A Different Dance

by Nash Summers

Casey has always dreamed of being swept off his feet, despite feeling like he always gets the short end of the stick. His stepmom is constantly nattering at him about the way he looks, his stepsisters ignore him unless they need something, his best friends can’t seem to get along, and the love of his life barely notices he’s alive.

One evening out with his friends, Casey decides to lay all his cards on the table and profess his love to the man he’s been lusting after for years. But by the time the clock strikes midnight, will Casey’s Prince Charming be the man he’s always dreamed of?

This story is also available in the Torqued Tales M/M Anthology.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Nash Summers rarely has any idea what she’s doing. But when she likes to pretend, she pretends by writing stories at the pace of drying paint. As if that wasn’t exhilarating enough, Nash also enjoys absolute silence, general politeness, and waiting her turn in line.
Needless to say, she’s a bona fide hell raiser.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nash.summers...
Nash also has a super cool newsletter which can be found here: http://eepurl.com/boD5TP

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this story...let me tell you a short story first.

I am the girl who has lived on the lonely side of unrequited love most of my life. I was forever in love/lust with someone who never wanted me back. I had this dream, this fairy tale if you will, of the day the boy I fancied would see me and realize I was exactly what their life was missing. Or...that I would meet a random boy who would take a single look at me and see the ME that I wanted all those crushes to see. He would sweep me off my feet and we would ride into the sunset together on a riding style lawn mower with me wearing his straw cowboy hat. Why am I telling you this? Well, Casey is me in a way.

"What if I confess my undying love to him and he doesn't feel the same way? I just don't think my poor heart can take it."

"Impossible, that's not how fairy tale endings work. You're going to be the belle of the ball."

Casey, I get you my boy. I know where you are with Jackson because I could put at least a half dozen names and faces in his place. I get that you have wanted this boy FOREVER and when you get the smallest reaction from him you turn into someone you aren't, just to hold on. Oh boy do I get it.

But then there is Ethan and just the thought of him quoting Disney in that flannel and those Docs with that megawatt smile has me in a puddle of goo. How can I ever forget Ethan? How can you, Casey? I don't think I am making sense with this review at all.

A Different Dance...that title hit me hard in the heart when I finished this. I love that moment when you GET the title, when it all makes sense and the story you just read is complete. Le Sigh. This was a perfect bedtime story for me last night; a perfect fairy tale wrapped up in a fairy tale. I loved Casey, Melissa, Kansas and Ethan...I loved the whole freaking fairy tale of this. I laughed, I swooned and I just fell in love with it.

What a great introduction to a new to me author. Sure, there were a few things with the format of the ebook I got but that I blame on the publisher. Even the wonky format of the book couldn't wipe the smile off my face that is still plastered on 12hrs after reading it.

This will definitely be one of those stories I go to when I need a feel good read.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in the middle of the night and I woke up thinking about it. It was fluff, but so well done that my teeth don't ache at all. I loved Casey. He was so sweet, so earnest, I wanted to wrap him up and protect him from all misguided decisions.

The other characters were also well drawn and I really appreciated how we were shown their personalities through their actions and dialogue.

The ending was wonderful.

Side notes:
I love this author's writing style.

My only niggle: a lot was made of the step mom and what was going to happen, but we don't get to see any of that. It wouldn't have worked with the story, and I liked the ending as it was, but my brain kept going back to her and wondering.

ETA: Sara mentioned the formatting, and I agree. With a little help from calibre, I was able to make it easier to read :)

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Sara's review of this short story, I thought, "Huh, she seemed so passionate about this, let me gave it a shot".

Guess what ... I think I'm SMITTEN

Now, I will say this upfront, the theme of this story is not new. A boy has a crush on another boy -- whom truly is a jerk and not worth the first boy's love. And when the first boy gets his heart break there's another boy, who shows that promising beautiful love together.

Oh, yes, not a new theme, but my GOSH, this one makes me all happy. It is fluff without the sugary-induced coma. Casey is such sweet boy and I love his colorful friends too (even if it's a bit stereotypical best-friends characters, but man, the two entertain me, especially Kansas). And Ethan, ah, darling Paul Bunyan who likes watching Disney ... *heart on hand*.

Seriously, when Ethan says these words:

"Good. Because I’m going to try so hard to make you love me.

You betcha I have the HUGE SMILEY on my face as I want to wrap these boys in my embrace and send them to their happily ever after.

My niggle is more on the fact that the whole built-up in the beginning with the step-mom and step-sisters is never brought to the surface. But all in all, this is such a perfect read for in between novels.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushing to work, will review later. I loved it though. Loved it.


Okay, I'm back.

So A Different Dance - wow, I so enjoyed this debut story. It is short, it is sweet - with just enough punch not to be sickly. Casey is the M/C, in love and clueless, Jackson is one of his best friends and the object of his affection and tonight's the night Casey is going to tell him. Simple right? No, not really - throw in an evening out dancing, two warring friends and a lumberjack named Ethan and the night just got interesting.

This is one of those stories that need to be read between angst filled novels, it leaves with the perfect amount of happy. You should read it because it's so much fun. And then it had sentences like this that made me swoon hard. "Good....Because I'm going to try so hard to make you love me." - I LOVED this line, it appealed to the great big, soppy old romantic that lives inside me.

It's not all sweety, sweet though. Oh no - if I can't convince you to read it for any other reason then let me just mention Kansas. You need to read this for Kansas. I loved him, snarky and quick and just plain funny. So I am asking please dear author, please can we have Kansas's story. Please - I'm sure he has some interesting things to tell and I need to hear them!

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars!

This one was sweet, funny and a bit angsty.
Casey has been in love for a while but hasn't declared his love to that special someone. One night out with his two best friends Melissa, and Kansas he finally decides to tell him.

I liked Casey his a bit naive but his a romantic at heart and just wants to be swept off his feet. This story takes place in the course of one night and so it was super short. I just wished that we could of seen more of the MC together. They were unbelievably sweet and had this sexy chemistry. I loved the banter between Melissa and Kansas they had me cracking up. Other than that that I liked this book.

I'm really hoping Kansas gets his own story. ❤

[SheReadsALot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww...I am all smiley and gumdrop happy! I love fairy tales!



And Nash Summers' Cinderella tinged "A Different Dance" delivered on a fairy tale-esque short story.

Casey is a bit of a twink (okay maybe more than a little) that's been in love with his friend, Jackson, for four years. And tonight is the night when he will finally confess to his feelings. With support from his best friends Melissa and Kansas, Casey has his big night planned, lock and ready to go. It's just that Jackson is a bit of a player (okay, a lot). But Casey is sure that Jackson is going to return his feelings once he lets Jackson know how he feels. Forget that he orders Casey around like a little puppy. It's going to be grand. You'll see. Just. You. Wait.



Do you get where Casey's head is at? Casey is that friend that is a romantic dreamer, head's in the clouds, heart's on his sleeve. And when reality intervenes, that's when I was hooked to this story. Reality being having to learn from one's mistake (I think the author has balls for going there with Casey/Jackson) and Ethan. Who is Ethan? A prince among men who can quote "The Little Mermaid". Side note: I find a guy who can quote my fucking FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE OF ALL TIME (Excuse my fangirly moment) you can believe he's probably going to need a restraining order for me. (Maybe not...okay he probably would)

Anyway...Ethan was perfect from the brawny lumberjack looks, excellent movie taste and sense of coolness he exuded without even trying.

And Jackson? I'd like to dance on his balls in stilettos. *spits*

Casey's friends - Melissa and Kansas? Kansas was obviously the star. He's awesome and blunt and fabulous. I want to hang out with him and bask in his gloriousness.

In summary, Casey gets the dream guy. This was a sweet little nugget of fairy tale realness (not too sticky). A fitting ending, happy feelz. Read when you're in the need of fairy tale goodness.

[Nash Summers]

I've re-released this as a freebie. Grab a copy here: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/MO3gL

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things going on with this book that I loved.. but the most important is it is freakin' funny. Right off the bat I am laughing.

2nd.. you feel an instant connection to the characters. I usually don't like reading short stories because it is hard to get a feel for who they are before "the end". Like those dang 100 calories snacks where i am just looking forlornly at the crumbs at the bottom of the package.

3rd. I don't like books where one person pined for another for years.. i get anxiety over the lost years and I don't like the love triangle but again Nash Summers writing had me going back and forth over who I wanted not to be the ass hat in the story.

4th. -- Ms. Summers weaves in other characters and tidbits that I have so many questions about .. wanting me to stalk her or her website to see what the answers are and that is the best kind of writing the kind that leaves you wanting more..

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so freaking romantic! *swoon* The only thing that would make this any better would be a hundred more pages of Casey and Ethan! I'm just so damn giddy and beside myself right now I can hardly stand it. *swoon*

[Jenni Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A creative and delightful spin on a classic fairytale. I only wish there was more.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash Summers just wrote the best fluffy flufferson Cinderfella story and I loved all of it. Who doesn't love a lumberjack, pretty pouty lips and a neon BF? See all those things? I loved them all. Sweet as man love pie :).

[Rosa, really · Rating 3 out of 5]

I promise you this: If I ever meet a man with a sweet smile & a shirt like a lumberjack, I'm going to give him the ole Mary Calmes lunge-hug like you wouldn't believe. Take me home, sugar drop!!

Casey: I just want to pinch his cheeks, stroke his hair and tell him that everything's going to work out cause he's in a romance novel.

Kansas: You fuckin' rock.

Melanie: You're not helpful. LEARN TO GIVE BETTER ADVICE, GIRLFRIEND.

My only complaint is that I wanted less time discussing the asshat & more time with the lovely lumberjack.

*************************************************



Fer Christ's sake...

Just looked this up on Amazon & beneath it was Two Different Worlds: A Dance from Pride and Prejudice.

*sob* LEAVE HER ALONE! LEAVE JANE ALONE. *sob*

Uh...the actual book looks sweet though. :D

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short Cinderfella story was sweet and a quick, easy read.

Problem for me is that there are better Cinderfella stories out there. And though this one was fine, it was not something I found particularly memorable or with any original take to it. I think the short story format didn't work for this as it felt the author was trying to do too much and ultimately didn't end up doing enough.

Casey, the MC, is not an entirely likable character. I think he has his charm, but he comes across a little bit pathetic and his crush, Jackson, well there wasn't anything believable about why Casey would be attracted to him. The other side characters played very generic roles, none of whom were fleshed out: the girl bestie, the flamboyant gay bestie, the awful stepmom.

The best part of the story was the character of Ethan. He's this big lumberjack of a man who is kind and gentle and exudes the "hero" qualities that are swoonworthy. I just had trouble understanding why he'd be interested in Casey. Still...Ethan...me likey...

There were some unnecessary details that had little to do with the plot (dance studio, clean clothing, family picture)...and I would have preferred to have that wordcount devoted more to developing the relationship.

Still, if you're a sucker for a Cinderfella story, as I am, it's worth doing a quick read through. If it's not particularly your favorite plot line, fine to pass on this one.

[alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Because I'm going to try so hard to make you love me."

[3.4] once the significance of the title hit *PHOOSH* I FELT THAT! i think it's pretty clear by now that i love Nash Summers's writing, but my main complaint with this story has to be the sheer amount of time she dedicated to Mr. Dickhead when i wanted more of Mr. Big & Smiley Lumberjack Man 🥺 not to mention, the whole stepmom thing was also brushed over so the overall story feels unfinished, but i still enjoyed it for the most part 😊

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little Valentine type shortie from Nash. Casey sure knows how to pick them (not) but hopefully Ethan will be his Prince Charming for real.

[Anyta Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Very sweet, very touching. I loved this fairytale short!

Recommend!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story! A quick, easy fluffy read :)

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww...So sweet and funny but with feels. And free!

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I was looking for something easy and light and short after finishing a long intense amazing book and this did the job adequately. It was free and short and nice and cute and well written, but it didn't make much of an impression.

[Mónica BQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, light, funny, superficial, reads too YA for me when the MCs are actually in their 20s and our of college.

A very short short-story. And I've definitely read better by Summers. Her "Life According to Maps" series is one of my favourites. But, I got this ebook for free by means of an insta-freebie offer for joining Summers' newsletter, and I actually wanted to. So, it was OK. I can't wait to read her next novel, whatever it is.

[Chloé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nash Summers so much I could die.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Different Dance is a cute little Alt U Cinderella, fairy tale redux. I loved the idea of this story—and I’m a big ol’ Nash Summers fangirl—but in the end, or, actually, in the middle, I sure didn’t love it like I wanted to.

I adored Casey in the beginning. He was spunky, sure of himself and of what he wanted, and he had some sparkle. He had a couple of weird hang-ups regarding his evil stepmonster—but, I mean, who doesn’t? In spite of that, though, I really liked him! In fact, I liked him right up until Jackson.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it…Jackson was a massive asshole. Huge. And seeing Casey degrade himself for that loser ruined the story for me. I get that Casey ‘thought’ he loved him. I get that he felt like Jackson had led him on. But, I found it hard to believe that Casey would blindly let Jackson treat him the way he did on the night in the story. A couple of good things came out of it, though, I suppose: Casey finally pulled his head out of his ass, thanks in large part to the support of his completely fabulous friend, Kansas; and then, of course, Ethan.

Ethan was everything. Handsome, kind, understanding, forgiving—you get the idea. He saw Casey, even when he was at his very worst, and wanted him anyway. Prince Charming wishes he was as smooth as Ethan Kingston. Get a load of this:

“My name is Ethan Kingston. I’m a Sagittarius, I have a career I love as an agricultural scientist, I barely have more than a dime to my name, and I think you’re the most gorgeous person I’ve ever seen.”

And, they lived happily ever after.

At least, if Casey played his cards right they did. #TeamEthan

Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little story. Casey has been hung up on Jackson for years and when they go out with friends, he decides that tonight is the night he confesses his love. Only problem is, Jackson is a jerk who goes from guy to guy, and ends up humiliating Casey. Luckily, Casey is rescued by Ethan, a prince charming, and they share a dance on the subway.

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

“He was the life of the party, the shiny star on top of the tree, the light at the end of every tunnel, and the wind beneath everyone's wings.”

Poor Casey, obsessed with shiny Jackson in a Cinderella tale.

Older work from Ms. Summers.

This is a short, sweet, bordering YA character, style read. 2.5⭐️

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute short story.

[CARISSA E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but very sweet....

[Delevingne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Cinderfella tale. Short. Sweet. Charming.

[cmbookdiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot.I have a deep hatred for Cinderella stories but this one was jut perfect. Loved it.

[TT · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 lovely fluff