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Such a Dance
When a vaudeville dancer meets a sexy mobster in a speakeasy for men, the sparks fly, the gin flows, the jazz sizzles—and the heat is on…
New York City, 1927.
Eddie Cotton is a talented song-and-dance man with a sassy sidekick, a crowd-pleasing act, and a promising future on Broadway. What he doesn’t have is someone to love. Being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself—until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent...and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen.
Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who looks like Valentino—and works for the Mob. He’s never hidden his sexuality from his boss, which is why he was chosen to run a private night club for men. When Lane spots Eddie at the bar, it’s lust at first sight. Soon, the unlikely pair are falling hard and fast—in love. But when their whirlwind romance starts raising eyebrows all across town, Lane and Eddie have to decide if their relationship is doomed…or something special worth fighting for.
New York City, 1927.
Eddie Cotton is a talented song-and-dance man with a sassy sidekick, a crowd-pleasing act, and a promising future on Broadway. What he doesn’t have is someone to love. Being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself—until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent...and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen.
Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who looks like Valentino—and works for the Mob. He’s never hidden his sexuality from his boss, which is why he was chosen to run a private night club for men. When Lane spots Eddie at the bar, it’s lust at first sight. Soon, the unlikely pair are falling hard and fast—in love. But when their whirlwind romance starts raising eyebrows all across town, Lane and Eddie have to decide if their relationship is doomed…or something special worth fighting for.
234 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
About the author
Kate McMurray
54 books349 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 1, 2016
3.75 stars
What I liked most here was the 1920s New York setting. This has a little bit of everything that was going on in that time period -- a mobster, a vaudeville performer, an underground speakeasy -- and in the background there was Charles Lindbergh flying to Paris and talk of that stock market hitting new highs. The romance was nice, with a believable HEA, but perhaps missing that special spark for me.
What I liked most here was the 1920s New York setting. This has a little bit of everything that was going on in that time period -- a mobster, a vaudeville performer, an underground speakeasy -- and in the background there was Charles Lindbergh flying to Paris and talk of that stock market hitting new highs. The romance was nice, with a believable HEA, but perhaps missing that special spark for me.
October 29, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Though historically the Roaring 20s are not a particular favorite of mine, Such a Dance excellently encapsulated the flavor and essence of New York during this period and really drew me into the narrative. It is generally a steady paced storyline, with only a few laggy sections that never last long. The author has done a great job of complementing critical historical detail with plot and character development, never sacrificing one to favor the other. The result is an excellent balance that gives the reader a Jazz era sense of flair without getting mired down with unnecessary historical exposition. Times Square is described as an almost living breathing entity and if you’ve ever been there, I think most would agree the place has a richly vibrant character all its own. This is really captured in Such a Dance and gives this book a relatable background.
Amidst the historical context, Eddie and Lane are given center stage. Both are strong men with painful pasts, but who never run, even when doing so would be easier. Eddie knows what he wants from life and how to do it well, but there are other factors beyond his control waiting to tear him down. Lane has been drifting and when he finally gets the chance to do something meaningful, it seems like he’ll never be allowed to succeed. Each of them learns to depend on the other, even when they can depend on nothing else. As a reader it was easy to believe that no matter what the future might bring, be it a depression or a world war, Lane and Eddie would survive it together.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Though historically the Roaring 20s are not a particular favorite of mine, Such a Dance excellently encapsulated the flavor and essence of New York during this period and really drew me into the narrative. It is generally a steady paced storyline, with only a few laggy sections that never last long. The author has done a great job of complementing critical historical detail with plot and character development, never sacrificing one to favor the other. The result is an excellent balance that gives the reader a Jazz era sense of flair without getting mired down with unnecessary historical exposition. Times Square is described as an almost living breathing entity and if you’ve ever been there, I think most would agree the place has a richly vibrant character all its own. This is really captured in Such a Dance and gives this book a relatable background.
Amidst the historical context, Eddie and Lane are given center stage. Both are strong men with painful pasts, but who never run, even when doing so would be easier. Eddie knows what he wants from life and how to do it well, but there are other factors beyond his control waiting to tear him down. Lane has been drifting and when he finally gets the chance to do something meaningful, it seems like he’ll never be allowed to succeed. Each of them learns to depend on the other, even when they can depend on nothing else. As a reader it was easy to believe that no matter what the future might bring, be it a depression or a world war, Lane and Eddie would survive it together.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 22, 2015
This started off slow. But with a whole slew of my friends recommending it, I stuck through it. The 20s have always been a fascinating era for me, so I'm glad that McMurray was able to stay true to the times. The forbidden nature of the relationship between characters added allure to a period of time when Prohibition is at its peak.
I enjoyed seeing these two overcome their respective pasts. They saw past all that to a future they never thought was possible. Overall, Such a Dance was full of heat despite the gentle romance.
I enjoyed seeing these two overcome their respective pasts. They saw past all that to a future they never thought was possible. Overall, Such a Dance was full of heat despite the gentle romance.
April 30, 2016
Such a Dance
By Kate McMurray
Lyrical Press, Kensington Publishing, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-61650-800-5
Four stars
New York, 1927. The jazz age, which was really fun, unless you were on the wrong side of the law.
Which means: if you were a man who liked men.
Lane Carillo thought he’d found love when he ran away from Illinois five years ago with his fiancée’s brother; but he ended up alone and working for the mob.
Eddie Cotton has a great thing going with his best friend, Marian France. They’re one of the hottest song and dance duos in vaudeville. But Eddie can’t fall in love with Marian, even if he loves her.
Then Eddie finds Lane in a new queer club on Times Square called the Marigold, and everything changes for both of them.
Kate McMurray gives us a 1920s New York that we can believe; she paints a picture of gay life before “gay” was even a term. It’s not a pretty picture, but there are bits of brightness here and there that steer our thoughts to those lucky guys who survived and thrived and built something like happiness in a world that was set against them. As I read this book, scenes from classic 1930s films flickered through my mind, and I could glimpse a world that existed for men like me, its joys and sorrows and dangers all but invisible to those who were not part of it. Lane and Eddie aren’t sure they believe in the power of love; Kate McMurray offers us a plausible narrative that reminds us what love can do.
By Kate McMurray
Lyrical Press, Kensington Publishing, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-61650-800-5
Four stars
New York, 1927. The jazz age, which was really fun, unless you were on the wrong side of the law.
Which means: if you were a man who liked men.
Lane Carillo thought he’d found love when he ran away from Illinois five years ago with his fiancée’s brother; but he ended up alone and working for the mob.
Eddie Cotton has a great thing going with his best friend, Marian France. They’re one of the hottest song and dance duos in vaudeville. But Eddie can’t fall in love with Marian, even if he loves her.
Then Eddie finds Lane in a new queer club on Times Square called the Marigold, and everything changes for both of them.
Kate McMurray gives us a 1920s New York that we can believe; she paints a picture of gay life before “gay” was even a term. It’s not a pretty picture, but there are bits of brightness here and there that steer our thoughts to those lucky guys who survived and thrived and built something like happiness in a world that was set against them. As I read this book, scenes from classic 1930s films flickered through my mind, and I could glimpse a world that existed for men like me, its joys and sorrows and dangers all but invisible to those who were not part of it. Lane and Eddie aren’t sure they believe in the power of love; Kate McMurray offers us a plausible narrative that reminds us what love can do.
August 7, 2021
I really liked Kate McMurray's book Ten Days in August set in NYC around the turn of the century. The plot was compelling and the characters, both MCs and secondary characters, were very well done.
While I liked the setting of Such a Dance - NYC in 1927 - with the Ziegfield Follies, Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic, Prohibition, speakeasys, Jazz, etc. - the story was not as focused or interesting. The love story of Eddie Cotton and Lane Carillo - a dancer and a gangster - slowly evolves over the course of the book, unfortunately a bit too slower, IMHO, and the last half of the story felt like a rehash of the same situations.
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While I liked the setting of Such a Dance - NYC in 1927 - with the Ziegfield Follies, Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic, Prohibition, speakeasys, Jazz, etc. - the story was not as focused or interesting. The love story of Eddie Cotton and Lane Carillo - a dancer and a gangster - slowly evolves over the course of the book, unfortunately a bit too slower, IMHO, and the last half of the story felt like a rehash of the same situations.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 10, 2024
An extraordinarily well crafted 'noir'!
Everything in Such a Dance moves smoothly and flawlessly. A solid story-line with interwoven plots is complimented with two vibrant and complex characters - Eddie & Lane are awesome! I was immediately drawn in by them. It's such a fascinated story and a vivid portrayal of New York in the 1920s.
I didn't want the story to end!
“And I have been able to give freedom and life
which was acknowledged in the ecstasy of walking
hand in hand across the most beautiful bridge of
the world, the cables enclosing us and pulling us
upward in such a dance as I have never walked and
never can walk with another.”
—Hart Crane
Everything in Such a Dance moves smoothly and flawlessly. A solid story-line with interwoven plots is complimented with two vibrant and complex characters - Eddie & Lane are awesome! I was immediately drawn in by them. It's such a fascinated story and a vivid portrayal of New York in the 1920s.
I didn't want the story to end!
“And I have been able to give freedom and life
which was acknowledged in the ecstasy of walking
hand in hand across the most beautiful bridge of
the world, the cables enclosing us and pulling us
upward in such a dance as I have never walked and
never can walk with another.”
—Hart Crane
February 4, 2020
It's been a while since I've so thoroughly enjoyed a period M-M romance set in the flapper/jazz period. This book is as good as the best from Ruth Sims and Tamara Allen - plus I love the cover picture!
The author gives us two MCs with well rounded characters, deep-seated flaws and fears, who operate, think and react authentically (i.e. believably) within the socio-cultural norms of that period. Oh and there's a couple of very likeable secondary characters as well. I had a great time with this McMurray offering and am very much looking forward to her March release (set in late 1890s). Four and half stars from me.
The author gives us two MCs with well rounded characters, deep-seated flaws and fears, who operate, think and react authentically (i.e. believably) within the socio-cultural norms of that period. Oh and there's a couple of very likeable secondary characters as well. I had a great time with this McMurray offering and am very much looking forward to her March release (set in late 1890s). Four and half stars from me.
January 16, 2016
It was a sweet enough book. I struggled a bit in the beginning: the writing seemed to drag somehow. But I caught the flow soon after that. At times, i was worried there wouldn't be a happy ending..;-)
The punctuation and grammar was quite perfect, which makes me inclined to look up other works by the author, for the sole purpose of gorging on good punctuations and grammatically correct sentences! :-P
The punctuation and grammar was quite perfect, which makes me inclined to look up other works by the author, for the sole purpose of gorging on good punctuations and grammatically correct sentences! :-P
October 1, 2015
Mobsters, dance, love and theatre from the roaring twenties!
And a really lovely story!
It is 1925 in New York and Eddie is a dancer and performer in a small theatre. He isn't too happy with his life but performing makes it bearable and so does his casual sex with men. He yearns for something deeper but this is the twenties, homosexuality is illegal and beside men don't have long term loving relationships with other men, or so Eddie believes.
Things begin to change when Eddie meets Lane.
Lane is a gangster. Not afraid to kill and not afraid of anyone. He misses his close friend and former lover Scott, but he has learned to harden himself and take what he needs and when he needs it. He isn't happy when his mob boss asks him to manage a new and exclusive dance club for men. This is prohibition, homosexuality is illegal and police raids are common. Lane knows he can't refuse his boss because to do so is to die and so he opens it and then meets Eddie.
And the dance between the two men begins.
And a very fine dance it is too!
This started off really slowly for me but suddenly when Eddie and Lane meet things begin to pick up and the story develops shape, pace and the characters just come alive. I think that is where the dancing really began.
This is a mellow story with a gentle romance that develops as the story progresses. There is drama within the story but it is contained in a way that is shielded and this complements the hiddenness and illegality of homosexuality at the time. This is a story of love that grows and develops and becomes stronger but all behind closed doors at the cost of family, home, traditions and friends. But despite this the characters - Lane and Eddie are strong together and apart. They know who they are and they have each paid a steep price to be who they are and they begin to find the steps that each of them must learn in order to dance together, not just behind closed doors in an illegal club, but behind the closed doors of an illegal life.
I enjoyed Lane and Eddie. I liked the contrast of their characters. They are both each weak and strong at different times. They are very different and they are both very cautious towards each other at first and then surprised as love develops between them.
Best of all is the context and the bright lights of the New York 1920's theatre scene. The emerging clubs, the alcohol runs, the corruption and brutality of the police, the mob with their shady dealings. Everything comes together in this story adding both shades of lightness and darkness to romance and love.
It is a story that has ups and downs and some moments of acute pain but was so pleasant to read and left me feeling happy.
Copy provided by Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
And a really lovely story!
It is 1925 in New York and Eddie is a dancer and performer in a small theatre. He isn't too happy with his life but performing makes it bearable and so does his casual sex with men. He yearns for something deeper but this is the twenties, homosexuality is illegal and beside men don't have long term loving relationships with other men, or so Eddie believes.
Things begin to change when Eddie meets Lane.
Lane is a gangster. Not afraid to kill and not afraid of anyone. He misses his close friend and former lover Scott, but he has learned to harden himself and take what he needs and when he needs it. He isn't happy when his mob boss asks him to manage a new and exclusive dance club for men. This is prohibition, homosexuality is illegal and police raids are common. Lane knows he can't refuse his boss because to do so is to die and so he opens it and then meets Eddie.
And the dance between the two men begins.
And a very fine dance it is too!
This started off really slowly for me but suddenly when Eddie and Lane meet things begin to pick up and the story develops shape, pace and the characters just come alive. I think that is where the dancing really began.
This is a mellow story with a gentle romance that develops as the story progresses. There is drama within the story but it is contained in a way that is shielded and this complements the hiddenness and illegality of homosexuality at the time. This is a story of love that grows and develops and becomes stronger but all behind closed doors at the cost of family, home, traditions and friends. But despite this the characters - Lane and Eddie are strong together and apart. They know who they are and they have each paid a steep price to be who they are and they begin to find the steps that each of them must learn in order to dance together, not just behind closed doors in an illegal club, but behind the closed doors of an illegal life.
I enjoyed Lane and Eddie. I liked the contrast of their characters. They are both each weak and strong at different times. They are very different and they are both very cautious towards each other at first and then surprised as love develops between them.
Best of all is the context and the bright lights of the New York 1920's theatre scene. The emerging clubs, the alcohol runs, the corruption and brutality of the police, the mob with their shady dealings. Everything comes together in this story adding both shades of lightness and darkness to romance and love.
It is a story that has ups and downs and some moments of acute pain but was so pleasant to read and left me feeling happy.
Copy provided by Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
October 30, 2015
Such a Dance, Kate McMurray
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
I really enjoyed this read. Its not a breathless faced paced, dramatic romance, but a slow, meandering read that takes us on a journey. I adored Eddie. How hard though to have a career in the public eye where people are looking out for you even when you’re not on stage, and have the leanings he does. Its a time when its tough to be gay, when its not only spurned upon but actually a criminal offence, and pursued avidly by some policemen. Sadly that’s the case still in many countries : (
Eddie is part of a comedy dance duo, and though his co star has an idea of his sexuality its not something either of them mention, and they play a husband and wife on stage and off for publicity...it’s a lonely life for Eddie though, and he gives in occasionally to some paid company. Julian, a secondary character is one of those and woven into the story perfectly.
It’s Lane though that captures Eddie’s heart. Lane has his own troubled past, but unlike Eddie he believes in love. Eddie think men can’t love other men, that its sex only, so of course it shocks him when he feels more for Lane. Throw in the fact that Lane is Mafia, runs a prohibited nightclub for men, with alcohol there too, and its in the cards that at some point its all going to fall down. For the moment though everything is perfect – until it isn't. Then Lane, Eddie, Julian and others are all facing disaster. Eddie and Lane have some tough decisions to make.
Its a fun read, a gentle story with some incredibly moving events and pathos. It brings back the dangers of the era to people that don’t conform to what Society feels is correct. As I said its a danger faced still for far too many people . Its a great escape read though, with me wondering how on earth Kate is going to find a safe solution for them, and desperate for a happy ending. I felt as if I was living there alongside them.
Stars: Four and a half, a wonderful, gentle read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
December 8, 2015
O.M.G can I even tell you how much I loved this one? I am so mad at myself for taking so long to review it. The author paints the world, the characters, and the setting of the 1920s so very well it feels like you've stepped back in time. All of the characters we well-rounded and I liked that you got a clear idea of how they were all changing, growing and being affected by what was happening around them. I was rooting for Eddie and Lane from early on, knowing they would work through everything but still holding my breath to see just how.
With so much threatening them from the outside, and Eddie's own emotional turmoil threatening them from within, it was sometimes a wonder that this would have the HEA ending we know is coming.
Kate McMurray wrote a fantastic book and I look forward to her next one.
With so much threatening them from the outside, and Eddie's own emotional turmoil threatening them from within, it was sometimes a wonder that this would have the HEA ending we know is coming.
Kate McMurray wrote a fantastic book and I look forward to her next one.
November 12, 2015
I wasn't quite sure I would like this book but since it was written by Kate McMurray I took a chance and purchased it. I am glad I did. This was a terrific romance as well as a suspense story. Eddie and Lane where wonderfully realized as the two main characters as were the secondary characters of Frank, Julian, Marian and even the bad producer. This book was just great.
January 8, 2016
Another great Kate McMurray book; I feel like my reviews for her are getting repetitive. I liked Eddie and Lane and their 'dance' toward a relationship; it felt real to me. I loved the portrayal of late 1920s new york - awesome!
September 27, 2015
4.5 stars
Meet Eddie, a Broadway starlet in 1927, NYC. He’s gay and fine with it, but if the truth about his sexuality ever got out, his career would be over. Because you just aren’t openly gay in this day and age. Sure, it’s an open secret that many of the men working in the theatres on Broadway are gay, but actually knowing that a somewhat famous man like Eddie is queer would be something else. But Eddie is fine with that. After all, queer men don’t fall in love, right? So when the mood strikes him, he buys some company for the night and goes back to his normal life the next day.
Lane is a mobster and gets bullied into running a speakeasy for queer men. His boss believes he’s the man for the job because of his peculiar tastes. Just like Eddie, Lane prefers men, but unlike Eddie, he knows that queer men can and do fall in love. First, Lane isn’t too fond of having to run a speakeasy. But then he decides to make the best of it and create a safe haven for men like him, which is easier said than done. Being queer is illegal and serving alcohol is as well. In order to remain in business and out of jail, he regularly bribes the police officer who seems to have taken a special interest in this particular speakeasy.
When Eddie and Lane meet in Lane’s speakeasy, there’s an instant spark of attraction. But how can there ever be more than that, when Eddie’s so convinced love between queer men doesn’t exist and being seen anywhere near the speakeasy is a very real threat to his career? Because Eddie is married to his career and loves his show. And when Lane faces trouble with his suppliers and the officer keeps asking for more and more money, the clock starts ticking.
“Such a Dance” is definitely very unique. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book with a similar setting and I’ve most definitely never read anything like it. I was hooked from the very beginning.
I loved reading about Eddie’s work. He lives to perform. It’s a little sad to watch how lonely he is in the beginning, even if he keeps telling himself that his career is the only thing that matters and that he can’t fall in love anyway.
Lane was also quite intriguing. He has such a sad past and it’s inspiring how he gets over it and falls for Eddie. I liked that he wasn’t completely callous about his work in the mafia but at the same time wasn’t all broken over it either.
The setting of the speakeasy felt very real to me. It was like I was on the dance floor with Eddie, showing the men how to do Charleston. Or sitting with Lane and watching Eddie dance. I could practically hear the jazz, smell the cigarette smoke and taste the gin.
The tone was very realistic. There was no magic pocket of firmly tolerant people surrounding Eddie and Lane so they could live happily despite everything. No, they had to face homophobia and were slightly racist themselves. They weren’t extremely racist, but there was the occasional casual remark that just fit with the opinion of black people back then. Like when Lane talks about a black musician and says that the man is good, “even though he’s a negro.” That’s just how people back then were and more often than not, historical novels tend to gloss that part over, making only the antagonists racist and intolerant.
There was plenty of plot outside the romance, which is something I highly appreciate. We get to see Eddie perform and read about Lane’s trouble with running the speakeasy. We also get to read about the difficulties they face eventually, because obviously they can’t live like this forever. This could’ve easily turned into an extremely angsty read, but it didn’t. Sure, there are some dark elements, but the author doesn’t focus on those. There is homophobia, but it’s not the main theme. Both protagonists have had their fair share of trouble in the past, but again the author doesn’t focus on that. Instead, the plot focuses on the here and now, on the happy parts as well as the darker parts. It’s perfectly balanced.
Still, sometimes it kind of missed a certain something. I can’t even say what it was exactly, but the book somehow missed some spark to make it not just really good, but absolutely amazing. That’s why I decided to give this “only” 4.5 stars, and not the full 5.
Overall, “Such a Dance” is a very unique, realistic historical novel that I enjoyed very much. The setting is extremely well done, there’s plenty of plot outside the romance and the characters are very interesting. I really enjoyed this novel, even if I felt there was a bit of a spark missing at times. I’m definitely going to read more by this author and would love to read more about this time period, which previously didn’t interest me at all.
Cover Art: I have a kind of love-hate relationship with the cover by Ellen B. Wright. When I first looked at it, I thought it was kind of ugly and rather generic. Then I read the book, looked at it again and suddenly realized that this is Eddie, right out of a scene from the book. So now I actually think it’s great, even if it’s still kind of ugly.
Meet Eddie, a Broadway starlet in 1927, NYC. He’s gay and fine with it, but if the truth about his sexuality ever got out, his career would be over. Because you just aren’t openly gay in this day and age. Sure, it’s an open secret that many of the men working in the theatres on Broadway are gay, but actually knowing that a somewhat famous man like Eddie is queer would be something else. But Eddie is fine with that. After all, queer men don’t fall in love, right? So when the mood strikes him, he buys some company for the night and goes back to his normal life the next day.
Lane is a mobster and gets bullied into running a speakeasy for queer men. His boss believes he’s the man for the job because of his peculiar tastes. Just like Eddie, Lane prefers men, but unlike Eddie, he knows that queer men can and do fall in love. First, Lane isn’t too fond of having to run a speakeasy. But then he decides to make the best of it and create a safe haven for men like him, which is easier said than done. Being queer is illegal and serving alcohol is as well. In order to remain in business and out of jail, he regularly bribes the police officer who seems to have taken a special interest in this particular speakeasy.
When Eddie and Lane meet in Lane’s speakeasy, there’s an instant spark of attraction. But how can there ever be more than that, when Eddie’s so convinced love between queer men doesn’t exist and being seen anywhere near the speakeasy is a very real threat to his career? Because Eddie is married to his career and loves his show. And when Lane faces trouble with his suppliers and the officer keeps asking for more and more money, the clock starts ticking.
“Such a Dance” is definitely very unique. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book with a similar setting and I’ve most definitely never read anything like it. I was hooked from the very beginning.
I loved reading about Eddie’s work. He lives to perform. It’s a little sad to watch how lonely he is in the beginning, even if he keeps telling himself that his career is the only thing that matters and that he can’t fall in love anyway.
Lane was also quite intriguing. He has such a sad past and it’s inspiring how he gets over it and falls for Eddie. I liked that he wasn’t completely callous about his work in the mafia but at the same time wasn’t all broken over it either.
The setting of the speakeasy felt very real to me. It was like I was on the dance floor with Eddie, showing the men how to do Charleston. Or sitting with Lane and watching Eddie dance. I could practically hear the jazz, smell the cigarette smoke and taste the gin.
The tone was very realistic. There was no magic pocket of firmly tolerant people surrounding Eddie and Lane so they could live happily despite everything. No, they had to face homophobia and were slightly racist themselves. They weren’t extremely racist, but there was the occasional casual remark that just fit with the opinion of black people back then. Like when Lane talks about a black musician and says that the man is good, “even though he’s a negro.” That’s just how people back then were and more often than not, historical novels tend to gloss that part over, making only the antagonists racist and intolerant.
There was plenty of plot outside the romance, which is something I highly appreciate. We get to see Eddie perform and read about Lane’s trouble with running the speakeasy. We also get to read about the difficulties they face eventually, because obviously they can’t live like this forever. This could’ve easily turned into an extremely angsty read, but it didn’t. Sure, there are some dark elements, but the author doesn’t focus on those. There is homophobia, but it’s not the main theme. Both protagonists have had their fair share of trouble in the past, but again the author doesn’t focus on that. Instead, the plot focuses on the here and now, on the happy parts as well as the darker parts. It’s perfectly balanced.
Still, sometimes it kind of missed a certain something. I can’t even say what it was exactly, but the book somehow missed some spark to make it not just really good, but absolutely amazing. That’s why I decided to give this “only” 4.5 stars, and not the full 5.
Overall, “Such a Dance” is a very unique, realistic historical novel that I enjoyed very much. The setting is extremely well done, there’s plenty of plot outside the romance and the characters are very interesting. I really enjoyed this novel, even if I felt there was a bit of a spark missing at times. I’m definitely going to read more by this author and would love to read more about this time period, which previously didn’t interest me at all.
Cover Art: I have a kind of love-hate relationship with the cover by Ellen B. Wright. When I first looked at it, I thought it was kind of ugly and rather generic. Then I read the book, looked at it again and suddenly realized that this is Eddie, right out of a scene from the book. So now I actually think it’s great, even if it’s still kind of ugly.
October 23, 2015
* * * 1/2
Growing up my mother and I bonded over books and movies. When we weren't at the library we were watching every movie shown on AMC. You know, back in the day when AMC showed really old movies. Not TV shows (not knocking them as I'm a huge TWD fan) or the 80's movies that just make ME feel ancient. But I digress. We loved black and white movies. Dramas, comedies...we weren't particular. We loved it all. Seeing those old black and white dramas provided a peek at a time in history that is so different from now. There was a certain dark romantic quality to watching the drama play out in the varied gray shadows you only find in black and white film. When I requested to review Such A Dance I was hoping it would not only successfully transport me to the 1920's but also back to that time in my life where I shamelessly lost myself in classic old melodramatic movies. I was not disappointed.
Eddie Cotton has a successful husband/wife song and dance comedy routine in a Broadway vaudeville show. But contrary to popular belief, he is not married to his co-star, Marian. Being a gay performer in the 1920's, while not uncommon, isn't exactly accepted. So Eddie and Marian pretend to be married while on stage and even go out and about once in a while to keep the illusion alive. When Eddie hears about the Marigold he checks it out immediately. A jazz club that is meant to be a safe haven for men such as himself? He's more than a little curious. He's not there 5 minutes before he catches the eye of the man that runs the joint - Lane Carillo.
Lane Carillo has done what he needs to survive in the mafia as a gay man. But when it is proposed (or demanded since saying no isn't an option) that he open and run the Marigold, he is more than a little concerned. Paying the police to keep them from shutting down a speakeasy for selling booze is difficult enough. Keeping them from raiding the place for being "that kind of establishment" will be even more difficult. But Lane is smart and dedicated and he makes it work. When he meets Eddie Cotton at the club he knows right away that their relationship could be something more. But Eddie is convinced that marriage-like relationship between two men is impossible. Lane will have to show him otherwise.
As they navigate the intricacies of their burgeoning relationship they both will deal the things happening in their separate worlds. Police are putting the heat on Lane and he is finding it to be more expensive every week to keep the club open. Meanwhile, Eddie is dealing with a producer that is determined to not only make Marian the star of the show but to also push Eddie out the door. A move that could devastate Eddie's career.
I found Eddie to be slightly annoying but in a fairly realistic way. Although he doesn't physically deny who he is, he does deny himself emotionally, which makes him a bit of a wreck when bad things happen. What I did love about him was how happy he was when he was dancing. He positively lit up the page when he was dancing by himself or drawing Lane into a routine on the dance floor of the Marigold. Lane is a fascinating character. He fully accepts who he is. Yes, he has regrets in life but he also has a lot of hope. He refuses to deny himself the possibilities of a good life just because he isn't attracted to women as society demands. It was fun to see this fairly even-keeled guy comfort and hold his boyfriend up in one scene and then shoot a man for bringing watered down whiskey in another. Trying to figure out if he was a good guy that did bad things or a bad guy that did good things was fun.
I definitely enjoyed this story. Gay historical romance is not something I often gravitate towards but as I stated before, the setting of this story made me think of the old movies I loved so much when I was younger. As I read this, the story unfolded in my head as a classic black and white melodrama. I believe envisioning it like that was what made it work for me. It delicately pushed all the right buttons.
Nat
Growing up my mother and I bonded over books and movies. When we weren't at the library we were watching every movie shown on AMC. You know, back in the day when AMC showed really old movies. Not TV shows (not knocking them as I'm a huge TWD fan) or the 80's movies that just make ME feel ancient. But I digress. We loved black and white movies. Dramas, comedies...we weren't particular. We loved it all. Seeing those old black and white dramas provided a peek at a time in history that is so different from now. There was a certain dark romantic quality to watching the drama play out in the varied gray shadows you only find in black and white film. When I requested to review Such A Dance I was hoping it would not only successfully transport me to the 1920's but also back to that time in my life where I shamelessly lost myself in classic old melodramatic movies. I was not disappointed.
Eddie Cotton has a successful husband/wife song and dance comedy routine in a Broadway vaudeville show. But contrary to popular belief, he is not married to his co-star, Marian. Being a gay performer in the 1920's, while not uncommon, isn't exactly accepted. So Eddie and Marian pretend to be married while on stage and even go out and about once in a while to keep the illusion alive. When Eddie hears about the Marigold he checks it out immediately. A jazz club that is meant to be a safe haven for men such as himself? He's more than a little curious. He's not there 5 minutes before he catches the eye of the man that runs the joint - Lane Carillo.
Lane Carillo has done what he needs to survive in the mafia as a gay man. But when it is proposed (or demanded since saying no isn't an option) that he open and run the Marigold, he is more than a little concerned. Paying the police to keep them from shutting down a speakeasy for selling booze is difficult enough. Keeping them from raiding the place for being "that kind of establishment" will be even more difficult. But Lane is smart and dedicated and he makes it work. When he meets Eddie Cotton at the club he knows right away that their relationship could be something more. But Eddie is convinced that marriage-like relationship between two men is impossible. Lane will have to show him otherwise.
As they navigate the intricacies of their burgeoning relationship they both will deal the things happening in their separate worlds. Police are putting the heat on Lane and he is finding it to be more expensive every week to keep the club open. Meanwhile, Eddie is dealing with a producer that is determined to not only make Marian the star of the show but to also push Eddie out the door. A move that could devastate Eddie's career.
I found Eddie to be slightly annoying but in a fairly realistic way. Although he doesn't physically deny who he is, he does deny himself emotionally, which makes him a bit of a wreck when bad things happen. What I did love about him was how happy he was when he was dancing. He positively lit up the page when he was dancing by himself or drawing Lane into a routine on the dance floor of the Marigold. Lane is a fascinating character. He fully accepts who he is. Yes, he has regrets in life but he also has a lot of hope. He refuses to deny himself the possibilities of a good life just because he isn't attracted to women as society demands. It was fun to see this fairly even-keeled guy comfort and hold his boyfriend up in one scene and then shoot a man for bringing watered down whiskey in another. Trying to figure out if he was a good guy that did bad things or a bad guy that did good things was fun.
I definitely enjoyed this story. Gay historical romance is not something I often gravitate towards but as I stated before, the setting of this story made me think of the old movies I loved so much when I was younger. As I read this, the story unfolded in my head as a classic black and white melodrama. I believe envisioning it like that was what made it work for me. It delicately pushed all the right buttons.
Nat
May 4, 2016
Eddie sings and dances for a living. Lane operates mob-run bars. As chances go, these two are actually a rather good pair. If Eddie can get past his crippling fear of relationships, and Lane his fear of loss, that is. Then there is that small detail of there relationship being illegal and highly dangerous to one’s health. 1920’s New York is full of all kinds of health and safety issues, and none more so for two men in love.
I love the setting of this book. In a strange confluence of events I’ve been watching some documentaries on prohibition times in America, so I was really looking forward to reading a book set during the era of speakeasies and rumrunners. Add in a slightly shady connection to the mob and it was looking like a damn fine way to spend the evening. And in fact the setting turned out to be my favourite part of this book. The language spoken, the feel of the people and the various bars and theatres, was great. That it didn’t also skimp on the danger and brutality–as well as the few attractions–-present in the gay community of the time was just a bonus.-
While I normally find the deviation from MC povs to be annoying, it worked well in this story. In fact I wish we had got a bit more from Jullian’s povs.
Where the story kinda fails though is the ending. There is so much build up, so much tension between Lane-–with his mob problems–-and Eddie–-with his career on the line…and it just ends. Like *poof* problem solved. Everyone gets a HEA, nothing more to see here folks. It was, to be honest, an extreme let down. There was so much promise in that last chapter, and instead of writing a climax/resolution the author just skips right to the epilogue. Gah. I can’t tell you how frustrating that was.
So while the majority of the book was a real hoot, and so much fun to read, the ending was…disappointing. It still is worth the read, especially if you enjoy this era in American history, though.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I love the setting of this book. In a strange confluence of events I’ve been watching some documentaries on prohibition times in America, so I was really looking forward to reading a book set during the era of speakeasies and rumrunners. Add in a slightly shady connection to the mob and it was looking like a damn fine way to spend the evening. And in fact the setting turned out to be my favourite part of this book. The language spoken, the feel of the people and the various bars and theatres, was great. That it didn’t also skimp on the danger and brutality–as well as the few attractions–-present in the gay community of the time was just a bonus.-
While I normally find the deviation from MC povs to be annoying, it worked well in this story. In fact I wish we had got a bit more from Jullian’s povs.
Where the story kinda fails though is the ending. There is so much build up, so much tension between Lane-–with his mob problems–-and Eddie–-with his career on the line…and it just ends. Like *poof* problem solved. Everyone gets a HEA, nothing more to see here folks. It was, to be honest, an extreme let down. There was so much promise in that last chapter, and instead of writing a climax/resolution the author just skips right to the epilogue. Gah. I can’t tell you how frustrating that was.
So while the majority of the book was a real hoot, and so much fun to read, the ending was…disappointing. It still is worth the read, especially if you enjoy this era in American history, though.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 10, 2016
4.5 STARS!!
Such a Dance by Kate McMurray, is a well-conceived and intriguing story that interweaves compelling characters, and unique settings. The passion and sizzling chemistry the main character shared while trying to come to terms with their feelings, their physical, and sexual attraction is so tangible.
The story takes place in the late 1920’s in New York City, where the jazz and the Mob rule the city. A place I felt transported thanks to the author’s detail historical description.
Eddie is a successful dancer who happens to love his career more than anything in this life. However, by being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself, well that is until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent, and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen.
Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who works for the Mob. He’s interesting, and captivating but with a heartbreaking past, who isn't done grieving, but when he meets Eddie, he found a new reason to be. Shortly their affair begins, they are both taking risks, not only with their livelihoods, but with their hearts.
My personal opinion is that Such a Dance is absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru Net Galley for an honest review.
Such a Dance by Kate McMurray, is a well-conceived and intriguing story that interweaves compelling characters, and unique settings. The passion and sizzling chemistry the main character shared while trying to come to terms with their feelings, their physical, and sexual attraction is so tangible.
The story takes place in the late 1920’s in New York City, where the jazz and the Mob rule the city. A place I felt transported thanks to the author’s detail historical description.
Eddie is a successful dancer who happens to love his career more than anything in this life. However, by being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself, well that is until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent, and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen.
Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who works for the Mob. He’s interesting, and captivating but with a heartbreaking past, who isn't done grieving, but when he meets Eddie, he found a new reason to be. Shortly their affair begins, they are both taking risks, not only with their livelihoods, but with their hearts.
My personal opinion is that Such a Dance is absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru Net Galley for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
M/M romance set during Prohibition in NYC. Eddie is part of a comedic duo who everyone thinks are a couple. The theater manager wants to highlight the female part of the duo so he fires Eddie because he's gay. Eddie has been seeing Lane who manages a speakeasy for the mob. Lane's done some things he's not proud of but it's kept him alive. The two struggle with getting closer to one another. When the cops raid the speakeasy, Lane and Eddie have to determine where they go from there.
I liked these men. Neither is what the other expected. Both are determined characters with strong opinions. Eddie has to come further to accept his need of Lane. The secondary characters are an eclectic group and fun. They too have their stories to tell.
I love this era of gangsters and speakeasies. The author captures it well as she shows the underbelly of Prohibition and the gay community in the 1920's. The story is good. I had a hard time putting it down to go to work.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
I liked these men. Neither is what the other expected. Both are determined characters with strong opinions. Eddie has to come further to accept his need of Lane. The secondary characters are an eclectic group and fun. They too have their stories to tell.
I love this era of gangsters and speakeasies. The author captures it well as she shows the underbelly of Prohibition and the gay community in the 1920's. The story is good. I had a hard time putting it down to go to work.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 3, 2016
★★★★☆ ~ 4 Stars
Set in 1927, the vaudeville era of dance and variety theater, Eddie Cotton is part of husband and wife duet. Eddie isn't the the marrying kind though, and in this Prohibition era, he better keep his true desires very private. Until he goes to a new jazz club and meets the owner, Lane Carillo, who is very likely a gangster. And not only is sodomy a jailable offense, so is having alcohol for sale.
Of course the attraction Eddie and Lane can't stop them no matter the consequences. And obstacles keep coming up. How Eddie and Lane deal with their painful pasts and the boulders thrown in their way make this an enjoyable read.
Loved the descriptions of Eddie's dance routines. Side characters were memorable.
Set in 1927, the vaudeville era of dance and variety theater, Eddie Cotton is part of husband and wife duet. Eddie isn't the the marrying kind though, and in this Prohibition era, he better keep his true desires very private. Until he goes to a new jazz club and meets the owner, Lane Carillo, who is very likely a gangster. And not only is sodomy a jailable offense, so is having alcohol for sale.
Of course the attraction Eddie and Lane can't stop them no matter the consequences. And obstacles keep coming up. How Eddie and Lane deal with their painful pasts and the boulders thrown in their way make this an enjoyable read.
Loved the descriptions of Eddie's dance routines. Side characters were memorable.
August 7, 2016
Very noir. The style and flavor of the height of prohibition in 1927 New York is well depicted. Eddie is a well known vaudville song and dance performer who's on the down low, but once he lays eyes on sexy mobster Lane in a speakeasy which is exclusive for queer gentelmen, he can't stay away. Life is not easy for one being gay in the 20s nor safe if affiliated with the mob. I really enjoyed Lane and Eddie's story, and I'm so glad it had a happy ending. Cause I was actually stressing out something horrid was going to happen to them.
November 6, 2015
What a nice surprise! I haven't read a romance novel in a number of decades, so I'd forgotten how moving a well written one can be. Set in Prohibition New York, this romance between entertainer Eddie and mobster Lane, is full of history, romance, and sex. A well put together story; intriguing, genuine characters; and music move this fast paced love story along at a whirlwind pace. It has everything you could wish for!
April 4, 2017
Enjoyable. I think my favourite thing about this book was the setting--1920s New York. It was an interesting story, but the writing lacked life and it all felt a little flat to me. The ending seemed pretty unbelievable as well.
Want to Read
October 27, 20153 books came out today and i don't know which one to start. Today is my favorite day. Happy dance!
April 9, 2020
2.5 stars. This wasn't terrible, was actually very atmospheric and engrossing and made me really fall in love and get sucked into the time period, but it could've been better than it was and I'm disappointed that I didn't get more out of this. And that's the main reason for the rating.
The main appeal of this book for me was the setting of the roaring '20s New York, the Times Square Broadway scene, the Mob controlling speakeasies and underground activities, the queer spaces that those like Lane have fought to keep around despite the obstacles. Not sure how completely accurate the setting is, but it was fun and made me want to go out and read more of this historical time period and of New York, the entertainment industry, the thriving Harlem jazz scene, criminal undergrounds, queer culture, during this era.
The romance was meh, really not believable or all that compelling for me. It consisted of heavy description of how mafia member Lane and vaudeville performer Eddie meet, they start sleeping together and end up falling in love-- very quickly too, I may add. There's not much to their characters, I didn't feel like I really truly knew them, but the general idea of them was enough to keep me rooting for them at least. There were random points of view moments from other side characters like Eddie's performing partner Marian, prostitutes turned employees and friends Julian and Frank, which seemed shoehorned in and odd and didn't really like, even if I found the general ideas of the characters themselves sympathetic. The writing style and plotting was the element that dragged down for me, where things would just be described without much feeling and events would just unfold without much feeling of plot progression. The ending was also just rushed and skipped to the epilogue.
There's a lot of slurs and violence hurled around and happening to the characters, which is upsetting and can be triggering. It might be too much for some who just want more lightness out of their escapist romance, but it didn't seem gratuitous and was more an unfortunate, grounded take of a circumstance within this world. At the end and all in all, it's inspiring, that Lane and Eddie fight to stay together, problem solve to keep doing what they love in a world that very much wants to snuff them out. Their happy ending isn't 100% ideal but it's what they have built from the ashes of what burned down of their previous lives, and they are facing it together as basically spiritual husbands. They've carved out their own little community and safe space for themselves, so it's the best HEA from that perspective.
I do enjoy these historical MM romances, and those from different time periods. It's about time I get out from the more conventional het Regency-adjacent romances, they'd gotten stale for me at some point and these different perspectives are just what I want to reinvigorate my enjoyment of more frivolous-type historical novels, so this was nice for that purpose.
The main appeal of this book for me was the setting of the roaring '20s New York, the Times Square Broadway scene, the Mob controlling speakeasies and underground activities, the queer spaces that those like Lane have fought to keep around despite the obstacles. Not sure how completely accurate the setting is, but it was fun and made me want to go out and read more of this historical time period and of New York, the entertainment industry, the thriving Harlem jazz scene, criminal undergrounds, queer culture, during this era.
The romance was meh, really not believable or all that compelling for me. It consisted of heavy description of how mafia member Lane and vaudeville performer Eddie meet, they start sleeping together and end up falling in love-- very quickly too, I may add. There's not much to their characters, I didn't feel like I really truly knew them, but the general idea of them was enough to keep me rooting for them at least. There were random points of view moments from other side characters like Eddie's performing partner Marian, prostitutes turned employees and friends Julian and Frank, which seemed shoehorned in and odd and didn't really like, even if I found the general ideas of the characters themselves sympathetic. The writing style and plotting was the element that dragged down for me, where things would just be described without much feeling and events would just unfold without much feeling of plot progression. The ending was also just rushed and skipped to the epilogue.
There's a lot of slurs and violence hurled around and happening to the characters, which is upsetting and can be triggering. It might be too much for some who just want more lightness out of their escapist romance, but it didn't seem gratuitous and was more an unfortunate, grounded take of a circumstance within this world. At the end and all in all, it's inspiring, that Lane and Eddie fight to stay together, problem solve to keep doing what they love in a world that very much wants to snuff them out. Their happy ending isn't 100% ideal but it's what they have built from the ashes of what burned down of their previous lives, and they are facing it together as basically spiritual husbands. They've carved out their own little community and safe space for themselves, so it's the best HEA from that perspective.
I do enjoy these historical MM romances, and those from different time periods. It's about time I get out from the more conventional het Regency-adjacent romances, they'd gotten stale for me at some point and these different perspectives are just what I want to reinvigorate my enjoyment of more frivolous-type historical novels, so this was nice for that purpose.
March 21, 2026
An mm romance set during New York’s Prohibition period promised to be quite the premise especially with the men involved being a gangster and a Broadway dancer.
This was a sweeter romance than i was anticipating given a member of the mafia being part of the duo. It also doesn’t shy away from giving its characters a tragic back story. The difficulty of being homosexual during this time is also very present and feels life threatening. I’m not an expert on this part of history by any means but I was impressed by this author’s willingness to show the darker parts not just with the bootlegging but also with the prostitution and the police brutality and it certainly felt authentic to me.
That said the very real barriers being presented made a happy ending feel almost unobtainable at one point. Yet the book resolves fairly quickly not long after this with a happy ending, which is great but i think i wanted to see more of that journey instead of having it presented as exposition in the epilogue and it took away some of the weight of the barriers presented when we didnt get to see the characters overcome them. I actually would have been happy to read another book about all the stuff covered in the epilogue.
Overall, an entertaining and sweet love story set during a really interesting period of history that explored the various fears of being a gay man during this time. However the ending was a tad rushed and unsatisfying.
This was a sweeter romance than i was anticipating given a member of the mafia being part of the duo. It also doesn’t shy away from giving its characters a tragic back story. The difficulty of being homosexual during this time is also very present and feels life threatening. I’m not an expert on this part of history by any means but I was impressed by this author’s willingness to show the darker parts not just with the bootlegging but also with the prostitution and the police brutality and it certainly felt authentic to me.
That said the very real barriers being presented made a happy ending feel almost unobtainable at one point. Yet the book resolves fairly quickly not long after this with a happy ending, which is great but i think i wanted to see more of that journey instead of having it presented as exposition in the epilogue and it took away some of the weight of the barriers presented when we didnt get to see the characters overcome them. I actually would have been happy to read another book about all the stuff covered in the epilogue.
Overall, an entertaining and sweet love story set during a really interesting period of history that explored the various fears of being a gay man during this time. However the ending was a tad rushed and unsatisfying.
December 11, 2021
The characters are likable and the romance is sweet and wholesome; maybe a bit too much, compared to what I expected. There's not much conflict about the whole "I'm dating a mobster" thing, and Lane is such a good person you wonder how he could possibly be a capo for the Mafia. Also, I find it annoying that the climax at the end is not resolved, with the story skipping from the most troubling situation to an happy epilogue with little to no effort.
However! I enjoyed the author's style and the general concept of this book. If anything, it didn't bore me and it was an easy, cute read.
However! I enjoyed the author's style and the general concept of this book. If anything, it didn't bore me and it was an easy, cute read.
March 28, 2023
This was a historical m/m romance in the 1920's. I kept waiting for something horrible to happen to the two main characters as one was a mobster and the other was a vaudeville performer. Not to say there wasn't always something bad happening, men were NOT allowed to love men back then and could get arrested for sodomy. I enjoyed reading how the main character didn't believe two men could love each other and how he developed during this story.
January 26, 2017
Kate McMurray's writing is beautiful! The story is about a Broadway dancer in the 1920s in New York City and a mob- affiliated bar owner. It's M/M romance. I loved the setting, which the author researched really well, and the characters that were well developed. My rating reflects how sweet the romance was, which overly sweet, is not my cup of tea.
June 25, 2017
This was a romance novel with the twist being a gay mobster. It was predictable the way most romances are but the characters are likable as people. I liked the setting and time period of the story.
Read
August 12, 2019I might go back one day to finish (probably not though), but Im really not a fan of any m/m book that does the whole "effeminate gay men suck, only big burly manly macho men are good" thing
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