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A Different Dance

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Casey has always dreamed of being swept off his feet, despite feeling like he continually gets the short end of the stick. His stepmom is constantly nattering at him, his best friends can’t seem to get along, and the love of his life barely notices he’s alive.

One evening, Casey decides to lay all his cards on the table and profess his love to the man he’s been lusting after for years. But by the time the clock strikes midnight, will Casey’s Prince Charming be the man he’s always dreamed of?

ebook

First published April 22, 2014

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About the author

Nash Summers

19 books589 followers
Nash Summers rarely has any idea what she’s doing. But when she likes to pretend, she pretends by writing stories at the pace of drying paint. As if that wasn’t exhilarating enough, Nash also enjoys absolute silence, general politeness, and waiting her turn in line.
Needless to say, she’s a bona fide hell raiser.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nash.summers...
Nash also has a super cool newsletter which can be found here: http://eepurl.com/boD5TP

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5 stars
17 (14%)
4 stars
38 (32%)
3 stars
47 (40%)
2 stars
12 (10%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sara .
1,551 reviews154 followers
April 19, 2014
So this story...let me tell you a short story first.

I am the girl who has lived on the lonely side of unrequited love most of my life. I was forever in love/lust with someone who never wanted me back. I had this dream, this fairy tale if you will, of the day the boy I fancied would see me and realize I was exactly what their life was missing. Or...that I would meet a random boy who would take a single look at me and see the ME that I wanted all those crushes to see. He would sweep me off my feet and we would ride into the sunset together on a riding style lawn mower with me wearing his straw cowboy hat. Why am I telling you this? Well, Casey is me in a way.

"What if I confess my undying love to him and he doesn't feel the same way? I just don't think my poor heart can take it."

"Impossible, that's not how fairy tale endings work. You're going to be the belle of the ball."


Casey, I get you my boy. I know where you are with Jackson because I could put at least a half dozen names and faces in his place. I get that you have wanted this boy FOREVER and when you get the smallest reaction from him you turn into someone you aren't, just to hold on. Oh boy do I get it.

But then there is Ethan and just the thought of him quoting Disney in that flannel and those Docs with that megawatt smile has me in a puddle of goo. How can I ever forget Ethan? How can you, Casey? I don't think I am making sense with this review at all.

A Different Dance...that title hit me hard in the heart when I finished this. I love that moment when you GET the title, when it all makes sense and the story you just read is complete. Le Sigh. This was a perfect bedtime story for me last night; a perfect fairy tale wrapped up in a fairy tale. I loved Casey, Melissa, Kansas and Ethan...I loved the whole freaking fairy tale of this. I laughed, I swooned and I just fell in love with it.

What a great introduction to a new to me author. Sure, there were a few things with the format of the ebook I got but that I blame on the publisher. Even the wonky format of the book couldn't wipe the smile off my face that is still plastered on 12hrs after reading it.

This will definitely be one of those stories I go to when I need a feel good read.
Profile Image for Sunny.
1,012 reviews126 followers
April 19, 2014
I read this in the middle of the night and I woke up thinking about it. It was fluff, but so well done that my teeth don't ache at all. I loved Casey. He was so sweet, so earnest, I wanted to wrap him up and protect him from all misguided decisions.

The other characters were also well drawn and I really appreciated how we were shown their personalities through their actions and dialogue.

The ending was wonderful.

Side notes:
I love this author's writing style.

My only niggle: a lot was made of the step mom and what was going to happen,

ETA: Sara mentioned the formatting, and I agree. With a little help from calibre, I was able to make it easier to read :)

Profile Image for Ami.
6,366 reviews484 followers
April 25, 2014
When I read Sara's review of this short story, I thought, "Huh, she seemed so passionate about this, let me gave it a shot".

Guess what ... I think I'm SMITTEN

Now, I will say this upfront, the theme of this story is not new. A boy has a crush on another boy -- whom truly is a jerk and not worth the first boy's love. And when the first boy gets his heart break there's another boy, who shows that promising beautiful love together.

Oh, yes, not a new theme, but my GOSH, this one makes me all happy. It is fluff without the sugary-induced coma. Casey is such sweet boy and I love his colorful friends too (even if it's a bit stereotypical best-friends characters, but man, the two entertain me, especially Kansas). And Ethan, ah, darling Paul Bunyan who likes watching Disney ... *heart on hand*.

Seriously, when Ethan says these words:

"Good. Because I’m going to try so hard to make you love me.


You betcha I have the HUGE SMILEY on my face as I want to wrap these boys in my embrace and send them to their happily ever after.

My niggle is more on the fact that the whole built-up in the beginning with the step-mom and step-sisters is never brought to the surface. But all in all, this is such a perfect read for in between novels.
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 2 books101 followers
April 19, 2014
Rushing to work, will review later. I loved it though. Loved it.


Okay, I'm back.

So A Different Dance - wow, I so enjoyed this debut story. It is short, it is sweet - with just enough punch not to be sickly. Casey is the M/C, in love and clueless, Jackson is one of his best friends and the object of his affection and tonight's the night Casey is going to tell him. Simple right? No, not really - throw in an evening out dancing, two warring friends and a lumberjack named Ethan and the night just got interesting.

This is one of those stories that need to be read between angst filled novels, it leaves with the perfect amount of happy. You should read it because it's so much fun. And then it had sentences like this that made me swoon hard. - I LOVED this line, it appealed to the great big, soppy old romantic that lives inside me.

It's not all sweety, sweet though. Oh no - if I can't convince you to read it for any other reason then let me just mention Kansas. You need to read this for Kansas. I loved him, snarky and quick and just plain funny. So I am asking please dear author, please can we have Kansas's story. Please - I'm sure he has some interesting things to tell and I need to hear them!
Profile Image for Karla.
1,508 reviews391 followers
April 26, 2017
3 Stars!

This one was sweet, funny and a bit angsty.
Casey has been in love for a while but hasn't declared his love to that special someone. One night out with his two best friends Melissa, and Kansas he finally decides to tell him.

I liked Casey his a bit naive but his a romantic at heart and just wants to be swept off his feet. This story takes place in the course of one night and so it was super short. I just wished that we could of seen more of the MC together. They were unbelievably sweet and had this sexy chemistry. I loved the banter between Melissa and Kansas they had me cracking up. Other than that that I liked this book.

I'm really hoping Kansas gets his own story. ❤

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Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,867 reviews1,266 followers
April 19, 2014
Aww...I am all smiley and gumdrop happy! I love fairy tales!



And Nash Summers' Cinderella tinged "A Different Dance" delivered on a fairy tale-esque short story.

Casey is a bit of a twink (okay maybe more than a little) that's been in love with his friend, Jackson, for four years. And tonight is the night when he will finally confess to his feelings. With support from his best friends Melissa and Kansas, Casey has his big night planned, lock and ready to go. It's just that Jackson is a bit of a player (okay, a lot). But Casey is sure that Jackson is going to return his feelings once he lets Jackson know how he feels. Forget that he orders Casey around like a little puppy. It's going to be grand. You'll see. Just. You. Wait.



Do you get where Casey's head is at? Casey is that friend that is a romantic dreamer, head's in the clouds, heart's on his sleeve. And when reality intervenes, that's when I was hooked to this story. Reality being having to learn from one's mistake (I think the author has balls for going there with Casey/Jackson) and Ethan. Who is Ethan? A prince among men who can quote "The Little Mermaid". Side note: I find a guy who can quote my fucking FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE OF ALL TIME (Excuse my fangirly moment) you can believe he's probably going to need a restraining order for me. (Maybe not...okay he probably would)

Anyway...Ethan was perfect from the brawny lumberjack looks, excellent movie taste and sense of coolness he exuded without even trying.

And Jackson? I'd like to dance on his balls in stilettos. *spits*

Casey's friends - Melissa and Kansas? Kansas was obviously the star. He's awesome and blunt and fabulous. I want to hang out with him and bask in his gloriousness.

In summary, Casey gets the dream guy. This was a sweet little nugget of fairy tale realness (not too sticky). A fitting ending, happy feelz. Read when you're in the need of fairy tale goodness.


Profile Image for Jo.
172 reviews76 followers
April 23, 2014
There are so many things going on with this book that I loved.. but the most important is it is freakin' funny. Right off the bat I am laughing.

2nd.. you feel an instant connection to the characters. I usually don't like reading short stories because it is hard to get a feel for who they are before "the end". Like those dang 100 calories snacks where i am just looking forlornly at the crumbs at the bottom of the package.

3rd. I don't like books where one person pined for another for years.. i get anxiety over the lost years and I don't like the love triangle but again Nash Summers writing had me going back and forth over who I wanted not to be the ass hat in the story.

4th. -- Ms. Summers weaves in other characters and tidbits that I have so many questions about .. wanting me to stalk her or her website to see what the answers are and that is the best kind of writing the kind that leaves you wanting more..

Profile Image for Justin.
600 reviews156 followers
April 19, 2014
That was so freaking romantic! *swoon* The only thing that would make this any better would be a hundred more pages I'm just so damn giddy and beside myself right now I can hardly stand it. *swoon*
Profile Image for Ann.
1,452 reviews131 followers
April 23, 2014
Nash Summers just wrote the best fluffy flufferson Cinderfella story and I loved all of it. Who doesn't love a lumberjack, pretty pouty lips and a neon BF? See all those things? I loved them all. Sweet as man love pie :).
Profile Image for Rosa, really.
583 reviews331 followers
April 26, 2014
I promise you this: If I ever meet a man with a sweet smile & a shirt like a lumberjack, I'm going to give him the ole Mary Calmes lunge-hug like you wouldn't believe. Take me home, sugar drop!!

Casey: I just want to pinch his cheeks, stroke his hair and tell him that everything's going to work out cause he's in a romance novel.

Kansas: You fuckin' rock.

Melanie: You're not helpful. LEARN TO GIVE BETTER ADVICE, GIRLFRIEND.

My only complaint is that I wanted less time discussing the asshat & more time with the lovely lumberjack.

*************************************************



Fer Christ's sake...

Just looked this up on Amazon & beneath it was Two Different Worlds: A Dance from Pride and Prejudice.

*sob* LEAVE HER ALONE! LEAVE JANE ALONE. *sob*

Uh...the actual book looks sweet though. :D
864 reviews229 followers
May 6, 2014

This short Cinderfella story was sweet and a quick, easy read.

Problem for me is that there are better Cinderfella stories out there. And though this one was fine, it was not something I found particularly memorable or with any original take to it. I think the short story format didn't work for this as it felt the author was trying to do too much and ultimately didn't end up doing enough.

Casey, the MC, is not an entirely likable character. I think he has his charm, but he comes across a little bit pathetic and his crush, Jackson, well there wasn't anything believable about why Casey would be attracted to him. The other side characters played very generic roles, none of whom were fleshed out: the girl bestie, the flamboyant gay bestie, the awful stepmom.

The best part of the story was the character of Ethan. He's this big lumberjack of a man who is kind and gentle and exudes the "hero" qualities that are swoonworthy. I just had trouble understanding why he'd be interested in Casey. Still...Ethan...me likey...

There were some unnecessary details that had little to do with the plot (dance studio, clean clothing, family picture)...and I would have preferred to have that wordcount devoted more to developing the relationship.

Still, if you're a sucker for a Cinderfella story, as I am, it's worth doing a quick read through. If it's not particularly your favorite plot line, fine to pass on this one.

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Profile Image for alyssa.
1,024 reviews220 followers
December 8, 2021
"Because I'm going to try so hard to make you love me."


[3.4] once the significance of the title hit *PHOOSH* I FELT THAT! i think it's pretty clear by now that i love Nash Summers's writing, but my main complaint with this story has to be the sheer amount of time she dedicated to Mr. Dickhead when i wanted more of Mr. Big & Smiley Lumberjack Man 🥺 not to mention, the whole stepmom thing was also brushed over so the overall story feels unfinished, but i still enjoyed it for the most part 😊
Profile Image for Anyta Sunday.
Author 140 books2,778 followers
May 23, 2014
4.5

Very sweet, very touching. I loved this fairytale short!

Recommend!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,030 reviews99 followers
May 12, 2015
Very sweet story! A quick, easy fluffy read :)
Profile Image for Ele.
1,318 reviews40 followers
April 27, 2017
Aww...So sweet and funny but with feels. And free!
Profile Image for Alison.
934 reviews32 followers
May 31, 2017
2.5 stars. I was looking for something easy and light and short after finishing a long intense amazing book and this did the job adequately. It was free and short and nice and cute and well written, but it didn't make much of an impression.
Profile Image for Mónica BQ.
911 reviews135 followers
April 26, 2017
Cute, light, funny, superficial, reads too YA for me when the MCs are actually in their 20s and our of college.

A very short short-story. And I've definitely read better by Summers. Her "Life According to Maps" series is one of my favourites. But, I got this ebook for free by means of an insta-freebie offer for joining Summers' newsletter, and I actually wanted to. So, it was OK. I can't wait to read her next novel, whatever it is.
72 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2017
I love Nash Summers so much I could die.
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,093 reviews137 followers
May 27, 2016
A Different Dance is a cute little Alt U Cinderella, fairy tale redux. I loved the idea of this story—and I’m a big ol’ Nash Summers fangirl—but in the end, or, actually, in the middle, I sure didn’t love it like I wanted to.

I adored Casey in the beginning. He was spunky, sure of himself and of what he wanted, and he had some sparkle. He had a couple of weird hang-ups regarding his evil stepmonster—but, I mean, who doesn’t? In spite of that, though, I really liked him! In fact, I liked him right up until Jackson.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it…Jackson was a massive asshole. Huge. And seeing Casey degrade himself for that loser ruined the story for me. I get that Casey ‘thought’ he loved him. I get that he felt like Jackson had led him on. But, I found it hard to believe that Casey would blindly let Jackson treat him the way he did on the night in the story. A couple of good things came out of it, though, I suppose: Casey finally pulled his head out of his ass, thanks in large part to the support of his completely fabulous friend, Kansas; and then, of course, Ethan.

Ethan was everything. Handsome, kind, understanding, forgiving—you get the idea. He saw Casey, even when he was at his very worst, and wanted him anyway. Prince Charming wishes he was as smooth as Ethan Kingston. Get a load of this:

“My name is Ethan Kingston. I’m a Sagittarius, I have a career I love as an agricultural scientist, I barely have more than a dime to my name, and I think you’re the most gorgeous person I’ve ever seen.”

And, they lived happily ever after.

At least, if Casey played his cards right they did. #TeamEthan

Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Profile Image for C..
932 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2017
This was a cute little story. Casey has been hung up on Jackson for years and when they go out with friends, he decides that tonight is the night he confesses his love. Only problem is, Jackson is a jerk who goes from guy to guy, and ends up humiliating Casey. Luckily, Casey is rescued by Ethan, a prince charming, and they share a dance on the subway.
Profile Image for cmbookdiva.
650 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot.I have a deep hatred for Cinderella stories but this one was jut perfect. Loved it.
Profile Image for Riayl.
1,090 reviews44 followers
May 2, 2014
I'm very indecisive over rating this one. For now I will leave it at 3 stars. I enjoyed it, it was cute and sweet. But I was also frustrated and a bit annoyed with most of the characters.

Casey's friends need an attitude adjustment and to be better friends. The guy he likes is obviously a selfish, stuck-up asshat so I'm not really sure why they are all friends with him (except Kansas who doesn't like him) in the first place. I would hope that my friends would be a little more honest with me and not encourage a crush on someone who is not worth it and would only break my heart. They know what whatshisface - Jackson (had to go look) is like yet they don't seem to ever try to discourage Casey from his crush or try to get him to look elsewhere. Melissa just didn't cut it for me at all and she was rather nasty when Ethan first appeared, for no reason at all. I did not like her. But Casey and his crush kind of irritated me. He was either willfully blind to what Jackson was like or didn't know him at all yet he was going to declare his love. It just hit me as rather shallow. Jackson was an ass, but Casey sort of moved beyond being naive into being kind of dumb and that is what really makes me struggle with this. Either he doesn't really know Jackson, so he can't really love him or he does know Jackson and thinks he is going to change him, which doesn't work. Then the whole scene in the bathroom just made me pity Casey. If what you are doing feels wrong or uncomfortable or scary then there is a problem. You don't just make yourself keep doing it because you love someone. You know, unless you are having to cross some crappy little rope bridge to get them medical help because there is no other option and you are scared to death of heights and crappy little rope bridges. I suppose that would be an instance where forcing yourself to do something that feels wrong and scary would be okay. *blink*

Anyhow. Casey is cute but kind of...an idiot. There is innocence. There is naivete. Then there is stupid. He came dangerously close to the last one and I don't do well with people or things that I perceive as stupid. Granted it is my perception and I am making judgments and I'm probably not a nice person for it, but I am also only human (though I wish I were an alien or something, instead, but oh well). I'm sure I just took it totally wrong. Wasn't the first time, won't be the last.

On the other hand, if I just willed myself to ignore anything that made me think "twit" and stuck to Casey being sweet and Ethan's total epic greatness, it was a nice little read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews