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Dance for Me: The Sinners' Playground Series
The curtains are drawn.
The stage is set.
Are you ready to play?
Harper
Cirque is the legacy I will leave behind, a playground for the grown and elite. As the contortionists bend and costumes are shed, a new threat builds from within, aiming to lead Cirque down a dark path and destroy my name in the process. In a world that feeds off blurred lines and questionable morals, I only have one rule in my club that garners no no drugs. Ever. Now someone is using the one thing I fight against and mocking me with it, exploiting Cirque as a front and my name as a scapegoat. The evidence against me is stacking up and I can’t afford to lose focus now, can’t afford to show any weakness. Then he walked in, challenging my solitude, and breathing life into desires I long ago buried. I can’t afford the distraction, but the more I let him in, the farther I can feel my mask slipping away.
Colton
It was only supposed to be a job, nothing more than a means to an end. Everything I knew about the cold, ruthless club owner should have been enough to keep me far away, but when a twist of fate alters my job description, I find myself constantly at her side. Promises of keeping my head down and staying out of trouble are forgotten memories as my desire for her grows with my need to protect her. I need to find out who is impersonating Harper and stop the threats against her, but more than anything, I just need her. I play with her patience, and she plays with my self-control, each smile and touch pulling me further on stage. It was only supposed to be a job, but the further I’m dragged into her world, the harder it is to remember I was never meant to be a player in this act.
The stage is set.
Are you ready to play?
Harper
Cirque is the legacy I will leave behind, a playground for the grown and elite. As the contortionists bend and costumes are shed, a new threat builds from within, aiming to lead Cirque down a dark path and destroy my name in the process. In a world that feeds off blurred lines and questionable morals, I only have one rule in my club that garners no no drugs. Ever. Now someone is using the one thing I fight against and mocking me with it, exploiting Cirque as a front and my name as a scapegoat. The evidence against me is stacking up and I can’t afford to lose focus now, can’t afford to show any weakness. Then he walked in, challenging my solitude, and breathing life into desires I long ago buried. I can’t afford the distraction, but the more I let him in, the farther I can feel my mask slipping away.
Colton
It was only supposed to be a job, nothing more than a means to an end. Everything I knew about the cold, ruthless club owner should have been enough to keep me far away, but when a twist of fate alters my job description, I find myself constantly at her side. Promises of keeping my head down and staying out of trouble are forgotten memories as my desire for her grows with my need to protect her. I need to find out who is impersonating Harper and stop the threats against her, but more than anything, I just need her. I play with her patience, and she plays with my self-control, each smile and touch pulling me further on stage. It was only supposed to be a job, but the further I’m dragged into her world, the harder it is to remember I was never meant to be a player in this act.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 28, 2026
I beta read for this book and all I have to say is KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR IT! It was so amazing, so fresh, so unique. Everything about the book tickled my brain! Harper and Colton are both beautifully written, when I finished I wanted more. I cannot wait to see what else this beautiful author writes, I’m patiently waiting for the remaining stories. I’m jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time, it will be a reread for me for sure!
May 25, 2026
I seriously cannot believe this is a DEBUT NOVEL?!! This definitely reads like it’s from a seasoned author with many books under their belt. D.E. Ren gives us a wild ride between Harper and Colton. So buckle up and grab your cotton candy and get ready for this unhinged adventure!
🎪Workplace romance
🖤He falls first
🎪Golden retriever MMC
🖤Unhinged and strong FMC
🎪Romantic suspense
Colton shows up for a job interview as a bartender, but ends up becoming the assistant to the boss. Which he definitely gets way more than he bargained for. Harper is a little unhinged, a lot closed off, and a whole lot of sexy. Our man Colton is DOWN BAD for Harper almost immediately and I’m here for it.
This book is full of so many twists and turns and I never could have guessed who ended up being the bad guy. I loved the web of suspense that this author built up and can we talk about that twist?! Never would have guessed that.
I cannot wait to read more from D.E. Ren in the future!
🎪Workplace romance
🖤He falls first
🎪Golden retriever MMC
🖤Unhinged and strong FMC
🎪Romantic suspense
Colton shows up for a job interview as a bartender, but ends up becoming the assistant to the boss. Which he definitely gets way more than he bargained for. Harper is a little unhinged, a lot closed off, and a whole lot of sexy. Our man Colton is DOWN BAD for Harper almost immediately and I’m here for it.
This book is full of so many twists and turns and I never could have guessed who ended up being the bad guy. I loved the web of suspense that this author built up and can we talk about that twist?! Never would have guessed that.
I cannot wait to read more from D.E. Ren in the future!
May 17, 2026
I saw the cover art for this and knew I needed to apply for the ARC of this book!
I love the concept of this being a circus themed adult nightclub. Harper is our FMC and the ringleader as it were.
Colton enters the picture when he shows up for an interview. He thinks he’s there for a bartender job, but Harper asks him to dance for her….and he does.
The push and pull between these two was delicious.
THE TWISTS?! I did not see ANY of them coming. At all. Whoa.
I will not spoil anything for you. Give this a read when it comes out!
I love the concept of this being a circus themed adult nightclub. Harper is our FMC and the ringleader as it were.
Colton enters the picture when he shows up for an interview. He thinks he’s there for a bartender job, but Harper asks him to dance for her….and he does.
The push and pull between these two was delicious.
THE TWISTS?! I did not see ANY of them coming. At all. Whoa.
I will not spoil anything for you. Give this a read when it comes out!
May 26, 2026
Review to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 ⭐ ARC Review 'Dance For Me'
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒕. 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚...
🎭Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎭Boss x Employee
🎭Sisterly Love
🎭Circus Theme Nightclub
🎭Down Bad MMC
🎭Romantic Suspense
🎭Unhinged FMC
🎭He Falls First
🎭Forced Proximity
I enjoyed this read, the banter between these characters, the writing flow and style.
Mystery, suspense, passion, comes a fierce club owner Harper, who takes sh** from no one.
A place for elite guest and dark desires.
Carried a good storyline with some things I never saw coming. Kept me intrigued to turn the next page.
Colton, turns out he's keeping secrets of his own, accidently lands himself a different job role than initially what he was applying for. Theirs a challenge between these two characters that neither feel to back down from.
A story of letting go, to trust, of jealousy, control and corruption.
For a debut book, I think this was a fantastic read and can't wait to see what comes next!
🎭Harper
Cirque is the legacy I will leave behind, a playground for the grown and elite. As the contortionists bend and costumes are shed, a new threat builds from within, aiming to lead Cirque down a dark path and destroy my name in the process. In a world that feeds off blurred lines and questionable morals, I only have one rule in my club that garners no mercy: no drugs. Ever. Now someone is using the one thing I fight against and mocking me with it, exploiting Cirque as a front and my name as a scapegoat. The evidence against me is stacking up and I can’t afford to lose focus now, can’t afford to show any weakness. Then he walked in, challenging my solitude, and breathing life into desires I long ago buried. I can’t afford the distraction, but the more I let him in, the farther I can feel my mask slipping away.
🎭Colton
It was only supposed to be a job, nothing more than a means to an end. Everything I knew about the cold, ruthless club owner should have been enough to keep me far away, but when a twist of fate alters my job description, I find myself constantly at her side. Promises of keeping my head down and staying out of trouble are forgotten memories as my desire for her grows with my need to protect her. I need to find out who is impersonating Harper and stop the threats against her, but more than anything, I just need her. I play with her patience, and she plays with my self-control, each smile and touch pulling me further on stage. It was only supposed to be a job, but the further I’m dragged into her world, the harder it is to remember I was never meant to be a player in this act.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒕. 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚...
🎭Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎭Boss x Employee
🎭Sisterly Love
🎭Circus Theme Nightclub
🎭Down Bad MMC
🎭Romantic Suspense
🎭Unhinged FMC
🎭He Falls First
🎭Forced Proximity
I enjoyed this read, the banter between these characters, the writing flow and style.
Mystery, suspense, passion, comes a fierce club owner Harper, who takes sh** from no one.
A place for elite guest and dark desires.
Carried a good storyline with some things I never saw coming. Kept me intrigued to turn the next page.
Colton, turns out he's keeping secrets of his own, accidently lands himself a different job role than initially what he was applying for. Theirs a challenge between these two characters that neither feel to back down from.
A story of letting go, to trust, of jealousy, control and corruption.
For a debut book, I think this was a fantastic read and can't wait to see what comes next!
🎭Harper
Cirque is the legacy I will leave behind, a playground for the grown and elite. As the contortionists bend and costumes are shed, a new threat builds from within, aiming to lead Cirque down a dark path and destroy my name in the process. In a world that feeds off blurred lines and questionable morals, I only have one rule in my club that garners no mercy: no drugs. Ever. Now someone is using the one thing I fight against and mocking me with it, exploiting Cirque as a front and my name as a scapegoat. The evidence against me is stacking up and I can’t afford to lose focus now, can’t afford to show any weakness. Then he walked in, challenging my solitude, and breathing life into desires I long ago buried. I can’t afford the distraction, but the more I let him in, the farther I can feel my mask slipping away.
🎭Colton
It was only supposed to be a job, nothing more than a means to an end. Everything I knew about the cold, ruthless club owner should have been enough to keep me far away, but when a twist of fate alters my job description, I find myself constantly at her side. Promises of keeping my head down and staying out of trouble are forgotten memories as my desire for her grows with my need to protect her. I need to find out who is impersonating Harper and stop the threats against her, but more than anything, I just need her. I play with her patience, and she plays with my self-control, each smile and touch pulling me further on stage. It was only supposed to be a job, but the further I’m dragged into her world, the harder it is to remember I was never meant to be a player in this act.
Review of advance copy
Dance for Me absolutely consumed me. this book felt like walking into a velvet drenched fever dream where everyone is dangerous, emotionally constipated, gorgeous, and one bad decision away from ruining each other in the best possible way.
Harper and Colton?????? i am UNWELL. the tension between them was so sharp it honestly felt illegal. every interaction had this push and pull that made me feral. she’s cold, controlled, powerful, carrying the weight of this entire dark glittering empire on her shoulders, and Colton just crashes through all her carefully locked doors like a man who forgot self preservation exists. the chemistry was filthy, addictive, and so emotionally charged i could barely breathe through some scenes.
and the setting??? Harper Cirque deserves its own fan club. the atmosphere in this book was EVERYTHING. dark stages, secrets behind curtains, performers, masks slipping, obsession simmering under every conversation. it felt decadent and dangerous at the same time, like champagne served in a glass with a crack running through it 🖤🎭
what i loved most though was how emotional it all was underneath the tension and suspense. Harper isn’t just some untouchable ice queen. she’s exhausted and lonely and trying so hard to keep everything from collapsing around her. watching Colton slowly become her safe place while also absolutely wrecking her composure had me melting into a puddle. and Colton??? protective, patient but still teasing enough to make me scream into my pillow. book boyfriend behaviour was OFF THE CHARTS.
also the suspense plot actually had me hooked. i was so invested in finding out who was targeting Harper and trying to destroy everything she built. it added this constant undercurrent of danger that made the romance hit even harder.
i finished this book with my heart racing and my brain permanently living inside Harper Cirque. De Ren really said “here’s obsession, trauma, desire, secrets, and yearning” and i said THANK YOU i’ll take seventeen more immediately 😭
Harper and Colton?????? i am UNWELL. the tension between them was so sharp it honestly felt illegal. every interaction had this push and pull that made me feral. she’s cold, controlled, powerful, carrying the weight of this entire dark glittering empire on her shoulders, and Colton just crashes through all her carefully locked doors like a man who forgot self preservation exists. the chemistry was filthy, addictive, and so emotionally charged i could barely breathe through some scenes.
and the setting??? Harper Cirque deserves its own fan club. the atmosphere in this book was EVERYTHING. dark stages, secrets behind curtains, performers, masks slipping, obsession simmering under every conversation. it felt decadent and dangerous at the same time, like champagne served in a glass with a crack running through it 🖤🎭
what i loved most though was how emotional it all was underneath the tension and suspense. Harper isn’t just some untouchable ice queen. she’s exhausted and lonely and trying so hard to keep everything from collapsing around her. watching Colton slowly become her safe place while also absolutely wrecking her composure had me melting into a puddle. and Colton??? protective, patient but still teasing enough to make me scream into my pillow. book boyfriend behaviour was OFF THE CHARTS.
also the suspense plot actually had me hooked. i was so invested in finding out who was targeting Harper and trying to destroy everything she built. it added this constant undercurrent of danger that made the romance hit even harder.
i finished this book with my heart racing and my brain permanently living inside Harper Cirque. De Ren really said “here’s obsession, trauma, desire, secrets, and yearning” and i said THANK YOU i’ll take seventeen more immediately 😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dance for Me completely consumed me from the very first page. D.E. Ren created a dark, seductive, and emotionally charged world that I never wanted to leave. The atmosphere of Cirque was absolutely intoxicating. Every scene felt vivid, dangerous, and dripping with tension. I could practically feel the music, the heat, and the secrets lurking behind every curtain.
Harper was such a strong and fascinating FMC. Beneath her cold and controlled exterior was a woman carrying so much pressure, responsibility, and pain. I loved watching those walls slowly crack as Colton worked his way into her life. Their chemistry was unreal. Every interaction between them had this electric push and pull that kept me completely hooked. The tension, the banter, the possessiveness, and the vulnerability hidden underneath it all made this relationship feel so addictive.
Colton absolutely stole my heart. What started as a job quickly became so much more, and I loved seeing him go from keeping his distance to becoming fiercely protective of Harper. The way he challenged her while still understanding the darkness she carried made their connection feel authentic and powerful.
What really stood out to me was how perfectly D.E. Ren balanced the romance, suspense, and darker themes. The mystery surrounding the threats against Harper kept me fully invested, and the twists had me turning pages nonstop. At the same time, the emotional depth between the characters gave this story so much heart underneath all the chaos and temptation.
This book was dark, sexy, emotional, and completely addictive in the best possible way. If you love morally gray characters, intense chemistry, suspense, and a world filled with temptation and danger, Dance for Me absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Easy 5 stars from me.
Harper was such a strong and fascinating FMC. Beneath her cold and controlled exterior was a woman carrying so much pressure, responsibility, and pain. I loved watching those walls slowly crack as Colton worked his way into her life. Their chemistry was unreal. Every interaction between them had this electric push and pull that kept me completely hooked. The tension, the banter, the possessiveness, and the vulnerability hidden underneath it all made this relationship feel so addictive.
Colton absolutely stole my heart. What started as a job quickly became so much more, and I loved seeing him go from keeping his distance to becoming fiercely protective of Harper. The way he challenged her while still understanding the darkness she carried made their connection feel authentic and powerful.
What really stood out to me was how perfectly D.E. Ren balanced the romance, suspense, and darker themes. The mystery surrounding the threats against Harper kept me fully invested, and the twists had me turning pages nonstop. At the same time, the emotional depth between the characters gave this story so much heart underneath all the chaos and temptation.
This book was dark, sexy, emotional, and completely addictive in the best possible way. If you love morally gray characters, intense chemistry, suspense, and a world filled with temptation and danger, Dance for Me absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Easy 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy of Dance For Me received from Luna Literary and the author D.E Ren
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Release Date: 26/05/2026
Firstly a huge thank you to Luna Literary and of course the insanely talented D.E Ren for allowing me to read an ARC of Dance For Me.
Secondly as we go into this can we take a few seconds to appreciate and process that this is D.E Rens debut novel……WHAAATTTTTT!. Dance for me definitely doesn’t read as a debut novel and the fact it started with “Men ruin everything” was literally EVERYTHING!
The story feels both unique and thoroughly immersive, with its dark circus vibe theme and characters that were so well written they basically feel like they’re a part of my real world.
Harper our FMC (obsessed with her) is strong, guards her heart and is outright ruthless but wouldn’t you be if you were doing all you could to protect everything you’d ever built? Watching her melt slowly when Colton our MMC chips away at her scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. He was the perfect golden retriever to our black cat and their chemistry was electric – who doesn’t love a bit of bodyguard to lover romance right?
Dance for Me isn’t your typical romance novel, it’s dark, slightly messy from an emotional point of view and the suspense keeps you reading ‘just one more chapter’ when you know you should really go to bed, but ignore that inside voice and just keep reading, you won’t regret it!
I could not recommend this book more, now I’ve just got to manage my big girl feelings and not have a tantrum about having to wait for book 2! Please don’t keep us waiting too long
Tropes:
🎪Romantic suspense
❤️Circus theme nightclub
🖤He falls first
🎪Boss/Employee
❤️Black cat/Golden retriever
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Release Date: 26/05/2026
Firstly a huge thank you to Luna Literary and of course the insanely talented D.E Ren for allowing me to read an ARC of Dance For Me.
Secondly as we go into this can we take a few seconds to appreciate and process that this is D.E Rens debut novel……WHAAATTTTTT!. Dance for me definitely doesn’t read as a debut novel and the fact it started with “Men ruin everything” was literally EVERYTHING!
The story feels both unique and thoroughly immersive, with its dark circus vibe theme and characters that were so well written they basically feel like they’re a part of my real world.
Harper our FMC (obsessed with her) is strong, guards her heart and is outright ruthless but wouldn’t you be if you were doing all you could to protect everything you’d ever built? Watching her melt slowly when Colton our MMC chips away at her scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. He was the perfect golden retriever to our black cat and their chemistry was electric – who doesn’t love a bit of bodyguard to lover romance right?
Dance for Me isn’t your typical romance novel, it’s dark, slightly messy from an emotional point of view and the suspense keeps you reading ‘just one more chapter’ when you know you should really go to bed, but ignore that inside voice and just keep reading, you won’t regret it!
I could not recommend this book more, now I’ve just got to manage my big girl feelings and not have a tantrum about having to wait for book 2! Please don’t keep us waiting too long
Tropes:
🎪Romantic suspense
❤️Circus theme nightclub
🖤He falls first
🎪Boss/Employee
❤️Black cat/Golden retriever
May 14, 2026
A Debut That Brings the Tension, the Spice, and One Wild Twist
It is always such a nice surprise when I finish a book, really enjoy it, and then find out it’s a debut. This was so well written.
The storyline kept me engaged the entire time, and what happens around that 80% mark had my mouth hanging open. I can usually tell where a story is headed, so the fact that this completely caught me off guard says a lot.
The way Colton gets his job in the beginning had me giggling, and the tension between him and Harper early on had me fully kicking my feet. Their dynamic pulls you in right away, and I loved how their relationship progressed in a way that actually felt natural. The spice was so freaking hot. It felt realistic, fit their relationship, and made the story progression that much more intense.
I loved Harper. As a black cat myself, the way she was written was very well thought out and I could see myself in her. I am always here for a strong FMC, and she held her own without it ever feeling overdone. Colton was the perfect golden retriever MMC, he had me smirking and rolling my eyes on multiple occasions.
Having a great FMC/MMC is nice but D.E. took it a step further by also having side characters who were extremely likable and added to the story without taking anything away from it.
I was getting nervous as I was getting closer to the end of the book, wondering how it would wrap up seamlessly. Once again D.E. was able to deliver and the ending tied up perfectly.
I am already excited knowing we are getting more from this world and can’t wait to see where this series is going to take Stella and Wade!
It is always such a nice surprise when I finish a book, really enjoy it, and then find out it’s a debut. This was so well written.
The storyline kept me engaged the entire time, and what happens around that 80% mark had my mouth hanging open. I can usually tell where a story is headed, so the fact that this completely caught me off guard says a lot.
The way Colton gets his job in the beginning had me giggling, and the tension between him and Harper early on had me fully kicking my feet. Their dynamic pulls you in right away, and I loved how their relationship progressed in a way that actually felt natural. The spice was so freaking hot. It felt realistic, fit their relationship, and made the story progression that much more intense.
I loved Harper. As a black cat myself, the way she was written was very well thought out and I could see myself in her. I am always here for a strong FMC, and she held her own without it ever feeling overdone. Colton was the perfect golden retriever MMC, he had me smirking and rolling my eyes on multiple occasions.
Having a great FMC/MMC is nice but D.E. took it a step further by also having side characters who were extremely likable and added to the story without taking anything away from it.
I was getting nervous as I was getting closer to the end of the book, wondering how it would wrap up seamlessly. Once again D.E. was able to deliver and the ending tied up perfectly.
I am already excited knowing we are getting more from this world and can’t wait to see where this series is going to take Stella and Wade!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all thank you so much for my ARC because WOW… THIS BOOK DELIVERED. 🎪🖤
The second I saw the cover and title, I KNEW I needed this book and honestly? It completely exceeded my expectations.
This story had me fully spiraling. Dark circus vibes, suspense, chaos, romance, emotional damage every time I thought I knew where things were going, this book looked me dead in the eyes and said “absolutely not.” The twists?? I did NOT see them coming. AT ALL.
And Harper??
OBSESSED with her.
This woman is ruthless, unhinged, protective, and honestly a complete badass. She guards her heart so fiercely because of everything she’s been through, and watching Colton slowly break through those walls?? UGH.
Also this girl:
♠️ Smashes up his ex’s car
♠️ Breaks a man’s knee so he “remembers her”
♠️ Straps knives to herself like it’s casual
I loved her your honor. 😭
And Colton??
Walking green flag energy in the middle of all this chaos. Protective, patient, completely devoted to her… and THE TATTOO?? This man tattooing her company logo on himself had me UNWELL.
Their chemistry was insane. Golden retriever x black cat perfection with bodyguard romance tension woven into all the madness.
This book also hit emotionally harder than I expected especially with the family dynamics, abandonment issues, and the way both characters carry their pain.
This was one of those “just one more chapter” books that suddenly has you awake at 3AM questioning your life choices because you physically cannot stop reading.
Now excuse me while I throw a tantrum waiting for book two because I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY. 👀📚
The second I saw the cover and title, I KNEW I needed this book and honestly? It completely exceeded my expectations.
This story had me fully spiraling. Dark circus vibes, suspense, chaos, romance, emotional damage every time I thought I knew where things were going, this book looked me dead in the eyes and said “absolutely not.” The twists?? I did NOT see them coming. AT ALL.
And Harper??
OBSESSED with her.
This woman is ruthless, unhinged, protective, and honestly a complete badass. She guards her heart so fiercely because of everything she’s been through, and watching Colton slowly break through those walls?? UGH.
Also this girl:
♠️ Smashes up his ex’s car
♠️ Breaks a man’s knee so he “remembers her”
♠️ Straps knives to herself like it’s casual
I loved her your honor. 😭
And Colton??
Walking green flag energy in the middle of all this chaos. Protective, patient, completely devoted to her… and THE TATTOO?? This man tattooing her company logo on himself had me UNWELL.
Their chemistry was insane. Golden retriever x black cat perfection with bodyguard romance tension woven into all the madness.
This book also hit emotionally harder than I expected especially with the family dynamics, abandonment issues, and the way both characters carry their pain.
This was one of those “just one more chapter” books that suddenly has you awake at 3AM questioning your life choices because you physically cannot stop reading.
Now excuse me while I throw a tantrum waiting for book two because I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY. 👀📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mark my words ... D.E.Ren is one to keep your eyes on 👀 I am tickled cotton candy pink that Dance for Me is her debut novel!!!
Elite Cirque nightclub owner, Harper, runs a tight ship, demands respect, treats her staff with utmost care, and has zero tolerance for drugs. Everyone wants a membership to her exclusive domain, but few meet her high standards, in and out of her club. Plainly... Harper is badass and one you don't want to cross.
Blond heartthrob and bartender, Colton, needs a job and finds himself interviewing at Cirque with a simple request from Harper... "Dance for me"... not quite what he was expecting, but ooooh do we readers love an intriguing meet-cute 😏
However, this isn't your average workplace romance. Think a few shades darker and risqué-r. Harper soon finds herself framed and exploited for crimes she would never commit... and she's commited a few. Very little intimidates her but now the very life she has built and created for herself is being threatened. Colton connects with his darker side and desires to protect and stand beside his boss... if she'll let him.
While this story has a slower build to the main plot, if you're good and patient like Colton 😏 believe me, it will be WELL worth the wait. Around 40% I could NOT put it down. I was on the edge of my seat with every page turned. And gurl can write some sexy scenes... have mercy 🥵
Did I mention this is D.E. Ren's debut novel!? SHUT UP!!!
What to expect:
🍿 Cirque theme night club
🍿 Boss/Employee
🍿 Unhinged FMC
🍿 Downbad MMC
🍿 Forced Proximity
🍿 Sexy Banter
🍿 Romantic Suspense
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK TWO!!!!
Elite Cirque nightclub owner, Harper, runs a tight ship, demands respect, treats her staff with utmost care, and has zero tolerance for drugs. Everyone wants a membership to her exclusive domain, but few meet her high standards, in and out of her club. Plainly... Harper is badass and one you don't want to cross.
Blond heartthrob and bartender, Colton, needs a job and finds himself interviewing at Cirque with a simple request from Harper... "Dance for me"... not quite what he was expecting, but ooooh do we readers love an intriguing meet-cute 😏
However, this isn't your average workplace romance. Think a few shades darker and risqué-r. Harper soon finds herself framed and exploited for crimes she would never commit... and she's commited a few. Very little intimidates her but now the very life she has built and created for herself is being threatened. Colton connects with his darker side and desires to protect and stand beside his boss... if she'll let him.
While this story has a slower build to the main plot, if you're good and patient like Colton 😏 believe me, it will be WELL worth the wait. Around 40% I could NOT put it down. I was on the edge of my seat with every page turned. And gurl can write some sexy scenes... have mercy 🥵
Did I mention this is D.E. Ren's debut novel!? SHUT UP!!!
What to expect:
🍿 Cirque theme night club
🍿 Boss/Employee
🍿 Unhinged FMC
🍿 Downbad MMC
🍿 Forced Proximity
🍿 Sexy Banter
🍿 Romantic Suspense
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK TWO!!!!
May 27, 2026
When I read the blurb for this arc it quickly became one of my most anticipated reads of the entire year, and it did not disappoint!! First of all I just want to say a huge thank you to D.E. Ren for letting me read this book early as well as sending her all my reactions lol. As well as a thank you to Luna Literary Management for sending me the arc as well. Now to take a moment for our Queen, MOTHER F-ING HARPER!!!!!!! I think I might be in love with Harper. Scratch that, I am in love with Harper. She is not only a total bad-ass, but she is loyal to the bone and gives a type of love that is so pure, deep, and beautiful. Now onto my boy Colton. He is witty, flirty, and so kind hearted. The little actions he does to get closer to Harper and slowly break down her walls had me absolutely swooning. Colt and Harp are the definition of a power couple!! The banter between the two of them is drool worthy, as well as their sexual chemistry teehee
Another aspect that I loved about this book was how accurately I felt the dancers/dancing was portrayed with glimpses of rehearsals and how Harper provides resources for her dancers to not only be good at their job, but also healthy and provide longevity to their careers. As a dancer myself, I’m wishing I could join Harper’s staff lol.
Dance For Me is the perfect blend of character and plot driven for me where there was always something going on in the background that kept me hooked like a fish on a line, but also I felt I got to know the characters on a deeper level so I cared what happened to them. And the fact this is D.E. Ren’s debut novel is absolutely insane to think about on top of the incredible aspects of this book.
Another aspect that I loved about this book was how accurately I felt the dancers/dancing was portrayed with glimpses of rehearsals and how Harper provides resources for her dancers to not only be good at their job, but also healthy and provide longevity to their careers. As a dancer myself, I’m wishing I could join Harper’s staff lol.
Dance For Me is the perfect blend of character and plot driven for me where there was always something going on in the background that kept me hooked like a fish on a line, but also I felt I got to know the characters on a deeper level so I cared what happened to them. And the fact this is D.E. Ren’s debut novel is absolutely insane to think about on top of the incredible aspects of this book.
May 19, 2026
“I already love the good and the bad, so show me the wicked. Drag me down.”
📚Type- E-ARC Luna Literary
🎼Song Vibe- Circus by Brittany Spears
💬POV- Dual
💞Relationship- MF
🌶️Spice- Yes
💭Thoughts at 6%
WELL that escalated quickly!
💭Thoughts at 78%
Honestly did not see that coming at all! Of all the thoughts that didn’t even cross once
💭Thoughts at 97%
His confessions are sweet but have me howling about the math problems
📝Review📝
Circus themed nightclub with an unhinged boss FMC I was hooked from the beginning. The connection and banter between Harper and Colt was absolute perfection as well as the jealousy they swore they didn’t have. I will warn you the plot will twist so hard that if you are laying down reading this on a kindle or iPad like I was sit up because I did hit myself in the face with my iPad from jumping up at that twist and made sure I was up the rest of the book to save my nose from further bruising. I cannot recommend this enough and I absolutely cannot wait for Wade’s book he is already so down bad.
~~What to Expect~~
🎪Workplace
🎪Boss X Assistant
🎪Black Cat X Golden Retriever
🎪Unhinged Female
🎪Down Bad MMC
🎪Circus Theme Nightclub Setting
🎪Found Family
🎪He Falls First
~~Quotes~~
♥️It’s the first time in a long time I think I might have made a mistake. Lucifer was once an angel too.
♥️With a single word from those lips, she sent me reeling. I love to think what she could inspire me to do with full sentences.
♥️How could I fall prey to a fox when the lioness already has her claws in me?
♥️Do I haunt your dreams like you haunt mine?
📚Type- E-ARC Luna Literary
🎼Song Vibe- Circus by Brittany Spears
💬POV- Dual
💞Relationship- MF
🌶️Spice- Yes
💭Thoughts at 6%
WELL that escalated quickly!
💭Thoughts at 78%
Honestly did not see that coming at all! Of all the thoughts that didn’t even cross once
💭Thoughts at 97%
His confessions are sweet but have me howling about the math problems
📝Review📝
Circus themed nightclub with an unhinged boss FMC I was hooked from the beginning. The connection and banter between Harper and Colt was absolute perfection as well as the jealousy they swore they didn’t have. I will warn you the plot will twist so hard that if you are laying down reading this on a kindle or iPad like I was sit up because I did hit myself in the face with my iPad from jumping up at that twist and made sure I was up the rest of the book to save my nose from further bruising. I cannot recommend this enough and I absolutely cannot wait for Wade’s book he is already so down bad.
~~What to Expect~~
🎪Workplace
🎪Boss X Assistant
🎪Black Cat X Golden Retriever
🎪Unhinged Female
🎪Down Bad MMC
🎪Circus Theme Nightclub Setting
🎪Found Family
🎪He Falls First
~~Quotes~~
♥️It’s the first time in a long time I think I might have made a mistake. Lucifer was once an angel too.
♥️With a single word from those lips, she sent me reeling. I love to think what she could inspire me to do with full sentences.
♥️How could I fall prey to a fox when the lioness already has her claws in me?
♥️Do I haunt your dreams like you haunt mine?
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎪
The curtains are drawn.
The stage is set.
Are you ready to play?
🖤Black cat Golden retriever
🎩Unhinged FMC
🖤Boss ×Employee
🎪Circus theme nightclub
🎩Romantic suspense
🖤Forest proximity
The author had me at unhinged FMC, then they topped it off with a a circus themed nightclub. I was all in after the first sentence.
Our girl Harper the owner of the nightclub, is unapologetically herself, fierce and in control Baddie. All she wants is to leave a legacy. But someone's out to ruin it for her. She's tired with a lot on her plate. And not the untouchable ice Queen as she makes herself seem.
In walks in Colton strutting in like a good old boy for an interview. And disrupts her carefully curated world. Their chemistry dripped off the page the tension, the banter the push and pull was absolutely delicious.
I enjoyed how Colton became Harper's safe place. How possessive he became over her I was swooning hard.
The plot woven into this story had me engaged the pacing was done well, I never felt as if the story lagged. And it fed into their chemistry. It made the story feel more authentic. And the plot was plotting and the twist were twisty and twisted.
If you're down for and black cat unhinged FMC, a golden retriever MMC intrigued by the circus theme club, in for some romantic suspense. This story is for you. Jump in and enjoy.
I'm trying to wait very patiently for book 2
Thank you D.E. Ren and luna literary management for the early copy. this was a great read.
The curtains are drawn.
The stage is set.
Are you ready to play?
🖤Black cat Golden retriever
🎩Unhinged FMC
🖤Boss ×Employee
🎪Circus theme nightclub
🎩Romantic suspense
🖤Forest proximity
The author had me at unhinged FMC, then they topped it off with a a circus themed nightclub. I was all in after the first sentence.
Our girl Harper the owner of the nightclub, is unapologetically herself, fierce and in control Baddie. All she wants is to leave a legacy. But someone's out to ruin it for her. She's tired with a lot on her plate. And not the untouchable ice Queen as she makes herself seem.
In walks in Colton strutting in like a good old boy for an interview. And disrupts her carefully curated world. Their chemistry dripped off the page the tension, the banter the push and pull was absolutely delicious.
I enjoyed how Colton became Harper's safe place. How possessive he became over her I was swooning hard.
The plot woven into this story had me engaged the pacing was done well, I never felt as if the story lagged. And it fed into their chemistry. It made the story feel more authentic. And the plot was plotting and the twist were twisty and twisted.
If you're down for and black cat unhinged FMC, a golden retriever MMC intrigued by the circus theme club, in for some romantic suspense. This story is for you. Jump in and enjoy.
I'm trying to wait very patiently for book 2
Thank you D.E. Ren and luna literary management for the early copy. this was a great read.
May 27, 2026
This is a nicely paced dual POV romance. The setting is a nightclub, Cirque, a circus-themed playground. The author did a fantastic job creating an atmosphere and making it clear why everyone wants to be a member at Cirque and why Harper feels all her choices to make it so are justified. She is ruthless and thus becomes an easy target for the overarching storyline of someone setting her up to take a big fall.
Speaking of big falls, that is exactly what happens to our MMC. Colt is a goner for Harper from their first meeting. He is convinced that they should be together and is on a mission to convince her he is right.
The storyline of an enemy trying to take Harper’s carefully constructed and controlled world is woven through the story so nicely, and never seems like a subplot.
I enjoyed both main characters immensely, and even though I clocked Colt’s secret very early on, it in no way diminished my enjoyment of this book from cover to cover. The spice in this was very well done. It was hot without being too much. A story set in a club like this could have gone way over the top, but it never felt that way throughout the story.
All in all, read this book if you are a fan of any of the tropes I have listed below. It’s a fun time and an easy 4 Star read for me.
🎪Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎪Boss x Employee
🎪Sisterly Love
🎪Circus Theme Nightclub
🎪Down Bad MMC
🎪Romantic Suspense
🎪Unhinged FMC
🎪He Falls First
🎪Forced Proximity
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from Luna Literary Management (thank you very much), and all opinions in this review are my own.
Speaking of big falls, that is exactly what happens to our MMC. Colt is a goner for Harper from their first meeting. He is convinced that they should be together and is on a mission to convince her he is right.
The storyline of an enemy trying to take Harper’s carefully constructed and controlled world is woven through the story so nicely, and never seems like a subplot.
I enjoyed both main characters immensely, and even though I clocked Colt’s secret very early on, it in no way diminished my enjoyment of this book from cover to cover. The spice in this was very well done. It was hot without being too much. A story set in a club like this could have gone way over the top, but it never felt that way throughout the story.
All in all, read this book if you are a fan of any of the tropes I have listed below. It’s a fun time and an easy 4 Star read for me.
🎪Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎪Boss x Employee
🎪Sisterly Love
🎪Circus Theme Nightclub
🎪Down Bad MMC
🎪Romantic Suspense
🎪Unhinged FMC
🎪He Falls First
🎪Forced Proximity
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from Luna Literary Management (thank you very much), and all opinions in this review are my own.
May 26, 2026
Because who doesn’t love a slightly unhinged, morally grey FMC?
📖 Dance For Me
🖋️ D.E. REN
📋 3.5 ⭐️ | 3.0 🌶️
📱 Avaliable on Kindle Unlimited
A romantic suspense set in a circus themed night with an unhinged FMC at the helm? I was hooked so fast!
Cirque is an extremely exclusive nightclub run by Harper and she rules the club with an iron fist. Enter, Colton. Happy go lucky, with golden boy charm who’s at the club to interview for a job as a bartender. Only problem, Harper believes he here to interview as a dancer. Sparks fly from the get go and Colton makes it his life’s mission to make the ice queen smile. 😈
The twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely devoured the last 20% of this book (who needs sleep) because I just could not put it down without knowing how it ended. 🫣
If you love the plot twists, high stakes, and the spice of Catherine Cowles this book needs to be next on your bedtime TBR. If you love a MMC with golden retriever energy who goes down BAD for the FMC, you will adore Colton. If you love a Bad A-s FMC who is a little stabby, you need to meet Harper and her crew at Cirque!
Expect:
🎪 romantic suspense
🎪 black cat x golden retriever
🎪 he falls HARD
🎪 workplace romantic ( circus themed nightclub)
🎪 forced proximity
🎪 “Mine”
A huge thanks to the author D.E. Ren, lunaliterary management and Books and Bloom PR for allowing me to be an early reader for this book.
Happy Late Night Reading! ✨🌙
📖 Dance For Me
🖋️ D.E. REN
📋 3.5 ⭐️ | 3.0 🌶️
📱 Avaliable on Kindle Unlimited
A romantic suspense set in a circus themed night with an unhinged FMC at the helm? I was hooked so fast!
Cirque is an extremely exclusive nightclub run by Harper and she rules the club with an iron fist. Enter, Colton. Happy go lucky, with golden boy charm who’s at the club to interview for a job as a bartender. Only problem, Harper believes he here to interview as a dancer. Sparks fly from the get go and Colton makes it his life’s mission to make the ice queen smile. 😈
The twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely devoured the last 20% of this book (who needs sleep) because I just could not put it down without knowing how it ended. 🫣
If you love the plot twists, high stakes, and the spice of Catherine Cowles this book needs to be next on your bedtime TBR. If you love a MMC with golden retriever energy who goes down BAD for the FMC, you will adore Colton. If you love a Bad A-s FMC who is a little stabby, you need to meet Harper and her crew at Cirque!
Expect:
🎪 romantic suspense
🎪 black cat x golden retriever
🎪 he falls HARD
🎪 workplace romantic ( circus themed nightclub)
🎪 forced proximity
🎪 “Mine”
A huge thanks to the author D.E. Ren, lunaliterary management and Books and Bloom PR for allowing me to be an early reader for this book.
Happy Late Night Reading! ✨🌙
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY GIRL DID IT!!!! Her Debut novel was nothing short of incredible. I’m having a hard time finding the right words to describe exactly how freaking amazing this book is! Honestly, from talking about her going to buy a laptop to write this book that was stuck in her head. To now…beta reading this absolute masterpiece!!!
Harper is the owner of Cirque. A club where the most exclusive come to relax. Think high end burlesque club but make it circus themed. Aerialists who work the floor with such elegance and angst until you’re on the edge of your seat panting for more. Harper is as closed off as they come. She has a very small circle of people she trusts and that’s it. Her cut throat personality is intriguing as you usually picture the MMC as broody. But oh no…Harper brings men to her knees and isn’t afraid to show them who’s boss.
Then there's Colton. The one man on this planet who isn’t afraid to ruffle Harpers feathers lol. This cinnamon roll will fool you because he’s both light hearted and fun but capable of demanding you to submit. I have yet to meet another character like him. The mouth and flirty banter on this man…will leave you completely breathless.
DE Ren…a standing ovation for YOU!!! I’ll be dreaming about this book for weeks to come. Or, possibly dreaming about book 2…just saying. Gimme some more Wade PLEASEEEEE!
Harper is the owner of Cirque. A club where the most exclusive come to relax. Think high end burlesque club but make it circus themed. Aerialists who work the floor with such elegance and angst until you’re on the edge of your seat panting for more. Harper is as closed off as they come. She has a very small circle of people she trusts and that’s it. Her cut throat personality is intriguing as you usually picture the MMC as broody. But oh no…Harper brings men to her knees and isn’t afraid to show them who’s boss.
Then there's Colton. The one man on this planet who isn’t afraid to ruffle Harpers feathers lol. This cinnamon roll will fool you because he’s both light hearted and fun but capable of demanding you to submit. I have yet to meet another character like him. The mouth and flirty banter on this man…will leave you completely breathless.
DE Ren…a standing ovation for YOU!!! I’ll be dreaming about this book for weeks to come. Or, possibly dreaming about book 2…just saying. Gimme some more Wade PLEASEEEEE!
Review of advance copy
This one has lust, yearning, spice, romance, flirty push & pull banter, secrets, mystery and grit all rolled up into a nice velvet bow inside an adult circus themed night club. Let’s just say the ringleader of it all Harper is a real badass boss of a woman. She’s tough, has grit, determination, fire in her veins, and ice in her heart except for the ones she holds dear, and she’s stunningly beautiful with a sassy attitude. She had a vision for Cirque and made it a reality on her own terms and rules. She put up walls to protect her heart but here comes Colton with his savvy charm and dashing good looks ready to tear down her defenses brick by brick. It was almost insta-love for him but Harper took a lot of convincing to let her guard down. The chemistry and the attraction was magnetic. But will that be enough when the secrets and lies start to unravel. “Dance For Me” was spicy darkish romance mixed with suspense and mystery, some of these plot twist I never saw coming but I was so here for it. It definitely had me in a choke hold trying to figure out what was happening and who was involved in what. I’d say do yourself a favor and read it. I for one can’t wait to see what happens next in “The Sinners Playground Series.” D. E. Ren wrote these characters beautifully and I know Wade and Stella’s story coming next will be epic. 🎪🖤💋
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me absolutely drooling, obsessed, and completely floored by twists I never saw coming. There were multiple moments, and one main scene, where I just stared at the page and reread lines over and over because it genuinely would not register that what I thought was happening was actually happening. I was shocked and thrilled in the best ways possible.
This book was phenomenal, and you would never guess it’s a debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from D.E. Ren because this was insanely well done. I even ordered a physical copy as a trophy for my shelf because it was that good!!
D.E. Ren promised to make everyone fall in love with a blonde MMC, and wow… she absolutely succeeded... Though maybe I’m biased because my favorite MMC (my husband) is always blonde and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From beginning to end, I was completely hooked. The chemistry! The tension! The little things that he does?! And the atmosphere of Cirque... All of it pulled me in and refused to let go. And honestly? I would read books about every single side character because holy freaking bologna, I need more of this world immediately. Like to the point where I am wondering the start up costs of something similar... ha!
Thank you so much for allowing me an early peek of this amazing book! I cannot wait to read more.
This book was phenomenal, and you would never guess it’s a debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from D.E. Ren because this was insanely well done. I even ordered a physical copy as a trophy for my shelf because it was that good!!
D.E. Ren promised to make everyone fall in love with a blonde MMC, and wow… she absolutely succeeded... Though maybe I’m biased because my favorite MMC (my husband) is always blonde and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From beginning to end, I was completely hooked. The chemistry! The tension! The little things that he does?! And the atmosphere of Cirque... All of it pulled me in and refused to let go. And honestly? I would read books about every single side character because holy freaking bologna, I need more of this world immediately. Like to the point where I am wondering the start up costs of something similar... ha!
Thank you so much for allowing me an early peek of this amazing book! I cannot wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts out strong with Harper and Colton’s first interaction, the sexual tension is thick. The author definitely knows how to portray deep emotional and sexual chemistry.
My favorite thing about this book was watching Harper struggle to let her guard down and allow Colton into her life. Her past made it hard for her to trust others. The give-and-take as Harper slowly starts to let Colton in makes her emotional journey feel genuine.
Colton's patience with Harper deserved an award. I kept waiting for him to just grab her, push her up against the wall, and have his way with her. His insistence for her consent was an important element to the story.
The shower scene…👀…🔥🔥🔥…🥵. Harper's internal dialogue after that moment was hilarious, especially as she kept chastising herself for her filthy thoughts.
When they both finally commit, it is absolutely delicious. The way Colton takes control was 🥵🔥🌶️, particularly because Harper is the one who is usually in control of every situation. That flip in their dynamic made the intimate scenes feel so much more powerful.
I really enjoyed experiencing Harper and Colton's story. I can’t wait to see who gets the spotlight next. I’m crossing my fingers for Harper’s sister, Sadie. There are definitely a few male characters who could make the perfect counterpoint for her!
My favorite thing about this book was watching Harper struggle to let her guard down and allow Colton into her life. Her past made it hard for her to trust others. The give-and-take as Harper slowly starts to let Colton in makes her emotional journey feel genuine.
Colton's patience with Harper deserved an award. I kept waiting for him to just grab her, push her up against the wall, and have his way with her. His insistence for her consent was an important element to the story.
The shower scene…👀…🔥🔥🔥…🥵. Harper's internal dialogue after that moment was hilarious, especially as she kept chastising herself for her filthy thoughts.
When they both finally commit, it is absolutely delicious. The way Colton takes control was 🥵🔥🌶️, particularly because Harper is the one who is usually in control of every situation. That flip in their dynamic made the intimate scenes feel so much more powerful.
I really enjoyed experiencing Harper and Colton's story. I can’t wait to see who gets the spotlight next. I’m crossing my fingers for Harper’s sister, Sadie. There are definitely a few male characters who could make the perfect counterpoint for her!
May 18, 2026
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to D.E Ren for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Black Cat x Golden Retriver
-Romantic Suspense
-Forced Proximity
-Boss x Employee
-Unhinged FMC
This is book one of the Sinner Playground series! You get to follow Harper and Colton! Harper is a force and everyone knows it. Colton is to do one job but Harper taking over his mind wasn’t part of it. I devoured this book! Harper you Queen!!!!! I’m honestly so obsessed with this book, it could of been 300 pages longer and I would of still devoured it like a did lol The tension between Colton & Harper was melt worthy. He was a man on a mission when it came to her. I will say I love the dedication lol I was not expecting the plot twist at the end, but I love a book that keeps you on your toes lol I honestly wish I could read this book for the first time again🙌
Side notes:
-the starbursts
-cotton candy
Fav Quote:
•”Come on, Colt don’t you want to assist me?”
•”Do you think I can’t satisfy, love?”
•”Drag me down”
•”How can something so beautiful do so much damage?”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to D.E Ren for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Black Cat x Golden Retriver
-Romantic Suspense
-Forced Proximity
-Boss x Employee
-Unhinged FMC
This is book one of the Sinner Playground series! You get to follow Harper and Colton! Harper is a force and everyone knows it. Colton is to do one job but Harper taking over his mind wasn’t part of it. I devoured this book! Harper you Queen!!!!! I’m honestly so obsessed with this book, it could of been 300 pages longer and I would of still devoured it like a did lol The tension between Colton & Harper was melt worthy. He was a man on a mission when it came to her. I will say I love the dedication lol I was not expecting the plot twist at the end, but I love a book that keeps you on your toes lol I honestly wish I could read this book for the first time again🙌
Side notes:
-the starbursts
-cotton candy
Fav Quote:
•”Come on, Colt don’t you want to assist me?”
•”Do you think I can’t satisfy, love?”
•”Drag me down”
•”How can something so beautiful do so much damage?”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn't put this book down!!! I mean the first line is, "Men ruin everything." From that alone I knew this book was going to be a wild ride.
Harper Mathers was such a bad@ss! She was slightly unhınged and it was soooo entertaining! I loved seeing her battle her feelings for Colton, like no ma'am, you liiikkke him! You got a crush on him!! And Colt was so cute. Him calling her Sunshine was adorable 🥹. He gave golden retriever energy and I loved every bit of it!! This man was down baaaaddd for Harper. He was obsessed from the moment he set his eyes on her 🤭. Their chemsitry and banter were *chefs kiss*! That cold shower scene was too good 😆.
The fact that this is D.E. Ren's debut novel? The woman deserves a round of applause. She kept me on the edge of my seat, and that plot twist??? The setting of a circus themed nightclub was so unique! I loved how D.E. described the scene and the acrobats. That scene with Fallon and Declan? I felt like I was actually there. There are so many side characters that I am fond of now and I cannot wait for Wade and Stella next! I need to know their backstory ASAP! Dance For Me is definitely one of those books that you won't be able to put down once you start it.
Thank you to D.E. Wren and Luna Literary for the ARC 🫶
Harper Mathers was such a bad@ss! She was slightly unhınged and it was soooo entertaining! I loved seeing her battle her feelings for Colton, like no ma'am, you liiikkke him! You got a crush on him!! And Colt was so cute. Him calling her Sunshine was adorable 🥹. He gave golden retriever energy and I loved every bit of it!! This man was down baaaaddd for Harper. He was obsessed from the moment he set his eyes on her 🤭. Their chemsitry and banter were *chefs kiss*! That cold shower scene was too good 😆.
The fact that this is D.E. Ren's debut novel? The woman deserves a round of applause. She kept me on the edge of my seat, and that plot twist??? The setting of a circus themed nightclub was so unique! I loved how D.E. described the scene and the acrobats. That scene with Fallon and Declan? I felt like I was actually there. There are so many side characters that I am fond of now and I cannot wait for Wade and Stella next! I need to know their backstory ASAP! Dance For Me is definitely one of those books that you won't be able to put down once you start it.
Thank you to D.E. Wren and Luna Literary for the ARC 🫶
May 26, 2026
D.E. Ren absolutely snapped with this debut because HOW was this your FIRST book?? 😭🎪
Dance for Me was chaotic, addictive, spicy, and honestly so much fun. The circus nightclub setting felt completely unique and atmospheric — like stepping into this glittery, dangerous fever dream where literally anything could happen. And trust me… it does.
Harper is the definition of “beautifully unhinged.” Closed off, unpredictable, a little terrifying, but impossible not to love. Meanwhile Colton walked in expecting a bartender interview and instead became hopelessly obsessed with his boss almost immediately 😮💨 golden retriever men stay winning!!!
The chemistry between them was insane from the start. The push and pull? PERFECT. Every interaction had tension dripping off the page, and once the suspense plot really kicked in I genuinely could not stop reading.
AND THE TWISTS????? I did not guess a single one correctly. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, D.E. Ren said absolutely not 🫠
If you love:
🎪 workplace romance
🖤 he falls first
🎪 romantic suspense
🖤 touch-her-and-die energy
🎪 chaotic FMCs & down bad MMCs
…you need this immediately because I’m still thinking about Harper and Colton days later
Dance for Me was chaotic, addictive, spicy, and honestly so much fun. The circus nightclub setting felt completely unique and atmospheric — like stepping into this glittery, dangerous fever dream where literally anything could happen. And trust me… it does.
Harper is the definition of “beautifully unhinged.” Closed off, unpredictable, a little terrifying, but impossible not to love. Meanwhile Colton walked in expecting a bartender interview and instead became hopelessly obsessed with his boss almost immediately 😮💨 golden retriever men stay winning!!!
The chemistry between them was insane from the start. The push and pull? PERFECT. Every interaction had tension dripping off the page, and once the suspense plot really kicked in I genuinely could not stop reading.
AND THE TWISTS????? I did not guess a single one correctly. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, D.E. Ren said absolutely not 🫠
If you love:
🎪 workplace romance
🖤 he falls first
🎪 romantic suspense
🖤 touch-her-and-die energy
🎪 chaotic FMCs & down bad MMCs
…you need this immediately because I’m still thinking about Harper and Colton days later
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Dance For Me. I thought the story was a perfect mix of romance, family, humor, mystery and suspense. I loved the back drop setting of the nightclub Cirque.
The characters were all so likable and so fun to be around. Almost every one was slightly unhinged in all the best ways!
Colton and Harper's banter was the best. I absolutely loved their innermonologs. They had me kicking my feet and giggling.
I really loved how they built their relationship. It a little bit of a slow burn and I thought that was perfect. I really believed them falling for eachother. I loved the trust and respect they had along the way. Nothing felt easy or fast and it was just perfect!
I loved Harper's sister Sadie. She was so much fun and I found myself loving all the sisterly love they had.
The story had a mystery element to it and I really enjoyed that. I felt like it was really well done.
Overall I enjoyed Dance For Me. I feel like it has a little bit of everything for everyone. I definitely recommend reading it.
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author D.E. Ren for the eARC!
The characters were all so likable and so fun to be around. Almost every one was slightly unhinged in all the best ways!
Colton and Harper's banter was the best. I absolutely loved their innermonologs. They had me kicking my feet and giggling.
I really loved how they built their relationship. It a little bit of a slow burn and I thought that was perfect. I really believed them falling for eachother. I loved the trust and respect they had along the way. Nothing felt easy or fast and it was just perfect!
I loved Harper's sister Sadie. She was so much fun and I found myself loving all the sisterly love they had.
The story had a mystery element to it and I really enjoyed that. I felt like it was really well done.
Overall I enjoyed Dance For Me. I feel like it has a little bit of everything for everyone. I definitely recommend reading it.
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author D.E. Ren for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have no idea what I expected when I requested this book but I loved the cover. & it’s rare that I love the book as much as a cover BUT THIS ONE BABY? Abso-freaking-lutely yes. I was 15% in when I knew this would be a 5 star read because of the writing, I hadn’t even gotten to the good stuff yet. At the end of each chapter, this author gives us a little tease of what is yet to come and I was HERE FOR IT! Harper, the Queen B - the ringleader of her Cirque - the hottest “anything goes” club but listen, anything doesn’t go - Harper has a hard line. She hires this odd ball, Colton - because 1. He’s hot & 2. She embarrassed herself (did I mention he’s hot?). The twists, the trauma, the spice, the romantic suspense plot, listen, go get the book because it’s gonna be a 5 star read! I highlighted 55% of the book because the lines were THAT good and this book had me cackling at times. It’s the right amount of everything.
Tropes:
- night club
- romantic suspense
- twists & hidden identities
Tropes:
- night club
- romantic suspense
- twists & hidden identities
May 19, 2026
This book will forever have my heart! ❤️
I am a sucker for a good circus/cirque themed romance, whether that be a dark romance, erotic horror, or just a light fluffy romcom, if it’s circus themed, it’s for me!
This book DELIVERED ON THAT!!! 🎪
The suspense and the plot twist had me jumping and throwing my phone across the room yelling, “NOOOOO!!!!”
The relationship that Harper and Colton had was so relatable! I loved that we had a black cat FMC, who was slightly unhinged in the best ways. But also our golden retriever MMC had my heart! Their boss x employee relationship was perfect and utterly fantastic!
My favorite scene in this book was when Colton came in for his job interview! I won’t spoil it but it was a good time and had me kicking my feet!!! 😘
I cannot wait for this series to continue! I have fallen in love with this world, this night club, these characters, and the found family that’s been built thus far!
I am a sucker for a good circus/cirque themed romance, whether that be a dark romance, erotic horror, or just a light fluffy romcom, if it’s circus themed, it’s for me!
This book DELIVERED ON THAT!!! 🎪
The suspense and the plot twist had me jumping and throwing my phone across the room yelling, “NOOOOO!!!!”
The relationship that Harper and Colton had was so relatable! I loved that we had a black cat FMC, who was slightly unhinged in the best ways. But also our golden retriever MMC had my heart! Their boss x employee relationship was perfect and utterly fantastic!
My favorite scene in this book was when Colton came in for his job interview! I won’t spoil it but it was a good time and had me kicking my feet!!! 😘
I cannot wait for this series to continue! I have fallen in love with this world, this night club, these characters, and the found family that’s been built thus far!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a unique storyline that I really enjoyed. I loved the banter between the characters. I loved the theme of the book. I just loved it all! It was very well written and pulled me in to the point that I couldn't put it down. I also need the next book like tomorrow. Definitely a five star read!
The kiss isn’t frantic or desperate. He kisses me like we’ve been doing this for years, like I’m all he needs. Like I’m home.
“There is no future for me that doesn’t have you in it. If you want to be my enemy, that’s fine. I will keep loving you. You want to make my life hell? Fine, I will keep loving you. I don’t know how to stop, and I don’t want to learn. Loving you is the best thing I have ever done, and I won’t make another mistake by pretending I don’t want to be madly, deeply, in love with you.”
The kiss isn’t frantic or desperate. He kisses me like we’ve been doing this for years, like I’m all he needs. Like I’m home.
“There is no future for me that doesn’t have you in it. If you want to be my enemy, that’s fine. I will keep loving you. You want to make my life hell? Fine, I will keep loving you. I don’t know how to stop, and I don’t want to learn. Loving you is the best thing I have ever done, and I won’t make another mistake by pretending I don’t want to be madly, deeply, in love with you.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dance for Me by De Ren pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let go. The atmosphere in this book is chef's kiss, dark, glamorous, and deliciously seedy in all the right ways. The Cirque setting feels so unique and immersive, and the author does a phenomenal job making you feel like you're right there in the thick of it all.
Harper is so easy to root for. She's guarded, fierce, and fiercely protective of everything she's built. Watching her mask slowly slip as Colton worms his way in was so satisfying to read. And Colton?? The bodyguard-to-lover pipeline absolutely destroyed me. He starts as a job and ends up so much more, and that slow burn tension between them had me reading way too late into the night.
The mystery and suspense element added a layer that kept me genuinely on edge. I loved that it wasn't just a romance, there were real stakes woven throughout. The "only one rule" dynamic and watching someone weaponize that against Harper made for such a gripping plot.
Tropes we love to see: forced proximity, bodyguard romance, slow burn, grumpy/guarded woman x sunshine man, morally gray world with a heart.
If you're looking for something with edge, atmosphere, and a romance that actually earns its payoff, pick this one up.
Harper is so easy to root for. She's guarded, fierce, and fiercely protective of everything she's built. Watching her mask slowly slip as Colton worms his way in was so satisfying to read. And Colton?? The bodyguard-to-lover pipeline absolutely destroyed me. He starts as a job and ends up so much more, and that slow burn tension between them had me reading way too late into the night.
The mystery and suspense element added a layer that kept me genuinely on edge. I loved that it wasn't just a romance, there were real stakes woven throughout. The "only one rule" dynamic and watching someone weaponize that against Harper made for such a gripping plot.
Tropes we love to see: forced proximity, bodyguard romance, slow burn, grumpy/guarded woman x sunshine man, morally gray world with a heart.
If you're looking for something with edge, atmosphere, and a romance that actually earns its payoff, pick this one up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The curtains are drawn. The stage is set. 🖤🎭🔥
Dance for Me was such a fun dark romance read. Spicy, dangerous, chaotic… and honestly? I loved that the FMC was the unhinged one for once. 😂 Harper owns an elite adult cirque club and commands every scene she’s in. Cold, ruthless, morally gray women just hit different.
Add in:
✨ forced proximity
✨ bodyguard vibes
✨ mysterious threats
✨ tension for DAYS
✨ morally gray characters
✨ a dark, seductive circus setting
…and I was fully entertained. Colton, our MMC, is an innocent hired to work as Harper's assistant. He is supposed to keep things professional, but as you can imagine...not happening. 😮💨 He loves her. 😂
If you like dark romance with high tension, spice, secrets, and a powerful FMC who keeps everyone on edge, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
Dance for Me was such a fun dark romance read. Spicy, dangerous, chaotic… and honestly? I loved that the FMC was the unhinged one for once. 😂 Harper owns an elite adult cirque club and commands every scene she’s in. Cold, ruthless, morally gray women just hit different.
Add in:
✨ forced proximity
✨ bodyguard vibes
✨ mysterious threats
✨ tension for DAYS
✨ morally gray characters
✨ a dark, seductive circus setting
…and I was fully entertained. Colton, our MMC, is an innocent hired to work as Harper's assistant. He is supposed to keep things professional, but as you can imagine...not happening. 😮💨 He loves her. 😂
If you like dark romance with high tension, spice, secrets, and a powerful FMC who keeps everyone on edge, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
May 20, 2026
Guys……. I cannot even find the words! This was such a fun world to enter! At one point I literally had to message the author to tell her the shock I was feeling. The audacity miss ma’am! 😅 The twists had me staring at the page like EXCUSE ME?! Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, this book said “absolutely not.”
The tension, the mystery, the chemistry, it all worked so well together. Harper and Colton completely pulled me into their chaotic, dangerous little world and I never wanted out. 🖤✨
The blurred morals, the secrets, the constant feeling that something bigger was lurking in the background, obsessed. And the way the romance slowly builds while everything around them is unraveling? SO GOOD. This book kept me entertained from start to finish and now I need everyone else to experience the shock with me because I refuse to suffer alone 🤣
The tension, the mystery, the chemistry, it all worked so well together. Harper and Colton completely pulled me into their chaotic, dangerous little world and I never wanted out. 🖤✨
The blurred morals, the secrets, the constant feeling that something bigger was lurking in the background, obsessed. And the way the romance slowly builds while everything around them is unraveling? SO GOOD. This book kept me entertained from start to finish and now I need everyone else to experience the shock with me because I refuse to suffer alone 🤣
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