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Dancing With Strangers
Two strangers. One dance. A love they never saw coming.
On the night Mia Cifuentes celebrates the birth of her half-brother, a mysterious man steps out of the shadows and into her life, offering her one unforgettable dance in her family’s underground speakeasy. She doesn’t catch his name. But she never forgets his face.
Three years later, as she prepares for her mother’s wedding, Mia is stunned to discover the best man is none other than the stranger from that night, and her soon-to-be stepfather’s brother, Enzo Alarcón.
Enzo never expected to be remembered. But when long-buried secrets resurface, he’s forced to choose between protecting his brother’s future… or the woman unknowingly tied to the downfall of his past.
As old sparks reignite and forbidden truths rise to the surface, Mia and Enzo are swept into a dangerous dance of loyalty, lies, and longing. With family expectations pulling them apart and fate drawing them closer, they must
Will they fight for a love that defies bloodlines, or lose each other forever?
On the night Mia Cifuentes celebrates the birth of her half-brother, a mysterious man steps out of the shadows and into her life, offering her one unforgettable dance in her family’s underground speakeasy. She doesn’t catch his name. But she never forgets his face.
Three years later, as she prepares for her mother’s wedding, Mia is stunned to discover the best man is none other than the stranger from that night, and her soon-to-be stepfather’s brother, Enzo Alarcón.
Enzo never expected to be remembered. But when long-buried secrets resurface, he’s forced to choose between protecting his brother’s future… or the woman unknowingly tied to the downfall of his past.
As old sparks reignite and forbidden truths rise to the surface, Mia and Enzo are swept into a dangerous dance of loyalty, lies, and longing. With family expectations pulling them apart and fate drawing them closer, they must
Will they fight for a love that defies bloodlines, or lose each other forever?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2025
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 16, 2025
So, it would be tempting to label this book as porn for smart people, or smut, as you like to call it, that should be relegated to the dimly lit, masturbatory aid section of the bookstore, 🤣 but this is SOOO much more than that. Your plot is completely plausible, as are the motivations of your characters. I never came to a space in this story where I found anyone doing something that would be out of character for them to do, just for the sake of plot convenience. You always made your setup and payoff scenes quite well, such as when Enzo and Mia go to the shady nightclub where Mia goes when she can't take life anymore and needs to let go of herself, and then had the payoff of Enzo knowing where to go looking for Mia, later on in the story, without doing anything that felt contrived, or insulting to my intellect. None of your characters were spouting exposition, you always went with show, don't tell. I can't begin to describe how annoying it is to read a book where two characters are discussing things that they would both be very familiar with, and wouldn't need to talk about, just because the writer couldn't be bothered to come up with an organic way of informing the reader of something that they need to know in order to forward the plot. Your descriptions of locations and objects are always thorough enough for me to be able to picture them in my mind, but never so overdone that they feel burdensome to slog through. Your prose is witty and intelligent; and your characters are believable and relatable. Now as far as how the story hit me personally, It felt like the characters in the book were real people, (which is, I think, the greatest compliment that I can give to an author) and like I was in Spain, I'm literally thinking about visiting there, now, and wishing that I'd had the opportunity to be raised there, it sounds like a wonderful place, where life still moves at a slow pace.. I related to Enzo, and I felt his attraction to Mia. It hurt to have Mia cry, I felt her heartbreak, when she thought that the love of her life, would turn into a fling, instead a lifetime together. I felt Enzo's jealousy, when Matteo, or anyone else would try to come between him and Mia. You write people quite well, including the men, which is really saying something. You could've written an idealized version of a man, but instead you made him a little broken, with flaws, and I really liked that. The brawl between Enzo and Matteo is EXACTLY how that would've happened, two men + one woman = trouble, I'm as sure of that as I am that the sun will rise in the morning and set in the evening. Neither of them wanted Mia to be happy with someone else, Yes, they wanted her to be happy, but only with them, and you hit the proverbial nail, right on its head, because that is the way men are, they aren't going to take the chance of missing out on a woman they love, just because another man is interested in her. I could go on and on, but to put it concisely, you reached me on an emotional level, strongly enough, that I didn't feel like reading anything else, because I was so invested in your characters. This is a story of soulmates finding their other half, there may be (graphic 😮) depictions of sex, but to me they weren't tawdry, because you actually cared about what was happening in your story, outside of the bedroom (or living room couch, or boat, or beach, or... 😏). In closing, this was really good, and I hope to be an arc reader for the multitude of other books that you will produce throughout your writing career. To all of you potential readers, if you pick this up, I promise that you won't want to put it back down.
September 2, 2025
This was definitely an interesting read for me. I enjoyed all the secrecy, longing, laughs, family, spice and more that came about while reading I enjoyed seeing these two fight their inevitable ending and love one another so greatly
August 30, 2025
Dancing With Strangers
Nadia Samar
Mia & Enzo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Forbidden
Taboo
Step uncle
Forced proximity
Age gap
Best man / Maid of honor
Love at first sight
This was so beautiful
Written incredibly romantic, almost poetically.
Mia and Enzo met over 3 years ago.
One dance and they have never forgotten each other.
Enzo coming back to his country for the marriage of his brother and Mia's mom he is reunited with Mia at last.
“There is an undeniable pull between these two. An attraction so potent.
Being near Mia is like trying to stand still on a ship in the middle of a storm.”
5 days away from the wedding they cannot resist each other, almost immediately they are doubled toward some another.
This was incredible
I loved this
“There’s no use denying the truth. We both want the other, and we’re too afraid of our families to want openly. I’m his dirty little secret, and he is mine.”
The nature of their relationship poses problems they believe. Forbidden and Taboo. They believe they cannot have each other. The niece and the Uncle.
“You’re my brother’s stepdaughter,” he continues. “Do you realize how distasteful that makes me? To want you as I do? To sneak around like a schoolboy with a crush, wanting you, dreaming of you, thinking of you as I do?
Enzo and Mia were a perfect fit. Matching each other's tastes. They were so hot together. So intense.
“Such a good girl, my Mia.”
“Hold on to the headboard, love.”
There was a 3rd act breakup of sorts, well maybe a 3rd act fork in the road?
The tension from this made this book even more delectable.
Beautiful writing
An insatiable pull between two people.
A lovely story
“Whether I return to New York or move to an entirely new city such as Paris, I no longer care where I go, as long as I am dancing with you, Mia.”
So thankful for this arc
Quotes
The forbidden fruit dancing in front of my outstretched, starving hands.
“I am not a fantasy. I am not some taboo, off limits, wet dream built for your fucking pleasure.”
“If I look, I’ll want to touch. I’ll want to taste. I’ll want to run my tongue down your spine and find the spot that makes you shiver.”
“I had to run away from you. To another country, to another life, because you make me dream too big. And that scares me.”
“I’ll want to hide under this tease of a skirt and find what you have waiting for me between those dancer’s legs. I’ll want you to ease this ache I’ve been living with for years, Mia. And we both know I can’t do that.”
Nadia Samar
Mia & Enzo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Forbidden
Taboo
Step uncle
Forced proximity
Age gap
Best man / Maid of honor
Love at first sight
This was so beautiful
Written incredibly romantic, almost poetically.
Mia and Enzo met over 3 years ago.
One dance and they have never forgotten each other.
Enzo coming back to his country for the marriage of his brother and Mia's mom he is reunited with Mia at last.
“There is an undeniable pull between these two. An attraction so potent.
Being near Mia is like trying to stand still on a ship in the middle of a storm.”
5 days away from the wedding they cannot resist each other, almost immediately they are doubled toward some another.
This was incredible
I loved this
“There’s no use denying the truth. We both want the other, and we’re too afraid of our families to want openly. I’m his dirty little secret, and he is mine.”
The nature of their relationship poses problems they believe. Forbidden and Taboo. They believe they cannot have each other. The niece and the Uncle.
“You’re my brother’s stepdaughter,” he continues. “Do you realize how distasteful that makes me? To want you as I do? To sneak around like a schoolboy with a crush, wanting you, dreaming of you, thinking of you as I do?
Enzo and Mia were a perfect fit. Matching each other's tastes. They were so hot together. So intense.
“Such a good girl, my Mia.”
“Hold on to the headboard, love.”
There was a 3rd act breakup of sorts, well maybe a 3rd act fork in the road?
The tension from this made this book even more delectable.
Beautiful writing
An insatiable pull between two people.
A lovely story
“Whether I return to New York or move to an entirely new city such as Paris, I no longer care where I go, as long as I am dancing with you, Mia.”
So thankful for this arc
Quotes
The forbidden fruit dancing in front of my outstretched, starving hands.
“I am not a fantasy. I am not some taboo, off limits, wet dream built for your fucking pleasure.”
“If I look, I’ll want to touch. I’ll want to taste. I’ll want to run my tongue down your spine and find the spot that makes you shiver.”
“I had to run away from you. To another country, to another life, because you make me dream too big. And that scares me.”
“I’ll want to hide under this tease of a skirt and find what you have waiting for me between those dancer’s legs. I’ll want you to ease this ache I’ve been living with for years, Mia. And we both know I can’t do that.”
August 22, 2025
*ARC Review - Thank you so much to The Author Agency*
Dancing with Strangers is such a vivid and emotional read. Nadia Samar has a way of making you feel like you are right there with these characters. You can picture every scene and feel the tension, excitement, and emotions as if they are happening all around you.
The story follows Mia and Enzo. One night, Mia shares a dance with a stranger that neither of them will ever forget, and that moment changes everything. Years later, he reappears in her life in a way that is completely unexpected. Their connection is immediate (Insta-lust), intense, and now forbidden, which makes every interaction charged with obvious tension and emotion. Watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with all the complications around them is both thrilling and at times heartbreaking.
What I loved most in this story was the smaller details; the glances, the touches, the quiet moments where so much is communicated without words. Those moments made the story feel alive and real. I found myself remarking many times about how beautiful and immersive the writing was, no detail too small to matter. It left me wanting to savor those moments but also wanting to push ahead to find out how their story unfolds for them.
If you are a fan of Forbidden Romance that is emotional and well written, you definitely need to add this to your TBR immediately.
Dancing with Strangers is such a vivid and emotional read. Nadia Samar has a way of making you feel like you are right there with these characters. You can picture every scene and feel the tension, excitement, and emotions as if they are happening all around you.
The story follows Mia and Enzo. One night, Mia shares a dance with a stranger that neither of them will ever forget, and that moment changes everything. Years later, he reappears in her life in a way that is completely unexpected. Their connection is immediate (Insta-lust), intense, and now forbidden, which makes every interaction charged with obvious tension and emotion. Watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with all the complications around them is both thrilling and at times heartbreaking.
What I loved most in this story was the smaller details; the glances, the touches, the quiet moments where so much is communicated without words. Those moments made the story feel alive and real. I found myself remarking many times about how beautiful and immersive the writing was, no detail too small to matter. It left me wanting to savor those moments but also wanting to push ahead to find out how their story unfolds for them.
If you are a fan of Forbidden Romance that is emotional and well written, you definitely need to add this to your TBR immediately.
August 31, 2025
This was the first novel I read after returning from an entire webnovel/webtoon binge. I was looking for something to read, something new something that would get me back into the habit of reading. And this was the book! To be honest, I didn’t expect that I would even get an ARC for this novel but when I did I opened it.
I’m so glad I did.
The story is incredibly written, emotionally packed, and visually stimulating. It got to one point where I had to put the book down to debate, with myself, on how what it was to be morally right, but I’d say it was incredibly satisfying to use my brain for once.
To those who prefer a romance with questions, a thrill of dancing around without getting caught, and incredible vivid imagery, I honestly ask you to read this novel. Dancing with Strangers is a family woven heartbreaking romance that will want to make your fingers dance across the pages.
I have to thank the one who pursued her dream novel, Nadia Samar, and the Author Agency who published it to bring this book to the shelves. It was an exciting read.
I’m so glad I did.
The story is incredibly written, emotionally packed, and visually stimulating. It got to one point where I had to put the book down to debate, with myself, on how what it was to be morally right, but I’d say it was incredibly satisfying to use my brain for once.
To those who prefer a romance with questions, a thrill of dancing around without getting caught, and incredible vivid imagery, I honestly ask you to read this novel. Dancing with Strangers is a family woven heartbreaking romance that will want to make your fingers dance across the pages.
I have to thank the one who pursued her dream novel, Nadia Samar, and the Author Agency who published it to bring this book to the shelves. It was an exciting read.
August 23, 2025
This book starts off with to strangers meeting in a club dancing together and forming a connection only to be torn apart. Cut to a little while later and he finds out it’s his brothers fiancés daughter what will happen when they can’t be together…
The tension in this book who of the charts and so was the spice. I had the best time reading this book as the forbidden aspect was written so well and I mean who doesn’t like a bit of forbidden romance from time to time.
The story was a fun quick light spicy read and everything I was wanting from this book. Also the way they could not stay away from eachother and had to have secret moments in crowded rooms (yes me quoting Taylor swift 🤣). But really it was just great.
If you’re looking for a fun quick easy read to help reach your reading goal for this year this is the one. Dancing with strangers by Nadia Samar is out August 30th 2025 don’t miss it !!
The tension in this book who of the charts and so was the spice. I had the best time reading this book as the forbidden aspect was written so well and I mean who doesn’t like a bit of forbidden romance from time to time.
The story was a fun quick light spicy read and everything I was wanting from this book. Also the way they could not stay away from eachother and had to have secret moments in crowded rooms (yes me quoting Taylor swift 🤣). But really it was just great.
If you’re looking for a fun quick easy read to help reach your reading goal for this year this is the one. Dancing with strangers by Nadia Samar is out August 30th 2025 don’t miss it !!
September 3, 2025
This was a fantastic read. I wasn't prepared for the amount of yearning this book held, but holy cow. This book follows Lorenzo or Enzo heading to his older brother's wedding in Spain. He's been recently dumped by his fiancée and he's got growing resentment towards his career as a professor at NYU. But while relatively everything is fine, he yearns so much for the "stranger" he danced with one fateful night. Then we have the spitfire of Mia, the eldest daughter of the woman Enzo's brother is marrying. She loves her live but she dreams of going back to that night where she danced with a stranger. These two are so into each other that you can actually feel it while you're reading it. The entire.book is following them while they are trying (& failing) to deny the intense feelings and connection they have. Side characters are a plenty but I loved that they inevitably stayed as a side character because these two needed no help. Overall, this was an incredible read full of passion and lust and I absolutely recommend it!
August 27, 2025
The cover of this book does not match the vibes of this book. This book exceeded my expectations by a mile!
I’m not going to lie to you, I want to slap Enzo quite a few times for being “that guy”. I get it’s hard to choose between comfort and possibly turning your world upside down. But comfort doesn’t always make us happy.
Poor Mia so young and naive. That’s what I’m going to blame it on, she is young doesn’t know better. Doesn’t know what she truly deserves. How to demand what she is worth! I get there are unforeseen circumstances with their situation but she is too young and beautiful to go through the bullshit she did.
Did this book annoy me to no end? Yes! But honestly I loved the back and forth and all the drama that went down within the book. If you want step-uncle, age gap, and forced proximity with all the drama this is for you!
I’m not going to lie to you, I want to slap Enzo quite a few times for being “that guy”. I get it’s hard to choose between comfort and possibly turning your world upside down. But comfort doesn’t always make us happy.
Poor Mia so young and naive. That’s what I’m going to blame it on, she is young doesn’t know better. Doesn’t know what she truly deserves. How to demand what she is worth! I get there are unforeseen circumstances with their situation but she is too young and beautiful to go through the bullshit she did.
Did this book annoy me to no end? Yes! But honestly I loved the back and forth and all the drama that went down within the book. If you want step-uncle, age gap, and forced proximity with all the drama this is for you!
August 27, 2025
What a ride this book turned out to be. It hit me straight in the heart and I didn’t expect to feel so much while reading, and I got fully absorbed in Enzo and Mia’s world. They weren’t perfect characters, and that’s exactly why I connected with them, Enzo had his jealousy and rough edges, Mia her fragility and strength, and together they made something unforgettable. The way their chemistry built up was fire, sometimes tender, and it always kept me hooked. The author managed to make the atmosphere vivid and the prose sharp without ever overdoing it. By the end, I didn’t want to close the book. Loved it. Thank you so much to the author and The Author Agency for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
September 2, 2025
This book. I debated whether to give it 4 or 5 stars, because for me 5 stars is not particularly easy. The book plot deals with some situations where there can't be a right answer. How does a person in this (initial) situation decide one path or another? Every subsequent choice has no obvious path except the inevitable one. I really applaud the whole thing in general, and the characters were written realistically which pushed this to 5 stars. I don't want to include spoilers here, but I'm impressed with this author. Each interaction that is stressful, confusing, and emotional really feels authentic. I would absolutely read more by Nadia Samar and I look forward to doing just that.
August 21, 2025
4.5🌟
3.5🌶️
I absolutely loved this book it had me hooked from the very start to the end.
It's a story of soul mates finding each others other half.
The spice was really good and had me blushing in places.
Definitely reccomend and once you pick it up you won't want to put it down till you have finished 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader for you can't wait to read more of your work.
💚Forbidden Romance
💚STEP Uncle
💚Age gap (26/37)
💚Instance Love
💚Mistaken Identity
💚Forced Proximity
3.5🌶️
I absolutely loved this book it had me hooked from the very start to the end.
It's a story of soul mates finding each others other half.
The spice was really good and had me blushing in places.
Definitely reccomend and once you pick it up you won't want to put it down till you have finished 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader for you can't wait to read more of your work.
💚Forbidden Romance
💚STEP Uncle
💚Age gap (26/37)
💚Instance Love
💚Mistaken Identity
💚Forced Proximity
August 27, 2025
Oh the longing and pining.
Enzo and Mia share a dance at a speakeasy 3 years ago. They don't talk much just move with each other and feel a pull and spark. Mia leaves suddenly and Enzo wishes he got her name and more.
They get a surprise when they find out she's his brother's fiance's daughter. They don't see each other for three years as he goes back to the US when they realize their relationship would never work.
What will happen when it's time for the wedding and they see each other again. The sparks are still there. Can they keep resisting?
Enzo and Mia share a dance at a speakeasy 3 years ago. They don't talk much just move with each other and feel a pull and spark. Mia leaves suddenly and Enzo wishes he got her name and more.
They get a surprise when they find out she's his brother's fiance's daughter. They don't see each other for three years as he goes back to the US when they realize their relationship would never work.
What will happen when it's time for the wedding and they see each other again. The sparks are still there. Can they keep resisting?
September 1, 2025
Mia is out celebrating when a mysterious man asks her for an unforgettable dance. Now 3-years later Mia’s mom is getting married, and she is the bridesmaid, but when the best man shows up it is her mystery man, only to find out that he is her soon to be stepfather’s brother Enzo.
This is well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, forced proximity, an age gap, tension, secrets, forbidden romance, making choices, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page tuner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, forced proximity, an age gap, tension, secrets, forbidden romance, making choices, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page tuner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
August 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW - Thanks to Author Agency!
The details in this book.. wow. No matter how small it is, it is so detailed. It was so easy to picture majority of this book in my head!!
Mia & Enzo. All the forbidden romance chucked into one book with all the spice.. again with the details 🥵
I was honestly hooked to this book and couldn’t put it down! Especially when someone appears before the wedding.. I GASPED.
Especially loved how the languages wasn’t all translated to us so it felt even more forbidden!! (But I translated them on kindle and ugh. Emotions 🥺)
Cannot wait for yous to get to read this and hope you love it as much as I did.
The details in this book.. wow. No matter how small it is, it is so detailed. It was so easy to picture majority of this book in my head!!
Mia & Enzo. All the forbidden romance chucked into one book with all the spice.. again with the details 🥵
I was honestly hooked to this book and couldn’t put it down! Especially when someone appears before the wedding.. I GASPED.
Especially loved how the languages wasn’t all translated to us so it felt even more forbidden!! (But I translated them on kindle and ugh. Emotions 🥺)
Cannot wait for yous to get to read this and hope you love it as much as I did.
August 31, 2025
Well, this one hurt me and made me ill with feelings. I absolutely inhaled this. Couldn’t get enough of the toxicity. I am but a Scorpio at heart after all. This book reminded me of that shitty boyfriend everyone has at some point in their lives that you are MADLY in love with but he just kinda sucks? And unfortunately can lay it down (the real tragedy).
I wanted to SCREAM in Enzo’s face. Like, seriously dude you are 37- grow TF up please. We will forgive Mia because she’s still learning and growing. Plus it is literally always the guys fault and we all know it. I needed more from Enzo, he was too passive about pursuing Mia and that bothered me. Overall I really liked this and it made me feel things but he won’t be making many book boyfriend lists I’m afraid.
I wanted to SCREAM in Enzo’s face. Like, seriously dude you are 37- grow TF up please. We will forgive Mia because she’s still learning and growing. Plus it is literally always the guys fault and we all know it. I needed more from Enzo, he was too passive about pursuing Mia and that bothered me. Overall I really liked this and it made me feel things but he won’t be making many book boyfriend lists I’m afraid.
August 2, 2025
This book captivated me with the prologue(which was the most beautifully written prologue I ever read in a book), this book was perfect from start to finish!!!!!
August 27, 2025
This book is beautifully heartbreaking—the kind of story that lingers with you. The years of yearning between Enzo and Mia pulse through every page, every thought, every stolen glance.
Enzo returns home for his brother’s wedding, carrying the weight of time he didn’t know he’d lost. He feels like an outsider, yet longs to reclaim his place in his brother’s life.
Mia has lived her life for her mother, never once allowing herself to be selfish. Now, she faces impossible choices about her own future.
Together, Enzo and Mia ignite. Their passion is a wildfire—impossible to contain, and they don’t care who gets burned.
I felt everything while reading this book. The forbidden love trope shines here in the most beautiful way. Just when I thought my heart couldn’t take more, the plot twist left me reeling. I feared the worst—but the ending ties everything together in a perfect bow.
I didn’t want this story to end. I loved every moment, and I know you will too.
Enzo returns home for his brother’s wedding, carrying the weight of time he didn’t know he’d lost. He feels like an outsider, yet longs to reclaim his place in his brother’s life.
Mia has lived her life for her mother, never once allowing herself to be selfish. Now, she faces impossible choices about her own future.
Together, Enzo and Mia ignite. Their passion is a wildfire—impossible to contain, and they don’t care who gets burned.
I felt everything while reading this book. The forbidden love trope shines here in the most beautiful way. Just when I thought my heart couldn’t take more, the plot twist left me reeling. I feared the worst—but the ending ties everything together in a perfect bow.
I didn’t want this story to end. I loved every moment, and I know you will too.
August 26, 2025
Recieved an early arc:
By the end of the prologue you do want to read on to find out what happens next even though it does start with many fancy descriptive words that confused me a little bit, and then the writing style is much easier to read from the first chapter onwards and flows very well. Starts to get spicy vibes but with what feels like is going to be a slow lead up to the inevitable. But then quickly it becomes very sexually graphic and it kind of caught me off guard the way Enzo starts talking and made me feel a bit weird because thats not how i saw him at first, but i'm not one to usually read very spicy books so i guess some people will enjoy that more than others. Overall the characters are enjoyable and you can see all their personalities. I think it is a good start as a debut novel, was interesting enough to read, I just don't think it was really my preferred genre but still managed to enjoy parts of it.
By the end of the prologue you do want to read on to find out what happens next even though it does start with many fancy descriptive words that confused me a little bit, and then the writing style is much easier to read from the first chapter onwards and flows very well. Starts to get spicy vibes but with what feels like is going to be a slow lead up to the inevitable. But then quickly it becomes very sexually graphic and it kind of caught me off guard the way Enzo starts talking and made me feel a bit weird because thats not how i saw him at first, but i'm not one to usually read very spicy books so i guess some people will enjoy that more than others. Overall the characters are enjoyable and you can see all their personalities. I think it is a good start as a debut novel, was interesting enough to read, I just don't think it was really my preferred genre but still managed to enjoy parts of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh, Dancing With Strangers surprised me in the best ways. Mia Cifuentes has a night she’ll never forget - a birth celebration, an underground speakeasy, and a mysterious stranger who steps out of shadows and swoops in for one perfect dance. She doesn’t even catch his name, but she never forgets his face. Three years later, life stabs her in the gut when she realizes the best man at her mom’s wedding is Enzo Alarcón - that stranger. He’s also her soon-to-be stepfather’s brother. Cue all the tension, family expectations, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Old sparks reignite, those long-buried truths claw their way back to the surface, and threaten not just romance, but loyalty, identity, and who Mia wants to be. Enzo is charming and complicated, protective and haunted by his own past. Family ties ripple with hurt. Forbidden desires clash with duty. The setting of speakeasy glamour, the pull between love & loyalty, and that beautiful slow burn of “do I fight this?” + “can I trust you?” made me feel everything. Nadia Samar doesn’t shy away from messy, but she makes it gorgeous. This is romance with heat, with heart, with secrets that bite…everything tangled in one unforgettable dance.
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh, Dancing With Strangers surprised me in the best ways. Mia Cifuentes has a night she’ll never forget - a birth celebration, an underground speakeasy, and a mysterious stranger who steps out of shadows and swoops in for one perfect dance. She doesn’t even catch his name, but she never forgets his face. Three years later, life stabs her in the gut when she realizes the best man at her mom’s wedding is Enzo Alarcón - that stranger. He’s also her soon-to-be stepfather’s brother. Cue all the tension, family expectations, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Old sparks reignite, those long-buried truths claw their way back to the surface, and threaten not just romance, but loyalty, identity, and who Mia wants to be. Enzo is charming and complicated, protective and haunted by his own past. Family ties ripple with hurt. Forbidden desires clash with duty. The setting of speakeasy glamour, the pull between love & loyalty, and that beautiful slow burn of “do I fight this?” + “can I trust you?” made me feel everything. Nadia Samar doesn’t shy away from messy, but she makes it gorgeous. This is romance with heat, with heart, with secrets that bite…everything tangled in one unforgettable dance.
September 2, 2025
Dancing with Strangers by Nadia Samar is the kind of book that sneaks up on you—slow at first, then suddenly you’re devouring chapters, desperate to know how Mia and Enzo’s forbidden dance will end.
Mia and Enzo’s connection is magnetic from the very first scene. That single dance three years ago lingers like a ghost, making their reunion as best man and maid of honor feel charged, fated, and utterly delicious. I especially loved how Nadia Samar layered the tension—not just the irresistible chemistry between Mia and Enzo, but also the web of family expectations, secrets, and loyalties threatening to tear them apart.
This romance leans into all the tropes I adore: age gap, step-uncle taboo, forbidden attraction, and forced proximity. The speakeasy backdrop adds a sultry, cinematic flair, and the forbidden element makes every stolen glance and every touch feel that much more dangerous.
That said, I’ll admit the beginning had me a little confused—pacing and clarity wavered in the opening chapters—but once the story found its rhythm, it was impossible to put down. The chemistry is undeniable, the stakes are high, and the angst hits exactly where it should.
🌶 Rating: 3/5 — expect simmering tension, sensual build-up, and a few scorching moments that fit perfectly with the forbidden vibe.
Overall, Dancing with Strangers is a spellbinding blend of passion, secrecy, and family drama. If you’re a fan of age gap, taboo, and forbidden love stories that walk the line between danger and desire, this one deserves a place on your TBR.
Mia and Enzo’s connection is magnetic from the very first scene. That single dance three years ago lingers like a ghost, making their reunion as best man and maid of honor feel charged, fated, and utterly delicious. I especially loved how Nadia Samar layered the tension—not just the irresistible chemistry between Mia and Enzo, but also the web of family expectations, secrets, and loyalties threatening to tear them apart.
This romance leans into all the tropes I adore: age gap, step-uncle taboo, forbidden attraction, and forced proximity. The speakeasy backdrop adds a sultry, cinematic flair, and the forbidden element makes every stolen glance and every touch feel that much more dangerous.
That said, I’ll admit the beginning had me a little confused—pacing and clarity wavered in the opening chapters—but once the story found its rhythm, it was impossible to put down. The chemistry is undeniable, the stakes are high, and the angst hits exactly where it should.
🌶 Rating: 3/5 — expect simmering tension, sensual build-up, and a few scorching moments that fit perfectly with the forbidden vibe.
Overall, Dancing with Strangers is a spellbinding blend of passion, secrecy, and family drama. If you’re a fan of age gap, taboo, and forbidden love stories that walk the line between danger and desire, this one deserves a place on your TBR.
August 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Dancing with Strangers is a taboo forbidden, age gap, step-uncle/niece, best man x maid of honour romance with dancing, love at first sight, lots and lots of yearning and passionate spice.
I am quite frankly at a loss for words to explain how beautiful this book is. I had to stop reading multiple times just to take in how beautiful and descriptive the language is, it is mind blowing.
Enzo and Mia, the main characters, are such complex beings. From the moment they are introduced, you are drawn into their emotional world and the magnetism that pulls them towards each other. It is impossible not to get deeply invested in these fictional people.
The setting is absolutely stunning. It makes me dream of and long for summer days in the Mallorcan sun and gorgeous surroundings. I also always love reading books in European settings, being that they are more recognisable to me.
This is such a wonderful debut, bravo! It has everything you would want from a successful story and it takes you through your entire emotional register. Were there bits and bobs that felt a little drawn out? Yes, but they did not take anything away from the beauty of this book. Well done!
Thank you very much to The Author Agency and Nadia Samar for the free advance review copy for which I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dancing with Strangers is a taboo forbidden, age gap, step-uncle/niece, best man x maid of honour romance with dancing, love at first sight, lots and lots of yearning and passionate spice.
I am quite frankly at a loss for words to explain how beautiful this book is. I had to stop reading multiple times just to take in how beautiful and descriptive the language is, it is mind blowing.
Enzo and Mia, the main characters, are such complex beings. From the moment they are introduced, you are drawn into their emotional world and the magnetism that pulls them towards each other. It is impossible not to get deeply invested in these fictional people.
The setting is absolutely stunning. It makes me dream of and long for summer days in the Mallorcan sun and gorgeous surroundings. I also always love reading books in European settings, being that they are more recognisable to me.
This is such a wonderful debut, bravo! It has everything you would want from a successful story and it takes you through your entire emotional register. Were there bits and bobs that felt a little drawn out? Yes, but they did not take anything away from the beauty of this book. Well done!
Thank you very much to The Author Agency and Nadia Samar for the free advance review copy for which I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:
🔥Taboo Forbidden Romance
🔥Step-uncle
🔥Age Gap
🔥Forced Proximity/Shared Living Space
🔥Love at First Sight
🔥One Unforgettable Night
🔥Reunited Years Later
🔥Best Man/Maid of Honor Romance
✨ARC Review✨
Dancing with strangers was a beautiful forbidden romance story. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast pace read and well written. I liked how Enzo’s and Mia’s love story unfolded.
The story follows Mia Cifuentes and Enzo two strangers who shared a dance and this immediate connection at a club. They Instantly feel an attraction for one another. 3 years later Enzo finds out that Mia’s mom is his brother’s fiancé. They still feel that connection and attraction they felt that night at the club and can’t stay away from each other. They start sneaking around making sure no one finds out because neither one wants to ruin their families wedding and happiness. The spice between Mia and Enzo was really good.
If you are looking for a fast and easy forbidden romance book then this book is for you!
Thank you to The Authors Agency for the ARC!🩷
🔥Taboo Forbidden Romance
🔥Step-uncle
🔥Age Gap
🔥Forced Proximity/Shared Living Space
🔥Love at First Sight
🔥One Unforgettable Night
🔥Reunited Years Later
🔥Best Man/Maid of Honor Romance
✨ARC Review✨
Dancing with strangers was a beautiful forbidden romance story. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast pace read and well written. I liked how Enzo’s and Mia’s love story unfolded.
The story follows Mia Cifuentes and Enzo two strangers who shared a dance and this immediate connection at a club. They Instantly feel an attraction for one another. 3 years later Enzo finds out that Mia’s mom is his brother’s fiancé. They still feel that connection and attraction they felt that night at the club and can’t stay away from each other. They start sneaking around making sure no one finds out because neither one wants to ruin their families wedding and happiness. The spice between Mia and Enzo was really good.
If you are looking for a fast and easy forbidden romance book then this book is for you!
Thank you to The Authors Agency for the ARC!🩷
September 1, 2025
TENSION. Say it with me. TENSION.
This book is full of it along with yearning and pining. My first book by Nadia Samar and I absolutely cannot wait to read more after reading this one. Samar is a hell of a descriptive writer especially when it comes to the emotions and desires of her characters.
Enzo and Mia had one night together years ago but never forgot one another. When they see each once again, learning that their connection is forbidden, it doesn't stop the lust and desire that overtakes them. Now there's the added veil of secrecy and hiding from their families. It's so, so good. The devil is in the details and Samar doesn't let us down. Again - exquisite description in the writing. Think hand touching Pride & Prejudice then amplify by 1,000 with secret touches and pining looks.
Adding in that this book is so incredibly well written, it was a dream to read and exceeded all of my expectations.
🔥Taboo Forbidden Romance
🔥Step-uncle
🔥Age Gap
🔥Forced Proximity/Shared Living Space
🔥Love at First Sight
🔥One Unforgettable Night
🔥Reunited Years Later
🔥Best Man/Maid of Honor Romance
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy!
This book is full of it along with yearning and pining. My first book by Nadia Samar and I absolutely cannot wait to read more after reading this one. Samar is a hell of a descriptive writer especially when it comes to the emotions and desires of her characters.
Enzo and Mia had one night together years ago but never forgot one another. When they see each once again, learning that their connection is forbidden, it doesn't stop the lust and desire that overtakes them. Now there's the added veil of secrecy and hiding from their families. It's so, so good. The devil is in the details and Samar doesn't let us down. Again - exquisite description in the writing. Think hand touching Pride & Prejudice then amplify by 1,000 with secret touches and pining looks.
Adding in that this book is so incredibly well written, it was a dream to read and exceeded all of my expectations.
🔥Taboo Forbidden Romance
🔥Step-uncle
🔥Age Gap
🔥Forced Proximity/Shared Living Space
🔥Love at First Sight
🔥One Unforgettable Night
🔥Reunited Years Later
🔥Best Man/Maid of Honor Romance
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy!
August 30, 2025
This read was such a journey that will put you through a lot of emotions. It's a truly immersive and vivid read that you won't want to put it down.
For a story you might have read many times before, one night stand to reuniting years later, this author did a phenomenal job in her writing style to still make this compelling and feel unique to its plot. Our FMC and MMC share a dance, a moment foreshadowing their future and change more than they could have imagined. As fate might have it, they will reunite unexpectedly, and it was like they didn't miss a beat. It is definitely giving insta love/lust connection but also forbidden at its core because she is his brothers fiancé's daughter.
For all the tension, toxicity and emotions, it will give you, this read is also so much fun. It was faced paced, and she paints the most beautiful settings in your mind. Their connection was just magnificent, and I couldn't get enough. This is for those who love: taboo forbidden romance, love at first sight, age gap, forced proximity and one unforgettable night then you want to give this a try.
For a story you might have read many times before, one night stand to reuniting years later, this author did a phenomenal job in her writing style to still make this compelling and feel unique to its plot. Our FMC and MMC share a dance, a moment foreshadowing their future and change more than they could have imagined. As fate might have it, they will reunite unexpectedly, and it was like they didn't miss a beat. It is definitely giving insta love/lust connection but also forbidden at its core because she is his brothers fiancé's daughter.
For all the tension, toxicity and emotions, it will give you, this read is also so much fun. It was faced paced, and she paints the most beautiful settings in your mind. Their connection was just magnificent, and I couldn't get enough. This is for those who love: taboo forbidden romance, love at first sight, age gap, forced proximity and one unforgettable night then you want to give this a try.
August 28, 2025
One night two strangers share a dance and for the next three years that’s all either of them can think about. But it turns out they’re not quite strangers. When Mia’s mum gets married, her new husbands brother comes home to be best man. Enzo is the stranger she danced with the night of her brothers birth. Now they know their romance is all but forbidden, too many other lives could be damaged. But the pull is too strong. Do they risk being together and potentially ruining their family or do they say their goodbyes and to their separate ways?
This was so different to the books I’ve been reading recently and I loved every second! Enzo and Mia were inevitable from that first dance as strangers. This story was set against the stunning backdrop of Mallorca, the olive groves and villas. It was a nice easy read, a love story full of yearning and want. Highly recommend
This was so different to the books I’ve been reading recently and I loved every second! Enzo and Mia were inevitable from that first dance as strangers. This story was set against the stunning backdrop of Mallorca, the olive groves and villas. It was a nice easy read, a love story full of yearning and want. Highly recommend
September 13, 2025
Dancing With Strangers is the newest release by Nadia Samar, and the first book by her that I have read. I loved following Enzo and Mia's forbidden romance. Meeting by chance years before, not knowing the connection they share. Now in the present , they discover that her mom is engaged to his brother. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ~Dawn
This was good story. Lots of tropes, angst and love interspersed. One dance chances the trajectory of both Mia and Enzo's lives. From their first dance they were tied to one another even while Enzo was away in America with another woman. Enzo's brothers wedding to Mia's mother brings Moa and Enzo back into each other's orbit. There are a lot of push-pull encounters with spicy times worked in. This story ends in a HEA so all of the angst is worth it. ~Cindy
This was good story. Lots of tropes, angst and love interspersed. One dance chances the trajectory of both Mia and Enzo's lives. From their first dance they were tied to one another even while Enzo was away in America with another woman. Enzo's brothers wedding to Mia's mother brings Moa and Enzo back into each other's orbit. There are a lot of push-pull encounters with spicy times worked in. This story ends in a HEA so all of the angst is worth it. ~Cindy
August 25, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Release Date: August 30, 2025
•
5 🌟 Read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 🥵
•
Now it’s been a minute since I’ve read a book that makes me blush and clutch my pearls. This was a book that got me out of my small reading slump. I mean I finished it in two days, was up late reading, and couldn’t put it down. And thats exactly what I needed. This was a perfect and well-done forbidden taboo romance. It was sexy, kept me wanting more, and on the tip of my toes. And the attention to detail was so good; I felt like I was living in the book and watching this relationship unfold. And as always the MMC’s POV was so flippin good 😩—his yearning was top notch. Enzo has made it to the top 10 book boyfriends. So..Nadia…girl…keep the books coming because I will continue to eat them up 👏🏻
Release Date: August 30, 2025
•
5 🌟 Read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 🥵
•
Now it’s been a minute since I’ve read a book that makes me blush and clutch my pearls. This was a book that got me out of my small reading slump. I mean I finished it in two days, was up late reading, and couldn’t put it down. And thats exactly what I needed. This was a perfect and well-done forbidden taboo romance. It was sexy, kept me wanting more, and on the tip of my toes. And the attention to detail was so good; I felt like I was living in the book and watching this relationship unfold. And as always the MMC’s POV was so flippin good 😩—his yearning was top notch. Enzo has made it to the top 10 book boyfriends. So..Nadia…girl…keep the books coming because I will continue to eat them up 👏🏻
August 29, 2025
Dancing With Strangers had me in a wide range of emotions. This taboo romance will keep you wanting for more even after you finish it. I felt the push and pull between or MMC and FMC Enzo and Mia. A taboo romance were in a chance encounter 3 years prior these two share a dance like no other. They are imbedded in each others DNA after one magical night of dancing. But when they discover their connections this forbidden dance can never happen again. The way Nadia writes this story you feel the passion in the pages. Until passion has its way. How can you fight romance that runs deeper the depths of an ocean. Because even an ocean couldn’t dull out the fire that coerced through them both. Get the book!!! Get the BOOK.
September 1, 2025
Dancing With Strangers is a very emotional story. It is my first from this author but won't be my last.
Mia and Enzo dance together years before. They didn't talk much only dancing. There was definitely chemistry there. When Mia leaves Enzo wished he had gotten her name and information.
A few years later Enzo discovers that Mia's mother is engaged to his brother. There is still chemistry between them. Unable to hide how they feel they begin a secret relationship.
Mia and Enzo's story is filled with tension. They have to decide if they want to risk hurting their families. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Age gap
* Forbidden romance
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Mia and Enzo dance together years before. They didn't talk much only dancing. There was definitely chemistry there. When Mia leaves Enzo wished he had gotten her name and information.
A few years later Enzo discovers that Mia's mother is engaged to his brother. There is still chemistry between them. Unable to hide how they feel they begin a secret relationship.
Mia and Enzo's story is filled with tension. They have to decide if they want to risk hurting their families. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Age gap
* Forbidden romance
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
September 9, 2025
✨Dancing with Strangers
If you love:
🔹Step Uncle/Step Niece
🔹Slow Burn
🔹praise kink
🔹spanking
🔹age gap
🔹Good girl
I was completely captivated by Mia and Enzo’s story. The yearning and angst between them was so thick, it practically leapt off the page. This slow burn had me desperate to turn each page faster, even as it set my heart on fire. What I loved most was the way two strangers found each other—and how their souls connected so beautifully through dance. 💃🖤
Genre/Type: Contemporary
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 299
Rating: 5🌟
Spice: 4🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Standalone
Tropes or themes: step uncle/step niece; best man/maid of honor; praise kink; spanking; rough play; dirty talk
Check Triggers ⚠️✨
If you love:
🔹Step Uncle/Step Niece
🔹Slow Burn
🔹praise kink
🔹spanking
🔹age gap
🔹Good girl
I was completely captivated by Mia and Enzo’s story. The yearning and angst between them was so thick, it practically leapt off the page. This slow burn had me desperate to turn each page faster, even as it set my heart on fire. What I loved most was the way two strangers found each other—and how their souls connected so beautifully through dance. 💃🖤
Genre/Type: Contemporary
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 299
Rating: 5🌟
Spice: 4🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Standalone
Tropes or themes: step uncle/step niece; best man/maid of honor; praise kink; spanking; rough play; dirty talk
Check Triggers ⚠️✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews