Dance is more than movement—it’s a language of passion, trust and unspoken desires. To pursue her dream, Emily Thomson decided to reside in Texas along with her team. But when she crosses paths with renowned dancer Christopher Ivan, their passion turns into a mutual impression they couldn't deny. But things flip to another chapter when a storm brews in the shadows beneath the perfect rhythm of their performances. And just when justice seems within reach, Ivan vanishes without a trace, leaving the world to believe he is dead. As Emily struggles to reclaim her strength, she refuses to believe he is truly gone. Because love doesn’t fade in the rain—it lingers, waiting for the storm to pass. A story of passion, betrayal and velitation between love and revenge—where every step could lead to salvation… or ruin.
Taimatus Risfa is a debut author from the South-Asian country, Bangladesh, with a passion for crafting emotionally charged stories that blend drama, mystery, and unforgettable twists.
Her debut novel, "Love Soaked in Rain" introduces readers to the captivating world of dance, secrets, and second chances, featuring characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected and deeply moving ways. When not writing, she enjoys watching dramas and movies, reading fictions and novels and connecting with readers who share a love for thrilling, heartwarming tales.
The writing felt very generic and lacked the description that I wanted. From the very beginning - the first chapter was rushed and could have used more tension to cause the reader to stress about Clara’s whereabouts and worry about their routine falling apart. There wasn’t enough description to give any emotion or suspense to that scene for example. As the story progressed, the rest of the chapters also moved quickly and there wasn’t a lot of detail in what was going on around the characters. The plot twist at the end wasn’t very thrilling and didn’t leave me wanting to read more or know what happens next. It wasn’t really a cliffhanger to be honest.
THE CHARACTERS The FMC was really weak and not super developed. She didn’t have a backstory or any real goals besides staying consistent with her dancing group. The author continued to write in little injuries or moments of weakness for her so that the MMC could step in and “rescue” her. I’m not a fan of a dependent FMC or a damsel in distress type, especially for a story set in modern times. I think it cheapened the romance quite a bit, and would have made it more meaningful if she was able to take care of herself but WANTED to be cared for by him instead like a true partnership.
THE PLOT The story feels like a lot of tiny events barely stitched together rather than a cohesive story. It was disjointed and didn’t have an overarching plot besides the romance until later on in the book. When new things would happen to the characters, they would randomly occur with no warning, as if the author suddenly decided to add a new event to the story. For example, the introduction of Ryan’s character was never discussed as part of either Emily or Ivan’s background, when it could have been relevant to know prior to his arrival in the story. Or when the team would go to competitions or return from competitions, instead of beginning a chapter with “we have a competition in a week” or “we are heading back to Texas” I would have liked to see the timeline more detailed so that we didn’t need to be told exactly where the chapter was beginning because of how seamless the timeline should have been. I wish the story had been plotted out before it was written so that the timeline and events could have been seamlessly woven together instead of choppy events that were separated by chapters.
THE SETTING There were also some issues with the research of this book that didn’t make the setting feel realistic for the time in which the story takes place. As someone who works in the NGO/nonprofit industry, there were some immediate issues with the research on that part of the story. In the United States, NGOs are referred to as nonprofit organizations, so based on the setting, Ivan wouldn’t be referring to his organization as an NGO. There is also a lot of dated language that nonprofit professionals wouldn’t use (“homeless” versus “unhoused”, for example) that show that the author isn’t familiar with the philanthropic space of the region. Given that there is internet, the reader can assume that the story takes place in modern American society. Ivan mentions that his mother stays with her husband for fear of Ivan receiving hate for being the child of divorced parents. That isn’t a stigma in modern American society and hasn’t been since before the internet. Similarly, one of the dancers leaves the group because her boyfriend doesn’t approve of her dancing. That is also not something that is a stigma or an issue in American or Texan society. It’s fine for the author to add conflicts and struggles to the story, but the research needs to stay sound and not feel disorienting for the setting of the story.
THE ROMANCE I wanted more from the romance in this book. Since both of the MCs are dancers, I was expecting their dancing together to be a lot more descriptive and to enhance their connection. Instead, it was really bland, lacked detail, and instead would end with their teammates describing how the MCs looked like they were in love with one another. I wanted to experience their connection through words rather than see the side characters suggest that the dancing was good or brought the MCs close together romantically. The banter was bland, if there was any banter at all. The MCs hardly talked, instead the author summed up conversations by saying that they would talk or laugh together but rarely described their dynamic through words and actions. I HATE the fact that Ivan cared and was offended that Emily had dated someone before. That’s not something that should matter, and women shouldn’t feel pressure to only date one person for their entire life. It felt sexist and inappropriate.
Can't wait to read this. Thanks to the author for providing a review copy. The story definitely has potential, but needs work. The casual flips from present tense to past tense were kinda deterring but Yeah! When Emily had finally met Ivan, the attraction seemed kind of absurd and instant. I wanted to see it develop slowly rather than Emily making up her mind after one meeting that she is going to win him over no matter what!
Giving it a 3.25. The story definitely has potential and I do love me a good age gap romance. However, at times Ivan felt younger than his supposed age. I felt as if he and Emily are of the same age during some parts. That is to say, I will definitely read the next book because I just can't digest cliff hangers. Now, let's come to the parts that need working. 1. Grammar- there are a lot of grammatical errors and word choice errors. For example- the word 'thirst' was used instead of 'thrust'. Some dialogues were constructed illogically. At times, it deterred me from reading But I soon understood what the writer meant.
Overall, if the script were edited properly, this could have been a great read.
Soaked in Rain is an emotionally heavy debut that takes readers on an intense journey. The writing has a raw quality that brings out the pain and turmoil of the characters, making it a gripping read for those who enjoy deep, angst-filled stories. The tension between the characters is well-crafted, and the emotional stakes remain high throughout.
However, as someone who doesn’t enjoy sad endings or cliffhangers, this book was difficult for me. The ending, in particular, was heartbreaking and left me with mixed feelings. While some readers may appreciate its tragic nature, others might find it difficult to process.
The story takes a tragic turn, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. While I can appreciate the emotional depth the author aimed for, I personally prefer books that offer a sense of closure. Additionally, some themes were quite heavy, which might not be for everyone.
That being said, the author has a strong voice and a bold approach to storytelling. While this book wasn’t entirely for me, I believe readers who love emotionally intense, heartbreaking narratives will connect with it. I look forward to seeing how the author evolves in future works!
This is an emotional and passionate story of Emily and Ivan who are professional dancers and met because of dancing. This story connects romance, heartbreak, passion and trauma together. Both Emily and Ivan have a past and that past has a connection to one single person who stirred their whole life once. After all these years that person came into the picture and once again he wants to create a problem.
The connection between Emily and Ivan was visible from the start of their meeting. It was an insta love for both of them and after some time they let each other know about their feelings. But the tension between them was sometimes frustrating but it got me hooked. This slow burn romance has a very nice narrative with a moderate spice scene. I liked that there were not too many spicy scenes.
I loved the writing style. The way she showed their passionate love, heartbreak, with personal healing and getting another trauma and problematic family dynamics is wonderful. I didn't feel like it was a debut.
This is what feel might happened in the next book…….. ( don’t mind me I like making assumptions) After Christopher’s presumed death and disappearance, Emily will likely double down on uncovering what really happened to him. Expect her to dig deeper into the secrets and betrayals hinted at in Book 1, possibly unearthing hidden players behind Christopher’s vanishing. His disappearance is not random—it’s connected to a truth Emily will have to dance her way toward discovering
This story follows Ivan and Emily, two passionate dancers for whom dance is not just an art but a lifeline. It’s only fitting that their paths cross through dance. Living their own separate lives, fate brings them together at a dance competition, marking the beginning of their journey.
Ivan, a well-recognized dancer, has won numerous competitions and even served as a judge. Meanwhile, Emily runs her own dance group—though smaller than Ivan’s, it’s her pride. Their lives take a turn when Ivan decides to collaborate with Emily, integrating her team into his. From the moment she saw him, Emily was drawn to him, and this opportunity feels like a blessing. As they spend more time together, they naturally fall for each other.
I loved that this book revolved around dance—such a rare yet captivating trope. Being a dance lover myself, I felt even more connected to the story. Ivan’s struggles were heartbreaking, as were Emily’s. Many of us face challenges when pursuing our dreams, especially when parents disapprove, just like Emily did. Seeing her parents eventually support her was heartwarming. I also loved seeing how Ivan and Emily cared for and supported each other.
However, I felt the spark between them was lacking. Their chemistry could have been deeper. The story had immense potential, but the characters needed more depth. Additionally, the frequent grammar and tense errors disrupted my reading flow. With proper editing and emotional depth, this book could have been even more compelling.
Still, I look forward to the second book, especially after that cliffhanger. I need their HEA! Also, I absolutely hate Ryan—I want to see him suffer! Hopefully, we get insights into that in the next book.
If you love dance-centered books with emotional backstories, give this one a try!
Love Soaked in the Rain by Taimatus Risfa is a touching romantic drama that explores the healing power of love through the lens of dance and emotional vulnerability. The story revolves around two passionate dancers—Emily, the strong and talented leader of the Steppers Dance Group, and Ivan, the charming yet deeply wounded head of the Genius Dance Group. Their journey begins at a dance competition, where Ivan is instantly drawn to Emily—not just for her skills, but for the strength and grace she radiates. As fate would have it, dance becomes the bridge that brings them closer, allowing their worlds to collide in the most beautiful yet intense way.
OVERALL What sets this story apart is its emotional depth. While Ivan appears to be a carefree, cheerful person in public, the truth is far more complex. Behind the smiles lies a past filled with trauma and silent suffering. Emily, unknowingly, becomes the light that guides him through the darkness, proving that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about quiet understanding and emotional connection.
Risfa masterfully balances romance with character development, giving readers a story that feels real. The backdrop of dance adds a rhythmic energy to the narrative, with every move and performance echoing the inner turmoil and growth of the characters.
FINAL THOUGHTS A heartfelt and emotionally rich tale, Love Soaked in the Rain is a must-read for fans of romance that goes beyond surface-level attraction. With compelling characters, a strong emotional core, and the art of dance as its heartbeat, this story lingers long after the final page.
There’s something about books that promise heartbreak and longing that always pulls me in, and Love Soaked in Rain feels like it’s going to be one of those stories that lingers. Just from the premise, I can already sense the emotional weight of it—the kind of love story that isn’t just about romance but about pain, loss, and maybe even a little bit of hope.
I love stories where love isn’t easy, where characters have to fight for it, and where emotions feel raw and real. The idea of a love that gets interrupted by something as cruel as fate, leaving one person to hold onto memories while the rest of the world moves on, is something that always breaks me. I can already picture the moments of aching loneliness, the desperate hope, and the kind of love that refuses to fade even when everything says it should.
I don’t know if this book will fully deliver on its promise, but if it does—if the emotions hit the way I expect them to—then I know I’ll be wrecked in the best way. I just hope the writing is strong enough to carry the weight of such a powerful story because if it is, this could be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
Thank you Taimatus Risfa and Bookworm Books PR for the ARC
When you dive into the story of Ivan and Emily, be prepared for an emotional roller coaster that will leave you breathless. Both are talented dancers, each with their own struggles and triumphs, but their paths intertwine in a way that reveals the deeper scars they both carry. As they come together, they not only share their passion for dance but also the burden of a shared enemy from their pasts. This connection is both beautiful and tragic, illustrating how quickly love can blossom and yet just as swiftly unravel. Ivan and Emily’s journey is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the very thing that brings us together can also pull us apart. The ending hits like a punch to the gut—one that you truly didn’t see coming. As the final pages turn, the promise of a sequel lingers, leaving readers eager for more. If you’re looking for a story that intertwines passion, pain, and the complexities of human connection, this is one you won’t want to miss. Grab your copy today and prepare to be captivated by Ivan and Emily’s unforgettable journey.
Loved soaked in the rain is a beautiful debut romance novel by the author. Christopher Ivan is a successful dancer who had demons in his past and present. Emily, a talented dancer, caught his attention. They meet and sparks fly. But Ivans demons are not ready to let him go. It was quick and easy to read. I loved the touch her and die vibes from the main characters. The plot was decent. It kept me engrossed till the end. The book ended in a cliffhanger so can't wait to read the next one. The only let down was that it felt a little instalove to me. Apart from this setback it was a decent read. There is something about books with unconventional love stories that pulls me in. These stories not only deals with romance but with the pain of loss and heartbreak. They give me a glimpse of the characters resilience and their strength. These type of stories fills you with hope. Love soaked in the rain has the potential to be one of those stories.
I really enjoyed this book! The story was cute and fast-paced, which kept me hooked throughout. I loved the chemistry between Ivan and Emily. It felt natural and captivating. The characters were likable overall, although I didn't fully connect with Emily as a strong lead. The ending felt a bit open, like something was missing, but it still left me interested in what might come next (I low-key believe there would be a sequel 😭). There were a few grammatical errors, but they didn't take away from how enjoyable the story was. I have to confess, this book truly moved me. It made me feel so deeply. I even found myself in tears at times. The journey of the characters, their pasts felt so real and they hit me hard emotionally...
Well I liked this book and the concept of the book is pretty dark and mature.
It is just the writing style and the font style bit threw me off. The font she chose was not reader friendly and it was kinda hard to read. And if we talk about the Writing style well, it was pretty over descriptive. I mean some of the dialogue was not even necessary or she could use some metaphor to shorten the dialogues. Also some of the scenes felt irrelevant.
I really loved Ivan's character. He was humble, kind, gentle, there for Emily when she needs him or she did not. However, Emily's character was really annoying. The entire book she was over reacting and took thing to herself. Sometimes I was telling her internally that not everything is about you. She also misunderstands a lot Ivan and the way she behaved with Ivan the last time they interacted; Ivan didn't deserved that at all.
I really hoped the Risfa Bring back Ivan in the book 2 of this series.
Love Soaked in Rain is a breathtaking mix of passion, longing, and unspoken emotions. Emily and Ivan’s chemistry is electric, unfolding through dance, stolen glances, and a love that refuses to fade. The writing is poetic, the tension crackling like a storm, and the world of dance is beautifully immersive.
What shines? ✧ A slow-burn romance that aches in the best way ✧ Lyrical prose that feels like poetry ✧ A hero with depth and darkness ✧ Dance as a language of love and survival.
What holds back? ✦ A cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more ✦ Heavy emotional themes that might be overwhelming.
A must-read for lovers of deep, stormy romance and characters who bleed passion.
“She's my Tulip, because I have allowed her to grow in the garden of my heart.”
This book was actually so cute. Love Soaked In Rain was author Taimatus Risfa’s debut novel and it was a divine read. I haven’t read a lot of dance romance novels so this was a lovely introduction to the sport and I loved the you-touch-her-you-die type vibe that the main characters gave! Quick and easy read with a wonderful plot and some great dialogue!
I received an ARC of this debut novel, and the characters are interesting. The surprise of the intertwined relationships was a highlight. The book reads from the perspective as written by an author with English as an additional language ❤️ The storyline definitely throws some unexpected happenings and some sweet romance.
This was… okay, I suppose. There were some little spelling mistakes and some sentences were suddenly in past tense. Sometimes I didn’t know who said what and for me, it didn’t flow that well. But, the story has potential and there were some serious topics like stalking and 🍇, but there are warnings before you start the book. I always love a dual pov and the ending is sad, but leaves me wondering what really happened.
I really enjoyed this book! It was kind of hard to get behind because of the insta-love aspect however I think this was a solid intro to the trope. I love how the author was able to make a dark romance out of dancing, something I haven't seen anywhere, or read before! I love the characters, and I love how immersive their love story was as well as the dancing descriptions, I felt like I was there watching them. I do feel like their relationship was rushed, and I do wish I could have seen more time between moments for their love to blossom a little more in the beginning. I really loved how poetic and immersive the story was, which made it all the more enjoyable.
All in all, a solid read and I would love to reread it at another point in time!!
Love soaked in rain is the story about two dancers, Ivan and Emily and how their journey are intertwine together with past wounds, pain, and a deep sense of love for each other.
What begins as a mutual understanding soon transforms into something hauntingly beautiful . The way Ivan's emotional struggle and Emily's silent strength creates a tender and impactful moment.
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to arc review the book. Can not wait to see how the story unfolds in the next book
Please note : this story also explores intense themes that may be triggering for some readers.
📚 Title: Love Soaked in Rain ⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 📖 Genre: Romance-Suspense
📌 Synopsis:
Dance is more than movement—it’s a language of passion, trust, and unspoken desires. To pursue her dream, Emily Thomson moves to Texas with her team. There, she crosses paths with renowned dancer Christopher Ivan, and their passion quickly turns into an undeniable connection.
But beneath the perfect rhythm of their performances, danger lurks. When Ivan suddenly vanishes without a trace, the world believes him to be dead. Emily refuses to accept this reality. As she struggles to reclaim her strength, she holds onto the hope that love doesn’t fade in the rain—it lingers, waiting for the storm to pass.
A story of passion, betrayal, and the battle between love and revenge—where every step could lead to salvation… or ruin.
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✨ What I Liked:
✔ Short Chapters: The book’s pacing was smooth, and the short chapters made it easy to read. It was a fast-paced story, which kept the suspense alive.
✔ Strong Emotional Themes: The novel explored themes of love, loss, and resilience, which added depth to the story. Emily’s determination and emotional struggle made her a relatable protagonist.
✔ Suspenseful Elements: The mystery surrounding Ivan’s disappearance kept the tension high, making the reader curious about what would happen next.
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🔍 What Didn’t Work for Me:
✘ Vocabulary & Grammar Issues: There were noticeable grammar mistakes and awkward sentence structures that disrupted the flow of the story. A thorough edit would have greatly improved readability.
✘ Repetitive Sentences: Some phrases and ideas were repeated too often, making certain parts feel redundant. This affected the storytelling, making some sections feel stretched rather than impactful.
✘ Character & Relationship Development: While the romance had potential, some moments felt rushed. A bit more depth in the character arcs and their evolving relationship could have made the emotional stakes even stronger.
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💭 Final Thoughts:
Love Soaked in Rain had an interesting premise with a mix of passion, mystery, and suspense. While it had strong emotional moments and an intriguing storyline, the writing style needed improvement to enhance the reading experience. With better editing and refined storytelling, this book could have been even more compelling.
Would I recommend it? Maybe—if you enjoy romance with a suspenseful twist and can overlook some writing flaws. It’s a fast read with engaging elements, but it could have benefited from tighter editing.
"Love Soaked in Rain" follows the story of Ivan and Emily, two passionate dancers whose paths cross through a shared love of the art form. Ivan, a successful and well-known dancer with numerous awards and judging experience, meets Emily at a competition. Emily, though less established, is deeply committed to her own dance team, which she leads with dedication and heart. When an opportunity for collaboration arises, their lives and careers begin to intertwine, paving the way for a romance that blossoms through their shared passion.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its focus on dance. It’s a rare and captivating backdrop for a romance novel and adds a unique rhythm to the story. I appreciated the setting and how dance was portrayed as not just a career, but a deeply personal expression for both protagonists. The book also touches on emotional challenges, particularly Emily’s struggles with unsupportive parents and the fear of choosing passion over security. Seeing her family eventually accept her dreams added a heartfelt touch to her arc.
Ivan and Emily's bond shows moments of genuine care and support, and the story does a good job of portraying the emotional struggles they face individually. Ivan’s inner conflict and Emily’s quiet strength shine through in certain scenes, creating a few touching moments that reflect the potential of their connection.
That said, the execution occasionally fell short of the story’s promise. The pacing, especially in the early chapters, felt a little rushed. Important emotional beats were skipped over too quickly, limiting the reader's ability to fully connect with the characters. The story structure sometimes lacked cohesion, with new events and characters appearing suddenly without much buildup. A more seamless timeline and thoughtful foreshadowing could have strengthened the narrative flow.
Character development was another area that could have been more refined. Emily felt somewhat underdeveloped and at times too dependent on Ivan. The frequent use of small injuries or moments of vulnerability to prompt Ivan’s care made her feel more like a damsel in distress rather than a modern, empowered protagonist. A more balanced portrayal—where she could stand on her own while still choosing to lean on him—would have added depth and realism to their romance.
Despite these issues, there were still things to enjoy. The dance scenes, while not always deeply detailed, offered a refreshing angle for a romance story. And even though the chemistry between the leads lacked depth at times, there was potential for it to grow. The ending, while not a strong cliffhanger, left enough open questions to maintain interest in a sequel. I’m curious as to where the story will go next and give book 1 dezent 3 ⭐.
This book genuinely surprised me, in the best way. It’s a story soaked (literally and emotionally) in passion, ambition, betrayal, and that haunting sense of longing that just lingers. Emily and Ivan are both beautifully broken in their own ways, and watching them find and fight their way to each other was addicting.
There’s something so captivating about the way dance is woven into every page. It’s not just a hobby or a job. It’s survival. It’s language. It’s love. The chemistry between the leads? Off the charts. The tension? Absolutely delicious. And the emotional rollercoaster? I didn’t sign up to suffer but here I am.
Heads-up: it does deal with heavy topics and ends on a big, messy, wild cliffhanger. But it makes you feel and that’s what I look for in a good read. Definitely keeping an eye out for the next book in the series.
If you like passionate rival to lovers energy, fierce main characters chasing big dreams, and slow-burning emotional chaos, this might be your next obsession.
🌧️ Love Soaked in Rain 🌧️ Dive into a world where passion meets destiny, and love drenches your soul like a summer downpour. Taitamus Risfa’s Love Soaked in Rain is a beautifully crafted tale that weaves love, fate, and heartbreak into an unforgettable story.
From the very first page, you’re transported into a world where emotions surge like crashing waves, and every word feels like a raindrop falling on your heart. The writing style is lush and poetic, capturing the raw intensity of longing and the bittersweet beauty of unspoken feelings. 🌙
The characters feel like they’ve stepped out of your deepest dreams ,messy, flawed, and deeply human. Their journey through love and pain is hauntingly relatable, resonating with those who have loved fiercely and lost just as deeply. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, aching with them, and wishing you could reach out and comfort them. 💔
What makes Love Soaked in Rain truly remarkable is how it handles themes of vulnerability and healing. It’s not just a love story,it’s a narrative of growth and self-discovery, showing how love can break you and mend you in the same breath. The way the author portrays heartbreak is so vivid that it feels like the words are bleeding on the page. 🌹
This book will leave you drenched in emotion, yearning for more, and reflecting on the power of love to both devastate and redeem. If you’re looking for a story that feels like dancing barefoot in the rain,reckless, free, and utterly beautiful,this one’s for you. 💫
💖 Why You’ll Fall in Love: ✔️ Heart-wrenching prose that feels like poetry. ✔️ Characters so real they leave a mark on your soul. ✔️ A story that embraces love in all its messy, beautiful chaos. ✔️ Emotional depth that lingers long after the last page. ✔️ A hauntingly romantic vibe perfect for dreamers and believers.
Let this book sweep you off your feet and remind you that love, even when soaked in rain, is worth every storm. 💕🌧️