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Meet Me at the Barre
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26
What if falling in love jeopardises the dream you’ve been chasing all your life?
Koa…
Koa Rivers has spent the last nine years idolising the world’s greatest dancer from afar.
Now he’s travelled halfway around the world to New York City to dance alongside Ashton Harrington at the prestigious American Ballet Company.
Ashton is as brilliant, charismatic, and seductive as Koa imagined. So when Ashton offers to mentor him, Koa leaps at the opportunity.
But in a company filled with ruthless ambition and secrets whispered behind every curtain, Koa may be forced to choose between the career he’s devoted his life to and the man who’s captured his heart.
Ashton…
Ashton has everything—fame, wealth, success, and a revolving door of attractive men and women to choose from. But after years at the top, life has lost its lustre.
Then the exceptionally talented Koa Rivers walks through the studio doors. He's young, beautiful, and unapologetically driven.
Ashton tells himself he only wants Koa for one night. Maybe two. Except Koa isn’t interested in being another name on his list.
But the more time they spend together in rehearsal, the more Ashton realises he’s beginning to feel something he hasn’t felt in many years. Something that's proving far too hard to ignore.
In the cut-throat world of professional ballet, Koa is about to discover that getting everything he's ever wanted might cost him more than he's willing to pay.
Koa…
Koa Rivers has spent the last nine years idolising the world’s greatest dancer from afar.
Now he’s travelled halfway around the world to New York City to dance alongside Ashton Harrington at the prestigious American Ballet Company.
Ashton is as brilliant, charismatic, and seductive as Koa imagined. So when Ashton offers to mentor him, Koa leaps at the opportunity.
But in a company filled with ruthless ambition and secrets whispered behind every curtain, Koa may be forced to choose between the career he’s devoted his life to and the man who’s captured his heart.
Ashton…
Ashton has everything—fame, wealth, success, and a revolving door of attractive men and women to choose from. But after years at the top, life has lost its lustre.
Then the exceptionally talented Koa Rivers walks through the studio doors. He's young, beautiful, and unapologetically driven.
Ashton tells himself he only wants Koa for one night. Maybe two. Except Koa isn’t interested in being another name on his list.
But the more time they spend together in rehearsal, the more Ashton realises he’s beginning to feel something he hasn’t felt in many years. Something that's proving far too hard to ignore.
In the cut-throat world of professional ballet, Koa is about to discover that getting everything he's ever wanted might cost him more than he's willing to pay.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Rae Roberts
4 books43 followersRae Roberts is a queer author who writes emotional, heartfelt, and unapologetically MM romance. With a background in performing arts and a current career as a counsellor, Rae brings a deep understanding of people—their strengths, fears and fragile hopes—to every story she writes.
Her characters are raw and real, often navigating identity, grief and trauma on their journey to connection and unconditional love. Rae's stories explore the messy, beautiful complexity of queer love. The kind that lingers, transforms, and ultimately heals. She believes in a happily ever after, but only after putting her characters (and readers), through the emotional wringer.
When she's not writing or working with clients, Rae is probably dreaming up her next emotionally devastating plot, sipping a hot chocolate, or curled up on the couch binge-watching a drama series.
Pages of My Heart is her debut novel. Adrift Without You will be released in October, 2025. Rae resides in Melbourne, Australia.
"I spent much of my life concealing my queerness. But through the creative process of writing, and writing queer love stories, I found self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. I have so many more stories to share, and I can't wait to share them with you!"
~ Rae 💜
Her characters are raw and real, often navigating identity, grief and trauma on their journey to connection and unconditional love. Rae's stories explore the messy, beautiful complexity of queer love. The kind that lingers, transforms, and ultimately heals. She believes in a happily ever after, but only after putting her characters (and readers), through the emotional wringer.
When she's not writing or working with clients, Rae is probably dreaming up her next emotionally devastating plot, sipping a hot chocolate, or curled up on the couch binge-watching a drama series.
Pages of My Heart is her debut novel. Adrift Without You will be released in October, 2025. Rae resides in Melbourne, Australia.
"I spent much of my life concealing my queerness. But through the creative process of writing, and writing queer love stories, I found self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. I have so many more stories to share, and I can't wait to share them with you!"
~ Rae 💜
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 5, 2026
I've had a string of reads that were good but just weren't quite hitting the spot, and of course Rae Roberts comes in to save the day with her cape, her laptop, and a brain full of all the depth, complexity, and chemistry I was missing.
The tension between these two is immediate!!! It comes quickly, but it's so well established that these are not new feelings. You can feel all the history of what had been building for years before they ever met, and the admiration they had for one another from across their shared career in ballet.
This book is definitely messy, and toxic. The jealousy, the possessiveness, the control, the uncomfortableness of it is right at the forefront here. These are real people with real problems and real trauma, and that isn't always pretty, and this author allows them to be exactly that. There's no rush to reassure us that Ashton is a good man. I wasn't even sure I'd be able to like him by the end. (Which, if anyone knows me, I don't have to like people by the end to like a book.)
We're thrown straight into the emotions of both of these characters. Whether you like them or not, you can feel the stress Ashton carries around his need to control Koa. I wasn't expecting his background to be as tragic as it was. The build up to the reveal was so well done. It hurt my heart for him whether I supported his actions or not.
Even with Ashton being so complex, Koa's development does not get neglected. You can feel how much pressure he's carrying from his heritage as an Indigenous Australian, him wanting to make his parents proud even knowing they'll never accept him, the fear of being seen as someone who got there because of who he's sleeping with. The need to do it all on his own is felt strong, even if it costs him.
This is definitely a spice forward book! Those are always hard to land for me if I feel like the spice takes over the plot. Here it's woven in so well I was never annoyed by it. It's showing us so much about Ashton through words he'd never say out loud. Those scenes are actually doing work for the plot instead of just used as filler.
It also helped that the author has clearly been in the dance world. All the technical terms and hierarchies were used in a way that felt extremely natural.
The only complaint is the redemption arc didn't completely land for me, but that's never a deal breaker for me, because life isn't always clean, and clear cut, and I don't expect characters to be either.
This is the second in a series, but works completely as a standalone since the characters aren’t deeply integrated. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!!! Grayson's book?!?! Give it to me now!!
The tension between these two is immediate!!! It comes quickly, but it's so well established that these are not new feelings. You can feel all the history of what had been building for years before they ever met, and the admiration they had for one another from across their shared career in ballet.
This book is definitely messy, and toxic. The jealousy, the possessiveness, the control, the uncomfortableness of it is right at the forefront here. These are real people with real problems and real trauma, and that isn't always pretty, and this author allows them to be exactly that. There's no rush to reassure us that Ashton is a good man. I wasn't even sure I'd be able to like him by the end. (Which, if anyone knows me, I don't have to like people by the end to like a book.)
We're thrown straight into the emotions of both of these characters. Whether you like them or not, you can feel the stress Ashton carries around his need to control Koa. I wasn't expecting his background to be as tragic as it was. The build up to the reveal was so well done. It hurt my heart for him whether I supported his actions or not.
Even with Ashton being so complex, Koa's development does not get neglected. You can feel how much pressure he's carrying from his heritage as an Indigenous Australian, him wanting to make his parents proud even knowing they'll never accept him, the fear of being seen as someone who got there because of who he's sleeping with. The need to do it all on his own is felt strong, even if it costs him.
This is definitely a spice forward book! Those are always hard to land for me if I feel like the spice takes over the plot. Here it's woven in so well I was never annoyed by it. It's showing us so much about Ashton through words he'd never say out loud. Those scenes are actually doing work for the plot instead of just used as filler.
It also helped that the author has clearly been in the dance world. All the technical terms and hierarchies were used in a way that felt extremely natural.
The only complaint is the redemption arc didn't completely land for me, but that's never a deal breaker for me, because life isn't always clean, and clear cut, and I don't expect characters to be either.
This is the second in a series, but works completely as a standalone since the characters aren’t deeply integrated. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!!! Grayson's book?!?! Give it to me now!!
Did Not Finish
November 3, 2026DNF @ 30% due to OP drama, great writing though! Absolutely go for it if you don't mind that.
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*I had a more detailed review up but didn't want to start a war in the comments so feel free to message me for more details*
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*I had a more detailed review up but didn't want to start a war in the comments so feel free to message me for more details*
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
As usual, Rae Robert’s delivers yet another beautiful story. This one isn’t quite as smooshy as some of her others, and there are moments when you find yourself questioning just how compatible these two really are. But sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder, and after Koa makes the difficult decision to go home, the distance gives them both the perspective they need. They come to realise that, ultimately, it was the right decision for their relationship and their future.
Ash is a difficult character to get to know initially. He falls for Koa pretty quickly, but his past trauma leaves him terrified of repeating old mistakes and, more importantly, losing someone he has come to care so deeply about.
Koa, meanwhile, loses his shine in NYC. He becomes another victim of gossip and a toxic work environment, and eventually makes the decision to go home. Not because he doesn’t love Ash, but because he needs to protect his mental health and his career. He also has his own journey to make, learning to live without constantly seeking his parents’ approval. They are awful parents, and Koa needs to find the confidence to be happy with himself and who he is, rather than living for their acceptance.
Rae has such a wonderful way with words and an ability to make her characters realise just how much they need one another. Drama, attitude and plenty of love fill this story, and it all leads to a hard-won happily ever after.
It was also lovely to catch up with Oliver and Huxley. I’m already looking forward to Grayson’s story. I imagine his journey might be quite similar to Ash’s, considering Grayson is practically a carbon copy of him!
I love this author, and I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to read this ARC. Another beautiful addition to a series I’m thoroughly enjoying!
As usual, Rae Robert’s delivers yet another beautiful story. This one isn’t quite as smooshy as some of her others, and there are moments when you find yourself questioning just how compatible these two really are. But sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder, and after Koa makes the difficult decision to go home, the distance gives them both the perspective they need. They come to realise that, ultimately, it was the right decision for their relationship and their future.
Ash is a difficult character to get to know initially. He falls for Koa pretty quickly, but his past trauma leaves him terrified of repeating old mistakes and, more importantly, losing someone he has come to care so deeply about.
Koa, meanwhile, loses his shine in NYC. He becomes another victim of gossip and a toxic work environment, and eventually makes the decision to go home. Not because he doesn’t love Ash, but because he needs to protect his mental health and his career. He also has his own journey to make, learning to live without constantly seeking his parents’ approval. They are awful parents, and Koa needs to find the confidence to be happy with himself and who he is, rather than living for their acceptance.
Rae has such a wonderful way with words and an ability to make her characters realise just how much they need one another. Drama, attitude and plenty of love fill this story, and it all leads to a hard-won happily ever after.
It was also lovely to catch up with Oliver and Huxley. I’m already looking forward to Grayson’s story. I imagine his journey might be quite similar to Ash’s, considering Grayson is practically a carbon copy of him!
I love this author, and I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to read this ARC. Another beautiful addition to a series I’m thoroughly enjoying!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I tell you that Rae Roberts DOESNT FAIL, she just DOESNT, DAMMIT!
I haven’t read one book from another author that talks about the real real “stuff” that gay relationships go through. Sure it’s sexy, sure it’s hot, sure it’s steamy, and intense, BUT getting there there isn’t always those things. Hehe! Worth it tho!
I first read about Oliver and Huxley and fell head over heels with Rae’s writing. Then I met Charlie and Thomas and I was in complete SHAMBLES and fell even more in love!
Now, Koa and Ash! Uugh! BRILLIANT!
Ashton & Koa,
Love is NEVER easy! But I kinda think that makes everything worth it. Makes everything more real. Makes everything more ALIVE! Life is your stage and you are front and center. Always.
What a great book! Please please READ THIS AND GET YOUR COPY! You won’t regret it!
I’m over here twirling in my living room like a ballerina while my husband is giggling! 🤭🥰
I haven’t read one book from another author that talks about the real real “stuff” that gay relationships go through. Sure it’s sexy, sure it’s hot, sure it’s steamy, and intense, BUT getting there there isn’t always those things. Hehe! Worth it tho!
I first read about Oliver and Huxley and fell head over heels with Rae’s writing. Then I met Charlie and Thomas and I was in complete SHAMBLES and fell even more in love!
Now, Koa and Ash! Uugh! BRILLIANT!
Ashton & Koa,
Love is NEVER easy! But I kinda think that makes everything worth it. Makes everything more real. Makes everything more ALIVE! Life is your stage and you are front and center. Always.
What a great book! Please please READ THIS AND GET YOUR COPY! You won’t regret it!
I’m over here twirling in my living room like a ballerina while my husband is giggling! 🤭🥰
November 9, 2026
I find that especially in MM romance lust is often mistaken for love. This relationship is purely physical and there is nothing else that led to these two characters falling in love, their relationship is also one of the most toxic ones I have ever read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. This book was a roller coaster! After the relative ease of the first book in the series, I was unprepared! It had the same quality as the first book of tackling real issues instead of skirting around them: Homophobia and internalized homophobia, abandonment issues, codependent relationships, jealousy, grief and guilt. It didn't skirt around real conversations that happen around sex and prep and the apprehension that can come with that when you're inexperienced.
The biggest difference is that both of these MMCs were so toxic for each other! I had a hard time liking Ashton until much father into the book and I would have loved to get a bit more of his story to understand him better. Although their attraction was instant, neither of these men were prepared for the baggage the other would bring into the relationship and at times I wondered how they could possibly work it out. This HEA was hard fought and in the end I'm so glad that both of these men just grew up!
I appreciate Rae for the representation in her books. I love that the difficult aspects of an interracial relationship as well as being public figures and a workplace relationship were all explored and not glossed over.
I loved seeing Oli and Hux! And can't wait to see Ash and Koa more in Grayson's story 😊
The biggest difference is that both of these MMCs were so toxic for each other! I had a hard time liking Ashton until much father into the book and I would have loved to get a bit more of his story to understand him better. Although their attraction was instant, neither of these men were prepared for the baggage the other would bring into the relationship and at times I wondered how they could possibly work it out. This HEA was hard fought and in the end I'm so glad that both of these men just grew up!
I appreciate Rae for the representation in her books. I love that the difficult aspects of an interracial relationship as well as being public figures and a workplace relationship were all explored and not glossed over.
I loved seeing Oli and Hux! And can't wait to see Ash and Koa more in Grayson's story 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
That was fantastic! The character growth in this one was amazing and I loved the parallels between Ashton and Koa’s relationship and their performance of ‘The Architecture of Desire’. Their relationship started out so toxic and codependent that it was difficult for me to imagine how they could possibly have a happy ending, so when it came time for Koa to make this huge decision to go back to Australia alone, I was glad he took it.
I enjoyed the brief snippets of the months they spent apart, the side characters were interesting and I LOVED seeing snippets of Oliver and Huxley again 🥰
But again, I can’t stress how good the character growth is for both of the mmc’s and they share some incredibly tender moments towards the end.
The only thing that could have improved this for me would have been an epilogue. It was a lovely ending, but I wanted a little peek into their future, so I’m hoping we will get to see them again in Grayson’s book 😊
I enjoyed the brief snippets of the months they spent apart, the side characters were interesting and I LOVED seeing snippets of Oliver and Huxley again 🥰
But again, I can’t stress how good the character growth is for both of the mmc’s and they share some incredibly tender moments towards the end.
The only thing that could have improved this for me would have been an epilogue. It was a lovely ending, but I wanted a little peek into their future, so I’m hoping we will get to see them again in Grayson’s book 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet me at the barre is koa and ashtons story.
We meet koa in the previous book as best friend to oli.
Koa is a brilliant ballet dancer who moves from Australia to america to further his dance career. Ashton is a world class dancer and a bigger diva he is also koa's idol.
What starts as a lifelong crush for koa soon turns into more when ashton becomes obsessed with him.
Koa ends up questioning if he really has talent with things happening at work, he ends up leaving but will koa and ashtons love stand the test of time and distance? This book was heartfelt, fell good and spicy. Yes I shed some tears.
Rae will always be a instant read for me as she knows exactly how to pull you in and make you feel.
We meet koa in the previous book as best friend to oli.
Koa is a brilliant ballet dancer who moves from Australia to america to further his dance career. Ashton is a world class dancer and a bigger diva he is also koa's idol.
What starts as a lifelong crush for koa soon turns into more when ashton becomes obsessed with him.
Koa ends up questioning if he really has talent with things happening at work, he ends up leaving but will koa and ashtons love stand the test of time and distance? This book was heartfelt, fell good and spicy. Yes I shed some tears.
Rae will always be a instant read for me as she knows exactly how to pull you in and make you feel.
Review of advance copy
***ARC ***
Thanks so much for the ballet terms. That helped so much!
Ashton is a very famous ballet dancer. Also a diva and DOESN'T do relationships.
Koa is a indigenous man from Australia that happens to be very great ballet dancer. Ashton is his idol.
They get the chance to dance together. Ashton falls,Koa falls.in love
Life happens and Koa goes back to Australia.
A year passes. Love remains.
Love that it shows if it's true love, time and distance does not matter.
Cant wait for the next book!!
Thanks so much for the ballet terms. That helped so much!
Ashton is a very famous ballet dancer. Also a diva and DOESN'T do relationships.
Koa is a indigenous man from Australia that happens to be very great ballet dancer. Ashton is his idol.
They get the chance to dance together. Ashton falls,Koa falls.in love
Life happens and Koa goes back to Australia.
A year passes. Love remains.
Love that it shows if it's true love, time and distance does not matter.
Cant wait for the next book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, anyone who thinks reading romance isn’t political needs to give their head a wobble.
Koa comes from a strict Catholic family and is striving to be the first Black, Indigenous Principal dancer. This story shines a light on the challenges faced by an underrepresented community, but also addresses the internalised homophobia Koa experiences as a result of his upbringing.
It’s a wonderful story, and completely devastating at times, but also deeply profound.
Koa’s idol, Ashton, is a bit of a d!ck at the start of the story; he’s a phenomenally talented White dancer who comes from money and toxically possessive. The contrasts between the two characters are stark! But boy, oh boy, does he have a redemption story in the form of Koa Rivers, and the ending sweetly rounds off a powerful story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
✨Pro ballet dancers
✨Workplace romance
✨Age gap
✨Bi rep
✨Possessive MC
Koa comes from a strict Catholic family and is striving to be the first Black, Indigenous Principal dancer. This story shines a light on the challenges faced by an underrepresented community, but also addresses the internalised homophobia Koa experiences as a result of his upbringing.
It’s a wonderful story, and completely devastating at times, but also deeply profound.
Koa’s idol, Ashton, is a bit of a d!ck at the start of the story; he’s a phenomenally talented White dancer who comes from money and toxically possessive. The contrasts between the two characters are stark! But boy, oh boy, does he have a redemption story in the form of Koa Rivers, and the ending sweetly rounds off a powerful story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
✨Pro ballet dancers
✨Workplace romance
✨Age gap
✨Bi rep
✨Possessive MC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another brilliant book from Rae - I read this over the course of around 12 hours. Literally couldn't put it down. As addictive as Meet Me After Class, but very different in tone. Rae handles difficult subject matter like racial stereotypes, sexual coercion, power dynamics, mild BDSM and religious trauma with the sensitivity of a seasoned pro writer. Fell completely in love with Koa, and cheered for him throughout. I'll read everything Rae writes, and I think this book is my favourite so far.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews