struggles with his newest design, he stumbles on the idea of dance, ballet in particular, that just might hold the key to his design problem. Obsessed, he crashes an audition while Natasha is mid-leap. Eyes lock, time stops, etc., but the author tells this part of the story in a way that feels new and fresh. Darrell decides to hire Natasha to dance for him, in private - both because he wants to see more of her, on a personal level, but also because he believes dancing holds the key to designing a bomb that can twist, turn, and avoid missiles aimed to destroy it. This concept and the way it's laid out is ingenious, IMO.
Because he's learned that few people are as enthusiastic about bombs as Darrell's mentor/project supervisor/sexy cougar Carol, he hides that his project is a bomb from Natasha. All she knows is he's designing... something - a car, maybe, or a motorcycle.
One of Natasha's secrets is that she's a cutter. Cutting helps keep her from sliding into memories too painful to cope, from losing what little equilibrium she has left. The rituals and descriptions of cutting are graphic enough that I suspect it could be triggering to someone recovering from that behavior (or, it could be cathartic). The reason she cuts we don't find out till near the end of the book.
Natasha and Darrell are compelling characters, and there's a charming "B" romance between Natasha's rich roommate Clarissa and Darrell's dirty-biker friend Neil. My peeves are 1) Natasha cuts-and-runs a little too much for my taste; I'd have liked to see her TRY to stand up without her standby helpers or her new romance with Darrell. 2) There were very few typos I noticed in the book, but in TWO different steamy sex scenes I got knocked out of the story by them. Things like, "he reached over and did X, then WE did Y." Felt like a splash of cold water in the face at the wrong moment.
On the whole, this was very well-written, the sex scenes were hot, and the characters felt new, fresh, and very real.
February 21, 2015
*3.5 Stars*
Having read In Harmony, #2 in the Fenbrook Academy series, and adoring it, I was eager to read Dance For Me. While it didn't work for me quite as well as In Harmony, I did enjoy it.
Natasha Liss is studying ballet at Fenbrook Academy. Actually, sh'es one of its most promising students. But Natasha has a traumatic past she's trying to keep buried. The memories drive her to dance, exercise, and harm herself, in order to maintain balance.
Darrell Carner is a designer for the government. An MIT dropout, he's brilliant at what he does...driven to the point of compulsion (obsession?). He's haunted by memories of a tragedy - and those memories are what spur him. His latest design has him stumped. He needs some inspiration and that's where Natasha comes in.
Being witness to Natasha and Darrell opening up to one another made my heart ache. They both were so vulnerable and insecure - about their pasts as well as how those pasts were affecting their present. They served as a healing balm to one another and that was something they both desperately needed.
However, the insta-love or insta-connection didn't work for me. I get the 'seeing each other from across a crowded room' thing - really I do. But these two started on false pretenses - mission of information - and they struggled because of it. Natasha did say
"Sometimes it fees like neither of us are in control, as if we're...I don't know. Being blown by the wind or something. Like our only choice is to let it happen or dig our heels in and let the other one be swept away into the distance...but that could mean we lose the other forever."
and when I read that, I thought "well, that's true." I think I just felt that with what they've both been through, some counseling would really strengthen their foundation. Particularly with all Natasha's emotional displays. (Note: counseling may have been alluded to in In Harmony, I don't recall)
Besides the story between Natasha and Darrell, I enjoyed getting glimpses of the beginnings between Clarissa and Neal. They are a fun couple. I also liked being introduced to Karen, who stars in In Harmony, and Jasmine, the star of Acting Brave. Newbury has created a cast of characters that I'm very invested in and am delighted to get better acquainted with!
Having read In Harmony, #2 in the Fenbrook Academy series, and adoring it, I was eager to read Dance For Me. While it didn't work for me quite as well as In Harmony, I did enjoy it.
Natasha Liss is studying ballet at Fenbrook Academy. Actually, sh'es one of its most promising students. But Natasha has a traumatic past she's trying to keep buried. The memories drive her to dance, exercise, and harm herself, in order to maintain balance.
Darrell Carner is a designer for the government. An MIT dropout, he's brilliant at what he does...driven to the point of compulsion (obsession?). He's haunted by memories of a tragedy - and those memories are what spur him. His latest design has him stumped. He needs some inspiration and that's where Natasha comes in.
Being witness to Natasha and Darrell opening up to one another made my heart ache. They both were so vulnerable and insecure - about their pasts as well as how those pasts were affecting their present. They served as a healing balm to one another and that was something they both desperately needed.
However, the insta-love or insta-connection didn't work for me. I get the 'seeing each other from across a crowded room' thing - really I do. But these two started on false pretenses - mission of information - and they struggled because of it. Natasha did say
"Sometimes it fees like neither of us are in control, as if we're...I don't know. Being blown by the wind or something. Like our only choice is to let it happen or dig our heels in and let the other one be swept away into the distance...but that could mean we lose the other forever."
and when I read that, I thought "well, that's true." I think I just felt that with what they've both been through, some counseling would really strengthen their foundation. Particularly with all Natasha's emotional displays. (Note: counseling may have been alluded to in In Harmony, I don't recall)
Besides the story between Natasha and Darrell, I enjoyed getting glimpses of the beginnings between Clarissa and Neal. They are a fun couple. I also liked being introduced to Karen, who stars in In Harmony, and Jasmine, the star of Acting Brave. Newbury has created a cast of characters that I'm very invested in and am delighted to get better acquainted with!
June 23, 2013
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
I.NEEDED.THE.SECOND.BOOK.NOW.PLEASE!!
This was so beautifully written, it was distracting!!
I found myself time, and time again putting this book down to google videos of the moves!
Helena HAS to have been a dancer! Either that or this is one of, if not, the BEST researched novel I have ever, EVER, had the pleasure of reading.
For those that know me I read a book a night, this gem took me three, yes you read right, THREE days to finish as I found myself re-reading the dance scenes over and over and over again, then watching on you tube.
I had so many emotions during this journey, and they started at just 3%!!
I was just....CAPTIVATED.
Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
The story of Natasha and Darrell is filled with so much it could almost be too much, but somehow it just works!
They are so incredibly broken. They think they deserve the lives they have. If that's even what you call it.
They don't live.
They exist.
Then they meet.....
Both hiding horrendous pasts almost destroys their future. Guilt ridden and copping in different ways, leads them to a chance meeting.
I loved everything about this novel. The character development was a dream to read. The POV changes smooth. The angst. The emotion. The love. The hate. EVERYTHING was beautiful, especially the ugly!
'Im never going to be a normal person now. I'd escaped, with Darrell-for a wonderful handful of days, I'd stepped outside of my fate and lived another life. And now I was being plunged back into it and that made my very soul howl in pain. '
'I turned to him. The rain made it impossible to see tears, but I could see how red his eyes were. '
'The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them. '
"Is this man the reason your pas de chat looks like a pas de herd-of-goddamn-buffalo?"
I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Helena for allowing me to read for you.
I.NEEDED.THE.SECOND.BOOK.NOW.PLEASE!!
This was so beautifully written, it was distracting!!
I found myself time, and time again putting this book down to google videos of the moves!
Helena HAS to have been a dancer! Either that or this is one of, if not, the BEST researched novel I have ever, EVER, had the pleasure of reading.
For those that know me I read a book a night, this gem took me three, yes you read right, THREE days to finish as I found myself re-reading the dance scenes over and over and over again, then watching on you tube.
I had so many emotions during this journey, and they started at just 3%!!
I was just....CAPTIVATED.
Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?
The story of Natasha and Darrell is filled with so much it could almost be too much, but somehow it just works!
They are so incredibly broken. They think they deserve the lives they have. If that's even what you call it.
They don't live.
They exist.
Then they meet.....
Both hiding horrendous pasts almost destroys their future. Guilt ridden and copping in different ways, leads them to a chance meeting.
I loved everything about this novel. The character development was a dream to read. The POV changes smooth. The angst. The emotion. The love. The hate. EVERYTHING was beautiful, especially the ugly!
'Im never going to be a normal person now. I'd escaped, with Darrell-for a wonderful handful of days, I'd stepped outside of my fate and lived another life. And now I was being plunged back into it and that made my very soul howl in pain. '
'I turned to him. The rain made it impossible to see tears, but I could see how red his eyes were. '
'The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them. '
"Is this man the reason your pas de chat looks like a pas de herd-of-goddamn-buffalo?"
I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Helena for allowing me to read for you.
October 22, 2013
Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dance For Me by Helena Newbury is a heartbreaking story about two people who are dealing with a huge amount of guilt in relation to their past. Both drowning each dealing with their guilt in their own way.
Natasha puts everything she has into ballet and when that doesn’t work and her emotions take over she cuts to “ground” her. Darrell throws himself into his work barley taking a break to sleep or eat. His anger driving him to come up with the next instrument that will help him seek his form of revenge. When Darrell hits a road block he seeks a muse in Natasha and her dancing. The connection they feel is astounding and finally feel like they are beginning to live again. Afraid of what will happen if the other find out about their pasts they keep secrets and make assumption about what happen to the other person. Fear, guilt, and anger could end up destroying the only thing that could save them.
I enjoyed reading Dance For Me, the story was original and heartbreaking. I would have like to see more of a relationship build up between Natasha and Darrell. I felt the whole story of their love and heart break happened within two weeks of knowing each other. I also would have like to have an additional epilogue before the ending felt kind of abrupt.
Dance For Me by Helena Newbury is a heartbreaking story about two people who are dealing with a huge amount of guilt in relation to their past. Both drowning each dealing with their guilt in their own way.
Natasha puts everything she has into ballet and when that doesn’t work and her emotions take over she cuts to “ground” her. Darrell throws himself into his work barley taking a break to sleep or eat. His anger driving him to come up with the next instrument that will help him seek his form of revenge. When Darrell hits a road block he seeks a muse in Natasha and her dancing. The connection they feel is astounding and finally feel like they are beginning to live again. Afraid of what will happen if the other find out about their pasts they keep secrets and make assumption about what happen to the other person. Fear, guilt, and anger could end up destroying the only thing that could save them.
I enjoyed reading Dance For Me, the story was original and heartbreaking. I would have like to see more of a relationship build up between Natasha and Darrell. I felt the whole story of their love and heart break happened within two weeks of knowing each other. I also would have like to have an additional epilogue before the ending felt kind of abrupt.
June 16, 2013
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is about Natasha, a dancer–-ballet being her favourite–-who goes to an audition for a role in an advert but gets distracted during the audition by someone running into the room. Darrell, the distractor, is captivated by her and the ballet she performs and asks her to dance for him as his muse so he can figure out a way to make his latest project work.
Darrell was rather intriguing from the start and I liked how we saw him from Natasha’s POV first before seeing how he came to be at the audition from his own POV.
Helena must have done ballet at some point or this is one really well researched book.
Several chapters had me wanting to look online at the moves Natasha was performing with how well they were written; how beautiful it all sounded. Maybe it was Natasha’s feelings at those points in the book that made them seem so charged and captivating. And this coming from someone who has never had an interest in ballet.
I liked Clarissa. And Neil. And Jasmine. I liked everything!
Would recommend you read this if you like a nice love story. It certainly had me captivated from early on.
This is about Natasha, a dancer–-ballet being her favourite–-who goes to an audition for a role in an advert but gets distracted during the audition by someone running into the room. Darrell, the distractor, is captivated by her and the ballet she performs and asks her to dance for him as his muse so he can figure out a way to make his latest project work.
Darrell was rather intriguing from the start and I liked how we saw him from Natasha’s POV first before seeing how he came to be at the audition from his own POV.
Helena must have done ballet at some point or this is one really well researched book.
Several chapters had me wanting to look online at the moves Natasha was performing with how well they were written; how beautiful it all sounded. Maybe it was Natasha’s feelings at those points in the book that made them seem so charged and captivating. And this coming from someone who has never had an interest in ballet.
I liked Clarissa. And Neil. And Jasmine. I liked everything!
Would recommend you read this if you like a nice love story. It certainly had me captivated from early on.
August 17, 2013
I have been reading a lot of NA titles lately. I love the romance factor and seeing how the characters finally end up together! The swoony guys do help a lot:)
This book did not disappoint on the swoon factor! The alternating POV’s were fantastic and I enjoy getting inside both the main characters heads!!!
Both of these characters are broken. They both lost their parents to tragic accidents. Natasha put all her energy into dance while Darrell put all of his energy into his work. Darrell was in need of a muse to help him with his current project and once he got Natasha in his sites, he needed her to help. At first Natasha thought he was some crazy psycho but as they get to know each other, they both let their guard down.
Of course, the book would be boring if they didn’t have their ups and downs but, in the end, their relationship was beautiful and they both learn to let go of their past.
The book was an easy, short read. I recommend it to any NA lover. This being the first book in The Fenbrook Acedemy Series, I really look forward to the next one, In Harmony!
This book did not disappoint on the swoon factor! The alternating POV’s were fantastic and I enjoy getting inside both the main characters heads!!!
Both of these characters are broken. They both lost their parents to tragic accidents. Natasha put all her energy into dance while Darrell put all of his energy into his work. Darrell was in need of a muse to help him with his current project and once he got Natasha in his sites, he needed her to help. At first Natasha thought he was some crazy psycho but as they get to know each other, they both let their guard down.
Of course, the book would be boring if they didn’t have their ups and downs but, in the end, their relationship was beautiful and they both learn to let go of their past.
The book was an easy, short read. I recommend it to any NA lover. This being the first book in The Fenbrook Acedemy Series, I really look forward to the next one, In Harmony!
January 26, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
We all have things, both good and bad that has happened to us in the past. Some deal with their pasts better than others. For Natasha it's her ballet dancing. She attends Fenbrook which is a school for dancers, actors, and musicians. One day at an audition or actually in the middle of her audition she meets the most handsome guy. Natasha is shaken but finishes the audition. Much to her dismay she doesn't get the role. The handsome guy is Darrell. He happens to be a millionaire and wants Natasha to dance for him. Watching her dance inspires him. Darrell is working on a top secret project. As they spend more time together the attraction is undeniable. Natasha has a past and it seems Darrell does too. Will they both let their pasts affect their future?
I enjoyed this book. The characters were very like able and I grew very fond of Natasha and her friends. This story had some emotional moments and some sex scenes. I can't wait to read the second book! I give this 4 stars.
We all have things, both good and bad that has happened to us in the past. Some deal with their pasts better than others. For Natasha it's her ballet dancing. She attends Fenbrook which is a school for dancers, actors, and musicians. One day at an audition or actually in the middle of her audition she meets the most handsome guy. Natasha is shaken but finishes the audition. Much to her dismay she doesn't get the role. The handsome guy is Darrell. He happens to be a millionaire and wants Natasha to dance for him. Watching her dance inspires him. Darrell is working on a top secret project. As they spend more time together the attraction is undeniable. Natasha has a past and it seems Darrell does too. Will they both let their pasts affect their future?
I enjoyed this book. The characters were very like able and I grew very fond of Natasha and her friends. This story had some emotional moments and some sex scenes. I can't wait to read the second book! I give this 4 stars.
September 22, 2013
The story for Dance with me was a great story nut I feel as though the was too much angst and anxiety and hidden reasons for things rather than the real issues and the relationship between Natasha and Darrell.
I also thought it was weird how on the first date Darrell proclaims his feelings for Natasha. I know, when you know you know, but can you really say you love someone if you’re not even honest with them or know their secrets when you know they are hiding something big?
The characters were well written, you could feel their struggles and the pain each of them were hiding.
As a reader I was frustrated with the secondary characters, knowing some of the problems Natasha and Darrell had and letting them , or ignoring the issues at hand.
The ending was good, if not too short, but I enjoyed the story, and it’s a frustrating story, but something that is worth a read.
I also thought it was weird how on the first date Darrell proclaims his feelings for Natasha. I know, when you know you know, but can you really say you love someone if you’re not even honest with them or know their secrets when you know they are hiding something big?
The characters were well written, you could feel their struggles and the pain each of them were hiding.
As a reader I was frustrated with the secondary characters, knowing some of the problems Natasha and Darrell had and letting them , or ignoring the issues at hand.
The ending was good, if not too short, but I enjoyed the story, and it’s a frustrating story, but something that is worth a read.
April 30, 2015
For a freebie Dance For Me was an okay read. It was a short book that was easy to follow and something did keep me reading. However, I will admit that I skimmed read most of this book. For that reason I'm going to keep this review short.
The reason I skim read this book was that I felt there was a lot of mundane events included that didn't really add much. For me this book didn't connect with me emotionally and I felt there were a few too many underdeveloped plot strands. I didn't really buy into the whole millionaire side of things and I felt the dancing got lost.
There were interesting aspects with the characters' pasts, but I didn't really connect with them. I didn't feel their pain or their spark.
Overall whilst this was an easy read it didn't engage me. It might be worth a shot, but for me this one didn't work. It was okay but not for me.
The reason I skim read this book was that I felt there was a lot of mundane events included that didn't really add much. For me this book didn't connect with me emotionally and I felt there were a few too many underdeveloped plot strands. I didn't really buy into the whole millionaire side of things and I felt the dancing got lost.
There were interesting aspects with the characters' pasts, but I didn't really connect with them. I didn't feel their pain or their spark.
Overall whilst this was an easy read it didn't engage me. It might be worth a shot, but for me this one didn't work. It was okay but not for me.
June 27, 2013
I received an advance copy of "Dance For Me" by Helena Newbury a few weeks ago, and frankly, I loved it. There's just something about the way Helena writes, sort of a casual descriptiveness that brings everything to life without bogging down the story, that makes it a pleasure to read her work. Thank you, by the way, for making the male lead an engineer. :) About time the sciences get a little love; not everyone wants an asshole rock-star!
March 31, 2014
Let me just say I LOVE this book.......I mean really......and I'm not even done.....it's that good. It is fantastic how you switch between characters and learn what they're feeling, thinking, seeing etc.. It is so fun with how they chance upon each other. The intimacy of just him observing her dance is the best feeling from reading about it! I feel so giddy.
March 11, 2015
I really liked this book. I love and appreciate the art of dancing ballet plus it had a really good story line to it. The way they both found a positive way to deal with pain and hurt in each other to build that trust and feel comfortable enough to let that person in its definitely a symbol of true love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews