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California Belly Dance #1
Shimmy for Me
One passionate night. Two lost souls. A whole world of trouble.
Juggling two jobs to keep her belly dance studio afloat keeps Abby Anderson’s mind off her shattered love life—until a reawakened pain sends her into the arms of an anonymous stranger she plucks from the audience of her tribal belly dance show. No names, no strings, no romance. She tells herself it’s a harmless hookup.
Until he turns up at her day job . . .
Derek Collier, the sexy heir to the Collier media dynasty, just landed everything he’s always wanted: the publisher’s seat at the Orange County Herald. Except his first order of business is to sell the newspaper. Reeling from his family’s betrayal, his only comfort is the memory of that mysterious belly dancer and the perfect night they spent together.
He won’t rest until he finds her again.
She’ll lose everything if he does.
Juggling two jobs to keep her belly dance studio afloat keeps Abby Anderson’s mind off her shattered love life—until a reawakened pain sends her into the arms of an anonymous stranger she plucks from the audience of her tribal belly dance show. No names, no strings, no romance. She tells herself it’s a harmless hookup.
Until he turns up at her day job . . .
Derek Collier, the sexy heir to the Collier media dynasty, just landed everything he’s always wanted: the publisher’s seat at the Orange County Herald. Except his first order of business is to sell the newspaper. Reeling from his family’s betrayal, his only comfort is the memory of that mysterious belly dancer and the perfect night they spent together.
He won’t rest until he finds her again.
She’ll lose everything if he does.
117 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2014
69 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
DeAnna Cameron
24 books157 followersDeAnna Cameron writes contemporary romance and historical fiction, including the award-winning California Belly Dance Romance series. She loves compelling heroines who aren't afraid to break the rules, and passionate heroes who respect and cherish them. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and has been praised by RT Book Reviews, Historical Novel Review, and others.
Before turning to fiction, DeAnna worked in print journalism, writing and editing for several Southern California newspapers and magazines. She's the founder of O.C. Writers, a thriving community of authors and aspiring authors in Southern California, and an active member of Broad Universe, a national organization of women authors focused on science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
When she isn't writing, she can usually be found making jewelry, obsessing about her Fitbit steps, and counting her lucky stars. She lives with her family in Orange County, Calif.
For more, visit www.DeAnnaCameron.com.
Before turning to fiction, DeAnna worked in print journalism, writing and editing for several Southern California newspapers and magazines. She's the founder of O.C. Writers, a thriving community of authors and aspiring authors in Southern California, and an active member of Broad Universe, a national organization of women authors focused on science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
When she isn't writing, she can usually be found making jewelry, obsessing about her Fitbit steps, and counting her lucky stars. She lives with her family in Orange County, Calif.
For more, visit www.DeAnnaCameron.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 20, 2014
3.5 Passion, Traditional Stars * * * 1/2
In today's world, it is so hard to be able to do what we really want to as a career... we may feel a calling for something deeply... but it may not be what will pay the bills. So how do we decide...do we throw all of ourselves to what we truly want... or do we conform and plow ahead on a path we know we will never be passionate about... Or do we become crafty and live in both worlds... the everyday world and also the passionate one...
This novella presents this question and shows how important it is to recognize what brings you joy in your life. The author uses the art form of Belly Dancing and it works extremely well.
Little did I know, there had been cause for people to look at it as something more than a beautiful art form...It seems our main character had experienced the innuendos from others but as she became stronger in herself, she realized this was her calling. When the studio she was part of was up for sale, she took the plunged and bought it. Now she is barely getting by; temping at the major newspaper, dancing at the nightclub and teaching is the way she is trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately, it is not working out and she is almost close to losing the studio.
We meet her as she is getting ready to perform... she is not going to think about late rent or anything else for that matter... no she has made a decision to find a man in the audience tonight and if the feeling strikes her... she will experience what she has not had in sometime...Physical contact...touch, stroking, caressing...all of it... she will give in to what many have offered and turned down... tonight she just wants to feel ....with no commitment.
He is at the bar... back in his hometown... angry with the change of events... For years he worked, labored and learned the newspaper game... sweated and dealt with all the politics... only to have learned the new course of action his retiring father has set in motion... He was supposed to take over the paper... he was suppose to run the show... now they have decided to sell it out from under him.... He is in the club to just stew... he needed a distraction from the pain...
She comes out from the curtain... a beautiful vision... nothing like he has ever seen...she sways and ripples; she hypnotizes him with the tattoo she has wrapped around her belly... she comes to him at the bar... draped in layers of chiffon, coins, and other exotic tokens... eyes meet eyes... an invisible chord connects them... she leans to him and whispers... meet me in the courtyard....
These two meet and the agreement is made... one night only; no names, information or personal tidbits...of course, it was a night of their lives for both of them... she leaves under the cloak of the early hours... wanting to stay but knowing she must go.
As the next day happens... a meeting for the newspaper takes place... he is at the side of the publisher... she doesn't understand what he is doing there. He is announced as the new head. She is transferred to be his ex assistant...What will she do... how can she handle this - she needs this job to pay off her studio...
The charm of this novella was how much it gave us within the shorten structure. We were able to see all of the steps and they make sense. There was a bit of insta-lust but under the circumstances it was fine. I appreciated learning more of the belly dancing art form and its history.
Overall a fast paced read for a blossoming series.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
In today's world, it is so hard to be able to do what we really want to as a career... we may feel a calling for something deeply... but it may not be what will pay the bills. So how do we decide...do we throw all of ourselves to what we truly want... or do we conform and plow ahead on a path we know we will never be passionate about... Or do we become crafty and live in both worlds... the everyday world and also the passionate one...
This novella presents this question and shows how important it is to recognize what brings you joy in your life. The author uses the art form of Belly Dancing and it works extremely well.
Little did I know, there had been cause for people to look at it as something more than a beautiful art form...It seems our main character had experienced the innuendos from others but as she became stronger in herself, she realized this was her calling. When the studio she was part of was up for sale, she took the plunged and bought it. Now she is barely getting by; temping at the major newspaper, dancing at the nightclub and teaching is the way she is trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately, it is not working out and she is almost close to losing the studio.
We meet her as she is getting ready to perform... she is not going to think about late rent or anything else for that matter... no she has made a decision to find a man in the audience tonight and if the feeling strikes her... she will experience what she has not had in sometime...Physical contact...touch, stroking, caressing...all of it... she will give in to what many have offered and turned down... tonight she just wants to feel ....with no commitment.
He is at the bar... back in his hometown... angry with the change of events... For years he worked, labored and learned the newspaper game... sweated and dealt with all the politics... only to have learned the new course of action his retiring father has set in motion... He was supposed to take over the paper... he was suppose to run the show... now they have decided to sell it out from under him.... He is in the club to just stew... he needed a distraction from the pain...
She comes out from the curtain... a beautiful vision... nothing like he has ever seen...she sways and ripples; she hypnotizes him with the tattoo she has wrapped around her belly... she comes to him at the bar... draped in layers of chiffon, coins, and other exotic tokens... eyes meet eyes... an invisible chord connects them... she leans to him and whispers... meet me in the courtyard....
These two meet and the agreement is made... one night only; no names, information or personal tidbits...of course, it was a night of their lives for both of them... she leaves under the cloak of the early hours... wanting to stay but knowing she must go.
As the next day happens... a meeting for the newspaper takes place... he is at the side of the publisher... she doesn't understand what he is doing there. He is announced as the new head. She is transferred to be his ex assistant...What will she do... how can she handle this - she needs this job to pay off her studio...
The charm of this novella was how much it gave us within the shorten structure. We were able to see all of the steps and they make sense. There was a bit of insta-lust but under the circumstances it was fine. I appreciated learning more of the belly dancing art form and its history.
Overall a fast paced read for a blossoming series.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 4, 2016
I never write reviews with spoilers and here I am writing two spoiler-y reviews in one day. But the thing is, I can't properly review this book without spoiling the hell out of it.
You know how you can't watch a sci-fi movie with a scientist because they sit there and critique the science and the behavior of the scientist characters? Well, it's the same way with a belly dancer reading a belly dance themed romance novella.
It's not even that this book gets the details of belly dance wrong... the author's description of the character's tribal fusion costumes and movements is generally right, although it's unlikely but not impossible that a fusion dancer would have a regular gig at a Middle Eastern restaurant. The book is also write about the financial difficulties of running a dance studio, so that felt like a realistic external conflict to motivate Zenina.
However, for a belly dancer, the "romance" feels more like horror.
You know how people joke that a lot of romantic gestures in movies and books would read like predatory behavior if it happened in real life? Yeah, this story is like that. If a man behaved towards me the way the man in this book behaves towards the belly dancer, I'd be terrified... and I know friends who have been subjected to unwanted stalker behavior, so I had a hard time getting immersed in the romance.
Honestly, my difficulty all started when the main character is getting herself psyched up to have a one night stand. It's been a year since a rough breakup and she hasn't gotten laid since then. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sex positive and I really liked seeing a woman who was out to have a good time, as opposed to being pursued. The problem is that her idea is to pick up a guy at her dance gig! And she doesn't even take a moment to think about the problems of belly dancers being wrongly associated with sex work, or about the potential problems this might cause for her -- for instance, damaging her standing with her employer, losing her gig entirely, or having other customers think they can hire her for special favors.
So anyway, she seduces a handsome man for a one night fling and they have a good time and she's happy because she's not afraid to ask for what he wants in bed and he's happy to give it to her -- although we discover this after the fact as the story fades to black before they get down to it. There's no actual sex scenes in this book, so if you prefer explicit romances this is not the one for you.
Then guess what? SURPRISE HE'S HER NEW BOSS! But he doesn't recognize her without her makeup, costume, and fake hair.
BUT HE'S OBSESSED WITH HER.
So he shows up for her next gig, and when the bartender kicks him out at her request, dude WAITS IN THE FUCKING PARKING LOT AND TRIES TO STOP HER FROM GETTING INTO HER CAR.
That's stalking behavior. It's not cool. So many dancers have a friend or someone from the restaurant walk them to their car because they're scared of this exact thing happening.
So then when she tells him that she doesn't want to see him again, it was a one night stand, please leave her alone, what does he do?
HE FUCKING HIRES ONE OF THE REPORTERS FROM HIS FUCKING NEWSPAPER THAT HE OWNS TO TRY TO TRACK DOWN HER REAL NAME.
This is one reason why dancers have stage names, so that creepy fans can't track us down and harass us at work or home. IT'S NOT FUCKING ROMANTIC IT'S FUCKING STALKING.
So even though this story has a nice Happy Ever After ending where they both help each other save the thing that matters most to them, which shows a beautiful mutual appreciation and respect, I couldn't feel happy because HE WAS A FUCKING STALKER. This is the sort of thing that belly dancers have nightmares about.
You know how you can't watch a sci-fi movie with a scientist because they sit there and critique the science and the behavior of the scientist characters? Well, it's the same way with a belly dancer reading a belly dance themed romance novella.
It's not even that this book gets the details of belly dance wrong... the author's description of the character's tribal fusion costumes and movements is generally right, although it's unlikely but not impossible that a fusion dancer would have a regular gig at a Middle Eastern restaurant. The book is also write about the financial difficulties of running a dance studio, so that felt like a realistic external conflict to motivate Zenina.
However, for a belly dancer, the "romance" feels more like horror.
You know how people joke that a lot of romantic gestures in movies and books would read like predatory behavior if it happened in real life? Yeah, this story is like that. If a man behaved towards me the way the man in this book behaves towards the belly dancer, I'd be terrified... and I know friends who have been subjected to unwanted stalker behavior, so I had a hard time getting immersed in the romance.
Honestly, my difficulty all started when the main character is getting herself psyched up to have a one night stand. It's been a year since a rough breakup and she hasn't gotten laid since then. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sex positive and I really liked seeing a woman who was out to have a good time, as opposed to being pursued. The problem is that her idea is to pick up a guy at her dance gig! And she doesn't even take a moment to think about the problems of belly dancers being wrongly associated with sex work, or about the potential problems this might cause for her -- for instance, damaging her standing with her employer, losing her gig entirely, or having other customers think they can hire her for special favors.
So anyway, she seduces a handsome man for a one night fling and they have a good time and she's happy because she's not afraid to ask for what he wants in bed and he's happy to give it to her -- although we discover this after the fact as the story fades to black before they get down to it. There's no actual sex scenes in this book, so if you prefer explicit romances this is not the one for you.
Then guess what? SURPRISE HE'S HER NEW BOSS! But he doesn't recognize her without her makeup, costume, and fake hair.
BUT HE'S OBSESSED WITH HER.
So he shows up for her next gig, and when the bartender kicks him out at her request, dude WAITS IN THE FUCKING PARKING LOT AND TRIES TO STOP HER FROM GETTING INTO HER CAR.
That's stalking behavior. It's not cool. So many dancers have a friend or someone from the restaurant walk them to their car because they're scared of this exact thing happening.
So then when she tells him that she doesn't want to see him again, it was a one night stand, please leave her alone, what does he do?
HE FUCKING HIRES ONE OF THE REPORTERS FROM HIS FUCKING NEWSPAPER THAT HE OWNS TO TRY TO TRACK DOWN HER REAL NAME.
This is one reason why dancers have stage names, so that creepy fans can't track us down and harass us at work or home. IT'S NOT FUCKING ROMANTIC IT'S FUCKING STALKING.
So even though this story has a nice Happy Ever After ending where they both help each other save the thing that matters most to them, which shows a beautiful mutual appreciation and respect, I couldn't feel happy because HE WAS A FUCKING STALKER. This is the sort of thing that belly dancers have nightmares about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2016
DNF at 66%.
I liked the writing style. It was clean and expressive. I liked the heroine and the premise and was looking forward to reading this book.
But the development of the relationship was really bad.
The main problem with this book is that the author spends a lot of time detailing useless shit like what the heroine was doing with the reports or her making cappuccinos, etc., and then just kind of magicks up relationship developments. The stuff about her job would have been fine if the author had devoted equal attention to the important parts of the plot.
1 - 54%:
Heroine has had a grand total of 3 very short and impersonal conversations with the hero.
And that 1 sexy time.
We are informed later that apparently during their night together, he had displayed great sensitivity by expressing an interest in her tattoo. Ok.
55%:
Hero concludes that heroine is "smart, savvy, and compassionate" and that he is lucky to have her as his secretary. All this because she said "This must be really hard for you. So much pressure to fill your father's shoes."
65%:
Heroine realizes she is in love with hero. After the 3 impersonal conversations + the 'you must be under pressure' 2-minute conversation.
Tried to continue reading but I couldn't swallow that, especially as the next pages then involved heroine wringing her hands melodramatically over how she luuuuuuuuvs the hero.
Snort.
I liked the writing style. It was clean and expressive. I liked the heroine and the premise and was looking forward to reading this book.
But the development of the relationship was really bad.
The main problem with this book is that the author spends a lot of time detailing useless shit like what the heroine was doing with the reports or her making cappuccinos, etc., and then just kind of magicks up relationship developments. The stuff about her job would have been fine if the author had devoted equal attention to the important parts of the plot.
1 - 54%:
Heroine has had a grand total of 3 very short and impersonal conversations with the hero.
And that 1 sexy time.
We are informed later that apparently during their night together, he had displayed great sensitivity by expressing an interest in her tattoo. Ok.
55%:
Hero concludes that heroine is "smart, savvy, and compassionate" and that he is lucky to have her as his secretary. All this because she said "This must be really hard for you. So much pressure to fill your father's shoes."
65%:
Heroine realizes she is in love with hero. After the 3 impersonal conversations + the 'you must be under pressure' 2-minute conversation.
Tried to continue reading but I couldn't swallow that, especially as the next pages then involved heroine wringing her hands melodramatically over how she luuuuuuuuvs the hero.
Snort.
November 9, 2016
3-3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable story. I like Abby and Derek and liked their story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I'd consider trying more of her work in the future.
Abby is a temp at a Newspaper when the story begins but that's just the job to bring in money. Her true occupation (and love) is a belly dancing studio she took over a year ago when her teacher decided to retire. It's been tough and Abby has had a hard time making ends meet. Abby had a boyfriend but they broke up a year ago when he made her chose between him and her studio and she's been single ever since.
Derek is the son of the current publisher of the newspaper he's taking over. His family actually owns other communications businesses and Derek had wanted to take part in building his family's business, specifically the newspaper. Unfortunately, by the time he got into a place where he was told the truth about how the business is fairing, things are so bad that the rest of the family wants to sell the company. Derek decides to see what he can do to stop the sale of the company before it's too late.
TBH, the book description pretty much tells it all and the story is short enough that if I tell much more, it'll just end up being spoilers. I will say that the love is pretty much insta-love, one night and they're both hooked. I could understand why they both did what they did, when they did it but it was too bad that it caused issues that almost made a reunion impossible. Abby and Derek do work things out though and the story ends with a nice resolution and a HEA for Abby and Derek.
This was an enjoyable story. Abby was a good heroine and I liked her. Derek was a good hero overall. He seemed like a jerk at work but considering the situation Derek found himself in, I could kind of see how he wouldn't be Mr. Nice guy at work. I'm glad he was able to figure things out and come through in the end. Overall, this was a good story with characters I liked. :)
* note- I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a pretty good job. FYI - the last 21 minutes of the audio is a preview for book #2 in the series.
This was an enjoyable story. I like Abby and Derek and liked their story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I'd consider trying more of her work in the future.
Abby is a temp at a Newspaper when the story begins but that's just the job to bring in money. Her true occupation (and love) is a belly dancing studio she took over a year ago when her teacher decided to retire. It's been tough and Abby has had a hard time making ends meet. Abby had a boyfriend but they broke up a year ago when he made her chose between him and her studio and she's been single ever since.
Derek is the son of the current publisher of the newspaper he's taking over. His family actually owns other communications businesses and Derek had wanted to take part in building his family's business, specifically the newspaper. Unfortunately, by the time he got into a place where he was told the truth about how the business is fairing, things are so bad that the rest of the family wants to sell the company. Derek decides to see what he can do to stop the sale of the company before it's too late.
TBH, the book description pretty much tells it all and the story is short enough that if I tell much more, it'll just end up being spoilers. I will say that the love is pretty much insta-love, one night and they're both hooked. I could understand why they both did what they did, when they did it but it was too bad that it caused issues that almost made a reunion impossible. Abby and Derek do work things out though and the story ends with a nice resolution and a HEA for Abby and Derek.
This was an enjoyable story. Abby was a good heroine and I liked her. Derek was a good hero overall. He seemed like a jerk at work but considering the situation Derek found himself in, I could kind of see how he wouldn't be Mr. Nice guy at work. I'm glad he was able to figure things out and come through in the end. Overall, this was a good story with characters I liked. :)
* note- I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a pretty good job. FYI - the last 21 minutes of the audio is a preview for book #2 in the series.
October 23, 2014
I absolutely loved this novella.
Abby and Derek's love story is a delicious tale that will make you smile long past their happy ever after.
Abby meets Derek when she is performing as her bellydancing goddess alter ego Zenina. Sparks fly and they share an exquisite night together. They meet again and Derek doesn't recognize the exotic Zenina and the straight laced Abby are the same person.
I look forward to the next story in the California Belly Dance series and I hope Abby's best friend, Melanie, features in an upcoming story.
Abby and Derek's love story is a delicious tale that will make you smile long past their happy ever after.
Abby meets Derek when she is performing as her bellydancing goddess alter ego Zenina. Sparks fly and they share an exquisite night together. They meet again and Derek doesn't recognize the exotic Zenina and the straight laced Abby are the same person.
I look forward to the next story in the California Belly Dance series and I hope Abby's best friend, Melanie, features in an upcoming story.
June 10, 2015
"Shimmy for Me" is a fantastic contemporary romance!
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 17, 2016
i knew it was short going in (I mean pb was only listed at 117 pages), but it felt even shorter than that, took me less than an hour to read - would loved it if it were a bit long
June 18, 2018
To start this off, this is my first story reading about a belly dancer so it was definitely interesting and fun to envision our female lead, swaying and enchanting her audience during performances. I enjoyed the sprinkles of humor throughout the book, as well as the drama and work put into the attempts at saving the two businesses our main characters attempt to save. However, one thing I found hard to keep from my mind was the actual romance of our two main characters. It was hard for me to find true love within their story of falling in love, wondering constantly if they were confusing lust for something more. There was not enough focus on the building of their feelings for one another, and the things Abby seemed to fall in love with I found hard to understand how it would make her feel love. On Derek's end I found a severe lack of build up of love for our main character to make it hard to believe that once again, this wasn't misunderstood lust. In the end, there was enough drama in the plot to keep me turning those (digital) pages to find the conclusion of their story.
February 5, 2024
3.5 stars. I very much enjoyed reading about the friendship between Abby and Melanie, and the fight to keep Abby's studio, but the "romance" felt a little less believable -- it was insta-love. Possibly this is because of the novella format where there isn't a lot of time for the romance to develop.
August 15, 2018
Short and sweet
When I started reading this I thought it was going to be a lengthy book however it was short, exciting, and quite refreshing. The belly dancer was wonderful, her best friend Melanie was great at her hunky Derek was even better. Nice story
When I started reading this I thought it was going to be a lengthy book however it was short, exciting, and quite refreshing. The belly dancer was wonderful, her best friend Melanie was great at her hunky Derek was even better. Nice story
October 20, 2017
The book was too short. I liked the characters, the descriptions of places in the story, the relationships of the characters, and the love story! I will read more of this author's books.
December 9, 2018
Great shining read!
Sorry about the title, great read, fun story with a lot of heart in it, interesting characters, fun problems they get into.
Sorry about the title, great read, fun story with a lot of heart in it, interesting characters, fun problems they get into.
Read
October 3, 2021Review
I felt the book could have another chapter at the end - somehow the story seemed to end quicker than I expected it to!
I felt the book could have another chapter at the end - somehow the story seemed to end quicker than I expected it to!
April 8, 2023
Derek and Abby have a chance meeting. Loved the story, some surprises. Well worth the read.
Did not finish
February 4, 2026DNF Short or not I couldn’t do it. My interest in contemporary romances has really diminished, and yet I keep picking them up.
October 24, 2014
Abby owns a belly dance studio where she gives lessons and does tribal belly dance shows, however, she is not making any money with this business. She tries everything she can think of to keep her business going because she loves her studio and doesn't want to give it up. Abby decides she wants one night of anonymous sex so she chooses someone from the audience of one of her shows to hook up with. Of course, the man she approaches is all for one night of sex. He thinks he has hit the jackpot when she doesn't want to exchange names or know anything about him.
They are both happy until Abby walks into her day job at a publishing house and sees that the man she spent the night with is her new boss! Derek is the new publisher of the Collier media group and Abby's boss but he doesn't recognize her as being the belly dancer because she was in full makeup that night but at the publishing house she wears no makeup and dresses poorly just to make sure he won't recognize her. She is afraid he will fire her if he sees she is the belly dancer.
I really liked this story. I felt sorry for Abby when all she wanted was one night of sex but it backfired on her when Derek tells her he wants more than just one night with her. It was nice to see that the male lead was the one who wanted more than a one-night stand. That was unusual. Poor Abby really had a hard time trying to make sure Derek didn't know who she was but she felt she had to do that so she didn't lose her job.
The writing was fantastic and the characters! The characters were wonderfully written. Although bound in a short page count, the main characters in this novella are quite well developed. The way everything worked in the end was fantastic. It was so well thought out and described that it left me feeling happy and wanting to read this story again.
Please note I received a complementary copy of Shimmy For Me in exchange for an honest review.
They are both happy until Abby walks into her day job at a publishing house and sees that the man she spent the night with is her new boss! Derek is the new publisher of the Collier media group and Abby's boss but he doesn't recognize her as being the belly dancer because she was in full makeup that night but at the publishing house she wears no makeup and dresses poorly just to make sure he won't recognize her. She is afraid he will fire her if he sees she is the belly dancer.
I really liked this story. I felt sorry for Abby when all she wanted was one night of sex but it backfired on her when Derek tells her he wants more than just one night with her. It was nice to see that the male lead was the one who wanted more than a one-night stand. That was unusual. Poor Abby really had a hard time trying to make sure Derek didn't know who she was but she felt she had to do that so she didn't lose her job.
The writing was fantastic and the characters! The characters were wonderfully written. Although bound in a short page count, the main characters in this novella are quite well developed. The way everything worked in the end was fantastic. It was so well thought out and described that it left me feeling happy and wanting to read this story again.
Please note I received a complementary copy of Shimmy For Me in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2015
Charming Addition to Anyone’s Library
Abby Anderson had one love in her life…her belly dancing studio, “The Shimmy Shop”. Her passion for her craft has cost her dearly. Abby’s Ex had issued her an ultimatum a year ago, him or the studio. Lately she begins to question if she’d made the right choice. The stress of always being alone plus the pressure of working three jobs to keep her studio going is really getting to her. Abby misses the warm intimate feeling of being with someone. Against her best judgment she decides to have a one night stand.
While moonlighting as Zenina, the sensual Tribal Belly Dancer, she spots the man she is going to proposition. She makes it very clear to him she only wants one night with no strings attached. They share a mind blowing evening together.
The next day she reports to her third job at the Orange County Herald Newspaper Office. A meeting is held and the new CEO, Derek Collier, is introduced. Oh no, it’s her one night stand. Without makeup or her costume on he doesn't recognize her. A couple of days pass with no problems. Soon Abby overhears Derek hiring someone to find Zenina. What in the world is she going to do?
In my opinion, this zany, well written, compassionate story would be a charming addition to anyone’s library. 4.2 Stars
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Abby Anderson had one love in her life…her belly dancing studio, “The Shimmy Shop”. Her passion for her craft has cost her dearly. Abby’s Ex had issued her an ultimatum a year ago, him or the studio. Lately she begins to question if she’d made the right choice. The stress of always being alone plus the pressure of working three jobs to keep her studio going is really getting to her. Abby misses the warm intimate feeling of being with someone. Against her best judgment she decides to have a one night stand.
While moonlighting as Zenina, the sensual Tribal Belly Dancer, she spots the man she is going to proposition. She makes it very clear to him she only wants one night with no strings attached. They share a mind blowing evening together.
The next day she reports to her third job at the Orange County Herald Newspaper Office. A meeting is held and the new CEO, Derek Collier, is introduced. Oh no, it’s her one night stand. Without makeup or her costume on he doesn't recognize her. A couple of days pass with no problems. Soon Abby overhears Derek hiring someone to find Zenina. What in the world is she going to do?
In my opinion, this zany, well written, compassionate story would be a charming addition to anyone’s library. 4.2 Stars
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
January 29, 2015
Shimmy For Me is an entertaining book, and I really enjoyed reading it.
This is a fun romance that I just didn't want to put down. The story is engaging, the characters quickly become your friends, and you root for them throughout; Abby is a girl you just absolutely adore, Derek is instantly familiar and real, and you end up wanting to read more and more about their increasingly complex relationship.
DeAnna Cameron builds a sensual world around Zenina, Abby's alter ego, a practical world around Derek, and a passionate, emotional world around our heroine Abby. She weaves these three different characters into a cohesive whole that brims with vibrant intensity, sensuality and realism.
Cameron's storytelling is captivating, her language is stimulating, and the way she paces her novella is nothing short of a beautifully choreographed dance that draws the reader deeper and deeper into the world of her very authentic characters. The reader becomes one with the dancer and the narrative.
This novella is exactly the right length. It was an enjoyable easy read that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend Shimmy For Me as an excellent introduction into the writing of Ms. Cameron.
This is a fun romance that I just didn't want to put down. The story is engaging, the characters quickly become your friends, and you root for them throughout; Abby is a girl you just absolutely adore, Derek is instantly familiar and real, and you end up wanting to read more and more about their increasingly complex relationship.
DeAnna Cameron builds a sensual world around Zenina, Abby's alter ego, a practical world around Derek, and a passionate, emotional world around our heroine Abby. She weaves these three different characters into a cohesive whole that brims with vibrant intensity, sensuality and realism.
Cameron's storytelling is captivating, her language is stimulating, and the way she paces her novella is nothing short of a beautifully choreographed dance that draws the reader deeper and deeper into the world of her very authentic characters. The reader becomes one with the dancer and the narrative.
This novella is exactly the right length. It was an enjoyable easy read that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend Shimmy For Me as an excellent introduction into the writing of Ms. Cameron.
November 12, 2014
My goodness!
I've read "The Belly Dancer" by DeAnna Cameron many many times and "Shimmy For Me" will definitely be read again as well! Cameron has a way of making you fall in love in all the best ways. And makes you love more than the hero and heroine and the love story.
When reading DeAnna Cameron, you love her heroines. They are very real women who are not mopey, beyond repair and they are not high-flying care free fairies either. Abby is a real woman with real issues and is very vulnerable, yet strong. What I love is the belly dancing element in DeAnna Cameron's books. I fall in love with her language. The descriptions of the dancing and the music are just as good as sex. When her hero is thrilled and excited to see Abby dance, so are we! When Abby is devastated or elated, so are we. Cameron's words are romance.
But the great writing aside, the story is quick and engaging. Some may say it's too short, but really it's a great read when you want to experience the hurricane that is love in a small space of time. The urgency is there, the need, the love, the passion, and the Happily Everafter.
Truly a wonderful book and magnificent story.
I've read "The Belly Dancer" by DeAnna Cameron many many times and "Shimmy For Me" will definitely be read again as well! Cameron has a way of making you fall in love in all the best ways. And makes you love more than the hero and heroine and the love story.
When reading DeAnna Cameron, you love her heroines. They are very real women who are not mopey, beyond repair and they are not high-flying care free fairies either. Abby is a real woman with real issues and is very vulnerable, yet strong. What I love is the belly dancing element in DeAnna Cameron's books. I fall in love with her language. The descriptions of the dancing and the music are just as good as sex. When her hero is thrilled and excited to see Abby dance, so are we! When Abby is devastated or elated, so are we. Cameron's words are romance.
But the great writing aside, the story is quick and engaging. Some may say it's too short, but really it's a great read when you want to experience the hurricane that is love in a small space of time. The urgency is there, the need, the love, the passion, and the Happily Everafter.
Truly a wonderful book and magnificent story.
November 19, 2014
I was given the chance to read an ARC of "Shimmy For Me" by DeAnna Cameron in exchange for an honest review through "Good Reviews" on Goodreads.
This was a fun, quick and interesting read. Abby was down to earth, smart, funny and easily relatable. She reminded me of few personal statements I've said, and heard, many years ago.
Zenina was, and is, who I think hundreds, if not thousands, of women WANT to be. The beautiful, untouchable and completely sexy, belly dancer. Strong, confident, and goal driven, make Abby, & Zenina, seem to come to life, off the pages and invade a reader's life. Derek, reminds me of the lessons I try to teach myself, and kids, that you should NEVER judge a book by its cover,
Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down. DeAnna made their story progress at a rate that was not too fast, and not boringly slow. She added the right amount of details that were needed to make the story plausible, and "feel" right. DeAnna has done a great job, and is a name to remember.
This was a fun, quick and interesting read. Abby was down to earth, smart, funny and easily relatable. She reminded me of few personal statements I've said, and heard, many years ago.
Zenina was, and is, who I think hundreds, if not thousands, of women WANT to be. The beautiful, untouchable and completely sexy, belly dancer. Strong, confident, and goal driven, make Abby, & Zenina, seem to come to life, off the pages and invade a reader's life. Derek, reminds me of the lessons I try to teach myself, and kids, that you should NEVER judge a book by its cover,
Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down. DeAnna made their story progress at a rate that was not too fast, and not boringly slow. She added the right amount of details that were needed to make the story plausible, and "feel" right. DeAnna has done a great job, and is a name to remember.
November 15, 2014
This was a novella with a whole lot of heart and packed a punch. And it gave me a glimpse into a world I really know nothing about, belly dancing. The scene where Abby and Derek met, that instant connection was total swoon. The pace of the story flowed and I liked the working relationship between Derek and Abby. But during the angsty part, I was really wanting a little more acknowledgement from Derek in all the misunderstanding he thought about Abby. She is such a strong independent character who wanted so much for her studio. I wish he would have said a little more about knowing her character. But I am satisfied with what he did for her too.
I am hoping to read more in the new belly dancing series DeAnna has coming it out. It is fascinating with the descriptions of the costumes. I will be checking out images online to really get a feel for them.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.
I am hoping to read more in the new belly dancing series DeAnna has coming it out. It is fascinating with the descriptions of the costumes. I will be checking out images online to really get a feel for them.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.
December 2, 2014
I've never read any books about belly dancing or belly dancers so I wasn't sure what to expect. But this story was a fun diversion! Abby was likable and I rooted for her right away, which is always nice. Derek seemed like a great guy, then some other things happened in the plot and I began to wonder a little. Then I found out things that explained some of the other things and - whew, yes, I still want to root for their romance! It was fun to read a story that kept you wondering a little, and had a good, believable ending. I enjoyed this book. And the novella length is perfect for busy people who want to read a good book and don't have time for a long one. :)
October 3, 2015
Abby and Derek
Short read which is always a plus. The characters weren't as developed as I'd like them to be. Plus, it was in third person which always drives me nuts. I prefer first person POV.
Abby is a belly dancer down on her luck. She has a temp job during the day. Owns a dancing studio that is about to be closed for good. She also dances on the weekends at a restaurant to make money. One night she meets a stranger and has a great one night stand with him. They didn't exchange names even. Both of them want to see more of each other but things are too complicated.
Short read which is always a plus. The characters weren't as developed as I'd like them to be. Plus, it was in third person which always drives me nuts. I prefer first person POV.
Abby is a belly dancer down on her luck. She has a temp job during the day. Owns a dancing studio that is about to be closed for good. She also dances on the weekends at a restaurant to make money. One night she meets a stranger and has a great one night stand with him. They didn't exchange names even. Both of them want to see more of each other but things are too complicated.
December 18, 2015
At first glance, this is a story line that doesn't always play out well. I'll be general to avoid spoilers. Guy and girl meet as strangers, have a fling, then end up meeting again in a situation where they can't avoid each other. Really, I haven't told you anything. Anyway, DeAnna Cameron does a great job of navigating this story line into a story that I read straight through. The characters were engaging, the story was engaging, and for a novella, it definitely felt like a full story. I enjoyed the story, love belly dance, so that's a bonus. It was a nice, engaging, solid read that I totally enjoyed.
September 26, 2015
What a fabulous book! I couldn’t wait to continue reading it each day. The descriptions are spot on, particularly the first time Abby gets transformed into Zenina, the belly dancer. While she’s dancing, her initial contact with a man wearing a suit in the audience, Derek, made me want to go out and buy a suit. Zenina and Derek have a one night stand and Abby wants to leave it at that, but fate wont let it happen. There are multiple problems along the way, but they all lead to a satisfying ending.
I highly recommend Shimmy For Me.
I highly recommend Shimmy For Me.
May 22, 2016
This is the first book I've ever read with a belly dancer as the main character. The premise of the story was interesting. I enjoyed the set up and the writing was really good.
My one big complaint about Shimmy for Me was that we didn't get more of Derek and Abby. Their big one night stand was a fade to black, so we didn't get to see their interaction. Even most of their work moments were glossed over. What we did get I loved. I just wished there was more of it.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick romance.
My one big complaint about Shimmy for Me was that we didn't get more of Derek and Abby. Their big one night stand was a fade to black, so we didn't get to see their interaction. Even most of their work moments were glossed over. What we did get I loved. I just wished there was more of it.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick romance.
November 1, 2014
Shimmy for Me by DeAnna Cameron is a light romance with the interesting background of belly dancing. And while I would have enjoyed learning more about that world, this is a novella and space is short. You get the emotional intensity of Derek and Abby's hookup without the blatant sexuality. That meeting Leads to some interesting dynamics when their worlds collide. A fast, well-done read by a talented writer.
November 30, 2014
I won this cute little novella from Goodreads Giveaways. The story was engaging and I generally liked both of the main characters. I would have liked to feel a little more of an emotional connection between Abby and Derek. A one night stand does not a relationship make. However, having said that, I did still enjoy myself. I can tell that the author has a passion for belly dancing and that shines through the pages. I look forward to reading Melanie's story.
January 8, 2015
Fun Romantic Romp
DeAnna Cameron has written a fun romantic novella ideal for escaping the drudgery of our comparatively ordinary lives. I've always wanted to belly dance, now even more so. Unfortunately, unlike the lovely protagonist of Shimmy for Me, I'm a middle-aged wife and mother whose son would die of embarrassment if I took up belly dancing. Well, I guess a girl can dream.
DeAnna Cameron has written a fun romantic novella ideal for escaping the drudgery of our comparatively ordinary lives. I've always wanted to belly dance, now even more so. Unfortunately, unlike the lovely protagonist of Shimmy for Me, I'm a middle-aged wife and mother whose son would die of embarrassment if I took up belly dancing. Well, I guess a girl can dream.
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