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The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides #9
The Dancing Lady: The Ninth Day
A flamenco dancer in disguise and a driven diner owner fighting his own desires.
What could possible go wrong?
Her dream was to become a celebrated entertainer. So, how did Josefina de Zapatero end up with the life of a sporting lady? Determined to escape a repulsive past and oppressive future, her salvation appears in the form of a mail order bride request for a domesticated cook. The fact that she can barely boil water shouldn’t matter too much, though. She has learned to dance circles around her competition. Surely, she can cook up something to please the man. Right?
Having suffered a life of lies and loss, Ignacio Villanueva has learned the importance of making wise choices. He’s determined to find an upstanding woman who will be the helpmate he needs to make his restaurant successful. Honesty and the ability to cook well. That’s all any man really needs. Isn’t it?
It's a match of stubborn wills and unexpected thrills when the two of them pair up. Will the new menu at Noelle’s favorite Mexican restaurant include a marriage meal made for two… or a recipe for disaster?
What could possible go wrong?
Her dream was to become a celebrated entertainer. So, how did Josefina de Zapatero end up with the life of a sporting lady? Determined to escape a repulsive past and oppressive future, her salvation appears in the form of a mail order bride request for a domesticated cook. The fact that she can barely boil water shouldn’t matter too much, though. She has learned to dance circles around her competition. Surely, she can cook up something to please the man. Right?
Having suffered a life of lies and loss, Ignacio Villanueva has learned the importance of making wise choices. He’s determined to find an upstanding woman who will be the helpmate he needs to make his restaurant successful. Honesty and the ability to cook well. That’s all any man really needs. Isn’t it?
It's a match of stubborn wills and unexpected thrills when the two of them pair up. Will the new menu at Noelle’s favorite Mexican restaurant include a marriage meal made for two… or a recipe for disaster?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2017
About the author
Mimi Milan
23 books116 followersMimi Milan is a Latin American poet and author. She received the MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, where she currently serves as the Social Media Manager for the MFA Department. When she isn't sharing her love for her alma mater, she can be found entertaining children, a menagerie of pets and imaginary friends.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 22, 2018
I received this book in a giveaway and I would like to thank the author again for doing it.
2.5*
Although in general I liked the book, it did have some issues for me. For example Josefina (Fina from now on) spends most of the book struggling with telling Ignacio (Nacho from now on) what she actually did for a living and who she truly is. Nacho spends the whole book saying he doesn't want someone like he's previous wife (and what I gathered from that was that he didn't want someone who did what Collette did). Nacho ends up discovering that Fina pretty much did what Collette did (however they are not the same, and I would like to stress that) but it should have been a more developed theme, how Nacho handled the revelation that Fina told him. And Fina told him in 2 paragraphs - what?! She spent the whole book not knowing how to tell him and we don't even get that full conversation, just (almost) a note saying that she spilled the beans and he knows and now she doesn't know how he'll react? And he reacts like it was nothing? Something like "oh I am not happy you lied but I don’t care" after spending the whole time saying he didn't want someone who lied and who did what Fina did.... It was just resolved to easily and too fast for me. There was no intensity in the end, no climax... Sadly, it felt unsatisfactory. It has a lot of potential, I just feel it wasn't as well explored as it could have been.
2.5*
Although in general I liked the book, it did have some issues for me. For example Josefina (Fina from now on) spends most of the book struggling with telling Ignacio (Nacho from now on) what she actually did for a living and who she truly is. Nacho spends the whole book saying he doesn't want someone like he's previous wife (and what I gathered from that was that he didn't want someone who did what Collette did). Nacho ends up discovering that Fina pretty much did what Collette did (however they are not the same, and I would like to stress that) but it should have been a more developed theme, how Nacho handled the revelation that Fina told him. And Fina told him in 2 paragraphs - what?! She spent the whole book not knowing how to tell him and we don't even get that full conversation, just (almost) a note saying that she spilled the beans and he knows and now she doesn't know how he'll react? And he reacts like it was nothing? Something like "oh I am not happy you lied but I don’t care" after spending the whole time saying he didn't want someone who lied and who did what Fina did.... It was just resolved to easily and too fast for me. There was no intensity in the end, no climax... Sadly, it felt unsatisfactory. It has a lot of potential, I just feel it wasn't as well explored as it could have been.
December 21, 2017
Loved this book!
This book was another great addition to the series. The storyline was well written and the characters were well developed. I loved how everything came together at the end. I will definitely be reading more books written by Mimi Milan.
This book was another great addition to the series. The storyline was well written and the characters were well developed. I loved how everything came together at the end. I will definitely be reading more books written by Mimi Milan.
January 24, 2018
The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides
I love this series and found this story as intriguing as the others I have read, getting together a great bunch of authors to write 12 different
stories was an excellent idea hats off to you all. This story tells of a young dancer who had to do more than dance to survive. Josefina or fina for short comes to Noelle as one of the brides her groom to be is Nacho who owns the town diner they both have secrets in the past which keeps coming up to catch them out yet still love grows between them such wonderful characters popping in and out of the story some lovable and unsavoury ones making this book one of my favorites.
I love this series and found this story as intriguing as the others I have read, getting together a great bunch of authors to write 12 different
stories was an excellent idea hats off to you all. This story tells of a young dancer who had to do more than dance to survive. Josefina or fina for short comes to Noelle as one of the brides her groom to be is Nacho who owns the town diner they both have secrets in the past which keeps coming up to catch them out yet still love grows between them such wonderful characters popping in and out of the story some lovable and unsavoury ones making this book one of my favorites.
December 10, 2017
Full of surprises!
I couldn't figure out who had more secrets they were hiding, Fina or Nacho? So glad there was a Happy Ever After to this book, I sure had my doubts at times!! If you're up for some creativity in the kitchen, you'll love this book!! I'm looking forward to reading more of Mimi's books!
I was so privileged to be a part of the continuity group for this series!!
I couldn't figure out who had more secrets they were hiding, Fina or Nacho? So glad there was a Happy Ever After to this book, I sure had my doubts at times!! If you're up for some creativity in the kitchen, you'll love this book!! I'm looking forward to reading more of Mimi's books!
I was so privileged to be a part of the continuity group for this series!!
December 10, 2017
Day 9
Nacho dreams of having a fine dining establishment. Josephina dreams of finding her family. If there some way to do both. Fina is certain her past will prevent get from a future in Noelle. Nacho is fearful of being duped by yet another fallen dove? So much to over come. So little time.
Nacho dreams of having a fine dining establishment. Josephina dreams of finding her family. If there some way to do both. Fina is certain her past will prevent get from a future in Noelle. Nacho is fearful of being duped by yet another fallen dove? So much to over come. So little time.
January 2, 2018
12 days for 12 brides to marry 12 grooms and save a town called Noelle. Loveable character's with deep dark secrets need to share these secrets to be able to love and wed. This couple Nacho and Josefina were made for each other. I highly recommend you read this book and the others in this series. Wonderful read
January 8, 2018
Book 9 of 12 An excellent read!
As I progress through the series I find myself drawn in more & more to the characters in Noelle. I appreciated the Spanish terms being explained naturally through the dialogue & they added “flavor” to the story. I would enjoy reading more books by this author.
As I progress through the series I find myself drawn in more & more to the characters in Noelle. I appreciated the Spanish terms being explained naturally through the dialogue & they added “flavor” to the story. I would enjoy reading more books by this author.
January 21, 2018
Mimi Milan writes a beautiful story of two people saving each other and finding true love. Fina is one of the more secretive brides but there is also more to Nacho than simply owning the only restaurant in town. Can these two learn to trust each other and find love? Dive into this engaging holiday romance to find out!
December 12, 2017
Hero: Heroine:
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue.. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue.. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot.
December 16, 2017
The Dancing Lady: The Ninth Day!
This is another enjoyable book in this series. My first time reading this author and I will be checking her other books out. I like the characters, the storyline and I enjoyed rooting for this couple for a HEA. JudyE
This is another enjoyable book in this series. My first time reading this author and I will be checking her other books out. I like the characters, the storyline and I enjoyed rooting for this couple for a HEA. JudyE
January 2, 2018
Dancing Lady
I really enjoyed this story. There was humor, intrigue, and of course romance. It was a nice edition to this 12 days of Christmas series.
I really enjoyed this story. There was humor, intrigue, and of course romance. It was a nice edition to this 12 days of Christmas series.
January 4, 2018
Different
There was a lot going on with this book in terms of stories. Two very interesting characters which made this story progress nicely.
There was a lot going on with this book in terms of stories. Two very interesting characters which made this story progress nicely.
January 23, 2018
Delicious!
Nacho and Fina finally tell their story! It was sweet. Her last with Bank kept making me think of Dr Quinn Medicine Woman.
Nacho and Fina finally tell their story! It was sweet. Her last with Bank kept making me think of Dr Quinn Medicine Woman.
July 7, 2019
This was the first time I read anything by Ms. Milan, but it certainly will not be the last. This was a well-crafted story with interesting characters that are not seen in historical romances. I like the fact that Josefina was resourceful when confronted by the villain, giving herself enough time to put plan in place (with Ignacio's help) to take down the villain and the brothel madam (who I knew was gone due to reading the seventh book in the series)*. Two stand out scenes made these characters real to me: Ignacio carefully using his mother's recipe to make a hot-chocolate like drink from his youth and Josefina studying Ignacio's mother's recipe book like she was studying for the SATs. Family is very important to both of them although both are far from their homes. Turns out Josefina is as good as a business woman as she is a dancer (the author did a great job describing the dance Josefina performed), and Igancio decided his role is in the kitchen - not necessarily needing a cook after all, but a helpmate at the diner and companion at home. Just a great time spent in Noelle, Colorado.
*The stories are stand alone but also work well together when read in order. Each book is written by a different author. I read books 3, 7, and 9.
h romance - us
*The stories are stand alone but also work well together when read in order. Each book is written by a different author. I read books 3, 7, and 9.
h romance - us
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2019
Nacho's Tacos. *sigh* Fine dining. Sure. As far as I know tacos are street food. Not restaurant food. And what is a Mexican doing starting a restaurant in a Coloradoan mining town? It is of course possible, but not very likely.
"La Maison des Chats.
Josefina frowned. She didn’t know much French, but she was fluent in Spanish and the similarities between the two were enough to make her question what kind of accommodations the Reverend offered them."
La casa de los gatos? How is that even close?
Also, how do all these ladies know the slang term cathouse? I don't. But not even one makes fun of the literal meaning. I would have. "House of cats? How sweet! How can you have cats enough to fill a house and a house this magnificent?" Or perhaps "I thought a house of cats would have more cats in it... like engravings and paintings and decorations..."
WHY WOULD SHE TAKE THE RECIPE BOOK WITH HER AND LEAVE IT UNCOVERED, UNPROTECTED IN AN OPEN WAGON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER? WTH?
Why would she trust the Madame?
"La Maison des Chats.
Josefina frowned. She didn’t know much French, but she was fluent in Spanish and the similarities between the two were enough to make her question what kind of accommodations the Reverend offered them."
La casa de los gatos? How is that even close?
Also, how do all these ladies know the slang term cathouse? I don't. But not even one makes fun of the literal meaning. I would have. "House of cats? How sweet! How can you have cats enough to fill a house and a house this magnificent?" Or perhaps "I thought a house of cats would have more cats in it... like engravings and paintings and decorations..."
WHY WOULD SHE TAKE THE RECIPE BOOK WITH HER AND LEAVE IT UNCOVERED, UNPROTECTED IN AN OPEN WAGON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER? WTH?
Why would she trust the Madame?
December 10, 2017
A delicious life
Another terrific tale in this series, I truly and loving them all! Final and Nacho both have secrets, will they be able to accept each other when the truth comes out?
Another terrific tale in this series, I truly and loving them all! Final and Nacho both have secrets, will they be able to accept each other when the truth comes out?
December 9, 2017
Great
A wonderful story by an awesome author thank you for another great take. Looking forward to more stories. Keep up the good work!
A wonderful story by an awesome author thank you for another great take. Looking forward to more stories. Keep up the good work!
December 11, 2017
Great story!
Loved the story. The story, characters and town are all wonderful. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Loved the story. The story, characters and town are all wonderful. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 16, 2021
This series has been amazing. The author's have gone to insane lengths to ensure the stories and characters mesh. Each book is great individually, too.
April 6, 2018
The Dancing Lady was a fun enjoyable read. Fina had to more than just dance to keep her alive and she wanted a way out, so she became a mail order bride. She felt she had to keep it a secret what she did to survive and Nacho was a man who had been dubbed by his first wife who had been a prostitute when he married her. She said she would stop being a prostitute, but she didn't and then she died in childbirth with the baby. So Nacho was not sure he wanted to have anything to do with anymore prostitutes. Could Fina convince Nacho she had no choice and she didn't want that life anymore. Read to find out there is a lot more to experience in this book. Love all the books in this series! All great reads!
December 27, 2025
I was gifted a copy of this book.
I can't possibly give more than 2 stars for this book. It is boring and all they talked about is Nacho not wanting another Collette and Fina being a Collette herself but doesn't want to talk about it. She had plenty of opportunities to tell the truth. How did Nacho accepted this? It was okay with him because she was willing to try his mother's recipes. Yeah, nope. I did admire Nacho's honesty. In all the books, and this one is no different, they pray and go to church but lie just as much as they breathe. And why is Grandpa Gus suddenly speaking French???? Like the other books in the collection, the editing need a serious pass.
I can't possibly give more than 2 stars for this book. It is boring and all they talked about is Nacho not wanting another Collette and Fina being a Collette herself but doesn't want to talk about it. She had plenty of opportunities to tell the truth. How did Nacho accepted this? It was okay with him because she was willing to try his mother's recipes. Yeah, nope. I did admire Nacho's honesty. In all the books, and this one is no different, they pray and go to church but lie just as much as they breathe. And why is Grandpa Gus suddenly speaking French???? Like the other books in the collection, the editing need a serious pass.
February 13, 2018
Lovely tale
I have enjoyed all the books in this series! Always a clever plot, always linked right to the day they are in the story! Wonderful tale of the dancing lady! Good read!!!
I have enjoyed all the books in this series! Always a clever plot, always linked right to the day they are in the story! Wonderful tale of the dancing lady! Good read!!!
January 10, 2021
Great stories
What a web we weave when first we practice to deceive. This story is lovely and it ends on a good note. Telling the truth helps others to see what can be done with a truthful heart. Great story with a moral to it.
What a web we weave when first we practice to deceive. This story is lovely and it ends on a good note. Telling the truth helps others to see what can be done with a truthful heart. Great story with a moral to it.
November 20, 2024
A good book
As the author used a lot of Spanish, this one can take a while reading.
However, Nacho and Fina were made for each other, and I look forward to reading more about their family.
In the meantime, I look forward to reading the next book.
As the author used a lot of Spanish, this one can take a while reading.
However, Nacho and Fina were made for each other, and I look forward to reading more about their family.
In the meantime, I look forward to reading the next book.
February 19, 2018
Good read
This was a good addition to the series. Nice little love story.
Great characters and the setting is nice too.
This was a good addition to the series. Nice little love story.
Great characters and the setting is nice too.
December 29, 2020
Fina and Nacho 💞
Both Fina and Nacho have sordid pasts...will they come clean with their secrets? Or will they attempt to keep going with their relationship built on untruths?
Both Fina and Nacho have sordid pasts...will they come clean with their secrets? Or will they attempt to keep going with their relationship built on untruths?
September 7, 2021
Good book
I enjoyed the Dancing Lady in this series. Each book has unique characters and stories while uniting them all into this little town in Colorado.
I enjoyed the Dancing Lady in this series. Each book has unique characters and stories while uniting them all into this little town in Colorado.
December 14, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. Its great to see characters from the other books in this series. I love a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. Its great to see characters from the other books in this series. I love a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews