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The Dancing Girl #1
The Dancing Girl
In the shadows of Boston Jordan Vance was just trying to survive the night shift at a Boston strip club when an Iranian general’s hit squad comes for her, she realizes her life has been a lie. A man she thought was long buried—is a witness to international atrocities, and Jordan is the only leverage the enemy has left.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with a stoic freelance operative with a lethal set of skills, they race to stay ahead of a global conspiracy, Jordan doesn't just hide behind her protector—she learns from him. In a world of heartless predators, Jordan Vance is about to become the most dangerous player on the board.
Praise for The Dancing Girl:
“Hotchkiss delivers a dark thriller about a young Bostonian who’s hunted by professional killers and adapts to their lethal mindset to survive.... A gritty and entertaining, if sometimes formulaic, international thriller.” — Kirkus Reviews - Our Verdict: Get It
From the Prologue of The Dancing Girl:
My gaze snagged on a shadow— a man leaning against a car, perfectly positioned between me and my own car.
He didn't seem to notice me. Normally, that would have put me at ease, but tonight—dressed in five-inch heels, shiny black vinyl short-shorts, and a crop top that left little to the imagination—someone not noticing me made me highly suspicious. It was as if he was deliberately trying to appear as though he hadn't seen me.
I fixed my stare straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact, and tried to pick up my pace—a ridiculous endeavor given the stilettos. I shifted the grocery bag to my left arm, my fingers already fumbling for my car keys tucked into the waistband of my shorts. I just wanted that door open and me inside. Fast.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught his subtle shift; his body straightened, a casual pose turning into a purposeful one. My nerves, already frayed, snapped. I fumbled the keys, and they clattered to the ground.
As I squatted down, scrambling to retrieve them, I could practically feel his presence just behind me. Keys back in hand, I quickly shifted them, trying to isolate a single, sharp edge to use as a weapon. I pivoted, ready to strike, but he was closer than I’d thought.
His hand was a vise around my throat before I could even complete the turn. The grocery bag dropped with a muffled thud. I lunged, driving the key toward him, but again, I was too slow. His other hand clamped around my wrist, crushing my attempt. The pressure on my throat intensified, cutting off my breath, and a sickening lightheadedness began creeping in.
Through the haze of panic and the rush of blood in my ears, only one thought truly crystallized:
This night really sucks.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with a stoic freelance operative with a lethal set of skills, they race to stay ahead of a global conspiracy, Jordan doesn't just hide behind her protector—she learns from him. In a world of heartless predators, Jordan Vance is about to become the most dangerous player on the board.
Praise for The Dancing Girl:
“Hotchkiss delivers a dark thriller about a young Bostonian who’s hunted by professional killers and adapts to their lethal mindset to survive.... A gritty and entertaining, if sometimes formulaic, international thriller.” — Kirkus Reviews - Our Verdict: Get It
From the Prologue of The Dancing Girl:
My gaze snagged on a shadow— a man leaning against a car, perfectly positioned between me and my own car.
He didn't seem to notice me. Normally, that would have put me at ease, but tonight—dressed in five-inch heels, shiny black vinyl short-shorts, and a crop top that left little to the imagination—someone not noticing me made me highly suspicious. It was as if he was deliberately trying to appear as though he hadn't seen me.
I fixed my stare straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact, and tried to pick up my pace—a ridiculous endeavor given the stilettos. I shifted the grocery bag to my left arm, my fingers already fumbling for my car keys tucked into the waistband of my shorts. I just wanted that door open and me inside. Fast.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught his subtle shift; his body straightened, a casual pose turning into a purposeful one. My nerves, already frayed, snapped. I fumbled the keys, and they clattered to the ground.
As I squatted down, scrambling to retrieve them, I could practically feel his presence just behind me. Keys back in hand, I quickly shifted them, trying to isolate a single, sharp edge to use as a weapon. I pivoted, ready to strike, but he was closer than I’d thought.
His hand was a vise around my throat before I could even complete the turn. The grocery bag dropped with a muffled thud. I lunged, driving the key toward him, but again, I was too slow. His other hand clamped around my wrist, crushing my attempt. The pressure on my throat intensified, cutting off my breath, and a sickening lightheadedness began creeping in.
Through the haze of panic and the rush of blood in my ears, only one thought truly crystallized:
This night really sucks.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2026
About the author
S. Hotchkiss
4 books58 followersReader to Storyteller:
My Journey into Novels
My earliest and fondest memories aren't of toys or games, but of the sound of my mother’s voice. We were living through challenging times back then, and the stories she read to me were more than just entertainment—they were a vital escape into adventures far beyond our front door.
Life eventually changed for the better. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful life and a career that allowed me to travel and meet incredible people from all walks of life.
Yet, through every mile traveled and every professional milestone reached, two things remained constant: my deep-seated love for books and my profound admiration for intelligent, strong women—those who aren’t perfect, but who refuse to be anything other than exactly who they are.
When the time finally came to begin a new chapter, it felt only natural to return to that first love. I decided to pick up the pen and center my own stories around the kind of women I respect most: those who live their lives boldly and authentically.
To those of you who share this passion for writing, I encourage you to follow that spark. Start today, no matter how small the first step feels. And for those who prefer to find their adventures within the pages of a book, I truly hope you find something to love in the novels I’ve written.
My Journey into Novels
My earliest and fondest memories aren't of toys or games, but of the sound of my mother’s voice. We were living through challenging times back then, and the stories she read to me were more than just entertainment—they were a vital escape into adventures far beyond our front door.
Life eventually changed for the better. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful life and a career that allowed me to travel and meet incredible people from all walks of life.
Yet, through every mile traveled and every professional milestone reached, two things remained constant: my deep-seated love for books and my profound admiration for intelligent, strong women—those who aren’t perfect, but who refuse to be anything other than exactly who they are.
When the time finally came to begin a new chapter, it felt only natural to return to that first love. I decided to pick up the pen and center my own stories around the kind of women I respect most: those who live their lives boldly and authentically.
To those of you who share this passion for writing, I encourage you to follow that spark. Start today, no matter how small the first step feels. And for those who prefer to find their adventures within the pages of a book, I truly hope you find something to love in the novels I’ve written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 20, 2026
Thanks to S. for this Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't my typical genre of book. I liked it for a quick, fast-paced read. The action starts right at the beginning and sucked me right into the plot. I loved Jordan as a strong female character and Dennis supporting that strength. The romance writing was weak and felt uncomfortable, almost forced.
This was the first book in a series so many things were planted but not explained. I am not a fan of series books so I will have to be content with not knowing the rest of the story.
This isn't my typical genre of book. I liked it for a quick, fast-paced read. The action starts right at the beginning and sucked me right into the plot. I loved Jordan as a strong female character and Dennis supporting that strength. The romance writing was weak and felt uncomfortable, almost forced.
This was the first book in a series so many things were planted but not explained. I am not a fan of series books so I will have to be content with not knowing the rest of the story.
April 2, 2026
A Thrilling Read for Ages
In the first-person narrative, college student and exotic dancer Jordan ‘Angel’ Vance’s routine at The Silk Club is disrupted when she is accosted at the parking lot. “If you stop…give up, you’ll…survive the night.” Luckily, a stranger neutralizes the attacker, rescuing her in the nick of time. Thus begins the mystery thriller.
Her official protector, Dennis, is a military operative. Why? Jordan soon realizes she’s a bargaining chip in a high-stakes international operation ranging from Boston, Massachusetts to Iran. So, where does she come in? Her father, Michael Vance, was more than just a civil engineer: “he was a specialist…consulted for foreign governments on high-security infrastructure…your father saw things he wasn’t supposed to.” Michael witnessed a wealthy, influential and cruel Iranian general’s dark secrets—including crimes against humanity—that would prompt his prosecution at the International Criminal Court.
Here’s where the plot goes high-octane. Her father ‘died’ in an England car accident while she was fourteen. The principled Michael, who had stolen incriminating evidence from Iran, was traveling to a council in the UK when a tense hit team pursued them, as per Dennis. But “if he surfaced…went to the police” the general “would finish the job.” “Where’s he?” If the general “finds you, he uses you to drag your father out of whatever hole he’s hiding in.”
Exciting!
A lonesome exotic dancer’s principled father is long presumed dead. But there’s a cold truth. And a hit team knows she’s the perfect human bait to lure an elusive former security consultant, whose dark secrets are a foreign general’s nightmare, out from the shadows. What happens next is a thrilling read for ages.
In the first-person narrative, college student and exotic dancer Jordan ‘Angel’ Vance’s routine at The Silk Club is disrupted when she is accosted at the parking lot. “If you stop…give up, you’ll…survive the night.” Luckily, a stranger neutralizes the attacker, rescuing her in the nick of time. Thus begins the mystery thriller.
Her official protector, Dennis, is a military operative. Why? Jordan soon realizes she’s a bargaining chip in a high-stakes international operation ranging from Boston, Massachusetts to Iran. So, where does she come in? Her father, Michael Vance, was more than just a civil engineer: “he was a specialist…consulted for foreign governments on high-security infrastructure…your father saw things he wasn’t supposed to.” Michael witnessed a wealthy, influential and cruel Iranian general’s dark secrets—including crimes against humanity—that would prompt his prosecution at the International Criminal Court.
Here’s where the plot goes high-octane. Her father ‘died’ in an England car accident while she was fourteen. The principled Michael, who had stolen incriminating evidence from Iran, was traveling to a council in the UK when a tense hit team pursued them, as per Dennis. But “if he surfaced…went to the police” the general “would finish the job.” “Where’s he?” If the general “finds you, he uses you to drag your father out of whatever hole he’s hiding in.”
Exciting!
A lonesome exotic dancer’s principled father is long presumed dead. But there’s a cold truth. And a hit team knows she’s the perfect human bait to lure an elusive former security consultant, whose dark secrets are a foreign general’s nightmare, out from the shadows. What happens next is a thrilling read for ages.
March 31, 2026
The story is fast-paced, with a plot that keeps everything moving smoothly from start to finish. I really loved the characters, especially Jordan and Dennis. Jordan is sassy, strong, and fiery—she doesn’t take any crap and isn’t afraid to put someone in their place. Dennis, on the other hand, is a military-trained operative assigned to protect her. He’s her complete opposite: steady, highly skilled, a bit cold, and guarded—but Jordan slowly begins to chip away at the walls he’s built around himself.
Set in Boston, Massachusetts, this was such a fun and quick read. I was hooked from the very first page, constantly wanting to know what would happen next—and honestly, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I’ll definitely be reading more from S. Hotchkiss. His writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, without unnecessary fluff, which made the story even more engaging.
There’s also a twist and a few secrets that come to light, adding depth and strengthening the overall storyline. I really enjoyed this book—it’s the kind that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it and still lives rent-free in your mind.
Set in Boston, Massachusetts, this was such a fun and quick read. I was hooked from the very first page, constantly wanting to know what would happen next—and honestly, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I’ll definitely be reading more from S. Hotchkiss. His writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, without unnecessary fluff, which made the story even more engaging.
There’s also a twist and a few secrets that come to light, adding depth and strengthening the overall storyline. I really enjoyed this book—it’s the kind that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it and still lives rent-free in your mind.
June 3, 2026
This was such a thrilling listen! I did the audiobook version that was just released, and I really enjoyed how fast paced the whole story is. I love how Jordan didn’t fold with her circumstances. She adapted and changed; became a force to be reckoned with! The plot and romance was so well balanced too! The narrators did a fantastic job too! Looking forward to seeing what Jordan gets into as the series progresses!
March 18, 2026
A fast paced suspense filled page turner that really pulls you in with the character development arc of the main heroine and leaves you already wanting for the next book in the series. I recommend you pick this book up for your next weekend or vacation read, you won’t regret it.
October 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ 4.25 stars
📚 The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss
🎁 Received via a Goodreads Giveaway!
Jordan Vance’s journey from dancer to survivor was one of the most compelling parts of this story. When Dennis saves her, he becomes more than her protector—he’s a steady presence in a world where everything she believes about her life begins to unravel.
Discovering that her father is still alive and learning the truth about her parents forces Jordan to confront not only her past but also her own sense of identity. Watching her move from fear and uncertainty toward courage and resilience added real emotional depth to her transformation. She doesn’t simply become stronger; she learns to reclaim her power and fight for a future on her own terms.
The suspense, dangerous secrets, and evolving dynamic between Jordan and Dennis kept me engaged throughout. A story of survival, identity, and discovering strength when life takes everything you thought you knew.
📚 The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss
🎁 Received via a Goodreads Giveaway!
Jordan Vance’s journey from dancer to survivor was one of the most compelling parts of this story. When Dennis saves her, he becomes more than her protector—he’s a steady presence in a world where everything she believes about her life begins to unravel.
Discovering that her father is still alive and learning the truth about her parents forces Jordan to confront not only her past but also her own sense of identity. Watching her move from fear and uncertainty toward courage and resilience added real emotional depth to her transformation. She doesn’t simply become stronger; she learns to reclaim her power and fight for a future on her own terms.
The suspense, dangerous secrets, and evolving dynamic between Jordan and Dennis kept me engaged throughout. A story of survival, identity, and discovering strength when life takes everything you thought you knew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2026
I thought this book was amazing. Very well written. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Once you start reading, you don't want to put the book down. Just the right amount of action, story telling & spice. Highly recommend.
August 4, 2026
Great storytelling. Would highly suggest reading this.
May 21, 2026
Good but the ending 😐
I really liked the book but the ending 😫 . I really wanted the happy ending but I understand why it ended the way it did. I did love that the author made Jordan a badass and made it so she could stand on her own!
I really liked the book but the ending 😫 . I really wanted the happy ending but I understand why it ended the way it did. I did love that the author made Jordan a badass and made it so she could stand on her own!
May 30, 2026
It gave what I was expecting out of a thriller and it did keep my attention pretty well. Spoiler: It fits my own sense of justice to have "the bad guy" defeated, but I was a bit put out that Dennis doesn't have a continuing story arc. Good entertainment, well worth the read and not too gritty to be enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
Storyline held my attention throughout
April 5, 2026
After the Break, Movement
The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss begins with a sharp premise: a young woman managing the routines of precarious work is suddenly pulled into a world structured by violence and geopolitical stakes she did not know she was part of. What held my attention early on was how quickly the novel establishes this shift without overexplaining it. Jordan Vance is introduced through her vulnerability, but that position does not remain fixed for long. The narrative moves with urgency, and I found myself carried along by its momentum, especially in the opening sequences, which unfold with a vivid, almost visual intensity. The premise itself leans on familiar thriller frameworks, though the immediacy of the storytelling makes it easy to stay engaged.
As Jordan is forced into proximity with a professional operative, the story develops through movement—escape, pursuit, brief pauses that never fully resolve into safety. I was particularly interested in how her character evolves within this framework. She does not remain dependent on protection; instead, she watches, adapts, and gradually recalibrates her sense of what survival requires. The dynamic between her and the operative shifts over time, building a form of trust that feels contingent and situational rather than secure. While some elements of this relationship follow sort-of-clichéd patterns, the emphasis on her agency gives it a slightly different weight. The prose remains direct and accessible throughout, which suits the speed of the plot, even if it occasionally flattens moments that could have carried more emotional complexity.
What stayed with me was less the conspiracy itself and more the trajectory of transformation. The novel seems interested in how quickly a person can be reshaped by pressure, how fear can become a kind of training ground. I read it in a fairly continuous stretch, drawn in by its pace, even when certain turns felt predictable. A nice, intense read for thriller enthusiasts!
The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss begins with a sharp premise: a young woman managing the routines of precarious work is suddenly pulled into a world structured by violence and geopolitical stakes she did not know she was part of. What held my attention early on was how quickly the novel establishes this shift without overexplaining it. Jordan Vance is introduced through her vulnerability, but that position does not remain fixed for long. The narrative moves with urgency, and I found myself carried along by its momentum, especially in the opening sequences, which unfold with a vivid, almost visual intensity. The premise itself leans on familiar thriller frameworks, though the immediacy of the storytelling makes it easy to stay engaged.
As Jordan is forced into proximity with a professional operative, the story develops through movement—escape, pursuit, brief pauses that never fully resolve into safety. I was particularly interested in how her character evolves within this framework. She does not remain dependent on protection; instead, she watches, adapts, and gradually recalibrates her sense of what survival requires. The dynamic between her and the operative shifts over time, building a form of trust that feels contingent and situational rather than secure. While some elements of this relationship follow sort-of-clichéd patterns, the emphasis on her agency gives it a slightly different weight. The prose remains direct and accessible throughout, which suits the speed of the plot, even if it occasionally flattens moments that could have carried more emotional complexity.
What stayed with me was less the conspiracy itself and more the trajectory of transformation. The novel seems interested in how quickly a person can be reshaped by pressure, how fear can become a kind of training ground. I read it in a fairly continuous stretch, drawn in by its pace, even when certain turns felt predictable. A nice, intense read for thriller enthusiasts!
July 25, 2026
This was a quick read. The story line kept me involved and I would like to read additional books in this series.
May 20, 2026
Such a good read!! There are so many twists and turns that are great surprises. Thanks
September 12, 2026
Loved the book! I couldn’t put it down ! I read it in one day,
July 2, 2026
"Dancing Girl" by S. Hotchkiss is a "10 out of 10" . Read
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. This book was fast moving from start to finish. The author tells a fascinating
tale of excitement and believable action. You will not be able to put it down. Enjoy it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. This book was fast moving from start to finish. The author tells a fascinating
tale of excitement and believable action. You will not be able to put it down. Enjoy it.
April 28, 2026
Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down! It was an entertaining read from page one and I can’t wait to read in the series!
June 15, 2026
3.5 stars. Fun read. Got into it quickly. But, very unrealistic by the end there. The logical part of me was rolling eyes but decent!
March 22, 2026
The Dancing Girl is a fast-paced thriller that quickly pulls readers into a world of danger, secrets, and survival. The story follows Jordan Vance, a college student who works nights at a strip club to support herself. Her life takes a sudden and frightening turn when she is attacked in a parking lot by a trained killer. In that moment, she is saved by a mysterious man, but instead of safety, she is pulled deeper into a dangerous situation. She soon learns that she is not being targeted randomly she is part of something much bigger involving powerful people and hidden truths.
As the story moves forward, Jordan is forced to stay with this unknown protector, who is highly skilled and clearly used to violence. Together, they stay on the run, trying to understand who is after her and why. Along the way, Jordan slowly realizes that she cannot depend on others to survive. She begins to observe, learn, and change. The story shows her growth from someone scared and confused into someone more aware, strong, and capable. This journey is one of the most interesting parts of the book.
The writing style is simple and clear, which makes the book easy to read and follow. The action scenes are quick and intense, and the story rarely slows down. While some parts may feel familiar, especially the idea of a mysterious protector and hidden past, the way the story is told keeps it engaging. The connection between Jordan and the man helping her also adds depth, as their relationship slowly develops through trust and shared danger.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy action, suspense, and character growth. It is a good choice if you want a story that is exciting but also easy to understand. This book is not just about running and fighting it is about how a person can change when faced with fear and pressure. Overall, it is an entertaining thriller that keeps you interested from start to finish.
As the story moves forward, Jordan is forced to stay with this unknown protector, who is highly skilled and clearly used to violence. Together, they stay on the run, trying to understand who is after her and why. Along the way, Jordan slowly realizes that she cannot depend on others to survive. She begins to observe, learn, and change. The story shows her growth from someone scared and confused into someone more aware, strong, and capable. This journey is one of the most interesting parts of the book.
The writing style is simple and clear, which makes the book easy to read and follow. The action scenes are quick and intense, and the story rarely slows down. While some parts may feel familiar, especially the idea of a mysterious protector and hidden past, the way the story is told keeps it engaging. The connection between Jordan and the man helping her also adds depth, as their relationship slowly develops through trust and shared danger.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy action, suspense, and character growth. It is a good choice if you want a story that is exciting but also easy to understand. This book is not just about running and fighting it is about how a person can change when faced with fear and pressure. Overall, it is an entertaining thriller that keeps you interested from start to finish.
April 8, 2026
The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss tells the story of Jordan Vance. She is a college student working as a dancer. One night, a stranger tries to kill her in a parking lot. At the same time, another man steps in and kills the attacker. She has to run for her life with that man named Dennis. Why? Because Dennis promised her that he would explain everything to her if she stayed with him. From that moment, Jordan’s ordinary life ends.
The main villain is General Vahidi. He is powerful and rich and uses people just as tools. Dennis, who saved Jordan from General Vahidi's man, becomes her protector. As the story progresses, they develop feelings for each other, and the author beautifully portrays that even strong people can feel emotions and care about others.
The writing is simple, and the story is easy to follow. Some parts of the story move very fast, and sometimes it feels like things happen too quickly. For example, Jordan learns new skills too quickly, but that makes sense. In the concluding chapters, the story is loaded with clear action and tense planning scenes. It feels like you are watching some high-octane action drama.
The book is about the transformative journey of Jordan, who becomes a skilled, strategic fighter from an innocent dancer. The book does not pretend that this is a happy transformation. Jordan wins, but she loses her innocence. Each violent act leaves a mark on her soul. It also validates the fact that most of us believe we know who we are until life puts a knife to our throat and forces us to find out. The ending is a victory with loss, not a happy ending.
The main villain is General Vahidi. He is powerful and rich and uses people just as tools. Dennis, who saved Jordan from General Vahidi's man, becomes her protector. As the story progresses, they develop feelings for each other, and the author beautifully portrays that even strong people can feel emotions and care about others.
The writing is simple, and the story is easy to follow. Some parts of the story move very fast, and sometimes it feels like things happen too quickly. For example, Jordan learns new skills too quickly, but that makes sense. In the concluding chapters, the story is loaded with clear action and tense planning scenes. It feels like you are watching some high-octane action drama.
The book is about the transformative journey of Jordan, who becomes a skilled, strategic fighter from an innocent dancer. The book does not pretend that this is a happy transformation. Jordan wins, but she loses her innocence. Each violent act leaves a mark on her soul. It also validates the fact that most of us believe we know who we are until life puts a knife to our throat and forces us to find out. The ending is a victory with loss, not a happy ending.
April 4, 2026
A High-Energy Thriller That Keeps You Hooked
THE DANCING GIRL opens with immediate action and maintains a steady pace throughout. Jordan begins as someone simply trying to get through her routine, but everything changes in a single night, pulling her into something far more dangerous. The story leans into that high-stakes energy, moving from one tense moment to the next, without losing momentum. It’s easy to stay engaged because there’s always something unfolding, and the mystery surrounding her past adds an extra layer of intrigue.
One of the book’s strongest elements is Jordan’s growth. She isn’t just a character being protected. She learns, adapts, and becomes more capable as the story progresses. Her dynamic with Dennis works well, with his calm, controlled nature balancing her more reactive and emotional side. Their interactions provide brief pauses in the action while still moving the story forward. I found their developing relationship added depth without taking away from the overall tension.
The plot combines personal stakes with a broader international threat, giving the story a wider scope. While some moments lean into familiar thriller conventions, they are handled in a way that keeps the narrative engaging. Still, THE DANCING GIRL delivers a compelling mix of action, suspense, and character development, making it a strong choice for fans of fast-paced thrillers.
THE DANCING GIRL opens with immediate action and maintains a steady pace throughout. Jordan begins as someone simply trying to get through her routine, but everything changes in a single night, pulling her into something far more dangerous. The story leans into that high-stakes energy, moving from one tense moment to the next, without losing momentum. It’s easy to stay engaged because there’s always something unfolding, and the mystery surrounding her past adds an extra layer of intrigue.
One of the book’s strongest elements is Jordan’s growth. She isn’t just a character being protected. She learns, adapts, and becomes more capable as the story progresses. Her dynamic with Dennis works well, with his calm, controlled nature balancing her more reactive and emotional side. Their interactions provide brief pauses in the action while still moving the story forward. I found their developing relationship added depth without taking away from the overall tension.
The plot combines personal stakes with a broader international threat, giving the story a wider scope. While some moments lean into familiar thriller conventions, they are handled in a way that keeps the narrative engaging. Still, THE DANCING GIRL delivers a compelling mix of action, suspense, and character development, making it a strong choice for fans of fast-paced thrillers.
April 3, 2026
The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss is a romantic thriller with a woman named Jordan (alias Angel) at its heart. Having been through a traumatic past, Jordan is someone who has tried to make peace with her life and is trying to get by. But that is only until she discovers what she knows about herself is not the actual truth. Caught in a game of high-stakes chase, Jordan comes to rely on Dennis as a protector and friend, even as she slowly falls in love with him.
The plot is fast-moving with pacy writing, which keeps the reader engaged. Hotchkiss has also brought out the relationship between Jordan and Dennis very well. Their romance adds another layer to an already interesting story, which makes the book unputdownable. Not only do they support and help each other survive, but they also help each other heal emotionally.
The planning and the carrying out of the assassination of Vahidi are the high points of the book. There is drama and action as well as intrigue in that section. The fact that readers see Jordan standing up to the bad guy even though she is risking her life shows how much the character has grown through the book.
There was definitely an unexpected plot twist at the end, but the way the book is set up, there is a good chance for the next book, which will hopefully also tie all the loose ends and give the reader more of Jordan’s world and life.
The plot is fast-moving with pacy writing, which keeps the reader engaged. Hotchkiss has also brought out the relationship between Jordan and Dennis very well. Their romance adds another layer to an already interesting story, which makes the book unputdownable. Not only do they support and help each other survive, but they also help each other heal emotionally.
The planning and the carrying out of the assassination of Vahidi are the high points of the book. There is drama and action as well as intrigue in that section. The fact that readers see Jordan standing up to the bad guy even though she is risking her life shows how much the character has grown through the book.
There was definitely an unexpected plot twist at the end, but the way the book is set up, there is a good chance for the next book, which will hopefully also tie all the loose ends and give the reader more of Jordan’s world and life.
March 25, 2026
The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss delivers a gripping opening that immediately throws readers into chaos and danger. The story wastes no time establishing tension, and the first encounter in the parking lot sets the tone for everything that follows. What stands out early on is how grounded the fear feels—Jordan isn’t a trained fighter, just someone caught in a situation far beyond her understanding.
As the narrative unfolds, the novel leans heavily into its action-thriller roots. The pacing is relentless, rarely allowing readers to pause, which works well for maintaining suspense. The introduction of the mysterious operative adds intrigue, and while his character initially feels familiar, his interactions with Jordan give the story a human edge.
Overall, this book is an entertaining read for those who enjoy fast-moving plots. It may follow some recognizable thriller patterns, but its strong pacing and character evolution make it worth the time. Jordan’s transformation is particularly satisfying to watch.
April 11, 2026
A night that begins with an attempted murder sees exotic dancer Jordan saved by a deadly, serious man. But the question is: why would someone want to kill a young dancer in Boston? And why would a man whose job is to protect high-profile individuals step in to defend her?
There is a long road journey, moments of silence, and a consistent sense of depth. The story even includes disposing of a killer’s body by the river. The attention to detail is remarkable, both in small conversations and major thematic events. Dennis is the man defending Jordan, and it all traces back to her father, an engineer who once worked for an Iranian general who is now after the girl.
This is an intensely thrilling plot that unfolds at an even pace. The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss is a strong start to the series. It has most of the elements needed to make a great suspense thriller.
There is a long road journey, moments of silence, and a consistent sense of depth. The story even includes disposing of a killer’s body by the river. The attention to detail is remarkable, both in small conversations and major thematic events. Dennis is the man defending Jordan, and it all traces back to her father, an engineer who once worked for an Iranian general who is now after the girl.
This is an intensely thrilling plot that unfolds at an even pace. The Dancing Girl by S. Hotchkiss is a strong start to the series. It has most of the elements needed to make a great suspense thriller.
March 19, 2026
S Hotchkiss' The Dancing Girl starts with action, and keeps that high tempo until the very last page. For the first several chapters, The Dancing Girl is a blur of excitement, violence, and mystery. We are unsure about why our main character Jordan was attacked, and who her mysterious (and obviously dangerous) helper may be. However, that's almost what makes this book appealing. It's a blend of mystery and thriller that's hard to detach from. As a reader, you WANT to keep reading to unravel the mystery. And Hotchkiss leads readers on like a fisherman baiting their prey- with expert precision.
At times, certain stylistic choices (like the "mysterious helper clad in black") may come across cliche or trope-y, but that rarely detracts from the overall story.
At times, certain stylistic choices (like the "mysterious helper clad in black") may come across cliche or trope-y, but that rarely detracts from the overall story.
March 25, 2026
The Dancing Girl (The Dancing Girl Mystery Thrillers Book 1) by S. Hotchkiss gives readers a fast-paced, gritty thriller that keeps the tension high from the beginning. The story is centered around Jordan Vance, a young woman whose life is overturned in a single night. From there story quickly turns into a dangerous web of international intrigue, hired killers, and secrets. What was at first about survival turns into something more, as Jordan goes from a target into a force to be reckoned with.
The novel’s strongest element is its constant action. This makes the momentum of the story fast paced. The author is able to blend the action easily with moments of mystery that keep the reader engaged. The character development is very well done, Jordan’s in particular. The story occasionally turns into familiar thriller tropes. This makes certain twists feel a little predictable, however it never takes away from the enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, The Dancing Girl is an enjoyable and engaging read that blends action, suspense, and character growth. A strong start to the series.
The novel’s strongest element is its constant action. This makes the momentum of the story fast paced. The author is able to blend the action easily with moments of mystery that keep the reader engaged. The character development is very well done, Jordan’s in particular. The story occasionally turns into familiar thriller tropes. This makes certain twists feel a little predictable, however it never takes away from the enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, The Dancing Girl is an enjoyable and engaging read that blends action, suspense, and character growth. A strong start to the series.
April 7, 2026
THE DANCING GIRL is a high stakes, high octane thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I completely went into this book expecting something quite low key and bog standard, instead I was taken on a wild ride that had be turning pages well into the night because I needed to know what happened next.
There were so many wonderful twists and turns in this novel. Usually I can see them coming a mile off, but this book genuinely surprised me and I think that’s what kept me so captivated.
If you’re a fan of books like the Borne Identity, this is definitely something I would recommend.
There were so many wonderful twists and turns in this novel. Usually I can see them coming a mile off, but this book genuinely surprised me and I think that’s what kept me so captivated.
If you’re a fan of books like the Borne Identity, this is definitely something I would recommend.
April 22, 2026
Imagine your whole life being a lie. You're just getting through another night shift when you find out the hard way that an Iranian general has you on his hit list and there are long kept secrets that will make or break your life. That was the case for Jordan Vance. She meets her protector and not only does he guard her, she learns his ways and becomes the most lethal killer ever. The drama, suspense, tension and twists is a book worthy of the bestseller list. Hotchkiss does fantastic work using imagery, tone, and settings to construct such brilliance. Totally unexpected from the title but definitely worth the read. Highly recommend to everyone that love stories with a twist.
October 28, 2026
Excellent!!
I won this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. I have to say that it was an excellent read! The action started right away and never slowed down! The pacing was on point and the main characters kicked butt! I highly recommend that you read this book!
#GoodreadsGiveaway
I won this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. I have to say that it was an excellent read! The action started right away and never slowed down! The pacing was on point and the main characters kicked butt! I highly recommend that you read this book!
#GoodreadsGiveaway
April 27, 2026
Good read
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