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The Dance
Heartbreak cracks her open. Dance puts her back together.
Laura Phillips has given everything to her her time, her body, her dreams. When her husband leaves her for the local weather girl, Laura doesn’t just lose her marriage. She loses the life she built around it.
After the heartbreak settles, all she wants is to win him back.
Fix it. Fix herself.
Hungry to remind him of what he lost, she joins a local cardio hip-hop class. She expects sweat and sore muscles, not Roman Graham—gritty, magnetic, and maddeningly observant. With every beat, every breathless routine, he pulls pieces of her to the surface she thought were long gone.
But just as she’s reclaiming her rhythm, the past slips back in, uninvited and impossible to ignore. And Laura must does she fight for the love that left her behind, or finally choose the woman she’s becoming?
The Dance is a powerful story of rediscovery, resilience, and the courage to love yourself first.
After the heartbreak settles, all she wants is to win him back.
Fix it. Fix herself.
Hungry to remind him of what he lost, she joins a local cardio hip-hop class. She expects sweat and sore muscles, not Roman Graham—gritty, magnetic, and maddeningly observant. With every beat, every breathless routine, he pulls pieces of her to the surface she thought were long gone.
But just as she’s reclaiming her rhythm, the past slips back in, uninvited and impossible to ignore. And Laura must does she fight for the love that left her behind, or finally choose the woman she’s becoming?
The Dance is a powerful story of rediscovery, resilience, and the courage to love yourself first.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
1207 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly R. Vargas
2 books31 followersKimberly R. Vargas writes heartfelt stories about love, heartbreak, and the women who find their way back to themselves.
She’s the creator of The Next Chapter, an audio newsletter and storytelling space for readers who believe in second chances and soft landings. Her work celebrates women of color, emotional healing, and the kind of romance that sees you clearly.
As an indie author with big dreams and a soft spot for complicated love, Kim handles everything from writing to recording her own audio fiction. When she’s not knee-deep in edits or planning her next book release, she’s belting out a Mariah Carey high note or dancing in the basement like it’s 1999.
She lives in Michigan with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled puppy.
She’s the creator of The Next Chapter, an audio newsletter and storytelling space for readers who believe in second chances and soft landings. Her work celebrates women of color, emotional healing, and the kind of romance that sees you clearly.
As an indie author with big dreams and a soft spot for complicated love, Kim handles everything from writing to recording her own audio fiction. When she’s not knee-deep in edits or planning her next book release, she’s belting out a Mariah Carey high note or dancing in the basement like it’s 1999.
She lives in Michigan with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book completely surprised me in the best way. On the surface, it’s about a woman dealing with the fallout of her marriage ending, but really it’s about rediscovering who you are when life knocks you down. Laura’s journey felt so raw and relatable — the messy parts, the healing, the moments where she wasn’t sure if she was moving forward or just spinning in circles. I felt every bit of it.
And the dance aspect? I loved that. It wasn’t just a hobby for her, it became the thing that helped her rebuild piece by piece. Watching her reconnect with her body, her confidence, and her joy through movement gave me chills more than once.
The people around her made the story even stronger — some had me rolling my eyes and yelling at the page, while others showed up with quiet, steady support that reminded me how powerful real connection can be. That balance, paired with Laura’s growth, made the story feel layered and real. In the end, what stuck with me most was how the book blends heartbreak with empowerment: it’s not about chasing love that let you down, but about reclaiming your spark, choosing yourself first, and realizing that any love worth keeping won’t dim your light.
This book completely surprised me in the best way. On the surface, it’s about a woman dealing with the fallout of her marriage ending, but really it’s about rediscovering who you are when life knocks you down. Laura’s journey felt so raw and relatable — the messy parts, the healing, the moments where she wasn’t sure if she was moving forward or just spinning in circles. I felt every bit of it.
And the dance aspect? I loved that. It wasn’t just a hobby for her, it became the thing that helped her rebuild piece by piece. Watching her reconnect with her body, her confidence, and her joy through movement gave me chills more than once.
The people around her made the story even stronger — some had me rolling my eyes and yelling at the page, while others showed up with quiet, steady support that reminded me how powerful real connection can be. That balance, paired with Laura’s growth, made the story feel layered and real. In the end, what stuck with me most was how the book blends heartbreak with empowerment: it’s not about chasing love that let you down, but about reclaiming your spark, choosing yourself first, and realizing that any love worth keeping won’t dim your light.
November 2, 2025
I enjoyed this story from cover-to-cover! Whew I was nervous there for a minute thinking she was going to give that man another chance but sis found her strength! This was a reminder to love yourself and fix yourself for you not for anyone else and everything else will fall into place!
Roman had so many layers to him I thought wow he is truly a jerk but turns out that man was using all that as a defense mechanism because he hadn’t healed from his trauma!
Griffin- yeah buddy you got exactly what you deserved sir! What made him think he was going to just slide back in because he saw another man taking his place? Nah bruh 😂
Ok ok in summary - A time was had reading this!
Roman had so many layers to him I thought wow he is truly a jerk but turns out that man was using all that as a defense mechanism because he hadn’t healed from his trauma!
Griffin- yeah buddy you got exactly what you deserved sir! What made him think he was going to just slide back in because he saw another man taking his place? Nah bruh 😂
Ok ok in summary - A time was had reading this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
It’s always the best writers who can make you feel a plethora of emotions for characters on printed pages and Kimberly R. Vargas has put on a master class in just that.
The Dance made me feel a bit of everything. I felt for the main character Laura as she tried to find herself again after the worst day of her life. Without going through it I felt her pain, her sadness, her determination, and her will to stand up taller than before.
There are moments in this novel that make you feel anger, resentment, sadness, and hurt. But to balance it out you also feel passion, love, a sense of family, and accomplishment.
This book has everything and it cannot be denied how wonderfully it was written.
The Dance made me feel a bit of everything. I felt for the main character Laura as she tried to find herself again after the worst day of her life. Without going through it I felt her pain, her sadness, her determination, and her will to stand up taller than before.
There are moments in this novel that make you feel anger, resentment, sadness, and hurt. But to balance it out you also feel passion, love, a sense of family, and accomplishment.
This book has everything and it cannot be denied how wonderfully it was written.
August 13, 2025
The Dance is a warm, empowering read about finding your footing after life knocks you down. It’s a story that blends humor, heart, and just the right touch of romance, all while showing the beauty of self-discovery.
Kimberly R. Vargas writes authentically, making the main character’s journey relatable and inspiring. The pacing gives you time to connect with the characters, and the emotional beats land with sincerity. By the end, I felt uplifted and reminded that it’s never too late to start over or try something new.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A heartfelt debut perfect for readers who love stories of resilience, growth, and a dash of romance.
Kimberly R. Vargas writes authentically, making the main character’s journey relatable and inspiring. The pacing gives you time to connect with the characters, and the emotional beats land with sincerity. By the end, I felt uplifted and reminded that it’s never too late to start over or try something new.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A heartfelt debut perfect for readers who love stories of resilience, growth, and a dash of romance.
August 24, 2025
First off… I was hoping Griffin got like caught in a fire or something 😂 He is the definition of an ain’t-shit man. The way Roman kept calling him Loser and Mr. Stiff.. was diabolical, but also accurate.
Now Roman… whew. He ain’t perfect. He had his mean moments, and I wanted to shake him sometimes, but he showed up from day one, big or small, he supported Laura through everything. Griffin only tried to spin the block once she lost that weight, and I was screaming at her every time she even entertained him. Girl, throw that “husband” title in the trash and leave it there lmaoo
But here’s what really got me!! This story is so empowering for women who are trying to find themselves again after divorce, separation, or just losing themselves in life. At first, I worried Laura’s growth would just come from finding Roman... but no. She found the woman she was before Griffin, before motherhood, before life broke her down. Watching her reclaim that joy through dance was so emotionally impactful, I couldn’t do anything but tear up.
And can we talk about the representation? A nontoxic Black romance that felt real, emotional, and healthy!! Chef's kiss 🤌🏾🤌🏾
For my friends who don’t like spice, this one’s perfect for you, completely closed door but still packed with heart and intimacy.
Huge, huge, huge thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for gifting me this ARC! A review wasn’t required, but I honestly loved this story too much not to share.
Now Roman… whew. He ain’t perfect. He had his mean moments, and I wanted to shake him sometimes, but he showed up from day one, big or small, he supported Laura through everything. Griffin only tried to spin the block once she lost that weight, and I was screaming at her every time she even entertained him. Girl, throw that “husband” title in the trash and leave it there lmaoo
But here’s what really got me!! This story is so empowering for women who are trying to find themselves again after divorce, separation, or just losing themselves in life. At first, I worried Laura’s growth would just come from finding Roman... but no. She found the woman she was before Griffin, before motherhood, before life broke her down. Watching her reclaim that joy through dance was so emotionally impactful, I couldn’t do anything but tear up.
And can we talk about the representation? A nontoxic Black romance that felt real, emotional, and healthy!! Chef's kiss 🤌🏾🤌🏾
For my friends who don’t like spice, this one’s perfect for you, completely closed door but still packed with heart and intimacy.
Huge, huge, huge thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for gifting me this ARC! A review wasn’t required, but I honestly loved this story too much not to share.
September 28, 2025
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC copy and it doesn't impede on my review.
3.5 stars
Loved that Laura's character as to why the way she is was shown through bits and pieces of her past. I also liked that it showed that it's not always easy to bring yourself to love yourself.
what I didn't like was Roman tbh. It may be a spoiler but who starts throwing things(cake) against a wall our of anger? I know it came from a place of concern from Laura's attitude or whatever but still that turned me off.
I also don't truly like the Cheating trope. I know her and her husband are getting a divorce but just because he started it,she doesn't need to do that too.
3.5 stars
Loved that Laura's character as to why the way she is was shown through bits and pieces of her past. I also liked that it showed that it's not always easy to bring yourself to love yourself.
what I didn't like was Roman tbh. It may be a spoiler but who starts throwing things(cake) against a wall our of anger? I know it came from a place of concern from Laura's attitude or whatever but still that turned me off.
I also don't truly like the Cheating trope. I know her and her husband are getting a divorce but just because he started it,she doesn't need to do that too.
October 4, 2025
ARC Review
Laura's journey to getting back to her first love was an interesting one to read about in this book. At first the motivation for dancing was not only to get back to dancing but also to be used as an avenue to lose weight to get her husband back. I understood the negativity that Laura had to go through growing up with being told that she wasn't good enough or pretty enough due to her weight and that led her to have a lot of negative thoughts and low self esteem as adult but even when she didn't have a reason to feel that way she did and she irked me at times.
Roman's character was a little annoying at first with his arrogant behavior but he definitely grew on me as the book went on. It was nice to see him open up more and reveal to Laura why he was the way he was when it came to being with women. After their real first date and once he opened up to her it was nice to see their relationship grow in and out of the dance studio. The fact that she almost jeopardized what she had with him because of what Griffin told her was a little annoying too because after all Griffin put her threw it was like why even consider giving him the time of day.
Overall, I think this was a good debut book by Kimberly Vargas. At the end of it all, I was happy with the way the book ended and that Laura was able to finally become empowered and start dancing for herself but I just felt like she was trying to hold on to something that didn't serve her for too long. For that reason I gave the book 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kimberly for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Laura's journey to getting back to her first love was an interesting one to read about in this book. At first the motivation for dancing was not only to get back to dancing but also to be used as an avenue to lose weight to get her husband back. I understood the negativity that Laura had to go through growing up with being told that she wasn't good enough or pretty enough due to her weight and that led her to have a lot of negative thoughts and low self esteem as adult but even when she didn't have a reason to feel that way she did and she irked me at times.
Roman's character was a little annoying at first with his arrogant behavior but he definitely grew on me as the book went on. It was nice to see him open up more and reveal to Laura why he was the way he was when it came to being with women. After their real first date and once he opened up to her it was nice to see their relationship grow in and out of the dance studio. The fact that she almost jeopardized what she had with him because of what Griffin told her was a little annoying too because after all Griffin put her threw it was like why even consider giving him the time of day.
Overall, I think this was a good debut book by Kimberly Vargas. At the end of it all, I was happy with the way the book ended and that Laura was able to finally become empowered and start dancing for herself but I just felt like she was trying to hold on to something that didn't serve her for too long. For that reason I gave the book 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kimberly for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2025
The Dance
Kimberly R. Vargas
Laura can’t avoid the constant internal loop of negativity within her mind. With every good intention, she continuously has to buffer through the mental loops and decipher, which thoughts actually belong to her. The lack of parental guidance has left her with a void that she cannot fill. The damage left by someone who should’ve protected her lingers.
When the commitment of forever with someone who vowed to love you for eternity dissolves. She is left with the constant bombardment of betrayal in her daily existence. She desperately needs something to help her focus. Thankfully, her cousin’s suggestion of a dance class proves to be far more than what she initially expected.
Roman hides the depths of his pain behind a chisel physique, catchy catchphrases and a sarcastic disposition. Deep down, he longs for the same thing that Laura does. He to wants the sweetness of those quietly, shared moments and the conscious consideration of another person’s feelings. Someone he can build something with.
What is life, but not a constant test of sharing the rawest parts of yourself in hopes that someone will protect those parts of you?
#readandtellwithshantel #KimberlyRVargas #TheDance #ARC
Kimberly R. Vargas
Laura can’t avoid the constant internal loop of negativity within her mind. With every good intention, she continuously has to buffer through the mental loops and decipher, which thoughts actually belong to her. The lack of parental guidance has left her with a void that she cannot fill. The damage left by someone who should’ve protected her lingers.
When the commitment of forever with someone who vowed to love you for eternity dissolves. She is left with the constant bombardment of betrayal in her daily existence. She desperately needs something to help her focus. Thankfully, her cousin’s suggestion of a dance class proves to be far more than what she initially expected.
Roman hides the depths of his pain behind a chisel physique, catchy catchphrases and a sarcastic disposition. Deep down, he longs for the same thing that Laura does. He to wants the sweetness of those quietly, shared moments and the conscious consideration of another person’s feelings. Someone he can build something with.
What is life, but not a constant test of sharing the rawest parts of yourself in hopes that someone will protect those parts of you?
#readandtellwithshantel #KimberlyRVargas #TheDance #ARC
October 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Overall, I liked the writing and the story of one woman's comeback after taking a chance to fully believe in herself. I will admit that I found Roman's character to be insufferable for most of this book, until about the last 15%. I couldn't really take him seriously with all of the third-person speak, but even some of his interactions with Laura and her kids made me cringe. Because of this, I didn't take his character seriously as a love interest for Laura, and it definitely colored my experience as I read the rest of the book.
Laura, I found, was more believable as a character, especially as she represented someone who had been verbally abused and allowed the noise of those insults and vicious commentary to occupy her thoughts. This was a good read overall, and I think some strong messaging for anyone looking for a strong FMC who finds herself again.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Overall, I liked the writing and the story of one woman's comeback after taking a chance to fully believe in herself. I will admit that I found Roman's character to be insufferable for most of this book, until about the last 15%. I couldn't really take him seriously with all of the third-person speak, but even some of his interactions with Laura and her kids made me cringe. Because of this, I didn't take his character seriously as a love interest for Laura, and it definitely colored my experience as I read the rest of the book.
Laura, I found, was more believable as a character, especially as she represented someone who had been verbally abused and allowed the noise of those insults and vicious commentary to occupy her thoughts. This was a good read overall, and I think some strong messaging for anyone looking for a strong FMC who finds herself again.
September 19, 2025
This was such a great read. I went through all the emotions lol There were many areas of Laura’s journey of self doubt that were relatable. The way Laura talks to herself is the hardest part. I would find myself wanting to jump into the book and reassure her myself. I definitely grew to love Roman as the story progressed. I was not a fan of his hard exterior and pop-ups in the beginning, that changed the more he opened up to Laura and we got to see other sides of him. He truly loved her the way she needed! I could never get past Roman referring to himself in third person lol
Overall this was a great read! The Music selections for the class were hitting lol I can picture the scenes so clearly.
📖
4/⭐️
Thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for the gifted eARC.
These are my honest and personal thoughts.
Overall this was a great read! The Music selections for the class were hitting lol I can picture the scenes so clearly.
📖
4/⭐️
Thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for the gifted eARC.
These are my honest and personal thoughts.
September 27, 2025
I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of Kimberly Vargas’ debut novel! The Dance was a beautiful story of finding yourself after life doesn’t go as planned. I absolutely loved the dancing scenes and Laura’s journey. Kimberly writes such wonderfully real characters that I’m always rooting for (love her serial, Fallin’ for the Fame, on Substack too!) and her secondary characters always crack me up. If you’re looking for a sweet starting over story with closed door romance, this is a good one. Congratulations Kimberly!
September 28, 2025
The Dance is a beautiful, uplifting story of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovery. Laura’s journey is relatable and empowering reminding us it’s never too late to start over. There are moments that burn with anger and resentment, but this book also had me laughing and cheering.
Every dance scene felt so vivid; had me feeling like I was right there next to Roman, burning up the stage EVERY time. His early interactions with Eli cracked me up, and I loved "watching" Eli slowly win him over.
My biggest frustration? Griffin trying to spin the block once he saw Laura glowing up. And she made me mad more times than not falling for his empty promises. I wish she could hear me yelling at her through the pages 😂.
This is a good read if you prefer sweet and loving over steamy. This is a closed-door romance, but still full of intimacy and connection and I loved every page of it!
Congrats on a job well done and thank you for the ARC!
The Dance releases Oct 7. Pre-order today!
Every dance scene felt so vivid; had me feeling like I was right there next to Roman, burning up the stage EVERY time. His early interactions with Eli cracked me up, and I loved "watching" Eli slowly win him over.
My biggest frustration? Griffin trying to spin the block once he saw Laura glowing up. And she made me mad more times than not falling for his empty promises. I wish she could hear me yelling at her through the pages 😂.
This is a good read if you prefer sweet and loving over steamy. This is a closed-door romance, but still full of intimacy and connection and I loved every page of it!
Congrats on a job well done and thank you for the ARC!
The Dance releases Oct 7. Pre-order today!
December 2, 2025
What a moving story. I understood Laura’s pain. Although I’ve never been told the things her stepdad said to her, I know all about the voices in your head telling you that you’re not good enough and other harmful things. Although it took her awhile, I’m glad she regained her confidence and self love. I wanted to slap Roman many times throughout the book but he redeemed himself once he stopped being an a**hole. Overall good story with good character development. Very good read.
September 4, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you so much, Kimberly R. Vargas, for this ARC! When I saw that this book was about a plus-size dancer, I knew I had to read it. I too am a plus-size dancer &, while I’m not dealing with the same heartbreak as Laura, I do deal with some of the same insecurities. So, I saw some of me in her.
Laura’s story held my attention from beginning to end & had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Although there were times when I wanted to shake some sense into Laura, I realize that maybe those moments were needed for her growth journey. In the beginning, I went back & forth about Roman because, who talks about themselves in third person? But, eventually, even Roman’s “third person” talk grew on me & he had me all swoons & googly-eyed. I love the progression of their relationship.
This book had humor, romance, & a dash of spice. Overall, it’s an empowering story about a woman’s resilience & journey to find the woman she once was. This book will be out October 7th & I highly recommend you read it! I look forward to more from Ms. Vargas.
Thank you so much, Kimberly R. Vargas, for this ARC! When I saw that this book was about a plus-size dancer, I knew I had to read it. I too am a plus-size dancer &, while I’m not dealing with the same heartbreak as Laura, I do deal with some of the same insecurities. So, I saw some of me in her.
Laura’s story held my attention from beginning to end & had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Although there were times when I wanted to shake some sense into Laura, I realize that maybe those moments were needed for her growth journey. In the beginning, I went back & forth about Roman because, who talks about themselves in third person? But, eventually, even Roman’s “third person” talk grew on me & he had me all swoons & googly-eyed. I love the progression of their relationship.
This book had humor, romance, & a dash of spice. Overall, it’s an empowering story about a woman’s resilience & journey to find the woman she once was. This book will be out October 7th & I highly recommend you read it! I look forward to more from Ms. Vargas.
September 23, 2025
Hats off to Kimberly Vargas for this beautiful work. I saw so much of myself in Laura and this story of redemption and self discovery. You’ll laugh, maybe shed a thug tear or two and you’ll be challenged! 10/10, highly recommend.
September 23, 2025
Being apart of the process of this book was absolutely amazing. This story is absolutely beautiful and Laura is such a strong character. I would advise that anyone should read this and follow Laura's journey!
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I saw a lot of myself in Laura and I was so glad she was finally able to shine again!
November 9, 2025
This story is a beautiful blend of healing, rediscovery, and finding love again all wrapped into one. But listen… there were times where I wanted to jump through the pages and strangle a couple characters... leave them sittin’ there lookin’ like a cartoon with their eyes popped out 😳😂.
That’s how you kno Kimberly did her thing... the story had me that invested. Beautifully delivered, deeply felt, and definitely a must read.
📚🕺🏾💃🏽 Add this to your TBR immediately.
That’s how you kno Kimberly did her thing... the story had me that invested. Beautifully delivered, deeply felt, and definitely a must read.
📚🕺🏾💃🏽 Add this to your TBR immediately.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews