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The Dance
***From Amazon and International bestselling author, Alison G. Bailey, comes a Contemporary Romance story about what happens after the happily ever.*** Bryson Walker stumbled heart first into the steady rhythm of her life, never questioning whether other possibilities existed. She had been Will’s girl since their junior year in high school, followed him to college, and married him soon after graduation. In every respect, they were a loving and successful couple, until a series of missteps shattered all of Bryson’s truths. Maybe their life was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. A performance that was never based in reality. Hart was barely an acquaintance. He and Bryson shared one brief moment during senior prom, full of friction and heat that ignited a spark. But that night Bryson walked away and Hart let her go. Years later, twisted fate brings Bryson and Hart together again, causing her to wonder if this is her second chance at once in a lifetime.
452 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2016
73 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
About the author
Alison G. Bailey
16 books1,393 followersAlison G. Bailey is an award winning, Amazon and International bestselling author living in Charleston, South Carolina. At an early age she fell in love with writing, reworking scenes from her favorite TV shows and movies with new dialogue. Alison wrote and produced several stage plays before turning her sights on the book world.
Under the influence of a copious amount of Diet Pepsi and nonstop listening to her Spotify playlists, Alison writes unique emotional stories full of love, laughter, and romance.
*Subscribe to Alison's newsletter and receive a FREE ecopy of her bestselling novella, In The Moment.
http://www.subscribepage.com/b8a1q9
All roads that lead to my world are right here.
https://linktr.ee/alisongbailey
Under the influence of a copious amount of Diet Pepsi and nonstop listening to her Spotify playlists, Alison writes unique emotional stories full of love, laughter, and romance.
*Subscribe to Alison's newsletter and receive a FREE ecopy of her bestselling novella, In The Moment.
http://www.subscribepage.com/b8a1q9
All roads that lead to my world are right here.
https://linktr.ee/alisongbailey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
May 17, 2016
4.5 ~One Mississippi~ STARS
Bryson Walker followed a path in life that seemed so simply set out for her. She dated and married her high school boyfriend Will and though she shared one unforgettable dance with the school bad boy Hart Mitchell she stayed on the path that seemed destined for her.
”I never doubted that Will as my future. Marriage was simply the natural progression of our relationship. But now that the day was actually here, it felt strange.”
The story takes Bryson through the years of trying to be a good wife to Will. Their relationship seemed almost fixable and I found myself routing for them. When reveals are made about Will’s feelings and actions during their relationship I just wished things went so very differently for them. However, enter Hart Mitchell now grownup and moving on from pain and tragedy in his past. He is working as physical therapist and the heroine is ecstatic to see him again and greets him with full blown school girl giddiness.
Hart is a fantastic character and their relationship was very well paced as was there sex scenes and fall into love.
"Bryson, from our very first moment you stole my breath and I've been trying to catch it ever since."
I thought the author did an amazing job with this book and the only reasons I’m not giving a full 5 Star rating is the fact that it was very long and could have been condensed especially in the day to day non events of her marriage. The second reason is Bryon accepting Hart’s secret so easily when Will was treated so oppositely (though I get it he didn’t know what he had and blew it). Nevertheless, this is a very well written story that tugged at my heartstrings I mean I had tears down my face for this character.
”Bryson, have I thanked you for everything today?"
The story line as a whole and the writing was fantastic and very gripping. Bryson’s journey had me completely invested while the author threw twists, compassion and beauty along the way. I would recommend this book and dare a reader not to care about these characters...well done Alison G. Bailey!
“ People consider finding their soulmate to be the ultimate challenge in life. The challenge was not in the search. The challenge was being brave enough to let them into your life.”
Bryson Walker followed a path in life that seemed so simply set out for her. She dated and married her high school boyfriend Will and though she shared one unforgettable dance with the school bad boy Hart Mitchell she stayed on the path that seemed destined for her.
”I never doubted that Will as my future. Marriage was simply the natural progression of our relationship. But now that the day was actually here, it felt strange.”
The story takes Bryson through the years of trying to be a good wife to Will. Their relationship seemed almost fixable and I found myself routing for them. When reveals are made about Will’s feelings and actions during their relationship I just wished things went so very differently for them. However, enter Hart Mitchell now grownup and moving on from pain and tragedy in his past. He is working as physical therapist and the heroine is ecstatic to see him again and greets him with full blown school girl giddiness.
Hart is a fantastic character and their relationship was very well paced as was there sex scenes and fall into love.
"Bryson, from our very first moment you stole my breath and I've been trying to catch it ever since."
I thought the author did an amazing job with this book and the only reasons I’m not giving a full 5 Star rating is the fact that it was very long and could have been condensed especially in the day to day non events of her marriage. The second reason is Bryon accepting Hart’s secret so easily when Will was treated so oppositely (though I get it he didn’t know what he had and blew it). Nevertheless, this is a very well written story that tugged at my heartstrings I mean I had tears down my face for this character.
”Bryson, have I thanked you for everything today?"
The story line as a whole and the writing was fantastic and very gripping. Bryson’s journey had me completely invested while the author threw twists, compassion and beauty along the way. I would recommend this book and dare a reader not to care about these characters...well done Alison G. Bailey!
“ People consider finding their soulmate to be the ultimate challenge in life. The challenge was not in the search. The challenge was being brave enough to let them into your life.”
January 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I haven’t read a book by Alison G. Bailey in so long and I’ve really loved all of her books in the past so I jumped to listen to the audiobook when I saw it was available. I don’t know how I missed this release, but I was excited to get to it.
This book follows Bryson and it follows her from high school to her adult life. Bryson Walker is dating Will in high school and marries him after college. Things seem to be perfect between them, but after a few trials it’s apparent they’re anything but.
Will and Bryson don’t have a healthy relationship and something happens that brings an old flame back into her life. Hart is a guy she shared a moment with in high school. It was only a dance but it meant something to her. Now he’s back in her life, but the timing couldn’t be more… complicated. This isn’t the kind of love triangle you would expect but Bryson finds herself torn.
Though there were things I loved (mainly the last bit of the book) and that end truly evoked so much emotion for me, I found myself ragey throughout the bookThere were times I didn’t love any of the characters for many different reasons, and by the end, my least favorite turned out to be one of my favorites. It was such a conflicting story for me. Also, I wish this was a little shorter and that a few things would have turned out differently, but it was so written and I love books that make me feel so I do have mixed feelings.
Overall, I’m glad I hung in there and made it to the end of this wild ride, because the ending truly was the best part. If you like angsty and emotional reads, give this one a try. It was definitely one of the more angsty books I’ve read lately!
I haven’t read a book by Alison G. Bailey in so long and I’ve really loved all of her books in the past so I jumped to listen to the audiobook when I saw it was available. I don’t know how I missed this release, but I was excited to get to it.
This book follows Bryson and it follows her from high school to her adult life. Bryson Walker is dating Will in high school and marries him after college. Things seem to be perfect between them, but after a few trials it’s apparent they’re anything but.
Will and Bryson don’t have a healthy relationship and something happens that brings an old flame back into her life. Hart is a guy she shared a moment with in high school. It was only a dance but it meant something to her. Now he’s back in her life, but the timing couldn’t be more… complicated. This isn’t the kind of love triangle you would expect but Bryson finds herself torn.
Though there were things I loved (mainly the last bit of the book) and that end truly evoked so much emotion for me, I found myself ragey throughout the bookThere were times I didn’t love any of the characters for many different reasons, and by the end, my least favorite turned out to be one of my favorites. It was such a conflicting story for me. Also, I wish this was a little shorter and that a few things would have turned out differently, but it was so written and I love books that make me feel so I do have mixed feelings.
Overall, I’m glad I hung in there and made it to the end of this wild ride, because the ending truly was the best part. If you like angsty and emotional reads, give this one a try. It was definitely one of the more angsty books I’ve read lately!
“Bryson, have I thanked you for everything today?”
January 14, 2020
This book is perfection! I was hesitate to pick up a long book lately because sometimes the story sucks and I just feel wasting my time reading a book by the author that I do not know well. The Dance hits every perfection on romance aspect.
At the end I understand why this book has to be that long. It is because the author insisting we go through every phase of Bryson's life. From her teenager year until she finally grows into a woman. I can easily relate to Bryson. Having every aspect of your life being steered into doing what is right in the name of comfortable life instead of choosing what is your heart saying. I can even relate to Will. He is just a man who tries to pleased his parents expectation. And at the end he had to pay the ultimate price. And Hart. He is the one true book boyfriend.
From all of these 3 characters, I feel so much for Will. Yes he is suppose to be the guy you love to hate. His life is similar to me. I just hope I do not end the way he is. For me this book is more about journey. Journey finding who you really are.
5 stars
At the end I understand why this book has to be that long. It is because the author insisting we go through every phase of Bryson's life. From her teenager year until she finally grows into a woman. I can easily relate to Bryson. Having every aspect of your life being steered into doing what is right in the name of comfortable life instead of choosing what is your heart saying. I can even relate to Will. He is just a man who tries to pleased his parents expectation. And at the end he had to pay the ultimate price. And Hart. He is the one true book boyfriend.
From all of these 3 characters, I feel so much for Will. Yes he is suppose to be the guy you love to hate. His life is similar to me. I just hope I do not end the way he is. For me this book is more about journey. Journey finding who you really are.
5 stars
May 4, 2016
I want to welcome you to the not so fictional world of The Dance. Where life’s never as it seems. Where commonplace collides with the unexpected. Where happiness and unhappiness are very much intertwined. Where social class defines one’s fate. Where love and hate becomes an intricate labyrinth.
A world where you can never go back in time, only forward. A world where sh*t happens, good and bad. Yes, there is a more politically correct way of stating that but then again, when is life ever politically correct. You and I both know reality never plays by a certain set of rules. It likes to remind us often that it absolutely cannot always be wrapped up in pretty little bows. Instead, reality teaches us how to survive within this crazy roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. An expedition consisting of miracles and tragedies, life and death, love and hate, success and failure, etc.
The Dance is the epitome of the above. A soul searching story about affection, indifference, compassion, regret, and second chances. Will, Bryson, and Hart are stunning characters, rich with development and personality. Their chemistry, emotion, and connection vivid and palpable. Their weaknesses and growth written with such precision and care. Each individual touching my heart in a myriad of different ways—even Will. The feels going bone deep.
The journey through the dark, beautifully unique and poignant. The journey towards the light, raw and emotionally striking. In a triangle where drama could have been overdosed at any given time kept pertinent to each scene, concrete, and believable. A perfect mixture of lightheartedness and heartache. Not to mention, Alison Bailey has proven yet again she isn’t afraid to color outside the lines, tackling subject matters that make the reader think, even if it means pissing off some readers.
If you love reading books where you most definitely won’t walk away unaffected than I highly recommend this second chance romance.
Thank you, Alison G. Bailey, for the complimentary copy of The Dance.
A world where you can never go back in time, only forward. A world where sh*t happens, good and bad. Yes, there is a more politically correct way of stating that but then again, when is life ever politically correct. You and I both know reality never plays by a certain set of rules. It likes to remind us often that it absolutely cannot always be wrapped up in pretty little bows. Instead, reality teaches us how to survive within this crazy roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. An expedition consisting of miracles and tragedies, life and death, love and hate, success and failure, etc.
The Dance is the epitome of the above. A soul searching story about affection, indifference, compassion, regret, and second chances. Will, Bryson, and Hart are stunning characters, rich with development and personality. Their chemistry, emotion, and connection vivid and palpable. Their weaknesses and growth written with such precision and care. Each individual touching my heart in a myriad of different ways—even Will. The feels going bone deep.
The journey through the dark, beautifully unique and poignant. The journey towards the light, raw and emotionally striking. In a triangle where drama could have been overdosed at any given time kept pertinent to each scene, concrete, and believable. A perfect mixture of lightheartedness and heartache. Not to mention, Alison Bailey has proven yet again she isn’t afraid to color outside the lines, tackling subject matters that make the reader think, even if it means pissing off some readers.
If you love reading books where you most definitely won’t walk away unaffected than I highly recommend this second chance romance.
Thank you, Alison G. Bailey, for the complimentary copy of The Dance.
May 19, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Alison G. Bailey has once again danced her way into our hearts as she delivers an unforgettable love story that knows the rhythm to our hearts. Each beat, motion, and move were beautifully integrated into a story that was full of heart, raw emotions, heartbreak, passion, forgiveness and second chances.
The Dance is a story that grips you from the beginning. Each and everyone has the ideal picture of what our future entails. In the end, we all the have one thing in common. We all picture that “happily ever after” but in all honesty life sometimes takes a detour. The happily ever after ending might take a detour leading you into another direction. Another ending. And for this book, Alison Bailey takes her readers on a whirlwind of raw emotions. Hearts will be broken. Love and trust begins to crumble. Forgiveness is in the air. And the heart begins to thump and beat a second time around.
I went into reading The Dance totally blind. All I knew it was an Alison Bailey book and that I must read The Dance no matter what. And what I can tell you after reading this consuming tale is that nothing is black and white. Nothing is what it seems to be and our life is made up chapters that we write and tell. Each chapter may contain different aspects of our life. The good. The bad. And in the in between. But in the end, each moment in our life is a lesson to be learned. It teaches us that we can dance through life being blind or we can dance to a new beat and direction that will lead to love and happiness. So if you are looking for a story that will have your heart and leave you gasping for air as you try to control your emotions, then I urge you to read this book because Alison Bailey is one of those authors who DESERVES to be in the spotlight. She truly is one of those authors whose prose paints a beautiful literary masterpiece that will leave you in awe.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Alison G. Bailey
Alison G. Bailey has once again danced her way into our hearts as she delivers an unforgettable love story that knows the rhythm to our hearts. Each beat, motion, and move were beautifully integrated into a story that was full of heart, raw emotions, heartbreak, passion, forgiveness and second chances.
The Dance is a story that grips you from the beginning. Each and everyone has the ideal picture of what our future entails. In the end, we all the have one thing in common. We all picture that “happily ever after” but in all honesty life sometimes takes a detour. The happily ever after ending might take a detour leading you into another direction. Another ending. And for this book, Alison Bailey takes her readers on a whirlwind of raw emotions. Hearts will be broken. Love and trust begins to crumble. Forgiveness is in the air. And the heart begins to thump and beat a second time around.
I went into reading The Dance totally blind. All I knew it was an Alison Bailey book and that I must read The Dance no matter what. And what I can tell you after reading this consuming tale is that nothing is black and white. Nothing is what it seems to be and our life is made up chapters that we write and tell. Each chapter may contain different aspects of our life. The good. The bad. And in the in between. But in the end, each moment in our life is a lesson to be learned. It teaches us that we can dance through life being blind or we can dance to a new beat and direction that will lead to love and happiness. So if you are looking for a story that will have your heart and leave you gasping for air as you try to control your emotions, then I urge you to read this book because Alison Bailey is one of those authors who DESERVES to be in the spotlight. She truly is one of those authors whose prose paints a beautiful literary masterpiece that will leave you in awe.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Alison G. Bailey
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October 29, 2021The Dance is a second chance romance and is available on all platforms.
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Kobo: tinyurl.com/59vzn4p4
May 7, 2016
3-3.5 stars
The good, the bad, and why that makes me sad!
I never like to read a book by an author whose previous books I’ve loved and not absolutely love it. However, I’ve read enough books to know that you can’t love them all and that’s okay. This is the part I don’t like: explaining to the author and other readers just why I didn’t absolutely love the book.
Disclaimer: There will be extremely vague spoilers in this review. I personally don’t think you can figure out what I’m talking about without having read the book. But, if you want to avoid the chance of any possibility of spoiling anything, maybe you should read this after you read The Dance.
The good:
Alison isn’t scared to write about topics that are off the beaten path of the Indie book trails. I applaud her for that fearlessness. You never know where she’s going with her plots until she slaps you in the face with something you never expected to be there. She also does it in a way that’s organic; she doesn’t force angst down your throat for the sake of having angst in her book. That’s a huge pet peeve of mine. Don’t put angst where it doesn’t belong. Every book doesn’t have to be a tear jerker.
The bad:
Ugh… I really hate this, but, I like to be honest with my reviews. Bryson….. Weak female characters annoy me. (Hold on! Let me finish my review before you decide if you hate me or not.) For the first half of the book, she just frustrated me! I found it incredibly hard to believe that a Millennial female would be happy as peach pie to be the reincarnation of June Cleaver (minus the Beav and Wally). I mean, I get it that they live in the South where some men love to dote on their Southern Belles. I just found the whole bit to be a little old-fashioned, even though she classified Will as old-fashioned. It was just too…too for me.
Again, Bryson…. Boy, was she quick to judge Will and quick to accept Hart’s shortcomings. Again: my review, my opinion. I found a certain revelation of Hart’s to be far worse than Will’s initial wrongdoing. Granted, I wouldn’t want to have to deal with either, but, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. So, yeah, that saying doesn’t really work here, but, whatever.
Will – I know our hatred (or mild distaste for those of you who don’t mind unnecessary crudeness) for him was carefully molded. Maybe this goes back to Bryson, but I feel like I’ve hated on her enough already. Why the hell did she put up with his crap for almost 10 years?? She was a smart girl. She had a Master’s degree. Certainly she saw signs BEFORE. How could you not? I mean, she does admit that she might have noticed some things, but why not acknowledge them and put a stop to them. Cowgirl up!! Be a woman and shut that mess down early.
Ok, ok ok… I REALLY want to end this on a good note, so I’m jumping back to the good now.
Character growth – I love it when I see character growth. Thankfully, there was growth in spades in this book. We saw it in Bryson (YES!!), Will and Hart. This transformation, if you will, is what made the last half of the book better for me. I actually really enjoyed the last half of the book. It was refreshing to see Bryson's metamorphosis into a beautiful, strong, independent and selfless woman.
Pshh..Hart. You thought I forgot about him, didn’t you?? I loved Hart, except for that one thing. I could have done without that one thing. I get the “why”; I really do. I just didn’t like it. At all. So, I pulled a Joey Tribbiani and “Forgot about it!” Other than that thing I didn’t like, Hart was fantastic. “You’re a good man, Hart Mitchell”. <----- He really was!
Epilogue – There is one paragraph in the epilogue that is EVERYTHING. I hope you read it and just know what I’m talking about.
So, here’s the deal. This was a good book. For a book to be amazing, something has to resonate with the reader. The author can’t control that. It’s an individual response. This one didn’t trigger that inner “thing” with me, but I can still appreciate the writing, the plot, the characters and the wonderful job the author did of combining all of those in a way that has not been over written. Please do read The Dance. There’s a sweetness that is sprinkled throughout in just the right amounts to make you feel hopeful that goodness can shine from even the darkest of places.
The good, the bad, and why that makes me sad!
I never like to read a book by an author whose previous books I’ve loved and not absolutely love it. However, I’ve read enough books to know that you can’t love them all and that’s okay. This is the part I don’t like: explaining to the author and other readers just why I didn’t absolutely love the book.
Disclaimer: There will be extremely vague spoilers in this review. I personally don’t think you can figure out what I’m talking about without having read the book. But, if you want to avoid the chance of any possibility of spoiling anything, maybe you should read this after you read The Dance.
The good:
Alison isn’t scared to write about topics that are off the beaten path of the Indie book trails. I applaud her for that fearlessness. You never know where she’s going with her plots until she slaps you in the face with something you never expected to be there. She also does it in a way that’s organic; she doesn’t force angst down your throat for the sake of having angst in her book. That’s a huge pet peeve of mine. Don’t put angst where it doesn’t belong. Every book doesn’t have to be a tear jerker.
The bad:
Ugh… I really hate this, but, I like to be honest with my reviews. Bryson….. Weak female characters annoy me. (Hold on! Let me finish my review before you decide if you hate me or not.) For the first half of the book, she just frustrated me! I found it incredibly hard to believe that a Millennial female would be happy as peach pie to be the reincarnation of June Cleaver (minus the Beav and Wally). I mean, I get it that they live in the South where some men love to dote on their Southern Belles. I just found the whole bit to be a little old-fashioned, even though she classified Will as old-fashioned. It was just too…too for me.
Again, Bryson…. Boy, was she quick to judge Will and quick to accept Hart’s shortcomings. Again: my review, my opinion. I found a certain revelation of Hart’s to be far worse than Will’s initial wrongdoing. Granted, I wouldn’t want to have to deal with either, but, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. So, yeah, that saying doesn’t really work here, but, whatever.
Will – I know our hatred (or mild distaste for those of you who don’t mind unnecessary crudeness) for him was carefully molded. Maybe this goes back to Bryson, but I feel like I’ve hated on her enough already. Why the hell did she put up with his crap for almost 10 years?? She was a smart girl. She had a Master’s degree. Certainly she saw signs BEFORE. How could you not? I mean, she does admit that she might have noticed some things, but why not acknowledge them and put a stop to them. Cowgirl up!! Be a woman and shut that mess down early.
Ok, ok ok… I REALLY want to end this on a good note, so I’m jumping back to the good now.
Character growth – I love it when I see character growth. Thankfully, there was growth in spades in this book. We saw it in Bryson (YES!!), Will and Hart. This transformation, if you will, is what made the last half of the book better for me. I actually really enjoyed the last half of the book. It was refreshing to see Bryson's metamorphosis into a beautiful, strong, independent and selfless woman.
Pshh..Hart. You thought I forgot about him, didn’t you?? I loved Hart, except for that one thing. I could have done without that one thing. I get the “why”; I really do. I just didn’t like it. At all. So, I pulled a Joey Tribbiani and “Forgot about it!” Other than that thing I didn’t like, Hart was fantastic. “You’re a good man, Hart Mitchell”. <----- He really was!
Epilogue – There is one paragraph in the epilogue that is EVERYTHING. I hope you read it and just know what I’m talking about.
So, here’s the deal. This was a good book. For a book to be amazing, something has to resonate with the reader. The author can’t control that. It’s an individual response. This one didn’t trigger that inner “thing” with me, but I can still appreciate the writing, the plot, the characters and the wonderful job the author did of combining all of those in a way that has not been over written. Please do read The Dance. There’s a sweetness that is sprinkled throughout in just the right amounts to make you feel hopeful that goodness can shine from even the darkest of places.
May 31, 2018
**Received ARC in exchange for an honest review**
"Bryson, from our very first moment you stole my breath and I've been trying to catch it ever since."
I kind of went blind into this book. I forgot what I read in the blurb and the only think I did remember was the sentence: "The Dance is the story of what happens after the happily ever." I think this sentence explains perfectly what the book is about. I had no idea which direction the author would take. This book is about Bryson and Will who have been dating for a very long time, since the beginning of their junior year in high school. They lived together during college and graduate school. So it was kind of an obvious step to get married after graduation. Pretty early into the book and their marriage I started seeing all the cracks in Bryson and Will's relationship/marriage.
"You are something else" "In a good way right?" "in a perfect way".
After a heartbreaking incident the wall between Will and Bryson becomes higher and thicker. I just couldn't stand Will. He was so indifferent to Bryson's feelings and started acting all distant towards her when she needed him the most. She had to put up with a lot from him. She finally started seeing Will's real face. Then Hart comes into the picture. I love him so much, and I especially adore how Bryson and Hart first met. It made perfect sense with the title of this book. Hart was everything Will wasn't. He was so sweet, considerate and supportive. I loved how Bryson bloomed under his loving care.
"Men think with their dicks. But it's the lack of character in the man that allows himself to be led by it."
There was a plot twist at the end that was heartbreaking and had me crying a couple of times but we also saw how Will redeemed himself. I didn't think that could happen but at the end of the book I felt bad for him. There were a couple of obstacles in Bryson and Hart's relationship but I think they handled those the best way they could.
I enjoyed this book a lot and the characters all added extra layers to the story. The writing was great and I wouldn't change anything about this book, however I would've loved one or two extra chapters to see the relationship grow more. I love Alison's books, she always comes up with very intriguing and interesting story lines that have you on the edge of your seat. I cried, I laughed, was jealous, got angry and sad. I experienced a lot of emotions while I read this book!
"Bryson, from our very first moment you stole my breath and I've been trying to catch it ever since."
I kind of went blind into this book. I forgot what I read in the blurb and the only think I did remember was the sentence: "The Dance is the story of what happens after the happily ever." I think this sentence explains perfectly what the book is about. I had no idea which direction the author would take. This book is about Bryson and Will who have been dating for a very long time, since the beginning of their junior year in high school. They lived together during college and graduate school. So it was kind of an obvious step to get married after graduation. Pretty early into the book and their marriage I started seeing all the cracks in Bryson and Will's relationship/marriage.
"You are something else" "In a good way right?" "in a perfect way".
After a heartbreaking incident the wall between Will and Bryson becomes higher and thicker. I just couldn't stand Will. He was so indifferent to Bryson's feelings and started acting all distant towards her when she needed him the most. She had to put up with a lot from him. She finally started seeing Will's real face. Then Hart comes into the picture. I love him so much, and I especially adore how Bryson and Hart first met. It made perfect sense with the title of this book. Hart was everything Will wasn't. He was so sweet, considerate and supportive. I loved how Bryson bloomed under his loving care.
"Men think with their dicks. But it's the lack of character in the man that allows himself to be led by it."
There was a plot twist at the end that was heartbreaking and had me crying a couple of times but we also saw how Will redeemed himself. I didn't think that could happen but at the end of the book I felt bad for him. There were a couple of obstacles in Bryson and Hart's relationship but I think they handled those the best way they could.
I enjoyed this book a lot and the characters all added extra layers to the story. The writing was great and I wouldn't change anything about this book, however I would've loved one or two extra chapters to see the relationship grow more. I love Alison's books, she always comes up with very intriguing and interesting story lines that have you on the edge of your seat. I cried, I laughed, was jealous, got angry and sad. I experienced a lot of emotions while I read this book!
June 29, 2018
What a surprise package this was! I love when I get so much more than I expected in every element of the storyline. A roller coaster of emotions -- and a soul-searing love story that was so much more than your average romance. I loved the characters, some more than others. Hart -- you were my biggest surprise -- I love you "Yodels & Yodels". Even though Will wasn't a very nice guy through much of the story, I would have to be the biggest biotch ever to not end with a forgiving heart. There were times when I just couldn't understand why our leading lady put up with Will. Why she stayed in the game for so long. But I give her lots of admiration and respect for the courage and heart that it took to do so.
A first read by this author -- one I had no idea what to expect -- and one I'm so glad I took the chance. The writing was extraordinary. I highly recommend it -- and better yet, go into it blind. You'll appreciate the message and story so much more.
A first read by this author -- one I had no idea what to expect -- and one I'm so glad I took the chance. The writing was extraordinary. I highly recommend it -- and better yet, go into it blind. You'll appreciate the message and story so much more.
January 8, 2020
This book was so full of emotions I am going to settle and then write my review. Wow.
Holy wow. This book had it all. First love. Soul connecting insta-attraction, friendship, hardship, bad guy, good guy, strength, ego, and bad choices. When the end of the day comes around you can only lead with your heart and this story displays that so beautifully. I devoured this story. Connected so quickly and wanted so hard for almost everyone involved. Challenging storylines that take your "what if" meter to another level. Alison Bailey is so brilliant at pulling a storyline along, connecting you and then busting a hard turn into a realm you NEVER expected. Trusting your gut, following your heart and finding a happily ever after via tough, fractured hearts was just the beginning of this heart-pounding story. I was invested, deeply. I wanted for two people that shared one moment, many years before to find their forever.
Holy wow. This book had it all. First love. Soul connecting insta-attraction, friendship, hardship, bad guy, good guy, strength, ego, and bad choices. When the end of the day comes around you can only lead with your heart and this story displays that so beautifully. I devoured this story. Connected so quickly and wanted so hard for almost everyone involved. Challenging storylines that take your "what if" meter to another level. Alison Bailey is so brilliant at pulling a storyline along, connecting you and then busting a hard turn into a realm you NEVER expected. Trusting your gut, following your heart and finding a happily ever after via tough, fractured hearts was just the beginning of this heart-pounding story. I was invested, deeply. I wanted for two people that shared one moment, many years before to find their forever.
February 8, 2017
4 stars!
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I was on the verge on not finishing this book because the beginning was slow and a bit boring but do me a favor and read it because I'm telling you it get a hell of lot better by the time we're done. Alison has been one of my favorite authors since I read her book Present Perfect a few years back and she never fails to disappoint!
The Dance is a different story from what I usually read. It was a second chance at love, a different life and to be happy. I did really feel bad for Bryson because she didn't sign up for what happened to her after she married Will, her high school sweetheart.
Hart is the guy she had one dance with in high school and also the one who changes her life. He is such a beautiful soul. I loved his character. Though I do wish he was more involved in the story and we had less of the married life between Bryson and Will. I do feel like that was one of the reasons that kept me from enjoying the story so much.
I can't wait to read more books by her in the future.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
"The perfect man is the one who gives you strength, encouragement, and love. He builds you up and holds you up. He protects you while giving you room to grow as a person. He desires you and lets you know just how special and lovely you are. He appreciates your intellect and opinions. He supports your dreams. And he’s the one you can cry in front of and laugh out loud with. "
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I was on the verge on not finishing this book because the beginning was slow and a bit boring but do me a favor and read it because I'm telling you it get a hell of lot better by the time we're done. Alison has been one of my favorite authors since I read her book Present Perfect a few years back and she never fails to disappoint!
The Dance is a different story from what I usually read. It was a second chance at love, a different life and to be happy. I did really feel bad for Bryson because she didn't sign up for what happened to her after she married Will, her high school sweetheart.
"Bryson, from our very first moment you stole my breath and I've been trying to catch it ever since."
Hart is the guy she had one dance with in high school and also the one who changes her life. He is such a beautiful soul. I loved his character. Though I do wish he was more involved in the story and we had less of the married life between Bryson and Will. I do feel like that was one of the reasons that kept me from enjoying the story so much.
I can't wait to read more books by her in the future.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2016
3.5 stars
May 16, 2016
4.5 stars
This was a story that put me through the emotional wringer! Bryson married her high school sweetheart Will and is living a cookie cutter life with him. He works hard to provide a life for them both. Her role is to be a homemaker and support him in his career. She may have gone to college but her qualifications will never be put to use in any career dreams she may have had. Basically her whole life revolves around him but it doesn't seem to swing both ways. This is definitely not an equal opportunity marriage.
'Most of the time I felt our hearts were connected. But there had been instances, like right now, in which I felt more like an object than his partner.'
Cracks begin to appear and resentment seeps in after failed attempts to start a family and Bryson is beginning to realise that her life with Will may not have been so fairytale in its inception. Maybe there is something else out there for her, an exciting career or new friends? Bryson is about to take charge of her own happiness now and is ready to make big changes. This is the part when something goes wrong right? Yup, good old murphy's law steps in and puts her plans on hold for a while but it also puts her in the path of something else or should I say someone else. Hart.
Hart was a guy she shared one dance with at her high school prom. She went with Will but only danced with Hart. She felt such a strong connection with him, once that she regretted not pursuing. If only she had, her life could have been so different. Both Bryson and Hart have very different life experiences since they last saw each other but that pull between them is still very much there. Hart could not be more opposite to Will in every possible way and I just loved how he was with Bryson. He is just so damn sweet.
'Hart Mitchell was the very essence of what a real man should be.'
So at this point I have the rest of the book mapped out in my head when, boom! The story get's turned on its head with a huge plot twist that I found completely heart breaking to read and felt so bad for the person who was most affected by this. This whole part of the book just made me feel really sad and it was hard for me to accept what happened.
So yeah, Alison has once again pulled me into another incredible story and made me feel all sort of things about fictional characters. Job well done! Despite my mixed emotions I really did love this story :)
'Bryson, any time spent with you is not a waste.'
This was a story that put me through the emotional wringer! Bryson married her high school sweetheart Will and is living a cookie cutter life with him. He works hard to provide a life for them both. Her role is to be a homemaker and support him in his career. She may have gone to college but her qualifications will never be put to use in any career dreams she may have had. Basically her whole life revolves around him but it doesn't seem to swing both ways. This is definitely not an equal opportunity marriage.
'Most of the time I felt our hearts were connected. But there had been instances, like right now, in which I felt more like an object than his partner.'
Cracks begin to appear and resentment seeps in after failed attempts to start a family and Bryson is beginning to realise that her life with Will may not have been so fairytale in its inception. Maybe there is something else out there for her, an exciting career or new friends? Bryson is about to take charge of her own happiness now and is ready to make big changes. This is the part when something goes wrong right? Yup, good old murphy's law steps in and puts her plans on hold for a while but it also puts her in the path of something else or should I say someone else. Hart.
Hart was a guy she shared one dance with at her high school prom. She went with Will but only danced with Hart. She felt such a strong connection with him, once that she regretted not pursuing. If only she had, her life could have been so different. Both Bryson and Hart have very different life experiences since they last saw each other but that pull between them is still very much there. Hart could not be more opposite to Will in every possible way and I just loved how he was with Bryson. He is just so damn sweet.
'Hart Mitchell was the very essence of what a real man should be.'
So at this point I have the rest of the book mapped out in my head when, boom! The story get's turned on its head with a huge plot twist that I found completely heart breaking to read and felt so bad for the person who was most affected by this. This whole part of the book just made me feel really sad and it was hard for me to accept what happened.
So yeah, Alison has once again pulled me into another incredible story and made me feel all sort of things about fictional characters. Job well done! Despite my mixed emotions I really did love this story :)
'Bryson, any time spent with you is not a waste.'
May 11, 2016
ARC provided by author!
I really loved story and premise of The Dance. Alison writes real life characters that go through real life situations, not many authors do that. She always does tons of research for them and makes you feel the emotions.
I admit, I didn't like Will. I had no sympathy for him and the way that he acted.
Bryson was a different story, at first. She was quirky and spoke her mind. One thing that bugged me was she was so emotional. She never spoke up for herself and she was vulnerable. She was a smart girl, she should've known better.
I loved how Hart was kind and gentle. He wasn't a mad person considering what he went through. His emotions really showed me what I should be thankful for.
Thank you Alison for letting me review this!! This was a lovely story!!
I really loved story and premise of The Dance. Alison writes real life characters that go through real life situations, not many authors do that. She always does tons of research for them and makes you feel the emotions.
I admit, I didn't like Will. I had no sympathy for him and the way that he acted.
Bryson was a different story, at first. She was quirky and spoke her mind. One thing that bugged me was she was so emotional. She never spoke up for herself and she was vulnerable. She was a smart girl, she should've known better.
I loved how Hart was kind and gentle. He wasn't a mad person considering what he went through. His emotions really showed me what I should be thankful for.
Thank you Alison for letting me review this!! This was a lovely story!!
May 16, 2016
4.5 Stars
"The perfect man is the one who gives you strength, encouragement, and love. He builds you up and holds you up. He protects you while giving you room to grow as a person. He desires you and lets you know just how special and lovely you are. He appreciates your intellect and opinions. He supports your dreams. And he’s the one you can cry in front of and laugh out loud with. "
This was a great read. It was so different than the books I’ve read recently and a true roller coaster ride. I think when I read the blurb and the prologue I was expecting the book to go a certain way and the book totally went in a different direction, it was simply so much more.
This is Bryson’s story, plain and simple. This is not about Hart or Will although they both play a huge part in her story. But this is Bryson’s journey, like the blurb says, about what happens after the after the happily ever after. It’s hard to explain this book without giving away some major spoilers and I don’t want to do that. I do want to say that this is definitely not a love triangle. The story starts a few years in the past, Bryson is dating Will, but Bryson and Hart have a brief encounter at Prom that they’ll never forget. They really don’t know each other, they just share a dance together. The book then goes on to chronicle Bryson’s life, getting married to Will like she always planned to and all the trials and tribulations of married life. I have to say that some parts of the story made me mad, at Will for his behavior and at Bryson for staying with him. Anyways, at some point the façade crumbles and years later fate brings Hart back to Bryson’s life although their circumstances are very different that when they were in High School. The story is full of surprises and twists and turns that you need to read to understand.
I loved Hart, he is definitely the heart of the story. He’s such a beautiful, wonderful man, and he definitely is the catalyst that changes Bryson’s life. Love, love, love him. Will made me mad most of the book, but he does redeem himself in the end. And Bryson, what can I say about her. At times, I couldn’t understand why she made the decisions she made or if she was just a doormat/Mary Sue type until I figured out that she just had the biggest heart and there was no way she could’ve done it any different.
Anyways, more than a book, this story is a beautiful journey of some very real, very flawed people navigating through life. I loved that it was raw. I loved that it was original. I loved that it made me feel so much. And I loved that it made me think, think about how things happen for a reason and just when they’re supposed to. I totally recommend The Dance. I guarantee it will stay with you for a while after you’re done!
“I’m a true believer that we each have a soulmate. That one person you connect with on such a deep level that no words come close to describing it. I used to think Will was that person but I was so off track. Looking into his loving eyes, I knew without a doubt Hart was my soulmate. He was the person I was put on earth for. But just because that person exists somewhere out in the world doesn’t always translate into them being with you. People consider finding their soulmate to be the ultimate challenge in life. The challenge was not in the search. The challenge was being brave enough to let them into your life.”
**An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
"The perfect man is the one who gives you strength, encouragement, and love. He builds you up and holds you up. He protects you while giving you room to grow as a person. He desires you and lets you know just how special and lovely you are. He appreciates your intellect and opinions. He supports your dreams. And he’s the one you can cry in front of and laugh out loud with. "
This was a great read. It was so different than the books I’ve read recently and a true roller coaster ride. I think when I read the blurb and the prologue I was expecting the book to go a certain way and the book totally went in a different direction, it was simply so much more.
This is Bryson’s story, plain and simple. This is not about Hart or Will although they both play a huge part in her story. But this is Bryson’s journey, like the blurb says, about what happens after the after the happily ever after. It’s hard to explain this book without giving away some major spoilers and I don’t want to do that. I do want to say that this is definitely not a love triangle. The story starts a few years in the past, Bryson is dating Will, but Bryson and Hart have a brief encounter at Prom that they’ll never forget. They really don’t know each other, they just share a dance together. The book then goes on to chronicle Bryson’s life, getting married to Will like she always planned to and all the trials and tribulations of married life. I have to say that some parts of the story made me mad, at Will for his behavior and at Bryson for staying with him. Anyways, at some point the façade crumbles and years later fate brings Hart back to Bryson’s life although their circumstances are very different that when they were in High School. The story is full of surprises and twists and turns that you need to read to understand.
I loved Hart, he is definitely the heart of the story. He’s such a beautiful, wonderful man, and he definitely is the catalyst that changes Bryson’s life. Love, love, love him. Will made me mad most of the book, but he does redeem himself in the end. And Bryson, what can I say about her. At times, I couldn’t understand why she made the decisions she made or if she was just a doormat/Mary Sue type until I figured out that she just had the biggest heart and there was no way she could’ve done it any different.
Anyways, more than a book, this story is a beautiful journey of some very real, very flawed people navigating through life. I loved that it was raw. I loved that it was original. I loved that it made me feel so much. And I loved that it made me think, think about how things happen for a reason and just when they’re supposed to. I totally recommend The Dance. I guarantee it will stay with you for a while after you’re done!
“I’m a true believer that we each have a soulmate. That one person you connect with on such a deep level that no words come close to describing it. I used to think Will was that person but I was so off track. Looking into his loving eyes, I knew without a doubt Hart was my soulmate. He was the person I was put on earth for. But just because that person exists somewhere out in the world doesn’t always translate into them being with you. People consider finding their soulmate to be the ultimate challenge in life. The challenge was not in the search. The challenge was being brave enough to let them into your life.”
**An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
May 14, 2016
DNF 38%
OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! What did I just read?!
First of, the heroine is a mental case of a doormat.
Second, what a terrible terrible nutcase of a book. I skimmed and skimmed, rolled my eyes and whispered WHAT THE...??!! A million times at least.
We got to read, for the first quarter of the book, about the heroine pathetic, unloving, humiliating and idiotic marriage to a man who stomped all over her. And she stayed with him for months and months after discovering he was cheating on her and didn't even wants to be married to her. What a pitiful woman. I wanted to shower with boiling water after reading this nonsense. Don't get me wrong he didn't forced her physically to do that, nor he was physically abusive to her, no, it was all her decisions to stay and fix what died a hundred years ago. She just couldn't be more smaller than that, giving a man the power to direct her life just because she was afraid to be financially independent.
Lamest heroine everrr someone should slap her some backbone.
I'm out.
PEACE!
OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! What did I just read?!
First of, the heroine is a mental case of a doormat.
Second, what a terrible terrible nutcase of a book. I skimmed and skimmed, rolled my eyes and whispered WHAT THE...??!! A million times at least.
We got to read, for the first quarter of the book, about the heroine pathetic, unloving, humiliating and idiotic marriage to a man who stomped all over her. And she stayed with him for months and months after discovering he was cheating on her and didn't even wants to be married to her. What a pitiful woman. I wanted to shower with boiling water after reading this nonsense. Don't get me wrong he didn't forced her physically to do that, nor he was physically abusive to her, no, it was all her decisions to stay and fix what died a hundred years ago. She just couldn't be more smaller than that, giving a man the power to direct her life just because she was afraid to be financially independent.
Lamest heroine everrr someone should slap her some backbone.
I'm out.
PEACE!
April 22, 2019
1.75 stars
Regretted reading this one. I was randomly looking at my shelf for a romance, and seeing the blurb, I picked this up. The heroine seemed dumb, there were too many elements in the book, and I didn't understand why so much drama has to be in this.. Seriously. I can't write much without giving spoilers..
On second thoughts, 2.75 stars seem too much for this one, so reducing it by 1...
Regretted reading this one. I was randomly looking at my shelf for a romance, and seeing the blurb, I picked this up. The heroine seemed dumb, there were too many elements in the book, and I didn't understand why so much drama has to be in this.. Seriously. I can't write much without giving spoilers..
On second thoughts, 2.75 stars seem too much for this one, so reducing it by 1...
July 3, 2016
I love this author, her books, and her writing style. She never ceases to amaze me with her ingenuity and flawless stories. Her books are perfection. Her characters are unforgettable. The emotions she evokes in a reader are all consuming and powerful. The Dance is another example of Bailey's perfection...I was lost in this book...I devoured this book...I felt this book to the depths of my soul. Another top fave of 2016 and another winner from this amazing author! Full review to come.
July 26, 2016
Wow !! Beautiful story. This was not at all what I was expecting but I should of known from reading Alison's previous book that there are twists and turns. Second chances, redemption and forgiveness is what this story was to me. Very emotional and extremely touching.
May 8, 2016
4.5+ stars
Sometimes you get what you think is the fairy tale, but reality does not turn out that way. Real life has challenges and trials that can be hard to face. People change. And sometimes things are not always what they seem. And it is easy to become what the other person wants versus exploring your own needs.
Bryson and Will were high school sweethearts. One night at a dance, Bryson shared a moment with Hart and had an opportunity that could have changed the course of her life, but she stayed on the same path with Will. They built a life but faced unexpected challenges that tested them.
Ten years down the road, when Hart reenters her life, a rapport develops and turns into a much needed friendship. She begins to feel respected, challenged, supported, and to gain confidence. But their underlying attraction also brings complications. Bryon is stuck in between wanting to move forward with her life, but also being pulled back.
I adored Hart. He was sweet, sexy, funny, bossy, and seriously just made me smile. He was strong and a fighter, and overcame obstacles. His support and tenderness toward Bryson was something she truly needed. But he had his own issues and personal flaws holding him back that made him an enigma at times especially in the beginning.
Bryson was sweet and used to being taken for granted. She had lost herself. But we gradually see her grow and build confidence as Hart challenges her and believes in her. But Hart is not a man who believes in happy-ever-after. He can only offer the present. And Bryson has her own problems adding complications. Exploring anything with Hart definitely means operating without her usual safety net.
They have struggles to deal with in regards to what they can handle and need. And even once they figure it out, life keeps throwing them curve balls. They both had to be vulnerable, honest, gain trust, and face demons to even begin to overcome fears.
Hart was a unique swoonworthy hero. He was protective and loving. He had his own issues and demons, but he had such a good heart. Bryson was a little hard to take at times especially in the beginning, but I enjoyed seeing her insecurities and fears give way to more personal growth and empowerment. Her kind, giving spirit really shined at times. I really loved them together...they were fun, flirty, and had great chemistry.
The side characters added drama and humor. Will was as source of drama the whole book, but in varying ways. But his influence definitely shaped Bryson during the various stages of their lives. Her best friend Sophie was so much fun, and his friends Colin, Ronnie and Doug were a great group. The friends added comic relief when needed and a good support system.
I'll be honest. I was not sure what to really expect with this story. And it was much more than I could anticipated. There were some hard topics and challenges. There was definite angst. There were surprises and twists. It brought out various emotions.
It's about empowerment, finding fulfillment, following your dreams and reaching out to grab happiness when you can. Sometimes timing is everything. Faith, support, love, friendship, and trust are powerful tools that can aid in healing and providing hope. It highlights the need to be understanding, kind, and compassionate. Bryson and Hart's lives did not go as planned, but despite their crooked paths, they found each other again. Every choice has a consequence, but sometimes the alternative path ends up right where it is supposed to.
This book takes you on a journey. It is a long one spanning over a decade with many ups and downs. The subject matter can be serious and difficult, but it also has humor, romance, and sweetness. It is a true love story about multi-faceted characters that evolve throughout the story. It was poignant, heartfelt and well written. Alison really painted pictures of the scenes in her writing that brought the reader right into them. And the characters had strong dynamic personalities, conflicts, and chemistry. She is not afraid to take on uncomfortable topics and does not sugar coat issues. All of this combined created a story with a long lasting impact.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes you get what you think is the fairy tale, but reality does not turn out that way. Real life has challenges and trials that can be hard to face. People change. And sometimes things are not always what they seem. And it is easy to become what the other person wants versus exploring your own needs.
Bryson and Will were high school sweethearts. One night at a dance, Bryson shared a moment with Hart and had an opportunity that could have changed the course of her life, but she stayed on the same path with Will. They built a life but faced unexpected challenges that tested them.
Ten years down the road, when Hart reenters her life, a rapport develops and turns into a much needed friendship. She begins to feel respected, challenged, supported, and to gain confidence. But their underlying attraction also brings complications. Bryon is stuck in between wanting to move forward with her life, but also being pulled back.
I adored Hart. He was sweet, sexy, funny, bossy, and seriously just made me smile. He was strong and a fighter, and overcame obstacles. His support and tenderness toward Bryson was something she truly needed. But he had his own issues and personal flaws holding him back that made him an enigma at times especially in the beginning.
Bryson was sweet and used to being taken for granted. She had lost herself. But we gradually see her grow and build confidence as Hart challenges her and believes in her. But Hart is not a man who believes in happy-ever-after. He can only offer the present. And Bryson has her own problems adding complications. Exploring anything with Hart definitely means operating without her usual safety net.
They have struggles to deal with in regards to what they can handle and need. And even once they figure it out, life keeps throwing them curve balls. They both had to be vulnerable, honest, gain trust, and face demons to even begin to overcome fears.
Hart was a unique swoonworthy hero. He was protective and loving. He had his own issues and demons, but he had such a good heart. Bryson was a little hard to take at times especially in the beginning, but I enjoyed seeing her insecurities and fears give way to more personal growth and empowerment. Her kind, giving spirit really shined at times. I really loved them together...they were fun, flirty, and had great chemistry.
The side characters added drama and humor. Will was as source of drama the whole book, but in varying ways. But his influence definitely shaped Bryson during the various stages of their lives. Her best friend Sophie was so much fun, and his friends Colin, Ronnie and Doug were a great group. The friends added comic relief when needed and a good support system.
I'll be honest. I was not sure what to really expect with this story. And it was much more than I could anticipated. There were some hard topics and challenges. There was definite angst. There were surprises and twists. It brought out various emotions.
It's about empowerment, finding fulfillment, following your dreams and reaching out to grab happiness when you can. Sometimes timing is everything. Faith, support, love, friendship, and trust are powerful tools that can aid in healing and providing hope. It highlights the need to be understanding, kind, and compassionate. Bryson and Hart's lives did not go as planned, but despite their crooked paths, they found each other again. Every choice has a consequence, but sometimes the alternative path ends up right where it is supposed to.
This book takes you on a journey. It is a long one spanning over a decade with many ups and downs. The subject matter can be serious and difficult, but it also has humor, romance, and sweetness. It is a true love story about multi-faceted characters that evolve throughout the story. It was poignant, heartfelt and well written. Alison really painted pictures of the scenes in her writing that brought the reader right into them. And the characters had strong dynamic personalities, conflicts, and chemistry. She is not afraid to take on uncomfortable topics and does not sugar coat issues. All of this combined created a story with a long lasting impact.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
A top pick for 2016.
The Dance by Alison G. Bailey is fan-freakin-tastic. I was blown away and SPEECHLESS.
As young girls, we all dream of marrying our prince, starting a family and living in a beautiful castle with a white picket fence. Sounds perfect, right? Well, The Dance proves that life is NOT perfect and it definitely does not always work out the way we have planned.....
What happens after the vows, when you see the other person for who they really are? Turns out some Princes are really just frogs!
This is a story about a young couples corrosive and deceptive relationship from beginning till the end. The events that transpire will leave your mouth agape.....
Childhood Sweethearts Bryson & Will are a seemingly perfect married couple who have it all.... Everything is all shiny on the outside, while rotting on the inside. When is it ok to let go of till death do us part??
Bryson is like most young woman, impressionable, insecure and naive with one exception, she is also very manipulated. Wanting the perfect life, she ignores all the red flags. From the very start of their relationship, Will has been very cunning and calculated. He knows how to play her like a fiddle. He can be very callous and cruel one minute and charming the next. He infuriated me to the point of cursing at my kindle... I wanting to shake Bryson and have her open her eyes!
As the story progresses, there are some interesting and sad turn of events, that have Bryson finally waking up. Then a twist of fate brings an old friend back into her life.... Hart Mitchell is everything her husband is not and MORE. Life has not been kind to him, a tragic event changed his life forever. He has endured so much, but he still lives his life to the fullest. He is gallant, compassionate and selfless. He brought this book home for me! Hart is the real Prince charming we all hope to find.....
The Dance took me on a unexpected emotional and mental ride. I felt an orchestra of emotions ranging from rage to despair. By the time I was finished, I was depleted and deeply affected. I love when a book is so realistic you can compare it to reality and your own life. Making you think, what would I do? The Dance is all about strength, forgiveness and benevolence... It is also an epic indescribable love story that will leave you breathless.
The Dance by Alison G. Bailey is fan-freakin-tastic. I was blown away and SPEECHLESS.
As young girls, we all dream of marrying our prince, starting a family and living in a beautiful castle with a white picket fence. Sounds perfect, right? Well, The Dance proves that life is NOT perfect and it definitely does not always work out the way we have planned.....
What happens after the vows, when you see the other person for who they really are? Turns out some Princes are really just frogs!
This is a story about a young couples corrosive and deceptive relationship from beginning till the end. The events that transpire will leave your mouth agape.....
Childhood Sweethearts Bryson & Will are a seemingly perfect married couple who have it all.... Everything is all shiny on the outside, while rotting on the inside. When is it ok to let go of till death do us part??
Bryson is like most young woman, impressionable, insecure and naive with one exception, she is also very manipulated. Wanting the perfect life, she ignores all the red flags. From the very start of their relationship, Will has been very cunning and calculated. He knows how to play her like a fiddle. He can be very callous and cruel one minute and charming the next. He infuriated me to the point of cursing at my kindle... I wanting to shake Bryson and have her open her eyes!
As the story progresses, there are some interesting and sad turn of events, that have Bryson finally waking up. Then a twist of fate brings an old friend back into her life.... Hart Mitchell is everything her husband is not and MORE. Life has not been kind to him, a tragic event changed his life forever. He has endured so much, but he still lives his life to the fullest. He is gallant, compassionate and selfless. He brought this book home for me! Hart is the real Prince charming we all hope to find.....
The Dance took me on a unexpected emotional and mental ride. I felt an orchestra of emotions ranging from rage to despair. By the time I was finished, I was depleted and deeply affected. I love when a book is so realistic you can compare it to reality and your own life. Making you think, what would I do? The Dance is all about strength, forgiveness and benevolence... It is also an epic indescribable love story that will leave you breathless.
May 20, 2016
I'm obviously in the minority on this book because so many loved it. But this one didn't work for me at all. There were a lot of things that I just couldn't wrap my head around and couldn't really love any of the characters all that much.
The story started off really good, a young girl, in the only relationship she's ever known, but not really feeling like it's enough. I was that girl on so many levels so I was totally relating to her in the beginning. After the wedding was where things got complicated for our young heroine. She's married making everyday life at home, basically she turned into a Stepford Wife. She was the epitome of class and elegance needed on the successful business mans arm. When an unfortunate circumstance drives a wedge between her and her husband, this is where it takes a turn for them both.
As she uncovers the secret life her husband has been leading, she becomes more docile, more reserved and more withdrawn. This part of the book just didn't go anywhere for me, it sort of drug on. I will admit I was skimming a bit through some of the chapters because the monologue and repetitiveness was doing me in.
When the new interest steps in, I was like FINALLY here is something I can get behind. Leave that husband in the dust. But things didn't add up here either for me. It was very long drawn out process of them being together then not really being together, coupled with her still taking care of her husband. It just didn't work for me.
Then at 73% I had a WHAT DID I JUST READ MOMENT! It was all so unbelievable that I couldn't honestly get past it. I had a hard time with the ending of this book, it wasn't realistic to me at all, and it felt like drama for the sake of drama.
I have always loved Alison's previous books and I will continue to read them, but this one just didn't work for me at all. The story line just didn't get where it was going fast enough and I couldn't invest in any of the characters fully because of it. I wanted to love it and that beginning had me totally expecting something very different. Sadly this one is a 2 star for me.
The story started off really good, a young girl, in the only relationship she's ever known, but not really feeling like it's enough. I was that girl on so many levels so I was totally relating to her in the beginning. After the wedding was where things got complicated for our young heroine. She's married making everyday life at home, basically she turned into a Stepford Wife. She was the epitome of class and elegance needed on the successful business mans arm. When an unfortunate circumstance drives a wedge between her and her husband, this is where it takes a turn for them both.
As she uncovers the secret life her husband has been leading, she becomes more docile, more reserved and more withdrawn. This part of the book just didn't go anywhere for me, it sort of drug on. I will admit I was skimming a bit through some of the chapters because the monologue and repetitiveness was doing me in.
When the new interest steps in, I was like FINALLY here is something I can get behind. Leave that husband in the dust. But things didn't add up here either for me. It was very long drawn out process of them being together then not really being together, coupled with her still taking care of her husband. It just didn't work for me.
Then at 73% I had a WHAT DID I JUST READ MOMENT! It was all so unbelievable that I couldn't honestly get past it. I had a hard time with the ending of this book, it wasn't realistic to me at all, and it felt like drama for the sake of drama.
I have always loved Alison's previous books and I will continue to read them, but this one just didn't work for me at all. The story line just didn't get where it was going fast enough and I couldn't invest in any of the characters fully because of it. I wanted to love it and that beginning had me totally expecting something very different. Sadly this one is a 2 star for me.
May 11, 2016
Alison has written an absolutely perfect and amazing story with The Dance. To say I loved this book is an understatement. It was amazing. So, so good. It literally consumed me for 2 days- to the point that I couldn’t put it down and had to read standing at the kitchen counter so my kindle could charge.
Without giving the story away I will say The Dance is beautiful, breathtaking, emotional and gut wrenching. It will touch your heart in so many ways. It’s a story of loss, love, heartache, friendship, forgiveness and finding your soulmate. A story of second chances. It is one you will always remember and you will fall in love with everything about it. Hart and Bryson are perfection. Absolutely amazing characters. I adored them both. I did think Bryson wasn’t the smartest when it came to Will, but that’s how she chose to handle things. I have never been in her situation and I don’t know what I would do, so I can’t judge her. Will- he got on my nerves for a while. But he did redeem himself near the end. And Hart- I love him so much. What a great, amazing man. His courage and perseverance through all he’s been dealt is an inspiration.
The story is so well written with a few things that I never expected at all. It’s well thought out and facts are clearly researched. Your emotions will be all over the place as you become attached to the story and the characters. Go one click The Dance- I promise it will be a book you never forget!!
Without giving the story away I will say The Dance is beautiful, breathtaking, emotional and gut wrenching. It will touch your heart in so many ways. It’s a story of loss, love, heartache, friendship, forgiveness and finding your soulmate. A story of second chances. It is one you will always remember and you will fall in love with everything about it. Hart and Bryson are perfection. Absolutely amazing characters. I adored them both. I did think Bryson wasn’t the smartest when it came to Will, but that’s how she chose to handle things. I have never been in her situation and I don’t know what I would do, so I can’t judge her. Will- he got on my nerves for a while. But he did redeem himself near the end. And Hart- I love him so much. What a great, amazing man. His courage and perseverance through all he’s been dealt is an inspiration.
The story is so well written with a few things that I never expected at all. It’s well thought out and facts are clearly researched. Your emotions will be all over the place as you become attached to the story and the characters. Go one click The Dance- I promise it will be a book you never forget!!
May 4, 2016
"I am always fascinated by the way Alison touches our souls with each new story. Her books are the ones that make you think, feel, react, cry, laugh and always make us remember about our own humanity. Bryson and Hart love story is exactly that. They are not only a couple with a lot of baggage. They are amazing human beings with a capacity to love and to be kind on very unusual circumstances. They make me believe that even though life is hard we still can be thankful for every day, every night, every moment. They are so generous even when they don't have to be. Its in their nature to look at life and love as a blessing, to be supportive even in silence. I wish I could hang out with them. Sometimes you read a book that you want the characters to be alive and in your life. After finishing this incredible book I close my eyes and see them dancing. Thank you Alison for your generosity on sharing The Dance with us. Thank you for reminding what is truly important in life."
August 15, 2016
Ho girato lentamente l'ultima pagina perché non volevo separarmi da questa storia, ma poi mi sono resa conto che non sarebbe successo perché era già entrata prepotentemente nel mio cuore.
I slowly turned the last page of this book because I didn't want to separate myself from it, but i realized it would never be happened because it was already in my heart.
I slowly turned the last page of this book because I didn't want to separate myself from it, but i realized it would never be happened because it was already in my heart.
May 9, 2016
I'm 100% sure that Alison G. Bailey's writing gets better with every book! Hart and Bryson are everything you could ever want in a book couple. Absolute perfection!
February 17, 2018
This book was AMAZING!!!! This was such a beautiful story! I really connected with Bryson she actually reminded me a lot of myself....in that her heart was so big and she's so full of love for everyone and tries to be there for everyone. I really got her and how she dealt with her relationship with Will....and ultimately with Hart. Bryson grew from a naive teenager into a strong woman by the end of the book and I loved every second. This story, to me, was very believable! I was pulled into Bryson's story, and felt her emotions. The author does a fantastic job of making me feel the hurt, and anger and tears but also the kindness, forgiveness and love. So good!
My favorite quote...literally was crying --- "The perfect man is the one who gives you strength, encouragement, and love. He builds you up and holds you up. He protects you while giving you room to grow as a person. He desires you and lets you know just how special and lovely you are. He appreciates your intellect and opinions. He supports your dreams. And he's the one you can cry in front of and laugh out loud with."
My favorite quote...literally was crying --- "The perfect man is the one who gives you strength, encouragement, and love. He builds you up and holds you up. He protects you while giving you room to grow as a person. He desires you and lets you know just how special and lovely you are. He appreciates your intellect and opinions. He supports your dreams. And he's the one you can cry in front of and laugh out loud with."
May 26, 2024
4.5 Stars
the Dance is one of the oldest books from my backlog list. I have been wanting to read it for years; I even put it on my "Top 10 books I want to read in 20xx" list for several years but it took me almost 8 years to finally pick it up. Yes. 8 years. And what can I say? I am beyond sad that I didn't start reading it sooner. This. Book. Was. Everything.
I have been reading Romance novels for years now and all in all they are mostly smiliar to one another. I know, you cannot reinvent the wheel but it felt like I was reading the same story again and again. But the Dance was different. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster reading this book. Up and down and up and down. The times I wanted to slap Will and yell at him for his disgusting behavior, his comments, or his non-existent integrity. Bryson I just wanted to jolt awake. Seriously, girl. What did you do to me and my emotions?! And then we have Hart. Oh my Hart. How can you be so perfect. Have I mentioned the butterflies flying around in my tummy while reading this book?
Alison G. Bailey really wrote an amazing and absolutely heart-wrenching book here – except for the last 7 chapters though. I don't think it was necessary to stir up the plot like this. The book could've done perfectly without it. It was unncessary drama, just for the sake of drama.
Nevertheless. the Dance absolutely surprised me. I didn't think I would be that invested as I was. If you want a real amazing love story, then the Dance it is.
**********
This was soooo good. Finally a story that I haven’t read 20x times already. However the last 7 chapters could’ve been left out. It’s was only for unnecessary drama.
RTC.
the Dance is one of the oldest books from my backlog list. I have been wanting to read it for years; I even put it on my "Top 10 books I want to read in 20xx" list for several years but it took me almost 8 years to finally pick it up. Yes. 8 years. And what can I say? I am beyond sad that I didn't start reading it sooner. This. Book. Was. Everything.
I have been reading Romance novels for years now and all in all they are mostly smiliar to one another. I know, you cannot reinvent the wheel but it felt like I was reading the same story again and again. But the Dance was different. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster reading this book. Up and down and up and down. The times I wanted to slap Will and yell at him for his disgusting behavior, his comments, or his non-existent integrity. Bryson I just wanted to jolt awake. Seriously, girl. What did you do to me and my emotions?! And then we have Hart. Oh my Hart. How can you be so perfect. Have I mentioned the butterflies flying around in my tummy while reading this book?
Alison G. Bailey really wrote an amazing and absolutely heart-wrenching book here – except for the last 7 chapters though. I don't think it was necessary to stir up the plot like this. The book could've done perfectly without it. It was unncessary drama, just for the sake of drama.
Nevertheless. the Dance absolutely surprised me. I didn't think I would be that invested as I was. If you want a real amazing love story, then the Dance it is.
**********
This was soooo good. Finally a story that I haven’t read 20x times already. However the last 7 chapters could’ve been left out. It’s was only for unnecessary drama.
RTC.
April 25, 2020
Such a Different book! Def should pick this one up
December 21, 2025
So much slut shaming unfortunately. Skank this, skank that. It takes away from the story.
It was okay, but all the stuff at the end ruined it. It was over the top.
It was okay, but all the stuff at the end ruined it. It was over the top.
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