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Broken Slipper Trilogy #1
The Patron
Previous cover edition for the Kindle edition with ASIN: B08R38ZV7Y
Ballet takes everything from you.
All your sweat, all your tears, all your dedication, all your time.
There are no drunken nights, no drugs, no boyfriends, no distractions whatsoever.
But everyone has a dirty little secret...
Working as a stripper at Club Ecstasy at night is my dark indiscretion.
Sexy, mysterious billionaire Calum shows up as a patron at my club. He's drawn to my provocative innocence, not realizing that I am also a ballerina in his dance company. When I dance for him, he feels something stir in his cold, dead heart.
After Calum finds out my little deception, he should turn me in. After all, ballet requires sacrifice.
But to my surprise, he makes me an offer I can't refuse.
And now I am staring into his dark blue eyes as I dance for him privately. Trying desperately to remember rule number one of being an exotic dancer.
Don't fall for your customers.
Ballet takes everything from you.
All your sweat, all your tears, all your dedication, all your time.
There are no drunken nights, no drugs, no boyfriends, no distractions whatsoever.
But everyone has a dirty little secret...
Working as a stripper at Club Ecstasy at night is my dark indiscretion.
Sexy, mysterious billionaire Calum shows up as a patron at my club. He's drawn to my provocative innocence, not realizing that I am also a ballerina in his dance company. When I dance for him, he feels something stir in his cold, dead heart.
After Calum finds out my little deception, he should turn me in. After all, ballet requires sacrifice.
But to my surprise, he makes me an offer I can't refuse.
And now I am staring into his dark blue eyes as I dance for him privately. Trying desperately to remember rule number one of being an exotic dancer.
Don't fall for your customers.
278 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2021
847 people are currently reading
3473 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Wood
157 books2,808 followersVivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
September 5, 2021
February 5, 2021-A Teaser, You Can Envision it In Your Mind's Eye...
You May Watch...
All The Current Ballet Shows...
Flesh and Bone or Tiny Pretty Things...
Thinking You Know What That Life Is...
But Watching Something On-Screen...
And Living It Is Something Very Different...
Ballet Is Pure Dedication...
Striving For Perfection Every Time...
It Leaves No Time For Anything...
Growing Young Women Usually Experience...
You Push Your Bodies...
Just As Hard If Not Harder Than Any Athlete...
And You Learn More About Your Bodies...
Than Mommies And Daddies Would Like...
It Is The Feeling Of Dancing Freely...
That Has Me Dancing At Night At Club Ecstasy...
I Go Somewhere Else In My Head...
All The Pain And Perfection Gone...
Freedom and Sensual Movements...
Take Over In The Dark...
My Perfect Secret I Hold Dear...
Then My Secret Is Discovered...
By Sexy, Mysterious Billionaire Calum...
Owner of The Dance Company I Am Part Of...
He Should Fire Me...
Turn Me Away...
Never To Dance for His Company Again...
Instead, He Has Decided Something Else...
I Am To Be His Private Dancer...
Do As He asks And Not Fall For Him...
After All, He Is Only...
The Patron (Broken Slipper Trilogy #1)- March 16, 2021
The Patron (Broken Slipper, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Dancer (Broken Slipper, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Embrace (Broken Slipper, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
“Okay, now I would like to see something more complex,” Basil says. He walks to the back of the stage, starting in the fifth position.January 29, 2021
Then he proceeds through a combination with a pirouette in the middle and ending with a grand jeté. “And one, two, three, four. Five six, seven, eight. Nine, ten, eleven, twelve.”
My heartbeat rises. Every single move he executed is flawless, not that I expected any less. Toward the back of the theatre, the door swings open and a man enters.
But I’m too focused on what I’m doing to pay him any mind.
“Let’s go!!” Basil yells, clapping. “On my cue. One, two, three, and—"
The first line goes. I cue up right behind, trying to focus my attention on the moves.
“One, two, three, and—"
Like a puppet come to life, I am suddenly smiling and dancing. I keep my movements smooth and easy, doing a complex pirouette with several turns and then leaping across the stage.
My legs carry me far. I land right in center stage, beaming, and lift my arms.
This is it. This is the feeling that I’m supposed to have, I think to myself.
That’s when I suddenly make eye contact with him.
Eyes as dark blue as sapphire and glittering just like two gems. Dark hair, grown a little overlong, shoved back from his face. High cheekbones, a jawline that could cut diamonds, a cruel yet perfect pout.
And that big, rugged, sinful body that I know all too well. The very same one that I dreamed about riding last night.
Mr. X is here.
And he is glaring right at me.
Oh god.
All my worst fears, all in one place. The person who judges me is the very same one who I’ve been all but fucking at Club X. The same person that already inquired if I had training from a good ballet school, knowing perfectly well how taboo that is.
My smile falters, my arms droop. All the blood plummets to my feet.
I'm so incredibly screwed.
You May Watch...
All The Current Ballet Shows...
Flesh and Bone or Tiny Pretty Things...
Thinking You Know What That Life Is...
But Watching Something On-Screen...
And Living It Is Something Very Different...
Ballet Is Pure Dedication...
Striving For Perfection Every Time...
It Leaves No Time For Anything...
Growing Young Women Usually Experience...
You Push Your Bodies...
Just As Hard If Not Harder Than Any Athlete...
And You Learn More About Your Bodies...
Than Mommies And Daddies Would Like...
It Is The Feeling Of Dancing Freely...
That Has Me Dancing At Night At Club Ecstasy...
I Go Somewhere Else In My Head...
All The Pain And Perfection Gone...
Freedom and Sensual Movements...
Take Over In The Dark...
My Perfect Secret I Hold Dear...
Then My Secret Is Discovered...
By Sexy, Mysterious Billionaire Calum...
Owner of The Dance Company I Am Part Of...
He Should Fire Me...
Turn Me Away...
Never To Dance for His Company Again...
Instead, He Has Decided Something Else...
I Am To Be His Private Dancer...
Do As He asks And Not Fall For Him...
After All, He Is Only...
The Patron (Broken Slipper Trilogy #1)- March 16, 2021
The Patron (Broken Slipper, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Dancer (Broken Slipper, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Embrace (Broken Slipper, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 31, 2021
I was ensnared by this story from the very beginning. It captivated me like no other story has in quite some time. I don’t know if it was the chemistry and sensual aura surrounding Kaia and Calum or the pull of what would happen next in their journey, or it was both and more. I don’t know. I just know that I began to read with little awareness of the synopsis or anything else I had read beforehand and was just completely enraptured.
This is only the beginning for these two but what a beginning it was! There’s a whole lot of mystery surrounding this story that still has to unfold. The ending has me thinking we are in for some twisty twist moving forward and this ride might just get very bumpy but I already believe in Kaia and Calum so that makes me over the moon happy!
This is only the beginning for these two but what a beginning it was! There’s a whole lot of mystery surrounding this story that still has to unfold. The ending has me thinking we are in for some twisty twist moving forward and this ride might just get very bumpy but I already believe in Kaia and Calum so that makes me over the moon happy!
March 9, 2021
TW: Rape, abuse.
So this started off strong Calum is your basic frigid billionaire who pays money in exchange for sex because he is too broken, and Kaia is struggling financially becuz her father is an abusive asshole cunt who wanted to manage her, the relationship will be slow burn, but lots of Plot Points were thrown in that were confusing and just didn't make sense the dad suddenly wants to sell his adult daughter to the Mafia so she can pay off a debt. Calum stories also don't make sense or are left unsaid. He's so obsessed with Honor the all of a sudden he doesn't like her, then he says he's incapable of loving someone yet he had the obsession with Honor. And Kaia is so freaking weak once in a while we see a little of her backbone but not really. So sad i really was so excited for this.
Arc provided By Candi Kane PR
So this started off strong Calum is your basic frigid billionaire who pays money in exchange for sex because he is too broken, and Kaia is struggling financially becuz her father is an abusive asshole cunt who wanted to manage her, the relationship will be slow burn, but lots of Plot Points were thrown in that were confusing and just didn't make sense the dad suddenly wants to sell his adult daughter to the Mafia so she can pay off a debt. Calum stories also don't make sense or are left unsaid. He's so obsessed with Honor the all of a sudden he doesn't like her, then he says he's incapable of loving someone yet he had the obsession with Honor. And Kaia is so freaking weak once in a while we see a little of her backbone but not really. So sad i really was so excited for this.
Arc provided By Candi Kane PR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
Decent story for a fast read. Part 1 of a series that ends on a cliffhanger with a big twist at the end. A good level of heat, age-gap, and a virgin romance.
Calum can be sweet and caring, but he’s also pretty much a jerk because of his broken childhood. Although he does have redeeming qualities that, I think as the series moves forward, will let him redeem himself.
* Triggers- parental abuse
Calum can be sweet and caring, but he’s also pretty much a jerk because of his broken childhood. Although he does have redeeming qualities that, I think as the series moves forward, will let him redeem himself.
* Triggers- parental abuse
February 28, 2021
MY RATING: 2*
RELEASE DATE: 11 March 2021
CLIFFHANGER: Yes
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. If you know anything about me, you know I’m a sucker for a billionaires who are allergic to relationships and they suddenly find themselves on their knees in front of a woman. But once again, I’m the odd one out, while the rest of my fellow reviewers apparently got a 5* copy.
The concept was phenomenal. Execution? Meh. So we meet former ballet dancer Calum. After his injury he went and opened a tech company that later made him a billionaire. How did he do that, you ask? I have no idea. Alongside running his company, he’s obviously not into relationships, so to get his rocks off, he spends some time at a high-end strip club. It is there where he meets Kaia. He is drawn to her because he sees that she is ballet trained. And eventually asks her to be her patron.
Unbeknownst to him, Kaia is a student at his former ballet company, where he’s one of the main beneficiaries and is later asked to be a director their spring shows; making their relationship forbidden.
I get why Kaia had to resort to such employment to keep the ship afloat as it were. Her character was however underdeveloped. We know her father is abusive, but where’s the background in that; in her family life? Why was he like that to her and her mother, and not her younger sister? You mean to tell me his father was just going to sell her off and brought his other daughter along and this was just okay to this girl? Having said that, while her naivete was endearing, she sometimes came across as just as dumb as a doorknob. I mean that paycheck she got from Calum, why didn’t she get her flat heated rather than just sit there freezing to death? Better yet, why didn’t she move from the shithole she was living in?
As for Calum his childhood is yet another mystery. He was a dancer and got hurt. How did he get into dancing? We get Anita had something to do with it, but how? After he got injured, how did he start his business? He was abused we got that but, dammit I need more!
Oh, and another mystery, apparently everyone has some connection to the mob. Kaia’s father and Honor apparently do. How? Honor has somehow got her hands on the video from Club X. how? Isn’t it supposed to be catering for the rich and famous? And she apparently knows where to find the Ukrainian mob to go kill somebody
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I do think this could have been a standalone book. I honestly don’t think anything happened that warranted a trilogy. But What do I know?
Seriously, I can summarise it in 4 steps
1. they met,
2. they fooled around for a long ass time,
3. eventually had sex,
4. the end on a cliffhanger.
March 12, 2021
Sooo good! The Patron, a forbidden billionaire and ballerina romance, is here to check your boxes. It's steamy, scandalous, and suspenseful. With an intense build up and a shocking ending, this book is a fantastic start to a brand new trilogy.
Kaia Walker is a ballet student with dreams of dancing for the New York Ballet. To escape the clutches of her vile father, she tries to make it on her own. At night, she dances at Club X--a taboo for ballerinas--to make her living. Calum Fordham, a billionare and former dancer, visits her at Club X and becomes infatuated. He wants to pay her to dance only for him--whenever and wherever he wants.
Calum and Kaia's relationship in the Patron sets the stage for something great to come. Neither are looking for romance when they first start their arrangement, so it's slow to enter the picture. But when it does, it's clear these two are coming to care about one another far more than planned. I didn't expect the suspense and the nefarious interferences from the people around them. The ballet element was done really well. It adds something unique to the story and captures how intense and difficult the art is for a dancer.
I can tell there is a lot more to come in the next two books. I am both afraid and thrilled to see how it comes about! Kaia and Calum both have their damage and I am hoping to see them overcome it.
This book is highly recommended by me!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.
Kaia Walker is a ballet student with dreams of dancing for the New York Ballet. To escape the clutches of her vile father, she tries to make it on her own. At night, she dances at Club X--a taboo for ballerinas--to make her living. Calum Fordham, a billionare and former dancer, visits her at Club X and becomes infatuated. He wants to pay her to dance only for him--whenever and wherever he wants.
Calum and Kaia's relationship in the Patron sets the stage for something great to come. Neither are looking for romance when they first start their arrangement, so it's slow to enter the picture. But when it does, it's clear these two are coming to care about one another far more than planned. I didn't expect the suspense and the nefarious interferences from the people around them. The ballet element was done really well. It adds something unique to the story and captures how intense and difficult the art is for a dancer.
I can tell there is a lot more to come in the next two books. I am both afraid and thrilled to see how it comes about! Kaia and Calum both have their damage and I am hoping to see them overcome it.
This book is highly recommended by me!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.
Want to read
May 12, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (7/14/2021)!🎁
March 21, 2021
Before I will start with my review, just let me tell you that I absolutely loved this book! 5/5 stars!
It starts off with a dance scene and the scene in the club. Kaia seemed to be the shy girl next door kind of girl, but when she dances in the club she is full of confidence and has a great and confident aura about her that I really loved!
Calum in the beginning seems like the absolute worst bad boy millionaire character ever. 😂But it was clear very early on that he has a dark past that still troubles him. I will not go into detail about what this dark past consists of, but there were hints very early on and when it was fully revealed I was so shocked and disgusted! Same goes for Kaia actually. She didn’t have the same experiences as Calum, but she has a dark childhood as well and all in all both of them experienced things as children that no child should ever experience, especially at the hands of those people that are supposed to care for them and make them feel safe… both main characters are still troubled by these things in their adult lives and especially Kaia is still in the thick of it.
In this book there were some male characters that seemed to be competing for the award of biggest a****le of the century. I was truly so shocked and disturbed and disgusted by these men… I am someone that can deal with a lot of violence and sickening actions/ behaviors on tv and in books, but even I was taken aback by the audacity being shown by these men. I cringed and was emotional and didn’t know what to think more than once. It was unsettling.
I really liked the relationship that formed between Calum and Kaia though. It, too, was a little troublesome at points. Especially with his behaviour after the first intimate situation. He gave off really toxic vibes, which, given his past were understandable though.
What I probably loved most in this book was that the art of dancing was so heavily incorporated. It wasn’t simply something the female MC did. It was something both of the main characters were really passionate about. Something that was explained. The scenes that included ballet were detailed and beautifully described in my opinion. It is connected to emotions that made me really happy about all these scenes as well.
I could say much more about this book, but I can’t say much more without spoiling the actual story, because most of my heavy emotions for this book are connected to plot twists and revelations and shocking truths that are discovered.
But for one last thing: the book ends on a cliffhanger, so book 2 will continue with the same characters.The ending of book 1 was a little troublesome in a way where I think that something that was done with good intentions will actually have the opposite effect. I am scared of what will happen next and I am scared of what our MC might have to endure in book 2, because I honestly fear the worst...
Overall a fantastic read!!
It starts off with a dance scene and the scene in the club. Kaia seemed to be the shy girl next door kind of girl, but when she dances in the club she is full of confidence and has a great and confident aura about her that I really loved!
Calum in the beginning seems like the absolute worst bad boy millionaire character ever. 😂But it was clear very early on that he has a dark past that still troubles him. I will not go into detail about what this dark past consists of, but there were hints very early on and when it was fully revealed I was so shocked and disgusted! Same goes for Kaia actually. She didn’t have the same experiences as Calum, but she has a dark childhood as well and all in all both of them experienced things as children that no child should ever experience, especially at the hands of those people that are supposed to care for them and make them feel safe… both main characters are still troubled by these things in their adult lives and especially Kaia is still in the thick of it.
In this book there were some male characters that seemed to be competing for the award of biggest a****le of the century. I was truly so shocked and disturbed and disgusted by these men… I am someone that can deal with a lot of violence and sickening actions/ behaviors on tv and in books, but even I was taken aback by the audacity being shown by these men. I cringed and was emotional and didn’t know what to think more than once. It was unsettling.
I really liked the relationship that formed between Calum and Kaia though. It, too, was a little troublesome at points. Especially with his behaviour after the first intimate situation. He gave off really toxic vibes, which, given his past were understandable though.
What I probably loved most in this book was that the art of dancing was so heavily incorporated. It wasn’t simply something the female MC did. It was something both of the main characters were really passionate about. Something that was explained. The scenes that included ballet were detailed and beautifully described in my opinion. It is connected to emotions that made me really happy about all these scenes as well.
I could say much more about this book, but I can’t say much more without spoiling the actual story, because most of my heavy emotions for this book are connected to plot twists and revelations and shocking truths that are discovered.
But for one last thing: the book ends on a cliffhanger, so book 2 will continue with the same characters.The ending of book 1 was a little troublesome in a way where I think that something that was done with good intentions will actually have the opposite effect. I am scared of what will happen next and I am scared of what our MC might have to endure in book 2, because I honestly fear the worst...
Overall a fantastic read!!
November 6, 2021
corny and i mean CORNY. but what do u really expect..
basically a ballerina gets a sugar daddy sexy ceo ballet dude and hes a ASSHOLE omg get a grip dude
cannot stand weak female leads.. i know this is a trilogy and maybe she gets some sort of character development but who cares im not reading the rest
made me laugh out loud when it mentioned the mafia. calum is not sexy he needs therapy
pros
smut
cons
reading this put me into a coma
2 stars for smut and interesting concept
basically a ballerina gets a sugar daddy sexy ceo ballet dude and hes a ASSHOLE omg get a grip dude
cannot stand weak female leads.. i know this is a trilogy and maybe she gets some sort of character development but who cares im not reading the rest
made me laugh out loud when it mentioned the mafia. calum is not sexy he needs therapy
pros
smut
cons
reading this put me into a coma
2 stars for smut and interesting concept
January 27, 2022
2.75 stars
This story was okay but it lacked any real depth.
For a pair who can't afford to get caught, Kaia and Calum were very careless throughout and it really annoyed me.
Also, quite a few serious topics just get tossed in nonchalantly - like Kaia's father selling her to the mafia to pay off his debts - and it all just seemed very poorly thought-out.
This story was okay but it lacked any real depth.
For a pair who can't afford to get caught, Kaia and Calum were very careless throughout and it really annoyed me.
Also, quite a few serious topics just get tossed in nonchalantly - like Kaia's father selling her to the mafia to pay off his debts - and it all just seemed very poorly thought-out.
August 9, 2021
This book seems interesting, but as it is a trilogy series, I will wait till all 3 books are published.
Have I mentioned how much I dislike reading trilogies cause most of them has cliffhangers?
Have I mentioned how much I dislike reading trilogies cause most of them has cliffhangers?
March 14, 2021
-Marie, ☆☆☆☆
Dancing for the Boss
I was so intrigued by what was going to happen that I couldn’t put this book down. It did end on a very big cliffhanger.
I was a little confused at first getting Calum’s story and the topic the book opened with. As the story went on it all made sense. Knowing he lived in two worlds made more sense. He knew what he wanted from the very first pirouette.
Kaia just wanted to dance and pay her father back every penny that he always threw in her face. Doing two things that were prohibited in the dance world could end her career. It would all be worth it to her.
Dancing for the Boss
I was so intrigued by what was going to happen that I couldn’t put this book down. It did end on a very big cliffhanger.
I was a little confused at first getting Calum’s story and the topic the book opened with. As the story went on it all made sense. Knowing he lived in two worlds made more sense. He knew what he wanted from the very first pirouette.
Kaia just wanted to dance and pay her father back every penny that he always threw in her face. Doing two things that were prohibited in the dance world could end her career. It would all be worth it to her.
July 31, 2021
Onde as autoras estão tirando tanta história , a mesma coisa assim, não me conformo.
Todo dia um livro igual o outro, falta de criatividade, homens machistas, toscos e falta de amor próprio das protagonistas...Tá difícil!
Todo dia um livro igual o outro, falta de criatividade, homens machistas, toscos e falta de amor próprio das protagonistas...Tá difícil!
March 2, 2022
review for the whole trilogy.
this was pretty steamy. calum’s character needed some getting used to but i liked kaia. if only she wasn’t so vulnerable towards calum though. i wanted her to have more fight. when she’s not working as a stripper at the club, kaia’s mostly introverted and not as confident. it was interesting to see a different side of her when she’s at the club. as calum slowly falls for kaia, he’s hesitant to accept the feeling since he considers himself broken. but i think kaia’s sunny disposition gradually melted his stone cold heart. the plot was alright. this trilogy concluded well. i did think that there were too many sex scenes (feels like it's filter scenes), but it would also explain how .. i can't believe she's only 18-19 year old though. thought she would be older.
this was pretty steamy. calum’s character needed some getting used to but i liked kaia. if only she wasn’t so vulnerable towards calum though. i wanted her to have more fight. when she’s not working as a stripper at the club, kaia’s mostly introverted and not as confident. it was interesting to see a different side of her when she’s at the club. as calum slowly falls for kaia, he’s hesitant to accept the feeling since he considers himself broken. but i think kaia’s sunny disposition gradually melted his stone cold heart. the plot was alright. this trilogy concluded well. i did think that there were too many sex scenes (feels like it's filter scenes), but it would also explain how .. i can't believe she's only 18-19 year old though. thought she would be older.
April 26, 2023
I read this book in practically one sitting, and it was so so good. The characters are unique, diverse, and well-rounded. The plot carried on smoothly, and it read as a real page-turner. Every scene was essential to the overall plot, and I loved how the story was so well put together.
February 19, 2021
Kaia has spent her life working to become a ballerina. It takes time and money. She's short on money, having walked away from being under her father's thumb, so she moonlights as a stripper to make ends meet.
Callum is a twisted, broken billionaire who hates personal relationships. He's a former injured dancer who now spends his nights at the strip club to release his stress. When he sees Kaia, he knows he has to have her.
Two people, who are broken in different ways try to keep things strictly business, things always get messy and the cliffhanger will leave you screaming in frustration!
Thank you Vivian Wood for the advanced copy.
Callum is a twisted, broken billionaire who hates personal relationships. He's a former injured dancer who now spends his nights at the strip club to release his stress. When he sees Kaia, he knows he has to have her.
Two people, who are broken in different ways try to keep things strictly business, things always get messy and the cliffhanger will leave you screaming in frustration!
Thank you Vivian Wood for the advanced copy.
September 16, 2021
The Patron is a pretty good start to a romance novel. I liked the storyline, the angst, the emotion, and the sexy times. It was an enjoyable read and looking forward to reading more of Kaia and Calum's forbidden romance. Rooting for more character development in The Dancer and answer to all the questions left hanging with that cliffy ending.
May 15, 2023
It’s a no from me.
March 11, 2021
An exciting start to a new series. Vivian Wood captured my attention with this intriguing story. Callum and Kaia have an unconventional relationship (in the ballet world some may say taboo) but boy, it works perfectly for them. The banter, the chemistry, the push and pull, the steamy scenes, all kept me glued to the pages. This was a quick and fast-paced read. The plot has a lot of potential, there is mystery and drama surrounding the characters and I need more of it. I can't wait for the next book.
March 10, 2021
I love a good billionaire romance. I love when the hero is damaged somehow and doesn't think he's worthy of love. I love when the heroine is naïve and innocent who can prove that the hero is worthy of that love. That's my jam and this book had it all. Quite honestly, I start several books with these same tropes all the time but none of them really grab me or remind me too much of other books I have read in the past and while this book does have those very same tropes, it has other elements that keeps it fresh.
Our heroine is Kaia who is a professional ballet dancer by day and works as a stripper at night. She works there obviously for money and also to escape her very unsatisfying and extremely unsettling home life. She grew up with the most horrible father who controls every aspect of her life and expects her to heel when he says so as if she owes him for breathing. It was quite sad to get a glimpse into what must have been a terrible childhood.
Our hero, Calum, is the CEO of a tech company he runs with his brother. He accepts the position as the new stage manager for the ballet company he is a patron for and that Kaia is newly employed at. However, he meets Kaia at first at the strip club she works at and is instantly attracted to her and her obvious ballet training. He offers to be her patron and she agrees because the money is too hard to pass up. Calum of course has a damaged past and learning about that past was also unsettling but it explains why he thinks so lowly of himself when all you know is hate.
I have to say I LOVED that this book had so much actual ballet in it. I have read books in the past that imply the plot revolves around it but barely mentions it or it's just something one of the characters do. I love that besides all the suspense, mystery and angst we get with the main plotlines we also have the behind scenes of the ballet world and it's politics and competitiveness. I live for that. I also love the fact that Calum is an ex dancer whose career was cut short due to injury but is still very passionate about the art. I just hope that we get a scene in one of the future books where Kaia and Calum dance together. That would be so choice.
In all I really, really enjoyed this book. Yes, it did end on a huge cliff hanger and left so many unanswered questions such as what caused Kaia's father to treat her so poorly but her sister like a princess? How did he get involved with such unsavory characters? What did Calum's PI find in his investigation of Kaia? I also hope we get more of a look into the leads histories and characterizations but it's a great start to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
Our heroine is Kaia who is a professional ballet dancer by day and works as a stripper at night. She works there obviously for money and also to escape her very unsatisfying and extremely unsettling home life. She grew up with the most horrible father who controls every aspect of her life and expects her to heel when he says so as if she owes him for breathing. It was quite sad to get a glimpse into what must have been a terrible childhood.
Our hero, Calum, is the CEO of a tech company he runs with his brother. He accepts the position as the new stage manager for the ballet company he is a patron for and that Kaia is newly employed at. However, he meets Kaia at first at the strip club she works at and is instantly attracted to her and her obvious ballet training. He offers to be her patron and she agrees because the money is too hard to pass up. Calum of course has a damaged past and learning about that past was also unsettling but it explains why he thinks so lowly of himself when all you know is hate.
I have to say I LOVED that this book had so much actual ballet in it. I have read books in the past that imply the plot revolves around it but barely mentions it or it's just something one of the characters do. I love that besides all the suspense, mystery and angst we get with the main plotlines we also have the behind scenes of the ballet world and it's politics and competitiveness. I live for that. I also love the fact that Calum is an ex dancer whose career was cut short due to injury but is still very passionate about the art. I just hope that we get a scene in one of the future books where Kaia and Calum dance together. That would be so choice.
In all I really, really enjoyed this book. Yes, it did end on a huge cliff hanger and left so many unanswered questions such as what caused Kaia's father to treat her so poorly but her sister like a princess? How did he get involved with such unsavory characters? What did Calum's PI find in his investigation of Kaia? I also hope we get more of a look into the leads histories and characterizations but it's a great start to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
March 12, 2021
This book was the worst... do not recommend at all. It was corny off the jump and the male lead is disgusting and the female lead is whatless. I cannot stand books with a weak heroine.
May 27, 2025
3.5!! i need book two right now help😭
March 16, 2021
4.5 STARS
This is the first book I read by this author; however, as soon as this trilogy was announced, I have been intrigued by the concept. I loved that the main character is a ballerina and there aren’t a lot of romance novels where any of the MC’s are ballet dancers. With that said, I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with a lot of angst and a lot of drama and I do mean A LOT OF DRAMA.
Kaia Young is a young ballet dancer. She has trained for most of her life and is expected to be the best, especially by her father. Kaia’s father is abusive. He is sexist and condescending and makes sure to remind Kaia that she owes him. Wanting to pay her father back for all the money he spent in her ballet training, Kaia got a job at Club X, a high end, strip club.
Billionaire, Calum Fordham, is a former ballet dancer, who started his own tech company after sustaining an injury. Although Calum no longer dances, he is still connected with his former dance company. Calum is a man with secrets; dark secrets - one being that he frequents Club X. While at Club X one night, Calum sees Kaia dancing and becomes completely captivated by her moves on stage; moves that he recognizes as ballet moves.
There is so much that happens in a private room of Club X. There were a few encounters between Calum and Kaia before they both realize that they have other connections. When Calum is asked to direct the upcoming ballet show he immediately recognizes one of the dancers - Kaia - and in the world of Ballet moonlighting at night as a stripper is completely forbidden.
Here is the thing - the chemistry and sexual tension between Calum and Kaia for about 75% of the book was hot - really hot. The two knew that having a relationship was completely forbidden, but it didn’t stop them from engaging in private encounters. The thing is that for a man who founded a tech company and became a millionaire, I feel that Calum was really careless at times. There is something about him that I still don’t like. I feel that at times he showed more weakness than strength. For a man who was such a brooking jerk, I felt He avoided confrontational situations at times or relied on his brother Lucas to do it for him. Calum’s personality was odd at times. I know that he has some very deep secrets.
The only issue I had with this book was Honor - especially Honor at the end of the story. There was already a lot of drama going on and here comes Honor and threatens Calum with the mob. I feel that part came out of nowhere. Also, Kaia’s dad wanting to sell her also came out of nowhere. I am definitely going to continue reading this trilogy. I’m hoping that the next two books answer a lot fo questions. I am excited to see Kaia’s growth throughout this trilogy.
This is the first book I read by this author; however, as soon as this trilogy was announced, I have been intrigued by the concept. I loved that the main character is a ballerina and there aren’t a lot of romance novels where any of the MC’s are ballet dancers. With that said, I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with a lot of angst and a lot of drama and I do mean A LOT OF DRAMA.
Kaia Young is a young ballet dancer. She has trained for most of her life and is expected to be the best, especially by her father. Kaia’s father is abusive. He is sexist and condescending and makes sure to remind Kaia that she owes him. Wanting to pay her father back for all the money he spent in her ballet training, Kaia got a job at Club X, a high end, strip club.
Billionaire, Calum Fordham, is a former ballet dancer, who started his own tech company after sustaining an injury. Although Calum no longer dances, he is still connected with his former dance company. Calum is a man with secrets; dark secrets - one being that he frequents Club X. While at Club X one night, Calum sees Kaia dancing and becomes completely captivated by her moves on stage; moves that he recognizes as ballet moves.
There is so much that happens in a private room of Club X. There were a few encounters between Calum and Kaia before they both realize that they have other connections. When Calum is asked to direct the upcoming ballet show he immediately recognizes one of the dancers - Kaia - and in the world of Ballet moonlighting at night as a stripper is completely forbidden.
Here is the thing - the chemistry and sexual tension between Calum and Kaia for about 75% of the book was hot - really hot. The two knew that having a relationship was completely forbidden, but it didn’t stop them from engaging in private encounters. The thing is that for a man who founded a tech company and became a millionaire, I feel that Calum was really careless at times. There is something about him that I still don’t like. I feel that at times he showed more weakness than strength. For a man who was such a brooking jerk, I felt He avoided confrontational situations at times or relied on his brother Lucas to do it for him. Calum’s personality was odd at times. I know that he has some very deep secrets.
The only issue I had with this book was Honor - especially Honor at the end of the story. There was already a lot of drama going on and here comes Honor and threatens Calum with the mob. I feel that part came out of nowhere. Also, Kaia’s dad wanting to sell her also came out of nowhere. I am definitely going to continue reading this trilogy. I’m hoping that the next two books answer a lot fo questions. I am excited to see Kaia’s growth throughout this trilogy.
June 30, 2021
This is the first book in the Broken Slipper trilogy which MUST be read in order.
I had seen this series recommended SO many places and with the third and final installment just around the corner I decided now was the time to meet Calum and Kaia.
Calum is an ex-ballet dancer having suffered a career ending injury in his early 20s. He went on to found an extremely successful company making him a billionaire in the years afterward. He doesn't do relationships preferring to keep his sex life transactional just like his business. It works perfectly until he sees Kaia.
Kaia is so close to realising her dream of becoming part of the New York Ballet Company. By day she lives and breathes ballet at her expensive ballet school but by night she works as an exotic dancer at Club X which is where Calum first sets eyes upon her. He has to have her so sets out to become her Patron; this contract stipulates that the club dancer must be there whenever, wherever and however the client wishes.
Kaia, our naive virgin, is reluctant to agree to this contract despite being so drawn to Calum, however the fact that she wishes to be financially free of her father (what a nasty POS!) is a driving factor in how things go.
I loved the chemistry between Calum and Kaia. Calum is so beautifully broken and doesn't know how to let anyone in yet Kaia SEES him. She sees the parts of him he keeps hidden from everyone and, shockingly to him, she wants him regardless.
That twist in the end, that cliffhanger, oh my good holy sweet baby Jesus and all the angels. My stomach bottomed out and I felt nauseous. I think I had to reread the final chapter about ten times. I have had the biggest book hangover since which ain't ideal when I have several reviews due! I'll move onto book two, The Dancer, closer to the release date for book three, The Embrace. I don't think I can do another cliffhanger like that again in one month!!
Edit is mine, pics are not.
I had seen this series recommended SO many places and with the third and final installment just around the corner I decided now was the time to meet Calum and Kaia.
Calum is an ex-ballet dancer having suffered a career ending injury in his early 20s. He went on to found an extremely successful company making him a billionaire in the years afterward. He doesn't do relationships preferring to keep his sex life transactional just like his business. It works perfectly until he sees Kaia.
Kaia is so close to realising her dream of becoming part of the New York Ballet Company. By day she lives and breathes ballet at her expensive ballet school but by night she works as an exotic dancer at Club X which is where Calum first sets eyes upon her. He has to have her so sets out to become her Patron; this contract stipulates that the club dancer must be there whenever, wherever and however the client wishes.
Kaia, our naive virgin, is reluctant to agree to this contract despite being so drawn to Calum, however the fact that she wishes to be financially free of her father (what a nasty POS!) is a driving factor in how things go.
I loved the chemistry between Calum and Kaia. Calum is so beautifully broken and doesn't know how to let anyone in yet Kaia SEES him. She sees the parts of him he keeps hidden from everyone and, shockingly to him, she wants him regardless.
That twist in the end, that cliffhanger, oh my good holy sweet baby Jesus and all the angels. My stomach bottomed out and I felt nauseous. I think I had to reread the final chapter about ten times. I have had the biggest book hangover since which ain't ideal when I have several reviews due! I'll move onto book two, The Dancer, closer to the release date for book three, The Embrace. I don't think I can do another cliffhanger like that again in one month!!
Edit is mine, pics are not.
March 24, 2021
OMGHHKP
MOTHER FREAKIN’ CHUCKER!!!
Damn this book was just mind blowing! Seriously I could not stop reading! A page turner, that I absolutely loved!
Not only is this the first book I have ever read of Vivian Wood, in which she had me gripped throughout! It also happened to be one of the books I was looking forward to reading this year!
And it did not disappoint, Vivian definitely came through with The Patron!
By day, quiet, shy, simple and sweet Kaia Madeline Walker is training to be a ballet dancer. However at night she is anything but, moonlighting as a stripper trying to make ends meet. Something that is forbidden in the ballet world, all in the hopes of earning enough to rid herself from no longer being under her father’s thumb.
Which ends up leading her to attract the attention of the stranger that is Mr X, at least that’s what she thought.
After a career ending injury, former dancer and now billionaire, dark, broody and sexy Calum Fordham spends his nights at strip clubs. Preferring flings and one night stands instead of long term relationships, given the traumatic events he suffered in childhood. Which is how he stumbles across Kaia and her secret double life.
With everything that Kaia and Calum had gone through, you could see and tell that they were totally perfect for each other. In fact they were made for each other.
With both being broken in their own ways, they were a beacon to one another, which in a way is what brings them together. Especially since Kaia is all about trying to salvage anything that is broken or damaged by trying to put it back together again. Something that she in a way is tries to do when it comes to Calum.
Their emotions definitely played a big part in how and why they’re the way they are.
And since they’re both not really able to bring them forth when around others, they instead bring it out when with each other. Knowing that the other can handle and understand it. Even though they don’t know each other’s secrets from their lives. At least not until Calum stumbles upon Kaia’s.
The Patron was definitely not a typical run of the mill straight forward story, there was mystery, suspense, it was dark and twisted too. With complications that arised and needed to be solved and fixed.
Definitely a whirlwind of a rollercoaster because of it all, but it's what played a part in making this story captivate you from the very beginning. Luring you in deeper, only to fall in the never ending abyss that is Kaia and Calum!
WOW the HOT, FIERY, STEAMY, SULTRY, SENSUAL, INTENSE FORBIDDEN PASSION that this story brings is above and beyond.
HOLY HELL it was everything you could want and much more on top.
That just being only from the connection alone that Calum and Kaia had whenever they were in each other’s presence. Something that grew a billion times HOTTER, when their chemistry exploded leading them to give into each other with their INTENSIVE, RAW, BURNING HOT, TEMPESTUOUS DESIRE in their WILD acts of PASSION in this FORBIDDEN SECRET dalliance of theirs.
In a way you could say the emotional turbulence of their feelings helped play a part in giving us MIND-BLOWING, SPINE-TINGLING, SMOULDERING-HOT but also BEAUTIFUL and HEARTFELT acts of passion between the two.
Like watching a fireworks display, it was EXPLOSIVE, BEAUTIFUL, WILD and UNPREDICTABLE.
OMG that ending though, I wasn’t ready for it at all! Especially with how abruptly it cut off!
I may hate you Vivian for leaving me hanging like that! But I am too invested in Kaia and Calum’s story to stop now, so yes I will definitely be waiting in anticipation for the second book The Dancer in this amazing series that is the Broken Slipper trilogy.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
MOTHER FREAKIN’ CHUCKER!!!
Damn this book was just mind blowing! Seriously I could not stop reading! A page turner, that I absolutely loved!
Not only is this the first book I have ever read of Vivian Wood, in which she had me gripped throughout! It also happened to be one of the books I was looking forward to reading this year!
And it did not disappoint, Vivian definitely came through with The Patron!
By day, quiet, shy, simple and sweet Kaia Madeline Walker is training to be a ballet dancer. However at night she is anything but, moonlighting as a stripper trying to make ends meet. Something that is forbidden in the ballet world, all in the hopes of earning enough to rid herself from no longer being under her father’s thumb.
Which ends up leading her to attract the attention of the stranger that is Mr X, at least that’s what she thought.
After a career ending injury, former dancer and now billionaire, dark, broody and sexy Calum Fordham spends his nights at strip clubs. Preferring flings and one night stands instead of long term relationships, given the traumatic events he suffered in childhood. Which is how he stumbles across Kaia and her secret double life.
With everything that Kaia and Calum had gone through, you could see and tell that they were totally perfect for each other. In fact they were made for each other.
With both being broken in their own ways, they were a beacon to one another, which in a way is what brings them together. Especially since Kaia is all about trying to salvage anything that is broken or damaged by trying to put it back together again. Something that she in a way is tries to do when it comes to Calum.
Their emotions definitely played a big part in how and why they’re the way they are.
And since they’re both not really able to bring them forth when around others, they instead bring it out when with each other. Knowing that the other can handle and understand it. Even though they don’t know each other’s secrets from their lives. At least not until Calum stumbles upon Kaia’s.
The Patron was definitely not a typical run of the mill straight forward story, there was mystery, suspense, it was dark and twisted too. With complications that arised and needed to be solved and fixed.
Definitely a whirlwind of a rollercoaster because of it all, but it's what played a part in making this story captivate you from the very beginning. Luring you in deeper, only to fall in the never ending abyss that is Kaia and Calum!
WOW the HOT, FIERY, STEAMY, SULTRY, SENSUAL, INTENSE FORBIDDEN PASSION that this story brings is above and beyond.
HOLY HELL it was everything you could want and much more on top.
That just being only from the connection alone that Calum and Kaia had whenever they were in each other’s presence. Something that grew a billion times HOTTER, when their chemistry exploded leading them to give into each other with their INTENSIVE, RAW, BURNING HOT, TEMPESTUOUS DESIRE in their WILD acts of PASSION in this FORBIDDEN SECRET dalliance of theirs.
In a way you could say the emotional turbulence of their feelings helped play a part in giving us MIND-BLOWING, SPINE-TINGLING, SMOULDERING-HOT but also BEAUTIFUL and HEARTFELT acts of passion between the two.
Like watching a fireworks display, it was EXPLOSIVE, BEAUTIFUL, WILD and UNPREDICTABLE.
OMG that ending though, I wasn’t ready for it at all! Especially with how abruptly it cut off!
I may hate you Vivian for leaving me hanging like that! But I am too invested in Kaia and Calum’s story to stop now, so yes I will definitely be waiting in anticipation for the second book The Dancer in this amazing series that is the Broken Slipper trilogy.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
This was my first book by the author, I was really excited to read this story but I waited for the 3 books to come out and I’m glad I did because I’m dying to know what happens after that ending.
I really loved the story, Kaia is a ballerina and at night she works at a club in order to pay her arrogant dad and just be free of him. Calum is a billionaire with a difficult past so he pays to be with women. He used to ballet too so both their worlds intertwined at ballet and the club.
Calum sees Kaia and the club and she intrigued him so he kept coming back for her. She needs money so they make an arrangement to satisfy them both. At first Kaia was reluctant to it, but little by little she’s captivated by him and their relationship.
The story is really steamy and I loved when Calum and Kaia were alone. They both had family problems so spending time together was a nice way to just forget about their problems. I wish Kaia were more confident in herself, her father was really abusive and she never spoke up.
Now I can’t wait to read more of them and see how their story goes after what happens at the end of the book.
I really loved the story, Kaia is a ballerina and at night she works at a club in order to pay her arrogant dad and just be free of him. Calum is a billionaire with a difficult past so he pays to be with women. He used to ballet too so both their worlds intertwined at ballet and the club.
Calum sees Kaia and the club and she intrigued him so he kept coming back for her. She needs money so they make an arrangement to satisfy them both. At first Kaia was reluctant to it, but little by little she’s captivated by him and their relationship.
The story is really steamy and I loved when Calum and Kaia were alone. They both had family problems so spending time together was a nice way to just forget about their problems. I wish Kaia were more confident in herself, her father was really abusive and she never spoke up.
Now I can’t wait to read more of them and see how their story goes after what happens at the end of the book.
April 16, 2022
3.5 stars
This was okay. I liked Kaia, and I wanted to see her stand up for herself. I didn’t like the way she was treated by the men in this book. Her father was completely horrible, and Calum was hot and cold which I found a bit annoying.
The ending annoyed me too. I know it’s a series, but I thought the drama added in at the end wasn’t necessary.
I also noticed quite a few typos while I was reading that interferes with my reading because they would break up the flow of the writing. Several times words were missing or added and I had to guess at what was supposed to have been written.
CWs: abuse (physical, mental, sexual) from a parent figure, adult/minor relationship (in the past but mentioned and a character has trauma from it)
This was okay. I liked Kaia, and I wanted to see her stand up for herself. I didn’t like the way she was treated by the men in this book. Her father was completely horrible, and Calum was hot and cold which I found a bit annoying.
The ending annoyed me too. I know it’s a series, but I thought the drama added in at the end wasn’t necessary.
I also noticed quite a few typos while I was reading that interferes with my reading because they would break up the flow of the writing. Several times words were missing or added and I had to guess at what was supposed to have been written.
CWs: abuse (physical, mental, sexual) from a parent figure, adult/minor relationship (in the past but mentioned and a character has trauma from it)
January 23, 2023
I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book. I’m torn between a 3.5 and 4 stars.
I was super interested throughout the whole story on how they met, the back stories, and the whole situation with her being at the ballet and him being the owner, basically. The forbidden romance is so fun to read about. This was a big slow burn actually. The story took a while to progress, and I was kind of waiting for that moment where shit hit the fan. Unfortunately that didn’t happen until the last chapter of the book.
The biggest thing that bothered me was a lot of the side characters were super immature, considering they’re supposed to be grown adults. There was the one ballerina who literally talked like a high school student at her insults were super immature. Because of these immature side characters, they took down a star for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just don’t know if I enjoyed it that much to carry-on to the next book in the series.
I was super interested throughout the whole story on how they met, the back stories, and the whole situation with her being at the ballet and him being the owner, basically. The forbidden romance is so fun to read about. This was a big slow burn actually. The story took a while to progress, and I was kind of waiting for that moment where shit hit the fan. Unfortunately that didn’t happen until the last chapter of the book.
The biggest thing that bothered me was a lot of the side characters were super immature, considering they’re supposed to be grown adults. There was the one ballerina who literally talked like a high school student at her insults were super immature. Because of these immature side characters, they took down a star for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just don’t know if I enjoyed it that much to carry-on to the next book in the series.
March 10, 2021
Calum and Kaia's story had me hooked, what a way to start a new series! Kaia’s family is pure dysfunction and she’s doing everything she can to pay her father back to get him to stop the way he is with her, she wants out! She is a ballet dancer who also work at a strip club and when she meets Calum at the club she has no idea how many times they will meet again. Calum was a ballet dancer until he got injured and now is a billionaire business man who is very intrigued by Kaia. These two both have deep rooted secrets, especially Calum. This book brings the heat and the suspense and I can’t wait for more
March 14, 2021
I needed this read and did not even know it. Be prepared to be enthralled in the Patron. But this is a Vivian read so you know it is going to be good.
Okay so what little I can share is that Calum is not your typical heartthrob. He definitely is not the all out good guy. You are going to want to scream some, maybe throw something you will be getting frustrated. But hang in there, I trust in Vivian. You will get mad with the way that Kaia is treated but there will be a point to all of this.
Overall this is going to be a great series, it had a strong first book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Okay so what little I can share is that Calum is not your typical heartthrob. He definitely is not the all out good guy. You are going to want to scream some, maybe throw something you will be getting frustrated. But hang in there, I trust in Vivian. You will get mad with the way that Kaia is treated but there will be a point to all of this.
Overall this is going to be a great series, it had a strong first book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
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