He's willing to lay down his life, to save hers...
Tera Muldoon not only runs her own dance studio, but she's also secretly the human vessel for the Muse of Dance. Having her name at the top of an immortal's hitlist isn't helping her social anxiety issues, but everything changes the day she hires a bodyguard.
Gavin Thompson is the best at what he does, and when his security company is hired to protect a dance instructor, he thinks it's business as usual. But no one warned him being with Tera would blur the lines between personal and professional interests. What started out as a job might be his only chance at a future he never dreamed possible.
They just need to live to see it.
The Prophecy - "Every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn, and with their rebirth are also nine Guardians. They will be marked by the gods, and given gifts to protect his treasure. Their abilities will only be unlocked when they find their muse."
Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of passionate, page-turning paranormal fiction. She's a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
She also publishes horror and thriller novels under the pseudonym, L.A. Kessler.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist and tarot card reader. Her first tarot deck, Practical Tarot, is being release by Beyond Words Publishing with a companion book, Practical Tarot: Learn to read tarot cards intuitively in 2025.
Dance of the Heart by Lisa Kessler Muse Chronicles series #6. Paranormal romance. Mythology. Can be read as a standalone but better as part of the series. The Prophecy says that every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn. With each Muse, there is a guardian who will only come into his power or gift after meeting his destined muse. Tera Muldoon is being threatened by an immortal. She hires Gavin Thompson as a bodyguard. Gavin knows how to do his job but didn’t expect Zeus in the mix nor did he expect to fall for the gorgeous dance teacher.
Loved how these two meshed and his comments on dancing with her. Revisits with prior characters bring the stories together in anticipation of the next and final book. Dramatic and engrossing. On to the next in the series.
I loved this series and I most definitely enjoyed this the true ending to the story. Loads of intrigue and of course the muse of Dance finds her guardian. It's all in good fun watching Tera come out of her shell. She shows us just how strong she really is. It's a sweet story as she and Gavin find their place in each others lives. Most importantly everything gets tied up nicely by this author as we say adieu to the muses and their guardians they will be missed.
This author has given us a groups of people who as individuals knew something bigger was in store for them. They loved, lost, explored, grew, created and became a family. You can't help but fall in love with them as they battle for mankind. Awesome series.
I eagerly anticipated reading this book and I have to say I definitely wasn’t disappointed! This is the sixth book in the series - and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all . . . . mind you, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this highly talented author!
In this story, Tera Muldoon is the Muse of Dance and all the Muses and their guardians agree she is the most likely next target in danger from the vengeful immortal who is trying to end their lives and their dreams. For this reason, Gavin Thompson has been hired to protect her but he is initially totally unaware of the Muses and their guardians or the key role he’s about to play, let alone what his superpower is!
Tera is a talented dancer with a very manipulative and controlling mother. Tera is the quiet, shy Muse, finding it difficult to communicate verbally but once she’s dancing she shines and has no problems being in the spotlight. Her traumatic upbringing has impacted on her behaviour and it is only as she and Gavin connect that she begins to open up with others, not just Gavin. However, the dangers from different quarters are still around and this is another brilliant read, a fantastic romantic suspense involving elements of Greek mythology in a contemporary scenario.
I love how this author manages to interweave the twists and turns of the overarching story into the romantic focus of this one and hint at dilemmas to come in future stories in the series - she did the same in the stories in her amazing paranormal shifters Moon series which I have thoroughly enjoyed both reading and listening to. There is now only Trinity left to meet and acknowledge her Guardian - I suspect there will be fireworks galore in that romance as he’s been working with the enemies - I can’t wait to read it!! I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this - and all the other books I’ve read by this author!
I requested and was given an ecopy of this book. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Tensions are reaching a boiling point in the “war” between Kronos, the father of Zeus, and this generation’s reborn daughters of Zeus, known as muses. Now that Kronos has escaped Tartarus, he wants retribution on Zeus for overthrowing and imprisoning him. His way to do so is to retaliate on the human vessels of Zeus’s daughters. Prophecy states that every muse will have a guardian with abilities to protect them in their time of need.
Tera Muldoon is this generation’s Muse of Dance. She is a former ballerina who owns her own dance studio where she teaches various forms of dance from ballet to jazz. Tera is quiet and shy, and thus up until this book, readers have been left in the dark about her. As a child, she was homeschooled. Her stage mother abused her and kept her isolated from everyone and anything that wasn’t dance/ballet related. For the past three years, Tera has had a restraining order against her mother and to her knowledge she didn’t know where she was. But that is about to change.
After a knee injury changed the course of his life, Gavin Thompson has lived to serve and protect. When it’s decided Tera needs a bodyguard, Gavin is hired at the request of Nate Malone a friend and husband/guardian of the Muse of Tragic Poetry. Gavin has no problem laying his life on the line because, “My work is my life. I don’t have any loose ends. Whenever fate decides it’s my time, I won’t have any regrets.” But he also knows that he’s good enough to survive any obstacles thrown his way.
“But are you her Guardian? We’ve been waiting for him to find her.” Yes he is. Almost immediately Gavin is tested and his gift from the Gods is beyond comprehension. Gavin arrives just in time and he is everything Tera needs. “I’m not use to having an anchor in the storm.” “You have one now.” And Gavin will fight with all his strength and determination to keep Tera and the other muses safe.
Dance of the Heart is the sixth book in Lisa Kessler’s Muse Chronicles series. This is a standalone read that brings all the previous muses and couples together. The only potential spoilers are that the powers of the other guardians are mentioned and the super-villain from a previous book is still around. Personally, I would binge read the whole series. It’s simply incredible.
Lisa is truly a wonderful storyteller who has the ability to put the reader into the pages of her books. For me, the Muse Chronicles are stories that once I pick up, I forget about the rest of the world. I love the world and characters she has created. Dance of the Heart has passion and suspense. You’re left wondering how certain things are possible. There isn’t a cliffhanger so to speak, as Gavin and Tera’s story has reached its happy for now status. However, there is one more book in this amazing series that will have the final muse finding her guardian and potentially being the most explosive book in the series.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and reviewed voluntarily.**
This book about Tera and Gavin was breath taking! I pictured what her dances were, what her mother may have done to her, and what it felt like to be empowered and not shy. I felt like I was her while trying to break out of my shell... it was a beautiful transformation to see. Such an amazing book that anyone can enjoy!!!
Dance of the Heart is the sixth fabulous installment in Lisa Kessler’s Muse Chronicles series. It can be read as a stand alone if you insist, but be aware that there is a plotline which has been building with every release. That said, Lisa is great about filling in necessary information from what has transpired previously – so there’s no worry that newbies will ever be lost. But, the series is so wonderful. If you can, read it from the first. You won’t be sorry.
This is the story of Tera Muldoon, Zeus’ Muse of Dance, and security expert Gavin Thompson. As Dance of the Heart begins, we learn that Tera is being targeted by an immortal who wants to brutally torture her to lure Zeus to him. Enter our heroine, Gavin. He’s ex-military, owns his own security company and takes on the task of keeping Tera safe. But, when he was hired, he had no idea that he was pitted against an angry, impervious god and his minions. When Gavin finds out, will he stay or go?
I honestly think this is the best yet in this series! I know. I say that every time, but Lisa keeps raising the bar! Tera and Gavin are likable, genuine and wonderfully written and I connected with each from the first. They are a sweet couple with a delightfully sexy chemistry. Both are damaged goods due to their pasts. Tera is shy and doesn’t know how to trust anyone. Through Lisa’s vivid imagery, I could picture Tera dancing and watching her break out of her shell. Meanwhile, Gavin is all business, doesn’t believe in the future and is baffled on how to deal with the irresistible pull between them.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dance of the Heart:
“Come up when you’re finished down here.” He raised a brow. “I don’t have any alarms to check up there.” That sexy sparkle was back in her eyes. “Then I guess you’ll just have to check me.” --- “I just discovered I’m completely unprepared to seduce you.” “I swear to you, Snoopy has never looked sexier.” --- “Tera, will you dance with me?” She sniffled and laughed all at once. “You don’t dance.” “That was before I met you.”
Thankfully, Lisa doesn’t end her books with cliffhangers and Dance of the Heart’s ending couldn’t have left me on a higher cloud. However, this story does include an interesting introduction to the upcoming final couple, Trinity and Mikolas. Trinity is the last muse who still needs to meet her guardian. I’m excited and sad to read their HEA as their enemies-to-lovers tale will mark the conclusion of this awesome series. But, first, I look forward to seeing Mikolas do some major groveling.
Dance of the Heart is sweet, hot, humorous, suspenseful and teeming with danger. The action scenes kept me gasping on the edge of my seat while the sexy times between Tera and Gavin had me laughing and swooning. The scene where he swept her off her feet will remain in my heart for a long time. I enjoyed catching up with previous favorite characters who all played parts. This series is quintessential paranormal urban fantasy. Pick it up and prepare to be blown away.
Really love this series! It's great to see the story really evolving! I'd start with the first book in the series before starting this one, but each book is about a different couple. There's a storyline throughout the whole series, and past main characters have roles in this book. In this book, the muses are still in danger; especially with an angry, unruly god on the loose. Tera is one of the muses, the muse of dance, that lives on her own, so a bodyguard is hired to help protect her. Gavin is that bodyguard, but he's more than just a bodyguard to Tera. There's a pull between the pair, but in order for Gavin to perform best as her bodyguard, he needs to keep it professional. Gavin also isn't completely in the know, so that causes some tension. Tera's a bit quiet because she's had some trauma in her life, so she's a bit morose, but the connection with Gavin helps her open up. They are sweet couple, and the chemistry between the two is adorable. I love the muse scenario, love that the muses each have a guardian, and love how the story is unfolding! I love the dancing aspect! I've always loved dancing; especially ballet, so that was wonderful. The bits of action are great too! I really like all the characters, but I wish Tera would've used her brain a little bit more and stand up to her mother more. All in all, this book is entertaining and interesting. Excited for the next one!!
I enjoyed reading this story about the muse of dance meeting her Guardian. He was hired to protect her but as they become emotionally involved the Guardian must keep his head on straight which becomes very hard. With his new power of super speed he will have to use it even if time stands still. Of course the other muses and Guardians will have a showdown with Kronos. There is only one muse left who needs to meet her Guardian and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Another great book from this author! Love the Muse series. This one is about the Muse of Dance, Tera, and her Guardian bodyguard Gavin. The chemistry between these two is hot and oh so sweet. The threat of Kronos is high and they all have a big battle ahead. The time is coming closer. I can’t wait for the next book. The ending was a bit of a twister and now I am anxious to read what happens next! Exciting stuff.
Another great addition to the Muse Chronicles series! It's always magic when a muse meets her guardian, and Tera and Gavin's story has been my favorite. The tempo of the story and relationship is fast paced, but the writing and plot makes it to where you don't say "but in real life...". The reader easily allows themselves to suspend belief, and dive right in. Fans of the series get treated to humor, romance, action, and a little bit of justice. And now that we have a little sneak peek into what is yet to come, I think the finale will be exciting.
Tera is the Muse of Dance and one of only two Muses left that have not found her Guardian. Nate recommends she higher a bodyguard and what she doesn’t expect is that that bodyguard ends up being her Guardian. Gavin likes to keep things strictly professional when he is on the job, but from the first moment he meets the shy dancer that hides a strong survivor’s heart, he knows he is in trouble. Add to the attraction between the two of them, his new found super speed ability, and his birthmark burning any time she is in trouble, and it makes for an entertaining and passionate story where Kronos is confronted and the battle to protect all of the Muses comes to a head. But wait, there is still one more Muse and Guardian out there and I can’t wait to read the conclusion to this epic series.
All the pieces are falling into place. The gods are in play, the masks are taken off, the bad guys and the good guys are redefined, and its action packed the whole time!
Although I loved the romance of the early books, I’m loving how it’s developing even more. The changes in dynamics based on the information that’s available is amazing.
I even got a surprise at the end!
The start of each book we figure out who the next Guardian and Muse couple are. Yet this time we find out at the end of this book. And the way we find out is so cool! With 2 gods, 7 Muses, 7 Guardians and some kids present it was not the discovery I expected.
And his gift! OMG!
I can’t wait to get to the final book to understand how and why he has that gift!
I feel like that final couple of chapters overrode everything else about the book that was great. It was all just so unexpected that it’s all my mind is latching onto and wanting to focus on. Especially because it’s driving me nuts trying to figure out what’s left to cover in the final book.
You know when a series feels like it’s reached its end, but you know there’s still another book, episode or movie to go? That’s how this feels!
Tera is the muse of dance, owns her own dance studio, and is one of the two muses left who haven’t found their Guardian. Having someone trying to kill her isn’t good for her anxiety.Gavin was Special Forces, a cop, and now owns a security company. He is hired to protect Tera but as soon as he meets her, his birthmark starts burning. When Tera is in danger, it burns and he is super fast. Krono’s, the father of Zeus, wants Tera and will take anyone out who gets in his way.
Edge of your seat action and sexy times between a muse and her Guardian. Really enjoyed this story but to keep from being confused, it’s best to read the ones before this one.
Tera and Gavin are great together! She is a very nervous person prone to panic attacks because of an overbearing mother. He is a strong Alpha male who brings out the best in her and makes her feel safe and confident. Tera is so much better at expressing herself with dance than with words. The action reaches one conclusion here but they find out it might not be the end. The narrator did an awesome job in this story as she has in the others and it makes the story go by so quickly, leaves me wanting to know more. I am looking forward to the final book in the series.
Another terrific addition to this awesome series! I have thoroughly enjoyed them all and am a little sad that the next book is the final one. Boo! But also yay for great romance!!!
This is the sixth book in the series and I feel they just keep getting better . Tera is a dance instructor who is also has the muse of dance . When she is threatened and on the top of a hit list . She has to do something so she hires a bodyguard . Gavin Thompson who really is good at his job but when he meets Tera all things are thrown out the window and love blossoms. I simply adore this series, the characters are so well written and complex. I love Tera she is so sweet and tough . But she is also plagued with really bad anxiety issues . When you first see her you so just want to wrap her up in a warm blanket and hug her tight . Telling her that everything will be ok . But as you read you see her really grow and become the woman that we all knew she could be . She is tougher then she really thinks she is . Especially when she stands up to her mom. We so understand why she is the way she is when we meet mommy dearest . Gavin is hot and sexy and good at his job. When you see him with Tera we see a man that is totally smitten but is scared that if he doesn't do his job she could loose her life . They naturally fit together and its such a fun time reading them . We get to see Kronus in this episode also . He is really trying to get a Zeus and will do anything to get his attention. He is evil and I loved him . This is such a fun read the author uses the back ground of dance for these characters to fall in love . She does such a good job with all the dance set up . The dance between Tera and Gavin is so sexy it will melt your kindle . There is romance and danger in this book that will keep you reading. I truly enjoyed this book and this series . I can't wait for the next book to come out . So if you want a great book for your summer reading list .Check out this series . You will want to dance .
**Disclaimer: As there is an overall plot throughout this series, I highly recommend reading the books in order for continuity.**
Tera, the Muse of Dance, is also the owner of a dance studio. Fitting, right? Her love for dance is as much a part of her as the muse she embodies. And though she's overcome so much due to her past, it left it's mark as well. Tera suffers from social anxiety, a byproduct of the life she was forced to live thanks to someone who should've loved and supported her, not what she could do. Of course, being a target for a madman isn't helping either. Knowing she needs help, Tera hires a bodyguard.
Gavin, the owner of a security company, has been tasked with protecting a dancer. Nothing unusual, in the grand scheme of things, it's what they do, after all. However, there's nothing normal about his feelings upon seeing Tera, his client, nor her situation or how being around her impacts him in more ways than one. Soon, Tera is no longer just a job, she's his everything.
Can Gavin protect Tera? What happens when he learns the truth about who and what she and her friends are? Will he believe her? What about when he realizes how he himself has changed physically and skill wise since meeting her? When Tera's greatest anxiety trigger reappears, can Gavin help her conquer it? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people are brought together by dangerous circumstances, and quickly realize the true danger may be in never getting the chance to explore the chemistry between them.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
One of the reasons I am drawn to Ms. Kessler’s books is just how well she draws the reader into the romance of a story, and this book is no exception. Tera is a shy, withdrawn person except when it comes to dancing, and I love how well we feel her hesitation. We also get to see one of the reasons she’s this way with the introduction of her mother. The author did so well in this characterization that I just wanted to slap her mother silly! Along comes her Guardian, and she begins to come out of her shell, and wonderful love shines through. Added to that, there is great action and an interesting plot. I am sad this series is coming to a close soon, but I am eager to see what happens next. If you love great romance with a side of mystery, give this series and author a try! Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
Another outstanding story from this author! The love story is fabulous and all the Muses are so likeable as are the Guardians. The series is wonderful and when the last book is published I will be re-reading the complete series again. The books are that good.
This book was AWESOMW!!!! Love this Muse Chronicles Series...this book was the best read this year!!! I loved the book!!... it was so good...I wont give anything away...BUT you need to read this one...<3 <3 <3
I jumped right into the middle of the series and I loved it. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Tera and Gavin. This was a quick read and I'm going to go back and read the series from the beginning.
I love the concept of the Greek Mythology Muses and their guardians it brings to mind those epic tales. Gavin and Tera each have their vulnerabilities and brokeness,but their connection leaps off the page and makes them strong. The action, romance and adventure blended perfectly. The was plenty of tension to keep you turning the page. I love Ms. Kessler's series they always deliver a heart pounding story.
Wow! ! ! I didn't see that coming! Tera has always been the shy introvert who hardly ever talked to anyone except Polly. She opened up a little bit to Clio and Callie after Polly's death. But now that Gavin is on the scene she is showing her funny side. Gavin is assigned as her bodyguard and discovers that he is her guardian and has superspeed as his power. Gavin has a past experience that keeps him from letting himself love at first. But with Tera's hidden strength and humor he sees the light. All of this while still battling against Kevin/Kronos. Trinity's story is next and I expect it to be just as exciting and enlightening as this one. I recommend this series for anyone who loves a good romance while battling evil, or anyone who is into Greek Mythology!
Ohhh this series is so good. Every time I read one I think it's my favorite. But then I read the next book and think it's my favorite. A dancing muse and a dancing guardian, it doesn't get any better for me. I'm excited to read book 7.
Dance of the Heart (Muse Chronicles #6) by Lisa Kessler is part of an awesome series. I would suggest that the boos be read in order but perhaps if the reader understand the prophecy they could read this one as a stand-alone. Still I think the enjoyment of Tera’s story would be enhanced if the others especially the first book was already read.
Tera Muldoon is this generation Muse of Dance who desperately need a bodyguard. Enter Gavin Thompson. However, it is never simple for the Tera and her friends, nor is it ever a simple relationship with the Guardian. A superpower is involved along with quite a bit of denial and anxiety. The Muses are always an amazing read along with one of suspense and peril as the Muses’ lives are always in danger.
It is a delight to see Tera and Gavin together. One of my favorites of the series. Their story is complete with the overall theme gaining momentum and the oncoming showdown drawing closer and closer.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this 6th book of the series, we meet Gavin Thompson. He is a friend of Nate. How does Nate know him? Who else ends up recognizing him in this story was a trip! I had some suspicions, and they were confirmed much later in the story. What does Gavin do for a livign? Why is he at the dance studio that Tera owns? Things get MIGHTY interesting in this book. We do not hear much of a peep of anything from Zack in this book and that is disheartening! While only one more Muse has yet to find her guardian, things take a drastic turn when Kevin reveals himself. Who is Mark? What does he try to do to Gavin? What does he want with Tera? What does Kevin want with either Tera or Trinity? What plan or plans are different people trying to put into place? Oh my god!! God of Time, beach wedding, new guardians, and more are seen in this book! Such a good story. I look forward to reading Trinity's story next!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Mythology has been something I’ve loved since I found out where my name came from when I was 7. Romance books are something I discovered later and came to love almost as much, but books with mythology and romance make me ecstatic. This series has kept me hooked from the start, and the latest installment involving an incarnation of the muse of dance and her Guardian had me devouring the book. I loved how caring and giving Tera is with those she teaches dance to and Gavin. Gavin and Tera were determined and understanding with each other and the situation around them. They both faced disappointments but were able to start an amazing life despite the challenges they had to overcome. I really enjoyed the basketball and dance scenes. :)The situation with Kronos that has been evolving beyond all of the characters’ knowledge is starting to be revealed and I think that Lisa Kessler has come up with a wonderful spin on mythology involving awesome characters. I cannot wait to read the next one.