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The Royal Ballet Presents #1
Dance, Sugarplum
The Royal Ballet proudly presents the return of a beloved Christmas classic,
The Nutcracker.
His eyes stick to me, burning my skin as I twirl across the stage. My legs ache with exhaustion, and my head spins, but his hunger pushes me to excellence.
His voice echoes in my mind with each step, reminding me that my best isn't enough anymore. This Christmas, he's the only thing between me and rock bottom.
Mikhail is the only director brave enough to take a has-been like me, but I'm not foolish enough to think his acts are born out of kindness. His price is high, and his demands are darker.
Snow flurries, sugar plums, and sweet magic.
I'm the broken nutcracker's doll, and I enter his world willingly knowing there's no coming back.
His eyes stick to me, burning my skin as I twirl across the stage. My legs ache with exhaustion, and my head spins, but his hunger pushes me to excellence.
His voice echoes in my mind with each step, reminding me that my best isn't enough anymore. This Christmas, he's the only thing between me and rock bottom.
Mikhail is the only director brave enough to take a has-been like me, but I'm not foolish enough to think his acts are born out of kindness. His price is high, and his demands are darker.
Snow flurries, sugar plums, and sweet magic.
I'm the broken nutcracker's doll, and I enter his world willingly knowing there's no coming back.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 21, 2024
197 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
November 24, 2024
4.5 arc review 🥰
i LOVED Mikhail so much. like so so so much!
the way he takes care of Lyla even when she doesn’t know it was just so sweet 😭
i honestly thought it was going to be a lot darker than it was and i can’t lie and say i didn’t mind it being mostly about Mikhail and Lyla coming (😉) together and taking care of each other. I JUST NEEDED IT TO BE LIKE 200 PAGES LONGER 😭😭😭😭😭😭 everything kind of happened AND got wrapped up so quickly…like in one chapter and i needed moreeee. more background on Mikhail, more of Lyla dancing 😭 but i honestly can’t blame her for not questioning or trying to get away when he basically said “get in my car” and BAM she lives with him now 😂😂😂😂
she was also a virgin and he was “far from a saint” but no mention of his past other than that and a throw away line from the housekeeper that the h being half naked in the kitchen isn’t anything she hasn’t seen before. i would have liked a LITTLE clarification on what was meant by that because i’ve been thinking about it too long 😂 but it could also mean nothing because Mikhail is OBSESSSSSED to the point of ignoring his own trauma and fears to protect Lyla. i do wish there was SOME kind of protection talk. my guy just somnos her and there is not even a single thought of use of condoms 😅
i LOVED Mikhail so much. like so so so much!
the way he takes care of Lyla even when she doesn’t know it was just so sweet 😭
i honestly thought it was going to be a lot darker than it was and i can’t lie and say i didn’t mind it being mostly about Mikhail and Lyla coming (😉) together and taking care of each other. I JUST NEEDED IT TO BE LIKE 200 PAGES LONGER 😭😭😭😭😭😭 everything kind of happened AND got wrapped up so quickly…like in one chapter and i needed moreeee. more background on Mikhail, more of Lyla dancing 😭 but i honestly can’t blame her for not questioning or trying to get away when he basically said “get in my car” and BAM she lives with him now 😂😂😂😂
she was also a virgin and he was “far from a saint” but no mention of his past other than that and a throw away line from the housekeeper that the h being half naked in the kitchen isn’t anything she hasn’t seen before. i would have liked a LITTLE clarification on what was meant by that because i’ve been thinking about it too long 😂 but it could also mean nothing because Mikhail is OBSESSSSSED to the point of ignoring his own trauma and fears to protect Lyla. i do wish there was SOME kind of protection talk. my guy just somnos her and there is not even a single thought of use of condoms 😅
November 23, 2024
dance has always been such a huge part of my life. there’s not a day that goes by where i don’t think about being on that stage and letting all my feelings out 🩰 this was such a beautiful read focusing on ballet, self improvement, overcoming fear, finding a passion for something, obsession, and fighting back. i need a damn minute to cry. i loved this.
thank you so much to the authors for giving me a chance to arc read this book 🖤 i loved everything about this dark nutcracker retelling !! it was everything i needed to fall more in love with dance. i’ve never read a dark romance book that focused on ballet before. this was just splendid !! i want more so bad 😭
lyla was the star prima ballerina in her stepfather’s company and shows. she owned that stage giving it her all. she stood by him when other companies reached out to her just to have her on their stage. one man in particular, mikhail, was always obsessed with her. he did everything he thought of to have her dance for him. he would continuously send her gifts and just make it known that he would not stop at anything to have her. he became obsessed with his ballerina and he wanted her to know that. when lyla’s stepfather found the gifts and notes, he grew jealous and angry. he came after lyla in a way no family should. when he was rejected, lyla was casted out and kicked to the curb when her stepfather lied to everyone and gaslit her. she was going through such a rough phase hearing all those rumors about her. it’s been a couple years now and nothing changed. people still believed she came onto her stepfather to get the lead roles. she suffered in silence and had no one at her back. she wasn’t getting any roles when she auditioned for shows. everywhere she went people would whisper about her. when she finally auditioned for one more show, mikhail’s show. she was given the opportunity to dance in a role way below what she was known for. lyla’s health was deteriorating and she wasn’t taking care of herself. but when mikhail notices where she’s been spending her nights, he literally did what he could in secret to help guide her way back 🥹
mikhail also went through years of suffering after a car accident that ended his career and is now the director of his shows. he couldn’t speak without it hurting him and he lost his love for dance and music. he didn’t want anyone to know how badly he was suffering. he really just became a shell of a person who had a show to plan out. seeing lyla again brought back lots of old feelings. he became obsessed with her all over again. this man literally left food in the lockers so she would be able to find it and eat. he literally did everything and anything that revolves around her. this man is so damn yummy … the somno scene in the studio … DROOLING 🤤 all he wanted was his little prima ballerina slut’s attention all to himself. when he finds out what really happened with her stepfather, this man was even more protective of her. he locked her up in his house when he had to go into the studio because he knew her stepfather would be and he didn’t want her to see him. he left food at the table every day for her because he felt embarrassed to eat in front of her when he couldn’t even chew solid food. he made sure she took care of her health and was silently helping her back to who she was along the way. he literally didn’t even remember who his lead ballerina was in his own show because he was always so focused and only saw lyla. i love this man so much 😍
THE SPICE ?!!? good lord 😮💨 i love the forbidden trope so much. it’s just so yummy. the ballerina x director in this was very much everything i needed. mikhail was EVERYTHING !! “crawl to me” … don’t gotta tell me twice. when this man spoke, boy did he leave a damn impact 🤭 i love me a silent man and i GOBBLED it up 🧎🏻♀️
the way i want to reread again is so concerning. i loved the ending so much !! to see lyla slowly making her comeback and mikhail opening up was so beautiful ❤️🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️
thank you so much to the authors for giving me a chance to arc read this book 🖤 i loved everything about this dark nutcracker retelling !! it was everything i needed to fall more in love with dance. i’ve never read a dark romance book that focused on ballet before. this was just splendid !! i want more so bad 😭
lyla was the star prima ballerina in her stepfather’s company and shows. she owned that stage giving it her all. she stood by him when other companies reached out to her just to have her on their stage. one man in particular, mikhail, was always obsessed with her. he did everything he thought of to have her dance for him. he would continuously send her gifts and just make it known that he would not stop at anything to have her. he became obsessed with his ballerina and he wanted her to know that. when lyla’s stepfather found the gifts and notes, he grew jealous and angry. he came after lyla in a way no family should. when he was rejected, lyla was casted out and kicked to the curb when her stepfather lied to everyone and gaslit her. she was going through such a rough phase hearing all those rumors about her. it’s been a couple years now and nothing changed. people still believed she came onto her stepfather to get the lead roles. she suffered in silence and had no one at her back. she wasn’t getting any roles when she auditioned for shows. everywhere she went people would whisper about her. when she finally auditioned for one more show, mikhail’s show. she was given the opportunity to dance in a role way below what she was known for. lyla’s health was deteriorating and she wasn’t taking care of herself. but when mikhail notices where she’s been spending her nights, he literally did what he could in secret to help guide her way back 🥹
mikhail also went through years of suffering after a car accident that ended his career and is now the director of his shows. he couldn’t speak without it hurting him and he lost his love for dance and music. he didn’t want anyone to know how badly he was suffering. he really just became a shell of a person who had a show to plan out. seeing lyla again brought back lots of old feelings. he became obsessed with her all over again. this man literally left food in the lockers so she would be able to find it and eat. he literally did everything and anything that revolves around her. this man is so damn yummy … the somno scene in the studio … DROOLING 🤤 all he wanted was his little prima ballerina slut’s attention all to himself. when he finds out what really happened with her stepfather, this man was even more protective of her. he locked her up in his house when he had to go into the studio because he knew her stepfather would be and he didn’t want her to see him. he left food at the table every day for her because he felt embarrassed to eat in front of her when he couldn’t even chew solid food. he made sure she took care of her health and was silently helping her back to who she was along the way. he literally didn’t even remember who his lead ballerina was in his own show because he was always so focused and only saw lyla. i love this man so much 😍
THE SPICE ?!!? good lord 😮💨 i love the forbidden trope so much. it’s just so yummy. the ballerina x director in this was very much everything i needed. mikhail was EVERYTHING !! “crawl to me” … don’t gotta tell me twice. when this man spoke, boy did he leave a damn impact 🤭 i love me a silent man and i GOBBLED it up 🧎🏻♀️
the way i want to reread again is so concerning. i loved the ending so much !! to see lyla slowly making her comeback and mikhail opening up was so beautiful ❤️🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 8, 2025
Exactly the kind of cozy dark romance I love
November 18, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
🩰Broody Ballet Producer x Fallen Prima Donna
🫂Forced Proximity
🫦Age Gap (23, 33)
🖤Obsessive/Possessive MMC
🙈Somnoph1lia
✨️Blurb
His eyes stick to me, burning my skin as I twirl across the stage. My legs ache with exhaustion, and my head spins, but his hunger pushes me to excellence.
His voice echoes in my mind with each step, reminding me that my best isn’t enough anymore. This Christmas he’s the only thing between me and rock bottom.
Mikhail is the only director brave enough to take a has-been like me, but I’m not foolish to think his acts are born out of kindness. His price is high, and his demands are darker.
✨️Review
This was tricky to rate because I really liked it but I just wish it was longer (its about 180 pg) and that we could've explored Mikhail's backstory more and taken a bit more slow burn time to see the couple interact more. He's fascinating! I want to know more about his accident, along with his piano playing/dancing experience.
There could've been additional riveting dramatic scenes about his need for medication, jaw damage, nightmares, how he eats etc. The broody, broken man informs his current closed off nature and I was drooling to know more. But loved what bits we did see!
Lyla's shattered spirit is strengthened through Mikhail's guidance and it was lovely to see. She helped open him back up to his music as well. For her still having a v card though, she seemed very easily into doing dirty things. I always find that hard to believe in many of the romances I read though (I guess I'm a minority lol). But it's solid spice for those who want it. They are a lovely dark romance couple in the end.
I would definitely recommend this short (180 pages) dark winter romance on a dreary evening. You get a broody, handsome, possessive artistic maestro and I'm a sucker for that! I loved and would love more Mikhail!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
🩰Broody Ballet Producer x Fallen Prima Donna
🫂Forced Proximity
🫦Age Gap (23, 33)
🖤Obsessive/Possessive MMC
🙈Somnoph1lia
✨️Blurb
His eyes stick to me, burning my skin as I twirl across the stage. My legs ache with exhaustion, and my head spins, but his hunger pushes me to excellence.
His voice echoes in my mind with each step, reminding me that my best isn’t enough anymore. This Christmas he’s the only thing between me and rock bottom.
Mikhail is the only director brave enough to take a has-been like me, but I’m not foolish to think his acts are born out of kindness. His price is high, and his demands are darker.
✨️Review
This was tricky to rate because I really liked it but I just wish it was longer (its about 180 pg) and that we could've explored Mikhail's backstory more and taken a bit more slow burn time to see the couple interact more. He's fascinating! I want to know more about his accident, along with his piano playing/dancing experience.
There could've been additional riveting dramatic scenes about his need for medication, jaw damage, nightmares, how he eats etc. The broody, broken man informs his current closed off nature and I was drooling to know more. But loved what bits we did see!
Lyla's shattered spirit is strengthened through Mikhail's guidance and it was lovely to see. She helped open him back up to his music as well. For her still having a v card though, she seemed very easily into doing dirty things. I always find that hard to believe in many of the romances I read though (I guess I'm a minority lol). But it's solid spice for those who want it. They are a lovely dark romance couple in the end.
I would definitely recommend this short (180 pages) dark winter romance on a dreary evening. You get a broody, handsome, possessive artistic maestro and I'm a sucker for that! I loved and would love more Mikhail!
December 7, 2024
🩰- “She's mine. It's that simple. She was mine the moment I saw her dancing for the first time.”
🩰 •dark retelling
🎄 •broken ballerina
🩰 •wounded anti-hero
🎄 •forbidden romance
🩰 •holiday magic
🎄 •ballet dancer x director
🩰 •somnophilia
📍This dark Nutcracker retelling wrecked me in the best way! Lyla, once a star ballerina, gets betrayed and shunned after her stepfather’s lies destroy her career. She’s barely surviving—until Mikhail, the brooding director obsessed with her, steps in.
📍Mikhail’s been fixated on Lyla for years, and seeing her broken lights a fire in him. He secretly helps her rebuild, leaving her food, protecting her from her past, and doing everything to bring her back to life. Their forbidden ballerina-director vibe? Absolute fire. The chemistry was insane, and the passion was everything.
📍Watching Lyla find herself again and Mikhail slowly open up melted me. This story is dark, intense, and full of obsessive, protective love. I’m already dying to reread it!!
🩰- “No broken toys, only men, make sure your batteries are charged.”
🤍my link text🤍
🩰 •dark retelling
🎄 •broken ballerina
🩰 •wounded anti-hero
🎄 •forbidden romance
🩰 •holiday magic
🎄 •ballet dancer x director
🩰 •somnophilia
📍This dark Nutcracker retelling wrecked me in the best way! Lyla, once a star ballerina, gets betrayed and shunned after her stepfather’s lies destroy her career. She’s barely surviving—until Mikhail, the brooding director obsessed with her, steps in.
“The broken ballerina will dance again. They can’t keep me down. I will get up again, just like the music box I had when I was a girl. I will be stronger.”
📍Mikhail’s been fixated on Lyla for years, and seeing her broken lights a fire in him. He secretly helps her rebuild, leaving her food, protecting her from her past, and doing everything to bring her back to life. Their forbidden ballerina-director vibe? Absolute fire. The chemistry was insane, and the passion was everything.
“Lyla is mine to keep and play with. I don’t want to share her with the rest of the world, and now that she’s here, I don’t need to share with anyone.”
📍Watching Lyla find herself again and Mikhail slowly open up melted me. This story is dark, intense, and full of obsessive, protective love. I’m already dying to reread it!!
🩰- “No broken toys, only men, make sure your batteries are charged.”
November 25, 2024
Real quick.. is this a safe space? ..this may sound a little unhinged but I think we need more panty sniffing in romance books.
Don’t shoot the messenger 😂
Dance, Sugarplum is a dark Nutcracker retelling featuring our innocent damsel in distress ballerina, Lyla and the oh so dark, mysterious and domineering ballet producer Mikhail.
Let me just say — I do not read holiday themed books, like ever. But this was deliciously dark and taboo it automatically hooked me. The ballerina in me couldn’t resist picking up this book and I had no regrets.
I loved the twisted storyline and I admired both Mikhail and Lyla’s perseverance (even when it almost crossed the line to craziness and obsession). The spice was PERFECT! I love when a novella packs a punch as well. Who doesn’t like some character growth sprinkled with some spice? Mikhail helping Lyla redeem herself and return to the prima ballerina she is 🫶🏽 Lyla showing Mikhail true love and breaking through his shield — swoon.
If you’re looking for a novella to add to your holiday TBR this right here is the one!
Don’t shoot the messenger 😂
Dance, Sugarplum is a dark Nutcracker retelling featuring our innocent damsel in distress ballerina, Lyla and the oh so dark, mysterious and domineering ballet producer Mikhail.
Let me just say — I do not read holiday themed books, like ever. But this was deliciously dark and taboo it automatically hooked me. The ballerina in me couldn’t resist picking up this book and I had no regrets.
I loved the twisted storyline and I admired both Mikhail and Lyla’s perseverance (even when it almost crossed the line to craziness and obsession). The spice was PERFECT! I love when a novella packs a punch as well. Who doesn’t like some character growth sprinkled with some spice? Mikhail helping Lyla redeem herself and return to the prima ballerina she is 🫶🏽 Lyla showing Mikhail true love and breaking through his shield — swoon.
If you’re looking for a novella to add to your holiday TBR this right here is the one!
December 16, 2025
It's bloody 2025, why the fuck are authors still romanticising rape and sexual assault and dumb female leads who "fall in love" with their abuser???
You can write dark romance with romanticising rape!!
If this is the only type of "dark romance" you can write, it shows you have a limited imagination and writing skill (especially because the actual sentence structures and grammar sucked too).
Romance authors need to get a grip. This wasn't romantic, it was smutty, it wasn't erotic. It was a vile piece of trash that let an abused victim be subjected to abuse over and over again and ultimately falls in love with the vile as fuck male lead.
Like someone please make these authors watch SVU so they learn the difference between assault and sex at their embarrassing age.
MOANING IN HER SLEEP ≠ CONSENT
BEING WET ≠ CONSENT
PENETRATING SOMEONE UNCONSCIOUS ≠ CONSENT
All of the above were scenes in the book that the author wrote off as consent.
This is one thing that publishing better to stop carrying into 2026. Fuck this for ruining my night.
Edit: Reading the reviews and just no... Ain't no way someone called the male lead (a full on rapist) a sweetie...
You can write dark romance with romanticising rape!!
If this is the only type of "dark romance" you can write, it shows you have a limited imagination and writing skill (especially because the actual sentence structures and grammar sucked too).
Romance authors need to get a grip. This wasn't romantic, it was smutty, it wasn't erotic. It was a vile piece of trash that let an abused victim be subjected to abuse over and over again and ultimately falls in love with the vile as fuck male lead.
Like someone please make these authors watch SVU so they learn the difference between assault and sex at their embarrassing age.
MOANING IN HER SLEEP ≠ CONSENT
BEING WET ≠ CONSENT
PENETRATING SOMEONE UNCONSCIOUS ≠ CONSENT
All of the above were scenes in the book that the author wrote off as consent.
This is one thing that publishing better to stop carrying into 2026. Fuck this for ruining my night.
Edit: Reading the reviews and just no... Ain't no way someone called the male lead (a full on rapist) a sweetie...
January 6, 2025
Ahhh Mikhail Ivanov, you tortured little hottie you!!!
This was a quick, spicy, and delicious read. Our mc’s circled each other for years in the professional ballet sphere, always aware of the other, but never meeting until Lyla, our delicate little ballerina fmc, goes from rising star with nearly limitless potential, to mediocre at best with a tarnished reputation trailing after her. Desperate for work and to salvage her love for dancing, she auditions for a company run by a man who she spurned professionally. Mikhail wanted Lyla to be his star, but after rejecting his offer to be his prima ballerina, he becomes… obsessed 🤭
I loved his intensity and broodiness. He’s got a traumatic past that left him closed off from everyone, but he can’t seem to help the pull he feels towards her. I was swooning over the way he’s aware that he shouldn’t be crossing certain boundaries, but is unable to stay away or retain control with her. The man had it bad. And I love her softness with him, her desire to please him, his willingness to meet him halfway even when he’s being a brute. They bring out the red flags in each other lmao, but somehow also the best.
The attention to detail in the performance aspects was wonderful and immersive. The overall plot with her family and her fall from stardom was one that I think many women can resonate with tbh. Homegirl had a rough go for a while, and I was so happy with their ending!
Definitely recommend if you like:
- Obsessed artistic director
- Former rising star ballerina
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
- They both have trauma
- Somno & non-con
This was a quick, spicy, and delicious read. Our mc’s circled each other for years in the professional ballet sphere, always aware of the other, but never meeting until Lyla, our delicate little ballerina fmc, goes from rising star with nearly limitless potential, to mediocre at best with a tarnished reputation trailing after her. Desperate for work and to salvage her love for dancing, she auditions for a company run by a man who she spurned professionally. Mikhail wanted Lyla to be his star, but after rejecting his offer to be his prima ballerina, he becomes… obsessed 🤭
I loved his intensity and broodiness. He’s got a traumatic past that left him closed off from everyone, but he can’t seem to help the pull he feels towards her. I was swooning over the way he’s aware that he shouldn’t be crossing certain boundaries, but is unable to stay away or retain control with her. The man had it bad. And I love her softness with him, her desire to please him, his willingness to meet him halfway even when he’s being a brute. They bring out the red flags in each other lmao, but somehow also the best.
The attention to detail in the performance aspects was wonderful and immersive. The overall plot with her family and her fall from stardom was one that I think many women can resonate with tbh. Homegirl had a rough go for a while, and I was so happy with their ending!
Definitely recommend if you like:
- Obsessed artistic director
- Former rising star ballerina
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
- They both have trauma
- Somno & non-con
November 25, 2024
Honestly was pleasantly surprised with how much I adored this story. So many new things, I’ve never read somno and I loved it. Never read ballerina x director, loved it. Fucked up step dad? Horrible but loved it.
She was the prima ballerina but after her mother’s death and rumors that caused ruined, it was all gone. Time spent mourning and trying to pick herself up she goes back to audition for the man she rejected oh so many times before. Finding solace in him and so much more, she thinks she can be happy again until her past comes back up.
I loved Lyla with all my heart and my heart broke for her. She went through so much and had her life ruined. I can’t imagine the humiliation she felt going back into ballet and having almost nothing except for things people said about her with no care that she could hear them.
Mikhail is so hot and damaged. Having experienced an awful accident it literally hurts for him to talk, due to that he also lost his career but picked up being a director.
The two of them together was again so so hot. I loved the tension, they didn’t know how to act around each other because they were so damaged. They healed each other and that man really faced his worst fears for her. He made sure she was protected and vice versa.
Thank you @lunaliterary.management @amyoliveira.author @aureliaknightauthor for giving me the opportunity to read and review this, I loved it so much!
She was the prima ballerina but after her mother’s death and rumors that caused ruined, it was all gone. Time spent mourning and trying to pick herself up she goes back to audition for the man she rejected oh so many times before. Finding solace in him and so much more, she thinks she can be happy again until her past comes back up.
I loved Lyla with all my heart and my heart broke for her. She went through so much and had her life ruined. I can’t imagine the humiliation she felt going back into ballet and having almost nothing except for things people said about her with no care that she could hear them.
Mikhail is so hot and damaged. Having experienced an awful accident it literally hurts for him to talk, due to that he also lost his career but picked up being a director.
The two of them together was again so so hot. I loved the tension, they didn’t know how to act around each other because they were so damaged. They healed each other and that man really faced his worst fears for her. He made sure she was protected and vice versa.
Thank you @lunaliterary.management @amyoliveira.author @aureliaknightauthor for giving me the opportunity to read and review this, I loved it so much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
deliciously dark
I am obsessed. I am a huge sucker for ballerina romance and when you make it dark? Say no more. Lots of triggers - reference to assault/grooming by a step parent, dubcon, violence. It was fantastic. It didn't really read like a novella because the plot was so well developed. Extra spicy too.
I am obsessed. I am a huge sucker for ballerina romance and when you make it dark? Say no more. Lots of triggers - reference to assault/grooming by a step parent, dubcon, violence. It was fantastic. It didn't really read like a novella because the plot was so well developed. Extra spicy too.
November 22, 2024
I received this ARC for free in exchange for my review which I am leaving voluntarily.
Tropes:
🖤 Fallen Star
🎄 Wounded Anti-Hero
🖤 Dark Twisted Retelling
🎄 Ballet Dancer x Director
🖤 Somnophilia
A dark, twisted, compelling retelling of Nutcracker. Themes include: somnophilia, non-con, body betrayal, mentions of past SA and related trauma, physical exertion, humiliation and degradation, permanent injury, stalking, abduction, murder, orgasm denial, and voyeurism.
This story was so twistedly dark and phenomenal. My heart broke for both Lyla and Mikhail. Their stories and growth were so sad but needed and overwhelming.
As we were introduced to Lyla, you couldn't help but feel absolute resolution and despair for her along with pity and sadness at her situation. She really was holding on by a thread. Compared to our introduction to Mikhail, who you didn't know whether to love or hate but with dark books, I've never had an issue loving a morally grey man.
The hurt and comfort in this book was perfect. I literally read this in an afternoon on my couch, too engrossed to put this down. The epilogue was just the icing on top of this delicious story.
Tropes:
🖤 Fallen Star
🎄 Wounded Anti-Hero
🖤 Dark Twisted Retelling
🎄 Ballet Dancer x Director
🖤 Somnophilia
A dark, twisted, compelling retelling of Nutcracker. Themes include: somnophilia, non-con, body betrayal, mentions of past SA and related trauma, physical exertion, humiliation and degradation, permanent injury, stalking, abduction, murder, orgasm denial, and voyeurism.
This story was so twistedly dark and phenomenal. My heart broke for both Lyla and Mikhail. Their stories and growth were so sad but needed and overwhelming.
As we were introduced to Lyla, you couldn't help but feel absolute resolution and despair for her along with pity and sadness at her situation. She really was holding on by a thread. Compared to our introduction to Mikhail, who you didn't know whether to love or hate but with dark books, I've never had an issue loving a morally grey man.
The hurt and comfort in this book was perfect. I literally read this in an afternoon on my couch, too engrossed to put this down. The epilogue was just the icing on top of this delicious story.
November 18, 2024
4.5⭐️ | 3🌶️
🩰 ballet dancer x director
🤍 wounded anti-hero
🩰 fallen star
🤍 dark, twisted retelling
🩰 somophilia
Oh pliés! The perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit.
Dance, Sugarplum is a dark, modern day retelling of The Nutcracker, featuring fallen ballerina, Lyla and anti-hero director, Mikhail.
This book is short and sweet, but will rope you in right from the dedication. You can’t help but be pulled into this dark and delicious story, while empathizing and understanding the characters. Oh and the spice is spicyyyy.
Thank you to Aurelia Knight, Amy Oliviera and Luna Literary Management for the ARC 🤍.
🩰 ballet dancer x director
🤍 wounded anti-hero
🩰 fallen star
🤍 dark, twisted retelling
🩰 somophilia
Oh pliés! The perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit.
Dance, Sugarplum is a dark, modern day retelling of The Nutcracker, featuring fallen ballerina, Lyla and anti-hero director, Mikhail.
This book is short and sweet, but will rope you in right from the dedication. You can’t help but be pulled into this dark and delicious story, while empathizing and understanding the characters. Oh and the spice is spicyyyy.
Thank you to Aurelia Knight, Amy Oliviera and Luna Literary Management for the ARC 🤍.
November 19, 2024
What a book!
Great thanks to the publisher and author for this ARC ❤️
When I got this arc I got so excited to start reading, that I immediately dropped everything else I was doing. As a dancer and a Christmas lover, this book ticked my every box.
And I loved it!
Lyla was a great protagonist, resilient and strong and innovative. Watching her progress and regain her self back was inspiring. I loved her whole journey, and I loved how it complimented the romance, rather than be put on the back burner.
The romance.
Oh, my, god. I loved the way Miss Aurelia writes smut. The smut scenes were everything, and they even played into some of my personal kinks, which made them even more enjoyable! The chemistry between the protagonists was palpable, and they paired together really well. Mikhail is so sexy and broody, ahh 😻
I’ll definitely be reading more of the authors’ works!
Great thanks to the publisher and author for this ARC ❤️
When I got this arc I got so excited to start reading, that I immediately dropped everything else I was doing. As a dancer and a Christmas lover, this book ticked my every box.
And I loved it!
Lyla was a great protagonist, resilient and strong and innovative. Watching her progress and regain her self back was inspiring. I loved her whole journey, and I loved how it complimented the romance, rather than be put on the back burner.
The romance.
Oh, my, god. I loved the way Miss Aurelia writes smut. The smut scenes were everything, and they even played into some of my personal kinks, which made them even more enjoyable! The chemistry between the protagonists was palpable, and they paired together really well. Mikhail is so sexy and broody, ahh 😻
I’ll definitely be reading more of the authors’ works!
December 11, 2024
The snow keeps coming and so do the holiday romances. I personally love the Nutcracker ballet so when this popped up, I knew I had to give it a read. This was an easy 5 stars!
This was very much an even mix of smut and thriller. The twists in the plot kept me wanting to read further and see what ends up happening, while the spice kept me on a delicious edge the entire time. I appreciate when there is a strong plot in smutty novellas like this because me to it heightens every interaction between the FMC and MMC and adds more depth than just the physical connection. There are real life triggers including domestic violence and child abuse so please take care of your mental health first!
Speaking of triggers.. This has all the sexy and depraved triggers that we know and love. These two are so addicting to watch come together (in more way than one). There is so much emotion and tension with these two, it made their scenes that much hotter. The scenes felt intimate and natural, even with the heavy triggers.
You'll definitely want to pick this up to read during the holiday season.
This was very much an even mix of smut and thriller. The twists in the plot kept me wanting to read further and see what ends up happening, while the spice kept me on a delicious edge the entire time. I appreciate when there is a strong plot in smutty novellas like this because me to it heightens every interaction between the FMC and MMC and adds more depth than just the physical connection. There are real life triggers including domestic violence and child abuse so please take care of your mental health first!
Speaking of triggers.. This has all the sexy and depraved triggers that we know and love. These two are so addicting to watch come together (in more way than one). There is so much emotion and tension with these two, it made their scenes that much hotter. The scenes felt intimate and natural, even with the heavy triggers.
You'll definitely want to pick this up to read during the holiday season.
November 25, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark romance nutcracker retelling - count me in!!! A morally gray MMC who is completely unapologetic about his behavior. Love!! Mikhail is a perfectionist with his ballet and Lyla. Lyla is a shy, timid, but talented ballerina who ended up down and out after her mothers passing. Mikhail has always wanted Lylas talent and her body all to himself - he saves and gives her a second chance to prove herself.
I really loved Mikhails ability to speak and convey his intentions without words. Brooding and protective are the best kind. Lyla’s character is both sweet and strong - surviving and staying true to who she is. The spice was down right dirty and delicious. I honestly wish this book was longer!!
I adore aurelia & amy! This mashup was fantastic! ❤️
ARC Review
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark romance nutcracker retelling - count me in!!! A morally gray MMC who is completely unapologetic about his behavior. Love!! Mikhail is a perfectionist with his ballet and Lyla. Lyla is a shy, timid, but talented ballerina who ended up down and out after her mothers passing. Mikhail has always wanted Lylas talent and her body all to himself - he saves and gives her a second chance to prove herself.
I really loved Mikhails ability to speak and convey his intentions without words. Brooding and protective are the best kind. Lyla’s character is both sweet and strong - surviving and staying true to who she is. The spice was down right dirty and delicious. I honestly wish this book was longer!!
I adore aurelia & amy! This mashup was fantastic! ❤️
ARC Review
November 26, 2024
4.5🌟
Deep. Dark. Depressing. Lyla and Mikhail's pull towards each other is both healing and desperate. His power looms heavy over the shadow of who Lyla used to be. The way he builds her back up from despair was everything!!!!! Loved this so much 🖤🖤🖤
Deep. Dark. Depressing. Lyla and Mikhail's pull towards each other is both healing and desperate. His power looms heavy over the shadow of who Lyla used to be. The way he builds her back up from despair was everything!!!!! Loved this so much 🖤🖤🖤
December 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This delivered on everything that it said it would and I had a great time!!
It was short, spicy read, quite dark themes and honestly, I’m still thinking the barre scene that had me blushing. The somno scene, the most intense thing I’ve read hahaha, it was so fucking good! There was a “crawl to me” scene— a time was had 🥵🥵
Tropes
He’s obsessed
Dark Christmas Nutcracker retelling
Non/dub con
Workplace romance (boss x employee)
Age gap )11 years) 23/34
Touch her and die
Somnophilia
Virgin heroine
This delivered on everything that it said it would and I had a great time!!
It was short, spicy read, quite dark themes and honestly, I’m still thinking the barre scene that had me blushing. The somno scene, the most intense thing I’ve read hahaha, it was so fucking good! There was a “crawl to me” scene— a time was had 🥵🥵
Tropes
He’s obsessed
Dark Christmas Nutcracker retelling
Non/dub con
Workplace romance (boss x employee)
Age gap )11 years) 23/34
Touch her and die
Somnophilia
Virgin heroine
November 28, 2024
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
▪︎Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: No
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: E-book
•Trope: ** Novella** Ballerina/Director, Wounded hero, Dark Retelling, Forbidden.
Check your triggers
• Thoughts:
Dang!!! I love that this was a Nutcracker retelling. I was super excited to read this book, and let me tell you. I am songlad I did. The characters, the gray areas, the vilian, and it all worked together. Okay, so honestly, I would have given a higher rating if the story was longer. Now I know what you are thinking, it's a novella, and you are right, I love novellas, I know they are fast-paced, insta-love situations. But for this book, I feel the authors do such a good job with the characters and introducing them in the first few chapters, they have so much depth, you just want to keep reading about them. You want more. LOL. But, I still enjoyed it. The authors did a great job with Lyla and Mikhail. I would recommend it! It was an awesome edition to my Christmas collection.
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
▪︎Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: No
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: E-book
•Trope: ** Novella** Ballerina/Director, Wounded hero, Dark Retelling, Forbidden.
Check your triggers
• Thoughts:
Dang!!! I love that this was a Nutcracker retelling. I was super excited to read this book, and let me tell you. I am songlad I did. The characters, the gray areas, the vilian, and it all worked together. Okay, so honestly, I would have given a higher rating if the story was longer. Now I know what you are thinking, it's a novella, and you are right, I love novellas, I know they are fast-paced, insta-love situations. But for this book, I feel the authors do such a good job with the characters and introducing them in the first few chapters, they have so much depth, you just want to keep reading about them. You want more. LOL. But, I still enjoyed it. The authors did a great job with Lyla and Mikhail. I would recommend it! It was an awesome edition to my Christmas collection.
December 1, 2024
For me, this book wasn't what I was expecting. The story fell flat and seemed a bit rushed. The FMC was down and out, and then the MMC saved her within like days of her audition. She's moved in his place where he's keeping her, but he doesn't talk to her. He just watches. I definitely got more Phantom of the Opera vibes, which might have been a better exploration. The spice was ok, but very... like it wanted to be more dominant, but it wasn't. How does she go from being a virgin to wanting to please him, and it being no big deal? Good elements, but i wasn't in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
As a ARC reader
All I can say is HOLD THE FUCK UP👀✨💜
Mikhail took literally care of her by stalking her, giving her food without for her to see him, observe her, give her new clothes and literally just looking out for her, and he even took her home to his amazing place to sleep in a softest bed to keep her safe😭
Mikhail’s story was so emotional and breaks my soul by knowing that what he had been through his car accident when he was 18 years and wasn’t speaking for entire year🥺 i can still imagine his was struggling in his sleep with his broken screams 😔 I find it so adorable he was only saying few words and some sentences. Everything about him is so cute but his moody, inpatient vibe is funny tbh 😂
Tbh when he saw her for the first time, I was kinda hoping that he could take her first before her stupid stepdad tryna put his hands on her like bitch! Carter better get away from her 😀
Lyla was living in a dark hole by her fucking awful, childish, hideous, and the worst stepdad in entire world and in the meantime she was a wonderful ballerina dancer who was struggling but doesn’t give up so easily and SHE WAS HOMELESS😭 who used to sleep in her car till her car broke down and then sleep in the basement on the ballet studio for sure💔 it breaks my heart by just reading through it✨
You should have seen my face how much I was panicking when Carter was kidnapping Lyla like I couldn’t put it down in the moment was happening like this book was so worth it read, I was laughing, blushing, smiling, frustrated and so on 💜😂
But honestly it’s a quick read and enjoyable to vibe with and can’t even put it down, I highly recommend this 🤩
Thank you for choosing me as a arc reader 🩰💯✨💜
And because of you? I fall in love with dancing 💃🏽
All I can say is HOLD THE FUCK UP👀✨💜
Mikhail took literally care of her by stalking her, giving her food without for her to see him, observe her, give her new clothes and literally just looking out for her, and he even took her home to his amazing place to sleep in a softest bed to keep her safe😭
Mikhail’s story was so emotional and breaks my soul by knowing that what he had been through his car accident when he was 18 years and wasn’t speaking for entire year🥺 i can still imagine his was struggling in his sleep with his broken screams 😔 I find it so adorable he was only saying few words and some sentences. Everything about him is so cute but his moody, inpatient vibe is funny tbh 😂
Tbh when he saw her for the first time, I was kinda hoping that he could take her first before her stupid stepdad tryna put his hands on her like bitch! Carter better get away from her 😀
Lyla was living in a dark hole by her fucking awful, childish, hideous, and the worst stepdad in entire world and in the meantime she was a wonderful ballerina dancer who was struggling but doesn’t give up so easily and SHE WAS HOMELESS😭 who used to sleep in her car till her car broke down and then sleep in the basement on the ballet studio for sure💔 it breaks my heart by just reading through it✨
You should have seen my face how much I was panicking when Carter was kidnapping Lyla like I couldn’t put it down in the moment was happening like this book was so worth it read, I was laughing, blushing, smiling, frustrated and so on 💜😂
But honestly it’s a quick read and enjoyable to vibe with and can’t even put it down, I highly recommend this 🤩
Thank you for choosing me as a arc reader 🩰💯✨💜
And because of you? I fall in love with dancing 💃🏽
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
2.5-3 stars
This was a short spicy book that had less Christmas vibes than I anticipated.
The writing and story could have stood to be developed more as there is a lot of repetitive inner monologue from both characters.
If you have issues with consent, DON'T read this! I know this is dark romance, but dude!
I really wanted this Nutcracker retelling but other than there being ballet and him having a jaw injury, there wasn't a whole lot else that compares. I guess Carter could be the mouse King?
Honestly, I felt like the author tried to do too much with this for the story length. Mikhail has this past, but we barely learn any of it. The whole thing with the main heroine and her mother and stepfather is gleaned in pieces. Their relationship is a whirlwind fueled by lust. All I needed was a sexy/spicy nutcracker book and that would have been perfect. Instead I felt like we got pieces of a story with some spice thrown in and a rushed ending.
It was okay, just not what I expected.
This was a short spicy book that had less Christmas vibes than I anticipated.
The writing and story could have stood to be developed more as there is a lot of repetitive inner monologue from both characters.
If you have issues with consent, DON'T read this! I know this is dark romance, but dude!
I really wanted this Nutcracker retelling but other than there being ballet and him having a jaw injury, there wasn't a whole lot else that compares. I guess Carter could be the mouse King?
Honestly, I felt like the author tried to do too much with this for the story length. Mikhail has this past, but we barely learn any of it. The whole thing with the main heroine and her mother and stepfather is gleaned in pieces. Their relationship is a whirlwind fueled by lust. All I needed was a sexy/spicy nutcracker book and that would have been perfect. Instead I felt like we got pieces of a story with some spice thrown in and a rushed ending.
It was okay, just not what I expected.
dnf
May 6, 2025DNF @ 42%
Well, this one is all my fault really 😅 I added this one to my TBR because the authors were giving away free copies of the second book (Scream Snowdrop) in exchange for reviews and I'm a sucker for free books.
I want to read this before I read the second one (naturally)
And...I didn't look up about the book, or about any of the triggers or tropes. So like I said that's on me. I don't really think I have triggers, but there are tropes I don't like reading, such as somnophilia or CNC/dubcon.
Dark romance is a little hit or miss for me anyway so I was already a little iffy about this book going in but then when he essentially assaulted her that's when I threw in the towel. I know there are readers out there who love these themes and if so I definitely recommend you read it, but it's very much not for me 🩷
Well, this one is all my fault really 😅 I added this one to my TBR because the authors were giving away free copies of the second book (Scream Snowdrop) in exchange for reviews and I'm a sucker for free books.
I want to read this before I read the second one (naturally)
And...I didn't look up about the book, or about any of the triggers or tropes. So like I said that's on me. I don't really think I have triggers, but there are tropes I don't like reading, such as somnophilia or CNC/dubcon.
Dark romance is a little hit or miss for me anyway so I was already a little iffy about this book going in but then when he essentially assaulted her that's when I threw in the towel. I know there are readers out there who love these themes and if so I definitely recommend you read it, but it's very much not for me 🩷
November 26, 2024
Absolutely 5 star read for me. Christmas novella with a bit of a kick.
This book was absolute magic to me. As a former prima ballerina, the way Layla described things had me absolute sobbing, and it takes a lot to bring me to tears.
Makhail, sir. A man of few words unless absolutely necessary. You are an Enigma that was truly captivating.
The ending left me both blissfully happy and secretly wanting more.
Aurelia and Amy, this book was astounding and spicy and full of so much Christmas magic and wonder that I am absolutely going to make this a yearly read.
The spice was absolutely on pointe 😏. The plot wasn't overshadowed, perfectly balanced.
There is some content that may be triggering to readers. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
This book was absolute magic to me. As a former prima ballerina, the way Layla described things had me absolute sobbing, and it takes a lot to bring me to tears.
Makhail, sir. A man of few words unless absolutely necessary. You are an Enigma that was truly captivating.
The ending left me both blissfully happy and secretly wanting more.
Aurelia and Amy, this book was astounding and spicy and full of so much Christmas magic and wonder that I am absolutely going to make this a yearly read.
The spice was absolutely on pointe 😏. The plot wasn't overshadowed, perfectly balanced.
There is some content that may be triggering to readers. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
November 21, 2024
This is was the first ARC I’ve ever read and loved it! 💖 The trauma the main characters had experienced was raw. The emotional trials and pressure put on the main character, Lyla, was beautifully written. There was a lot of spice, although, well written and the romance made me not want to put the book down. I enjoyed the plot and the Christmas setting. Who doesn’t love a happy ending! Definitely reccomend reading Dance Sugarplum this holiday season if you’re a fan of smut, comeback stories, and emotionally captivating characters!
November 26, 2024
Holy smokes!! More please!!
Aurelia Knight did it again and brought a partner in crime! Amy Oliveira is now on my if she writes I'll read it without question list. This dark retelling of the nutcracker is absolutely amazing,it's dark, and the spice is ghost pepper hot! If you like dark,dance,spice, and baring of souls, you should definitely read this book!!As always read the trigger warnings and happy reading.
Aurelia Knight did it again and brought a partner in crime! Amy Oliveira is now on my if she writes I'll read it without question list. This dark retelling of the nutcracker is absolutely amazing,it's dark, and the spice is ghost pepper hot! If you like dark,dance,spice, and baring of souls, you should definitely read this book!!As always read the trigger warnings and happy reading.
June 26, 2025
2.5✨
Finished late last night. Honestly think if this was in a longer format, I would enjoy it more. Even if it was 500 or 600 pages I would have devoured . Since it is a novella, everything is sped up. Some repetitive themes going on that you’ll see with that in the dark romance genre. Those felt like too much like the author was trying to incorporate as many favorite tropes as . I’m a sucker for a ballerina story though.
Finished late last night. Honestly think if this was in a longer format, I would enjoy it more. Even if it was 500 or 600 pages I would have devoured . Since it is a novella, everything is sped up. Some repetitive themes going on that you’ll see with that in the dark romance genre. Those felt like too much like the author was trying to incorporate as many favorite tropes as . I’m a sucker for a ballerina story though.
November 21, 2024
I only wish it was longer!
If you’re a dark romance girly looking for a holiday read that’s not so contemporary, give this book a try! This book was an immediate must grab when I saw that it mentioned somnophilia and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story and both Mikhail and Lyla. It’s a super quick read (around 180 pages) so it’s perfect for the holidays and getting into the Christmas spirit. Give us more Mikhail!
#somnophilia
#ballet dancer/director
#obsession
#forced proximity
If you’re a dark romance girly looking for a holiday read that’s not so contemporary, give this book a try! This book was an immediate must grab when I saw that it mentioned somnophilia and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story and both Mikhail and Lyla. It’s a super quick read (around 180 pages) so it’s perfect for the holidays and getting into the Christmas spirit. Give us more Mikhail!
#somnophilia
#ballet dancer/director
#obsession
#forced proximity
November 26, 2024
Dark Nutcracker retelling
Age gap, somnophilia, non/ dub-con, obsession
Mikhail and Lyla ballerina and director. Wild rumors have swept the industry about Lyla, tainting her reputation and ultimately leaving her lacking. Mikhail must have her even if she is no longer the star she used to be.
She is his doll and he must claim his possession.
Age gap, somnophilia, non/ dub-con, obsession
Mikhail and Lyla ballerina and director. Wild rumors have swept the industry about Lyla, tainting her reputation and ultimately leaving her lacking. Mikhail must have her even if she is no longer the star she used to be.
She is his doll and he must claim his possession.
November 30, 2024
I wanted to love this book. Truly, I did. As someone who adores the intricate and competitive world of ballet, combined with my weakness for brooding, obsessive, dominant male leads with dark secrets, the premise seemed perfect. But it just… wasn’t.
Let’s start with the chemistry—or lack thereof—between the main characters. I never felt it. Without that connection, every supposedly spicy scene felt awkward and forced, leaving me cringing instead of captivated. Their dynamic lacked depth, and the heroine’s passive demeanor only made things worse. She barely reacted to anything, even when something as monumental as losing her virginity in her sleep happened. No anger, no shame, no self-reflection. Just… nothing. It was baffling and frustrating to watch her endure insult after insult, yet somehow, she was head over heels in love within a week.
What made it all the more disappointing was her passivity in every aspect outside of her career. She was supposed to be a fighter, determined to claim her place in the competitive world of ballet. Yet she couldn’t muster even an ounce of the same resolve when it came to standing up for herself or her dignity.
The story had all the potential to be a gripping, dark romance set against the beautiful yet brutal backdrop of ballet. Instead, it missed every mark for me. The characters felt hollow, the romance unconvincing, and the overall experience just left me disappointed. This one wasn’t for me.
Let’s start with the chemistry—or lack thereof—between the main characters. I never felt it. Without that connection, every supposedly spicy scene felt awkward and forced, leaving me cringing instead of captivated. Their dynamic lacked depth, and the heroine’s passive demeanor only made things worse. She barely reacted to anything, even when something as monumental as losing her virginity in her sleep happened. No anger, no shame, no self-reflection. Just… nothing. It was baffling and frustrating to watch her endure insult after insult, yet somehow, she was head over heels in love within a week.
What made it all the more disappointing was her passivity in every aspect outside of her career. She was supposed to be a fighter, determined to claim her place in the competitive world of ballet. Yet she couldn’t muster even an ounce of the same resolve when it came to standing up for herself or her dignity.
The story had all the potential to be a gripping, dark romance set against the beautiful yet brutal backdrop of ballet. Instead, it missed every mark for me. The characters felt hollow, the romance unconvincing, and the overall experience just left me disappointed. This one wasn’t for me.
December 8, 2024
It was not entirely what I expected and I missed a bit of the nutcracker elements but nevertheless a good and quick read.
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