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Dancing Between the Beats
Twenty-four-year old Paige Russell, still grieving the death of her single mother, defines herself as an orphan. Her obsession to find the father she never knew takes her to Tucson, AZ, where she settles in as the newest ballroom instructor at Desert DanceSport. But Paige’s newfound sense of belonging could be short-lived. Swirling under the glamorous surface of Desert DanceSport are rivalries and conflicts that threaten future of the studio, and Paige is hiding a life-changing secret of her own.
Studio owner Katherine Carrington is grappling with complicated cash-flow issues of her own making. As her stress level rises, her demeanor ricochets between controlling and neurotic. Katherine’s identity is defined by her ownership of the studio, and losing it would mean losing herself.
Aging playboy Marcos Stephanos, dance master and studio manager, is too distracted by the disarming new-hire Paige to focus on the warning signs of Katherine’s erratic behavior. Will his nonchalance cost him his career?
Top dance instructor Tony Moreno finds flirting with Paige so tantalizing he misses practice sessions with his ambitious, professional partner, Sylvie Goldstein. Instead of burning up the floor with Tony, Sylvie is smoking with resentment against her unwitting rival, Paige.
Will misunderstood intentions and ego-driven altercations force the exposure of secrets and betrayals at the studio so many call home? Who will adapt and who will retreat when expectations clash with reality, and the status quo suddenly shifts?
Laced with humor, Dancing Between the Beats offers an insider’s view of the world of ballroom dance, along with a smattering of off-beat insights about relationships.
Studio owner Katherine Carrington is grappling with complicated cash-flow issues of her own making. As her stress level rises, her demeanor ricochets between controlling and neurotic. Katherine’s identity is defined by her ownership of the studio, and losing it would mean losing herself.
Aging playboy Marcos Stephanos, dance master and studio manager, is too distracted by the disarming new-hire Paige to focus on the warning signs of Katherine’s erratic behavior. Will his nonchalance cost him his career?
Top dance instructor Tony Moreno finds flirting with Paige so tantalizing he misses practice sessions with his ambitious, professional partner, Sylvie Goldstein. Instead of burning up the floor with Tony, Sylvie is smoking with resentment against her unwitting rival, Paige.
Will misunderstood intentions and ego-driven altercations force the exposure of secrets and betrayals at the studio so many call home? Who will adapt and who will retreat when expectations clash with reality, and the status quo suddenly shifts?
Laced with humor, Dancing Between the Beats offers an insider’s view of the world of ballroom dance, along with a smattering of off-beat insights about relationships.
334 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2019
About the author
Lynn Nicholas
2 books174 followersI get lost in sunsets, find peace in gardens, need friends but balanced by solitude, believe in the power of words and hugs, and refuse to use pesticides (even with scorpions around) because I enjoy my backyard lizards and all the birds who feed on the crickets and bug critters.
Besides my writing, I do some ballroom dancing and hope to learn to paint with watercolors.
I'm a prior technical editor. My focus shifted to creative writing in 2007 when I tried my hand at NaNoWriMo. Some of my flash fiction, short fiction, and poetry can be found in a few print publications and online. My work is usually inspired by everyday life as it unfolds around me or some curious bit of science I become fascinated by.
For more, visit my web page at www.lynnnicholaswrites.com
Thanks for stopping by.
Besides my writing, I do some ballroom dancing and hope to learn to paint with watercolors.
I'm a prior technical editor. My focus shifted to creative writing in 2007 when I tried my hand at NaNoWriMo. Some of my flash fiction, short fiction, and poetry can be found in a few print publications and online. My work is usually inspired by everyday life as it unfolds around me or some curious bit of science I become fascinated by.
For more, visit my web page at www.lynnnicholaswrites.com
Thanks for stopping by.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2020
I really enjoyed Dancing Between the Beats--I liked how the various characters told their own stories and that this book gave a glimpse into competitive and amateur ballroom dancing as well as the instructors' and students' personal lives. My favorite character, believe it or not, might be considered the antagonist, but Katherine, the studio owner, kept me turning pages to the end. I wanted to find out if she would be able to get out of the mess she was in as we slowly watched her self-destruct. I also enjoyed the storyline between Marcus and Paige. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew these characters pretty well and could see them in a sequel. It was clear to me that this author knew her away around the ballroom dancing world in some capacity or she had done a lot of research! Since I know nothing about it, I found this storyworld very interesting also!
June 9, 2023
Dancing Between the Beats is set in Tucson, AZ, and the story line unfolds from the different perspectives of the owners, instructors, and students at a local ballroom studio. The spine is belonging and the theme is the conflict between expectations and reality. I am the author of this book, so I can't be expected to be unbiased or write my own review, correct? But I hated to leave this field blank so I'm copying a couple of reviews/comments from other sources.
From Angela Macintosh - Founder and CEO of Women on Writing (WOW!) The following comments were sent to me in an email, not posted on a site as a review:
It's such a gorgeously written book with vivid characters and wonderful tension. I just started it and I'm absolutely loving it. It's a fun read, and a perfect escape right now. :)
From Annita Clarke-Weaver - author of Saudades. Review posted on B&N.com.
DANCING WITH THE PROS AND THE TWO-LEFT-FEETS. What I liked most about this book was the way the diverse characters navigated the relationship conflicts inherent to ballroom: economic, social, sexual, and gender. (After all, in dancing, there must be a leader and a follower.) Fans of Dancing with the Stars will love this back-stage look, as will those of us who have gotten our feet wet, so to speak. Those with two left feet? There’s a lot more than dancing in this contemporary look at gender in the workplace.
From Susan Vanatta - ex-competitive, award-winning ballroom dancer in Tucson.
Loved it. This is such a fun read. If you have ever taken dance lessons or been curious about the world that create the dancers you've seen on TV, you will enjoy this book. The characters are a composite of many instructors, studio owners, coaches and students I've met along with its dance drama and politics. The more I read, the more I wanted to learn about this studio and these people and cared about them. When it ended, I was ready for the sequel. It felt as if there was still so much more to come. Warning: it's hard to put down once you meet everyone.
So thanks to all who have made the time to read my debut novel and a HUGE thank you to those who have taken the time to write reviews. Much appreciated.
From Angela Macintosh - Founder and CEO of Women on Writing (WOW!) The following comments were sent to me in an email, not posted on a site as a review:
It's such a gorgeously written book with vivid characters and wonderful tension. I just started it and I'm absolutely loving it. It's a fun read, and a perfect escape right now. :)
From Annita Clarke-Weaver - author of Saudades. Review posted on B&N.com.
DANCING WITH THE PROS AND THE TWO-LEFT-FEETS. What I liked most about this book was the way the diverse characters navigated the relationship conflicts inherent to ballroom: economic, social, sexual, and gender. (After all, in dancing, there must be a leader and a follower.) Fans of Dancing with the Stars will love this back-stage look, as will those of us who have gotten our feet wet, so to speak. Those with two left feet? There’s a lot more than dancing in this contemporary look at gender in the workplace.
From Susan Vanatta - ex-competitive, award-winning ballroom dancer in Tucson.
Loved it. This is such a fun read. If you have ever taken dance lessons or been curious about the world that create the dancers you've seen on TV, you will enjoy this book. The characters are a composite of many instructors, studio owners, coaches and students I've met along with its dance drama and politics. The more I read, the more I wanted to learn about this studio and these people and cared about them. When it ended, I was ready for the sequel. It felt as if there was still so much more to come. Warning: it's hard to put down once you meet everyone.
So thanks to all who have made the time to read my debut novel and a HUGE thank you to those who have taken the time to write reviews. Much appreciated.
May 10, 2020
Despite being a fan of Dancing With the Stars, this reader still found this novel to be a particularly eye-opening read about ballroom dancing. From the author's note at the beginning, she indicates that she has spent some time in the ballroom and has met enough professional and amateur dancers. Further, the author must have some background in competitive dancing. Her explanations and terminology of the various dance moves certainly indicates this as well.
Told from the perspective of several of the instructors, Katherine Carrington, Marcos Stephnos, and Paige Russell, and student, Barbara Bradshaw, the reader is treated to all the ins and outs, the petty (and not-so-petty) jealousies, and the soap opera antics of the various people connected to this Tucson ballroom studio, the Desert DanceSport.
From the top down, Katherine Carrington is the owner and head diva of the place. Marcos Stephanos is the dance master and studio manager. The top dance instructor is Tony Moreno and his highly ambitious professional partner is Sylvie Goldstein. Paige Russell is the newest dance instructor, who is hoping to find her birth father since the loss of her mother.
Many of the characters have their own agendas or secrets to hide, and when they begin to be revealed or clash with others, there are meltdowns. Attitudes and personalities clash as well.
Athough ballroom dance is the main focus of this debut novel, the story of what is going on with the characters underneath it all is what really drives the novel.
Will Paige find her father? Will the studio survive the petty jealousies and the soap opera antics of the dancers and students?
Overall, a fun read into the lives of those who enjoy ballroom dancing whether by dancing or observing the flourishes and turns of heel-toe leads.
Told from the perspective of several of the instructors, Katherine Carrington, Marcos Stephnos, and Paige Russell, and student, Barbara Bradshaw, the reader is treated to all the ins and outs, the petty (and not-so-petty) jealousies, and the soap opera antics of the various people connected to this Tucson ballroom studio, the Desert DanceSport.
From the top down, Katherine Carrington is the owner and head diva of the place. Marcos Stephanos is the dance master and studio manager. The top dance instructor is Tony Moreno and his highly ambitious professional partner is Sylvie Goldstein. Paige Russell is the newest dance instructor, who is hoping to find her birth father since the loss of her mother.
Many of the characters have their own agendas or secrets to hide, and when they begin to be revealed or clash with others, there are meltdowns. Attitudes and personalities clash as well.
Athough ballroom dance is the main focus of this debut novel, the story of what is going on with the characters underneath it all is what really drives the novel.
Will Paige find her father? Will the studio survive the petty jealousies and the soap opera antics of the dancers and students?
Overall, a fun read into the lives of those who enjoy ballroom dancing whether by dancing or observing the flourishes and turns of heel-toe leads.
July 13, 2020
We enter the dazzling world of a dance studio with Lynn Nicholas' book "Dancing Between the Beats." You hear about the lives of the students and the instructors. Of all the characters, though, I enjoyed reading Paige the most. Her storyline really intrigued me and I kept looking forward to the moments I could see her again. This book was filled with drama coming out at all sides! There were secrets kept and hidden agendas. I also thought the author did a great job describing the dance motions. I never once felt lost. This is a fun book with rich characters that will make you want to join a dance studio and take classes. It sure did that for me!
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March 24, 2020Loved, loved, loved this book! The precise descriptions of the characters and places helped me picture everything in my mind as I read. The story line was so interesting and had some unexpected twists, so I looked forward to each opportunity I had to read a chapter or two. Hope to read more from this author.
December 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I learned a lot about the world of dance, which was very interesting. The writing was good and the plot kept me entertained throughout the book. The characters were well developed too. I would recommend it.
January 25, 2020
This was a pleasant surprise. I began reading Lynn's novel and have to admit I was soon drawn into the story. Her descriptive passages create a mental picture that pops into view in your mind each time characters reenter the space. Ms. Nichols mentions in various writings that the story could happen in any setting, she chose to write it in what she knew the best. Great call. The land of ballroom dancing (besides DWTS) was new to me so, we had an interesting story set in a fascinating background. Wonderful characters round out a mystery we all experience from discovery to solution. Well done.
July 12, 2020
Dancing offers us a look into Desert DanceSports, a fictional dance studio that has become a de facto community center for its most loyal customers. This Big Cast book takes us through a game of perspectives. Author, Lynn Nicholas, has created deep characters and proved herself unafraid to show every conscious and subconscious bias of each of them. The entire book allows the reader to dive into the real-life drama of dance instruction and running a business while balancing the surrounding egos. Dancing offers a slow burn contemporary drama with real-life circumstances that show things are rarely as bad as we believe and fear is our greatest barrier to growth. Some characters learn, some cannot, and their choices affect the very fate of their beloved Desert DanceSports.
I rated this 4/5
The reason for 4 stars: The descriptive language was beautiful and often insightful, though at times it became too top heavy with metaphor, simile, and analogy for me. A few conversations felt like the characters had fallen into an exchange of proverb-like statements. There were a few occasions the unconscious bias of a few characters made me squirm, though these moments were true to character. These are my personal opinions, and therefore not a comment on the well edited, deep character development and well executed writing Lynn has provided.
*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I rated this 4/5
The reason for 4 stars: The descriptive language was beautiful and often insightful, though at times it became too top heavy with metaphor, simile, and analogy for me. A few conversations felt like the characters had fallen into an exchange of proverb-like statements. There were a few occasions the unconscious bias of a few characters made me squirm, though these moments were true to character. These are my personal opinions, and therefore not a comment on the well edited, deep character development and well executed writing Lynn has provided.
*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 17, 2023
Dancing Between the Beats by Lynn Nichols - OK
Can't remember what prompted me to add this to my wishlist...maybe it was because the author is another bookcrosser and dancer. Anyway, when I spotted it at the Falkirk International Bookcrossing Convention on the book buffet table, I snapped it up.
Not my usual genre but still entertaining. It is based around the characters at a Ballroom Dancing studio and we alternate viewpoints between various teachers and pupils. We have the studio owners: Katherine and Marcos, both keeping secrets from the other. There's Paige, newly arrived in town and learning the ropes. There's bitching and backstabbing and flirting and romance and, of course, ballroom dancing and all the rivalry that goes with it. Having spent most of my life in ballet/tap/contemporary dance classes and various dance shows it was interesting to compare and contrast those very dynamics - so similar and yet so different. Having only competed once and then in a very different style as part of a troupe I just haven't come across that sort of rivalry.
On a different note, I have to admit, that if this really mirrors life in the US (outside of the studio I mean), I'm glad I'm a Brit. Reading some of the lifestyle aspects for these characters I don't think I could deal with how life is lived there.
#review
Can't remember what prompted me to add this to my wishlist...maybe it was because the author is another bookcrosser and dancer. Anyway, when I spotted it at the Falkirk International Bookcrossing Convention on the book buffet table, I snapped it up.
Not my usual genre but still entertaining. It is based around the characters at a Ballroom Dancing studio and we alternate viewpoints between various teachers and pupils. We have the studio owners: Katherine and Marcos, both keeping secrets from the other. There's Paige, newly arrived in town and learning the ropes. There's bitching and backstabbing and flirting and romance and, of course, ballroom dancing and all the rivalry that goes with it. Having spent most of my life in ballet/tap/contemporary dance classes and various dance shows it was interesting to compare and contrast those very dynamics - so similar and yet so different. Having only competed once and then in a very different style as part of a troupe I just haven't come across that sort of rivalry.
On a different note, I have to admit, that if this really mirrors life in the US (outside of the studio I mean), I'm glad I'm a Brit. Reading some of the lifestyle aspects for these characters I don't think I could deal with how life is lived there.
#review
March 6, 2020
Full Disclosure: This isn't a genre I typically read. As a result, I truly struggled to get into the book. I'm a big mystery/thriller fan and honestly kept hoping someone would jump out of a dark alley or discover the studio owner dead in the office one morning - preferably murdered with a stilleto (or ice pick). I had completely different expectations for what this book would/would not be and so I was well into the 13th chapter before I realized how invested I'd become in the characters! Yes, this isn't my usual fare, but Lynn captured my attention and held it in this, her debut novel about the life and relationships in a dance studio. Did I like the characters? Not particularly, because I could identify every one of them with people I'd worked with in the corporate world and I strongly disliked many of those people. So I've said a lot about what I didn't "like" about the book, however, those very things are what held my attention and had me reading to the very last page. While not my genre, this certainly was a read that held my interest and is a book I'll be sharing with friends - Especially those who read the women's fiction genre!
July 5, 2020
24-year old Paige Russell moves to Tucson, AZ to be a ballroom dance instructor at Desert DanceSport. There, she finds herself plunked into the middle of rivalries and the general real-life soap opera that is the ballroom dance world. What takes her to Tucson is the essential conflict of the book. It takes a little long to reveal that conflict -- until about halfway through the book it is nothing but character exposition and reads more like a television mini-series. The characters are three-dimensional, however, and once you do learn what the real conflicts are the drama is compelling. Lynn Nicholas' great talent is in character development, not plotting, so if you like to really get to know people and their motivations you will love this book. If you like action and a moving plot, this isn't for you.
July 10, 2020
Dancing Between the Beats by Lynn Nicholas
I judge a book by how quickly it pulls me into the story and how fast the characters are developed. In Dancing Between the Beats, I was delighted to find both the pull and the development. Dancers will admire the depths Nicholas went to portray the mechanics of Ballroom Dancing as accurately as possible. Anyone who loves a good mystery/drama/love story will enjoy how all of this seems to be entwined in the story line.
As I read on in the story, I found myself caring for the characters. Would Paige find her father? Would Marcos survive Katherine’s sabotage? Would Katherine ruin the lives of everyone, including herself? No spoilers here…you will have to read the story to find out. Suffice it to say, the ending was also quite satisfactory.
I judge a book by how quickly it pulls me into the story and how fast the characters are developed. In Dancing Between the Beats, I was delighted to find both the pull and the development. Dancers will admire the depths Nicholas went to portray the mechanics of Ballroom Dancing as accurately as possible. Anyone who loves a good mystery/drama/love story will enjoy how all of this seems to be entwined in the story line.
As I read on in the story, I found myself caring for the characters. Would Paige find her father? Would Marcos survive Katherine’s sabotage? Would Katherine ruin the lives of everyone, including herself? No spoilers here…you will have to read the story to find out. Suffice it to say, the ending was also quite satisfactory.
July 15, 2020
Interesting and honest. The author was able to give the readers a good look inside the world of ballroom dancing. An easy to read book but still full of emotions. It really showed that a dancer's life is not just glitz and glamour. In fact, it is more about passion and determination.
I really like that the background of each character was highlighted. This not only drawn me to the story but also made each personality more relatable.
I really like that the background of each character was highlighted. This not only drawn me to the story but also made each personality more relatable.
February 6, 2020
This novel started out a tiny bit slow for me, but quickly build up steam. All the intertwining stories came together in a great ending. This book would make a great movie with all the dancing, flirting, egos and drama.
April 15, 2020
Nice read. Well written
November 5, 2020
I know very little about the world of ballroom dancing and studio teaching. The story was character driven. I liked the feel good ending.
January 24, 2026
Great book!
This a fascinating read with complex and interesting characters. I was hooked by the third chapter and had a hard time putting it down. The book takes place in a dance studio in Tucson, Arizona which was a bonus to me as a native of Tucson. The author brilliantly weaves mystery, romance, and drama to tell this story. I highly recommend this book.
This a fascinating read with complex and interesting characters. I was hooked by the third chapter and had a hard time putting it down. The book takes place in a dance studio in Tucson, Arizona which was a bonus to me as a native of Tucson. The author brilliantly weaves mystery, romance, and drama to tell this story. I highly recommend this book.
January 14, 2020
loved it. Wanted more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews