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Pas De Deux #1
Pas De Deux: A Dance For Two
It's said the artist is born of a damaged soul…
Wilhelmina Allende is a prima ballerina. When tragedy turns her beloved Paris into a gilded cage, she jumps at the chance to work with one of the most prolific choreographers she’s ever seen. But Zack’s style is way out of her comfort zone. So is his teaching method. And his humor. And his everything. He’s a charming little connard. It’s hard not to like him. Merde. What has she gotten herself into?
Zachary Coen’s first musical is opening on Broadway. Much like his life, it’s anything but conventional, so hiring Mina is simply out of the question. She’s too…classical. Too perfect. She’s all wrong for the role. Then he meets her in person and sees her cracks. Her broken pieces. How unique and beautiful each one is. And he can’t help but notice how her edges seem to fit his…perfectly.
Just when teaming up seems to be working, the monsters they’ve kept hidden threaten to rip it all apart.
**Content warning: The hero is a child molestation survivor and hyper focuses on what he eats as a coping mechanism. He is triggered in a scene toward the end. (While it does not get explicit, it may be triggering to some readers.)**
**2018 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards GOLD MEDAL WINNER**
Wilhelmina Allende is a prima ballerina. When tragedy turns her beloved Paris into a gilded cage, she jumps at the chance to work with one of the most prolific choreographers she’s ever seen. But Zack’s style is way out of her comfort zone. So is his teaching method. And his humor. And his everything. He’s a charming little connard. It’s hard not to like him. Merde. What has she gotten herself into?
Zachary Coen’s first musical is opening on Broadway. Much like his life, it’s anything but conventional, so hiring Mina is simply out of the question. She’s too…classical. Too perfect. She’s all wrong for the role. Then he meets her in person and sees her cracks. Her broken pieces. How unique and beautiful each one is. And he can’t help but notice how her edges seem to fit his…perfectly.
Just when teaming up seems to be working, the monsters they’ve kept hidden threaten to rip it all apart.
**Content warning: The hero is a child molestation survivor and hyper focuses on what he eats as a coping mechanism. He is triggered in a scene toward the end. (While it does not get explicit, it may be triggering to some readers.)**
**2018 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards GOLD MEDAL WINNER**
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2018
67 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 12, 2018
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Pas de Deux is a raw, sensual, and passionate dance between two artists and kindred souls haunted by their own ghosts. It's full of grit and heart, but balanced with humor and moments sweet enough to make your teeth ache.
A tragic incident has left prima ballerina Wilhelmina Allende craving for something new, something that might shake her out of her limbo, so when Emmy-award winning choreographer Zachary Coen invites her to join his debut Broadway musical production, she bids adieu to Paris and flies to New York.
Zack knows Mina is perfect for the role, but he is weary to have her on his team for fear that her status as an elite performer might come with an attitude and ego too big to handle. But Mina is full of surprises. Not with her talent, no; with that, she's fully proven she deserves her fame and praise from the public. She is humble and respectful of the hierarchy in an industry where she is very much a beginner. She also has a temper and passion one would never expect from someone as petite as her.
She struggles at first, not used to Zack's teaching style and his contemporary choreography, but she works hard to catch up and become comfortable dancing such an intimate performance with a man she finds attractive and infuriatingly charming. It's a struggle not to like the man, especially when she gets to see more than the beautiful facade. They both have cracks, little pieces that make them fit, and a connection that is too hard to resist.
But sometimes, those tiny cracks hide bigger cracks that might be too hard to mend.
I love anything that involves dancing, so to see it written so vividly and with so much emotion made me incredibly happy. I could see Mina and Zack performing their pas de deux, hear the music Harper arranged, see the theater Vera bought. I want to watch Lady in Red on Broadway! Someone bring Zack's production to life, please.
I loved watching their relationship develop from repressed attraction to full-on affection. Even when they were trying to keep their relationship from everyone to avoid speculations of Mina getting the job through any other reason than her talent, they couldn't help themselves. Longing glances, lingering touches, all of that made me swoon. My heart skipped a bit every time they called each other with endearments, and whenever they hugged or melted into each other.
The affection and adoration is so palpable, but so is the hurt and frustration. Both Mina and Zack have their own demons to face, and it's a struggle that almost cost them their relationship. There is grief, years of hurt, and trauma that they feel they should carry on their own. But they have family and friends who are there for them and would always be there for them. Mina with her mother, and best friend Sophie, Zack with his parents and family friends.
I have to note that this book has some conversations spoken in French. Having only a little knowledge of the language, sometimes it kept me from fully immersing myself in the story since I had to search what they meant.
Other than that, I enjoyed reading Pas de Deux very much. This is my first Lynn Turner book, but I can assure you this will not be my last. Plus, I think I've found a kindred spirit in Ms. Turner for her love of Colin Firth. 😉
Tropes: Celebrities—Ballet Dancer, Broadway, Opposites Attract
POV: Third Person
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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April 27, 2018
I surprised myself and liked Pas De Deux: A Dance For Two more than I thought I would. I liked the twists and turns that occurred during this book. I also loved the connection between Zach and Wilhelmina. The narrative got a little lengthy at places and I just skimmed it there. But I guess there is a lovely quality to the author’s writing. The details she used surrounding the ballet were so intricate that I felt I was truly there. If you enjoy ballet, you will enjoy this book.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 2/5
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 2/5
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 30, 2018
***4 Stars***
She was a figurine atop a music box come to life.
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyrical and hypnotizing Lynn Turner's words are. I know I say this a lot, but I swear I highlighted damn near half the book!
"Dance isn't what I do. It's what I am. It's what I'll be until I can't anymore."
Zack and Mina's chemistry was electric. Their passion for dance, music, the arts...each other...was absolutely palpable while reading.
The dance scenes between Zack and Mina were breathtaking. Lynn Turner created a captivating and evocative movie reel in your mind. I could picture every turn, every spin, every lift, every throw, every sensual caress.
Countless dance sequences where I held my breath and felt my heart skip a beat just imagining what I was reading and letting the emotion of the dance wash over me.
There was nothing lustful in his eyes, only wonder - a desire to be completely attuned with her and the way she moved. It was sensual by nature, in the way it made her feel stripped down to her being - her very existence - and only he could see. It made her feel sexy and fearless...and safe.
"Dancing with you felt...like learning I could fly. Like I didn't know I could fly until that moment, and then you took my hand and said, 'Let's go, petite.' Then, it felt like the sun was at our backs, and the wind was in our hair...and everyone else was watching us from the ground."
Zack and Mina get to know each other through dance. Through unguarded moments of choreography. This book isn't in your face. It slowly evolves...like a blossoming flower. You have to wait for the bloom.
The slow burn is delicious in its torture...but definitely worth the wait.
She tries to hide her feelings sometimes, but when she sleeps, she sighs. I think it's her heart whispering to mine.
But even when they finally get together, Zack and Mina are still hiding and protecting one small piece of themselves. They've already given each other more than they've given anyone else...but they must figure out if they can finally give someone everything...if they can trust the depth of their feelings...and each other.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?
I absolutely adored Mina and Zack. They were such richly developed characters. I was so deeply invested in them...in their fears, their dreams...and most importantly, their love.
Unfortunately, I do have to be a downer and say that this book does feel a little too long. There were a few scenes that while wonderfully written, didn't really add anything to the story or character development. And I found myself a bit bored in places in the second half of the book.
Also, the plot twist, in my opinion, felt completely unnecessary and out of place. Everything that comes with the twist brought a different feel and vibe to the story that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not really sure why it was included?
But even with the couple of quibbles I have, there's one thing I know for sure....I'm keeping my eye out for Lynn Turner.
With one book, she's got a fan in me. Her rich characters, her storytelling, her evocative imagery...all of it is beautifully crafted to cocoon you in the world she's created. And I can't wait to read more of her books!!
If you're a fan of quiet love stories, the arts (whether it be dance or music or whatever) and a slow burning romance filled with passion, sensuality and love...this is the book for you!
"I love you, with all my heart."
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dripped from the flying buttresses overhead. "I love you too, petite," he said into her hair. "Tell me how to love you more, and I will."
***ARC courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***
May 13, 2018
This one came out of nowhere and knocked me over! Sensual, emotional, absolutely amazing!
Mina is a prima ballerina for the Paris Opera Ballet who has just suffered a great loss and she decides to jump on a great opportunity to dance with Zachary Coen in New York. Zach is a dancer, writer and choreographer who is putting on a Broadway musical. This is quite a different environment for Mina who is a classically trained ballerina. I loved the passion for dance in this book! It was almost like dance was a third lover in Mina and Zach's relationship.
This love story is one of the most emotional and seductive books I've read this year. All the french in this book probably just makes it more sexier but every interaction with this couple was so sensual. The chemistry was insane! Every touch, every word spoken felt flammable. OMG! Every dance felt like foreplay and when they finally became intimate... forget it. I was done for.
This is an inter-racial romance and while we get glimpses of Mina's challenges as a black ballerina, this book is not about racial issues. At the heart of this book is a stunning love story. We talk about favorite heroes and heroines, well this is one of my favorite COUPLES! The writing was just gorgeous and this book completely seduced me!! Is that even a thing??!!
You know that book that will be on everyone's best of 2018? This is THAT book! So don't be that one person who didn't read it. This is a must read!
5 Stars!
Standalone Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
HEA
COME FIND ME!
Mina is a prima ballerina for the Paris Opera Ballet who has just suffered a great loss and she decides to jump on a great opportunity to dance with Zachary Coen in New York. Zach is a dancer, writer and choreographer who is putting on a Broadway musical. This is quite a different environment for Mina who is a classically trained ballerina. I loved the passion for dance in this book! It was almost like dance was a third lover in Mina and Zach's relationship.
This love story is one of the most emotional and seductive books I've read this year. All the french in this book probably just makes it more sexier but every interaction with this couple was so sensual. The chemistry was insane! Every touch, every word spoken felt flammable. OMG! Every dance felt like foreplay and when they finally became intimate... forget it. I was done for.
"I'm not an animal petite."
"Non, tu es un animal," she insisted, grazing his earlobe with her teeth.
"T'es un lion."
This is an inter-racial romance and while we get glimpses of Mina's challenges as a black ballerina, this book is not about racial issues. At the heart of this book is a stunning love story. We talk about favorite heroes and heroines, well this is one of my favorite COUPLES! The writing was just gorgeous and this book completely seduced me!! Is that even a thing??!!
You know that book that will be on everyone's best of 2018? This is THAT book! So don't be that one person who didn't read it. This is a must read!
5 Stars!
Standalone Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
HEA
COME FIND ME!
June 11, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
PAS DE DEUX: A DANCE FOR TWO by Lynn Turner is a beautifully written contemporary romance. This new to me author took me on a journey behind a classic ballet company, the building of a new Broadway musical and two imperfect people finding each other.
Wilhelmina “Mina” Allende is a prima ballerina in a Paris ballet company. Dance is her life and soul, but when a tragedy occurs in her life, she feels the need to take the leap into a new challenge offered to her in New York City. Zach knows Mina has the talent and “that something special” to transfix an audience, but he does not know if he can risk the whole show on Mina being able to learn his style of dance.
Zachary Coen is a famous contemporary dancer and choreographer looking for the lead for his first Broadway show. Mina is his dream lead come to life. She has a temper and is emotional, but she is also a professional and knows she is new to this style of dance and has a lot to learn. As the two work together, their pas de deux becomes personal as well as professional, but each has secrets. If each learns to trust the other it will make them whole, if not it will tear them apart.
Zach and Mina pulled me into their worlds of dance and theatre from the first chapter. The description of the dance scenes were as beautiful and intricate as the scorching hot sex scenes. This author definitely knows how to paint pictures with her words. They are both at the top of their careers against all odds, but they both have control and trust issues to overcome and this author handled all the emotions and issues in a realistic and believable way. I cannot say enough about this author’s lyrical writing style and the beautiful romance that is this book.
I highly recommend this romance and I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
(I just want to mention two points that in no way change my recommendation: 1.This is an inter-racial romance. Mina describes the challenges of being a black ballerina, but the story does not focus on racial issues. And 2. Is a trigger issue--- Zach does describe graphic sexual abuse from an adult while in foster care.)
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
PAS DE DEUX: A DANCE FOR TWO by Lynn Turner is a beautifully written contemporary romance. This new to me author took me on a journey behind a classic ballet company, the building of a new Broadway musical and two imperfect people finding each other.
Wilhelmina “Mina” Allende is a prima ballerina in a Paris ballet company. Dance is her life and soul, but when a tragedy occurs in her life, she feels the need to take the leap into a new challenge offered to her in New York City. Zach knows Mina has the talent and “that something special” to transfix an audience, but he does not know if he can risk the whole show on Mina being able to learn his style of dance.
Zachary Coen is a famous contemporary dancer and choreographer looking for the lead for his first Broadway show. Mina is his dream lead come to life. She has a temper and is emotional, but she is also a professional and knows she is new to this style of dance and has a lot to learn. As the two work together, their pas de deux becomes personal as well as professional, but each has secrets. If each learns to trust the other it will make them whole, if not it will tear them apart.
Zach and Mina pulled me into their worlds of dance and theatre from the first chapter. The description of the dance scenes were as beautiful and intricate as the scorching hot sex scenes. This author definitely knows how to paint pictures with her words. They are both at the top of their careers against all odds, but they both have control and trust issues to overcome and this author handled all the emotions and issues in a realistic and believable way. I cannot say enough about this author’s lyrical writing style and the beautiful romance that is this book.
I highly recommend this romance and I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
(I just want to mention two points that in no way change my recommendation: 1.This is an inter-racial romance. Mina describes the challenges of being a black ballerina, but the story does not focus on racial issues. And 2. Is a trigger issue--- Zach does describe graphic sexual abuse from an adult while in foster care.)
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
April 22, 2018
5++++++ Petite stars!!!!!
My heart...ughhh my heart is so full right now!!!! What a beautiful..gorgeous story..sigh!!
This is the first book I’ve read from Lynn Turner and my first story about dancers...Ballerinas and I’m so blown away that this review will be based on pure emotions lol so try and keep up.
I won’t rehash what this book is about because we can all read the blurb but what it doesn’t say is how amazing this book is. I will say that it is a slow burn and I’m not usually into that but with Pas De Deux I didn’t mind at all!! Even when the two mains eventually get together it’s still slow burning. Every conversation..every encounter..every dance was so sensual and so damn romantic. Even though we’re reading a dance scene the words are so poetic that you can easily see the dance moves in your mind.
I loved every single thing about Pas De Deux..usually female characters get on my nerves but Mina...she was just so beautiful inside and out. She’s had a privileged life and is at the top of her game but she’s so humble and so sweet with a fiery side. Then there’s Zach, dancer..choreographer..playwright and just a downright beautiful , sexy character!! These two together was pure magic...love them!!!
Hands down one of my top read for 2018!!!
My heart...ughhh my heart is so full right now!!!! What a beautiful..gorgeous story..sigh!!
This is the first book I’ve read from Lynn Turner and my first story about dancers...Ballerinas and I’m so blown away that this review will be based on pure emotions lol so try and keep up.
I won’t rehash what this book is about because we can all read the blurb but what it doesn’t say is how amazing this book is. I will say that it is a slow burn and I’m not usually into that but with Pas De Deux I didn’t mind at all!! Even when the two mains eventually get together it’s still slow burning. Every conversation..every encounter..every dance was so sensual and so damn romantic. Even though we’re reading a dance scene the words are so poetic that you can easily see the dance moves in your mind.
I loved every single thing about Pas De Deux..usually female characters get on my nerves but Mina...she was just so beautiful inside and out. She’s had a privileged life and is at the top of her game but she’s so humble and so sweet with a fiery side. Then there’s Zach, dancer..choreographer..playwright and just a downright beautiful , sexy character!! These two together was pure magic...love them!!!
Hands down one of my top read for 2018!!!
June 30, 2018
This is my first book by Lynn Turner, and what a beautiful surprise it was.
The writing was stunning and so poetic, and I fell head over heels in love with the French language.
The book, the story and the characters were an absolute delight and I was mesmerised the whole way through. Zack and Mina had so much chemistry and I loved being witness to their romance.
The descriptions of the dance moves were so detailed, I actually felt like I was there, watching Mina perform, and it’s definitely created an obsession with ballet! I haven’t stopped googling videos of Misty Copeland since I read the book!
PAS DE DEUX was a joy to read and I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. Lynn Turner has definitely found herself a new fan in me. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dropped from the flying buttresses overhead. “I love you too, Petite,” he said into her hair. “Tell me how to love you more, and I will.”
The writing was stunning and so poetic, and I fell head over heels in love with the French language.
The book, the story and the characters were an absolute delight and I was mesmerised the whole way through. Zack and Mina had so much chemistry and I loved being witness to their romance.
The descriptions of the dance moves were so detailed, I actually felt like I was there, watching Mina perform, and it’s definitely created an obsession with ballet! I haven’t stopped googling videos of Misty Copeland since I read the book!
PAS DE DEUX was a joy to read and I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. Lynn Turner has definitely found herself a new fan in me. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dropped from the flying buttresses overhead. “I love you too, Petite,” he said into her hair. “Tell me how to love you more, and I will.”
October 15, 2020
Wow! Lynn Turner is amazing! This story had everything in it that appeals to me. Interracial romance, suspenseful with a thriller aspect, a delicious alpha male, and ballet dancers to top it off. After watching Misty Copeland’s documentary the other night, made it hard to not see Mina as her.
May 19, 2018
Original review: The Romance Corner
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*3.5 Stars!*
Fun fact, when I was a little girl I wanted to be a ballerina. But my mom could never afford to put me in lessons, so I found the next best thing: I read all the ballerina books I could get my tiny little hands on. I lived vicariously through the characters and their love of performing so when I saw the cover reveal of Lynn Turner’s upcoming release, I knew that I had to have it!
Pas De Deux is a hate to love romance about two broken souls finding love. Wilhelmina Allende is a well-known prima ballerina who has taken the ballet world by storm, but when tragedy strikes, she finds herself needing a change of scenery. She’s offered a role in Zachary Coen’s upcoming musical and jumps at the chance to leave Paris behind. Zachary on the other hand is not yet convinced that Mina is right for the role. She’s too polished, too poised. She lacks the raw emotion he’s looking for in her performance and the pair become frustrated with one another. But frustration turns into passion and it’s not too long until these two broken souls start falling for each other.
The writing in Pas De Deux is absolutely stunning and I was immediately pulled in this story. I swear, Lynn Turner’s words are literally art on the page and I love how descriptive and sensual each scene between Mina and Zack was. I felt like I had front seats to their performances. However, while I loved how detailed this story was, the downside is that it does make this book a very dense read. I’m usually a fast reader but I ended up having to slow down so I wouldn’t miss any details. There is also a great amount of French dialogue in this book as Mina grew up in Paris and while I wasn’t bothered by it, it was another reason why I had to slow down my reading pace.
I loved both Mina and Zack. Mina is struggling to move on from the loss of her best friend and it does cause her to become a bit disconnected when it comes to her love of ballet. She questions her abilities and if she truly is a good enough ballerina. I enjoyed seeing Mina work through her insecurities and realize that she is worth it and eventually gains the courage to chase after her dreams. Zack was an unexpected surprise. I really thought he would be an asshole but he’s so freakin’ sweet and caring! I loved his backstory and his relationship with his adopted family, especially with his mother. I also loved the fact that Zack gave back to the children in his community and encouraged them to pursue the arts. He’s the total package and I have all the heart-eyes for him. The romance itself was FIRE! I love the passion between Zack and Mina, both on and off the stage and I couldn’t get enough of these two!
While there were a lot of things that liked about this book, there was one thing that didn’t quite work for me. I wasn’t a fan of the plot twist in this book. It felt out of place and came out of nowhere. The plot twist also didn’t do anything to better the overall story. It was like the twist happened and then in the next chapter we moved on and it was never brought up again. If there had been a better build up to the twist or if we had gotten more background info about a particular character, then maybe the twist would’ve made more sense.
While the ending of Pas De Deux was a bit of a let down, I still enjoyed the romance between Mina and Zack. I definitely recommend this romance if you love the art of ballet as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what Turner pens next!
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*3.5 Stars!*
Fun fact, when I was a little girl I wanted to be a ballerina. But my mom could never afford to put me in lessons, so I found the next best thing: I read all the ballerina books I could get my tiny little hands on. I lived vicariously through the characters and their love of performing so when I saw the cover reveal of Lynn Turner’s upcoming release, I knew that I had to have it!
Pas De Deux is a hate to love romance about two broken souls finding love. Wilhelmina Allende is a well-known prima ballerina who has taken the ballet world by storm, but when tragedy strikes, she finds herself needing a change of scenery. She’s offered a role in Zachary Coen’s upcoming musical and jumps at the chance to leave Paris behind. Zachary on the other hand is not yet convinced that Mina is right for the role. She’s too polished, too poised. She lacks the raw emotion he’s looking for in her performance and the pair become frustrated with one another. But frustration turns into passion and it’s not too long until these two broken souls start falling for each other.
The writing in Pas De Deux is absolutely stunning and I was immediately pulled in this story. I swear, Lynn Turner’s words are literally art on the page and I love how descriptive and sensual each scene between Mina and Zack was. I felt like I had front seats to their performances. However, while I loved how detailed this story was, the downside is that it does make this book a very dense read. I’m usually a fast reader but I ended up having to slow down so I wouldn’t miss any details. There is also a great amount of French dialogue in this book as Mina grew up in Paris and while I wasn’t bothered by it, it was another reason why I had to slow down my reading pace.
I loved both Mina and Zack. Mina is struggling to move on from the loss of her best friend and it does cause her to become a bit disconnected when it comes to her love of ballet. She questions her abilities and if she truly is a good enough ballerina. I enjoyed seeing Mina work through her insecurities and realize that she is worth it and eventually gains the courage to chase after her dreams. Zack was an unexpected surprise. I really thought he would be an asshole but he’s so freakin’ sweet and caring! I loved his backstory and his relationship with his adopted family, especially with his mother. I also loved the fact that Zack gave back to the children in his community and encouraged them to pursue the arts. He’s the total package and I have all the heart-eyes for him. The romance itself was FIRE! I love the passion between Zack and Mina, both on and off the stage and I couldn’t get enough of these two!
While there were a lot of things that liked about this book, there was one thing that didn’t quite work for me. I wasn’t a fan of the plot twist in this book. It felt out of place and came out of nowhere. The plot twist also didn’t do anything to better the overall story. It was like the twist happened and then in the next chapter we moved on and it was never brought up again. If there had been a better build up to the twist or if we had gotten more background info about a particular character, then maybe the twist would’ve made more sense.
While the ending of Pas De Deux was a bit of a let down, I still enjoyed the romance between Mina and Zack. I definitely recommend this romance if you love the art of ballet as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what Turner pens next!
May 7, 2018
4.5 stars
Lynn Turner is a new-to-me author and one I will read again. Pas De Deux seemed like an intriguing story when I read the blurb. I love reading anything with dance or music in it and was really looking forward to this story. What I wasn't expecting was the angst and drama throughout the whole book and that, unfortunately took it down a little for me.
Mina and Zack were an interesting couple. She had a temper to end all tempers and he was as laid back as you could get. Each of them had a hard life growing up, in their own ways … him as an orphan and her being a person of color trying to make it in the world of dance. Zack finds his way through his childhood with a loving couple and the ballet studio. Mina works hard and shows the Masters of the dance company that she deserves to be there. Now, when Mina is on top of the dance world, having danced every part except the one she keeps getting turned down for, having lost her best friend, it's time for a change. Approached to star in a Broadway musical, she has to take the chance. But, will the chance be worth what it will do to her and her heart.
Throughout the story, Zack is hard on Mina … getting her to change from a Prima Ballerina to dance his choreography is a challenge that he is welcoming. But, he needs to keep his hands to himself, his heart in his chest and his feelings for her under control. But, he can't do that when she may be in danger and is truly homesick for Paris. He can't help but try to protect her, to sooth her fears and help her get acclimated to Broadway, his extreme choreography and to him.
An attempted murder … a surprise twist and I was thrilled that I read this story.
Lynn Turner truly brought the world of dance to life. I was a little aggravated with Mina acting like a drama queen through most of the story … she was definitely a Prima Ballerina with a bit of an attitude. But, it worked for her and Ms. Turner did a beautiful job writing her that way. The only other thing that threw me off a little was all the French phrases. Luckily, I know a little French and was able to get the gist of it. But, don't let that deter you from reading the story … she does a good job of translating and making it so that you could pretty much figure out what's being said during the conversation. It actually enhanced the story. So,if you enjoy dance you will definitely enjoy this not too light story.
May 11, 2018
3.5 stars!
I heard a lot of great things about Lynn Turner new book—Pas De Deux—and since I love everything ballet-related I was eager to read it. But despite the enticing plot, I didn't quite love it.
From the start, I have to say that I didn't connect either with Zack or Mina. But if I have to choose one of them, I would definitely go for Zack, the tortured hero. I really wanted to like Mina but... Gawd, she got on my nerves—and I think my feelings toward her didn't help me to see how good they could be to each other.
The sex and dance scenes were definitely scorching with a dash of dirty—I would have to be a nun to not feel them. The details the author used to describe them were so precise, so beautiful, that you could picture every turn, every touch.
And while it took me a while to get used to the pace in this book, Turner's beautiful prose, plus the sex and dance scenes were what made this book hard to put down.
Pas De Deux was my first read by Lynn Turner, and although this read didn't was a winner for me, it could be a 5 STAR read for someone else! So happy reading!
You can find me here: INSTAGRAM
I heard a lot of great things about Lynn Turner new book—Pas De Deux—and since I love everything ballet-related I was eager to read it. But despite the enticing plot, I didn't quite love it.
From the start, I have to say that I didn't connect either with Zack or Mina. But if I have to choose one of them, I would definitely go for Zack, the tortured hero. I really wanted to like Mina but... Gawd, she got on my nerves—and I think my feelings toward her didn't help me to see how good they could be to each other.
The sex and dance scenes were definitely scorching with a dash of dirty—I would have to be a nun to not feel them. The details the author used to describe them were so precise, so beautiful, that you could picture every turn, every touch.
And while it took me a while to get used to the pace in this book, Turner's beautiful prose, plus the sex and dance scenes were what made this book hard to put down.
Pas De Deux was my first read by Lynn Turner, and although this read didn't was a winner for me, it could be a 5 STAR read for someone else! So happy reading!
You can find me here: INSTAGRAM
June 4, 2018
Loved Zachery and Mina in this dynamic story... think Misty Copeland and say David Gandy!
BRAVO Lynn Turner! "Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two" was just beautiful to read and to see this flawed but smexy couple evolve through dance was exciting!!!!!!
AMAZING STORY
This story right here left me speechless for now!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRAVO Lynn Turner! "Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two" was just beautiful to read and to see this flawed but smexy couple evolve through dance was exciting!!!!!!
AMAZING STORY
This story right here left me speechless for now!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 14, 2018
Sigh. I just loved this.
It is the story of a black French Prima Ballerina named Mina who comes to the US to work in an edgy Broadway musical theatre version of La Traviata adapted from the original Dumas novel La Dame Aux Camelias. The choreographer & creator of the play is an ex-ballet dancer named Zack. Both Mina and Zack are well known in international ballet circles although they had never worked with nor met each other until Zack hires Mina to play the part of the leading lady courtesan in the play.
What I immediately loved while reading this book is that it allowed me to sink luxuriously into a world that was part ballet-part Broadway theater. The profession was no mere wallpaper profession. The work they were doing was a complete part of the story. Not only that, the author made all the technical descriptions of the rehearsals, the dance, the references to many famous ballets very sensual. There are many scenes where the choreography is described and it is vivid and you are not only getting the technical terms (pirouette, brisé, chassé etc.) but we get a lot of the emotional investment that the characters feel as they inhabit the characters and dance the choreographer. We also get moments of what the audience feel as they are watching.
We also get some nice little bits of the business of theatre. Zack is somewhat beholden to his biggest investor, a cross between Auntie Mame and Daddy Warbucks. We get insight on what it takes to put on a show the money, the politics and the schmoozing.
And the chemistry between Zack and Mina is great. They do not have an adversarial relationship at all but there is still tension between them. He is her boss, she is actually making a major adjustment between classical ballet and the new techniques for Zack's brand of more theatrical dance. And she is mourning the loss of a former partner and very good friend. But they are hot for each other and while that tension is there, it doesn't prevent them from acting on their feelings.
One more thing I loved is how unabashedly Parisian Mina is. The author has a deft touch with identity in the book. This is an IR romance and Mina being a black Prima is not glossed over at all. The story lightly, yet effectively, touches on her struggles, her fight to be seen in an industry that didn't easily invite her in. Zack's own show and his multicultural casting is touched on and is acknowledged as a direct response to the popularity of Hamilton.
I take off a star because I thought some of Mina's insistence on dwelling so much on the death of Etienne felt a little heavy and intrusive in places. And then the book veered a little in the end out of the easy contemp romance realm into a more rom-suspensy (with a real soap opera moment) that took a bit out of the story.
But overall this was a fantastic read. Well written and emotional and full of professional competence porn.
It is the story of a black French Prima Ballerina named Mina who comes to the US to work in an edgy Broadway musical theatre version of La Traviata adapted from the original Dumas novel La Dame Aux Camelias. The choreographer & creator of the play is an ex-ballet dancer named Zack. Both Mina and Zack are well known in international ballet circles although they had never worked with nor met each other until Zack hires Mina to play the part of the leading lady courtesan in the play.
What I immediately loved while reading this book is that it allowed me to sink luxuriously into a world that was part ballet-part Broadway theater. The profession was no mere wallpaper profession. The work they were doing was a complete part of the story. Not only that, the author made all the technical descriptions of the rehearsals, the dance, the references to many famous ballets very sensual. There are many scenes where the choreography is described and it is vivid and you are not only getting the technical terms (pirouette, brisé, chassé etc.) but we get a lot of the emotional investment that the characters feel as they inhabit the characters and dance the choreographer. We also get moments of what the audience feel as they are watching.
We also get some nice little bits of the business of theatre. Zack is somewhat beholden to his biggest investor, a cross between Auntie Mame and Daddy Warbucks. We get insight on what it takes to put on a show the money, the politics and the schmoozing.
And the chemistry between Zack and Mina is great. They do not have an adversarial relationship at all but there is still tension between them. He is her boss, she is actually making a major adjustment between classical ballet and the new techniques for Zack's brand of more theatrical dance. And she is mourning the loss of a former partner and very good friend. But they are hot for each other and while that tension is there, it doesn't prevent them from acting on their feelings.
One more thing I loved is how unabashedly Parisian Mina is. The author has a deft touch with identity in the book. This is an IR romance and Mina being a black Prima is not glossed over at all. The story lightly, yet effectively, touches on her struggles, her fight to be seen in an industry that didn't easily invite her in. Zack's own show and his multicultural casting is touched on and is acknowledged as a direct response to the popularity of Hamilton.
I take off a star because I thought some of Mina's insistence on dwelling so much on the death of Etienne felt a little heavy and intrusive in places. And then the book veered a little in the end out of the easy contemp romance realm into a more rom-suspensy (with a real soap opera moment) that took a bit out of the story.
But overall this was a fantastic read. Well written and emotional and full of professional competence porn.
April 21, 2018
There’s so much that made Pas de Deux special to me, I feel it almost belongs in a class by itself. As far as dance romances go, this one is my absolute favorite and has all the qualities to become a classic. Like Lynn Turner’s debut novel Between You and Me, her second book is a feast for the senses with vivid descriptions that make the intriguing characters and mesmerizing settings jump off the pages. As an author, I deeply admire Turner’s skill to write passages so beautiful they made me want to read them over and over again. I ended up highlighting half the book, there’s so much word porn! But unlike her first book, this one is darker, more intense, and the romance burns even hotter.
Mina and Zach are so special to me, and so relatable. Mina used to be painfully shy as a child but becomes this strong, marvelous creature when she’s up on stage. I love how Zach described her: “She was like a swan herself—an origami swan, coming apart fold-by-fold so he could see the steps that made her.” Mina was hit hard by two terrible losses and they’re still haunting her (one of them involves a mysterious death, which adds suspense to the story). Zach, too, has a troubled soul that needs healing. He had a rough childhood and has developed this obsessive coping mechanism to help him deal with what’s happened to him. One of my favorite parts of the book is when he opens up to Mina about how he came to be a playwright. “Some kids have imaginary friends, or security blankets—I had my imagination. If shit got bad, I'd make something up and disappear. I could control where, and when, and who, and what. Having that control? When everything else made me feel so powerless? It was everything.” That part really got to me and probably rings true for so many artists.
The most fun to read was how Zach pushes Mina past her limits, hoping she learns to trust herself and her body. A lot of the laugh-out-loud moments stem from their rehearsal scenes, which give the story a bit of an enemies-to-lovers flair (one of my favorite tropes to read). Their banter is spectacular and whip smart, and it made it so easy to love them, cheer for them and grow along with them. Their romance is often heartbreaking, but also incredibly erotic and so undeniably beautiful. Such a gratifying read!
Mina and Zach are so special to me, and so relatable. Mina used to be painfully shy as a child but becomes this strong, marvelous creature when she’s up on stage. I love how Zach described her: “She was like a swan herself—an origami swan, coming apart fold-by-fold so he could see the steps that made her.” Mina was hit hard by two terrible losses and they’re still haunting her (one of them involves a mysterious death, which adds suspense to the story). Zach, too, has a troubled soul that needs healing. He had a rough childhood and has developed this obsessive coping mechanism to help him deal with what’s happened to him. One of my favorite parts of the book is when he opens up to Mina about how he came to be a playwright. “Some kids have imaginary friends, or security blankets—I had my imagination. If shit got bad, I'd make something up and disappear. I could control where, and when, and who, and what. Having that control? When everything else made me feel so powerless? It was everything.” That part really got to me and probably rings true for so many artists.
The most fun to read was how Zach pushes Mina past her limits, hoping she learns to trust herself and her body. A lot of the laugh-out-loud moments stem from their rehearsal scenes, which give the story a bit of an enemies-to-lovers flair (one of my favorite tropes to read). Their banter is spectacular and whip smart, and it made it so easy to love them, cheer for them and grow along with them. Their romance is often heartbreaking, but also incredibly erotic and so undeniably beautiful. Such a gratifying read!
May 11, 2018
{I recieved this as an ARC In exchange for an Honest review}
When I first read the synopsis and saw that beautiful cover I knew I HAD to read this!! I just had a feeling that this book was going to be a truly amazing story that I had to have in my life. After reading it I know that my feeling was 100 percent correct! This was such a Beautiful and Magical read!! Lynn is such a talented writer!! I fell in love with Zack, Mina and their story!!
"Dancing with you felt..like learning I could fly"
Mina is a very successful dancer and Zack is a very successful dancer/ writer. They have both overcome so much and still struggle daily but, no matter the struggles they never stop doing what they love. The connection and passion between these two is so strong that you can feel it on every page. You can feel it in every sentence! Zack and Mina bring out the best in each other. They may have only know each other for a short time but, they lean on each other and help one another. Their journey together is so wonderful and Speical!!!
".... her eyes were completely free of their invisible shield. He sucked in a breath. It was like having a mirror held up to his own soul."
With surprising twist and turns, funny moments, passionate moments, and sad moments, this is definitely one of my favorite and one of the best contemporary romances I have read! The detail in this book is so fantastic. I love Lynn's writing style it is so beautiful. The whole book flows so perfectly. It is a work of art! You feel like you are sitting front row of every practice and every performance. You are there. I can't wait to re-read it. This couple is too special to only experience once! I hope you all will give this book a read. It is truly stunning.
When I first read the synopsis and saw that beautiful cover I knew I HAD to read this!! I just had a feeling that this book was going to be a truly amazing story that I had to have in my life. After reading it I know that my feeling was 100 percent correct! This was such a Beautiful and Magical read!! Lynn is such a talented writer!! I fell in love with Zack, Mina and their story!!
"Dancing with you felt..like learning I could fly"
Mina is a very successful dancer and Zack is a very successful dancer/ writer. They have both overcome so much and still struggle daily but, no matter the struggles they never stop doing what they love. The connection and passion between these two is so strong that you can feel it on every page. You can feel it in every sentence! Zack and Mina bring out the best in each other. They may have only know each other for a short time but, they lean on each other and help one another. Their journey together is so wonderful and Speical!!!
".... her eyes were completely free of their invisible shield. He sucked in a breath. It was like having a mirror held up to his own soul."
With surprising twist and turns, funny moments, passionate moments, and sad moments, this is definitely one of my favorite and one of the best contemporary romances I have read! The detail in this book is so fantastic. I love Lynn's writing style it is so beautiful. The whole book flows so perfectly. It is a work of art! You feel like you are sitting front row of every practice and every performance. You are there. I can't wait to re-read it. This couple is too special to only experience once! I hope you all will give this book a read. It is truly stunning.
May 11, 2018
Wow!! I loved this book so much! This was my first book by this author and I was blown away! I am such a mood reader and when I started this book I was actually in the mood for something forbidden. I've never had a book actually change my mood. So instead of finding this book, this book found me. I was sucked in immediately with the style of writing. It was so beautiful and poetic. It was the type of writing that paints pictures.
I have never read a book about a ballerina and I don't know much about ballet but it was interesting to learn about it. As you read you can actually feel the passion these characters have for dance pour off the pages.
This book was poetic, romantic, emotional and so incredibly sensual you will feel it all the way to your toes and give you butterflies. I will not be forgetting Zachary Coen any time soon. The passion he has for dance is so intense and his passion for Mina is just as strong if not stronger. Their connection is immediate and all consuming. Mina and Zach both have demons from their past that haunt them and this is their story of how love and dance bring them together and heal old wounds. It was truly beautiful and I soaked up not wanting it to end. It was such a beautiful romance with moments that will make you laugh out loud, elements of suspense and parts that will bring tears to your eyes.
Don't miss out on this gorgeous story!!
I have never read a book about a ballerina and I don't know much about ballet but it was interesting to learn about it. As you read you can actually feel the passion these characters have for dance pour off the pages.
This book was poetic, romantic, emotional and so incredibly sensual you will feel it all the way to your toes and give you butterflies. I will not be forgetting Zachary Coen any time soon. The passion he has for dance is so intense and his passion for Mina is just as strong if not stronger. Their connection is immediate and all consuming. Mina and Zach both have demons from their past that haunt them and this is their story of how love and dance bring them together and heal old wounds. It was truly beautiful and I soaked up not wanting it to end. It was such a beautiful romance with moments that will make you laugh out loud, elements of suspense and parts that will bring tears to your eyes.
Don't miss out on this gorgeous story!!
May 13, 2018
This book took me by surprise with how much I adored these characters,Mina and Zach had some amazing chemistry on and off the stage. I loved their friendship. They looked out for each other! The theme of ballet was strong in the book but didn’t take over. Zach’s family were awesome and so funny, their relationship with him was beautiful and I liked how well they invited Mina into their fold.
Lynn’s writing style really has a way of pulling you in and makes you forget about the real world. Pas De Deux has the #bookbabes stamp of approval!
Lynn’s writing style really has a way of pulling you in and makes you forget about the real world. Pas De Deux has the #bookbabes stamp of approval!
April 27, 2018
OH. MON. DIEU. THIS. BOOK.
Let me start by borrowing a quote from Pas de Deux to describe it: "It was slow and slumberous, like a dream." This is how I kept describing this book from the beginning and I wanted to savour every passionate, beautiful and emotional moment.
When I read a book where the main character is an artist of any sort, the thing I care about most is the passion. And, the passion was there tenfold.
"My heart beats for this. If I could not dance, I think something inside of me would die.”
I could see them tranform into their characters when they started to dance, see every movement and simply feel everything.
Their love, dedication, weak moments, strengths, doubts, pain, fears, and developments were so real and relatable. So were the different relationships in the book.
I also felt every touch and sigh, heard every gasp and moan and Turner never failed to arrest all my senses.
Furthermore, I appreciated and enjoyed the playlists; the second one especially helped set the mood throughout the book and during the performances.
Loved Zack and Mina's undeniable chemistry; as well as, their banter, conversations and internal monologues which were so much fun to read.
Moreover, I deeply enjoyed the different personalities and cultures, the worlds of ballet and musical theatre, all the details and descriptions, and the contrast between Mina's relationship with her mother and the warmth of Zack's family and home.
Passionate, magical, poetic, romantic, sweet, sensual; but mostly, achingly and hauntingly beautiful. I undoubtedly recommend it!!
And, I'm personally looking forward to reading Between You and Me and more by Lynn Turner.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
Let me start by borrowing a quote from Pas de Deux to describe it: "It was slow and slumberous, like a dream." This is how I kept describing this book from the beginning and I wanted to savour every passionate, beautiful and emotional moment.
When I read a book where the main character is an artist of any sort, the thing I care about most is the passion. And, the passion was there tenfold.
"My heart beats for this. If I could not dance, I think something inside of me would die.”
I could see them tranform into their characters when they started to dance, see every movement and simply feel everything.
Their love, dedication, weak moments, strengths, doubts, pain, fears, and developments were so real and relatable. So were the different relationships in the book.
I also felt every touch and sigh, heard every gasp and moan and Turner never failed to arrest all my senses.
Furthermore, I appreciated and enjoyed the playlists; the second one especially helped set the mood throughout the book and during the performances.
Loved Zack and Mina's undeniable chemistry; as well as, their banter, conversations and internal monologues which were so much fun to read.
Moreover, I deeply enjoyed the different personalities and cultures, the worlds of ballet and musical theatre, all the details and descriptions, and the contrast between Mina's relationship with her mother and the warmth of Zack's family and home.
Passionate, magical, poetic, romantic, sweet, sensual; but mostly, achingly and hauntingly beautiful. I undoubtedly recommend it!!
And, I'm personally looking forward to reading Between You and Me and more by Lynn Turner.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
Want to read
May 1, 2018❤️
April 30, 2018
This was lovely, very romantic and so very much infused with dance and movement and self-expression through art.
June 2, 2018
Loved this book! Beautifully written. Steamy and strong storytelling. Dance was an amazing third lead character.
May 12, 2018
Review to Follow ... soon.
dnf
December 5, 2018DNF @ 68%
November 2018's Ultimate Reading Challenge: A book featuring a musician or actor.
By all accounts, I should have loved this book. I'm a massive lover of performing arts and I'm in an interracial marriage. An interracial romance that takes place while creating a Broadway musical equals winning, right? Not so much for me. Primarily, I didn't care for the writing style.
Mina is a French-American who has spent the majority of her life in Paris. I don't understand why Mina has to include at least one French word in virtually every sentence she speaks. I found it distracting. I'm following the dialogue, hearing Mina's accent in my mind, only to smash into an unnecessary reminder that she really, really, really is French. It seems inauthentic. I also didn't like that the story changes character perspective mid-chapter without any warning or indication other than an extra space between paragraphs.
The chemistry between Zach and Mina is fine, and I liked the parts that explore the rehearsal process the best. The story is very slow, though, and at 68%, I just didn't see the plot going anywhere any time soon.
November 2018's Ultimate Reading Challenge: A book featuring a musician or actor.
By all accounts, I should have loved this book. I'm a massive lover of performing arts and I'm in an interracial marriage. An interracial romance that takes place while creating a Broadway musical equals winning, right? Not so much for me. Primarily, I didn't care for the writing style.
Mina is a French-American who has spent the majority of her life in Paris. I don't understand why Mina has to include at least one French word in virtually every sentence she speaks. I found it distracting. I'm following the dialogue, hearing Mina's accent in my mind, only to smash into an unnecessary reminder that she really, really, really is French. It seems inauthentic. I also didn't like that the story changes character perspective mid-chapter without any warning or indication other than an extra space between paragraphs.
The chemistry between Zach and Mina is fine, and I liked the parts that explore the rehearsal process the best. The story is very slow, though, and at 68%, I just didn't see the plot going anywhere any time soon.
December 19, 2018
So this was my very first time reading anything by this author and I really liked the story. I haven’t read a lot of books that focused on ballerina dancing. The author did a wonderful job describing all the hard work that goes on to create these shows. It felt like I was watching a Broadway show play out in front of me. I loved Zack and Mina especially since they didn’t like each other that much at first. Then we got a nice slow and delicious burn between the two characters. Some of those dancing scenes had me fanning myself. I have say I also liked that both characters had issues and they both were able to heal each other. I enjoyed the story had a combination of New York and Paris. I’m a born and raised New Yorker. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and I love reading books that mention both places. This was a well written book but I did feel at times certain parts were lengthy. The plot twist at the end left me a little perplexed but overall I enjoyed this story. I will def be reading more books by this author.
*arc review*
*arc review*
July 20, 2018
We have a black French Ballerina and an ex-ballet dancer named Zack.
You're introduced to a lovely world. I feel like I learned things about ballet from the great passages on rehearsals and dance.
The chemistry between Zack and Mina is hot and steamy.
Great writing. Emotional. Passionate. Sizzling at times.
I'm really excited to read more of this author's work and think she's a fab addition to interracial romance! This year is rocking in IR!!
You're introduced to a lovely world. I feel like I learned things about ballet from the great passages on rehearsals and dance.
The chemistry between Zack and Mina is hot and steamy.
Great writing. Emotional. Passionate. Sizzling at times.
I'm really excited to read more of this author's work and think she's a fab addition to interracial romance! This year is rocking in IR!!
May 11, 2018
This book was simply beautiful. What stood out were the descriptions--everything was so immersive, delicate yet passionate and intense, real. I loved the descriptions of dancing and of kissing especially. And I certainly didn't see that suspense plot coming!
June 5, 2018
"In ballet, a pas de deux is a dance duet in which two dancers, typically a male and a female, perform ballet steps together."
FIVE CONSUMING STARS. (Daaaaaamn, hands down!)
The writing style is so sophisticated and it's a breath of fresh air. I'm usually not inclined with this type of dark and suspense plots but here I am... thankful for stumbling upon Pas De Deux. I really surprised myself for falling in love with this book. No regrets; this was exquisite.
I'm frustrated that I didn't take the opportunity to get into French class a few semesters ago and now I'm feeling the wave of regret washing over me; I'm fascinated with the French culture and I should've doubled my efforts when the chance had risen. Hopefully, I can redeem myself with the opportunity in the near future...
Without further delay,
This is my first book from the author and I'm certain this won't be the LAST.
Mina and Zachary took me into different kinds of feelings- sometimes it was dark, intriguing and cautious and at times it threw me off how strong their attraction sizzled between the two leading characters. I appreciate how both of them we're equally flawed in their own way. Everyone had their own skeletons and I love how the story emphasizes on real demons- and that there are never real monsters that cannot be overcome or slayed. The were perfectly flawed while imperfectly beautiful. They gradually grew as the story progressed, leaning onto each other for strength and embracing their calling. The story being told in the third point of view didn't bother me one bit. Again, refreshing. (As I'm used to first or interchanging dual perspectives... not that it's a problem)
I love Mina. She hides well under facades when necessary, but she's not dishonest. She's fearful and tends to run away when things become too much, (Aren't we all?) but at some point, she'd turn around and come back to the stage- I love her allure and sexiness. The LADY in red definitely suits her.
I adore Zachary. Underneath all that sexy smirk and male bravado, a boy suffered from a tragic past that also needs his own journey of healing. He's done nothing but be compassionate for those souls having the same driven-dream like himself. His strides are firm and sturdy. He is irresistible.
"They were never meant to be perfect, their pieces wouldn't fit together that way~"
Je suis tombé amoureux,
Bravo, Lynn Turner. Bravo.
FIVE CONSUMING STARS. (Daaaaaamn, hands down!)
The writing style is so sophisticated and it's a breath of fresh air. I'm usually not inclined with this type of dark and suspense plots but here I am... thankful for stumbling upon Pas De Deux. I really surprised myself for falling in love with this book. No regrets; this was exquisite.
I'm frustrated that I didn't take the opportunity to get into French class a few semesters ago and now I'm feeling the wave of regret washing over me; I'm fascinated with the French culture and I should've doubled my efforts when the chance had risen. Hopefully, I can redeem myself with the opportunity in the near future...
Without further delay,
This is my first book from the author and I'm certain this won't be the LAST.
Mina and Zachary took me into different kinds of feelings- sometimes it was dark, intriguing and cautious and at times it threw me off how strong their attraction sizzled between the two leading characters. I appreciate how both of them we're equally flawed in their own way. Everyone had their own skeletons and I love how the story emphasizes on real demons- and that there are never real monsters that cannot be overcome or slayed. The were perfectly flawed while imperfectly beautiful. They gradually grew as the story progressed, leaning onto each other for strength and embracing their calling. The story being told in the third point of view didn't bother me one bit. Again, refreshing. (As I'm used to first or interchanging dual perspectives... not that it's a problem)
I love Mina. She hides well under facades when necessary, but she's not dishonest. She's fearful and tends to run away when things become too much, (Aren't we all?) but at some point, she'd turn around and come back to the stage- I love her allure and sexiness. The LADY in red definitely suits her.
I adore Zachary. Underneath all that sexy smirk and male bravado, a boy suffered from a tragic past that also needs his own journey of healing. He's done nothing but be compassionate for those souls having the same driven-dream like himself. His strides are firm and sturdy. He is irresistible.
"They were never meant to be perfect, their pieces wouldn't fit together that way~"
Je suis tombé amoureux,
Bravo, Lynn Turner. Bravo.
May 11, 2018
"They were never meant to be perfect, their pieces wouldn't fit together that way...
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?"
Sensual and filled with poetic style writing, Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two is full on romantic and a lyrical masterpiece!
Full of attitude, Wilhelmina 'Mina' Allende is not only a prima ballerina, but she embodies dance. She's the model dancer, but upclose and underneath her perfect exterior lies a woman with jagged edges. Zachary 'Zach' Coen is charming, funny, and laid back, but he's also a challenging choreographer who doesn't take it easy on Mina at all. He doesn't care for flawlessness, he wants her movements raw and real. As much as these two were opposites, they're also one in the same. Both had to overcome uncontrollable obstacles in life that were stacked against them from the very beginning. The intimate scenes between the two were just as sensual as the dance scenes were imaginative, pulling me in as those scenes came alive before my very eyes. Together, Zach and Mina are so passionate, and not just about dance, but about one another.
Much like the art of ballet, Lynn Turner created a novel that has fluid writing. For the most part it flowed seamlessly, but there were times when there was a lull in the overall plot that slowed the pace of the story for me, as well as there being a disconnect between the plot twist and myself as a reader that essentially disrupted the rhythm of the story that Lynn had executed beautifully for the majority of the novel. Deep and brimming with emotion and sensuality, Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two hooked me with its premise and entranced me with the author's ability to make her words dance throughout this novel.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?"
Sensual and filled with poetic style writing, Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two is full on romantic and a lyrical masterpiece!
Full of attitude, Wilhelmina 'Mina' Allende is not only a prima ballerina, but she embodies dance. She's the model dancer, but upclose and underneath her perfect exterior lies a woman with jagged edges. Zachary 'Zach' Coen is charming, funny, and laid back, but he's also a challenging choreographer who doesn't take it easy on Mina at all. He doesn't care for flawlessness, he wants her movements raw and real. As much as these two were opposites, they're also one in the same. Both had to overcome uncontrollable obstacles in life that were stacked against them from the very beginning. The intimate scenes between the two were just as sensual as the dance scenes were imaginative, pulling me in as those scenes came alive before my very eyes. Together, Zach and Mina are so passionate, and not just about dance, but about one another.
Much like the art of ballet, Lynn Turner created a novel that has fluid writing. For the most part it flowed seamlessly, but there were times when there was a lull in the overall plot that slowed the pace of the story for me, as well as there being a disconnect between the plot twist and myself as a reader that essentially disrupted the rhythm of the story that Lynn had executed beautifully for the majority of the novel. Deep and brimming with emotion and sensuality, Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two hooked me with its premise and entranced me with the author's ability to make her words dance throughout this novel.
July 17, 2018
Oof.
Okay so this one packed a punch. I expected something sensuous, emotional, and sexy with this book and it did not disappoint. It gave me Center Stage and Moulin Rouge vibes (especially with the latter hitting Broadway now). Both Mina and Zach are wonderfully flawed and broken characters who balance each other out. While there were moments that I wished we could learn more about why they were the way they were, I liked how their pasts were uncovered. There was meat to the story for the most part. The supporting characters had enough depth that they didn't seem like they were written for the sake of being there. The description of the dance moves left me wishing I could actually see it all. I love dancing books because there's a unique intimate feeling to them. The writer gets into the cracks of the dance moves and shows the reader how each one is important.
There are a few moments throughout that seem a little too casual to go with the rest of the story but that hardly weighs down my rating for the book. This book gets twisty and there's one big twist that really surprised me. This story is sexy and intimate but also touches on some pretty heavy topics. Thankfully, there are moments of humor that help lift you up. I enjoyed this one for sure.
Okay so this one packed a punch. I expected something sensuous, emotional, and sexy with this book and it did not disappoint. It gave me Center Stage and Moulin Rouge vibes (especially with the latter hitting Broadway now). Both Mina and Zach are wonderfully flawed and broken characters who balance each other out. While there were moments that I wished we could learn more about why they were the way they were, I liked how their pasts were uncovered. There was meat to the story for the most part. The supporting characters had enough depth that they didn't seem like they were written for the sake of being there. The description of the dance moves left me wishing I could actually see it all. I love dancing books because there's a unique intimate feeling to them. The writer gets into the cracks of the dance moves and shows the reader how each one is important.
There are a few moments throughout that seem a little too casual to go with the rest of the story but that hardly weighs down my rating for the book. This book gets twisty and there's one big twist that really surprised me. This story is sexy and intimate but also touches on some pretty heavy topics. Thankfully, there are moments of humor that help lift you up. I enjoyed this one for sure.
April 20, 2018
This book is AMAZING!!!
"She was a figurine atop a music box come to life."
I feel like no matter how I describe this piece of art, we will all take something different away. But rest assure we will all call it a master piece. Of that I'm certain. You can feel each brush stroke on every page. See beauty in every angle. The details when you look closely take your breath away just as much when you step back and see the whole picture.
‘We were never meant to be perfect. Our pieces wouldn’t fit together that way.’”
This love story is when I solo becomes a duet.
"She was a figurine atop a music box come to life."
I feel like no matter how I describe this piece of art, we will all take something different away. But rest assure we will all call it a master piece. Of that I'm certain. You can feel each brush stroke on every page. See beauty in every angle. The details when you look closely take your breath away just as much when you step back and see the whole picture.
‘We were never meant to be perfect. Our pieces wouldn’t fit together that way.’”
This love story is when I solo becomes a duet.
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