The Rhythms Between Us

by Yoe Apolinario

After two years of nonstop dance auditions, Khloe Thompson finally books her first tour. She’s grateful to have a job, but she’s even more excited to abandon her apartment for four months. The tranquil home life that imploded right before her eyes, just weeks before the tour started. Khloe’s dancing, traveling the nation, and trying to outrun all the chaos that waits for her after the tour.

Meanwhile, there’s Nayara Alvarez, the app-swiping bachelorette who swore off love years ago. This is her sixth tour and possibly her last. Burnout is rearing its ugly head, but she isn’t ready to ask to herself, what’s next? What’s after the career she’d devoted her life and body to?

While ignoring the secrets that trail them on this tour, Khloe and Naya find each other. A tender love neither of them saw coming, especially for Naya, who has a strict “no dating dancers” rule. Unfortunately, before their relationship can fully bloom, they must face the past they’ve been running from.

Genres: Lesbian

382 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2025

Reviews

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Ughhh, the ending has me reeling in the worst way. I'm torn though... not sure if I'll continue to book two.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book on KU. I always want to read and support Black authors and stories, so I gave it a chance. Best decision I’ve made in a while.

I will never tire of being able to connect with characters and love them straight off the bat. Because that happened in The Rhythms of Us. I immediately loved Naya and Khloe. Yoe has created two amazing, resilient, strong and dimensional Black women. I technically started this in the morning, so I literally read it in less than a day. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

The way the author depicts tour life—the joys, the lows, high and bonding, you really feel like you’re there. Observing this found family of complicated individuals, with their own stories. Yes, Naya and Khloe were the MCs but Yoe somehow depicts each side character with depth and story without taking away from the main focus and plot. She leaves little hints(I clocked the Rae thing) and leaves you wanting more. All the way up until the end.

I need the second book now because I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING IN A MILLION YEARS?! Last time an author warned about the ending not having to be a HEA, the character died.. I believe that helped with some of the anticipation I felt throughout the story, but that’s not to take away from the beautiful, genius writing of Yoe! Wow. Wow. Wow. I will definitely reread this it is one of my new favorites. There’s so much more I want or can say, but I don’t want to give away spoilers or ramble.

[Terah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so amazing!! The plot is everything, there’s character development, there are great side character stories, so many surprises, and an AMAZING plot twist to end it off!! This book also shed a light on the professional dancing industry and its struggles through the characters and their frustrations and it was executed amazingly!! And the spice scenes!!!!! They were all written so well and it wasn’t over written or forced!! 100000/10 read for me!!!

[Leese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a story that focused on the life of backup dancers while on tour and I was surprised at how invested I was in this industry. The author did a wonderful job showcasing what life on tour is like and highlighting aspects that prove it’s not as glamorous as it seems to be.

I really appreciated the dual POV structure of the story and getting to understand both Khloe and Naya’s motivations since they were so different and in very different stages of their lives. I wish the plot was a bit different where we got to have even more time with them together rather than spending most of the book with them fighting their attraction to each other, but that just goes to show how much I was enjoying their budding relationship.

With the way this book ended, I have no choice but to read book 2 so I’m looking forward to hanging with these dancers a bit more.

[bookheauxtales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very solid debut! I enjoyed reading it. The characters were not only enjoyable and relatable but the storyline also really drew me in. I love a good industry romance and the author being a professional dancer herself really shone through in the way she described tour life. Layered in between the romance were a few twists, that said, I can't wait to read the next book! 

[Amounah Works · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very good, but soap opera messy. I'm so angry. I just got dropped off a cliff, like some old school TV Guide Groupie. I actually can only give this book 3☆ because of the author's betrayal with the last line of the book. It was so good until that let down.

[Franceska Allende · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I’ve never wanted to get to the end so badly, I was seriously addicted. I can’t wait to read part 2.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't understand why this book has so little reviews?! It was so good. I was a little skeptical because I'm not the biggest fan of dance but it kept me thoroughly engaged. Khloe is finding her way in dance and ends up on a dance squad with Naya who is really hard to read. They build a friendship which turns to more but at the same time they are truly figuring out who they are. Khloe is finding her way within her sexuality and Naya is working though some grief. The spice was good too! I love when someone who is actually queer writes spice because its realistic! Chef's kiss. So ready for the next installment of the series and to see more from this author!

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO cute- as a dancer i related to this on another level. My jaw will be on the floor until the next book!