Forbidden Dance: A Celebrity Secret Crush New Adult Romance

Lover's Dance #1

by Deanna Roy

She was hidden from the world. Then he arrived.
An emotional new novel from six-time USA Today bestselling author Deanna Roy

For four years, I’ve lived in almost total seclusion. Homeschooled, forbidden from social media, seeing no one other than the dancers at Dreamcatcher Academy, where I teach ballet to little girls in wheelchairs.

Then Blitz arrives.

He’s the disgraced host of Dance Blitz, a bawdy reality show where Blitz sleeps with as many dancers as possible while looking for his perfect partner.

At least he was. A few weeks ago, he got kicked off his own show.

He’s at my academy for a publicity stunt, and my wheelchair ballerinas are his ticket back into the public’s good graces.

I intend to hate him and stay as far away as possible. But when he looks at me, I can’t resist. Before I realize what’s happened, we’re sneaking into back rooms, dancing, kissing, planning dates away from the cameras and the wrath of my family.

But I’m afraid. I have a secret at the academy, a small, wonderful, terrible secret, and if I stay with Blitz, the world will find out.
____________
Forbidden Dance is a full-length standalone HEA, although fans who fall in love with Blitz and Livia can continue the series to follow more of their love story.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Erotica, Adult

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2018

About the author

Deanna Roy is the six-time USA Today bestselling author of women's fiction. She is a fierce advocate for all the children in her care, biological, fostered, and adopted, and the mothers, who like her, lost babies to miscarriage.

She writes books under four names:
Deanna Roy with three-hanky reads in the Forever series:


JJ Knight with her romantic comedy Pickleverse:


Abby Tyler with sweet small-town romance, including the Applebottom series:


Annie Winters with romantic suspense serials, including The Vigilante's Lover:


You can follow Deanna and read pre-release sneak peeks and free ebooks on her private list. Subscribe!

Deanna also writes a series of books for middle grade readers, including JINNIE WISHMAKER, MARCUS MENDER, and ELEKTRA CHAOS.

She's pretty easy to spot on Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took part in the blog tour for this book!

When I heard that this was going to be made into a a series, I leapt at the chance to read Forbidden Dance. I love reading stories that involve dancing/the main character being a dancer. Livia has been living under house arrest for four years after a scandal that rocked her life. Her strict father doesn’t allow any form of social media or telephone to use but does allow her to study ballet. It’s during a ballet class that she meets Blitz, the host of a reality TV show that he left in disgrace from. When their paths cross, Livia has to decide whether to stay on her family’s good side or break the rules so that she can experience a taste of freedom.

I loved reading the whole ballet aspects throughout and felt Livia’s pain as she had to deal with making choices for her future. It was a quick, easy read to get into. I found Blitz’s character to be a little bit shady at times but understood that this was part of his persona as a disgraced host. The ending was emotional and exciting to witness. But I’m not going to spoil it for you

[Deanna Roy]

I am so excited to be starting a new series!



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[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is singing for joy and all a tizzy from this breathless marvel! I am never prepared for the intensity of emotion and the intoxication of love that permeate each of Deanna’s incredible stories. This one is a particularly wonderful masterpiece as it pulls very deeply at my own heart. I can empathize on various levels with parts of this story, and it made the colors and smells, and sounds that much more vivid. Nothing can stop this story from invading your mind and stealing your heart. Just sit back and enjoy the marvelous ride.

One misstep changed her life forever. One mistake transformed everything. One infraction built the prison she now resides within. The only reprieve and happiness she has left resides within her ballet classes. This time gives her the strange and the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. It helps to make her realize that she hasn’t lost everything. Benjamin is a lost and disillusioned soul that comes to live and finds true meaning in one waltz with Livia. He finally realizes what’s spectacularly real, and he will fight for that truth as hard as he can. Will Benjamin try to reclaim his life and reshape his future, or will he find that he has nothing left to fight for?

I didn’t know whether to hide or dare to enter this story with Livia. She is a young woman whose life is more of challenge then mot could be capable of understanding. She blew my mind on so many levels, and then when you added Benjamin into the mix, I ended up walking on cloud 9. These two are truly the definition of forbidden and intoxicating. They are truth and life and hope in its purest form, and they recharged my own heart along the way. Their struggles brought me encouragement, and their victories made my heart soar to the Heavens. This is one wildly unforgettable journey that will make your heart beat faster and make your mind reel with extraordinary possibilities.

Deanna Roy is one of my absolute favorite authors because her stories do so much more than just delight and entertain. They change and mold and transform your heart with each stunning word that is consumed and cherished. There is no limit to her masterful talent, and I can’t sufficiently express my appreciation and honor to be able to savor and enjoy each one of her astonishing works of honest humanity and otherworldly love.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING !!!
Title: The Stranger
Series: Blitzed
Author: Deanna Roy writing as J.J. Knight
Designation: Book One of 4 Book Series, Full-Length(220 pages), Can Be Read As A Standalone, HFN Ending
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS*****
**This book was originally published as Forbidden Dance by Deanna Roy, the first release in a four-book series entitled Lovers Dance. It has since been re-released as The Stranger and the entire four-book series has been retitled the Blitzed Series. There have been no changes to the content. Although this book can be read as a standalone with a happy-for-now ending, I highly recommend reading the entire series since all four books chronicle the relationship journey of beautiful newbie ballerina Livia Mason and handsome, charismatic reality television dance star Blitz Craven aka Benjamin Castillo.

Oh my, oh my, oh my! I LOVE this book! I adore contemporary romance and completely infatuated with stories featuring dance, but combine the two and I'm in heaven, and Deanna Roy/J.J. Knight just delivered the perfect combination of both! I became a Deanna Roy fan several years ago after first reading her heartwarming Forever Series and became even more entranced with her work after discovering her alter-egos, JJ Knight and Annie Winters. As JJ Knight/Deanna Roy, she pens spicy and emotionally gripping Contemporary New Adult Romance and as Annie Winters, she writes riveting and sexy Contemporary Romantic Suspense. I developed a complete addiction to her Vigilante Series co-written with Tony West under her Annie Winters pen name. I love Knight's comfortable, easy-to-follow style and sweet, sultry prose. There's nothing better than curling up in my favorite chair with a glass of wine and brand new book by J.J. Knight/Deanna Roy! And no one writes what I like to call 'Dance Romance' like Deanna Roy. I discovered this firsthand after reading The Billionaire, a delightful standalone Contemporary Billionaire Friends to Lovers romance originally released as The Billionaire's Ballet and later retitled again as Dreamcatcher's Dance, which is actually the prequel to this series where we meet several of the characters in this book. But don't fret, as I said, it's also a standalone and can be read later.

But as usual I digress, so let's talk about this book. The Stranger is a captivating, fast-paced, and exceptionally well-crafted and edited contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone. It does NOT end in a cliffhanger but has what I like to call a happy-for-now ending. However, there will be four more books in Blitz and Livia's story and you better believe I've already preordered my copy of each. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with a single perspective from the female protagonist, Livia Mason. But guess what? As an additional bonus, the author has included a very special scene from Blitz's point of view at the end of the ebook... and I loved it! The dialogue is smart, well-executed, easy to follow and flows effortlessly. I loved the premise and world Roy developed for this story and they were all extraordinary but it's the cast of realistic, relatable, engaging and very endearing characters who completely steal the show along with my heart. I was immediately drawn into this story by the sweet, innocent and very naive Livia Mason, and I nearly swooned for our hero, handsome professional celebrity dancer Blitz Craven aka Benjamin Castillo. These two characters could not have been more different, yet they were perfect for each other. Their attraction was immediate, their interaction electric, their passion undeniable, and their chemistry was so hot it sizzled! *sigh* It's just so dreamy! Knight skillfully combines every one of these elements to craft a heartwarming story filled to the brim with heartbreaking drama, agonizing angst, sweet romance, and steamy sex. This is not erotic romance but it is hot and somewhat explicit but in a very loving and caring way. Did I like this book? No, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I've already preordered the other available books in this series. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! I snickered, snorted, snuffled, sniffed and sobbed throughout the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

Nineteen-year-old Livia Mason loves two things in life. The first is dance which she started only two years ago, and the second is a secret, one so dark only her parents know, or at least they know part of it. But even they don't know everything and if they did, they'd never allow her to continue her ballet lessons at Dreamcatcher's Dance Academy. It's the reason Livia lost everything, and the reason her father felt compelled to leave his job, uproot his family and relocate them four years ago, moving away from everyone they knew... and it was all her fault. She was no longer allowed to have any friends nor any kind of social life. Her parents would not even allow her to attend public school. She had to settle for finishing her education through homeschooling, but hopefully this year she would be able to take her SAT. She wasn't even allowed to have a phone and all her actions were monitored closely by her very strict parents. But despite the shadow of her past mistake, her life was finally beginning to fall into place... until he showed up at the Dreamcatcher's Dance Academy... Benjamin Castillo aka Blitz Craven, playboy, man-whore extraordinaire, and star of his very own reality TV dance show Dance Blitz. He's only at Dreamcatcher's to garner some good publicity, repair his damaged reputation, get his career back on track and reclaim his show. But with one kiss and one simple dance, everything has changed. He says he wants her, but does he really care for her? He claims he wants her to be with him, but does he love her? Why would a handsome celebrity like Blitz with a reputation for being quite a Don Juan with the ladies want someone like her, a sheltered naive nineteen-year-old woman with no worldly experience, who is slowly being suffocated by her restrictive overbearing parents? A man like Blitz Craven could have any woman he desired, so is this just another ploy to add her name to his long list of conquests and public indiscretions. Will she become just another notch on his bedpost? Can Livia afford to trust Blitz with her heart? But more importantly, can she trust him with her secret? We'll see! Oh my! This one will definitely tug at your heartstrings!

[Livros A Go-Go ~Joyci ~]

pensando ainda numa nota

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/23/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
I never should have looked him in the face.
He wandered into my dance studio.
Watched me.
Took in every detail.

I tried to focus.
First position. Second position. Lunge. Arabesque.
Then he stopped me.
Touched me.
Asked me to teach him the movement.
I felt on fire.

I never should have looked him in the face.
But I did.
And when he touched me.
I could not let him stop.
____
The Stranger is a full-length standalone HEA, although the series will continue.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow

[CeCe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but in the end it just did not work for me. The heroine has a secret. She meets a host of a popular reality dance show and there is a chance that her secret will be exposed if she continues to be with him. The attraction was too insta and I was unable to connect like I wanted too.

[Honestly Honest Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute story idea, but it felt very unrealistic. I almost quit reading it a few times.. The insta-love was not believable for me, I definitely felt a little bit of insta-chemistry though. I get that sheltered people are naturally shy, it's hard to break free from your parents, yet I like my female lead characters with a lot more backbone and a fierce attitude. I've always admired dancers, the dedication they put into their dances is beautiful. I wish I would've gotten more actual dancing since the two leads were both dancers. I also did not find a few other points believable, but I won't spoil it. Overall, it was missing something that would've made it a great book, I just couldn't pinpoint what it was.


ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[PeaceOfGod]

❎Don't even mistakingly read this series if you don't like-

🤸‍♂️Ex drama the size of black hole from both H and hs side.

🤸‍♂️Cocky and Asshole H.

🤸‍♂️ Manwhore H.

🤸‍♂️Kid with Om.(The 2nd book is ALL about the ex of h btw).

🤸‍♂️And i should tell you that this series ONLY gets worse in later books because they are ALL about -

🤸‍♂️Ex-drama from Hs side. And Ex-drama from Hs side.

And wait.........

🤸‍♂️Ex-drama for Hs side.


And THE FUNNIEST thing is..........when in last book the h gets married to the H, her bridesmaids are?........10 exe's of H.

The WHOOOLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEE series is about how at least 50 exe's of H , WHO HE HAD VERY VERY VERY VERY INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with come back to cause havoc in hs life.


🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


🔴Spoiler Alert- 🔴The series DOES NOT have any sex scene with OP.🔴

[Laura Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Dance is the first book that i have read by this author and though it can be read as a standalone, the reader finds out that there are actually another three books in this series that pertain to the two main characters. Although, I did enjoy the story line, I am not sure I will continue to read further into the series.

Livia world completely changed four years ago. One mistake has cost her nearly everything. Her life once was carefree and exciting, now she must do as her father says and not fall out of line. At nineteen, she is still in high school. She lost nearly a year of schooling because of the upset she caused her family. She no longer is allowed to do anything or go anywhere without her parent's knowing. When she finds Dreamcatcher Dance Academy she falls in love with ballet. Getting her father to agree to lessons is like pulling teeth.

Part of me was so frustrated with Livia's attitude. Here she is nineteen years old and still living under her father's thumb. Where is her backbone! She allows him to walk all over her and her mother and younger brother as well. The man is a tyrant in my opinion. The secret that Livia has really isn't a secret, well from the people at the dance academy it is. But we learn in just the first 25% of the book what she is hiding. Even her parents and best friend don't know.

The blurb and the cover drew me in, but the blurb leads the reader to believe that this secret is just huge and when you find out what it is so quickly, it sort of defeats the purpose. I get why she has to keep it quiet, but why do we have to learn what it is so damn fast? I did enjoy the premise of the story. I don't read to many books about dancers.

Benjamin "Blitz Craven" Castillo, reality TV star and dancer extraordinaire, has lost just about everything in a scandal. Now he finds himself tucking tail and saving face by volunteering at Dreamcatcher Academy. Laying low and showing the press that he really isn't the crazy, bad boy they make him out to be. Meeting the raven haired, shy and quiet beauty wasn't on his list of things to do while teaching there. One look at Livia and Blitz is hooked. Any chance he can get to spend time with her or be near her sets him ablaze. But, Livia has a secret, one that if it gets out could ruin everything that she has worked so hard for.

To me Benjamin is your typical guy. He sees a girl that peaks his interest and goes after said girl. They think with their crotch and not their brain...lol He is brazen and bold. He frustrated me with how quickly he staked his claim. I like a good love story, one where there is a build up. Forbidden Dance is very instalove. Something that I don't mind from time to time, this one just felt really rushed in a way and then I learn that there are still three more books to Livia and Blitz's story. I don't mind a series, I don't mind cliffhangers, but the first book needs to keep me fully engaged and I just wasn't completely all in with this one. The chemistry between Blitz and Livia is there, but she was constantly battling with what he made her feel and how it was so wrong. at nineteen she should be able to do what she wants, see who she wants and have a life for herself. Something that she constantly said she didn't deserve after all the hurt and heartache she caused her family. I get it. Grow up, get a backbone and move on. You are not the same young girl that messed up several years ago. I felt like all this was Livia whining and it wore on me after awhile.

Overall, this is a decent, relatively quick read. I just wasn't hooked by the entire story, like I was by the blurb. I am hoping that if I get the chance to read the next book in the series, the author will suck me in and have me not wanting to put the book down.

3.75 Stars

[Aunt Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORBIDDEN DANCE...Deanna Roy
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Livia is nineteen and living a very sheltered life. She feels fortunate to be able to attend Dreamcatcher Academy to learn ballet. Ballet itself is so freeing, the whole world drops away when she dances.

Livia voluntarily helps with the little ones in the wheelchair ballet class, in addition to working toward her toe shoes. She's fortunate enough to attend without having to pay and gladly gives of herself to the girls.

For the first six months of her time at Dance Academy, her father was at every lesson and finally saw the beauty of the ballet and relented. She was given a modicum of freedom to attend without supervision, but she still has to account for every minute of her time.

Homeschooled a year past normal, no television, no phone, no internet, no contact with the world.
She is allowed to spend time with one friend, Mindy and also volunteers at the church office.

Then Benjamin shows up at Dreamcatcher Academy and Livia's world is about to change.
          

Benjamin first meets Livia as he watches her from the doorway as she complete her dance.

Livia may have been initially startled and leery, but he has her teaching him an arabesque in no time. A bow, an exchange of first names, a kiss on her knuckles and he's gone.

Were it not for Aurora rushing in to question Livia if Blitz Craven just kissed her hand, she wouldn't have known him as anyone, but Benjamin.

She was clued in to him being Blitz Craven, the host of a reality TV show called "Dance Blitz".
The premise of the show being like the "Bachelor" TV show, but with dancing.

Aurora's all excited about him being there to help out, telling her the academy's going to be famous.
Livia on the other hand wants Aurora to keep it to herself that Blitz kissed her hand.
Her only concern is that she be able to continue to dance. That won't happen if her father finds out.

"If anyone finds out", becomes a phrase we are well acquainted with when it comes to Livia's life, from here on out.

Livia has never had a cell phone until Blitz buys her one, to have a means to contact her.

These two have stolen moments, and text messages back and forth when not together at the dance academy, or elsewhere.

I appreciate that this was not an instalove romance, it was more of a "normal" slow development.

Livia and Benjamin/Blitz were a forbidden romance that was a pleasure for me to watch develop.
They do have their HEA/HFN in a unique fashion- thanks to Livia's quick thinking and the help of many friends.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

This story is a standalone as a complete book with a HEA.
The author offers you the option to read the next book, Wounded Dance.

Livia and Benjamin's sweet romance of stolen kisses, stolen moments has me hooked.
I'm going to stick with my new favorite couple as their story moves forward.

-Aunt Bee

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
The opinions expressed are mine alone and freely given.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forbidden Dance", is the very first book I have read from Deanna Roy, and I am so looking foward to the rest of this series.
Our young heroine Livie is nineteen and kept a virtual prisoner in her own home. Making one mistake as a fifteen year old changed her life and that of her brother drastically. Since that fateful mistake her parents uprooted them and moved, no more public school, home schooling only, no movies , no electronics , no unapproved television and no going anyplace unescorted.
Well for Livie there is one place Dreamcathcer Dance studios, but that was only after six months of being escorted by her father. Livie has been attending and learning ballet for two years now, even getting the owner of the dance studio to starts a ballet class for children in wheel chairs. of course Livie has a little bit of a selfish reason for pushing for that class.
Livid' life starts to change when dance bad boy "Blitz"( Benjamin) shows up . Blitz is home in Sanantonio to allow bad press to die down, he is the star of his own reality show Dance Blitz, as how similar to the Bachelor, but with dancing instead of dates, an in appropriate Twitter comment about one of his dancers leads to a flurry of trouble and a possible cancellation of his show so damage control has him in his hometown local dance studio teaching.
Blitz 's time at Dreancatcher finds him enamored with Livie and Livie find her life beginning to change, to be awakened to feelings she forgot all about.
Given that Livie is a basically a prisoner, stolen moment between these two are against a premium but are sweet, Livie and Benjamin both have a wonderfull effect on both of them, both growing and becoming better and stronger people!
What will happen if Livie's parents find out about Benajmin? Will Benjamin turn back to being the womanizer he was when he returns to LA? Will Blitz still want anything to do with her?
Pick this delightful read up and find out!

Advanced readers copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[FMR Book Grind · Rating 4 out of 5]

LEEANN'S REVIEW
4 STARS

This book had the potential to be a 5 star read but just fell short for me.
I did enjoy the story but at times I felt frustrated at the situation Livia was in. At 19 years old she is legally an adult. Her father basically keeps her prisoner and has done since she made a mistake when she was younger. What frustrated me about this was Livia’s mother. This woman had absolutely no backbone where her husband was concerned. She allowed him to dictate their lives to the point that even Livia’s younger brother was being punished for something that had nothing to do with him.
In saying all of that, I did enjoy the story in general. It is at the very core a sweet and passionate love story. A forbidden romance where only one participant knows it is forbidden & why.
There are a few twists in this book that are heartbreaking for Livia and at times I wanted to jump in & take her away from her family for what she has suffered.

Blix/Benjamin has been a player in his time. He is the stereo typical bad boy but you can’t help but swoon over him. He does a great job bringing Livia out of her shell & showing her how to live again and how to want more for herself than what she currently has. Even though everyone tries to warn her against him, the heart wants what the heart wants.
There are a lot of people in Livia’s life that could have taken steps to stand up for her & get her out from under her father’s thumb, but they all seemed to scared & wouldn’t think twice about ringing him to tell on her if she stepped out of line. Although that aspect of the story bothered me, it is a work of fiction & not real life!

The authors writing is good & the story flowed well. The main characters developed well throughout the book & by the end were 2 very different people than they were at the beginning of the book.
Not a bad read.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING !!!
Title: Dance with a Stranger
Series: Lover's Dance
Author: Deanna Roy
Designation: Book One of Four Book Series, Full-Length(220 pages), Can Be Read As A Standalone, HFN Ending
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS
~This book was originally released as Forbidden Dance and later changed to Dance with a Stranger but has since been re-released as The Stranger, Book One of the Blitzed Series. There have been NO changes in the content. Although this book can be read as a standalone with a happy-for-now ending, I highly recommend reading the entire series since all four books chronicle the relationship journey of handsome, charismatic reality television show dance star Blitz Craven aka Benjamin Castillo, and lovely newbie ballerina Livia Mason.

Oh my, oh my, oh my! I LOVE this book! I adore contemporary romance and completely infatuated with stories featuring dance, but combine the two and I'm in heaven, and Deanna Roy just delivered the perfect combination of both! I became a Deanna Roy fan several years ago after first reading her heartwarming Forever Series and became even more entranced with her work after discovering her alter-egos, JJ Knight and Annie Winters. As JJ Knight, she pens spicy and emotionally gripping Contemporary New Adult Romance and as Annie Winters, she writes riveting and sexy Contemporary Romantic Suspense. I developed a complete addiction to her Vigilante Series co-written with Tony West under her Annie Winters pen name. I love Roy's comfortable easy to follow style and sweet sultry prose. There's nothing better than curling up in my favorite chair with a glass of wine and brand new book by Deanna Roy! And no one writes what I like to call 'Dance Romance' like Deanna Roy. I discovered this firsthand after reading Dreamcatcher's Dance, a delightful standalone Contemporary Billionaire Friends to Lovers romance originally released as The Billionaire's Ballet in June of last year. It's also the prequel to Forbidden Dance where we originally meet many of the characters in this book. But don't fret, as I said, it's also a standalone and can be read after Forbidden Dance.

But as usual I digress, so let's talk about this book. Forbidden Dance is a captivating, fast-paced, and exceptionally well-crafted and edited contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone. It does NOT end in a cliffhanger but has what I like to call a happy-for-now ending. However, there will be four more books in Blitz and Livia's story and you better believe I've already preordered my copy of each. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with a single perspective from the female protagonist, Livia Mason. But guess what? As an additional bonus, the author has included a very special scene from Blitz's point of view at the end of the ebook... and I loved it! The dialogue is smart, well-executed, easy to follow and flows effortlessly. I loved the premise and world Roy developed for this story and they were all extraordinary but it's the cast of realistic, relatable, engaging and very endearing characters who completely steal the show along with my heart. I was immediately drawn into this story by the sweet, innocent and very naive Livia Mason and I nearly swooned for our hero, handsome professional celebrity dancer Blitz Craven aka Benjamin Castillo. These two characters could not have been more different, yet they were perfect for each other. Their attraction was immediate, their interaction electric, their passion undeniable, and their chemistry was so hot it sizzled! *sigh* It's just so dreamy! Roy skillfully combines every one of these elements to craft a heartwarming story filled to the brim with drama, angst, sweet romance and steamy sex. This is not erotic romance but it is hot and somewhat explicit but in a very loving and caring way. Did I like this book? No, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I've already preordered the other available books in this series. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! I snickered, snorted, snuffled, sniffed and sobbed throughout the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

Nineteen-year-old Livia Mason loves two things in life. The first is dance which she started only two years ago, and the second is a secret, one so dark only her parents know, or at least they know part of it. But even they don't know everything and if they did, they'd never allow her to continue her ballet lessons at Dreamcatcher's Dance Academy. It's the reason Livia lost everything, and the reason her father felt compelled to leave his job, uproot his family and relocate them four years ago, moving away from everyone they knew... and it was all her fault. She was no longer allowed to have any friends nor any kind of social life. Her parents would not even allow her to attend public school. She had to settle for finishing her education through home schooling, but hopefully this year she would be able to take her SAT. She wasn't even allowed to have a phone and all her actions were monitored closely by her very strict parents. But despite the shadow of her past mistake, her life was finally beginning to fall into place... until he showed up at the Dreamcatcher's Dance Academy... Benjamin Castillo aka Blitz Craven, playboy, man-whore extraordinaire, and star of his very own reality TV dance show Dance Blitz. He's only at Dreamcatcher's to garner some good publicity, repair his damaged reputation, get his career back on track and reclaim his show. But with one kiss and one simple dance, everything has changed. He says he wants her but does he really care for her? He claims he wants her to be with him but does he love her? Why would a handsome celebrity like Blitz with a reputation for being quite a Don Juan with the ladies want someone like her, a sheltered naive nineteen-year-old woman with no worldly experience who is slowly being suffocated by her restrictive overbearing parents? A man like Blitz Craven could have any woman he desired, so is this just another ploy to add her name to his long list of conquests and public indiscretions. Will she become just another notch on his bedpost? Can Livia afford to trust Blitz with her heart? But more importantly, can she trust him with her secret? We'll see! Oh my! This one will definitely tug on your heartstrings!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I’ve been aware of Deanna Roy for some time, I had yet to actually read any of her work. I will admit, after reading Forbidden Dance, that was a mistake. I loved the writing in this book, maybe more so than I did the story, not that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy the story she wrote, but it was the writing that drew me in.
Livia and Blitz’ story was quick, sweet, and all together a lovely read. It lacked a bit of the intensity I crave, likely because there is an entire back story we don’t really know about Livia, but there was enough intrigue to keep me invested in what was going to happen with their love story. When the story first began they both seemed to be playing the part the people around them had written for them, but as the story progressed they found the strength in each other to shed those façades in favor of who they were beneath the surface. In finding the strength to be themselves, they also found an unwavering happiness in each other’s arms.
I really wanted to rate this book higher and I almost did, but when I sat down and really considered how the book left me feeling and the fact that it was billed as part of a series of stand-alone, full-length, HEAs, I was left wanting. There were too many things that weren’t wrapped up about how Livia ended up living like she did for me to feel like it was a stand-alone. I hope that the next book, Wounded Dance, more thoroughly explores Livia’s past and answers a lot of those questions that I still have.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Ich habe ein Vorab-Exemplars des Buches vom Verleger für eine ehrliche Rezension über Netgalley erhalten. Vielen Dank dafür.***

Livia ist mit 15 schwanger geworden, hat das Kind zur Adoption frei geben müssen, ihre Eltern sind umgezogen und ihr Vater zum Familentyrann geworden, der seine Kinder unter Verschluss hält. Livia wird zu Hause unterrichtet und sie kann nur noch zur Kirche, wo sie als ehrenamtliche Helferin arbeitet und zur Balettschule, die sie sich erkämpft hat.
Eines Tages kommt Benjamin, Blitz Carver in die Balettschule, um sich wieder auf die gute Seite des Publikums zu arbeiten, in dem er mit den Rollstuhl-Ballerinas und der Senioren-Stepptanzgruppe Videos dreht.

Es kommt, wie es kommen muss und die zwei treffen aufeinander.
Die Beschreibung klang spannend. Das Buch selber ist leider etwas oberflächlich mit der Problematik umgegangen. Es ist statt ein kritisches Drama zu sein, nur eine Cinderella-Geschichte. Die zwei können die Finger nicht voneinander lassen und außerdem tanzen sie nur miteinander. Man erfährt nicht wirklich, wie Blitz ist und wieso Livia ihm alles einfach mal glaubt. Das ist dann auch der andere Makel an der Geschichte: Livia ist furchtbar naiv. Und nur wenn sie von ihrem Kind spricht, hat sie etwas tiefe. Das passt dann auf der anderen Seite nicht wirklich zu den erotischen Szenen im Buch.
Oh, und natrülich habe ich als Deutsche auch noch ein Problem mit dem Namen Blitz... da sehe ich immer 'The Flash' vor mir....Mich würde wirklich interessieren, wie es zu dem Bühnennamen kam.

Alles in allem eine nette Geschichte, aber es reizt mich nicht die angekündigten anderen Bände um Blitz und Livia zu lesen.
Aber wer eine schöne Cinderella-Story mit erotischem Spritzer mag, der ist hier genau richtig!

[Juli Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by Deanna that I've read and definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed Livia and Blitz/Benjamin's story. The storyline was new and different, so easy to read. Livia's character is a bit weak but she got stronger in the end. Benjamin has a bad rep but really a gentleman. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Mistress Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and I loved the way it was written, I will definitely be back to read more by #Author J.J. Knight

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amazon Feb 27, 2018

[Sascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2. REVIEW COMING 3/30/2017

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story. It was interesting to watch Livia go from what she is expected to be and act like to who she truly is. I liked how Deanna made her naive and fearful of most things due to disappointing her parents.
Benjamin is not who people think he is. He is sweet, funny, protective and gentlemanly, at lest with Livia. I am looking forward to reading the next book and watch their journey continue.

[Teresa Rosenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think this is exactly a spoiler since it's established right off the bat, but I guess don't read this review if you're a total stickler. I really could not like this book because I was so grossed out by who the main characters were. Instead of cheering for them to get together, I was horrified that they might get together. So this ended up being a total hate-read, more because I wanted to find out what Livia's deep-dark secret was than because I wanted the "HEA" (which I expressly did not want).

This is the "love" story between an extremely sheltered 19-year-old girl -- who's still a home-schooled high schooler for all practical purposes -- and a 27-year-old jaded bad-boy TV star. The power imbalance in this relationship gave me a serious case of the squicks. The differences in life stages and maturity is breathtaking. Her sneaking out of her parents' house to go hook up with this adult just did not seem the slightest bit romantic to me. I didn't want them to hook up; I wanted her to break free from her parents, get a job, take college classes, become a grownup!

You learn pretty early on that Livia has a big secret, and you learn most of what that secret is; however, there are relentless hints that there's some even-darker component to this secret. And unfortunately, you don't learn what that is in this book, which infuriated me -- till I read the sneak peek of book 2 and it's revealed pretty early on in there. I'm content to put this series down now and I probably won't read this author anymore.

To be fair, the writing is pretty good. It's professionally copy-edited; the characters are developed pretty well; the plot moves along at a decent pace. I just could not get over the immaturity of the female protagonist in both this and its prequel, so this probably is just not the series for me.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for honest review. Olivia is 19 years old this girl parents are very strict she meets blitz at the dance studio . This story was 10 stars for being awesome and a masterpiece can't wait for more.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for honest review. Olivia is 19 years old this girl parents are very strict she meets blitz at the dance studio . This story was 10 stars for being awesome and a masterpiece can't wait for more.

[Sienna Logan (Lost to Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5

Forbidden Dance was a quick and easy read. I haven't read anything by this author before but I was drawn to this book by the cover and then the blurb.

In general I liked this book. It had some angst, teenage rebellion combined with bigger issues, reality TV, and a celebrity. I thought blitz and Olivia were good together. They worked well and although there wasn't a full on spark, I did feel a connection between them--especially when dancing. While things did move a little fast, I enjoyed their relationship.

As for the plot, it kept me engaged. I sped through this book, but I did feel certain elements were unnecessary or not developed fully. For example, Gabriella. I didn't see the need for her to actually be in the book. She didn't add much, and the plot surrounding her didn't really go anywhere or become fleshed out. It fizzled out towards the end where other more prominent threads took over so I was left slightly confused as to the point of her being there if nothing was to happen. I also thought there could have been a few more chapters before the epilogue so the ending wasn't as abrupt.

While this book says it can be read as a standalone, a part of me doesn't really believe it. Sure, things are mostly tied up, but getting to the end I find out Blitz and Olivia are going to have 4 more books to their journey. A part of me feels this might tie up and go into more detail on the aforementioned undeveloped sections so I'm reluctant to say this is a standalone if there are so many more books planned.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I'm intrigued to find out what happens next.

[Desire For Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story that sucks you in! I have never read anything from Deanna Roy but let me tell you I was hooked! I had to get the next book in the series. You become involved with the characters Livia and Benjamin and their lives. They both are examples of what happens when bad choices and mistakes in life are made. Nineteen year old Livia lives with her parents, and under her father’s cruel and heartless rule. She escapes by taking ballet at Dreamcatcher Academy. She also instructs a class for wheelchair bound ballerinas. When a stranger arrives at the academy, Livia is intrigued. Turns out Benjamin “Blitz” Craven is a famous dancer. Blitz arrives at the academy to counter the bad publicity he received from a “Tweet” that went viral. Blitz got fired from his dance reality show because of the damage. When Blitz and Livia meet, there is some serious chemistry there. Livia is not like other Hollywood women he has encountered. As they get to know each other better, each feel like there is the possibility of something special. Can they live thru what is real and what is for show?! Like I said Forbidden Dance sucks you in. The characters are so real and you can feel the passion between them.

--Jay

[Alison bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story it was really sweet and well wrote. Livia is a sweet kind girl who through past mistakes she leads a sheltered protected life put in place by her parents.
Then she meets Benjamin (Blitz) Craven a professional dancer for a reality show to pick his future wife/partner. Who has recently been sacked for posting an inappropriate picture of one of the girls.
The story is a really nice love story, with feeling for each other right from the moment they saw each other.
Livia loves ballet and Blitz love dance and together they create a beautiful friendship, no matter what the costs are.
I was hooked by the story, it didn't take me long to read to see how it ended. The love scenes were wrote really well with lots of emotion and feelings. I will be waiting for the other books that carry on the story. This can be read as a standalone but the author does plan on more books.

Definitely worth a read. x

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance meets love story and what a dance it is!

WOW! I could not and did not want to put this book down and before I knew it, it was over much to my regret!

This book has it all, dance (if you love ballet and the waltz you will love this book), love, sexy times and a secret that could destroy everything. If you love a ballet dancer who is strong, sensitive, and beautiful and a sexy, successful (kind of), reality TV show star getting their dance on then you will adore this story.

The story weaves Livia's story (big secret and way over protective, almost cruel parents) and Blitz's (real name Benjamin) together so effortlessly and beautifully that I really wish that Dreamcatcher Dance Academy really existed and Livia and Blitz were living, breathing people because I would love to watch them dance together!!

Run, don't walk to own this book, you will not be disappointed!

Bravo Deanna!! Bravo!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible love story that I found impossible to put down. Livia is a young woman who has lost a great deal in her short life. Her parents now keep her locked up at home often with her Mom as a chaperone when she does leave for activities. Blitz Craven is a reality show host who has made some bad decisions and is looking to redeem himself. These two find each other by chance and this is their story.
"I'm startled to the core to feel his fingers on mine. It feels so forbidden, so daring, like the love I once felt and lost."

"Every word out of his mouth feels like a sexual innuendo."

"Princess, you are a balm for my jaded soul."

"Blitz's kiss is the key that unlocks the secret diary of my past, every suppressed need, every hidden desire."

Beautifully written, sensual and adoring, this story is one that I will not soon forget.