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Dancing Lessons
Two years of living with his controlling boyfriend left Chico worn down long before that boyfriend revealed he’d been seeing someone else. With no other choice, Chico moves in above his cousin’s garage in a small town in the redwoods, where he merely goes through the motions. To get him out of the house, his cousin pushes him to volunteer at a local dance studio to help with their annual show.
He’s not expecting to end up in a dance class, or to start feeling alive again in the arms of his dance instructor. Rafael is the studio owners’ son and was once a well-known dancer in his own right, but now enjoys being a teacher. Although Chico likes him, he’s afraid of taking a chance. But Rafael is determined, and it only takes one dance for Chico to start to realize he might still have something to learn.
He’s not expecting to end up in a dance class, or to start feeling alive again in the arms of his dance instructor. Rafael is the studio owners’ son and was once a well-known dancer in his own right, but now enjoys being a teacher. Although Chico likes him, he’s afraid of taking a chance. But Rafael is determined, and it only takes one dance for Chico to start to realize he might still have something to learn.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2016
28 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books996 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
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BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 21, 2016
4.4 stars rounded up because EMOTIONAL SEX!
There are two books I have read in my life that contained a sex scene that made me cry. Where the emotion and passion was so intense that I wept because I was so touched. The first one was The Final Line by Kendall McKenna. The second one is Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper.
The actual story of Chico (pronounce "Sheeco" for its Portuguese, not Spanish, origin) and the sudden re-planting of his life was good. Not great, but it was good and held my interest. Chico has been mistreated emotionally and is extremely depressed. That's a personal hard read for me since I also suffer from depression. His self-esteem is shot and he is sleeping too much, isolating himself and not eating enough. His shot-in-the-arm is his cousin, Davi, who encourages him to volunteer at a local dance studio. Chico reluctantly accepts the volunteer position and meets beautiful, posed, graceful, charming dance teacher Rafael. With his self-esteem so low, he doesn't believe he has a chance in hell of catching Raf's eye.
But catch Raf's eye he does. Raf is the epitome of kindness and patience and he is adorably smitten with sad, lonely Chico. (He is prime book-boyfriend materiel.)
The burn between Chico and Raf is excruciatingly slow but delicious at the same time. The sexual tension between the men is outrageous and palpitate. I enjoyed every minute of these two together.
But, again, the actual story itself wasn't that big of a deal for me. The thing is, you have to read the whole book to understand and feel the emotion of the final scene. So, I HIGHLY recommended you read this book. The whole book. If you are bored and feel like DNF, DON'T. The payoff at the end is worth every minute of your time.
One more thing: We do not get a HEA here but do get a HFN with speculation that these men will walk off into the sunset together. I would have given my eye teeth for an epilogue.
But I still fucking loved this.
Galley copy of Dancing Lessons provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
There are two books I have read in my life that contained a sex scene that made me cry. Where the emotion and passion was so intense that I wept because I was so touched. The first one was The Final Line by Kendall McKenna. The second one is Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper.
The actual story of Chico (pronounce "Sheeco" for its Portuguese, not Spanish, origin) and the sudden re-planting of his life was good. Not great, but it was good and held my interest. Chico has been mistreated emotionally and is extremely depressed. That's a personal hard read for me since I also suffer from depression. His self-esteem is shot and he is sleeping too much, isolating himself and not eating enough. His shot-in-the-arm is his cousin, Davi, who encourages him to volunteer at a local dance studio. Chico reluctantly accepts the volunteer position and meets beautiful, posed, graceful, charming dance teacher Rafael. With his self-esteem so low, he doesn't believe he has a chance in hell of catching Raf's eye.
But catch Raf's eye he does. Raf is the epitome of kindness and patience and he is adorably smitten with sad, lonely Chico. (He is prime book-boyfriend materiel.)
The burn between Chico and Raf is excruciatingly slow but delicious at the same time. The sexual tension between the men is outrageous and palpitate. I enjoyed every minute of these two together.
But, again, the actual story itself wasn't that big of a deal for me. The thing is, you have to read the whole book to understand and feel the emotion of the final scene. So, I HIGHLY recommended you read this book. The whole book. If you are bored and feel like DNF, DON'T. The payoff at the end is worth every minute of your time.
One more thing: We do not get a HEA here but do get a HFN with speculation that these men will walk off into the sunset together. I would have given my eye teeth for an epilogue.
But I still fucking loved this.
Galley copy of Dancing Lessons provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
September 21, 2024
5 stars.
Another amazing novella by R. Cooper.
I loved Chico and Rafael.
The story was told in single pov (Chico) and I never missed Rafael's pov because of the author's writing skills.
I loved how Chico got stronger and more sure of himself, yet he knew he had to look out for himself after being hurt by his last relationship.
I loved the longing.. Chico's uncertainty about Rafael's feelings was heart breaking but thankfully not long. I loved how their relationship progressed, how both fell fast. The (few) sex scenes were awesome, too, so intimate and beautiful.
Oh I nearly forgot the lovely secondary characters.. I loved Rafael's parents, and Davi, Chico's cousin. Davi helped Chico getting back on his feet, and had this steady and calming presence.. He had Chico's back, while nudging him to get out more. He was wonderful.
Another amazing novella by R. Cooper.
I loved Chico and Rafael.
The story was told in single pov (Chico) and I never missed Rafael's pov because of the author's writing skills.
I loved how Chico got stronger and more sure of himself, yet he knew he had to look out for himself after being hurt by his last relationship.
I loved the longing.. Chico's uncertainty about Rafael's feelings was heart breaking but thankfully not long. I loved how their relationship progressed, how both fell fast. The (few) sex scenes were awesome, too, so intimate and beautiful.
Oh I nearly forgot the lovely secondary characters.. I loved Rafael's parents, and Davi, Chico's cousin. Davi helped Chico getting back on his feet, and had this steady and calming presence.. He had Chico's back, while nudging him to get out more. He was wonderful.
May 27, 2022
god, i zoomed through this one. i got to the point where the two leads finally got together and was thinking, 'man, this one isn't much of a slow burn, i guess', only to check my progress and discover that was i nearly done already lmao. it actually was a decent slowburn in the end; i just got through it so quickly.
i really do admire the way R. Cooper is able to write these well-developed characters and satisfying (for me) romances in so few pages. the books that i've read from them so far have all ended just as the romance actually begins, but i still close the libby app feeling sated and happy. 4 stars.
i really do admire the way R. Cooper is able to write these well-developed characters and satisfying (for me) romances in so few pages. the books that i've read from them so far have all ended just as the romance actually begins, but i still close the libby app feeling sated and happy. 4 stars.
June 6, 2025
Chico (who is Portuguese so he makes it clear his name is not to be pronounced with a Spanish accent but alas, I only speak Spanish so I cannot imagine how it is supposed to be pronounced!) has just moved to a tiny town in the middle of the mountains because he's lying cheater ex-boyfriend practically kicked him out of his apartment and so he is a bit depressed and has a lot of trust issues.
Enter sexy, sweet and patient Ballet teacher Rafael, who sees Chico completely for who he is and waits for him to be ready to trust again.
This was a super sweet story with a nice background of a Ballet play that I would like to know if it's real because it sounded pretty good tbh. Chico and Silly Raf get their HEA, and I just wish we got to see more of their lives being happy.
Enter sexy, sweet and patient Ballet teacher Rafael, who sees Chico completely for who he is and waits for him to be ready to trust again.
This was a super sweet story with a nice background of a Ballet play that I would like to know if it's real because it sounded pretty good tbh. Chico and Silly Raf get their HEA, and I just wish we got to see more of their lives being happy.
January 30, 2016
4.5 Stars
You know what this story had that I f’ing love?
MOMENTS. It had MOMENTS.
Anyone who reads any flavor of romance knows what I’m talking about here. I can only imagine how difficult it can be to write one successfully. There can’t be too much verbiage or it will kill it and the description of the physical happenings between characters has to be enough to picture but not too much so that the beauty gets lost in the detail.
Chico has escaped from the city to the small mountain town of Brandywine to lick his wounds and try to figure out just who the hell he is. His relationship with his ex has wrecked his self-confidence. The author did a really good job of showing the past without giving me a laundry list of events to make sure I understood. The details came out organically as they were relevant to what was happening in the story.
One thing I really loved about Chico was how real he read. He could have easily become “pathetic” but he didn’t because he knew what his problems were and anyone who has been cheated on and dumped will know exactly the struggles Chico is facing in his own head. The author didn’t rely on magic peen to solve all Chico’s problems either. Chico truly did not understand how Raf could be attracted to him and instead of getting frustrated with Chico it just made me so sad for him. He’s a realist and he’s been through the wringer so any other reaction would not have been anywhere near realistic.
Soooo, speaking of Raf. DAYUM. I could stop there, BUT I won’t. He’s charming, confident and remarkably humble considering the package he comes wrapped in.
“The dance teacher was some kind of sexy dancer whisperer.”
He really could not have been better for Chico, and vice versa. The author described Chico’s feelings in one interlude between the characters as “twitterpated”.
“Chico stopped to heave a breath. ‘And now you’re flirting with me, and it’s so nice I don’t know what to do.’”
For one, that word does not get used enough in general and secondly, it was the perfect description. Chico is really so charming when he’s lost like that and Raf falls for that reaction and Chico’s Bambi eyes hard.
The story and the relationship between Chico and Raf evolved at the same pace as Chico found his footing again. He would apologize for not being the man he once was and for not being on top of all the adult things he thinks he should have a handle on. Slowly he realized that how skewed his perspective was with all the BS his ex had fed him. I loved reading his revelations and respected the hell out of him for not falling into old habits. He knew he had to be strong Chico for himself before he could be any good for anyone else. That buried strength and self-awareness is present throughout and as glimpses of it came out I could sense Raf falling for him harder and harder. Those little glimpses showed Chico’s true personality and sense of humor and he was so proud of himself when he could make Raf laugh.
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the secondary characters. Chico is living above his cousin Davi’s garage and Davi is just so amazing. He’s supportive without being sappy and he has no problem giving Chico a kick in the ass when needed. Davi has a story I would love to read. Chico’s parents are charmingly traditional and wholly supportive of Chico and Davi. They were there for Davi when Davi’s parents failed. I could sense their closeness even if Davi didn’t have tons of page time. Raf’s parents were a total kick. His tiny little mother as the grande dame of the dance school was both intimidating and wise as she spoke to Chico and always knew exactly what to say to him. She fed his new found confidence without coddling him. While Raf’s dad didn’t have a lot of dialog, his actions and place in the family couldn’t be overlooked. It speaks to the strength of his character in that he didn’t need to have a huge time presence to have that much of an impact on other characters.
Moving back to the MOMENTS. Dancing and the upcoming recital played a big part of the story and so were a vehicle for the relationship between Chico and Raf. The author didn’t bury the characters in obvious dancing metaphors or overkill the mechanics of dance and Raf’s history. Instead she used it in such a smart way, to show me the connection between Chico and Raf. Raf’s hands were a big deal for Chico and the thought of Raf’s hands on him made him melt. When Raf would reach his hand out to Chico, there was no denying the importance of the gesture throughout the story. At 78% the big MOMENT that slayed me happened. There was very little actual dialog but the UST pouring off the pages was palpable. In a short 2 pages there were revelations, acknowledgements, happiness and heat. Good Lord, so much happiness and heat. I read it three times.
Because it’s imperative to some readers I do have to say the story ends on an incredibly optimistic HFN. It really was completely fine for the story and where the characters were in their fledgling relationship. That would be my only complaint, that isn’t even really a complaint, I just plain want more. I don’t think an epilogue would have been enough, but I can hope that the author would be willing to revisit Brandywine and continue Chico and Raf’s story.
You know what this story had that I f’ing love?
MOMENTS. It had MOMENTS.
Anyone who reads any flavor of romance knows what I’m talking about here. I can only imagine how difficult it can be to write one successfully. There can’t be too much verbiage or it will kill it and the description of the physical happenings between characters has to be enough to picture but not too much so that the beauty gets lost in the detail.
Chico has escaped from the city to the small mountain town of Brandywine to lick his wounds and try to figure out just who the hell he is. His relationship with his ex has wrecked his self-confidence. The author did a really good job of showing the past without giving me a laundry list of events to make sure I understood. The details came out organically as they were relevant to what was happening in the story.
One thing I really loved about Chico was how real he read. He could have easily become “pathetic” but he didn’t because he knew what his problems were and anyone who has been cheated on and dumped will know exactly the struggles Chico is facing in his own head. The author didn’t rely on magic peen to solve all Chico’s problems either. Chico truly did not understand how Raf could be attracted to him and instead of getting frustrated with Chico it just made me so sad for him. He’s a realist and he’s been through the wringer so any other reaction would not have been anywhere near realistic.
Soooo, speaking of Raf. DAYUM. I could stop there, BUT I won’t. He’s charming, confident and remarkably humble considering the package he comes wrapped in.
“The dance teacher was some kind of sexy dancer whisperer.”
He really could not have been better for Chico, and vice versa. The author described Chico’s feelings in one interlude between the characters as “twitterpated”.
“Chico stopped to heave a breath. ‘And now you’re flirting with me, and it’s so nice I don’t know what to do.’”
For one, that word does not get used enough in general and secondly, it was the perfect description. Chico is really so charming when he’s lost like that and Raf falls for that reaction and Chico’s Bambi eyes hard.
The story and the relationship between Chico and Raf evolved at the same pace as Chico found his footing again. He would apologize for not being the man he once was and for not being on top of all the adult things he thinks he should have a handle on. Slowly he realized that how skewed his perspective was with all the BS his ex had fed him. I loved reading his revelations and respected the hell out of him for not falling into old habits. He knew he had to be strong Chico for himself before he could be any good for anyone else. That buried strength and self-awareness is present throughout and as glimpses of it came out I could sense Raf falling for him harder and harder. Those little glimpses showed Chico’s true personality and sense of humor and he was so proud of himself when he could make Raf laugh.
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the secondary characters. Chico is living above his cousin Davi’s garage and Davi is just so amazing. He’s supportive without being sappy and he has no problem giving Chico a kick in the ass when needed. Davi has a story I would love to read. Chico’s parents are charmingly traditional and wholly supportive of Chico and Davi. They were there for Davi when Davi’s parents failed. I could sense their closeness even if Davi didn’t have tons of page time. Raf’s parents were a total kick. His tiny little mother as the grande dame of the dance school was both intimidating and wise as she spoke to Chico and always knew exactly what to say to him. She fed his new found confidence without coddling him. While Raf’s dad didn’t have a lot of dialog, his actions and place in the family couldn’t be overlooked. It speaks to the strength of his character in that he didn’t need to have a huge time presence to have that much of an impact on other characters.
Moving back to the MOMENTS. Dancing and the upcoming recital played a big part of the story and so were a vehicle for the relationship between Chico and Raf. The author didn’t bury the characters in obvious dancing metaphors or overkill the mechanics of dance and Raf’s history. Instead she used it in such a smart way, to show me the connection between Chico and Raf. Raf’s hands were a big deal for Chico and the thought of Raf’s hands on him made him melt. When Raf would reach his hand out to Chico, there was no denying the importance of the gesture throughout the story. At 78% the big MOMENT that slayed me happened. There was very little actual dialog but the UST pouring off the pages was palpable. In a short 2 pages there were revelations, acknowledgements, happiness and heat. Good Lord, so much happiness and heat. I read it three times.
Because it’s imperative to some readers I do have to say the story ends on an incredibly optimistic HFN. It really was completely fine for the story and where the characters were in their fledgling relationship. That would be my only complaint, that isn’t even really a complaint, I just plain want more. I don’t think an epilogue would have been enough, but I can hope that the author would be willing to revisit Brandywine and continue Chico and Raf’s story.
January 24, 2016
Emotional
Sweet
Melancholy but uplifting
Flawless writing
Highly recommend. 4 Stars♥
January 25, 2016
4.5
What a beautiful story. Chico so hidden but fighting to get back to himself and smitten kitten Rafael who sees the man he's trying to get back to being.
I loved it. It ended HFN and that worked for me but I want more of these characters. More of Chico and Rafael. More of Davi and even maybe more of Jase.
What a beautiful story. Chico so hidden but fighting to get back to himself and smitten kitten Rafael who sees the man he's trying to get back to being.
I loved it. It ended HFN and that worked for me but I want more of these characters. More of Chico and Rafael. More of Davi and even maybe more of Jase.
January 25, 2016
It was a chaotic read. Sometimes I had te read a line five times.
There were some really nice parts, parts that made my heart squeez. And there were parts i really didnt understood a fuck. The interactions were sometimes really bad.
It made me feel stupid....that is not okay.
I dont think and will not believe this was the author's intention.
Lets just say .....we did not connect.
There were some really nice parts, parts that made my heart squeez. And there were parts i really didnt understood a fuck. The interactions were sometimes really bad.
It made me feel stupid....that is not okay.
I dont think and will not believe this was the author's intention.
Lets just say .....we did not connect.
Read
July 23, 2016DNF en el 25%, lo dejo sin rating para no ser injusta. Ufff, nope.
January 23, 2016
5 big fat huge stars. I was blown away by the emotions on the pages of this book.
The story itself has a sad beginning - Chico, brow-beaten and emotionally abused by his former boyfriend and depressed because of being left/kicked out by his former boyfriend, has started over in his cousin's garage apartment and a low-end job, and spends much of his time sleeping. His depression is extreme, and you can't help but feel that Chico's self-esteem has taken a hard beating and is fundamentally broken.
At the nudging/badgering of his cousin Ravi, Chico begins to volunteer at a dance studio and meets super-hot, super-sexy Rafael, a former ballet dancer and son of the owners, who now runs dance classes.
It's a testament to this author's talent at having established his characters so early into the book that I completely believed Chico would think he had absolutely no chance to even catch the hot, sexy dancer's eye. He's just Chico, who's not worthy of love, and therefore Rafael cannot possibly want him. Even if Rafael is kind and charming toward him, and even flirts with him.
Surely, Chico is mistaken the flirting, right?
Chico's sweet, unassuming, and shy nature does catch the eye (and more) of the famous ex-dancer. Their mutual attraction was believable and the UST throughout the book is strong.
Rafael is enamored with the sweet young man who volunteers at the studio, but as Chico's walls are thick, he has to steadily chip away at the brick and mortar surrounding Chico's heart.
But "Just Chico" has trouble believing Rafael is interested, and their mating dance is a sight to behold. Rafael sees Chico, really "sees" him, even when Chico is full of self-doubt and thinks himself worthless.
I loved how the author told a story within a story, that of the Clockwork Dancer, a dance/play being prepared for its first show, and drew similar images between the play and the love story that is unfolding. While Chico works on the costumes, a talent he kept hidden because former boyfriend made him think it's a worthless talent, the similarities between himself and a character in the play become obvious to the reader over time, as he and Rafael slowly but surely get closer. Especially trust plays a big role here in both the play and the romance. As the doll maker slowly wins the ballerina's trust, so does Rafael win Chico's. Even the King in the play had a matching character in the story, who was obsessed with outward beauty and appearances, and cared nothing for what lies beneath, only wanting to own and possess, with disregard to the feelings of the other person.
I was mostly impressed how emotional this book made me, to the point of crying with joy at the ending. While we don't get a huge HEA, we do get that ever so satisfying HFN. And I have no doubt that were the author to revisit this couple in a future book, we'd see them still happily together. The characters were so well suited to each other.
Fantastic writing, high on the emotions, and a sweet love story made this a wonderful book, deserving of the 5 stars it received.
** I obtained a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The story itself has a sad beginning - Chico, brow-beaten and emotionally abused by his former boyfriend and depressed because of being left/kicked out by his former boyfriend, has started over in his cousin's garage apartment and a low-end job, and spends much of his time sleeping. His depression is extreme, and you can't help but feel that Chico's self-esteem has taken a hard beating and is fundamentally broken.
At the nudging/badgering of his cousin Ravi, Chico begins to volunteer at a dance studio and meets super-hot, super-sexy Rafael, a former ballet dancer and son of the owners, who now runs dance classes.
It's a testament to this author's talent at having established his characters so early into the book that I completely believed Chico would think he had absolutely no chance to even catch the hot, sexy dancer's eye. He's just Chico, who's not worthy of love, and therefore Rafael cannot possibly want him. Even if Rafael is kind and charming toward him, and even flirts with him.
Surely, Chico is mistaken the flirting, right?
Chico's sweet, unassuming, and shy nature does catch the eye (and more) of the famous ex-dancer. Their mutual attraction was believable and the UST throughout the book is strong.
Rafael is enamored with the sweet young man who volunteers at the studio, but as Chico's walls are thick, he has to steadily chip away at the brick and mortar surrounding Chico's heart.
But "Just Chico" has trouble believing Rafael is interested, and their mating dance is a sight to behold. Rafael sees Chico, really "sees" him, even when Chico is full of self-doubt and thinks himself worthless.
I loved how the author told a story within a story, that of the Clockwork Dancer, a dance/play being prepared for its first show, and drew similar images between the play and the love story that is unfolding. While Chico works on the costumes, a talent he kept hidden because former boyfriend made him think it's a worthless talent, the similarities between himself and a character in the play become obvious to the reader over time, as he and Rafael slowly but surely get closer. Especially trust plays a big role here in both the play and the romance. As the doll maker slowly wins the ballerina's trust, so does Rafael win Chico's. Even the King in the play had a matching character in the story, who was obsessed with outward beauty and appearances, and cared nothing for what lies beneath, only wanting to own and possess, with disregard to the feelings of the other person.
I was mostly impressed how emotional this book made me, to the point of crying with joy at the ending. While we don't get a huge HEA, we do get that ever so satisfying HFN. And I have no doubt that were the author to revisit this couple in a future book, we'd see them still happily together. The characters were so well suited to each other.
Fantastic writing, high on the emotions, and a sweet love story made this a wonderful book, deserving of the 5 stars it received.
** I obtained a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
February 14, 2016
Books by R. Cooper are ones that make me wonder "what's wrong with me?". (don't answer that! ha!)
I like the stories. I like'ish the characters. But I haven't, to date, really gotten on with the writing.
Dancing Lessons was no different.
Liked the story about a down-on-his-luck guy meeting a dance instructor and the slow-burn attraction between them.
Liked'ish the characters...though I didn't feel connected enough with Rafael. And Chico's woe-is-me started to wear me down.
It just...was the writing...that didn't really do it for me. The dialogue felt almost amateurish and I struggled figured out the flow...there were times I was lost.
All in all, it wasn't awful. It was actually ok. But I didn't love it.
January 19, 2016
Oh my sweet sweet book...! I want to hold you and keep safe forever and everrrrrrr. I absolutely adored this little novel. It brought me back to the simple recipe romances that got me into this mess -reading like a maniac.
Chico is an adorable little kid at heart who is sort of failing...at life. He’s out of his apartment because of his cheating ex and currently living with his very loving cousin Davi. Davi is trying his best to motivate Chico but Chico looks like he’s going through a depression that’s kicking his ass, understandably so, and can’t motivate himself to do much of anything other than work retail part time. From selling high end suits to selling shoes...oh how the mighty have fallen, or so he thinks. After a lot of harassment from Davi, Chico agrees to volunteer his free time to the local dance studio and help prepare the big shindig they’re putting together. Lo and behold, Rafael is the hot teacher whose parents own the studio and the game is on.
There’s so much flirting here! And let’s note that it’s not flirting as a precursor to making out or hooking up or anything. Flirting for the sake of flirting. Because it just can’t be helped on either side. Rafael is sort of seeing someone else –just a date, no relationship and no sex either as far as we know. And Chico...well he’s pretty much decided that he won’t even entertain the idea of getting involved with anyone simply because he can’t trust himself to make the right decisions when it comes to these things. See, history has shown that he tends to lose himself in a relationship and let himself be doormatised. Shut up. I can make up words, didn’t ya know?
So. Back and forth they go and it’s sooooooo delicious!!!!!!!! I tend to get impatient when it comes to my characters getting some action but honestly, I was so swept by the longing, the intensity, oh my god, they both had it so bad! And the writing style captured that intensity in such an original way –I’m so impressed with this author.
If, THAT is not a freaking love confession, I don’t know what is.
The relationship doesn’t really happen until the very end. And dear lord that scene. Such pure romance right there. I was smiling so freaking wide reading it. It took a while, yes, but the way there...I am so in love with this book and the way it was written, and how fragile Chico is, and how madly in love Rafael fell with him and EVERYTHING!
But, the end was way too abrupt -HFN, at best, without any serious resolving of Chico’s main issues, living situation, career etc. I wonder if there’s more in store for these two? I hope so. I would love to read more about this couple.Highly recommend this amazing piece of romance to all fans of mm.
ARC of Dancing Lessons was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
Chico is an adorable little kid at heart who is sort of failing...at life. He’s out of his apartment because of his cheating ex and currently living with his very loving cousin Davi. Davi is trying his best to motivate Chico but Chico looks like he’s going through a depression that’s kicking his ass, understandably so, and can’t motivate himself to do much of anything other than work retail part time. From selling high end suits to selling shoes...oh how the mighty have fallen, or so he thinks. After a lot of harassment from Davi, Chico agrees to volunteer his free time to the local dance studio and help prepare the big shindig they’re putting together. Lo and behold, Rafael is the hot teacher whose parents own the studio and the game is on.
There’s so much flirting here! And let’s note that it’s not flirting as a precursor to making out or hooking up or anything. Flirting for the sake of flirting. Because it just can’t be helped on either side. Rafael is sort of seeing someone else –just a date, no relationship and no sex either as far as we know. And Chico...well he’s pretty much decided that he won’t even entertain the idea of getting involved with anyone simply because he can’t trust himself to make the right decisions when it comes to these things. See, history has shown that he tends to lose himself in a relationship and let himself be doormatised. Shut up. I can make up words, didn’t ya know?
So. Back and forth they go and it’s sooooooo delicious!!!!!!!! I tend to get impatient when it comes to my characters getting some action but honestly, I was so swept by the longing, the intensity, oh my god, they both had it so bad! And the writing style captured that intensity in such an original way –I’m so impressed with this author.
“’The way you stare at me sometimes. You kill me and you’re not even trying.’ Rafael sighed deeply. ‘You have all these feelings, and you show them like it’s nothing.’ He briefly took his hands off the steering wheel to gesture helplessly. ‘Everyone around me is about passion for the art, passion through the art, and there you are, wounded by my ballet and curled up in my car and gazing at me. God. How you look at me makes it hard to remember where I’m standing. Do you even realize?’”
If, THAT is not a freaking love confession, I don’t know what is.
The relationship doesn’t really happen until the very end. And dear lord that scene. Such pure romance right there. I was smiling so freaking wide reading it. It took a while, yes, but the way there...I am so in love with this book and the way it was written, and how fragile Chico is, and how madly in love Rafael fell with him and EVERYTHING!
But, the end was way too abrupt -HFN, at best, without any serious resolving of Chico’s main issues, living situation, career etc. I wonder if there’s more in store for these two? I hope so. I would love to read more about this couple.Highly recommend this amazing piece of romance to all fans of mm.
ARC of Dancing Lessons was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
July 17, 2016
Somewhere between 2* and 3* rounding up as I usually like Cooper's writing.
Chico is exhausting. He's suffering depression and recovering from a controlling relationship that's broken him. While he's sweet and you sympathise it's hard to see why the ever so perfect Rafael would be so instantly smitten. The story progresses with a series of Chico random rambles and Rafael's encouragements.
On top of this there's a musical being preformed and for me that was where this started feeling like a school book -and I've left school a long way behind me!- parallels being drawn between the plot of the show and their lives were about as subtle as a lead pipe to the noggin.
There is cuteness, Rafeal is patience and supportive and perfect. The reason for his chosen career path was refreshing. I liked the conversation with the baker. But Chico is SO insecure and SO broken it's too much for a little novella to handle adequately. While certain moments charmed me overall the story left me tired.
Chico is exhausting. He's suffering depression and recovering from a controlling relationship that's broken him. While he's sweet and you sympathise it's hard to see why the ever so perfect Rafael would be so instantly smitten. The story progresses with a series of Chico random rambles and Rafael's encouragements.
On top of this there's a musical being preformed and for me that was where this started feeling like a school book -and I've left school a long way behind me!- parallels being drawn between the plot of the show and their lives were about as subtle as a lead pipe to the noggin.
There is cuteness, Rafeal is patience and supportive and perfect. The reason for his chosen career path was refreshing. I liked the conversation with the baker. But Chico is SO insecure and SO broken it's too much for a little novella to handle adequately. While certain moments charmed me overall the story left me tired.
Read
January 22, 2016I am in love with this book. Totally and completely in love. In fact I am so in love with it I would marry it.
Let’s see if I can review this and make sense of the feelings I am having. Oh boy.
We meet Chico as he is trying to get his life back. After being dumped by his ex-boyfriend two years ago in a horrible way, he is living above his cousin Davi’s garage in the Northern California Redwood tourist town of Brandywine. Chico is doing the minimal human functions needed when we meet him; he goes to work and comes home, he maybe eats something other than ice cream and he sleeps. He hides in his apartment and thinks about where his life was with John, where it is now and if there is something worth it in the future. Upon the encouragement and basic demands of Davi, Chico agrees to volunteer at the Winters Dance Studio and help with the prop preparations for the upcoming recital. When he gets to the studio, one push of the wrong door lands him literally in the arms of Rafael Winters… dance teacher, keeper of moments and swoonster extraordinaire.
Wow. This book has major feels and major moments and moments are everything. This is the first book from this author from me and I need a big old V8 style smack in the head for that grievous fault alone. I can’t even think about how many times I got choked up with Chico (pronounced Sheeco, with a soft Ch…) so many times. I mean, just the pronunciation of his name is vital to who he is. That softness of the Ch to say his name, it’s everything and it’s so simple. The way he talks to himself, the chatter in Chico’s head is heartbreaking and then something happens to him, he feels Rafael’s hands on him leading him through a Waltz. Again, a simple dance that builds into much more that I can’t take it. I can’t take the feels. Who am I kidding, I can take them and I want more. Gimme more!
It’s hard to deal when life changes. When you’ve been with someone, lived in a city, worked and just been who you were for so long to have your life suddenly change, it’s tough. I got that Chico wanted to hide, he wanted to not deal with people and I totally got his rambling about himself, spilling his guts whenever he talked because sometimes, when you spend so much time alone… you forget how to not talk about yourself when you’re the only companion you have. So yeah, I got all of that with Chico and I found it endearing as all heck.
And then there is Rafael. Good lord that man. Not only is he sexy with his dancing but the man can flirt his tight butt and muscled thighs off! OMG! I have a list of MC’s who are masters at the swoony phrases and yeah, who would think telling someone they are skittish as a deer would make you melt? Rafael can because it’s not what he says but how he says it and the why of it all… he’s so good. SO good at it. Sigh.
I can’t forget the secondary characters of Davi, Chico’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winters who added depth, guidance and acceptance to both Rafael and Chico in oh so many ways. Ugh. So good.
And that is exactly what this story does. Not only does Chico see personal connections to The Clockwork Dancer, the recital the dance studio is putting on, but as the reader you see it and this reader made a few personal connections to both stories. Goodness. This book, it was so much. It has so much emotion and I am a mess as I write this. A total mess and I have am losing my ability to form proper sentences to describe how much I needed this book.
I could go on and on about this but doing so would lead to me spoiling it and I don’t do that.
Nope. Nuh-uh.
But this book… Le sigh. The dancing in this is amazing and it’s metaphorical to the relationship, per the title. They say life is a dance and when you find that person who will not only lead you, but accept your lead, it’s magical, it’s romantic, it’s so very lovely and at the end, at this end, it’s pure perfection.
Dancing Lessons was a fantastic, heartwarming story of loss and love. Of rebuilding yourself and accepting that things change but that change is good. It’s about having the bravery to go for what you want and not be locked to someone’s expectations of you. It’s about lessons of dance, life and love. It’s just… gorgeous.
Let’s see if I can review this and make sense of the feelings I am having. Oh boy.
We meet Chico as he is trying to get his life back. After being dumped by his ex-boyfriend two years ago in a horrible way, he is living above his cousin Davi’s garage in the Northern California Redwood tourist town of Brandywine. Chico is doing the minimal human functions needed when we meet him; he goes to work and comes home, he maybe eats something other than ice cream and he sleeps. He hides in his apartment and thinks about where his life was with John, where it is now and if there is something worth it in the future. Upon the encouragement and basic demands of Davi, Chico agrees to volunteer at the Winters Dance Studio and help with the prop preparations for the upcoming recital. When he gets to the studio, one push of the wrong door lands him literally in the arms of Rafael Winters… dance teacher, keeper of moments and swoonster extraordinaire.
Wow. This book has major feels and major moments and moments are everything. This is the first book from this author from me and I need a big old V8 style smack in the head for that grievous fault alone. I can’t even think about how many times I got choked up with Chico (pronounced Sheeco, with a soft Ch…) so many times. I mean, just the pronunciation of his name is vital to who he is. That softness of the Ch to say his name, it’s everything and it’s so simple. The way he talks to himself, the chatter in Chico’s head is heartbreaking and then something happens to him, he feels Rafael’s hands on him leading him through a Waltz. Again, a simple dance that builds into much more that I can’t take it. I can’t take the feels. Who am I kidding, I can take them and I want more. Gimme more!
…trust can’t be rushed, or forced, it must grow. We watch it grow.
It’s hard to deal when life changes. When you’ve been with someone, lived in a city, worked and just been who you were for so long to have your life suddenly change, it’s tough. I got that Chico wanted to hide, he wanted to not deal with people and I totally got his rambling about himself, spilling his guts whenever he talked because sometimes, when you spend so much time alone… you forget how to not talk about yourself when you’re the only companion you have. So yeah, I got all of that with Chico and I found it endearing as all heck.
And then there is Rafael. Good lord that man. Not only is he sexy with his dancing but the man can flirt his tight butt and muscled thighs off! OMG! I have a list of MC’s who are masters at the swoony phrases and yeah, who would think telling someone they are skittish as a deer would make you melt? Rafael can because it’s not what he says but how he says it and the why of it all… he’s so good. SO good at it. Sigh.
I can’t forget the secondary characters of Davi, Chico’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winters who added depth, guidance and acceptance to both Rafael and Chico in oh so many ways. Ugh. So good.
That’s the fun part about ballet or any kind of storytelling. It means whatever you want it to mean and can become whatever you want it to become. It’s personal to everyone.
And that is exactly what this story does. Not only does Chico see personal connections to The Clockwork Dancer, the recital the dance studio is putting on, but as the reader you see it and this reader made a few personal connections to both stories. Goodness. This book, it was so much. It has so much emotion and I am a mess as I write this. A total mess and I have am losing my ability to form proper sentences to describe how much I needed this book.
I could go on and on about this but doing so would lead to me spoiling it and I don’t do that.
Nope. Nuh-uh.
But this book… Le sigh. The dancing in this is amazing and it’s metaphorical to the relationship, per the title. They say life is a dance and when you find that person who will not only lead you, but accept your lead, it’s magical, it’s romantic, it’s so very lovely and at the end, at this end, it’s pure perfection.
Dancing Lessons was a fantastic, heartwarming story of loss and love. Of rebuilding yourself and accepting that things change but that change is good. It’s about having the bravery to go for what you want and not be locked to someone’s expectations of you. It’s about lessons of dance, life and love. It’s just… gorgeous.
January 24, 2016
Oh Chico <3 <3 <3 I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him he's important and worthy of a great guy like Raf.
This book was just adorable, was very well written, had a great slow burn for the 2 MCs, and was so emotional! I just loved Rafael, he was so patient, sweet, and kind to Chico. And Chico, I loved him too...he had been beaten down emotionally after a bad breakup with his ex, and was working on rebuilding his life and figure out what he wanted for himself.
All in all, if you're looking for an emotional story with great characters and a wonderful slow burn romance, then give this a try. The only thing that would have made it even better is if there had been an epilogue! I just wanted a bit more for these two!
This book was just adorable, was very well written, had a great slow burn for the 2 MCs, and was so emotional! I just loved Rafael, he was so patient, sweet, and kind to Chico. And Chico, I loved him too...he had been beaten down emotionally after a bad breakup with his ex, and was working on rebuilding his life and figure out what he wanted for himself.
All in all, if you're looking for an emotional story with great characters and a wonderful slow burn romance, then give this a try. The only thing that would have made it even better is if there had been an epilogue! I just wanted a bit more for these two!
January 31, 2016
4.5 stars
Fans of R. Cooper will love this one. The quintessential whimsy and charm with a generous dollop of UST and a long, delicious slow burn- nobody does it better.
Fans of R. Cooper will love this one. The quintessential whimsy and charm with a generous dollop of UST and a long, delicious slow burn- nobody does it better.
January 1, 2019
Obwohl sein Exfreund John echt die Pest und ein Kontrollfreak war, tut Chico die Trennung weh und lässt ihn verloren zurück. Ein Tapetenwechsel ist nötig und nachdem er aus der Wohnung geflogen ist, kommt er bei seinem Cousin Davi unter. Dieser kümmert sich und will Chico wieder unter Menschen bringen. Doch Chico hat so gar keine Lust auf Menschen, Interaktionen und zieht sich scheu zurück. Seinen Alltag managt er nur schwerlich und eigentlich verlässt er das Apartement nur um halbtags zu arbeiten. Doch in der örtlichen Tanzschule, die von einem Freund Davis geführt wird, werden ehrenamtliche Helfer gebraucht und Davi drängt Chico dazu sich dort zu zeigen und zu engangieren.
Anders als seine Geschwister ist Rafael kein Profitänzer geworden. Und er ist höchst zufrieden damit die Tanzschule seiner Eltern fortzuführen und zu unterrichten. Und in einem seiner Tanzkurse taucht plötzlich Chico auf. Jedoch versehentlich, auch wenn Rafael ihn gleich zu Demonstrationszwecken aufs Parkett führt. Doch Chico ist mehr als ein scheues Reh und Rafael begreift sehr schnell, dass hier viel Fingerspitzengefühl und Geduld gefragt ist.
Der Grundplot ist jetzt nichts Besonderes und auch nicht neu. Doch irgendwie hat er mich angesprochen und ich habe mich auf eine fluffige Geschichte gefreut. Leider konnte ich mit den Helden so gar nicht warm werdne. Chicos Unsicherheit und Vorsicht sind allgegenwärtig und bestimmen den Plot und die Entwicklung ihrer Beziehung. Das wäre an sich kein Problem, aber Chico wird irgendwann nur noch nervig. Und auch Rafael kann das nicht ausgleichen. Obwohl er von Chicos Schwierigkeiten weiß, reagiert er oft sehr unverständlich und macht es damit noch komplizierter.
Drama ist ja gut und schön. Aber für mich war es meist nur eine Aneinanderreihung von Mißverständnissen und Schweigen. Der Plot hätte doch viel mehr hergegeben. Zudem werden immer nur vage Andeutungen über die Vergangenheit von Rafael und Chico gemacht. Das frustriert irgendwann. Deswegen konnte mich die Geschichte nicht wirklich überzeugen. Die Übersetzung an sich ist in Ordnung, auch wenn ein paar Wortspielereien darin vorkommen, die doch sehr großzügig eingebaut wurden und für mich nicht in die Geschichte gepasst haben.
Anders als seine Geschwister ist Rafael kein Profitänzer geworden. Und er ist höchst zufrieden damit die Tanzschule seiner Eltern fortzuführen und zu unterrichten. Und in einem seiner Tanzkurse taucht plötzlich Chico auf. Jedoch versehentlich, auch wenn Rafael ihn gleich zu Demonstrationszwecken aufs Parkett führt. Doch Chico ist mehr als ein scheues Reh und Rafael begreift sehr schnell, dass hier viel Fingerspitzengefühl und Geduld gefragt ist.
Der Grundplot ist jetzt nichts Besonderes und auch nicht neu. Doch irgendwie hat er mich angesprochen und ich habe mich auf eine fluffige Geschichte gefreut. Leider konnte ich mit den Helden so gar nicht warm werdne. Chicos Unsicherheit und Vorsicht sind allgegenwärtig und bestimmen den Plot und die Entwicklung ihrer Beziehung. Das wäre an sich kein Problem, aber Chico wird irgendwann nur noch nervig. Und auch Rafael kann das nicht ausgleichen. Obwohl er von Chicos Schwierigkeiten weiß, reagiert er oft sehr unverständlich und macht es damit noch komplizierter.
Drama ist ja gut und schön. Aber für mich war es meist nur eine Aneinanderreihung von Mißverständnissen und Schweigen. Der Plot hätte doch viel mehr hergegeben. Zudem werden immer nur vage Andeutungen über die Vergangenheit von Rafael und Chico gemacht. Das frustriert irgendwann. Deswegen konnte mich die Geschichte nicht wirklich überzeugen. Die Übersetzung an sich ist in Ordnung, auch wenn ein paar Wortspielereien darin vorkommen, die doch sehr großzügig eingebaut wurden und für mich nicht in die Geschichte gepasst haben.
January 23, 2016
4.5 Heart Review by Kat
This is a new-to-me author and, if this is any kind of an accurate example of their work, I believe that they will soon become a favorite. I must have become somewhat “jaded” by the rash of insta-romance/sex books I have been reading of late because, at first, I was thinking “why are they moving so slow?” Then I realized my self-fault and was like “Wow…an author is actually writing a complete plot with full character development and not rush to sex and instant gratification and love!” I have to say, for me at least, this has been fairly rare lately and I loved this. In real life, a person who has been so “wronged” and hurt by their significant other as Chico was, would not normally let it roll of their backs and dive into their next relationship. I was so pleased that the author let him experience his hurt and react to it accordingly. It was refreshing to see a character who wasn’t “perfect” and to forge on through their problem along side them. Add in Rafael, a world-class dancer, who had come back to his small town in the California Redwoods to teach at his family’s dance studio. His caring and flirtation with Chico was wonderful. I also loved Chico’s cousin Davi. His concern for Chico and prodding of his dear cousin to get out of bed and return to life was fabulous. I saw it, not only as a caring family member, but in some ways, a way to pay it forward to Chico and his parents for the love that they gave to Davi when he needed it earlier in life.
I love dance in all forms so this ballet, that the dance studio students preform, was quite intriguing to me. The story that unfolds in the ballet is explained to Chico, who is volunteering to redo previous costumes to be used for the ballet, by Rafael. It was a very touching and poignant story within a story. I searched the Internet to see if it was a real ballet based on a real story. Although it is a type of ballet that was preformed during the AIDS pandemic of the 1980’s, to try to demolish homophobia, I could not locate either the ballet or the story. I could, however, see this leading to a ballet to be written and preformed.
This was a wonderful story with believable characters that engages you and has you hoping and cheering for their Happily Ever After that they so completely deserve.
This is a new-to-me author and, if this is any kind of an accurate example of their work, I believe that they will soon become a favorite. I must have become somewhat “jaded” by the rash of insta-romance/sex books I have been reading of late because, at first, I was thinking “why are they moving so slow?” Then I realized my self-fault and was like “Wow…an author is actually writing a complete plot with full character development and not rush to sex and instant gratification and love!” I have to say, for me at least, this has been fairly rare lately and I loved this. In real life, a person who has been so “wronged” and hurt by their significant other as Chico was, would not normally let it roll of their backs and dive into their next relationship. I was so pleased that the author let him experience his hurt and react to it accordingly. It was refreshing to see a character who wasn’t “perfect” and to forge on through their problem along side them. Add in Rafael, a world-class dancer, who had come back to his small town in the California Redwoods to teach at his family’s dance studio. His caring and flirtation with Chico was wonderful. I also loved Chico’s cousin Davi. His concern for Chico and prodding of his dear cousin to get out of bed and return to life was fabulous. I saw it, not only as a caring family member, but in some ways, a way to pay it forward to Chico and his parents for the love that they gave to Davi when he needed it earlier in life.
I love dance in all forms so this ballet, that the dance studio students preform, was quite intriguing to me. The story that unfolds in the ballet is explained to Chico, who is volunteering to redo previous costumes to be used for the ballet, by Rafael. It was a very touching and poignant story within a story. I searched the Internet to see if it was a real ballet based on a real story. Although it is a type of ballet that was preformed during the AIDS pandemic of the 1980’s, to try to demolish homophobia, I could not locate either the ballet or the story. I could, however, see this leading to a ballet to be written and preformed.
This was a wonderful story with believable characters that engages you and has you hoping and cheering for their Happily Ever After that they so completely deserve.
September 4, 2016
Chico is a sweet, emotional boy with self-esteem issues, mostly caused by his ex-boyfriend treatment during their three years together, before said ex-boyfriend decided to start a serious relationship with another man while still living with Chico.
So Chico’s cousin, Davi, moves him in the apartment above his garage in a small town where Chico tries, not very successfully at first, to rebuild his life.
Chico spends his time working, lying in bed and looking at the stars. Until Davi forces him to volunteer at the local dance school for their annual performance, where Chico meets Rafael.
Rafael is his opposite, he’s confident, perfectly in control and unafraid to ask for what he wants and very patient with Chico’s insecurities.
I liked both Chico and Rafael, the development of their relationship and Chico changing his perspective on his past and present life and regaining his strength and self-confidence.
I think Rafael’s character could have been explored more, though. He was very sweet and patient with Chico, but most of their interactions revolve around Chico’s emotional baggage, doubts and insecurities.
It would have been good to see how their relationship would go on after the issues that were preventing it from starting went away. But I think this book wasn’t about that, it was about Chico finding himself again, with the help of his “dance teacher”.
One thing I didn’t like was that Chico didn’t sound like a 34 years old.
I started this review calling him a boy, when actually he’s a man, but it’s difficult to call him that because of the way he talks and thinks.
I get he’s insecure, emotional, a total wreck after his break up, and I usually love this kind of characters. I liked him, too, but sometimes it was just too much, he sounded like a teenager and I had to constantly remind myself of his age.
So Chico’s cousin, Davi, moves him in the apartment above his garage in a small town where Chico tries, not very successfully at first, to rebuild his life.
Chico spends his time working, lying in bed and looking at the stars. Until Davi forces him to volunteer at the local dance school for their annual performance, where Chico meets Rafael.
Rafael is his opposite, he’s confident, perfectly in control and unafraid to ask for what he wants and very patient with Chico’s insecurities.
I liked both Chico and Rafael, the development of their relationship and Chico changing his perspective on his past and present life and regaining his strength and self-confidence.
I think Rafael’s character could have been explored more, though. He was very sweet and patient with Chico, but most of their interactions revolve around Chico’s emotional baggage, doubts and insecurities.
It would have been good to see how their relationship would go on after the issues that were preventing it from starting went away. But I think this book wasn’t about that, it was about Chico finding himself again, with the help of his “dance teacher”.
One thing I didn’t like was that Chico didn’t sound like a 34 years old.
I started this review calling him a boy, when actually he’s a man, but it’s difficult to call him that because of the way he talks and thinks.
I get he’s insecure, emotional, a total wreck after his break up, and I usually love this kind of characters. I liked him, too, but sometimes it was just too much, he sounded like a teenager and I had to constantly remind myself of his age.
July 21, 2016
2.5 stars
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars
This is cute and then it just stops
We hear about trauma and "I'm not ready" and then they're together! It was frankly confusing! it felt like the book was not a complete story.
Also, the narrator was all wrong for the story! Very monotone and sounded more like a gruff detective than a Twink.
This is cute and then it just stops
We hear about trauma and "I'm not ready" and then they're together! It was frankly confusing! it felt like the book was not a complete story.
Also, the narrator was all wrong for the story! Very monotone and sounded more like a gruff detective than a Twink.
dnf
February 3, 2016DNF at 35%.. I don't like the MC, talking too much and about such stupid stuff..
May 28, 2023
“The dance world, like the theater world, can be small, and reputations do not go away. Never forget that productions are more than just dancers. They’re composers and musicians and costumers and technicians and stage hands. Always be kind. Always thank them for their work. Especially at our school, where our workers are often volunteers. Understand?” — Rafael Winters
Warnings: mentions of past emotional abuse
Dancing Lessons is the charming story of Rafael Winters and Francisco 'Chico "Nobody calls me Francisco but my mother and bill collectors."' Silva. Chico is pronounced in the way that shows his Portuguese heritage, Sheeco. The story is told entirely through Chico's eyes in varying degrees of flawed narration. As sometimes happens in R. Cooper's works there are some gorgeous life messages, advice and analogies. In this case that is obviously in the dances and ballet used. To be honest, there is a moment in Dancing Lessons that is going to haunt me. It shouldn't but it's a sign of exactly how emotionally invested I got in this novella. For me this is a 4.5-star book that I'm rounding up to 5, there are some concerns with pronouns for Davi. The female support cast is strong and fierce though only one is intimidating (as becomes her former career)
Chico Silva is new to the small largely holiday town of Brandywine. He is living with his cousin Davi, using it as a place to be himself again after a fairly shattering relationship and break-up. Honestly, he spent a large part of the story slowly breaking my heart. At 34 he is an emotionally broken man who just needs to heal. His touch starvation which I picked from the earliest pages was near devastating to read. R.Cooper may have used Chico as a slightly unreliable narrator but that allowed for the creation of deception leading to a moment I entirely didn't see coming in the middle somewhere that might haunt me. Also, Chico's unreliability is fully backed by his history and experiences. I think you can see the markers in the support cast.
Rafael Winters is exceptionally charming, attractive and endearing. His patience with both students and the emotionally wounded Chico is perfect. His love of teaching dance and dedication to his students shines. There is a revelation with him at one point that sounds like a joke but really isn't. The dance elements are so well intertwined. As a couple, I adore Chico and Raf. They have a style and chemistry to them that doesn't appear every day. Though the chemistry between Rafael and Chico is so sizzling it feels more like it belongs in the Latin ballroom rather than the slightly more structured waltz. The waltz still has the perfect meaning for them. The performance put on but the kids is a fantastic choice with its metaphor for their relationship. If the source material is real I will be reading it (I can't find it sadly).
The support cast is impressive. We never meet the dick, John aka, the gaslighting bastard, aka Chico's ex only hear about the damage he caused. Davi is the adorable trans cousin. Unfortunately, their pronouns are a tad inconsistent I think. They are fun though Chicos greatest cheerleader supporter and the biggest tattletale. The kids gave their own messages to send. Crushes, confidence and being overlooked. The maternal characters are both impeccably strong and fierce though only one is intimidating (as becomes her former career). Ruthie is fantastic for the little we see her, she reminds me of the librarian-type characters that Cooper often includes. There are two badass old queers, Ethal and Alonzo that help Chico build his confidence and see the light "“You’re not very bright, are you, sugarpuss?” Alonzo said as he petted the back of Chico’s hand. “You could make a man do anything.”" (Alonzo). But the strongest and most intimidating character is Elisabet Winters, Rafael's mother. She is a retired dancer and exceptionally fierce and demanding of her dancers. Most people run from her when she enters a room. But she loves her son, just wants him to be happy and she knows talent when she sees it. She acknowledges and encourages Chico's talent for delicate sewing. I really like her. More than expected.
Have some quotes
• extended his hand in a graceful movement reminiscent of a Disney prince. — R. Cooper shows that way with words I know and love. That is such a brilliantly visual description. (Chico)
• Chico was and always had been a small and fragile creature. He caught a glimpse of his wrist and wondered how it had felt when the dance instructor had held it to carefully pull Chico’s hand to his skin. No one should be that gentle in real life unless they were handling a newborn or trying to catch a ladybug. — Oh... That's pretty. And self-deprecating which just works for him. This is less that 10% of the way in, we know that there is something not quite... whole (💔😢) about Chico but it is hard to tell to what amount. (Chico)
• “Davi hasn’t said anything except in response to what I asked after you arrived in town.” He put his hand out reassuringly when Chico froze. “Davi and I talk a lot. We’re neighbors. And Davi likes to say small town queers have to stick together.” — Yas Davi! 🌈 Davi is right. I like Davi's role in this relationship. Just stay out of it and be happy when your friend and cousin get their s**t together. (Rafael)
• “I promise not to show you off in front of everyone again, cross my heart. Not unless you want me to.”
“Oh God.” — Chico. You totally want that. And god your chemistry is made for dance. Given the first time they meet Chico is almost unwillingly used as a dance mannequin. But the gentle human contact to someone who is touchstarved is absolutely someone he wants. (Rafael and Chico)
• “Especially your partner. Complementing them is about matching your movements to theirs, which means knowing them, noticing what their bodies are telling you about their mood and their intentions and their feelings. When you don’t do that, you’ll not only have a stiff, awkward dance, but you could actually cause damage. Don’t force anything. Just pay attention and try to make each other better. And for God’s sake, no showing off. You know who I’m talking to." — This is Raf talking to his teenage dance class. But you know what this could easily be an analogy for. Do I have a slightly dirty mind? Maybe. But this is R. Cooper and they write in such away that it leads you to think. (Rafael)
• “I'm seriously considering ‘accidentally’ sticking you with a pin,” Chico told him as meanly as he knew how, which only meant Travis rolled his eyes again. “Doesn’t everyone, when dealing with Travis?”
Rafael inquired from outside the door. Chico had partially closed the door to give Travis some privacy, although he hadn’t really gotten undressed. Travis calmly flipped his teacher off and seemed amused when he got the bird in return through the crack in the door. — This is just a moment. Travis is one of Raf's older students he has an atitude but really suits the role he's dancing. This is just fun Raf's dynamic with his students and Chico slipping so easily into an unextepect role. Coming out of that shell. (Chico and Rafael)
• That’s not what I meant. I’m thinking about you. I’m anxious, and I’ll miss you; that’s what I’m trying to say. Someone ought to kick your ex in the balls. — This is a gem of a line. It is Raf speaking for the audience, most of whom had likely already decided John needed something unpleasant to happen to him. So... can we all please form an orderly queue to kick the ex-boyfriend in the junk? Preferably with steel caps on. (Rafael)
I will include the line that's going to haunt me and why. But due to why and when it is from it is going under a
“There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to lead, where the man leads and the lady—or whoever—must follow.” Rafael stepped forward, flashing another smile when Chico immediately responded by stepping back and then to the side. “But that forgets that no one has to follow. It’s always the partner’s choice to keep dancing. If the person leading steps on your toes, steers you into the wall, turns you when you don’t want to be turned, then you can stop.” — Rafael Winters
A representative gif:
I really wish I could find a gif of two men waltzing, there will be somewhere but I can't find it easily. So the legendary Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire will have to do.
January 18, 2020
Audiobook reviewDancing Lessons is a slow-burn romance about daring to love again.
After an awful two year relationship ends, Chico finds himself starting over in a small town, moving into the apartment above his cousin’s garage. In order to start socialise and live again, said cousin orders him to the local dance studio to help setting up their annual show. Only he accidentally ends up in a dance class and the dance teacher’s arms. But the remnants from his previous relationship is keeping him to take a chance.
I liked how Chico slowly came out of his shell. Like with the costumes for the dance recital. First being very reluctant to help out, but more and more finding joy in sowing again and adding his own flare to the costumes. I also enjoyed watching Chico and Raphael figuratively and literally dance around each other. Theirs is a very slow burn romance and I love how Raphael really lets Chico heal and explore his feelings and attraction on his own time table. It grew organically. Theirs was an uncomplicated and sweet love story.
Brian Schell was a new entity for me, I can’t recall I’ve ever listened to any other of his works. I’ve come to realise something this past year while listening to “older” audiobooks. Many of them are read instead of performed Dancing Lessons not excluded. As a reader Schell does a good job. His pacing and pronunciation are on par. For the odd side character, like an elderly dance student, he does vary his voice, but for the most part he narrates the book with the same voice. It does require the listener to pay attention a bit more to follow the story, but all in all it was a good narration.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2016
A fun and sweet story, free of angst and with some lovely and extremely anxious main character.
Chico is trying to get over a breakup. After moving above his cousin’s garage, a sudden turn of events put him in front of Rafael’s dancing class. He start to feel something for the dance instructor, but is too afraid to take any chances. Rafael is also interested in Chico, but is Chico ready to overcome the fear and take the risk of a new relationship?
This was a nice and sweet story, it was easy to understand Chico’s insecurities but sometimes it became too much and he start being a little frustrating. Most of the times he was a very likable characters, but there was those moments when I just couldn’t stand him. He felt a little immature. The anxiety issues he had felt very realistic at times. Rafael was ok, but I didn’t feel like I got to know much of him, he felt sort of the opposite of Chico, very self-confident and unafraid to ask for what he want.
Their relationship was very nice. It’s the kind of relationship development I like, taking things a little slow, giving enough time to make it believable. They had some moments together that were great, I wish it would be more, but I was happy with it.
I think I would enjoyed the story a little more, but I felt like the narration take some of the sweetness from it. While the moments when it was only narrating it was good and with a nice pace. When the dialogues begin, I was totally lost. It was hard to difference the characters from each other and it became a little monotonous, I just had a very hard time with it.
Overall it was good, I think reader who like free of angst stories can like it.
Chico is trying to get over a breakup. After moving above his cousin’s garage, a sudden turn of events put him in front of Rafael’s dancing class. He start to feel something for the dance instructor, but is too afraid to take any chances. Rafael is also interested in Chico, but is Chico ready to overcome the fear and take the risk of a new relationship?
This was a nice and sweet story, it was easy to understand Chico’s insecurities but sometimes it became too much and he start being a little frustrating. Most of the times he was a very likable characters, but there was those moments when I just couldn’t stand him. He felt a little immature. The anxiety issues he had felt very realistic at times. Rafael was ok, but I didn’t feel like I got to know much of him, he felt sort of the opposite of Chico, very self-confident and unafraid to ask for what he want.
Their relationship was very nice. It’s the kind of relationship development I like, taking things a little slow, giving enough time to make it believable. They had some moments together that were great, I wish it would be more, but I was happy with it.
I think I would enjoyed the story a little more, but I felt like the narration take some of the sweetness from it. While the moments when it was only narrating it was good and with a nice pace. When the dialogues begin, I was totally lost. It was hard to difference the characters from each other and it became a little monotonous, I just had a very hard time with it.
Overall it was good, I think reader who like free of angst stories can like it.
January 30, 2016
This is a tough one to rate/review. I like R Cooper's writing and I was expecting to like this story. It felt like it should have been in a similar vein to the author's other books, but it just didn't quite work this time for me. There were some nice moments between Chico and Raf, but mostly, I felt like things were a little bit all over the place. I kept trying to figure out why Chico was so damaged/fragile/vulnerable (like was there going to be a reveal of some *thing* that happened in the previous relationship? but there wasn't really). Not to downplay his depression; I just couldn't figure out what was going on in his head, and since that's pretty key to the dynamic between him and Raf, my inability to 'get' Chico took away from the story for me. I will still read more from this author; this just wasn't my favorite.
December 21, 2021
I think it was sweet. But I have to say Chico's constant "silly Chico, stupid Chico" etc. Got to my nerves a bit. Anyway I was just taking this course by Jim Kwik on memory and I really loved what he said sort of...that our brain is listening what we are saying and if we constantly put ourselves down, then we are enforcing that. I agree.
So Chico if you were a real guy I would ask you to be kinder to yourself and stop making yourself believe that you are stupid.
So Chico if you were a real guy I would ask you to be kinder to yourself and stop making yourself believe that you are stupid.
October 27, 2018
✔ Letto! Perché mi è sfuggito questo libro?😨
Qui conosco "Sciiico" e Raf. Un libro di una dolcezza infinita. Chico è stato tradito e rimpiazzato dal suo ragazzo senza esserne accorto e è caduto in depressione, ha dovuto lasciare la casa che aveva convissuto con il suo ex per 3 anni. Ha dovuto lasciare la sua vita e quelli che credevano i suoi amici.
Chico ha dovuto ricominciare tutto, anche a camminare da solo.
Chico va a vivere dal suo cugino Davi in una piccola cittadina vicino a San Francisco, li forzato a fare il volontariato conosce l'affascinante Raffael, il maestro di danza che sta organizando un spettacolo di ballo dal titolo Il carillon magico. E dopo varie prove, Sciiico si ritrova a fare una cosa che ama... cucire gli abiti per i ballerini dello spettacolo.
Lavorando a contatto con Raf, Chico scoprirà che questo uomo famoso, con una famiglia importante alle spalle, che questo uomo gentile lo vuoi e non nega a nessuno i suoi sentimenti, non ha paura di farsi vedere con lui. E lui, si vedi travolto dai sentimenti di Raf e non sa cosa fare, finché un giorno assiste alle prove e si vedi come uno dei personaggi, perché lui è stato come "ballerina" quella robot e quella umana nelle mani del suo ex. E piange... perché Sciiico è passionale. A confortarlo arriva Raf, che soffre a vederlo triste....
Gente, è dolce!😢 Mi sono sorpresa più volte con quel sorriso tonto sulle labbra. Per la dolcezza di questo personaggio con gli occhi da Bambi. Da questo piccolo e tenero portoghese dal cuore e corpo fragile e che vuole solo essere amato e apprezzato. Ma c'è anche il Chico coraggioso, quello che anche con le gambe malferme sa prendersi un bacio e dimostrare quello che vuole.
Un libro magico, che mi ha riempito il cuore di felicità, e sono arrivata alla fine e non mi sono neanche accorta.😰
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Qui conosco "Sciiico" e Raf. Un libro di una dolcezza infinita. Chico è stato tradito e rimpiazzato dal suo ragazzo senza esserne accorto e è caduto in depressione, ha dovuto lasciare la casa che aveva convissuto con il suo ex per 3 anni. Ha dovuto lasciare la sua vita e quelli che credevano i suoi amici.
Chico ha dovuto ricominciare tutto, anche a camminare da solo.
Chico va a vivere dal suo cugino Davi in una piccola cittadina vicino a San Francisco, li forzato a fare il volontariato conosce l'affascinante Raffael, il maestro di danza che sta organizando un spettacolo di ballo dal titolo Il carillon magico. E dopo varie prove, Sciiico si ritrova a fare una cosa che ama... cucire gli abiti per i ballerini dello spettacolo.
Lavorando a contatto con Raf, Chico scoprirà che questo uomo famoso, con una famiglia importante alle spalle, che questo uomo gentile lo vuoi e non nega a nessuno i suoi sentimenti, non ha paura di farsi vedere con lui. E lui, si vedi travolto dai sentimenti di Raf e non sa cosa fare, finché un giorno assiste alle prove e si vedi come uno dei personaggi, perché lui è stato come "ballerina" quella robot e quella umana nelle mani del suo ex. E piange... perché Sciiico è passionale. A confortarlo arriva Raf, che soffre a vederlo triste....
Gente, è dolce!😢 Mi sono sorpresa più volte con quel sorriso tonto sulle labbra. Per la dolcezza di questo personaggio con gli occhi da Bambi. Da questo piccolo e tenero portoghese dal cuore e corpo fragile e che vuole solo essere amato e apprezzato. Ma c'è anche il Chico coraggioso, quello che anche con le gambe malferme sa prendersi un bacio e dimostrare quello che vuole.
Un libro magico, che mi ha riempito il cuore di felicità, e sono arrivata alla fine e non mi sono neanche accorta.😰
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
August 23, 2020
One of the most skittish, unsure MCs I've ever run across, who needed to get way outside of his head before being in a relationship. He was also far too mean to himself and i didn't see much character development on that subject.
His love interest was beyond patient, and i know we read this for escapism, but he required serious suspension of disbelief.
I did love the descriptions of the stars and the location, the descriptions of the dancing and personal interactions, and adored the ballet story they were working on. Also the steam was good.
His love interest was beyond patient, and i know we read this for escapism, but he required serious suspension of disbelief.
I did love the descriptions of the stars and the location, the descriptions of the dancing and personal interactions, and adored the ballet story they were working on. Also the steam was good.
October 17, 2023
I finished this book with a wistful sigh. Something about the way R Cooper writes novellas really, really works for me. Just a lovely book. I cannot wait to revisit it again.
tags/tropes: cw for past cheating/abusive relationship, hurt/comfort, slow burn, small town, age gap, dance/ballet, super duper sweet
tags/tropes: cw for past cheating/abusive relationship, hurt/comfort, slow burn, small town, age gap, dance/ballet, super duper sweet
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