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One Last Dance
A ballet star returning home. The teacher who captured her heart. A second chance at once forbidden love.
Twenty-eight-year-old Zoe is heartbroken. After an injury brings her career as a principal dancer at a prestigious London ballet company to a screeching halt, she returns home to the States, where she runs into her former ballet teacher—and once forbidden love—Natasha.
The ice to Zoe’s fire, Natasha captured Zoe’s heart a decade earlier. Undeniable sparks danced between them, yet they could never give in to temptation. When Natasha rejected Zoe the night before she moved to London, both women were left shattered. Now, they find the same heat smoldering between them, but the specter of how they last parted still casts a dark shadow on them.
Secrets from the past, desires of the present, and the uncertainty of the future stand in the way of Zoe and Natasha seizing their chance at true love. Or perhaps they’ll realize fate brought them back together to dance the ultimate pas de deux.
Twenty-eight-year-old Zoe is heartbroken. After an injury brings her career as a principal dancer at a prestigious London ballet company to a screeching halt, she returns home to the States, where she runs into her former ballet teacher—and once forbidden love—Natasha.
The ice to Zoe’s fire, Natasha captured Zoe’s heart a decade earlier. Undeniable sparks danced between them, yet they could never give in to temptation. When Natasha rejected Zoe the night before she moved to London, both women were left shattered. Now, they find the same heat smoldering between them, but the specter of how they last parted still casts a dark shadow on them.
Secrets from the past, desires of the present, and the uncertainty of the future stand in the way of Zoe and Natasha seizing their chance at true love. Or perhaps they’ll realize fate brought them back together to dance the ultimate pas de deux.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2019
229 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Anna Stone
21 books1,596 followersAnna Stone is the award-winning author of lesbian romance bestsellers Being Hers, Tangled Vows, and more. Her sizzling sapphic romances feature strong, passionate women who love women. In every one of her books, you’ll find off-the-charts spice and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 30, 2020
3.5 stars
January 10, 2020
Zoe is left devastated after an injury removes her as the principal dancer in her Royal London Group, with no reason to stay in London she goes back home to the States. The last thing Zoe expected was to meet her former instructor and the biggest unrequited love of her life Natasha in the produce section of a grocery store.
I’ve previously read three books by Anna Stone and loved them all, they’re excellent. So with that in mind I didn’t hesitate to listen to One Last Dance when I saw it on Scribd. I would be lying however if I said I hadn’t expect a BDSM element since it had been there in all of the other works I’ve read by Anna Stone but that didn’t disappoint me too much, the story was more than steamy enough for me and we get a hint or two of Stone’s usual inclinations.
I’m not the biggest fan of flashbacks but I thought it was well used by Stone and helps explain our MC’s situation better. Every now and then we’re brought back ten years to a 18 year old Zoe were she meets Natasha for the first time and we get to see the origins of their longings for each other.
The story is quite basic for a romance novel but you know what they say, if it ain’t broke don't fix it. Zoe and Natasha couldn’t be together ten years prior because Zoe was just a teenager and Natasha was her instructor but what happens when they meet again years later and all those societal restrictions are gone.
I liked the MC’s very much, they’re different yet complement each other and I always like a good age gap in my romance novels, their chemistry was excellent for me as well. I would have liked more secondary characters though, I have a hard time remembering any of substance to be honest.
I’m not very good a giving ratings but I’m going to throw 4 stars on this one, it was really good.
I’ve previously read three books by Anna Stone and loved them all, they’re excellent. So with that in mind I didn’t hesitate to listen to One Last Dance when I saw it on Scribd. I would be lying however if I said I hadn’t expect a BDSM element since it had been there in all of the other works I’ve read by Anna Stone but that didn’t disappoint me too much, the story was more than steamy enough for me and we get a hint or two of Stone’s usual inclinations.
I’m not the biggest fan of flashbacks but I thought it was well used by Stone and helps explain our MC’s situation better. Every now and then we’re brought back ten years to a 18 year old Zoe were she meets Natasha for the first time and we get to see the origins of their longings for each other.
The story is quite basic for a romance novel but you know what they say, if it ain’t broke don't fix it. Zoe and Natasha couldn’t be together ten years prior because Zoe was just a teenager and Natasha was her instructor but what happens when they meet again years later and all those societal restrictions are gone.
I liked the MC’s very much, they’re different yet complement each other and I always like a good age gap in my romance novels, their chemistry was excellent for me as well. I would have liked more secondary characters though, I have a hard time remembering any of substance to be honest.
I’m not very good a giving ratings but I’m going to throw 4 stars on this one, it was really good.
August 14, 2020
I recommend it if you are in a reading slump, because it's a quick and fun read (you can find the audiobook on Scribd), but that's all to it.
October 16, 2020
Audiobook review
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this listen - it's not too long and the story was interesting enough to keep things moving at a nice pace. The narration was also okay. At first I was a little confused as the book contains flashback chapters - which in audiobook was surprising at first - so it's something to watch out for if you give this a go in audiobook.
Zoe and Natasha meet at a ballet academy. Natasha is Zoe's teacher, helping Zoe as she attempts to get a place in a ballet company, making this an age gap romance. The flashback chapters deal with them discovering their feelings for each other in a forbidden setting. The current chapters take place ten years later, when Zoe comes back into Natasha's life after injuring herself.
I enjoyed the diversity of the main characters - especially in the ballet world. There aren't really many other characters - only small bit parts as it focusses significantly on the relationship between the MCs. There are some scenes with parents and exes, but they're there for development and understanding of one or the other MCs. There is some incidences of homophobia and how it impacted on both of their lives.
The drama was a little bit frustrating when the inevitable break up happened - it felt a little bit too contrived, but the ending is enjoyable for the couple.
I'd recommend if you're looking for an easy romance read.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this listen - it's not too long and the story was interesting enough to keep things moving at a nice pace. The narration was also okay. At first I was a little confused as the book contains flashback chapters - which in audiobook was surprising at first - so it's something to watch out for if you give this a go in audiobook.
Zoe and Natasha meet at a ballet academy. Natasha is Zoe's teacher, helping Zoe as she attempts to get a place in a ballet company, making this an age gap romance. The flashback chapters deal with them discovering their feelings for each other in a forbidden setting. The current chapters take place ten years later, when Zoe comes back into Natasha's life after injuring herself.
I enjoyed the diversity of the main characters - especially in the ballet world. There aren't really many other characters - only small bit parts as it focusses significantly on the relationship between the MCs. There are some scenes with parents and exes, but they're there for development and understanding of one or the other MCs. There is some incidences of homophobia and how it impacted on both of their lives.
The drama was a little bit frustrating when the inevitable break up happened - it felt a little bit too contrived, but the ending is enjoyable for the couple.
I'd recommend if you're looking for an easy romance read.
August 16, 2020
When famous ballet dancer Zoe injures her ankle, her time off is riddled with doubts of her return to ballet. At 28, she is overcome with the reality that her time center stage may be over. To recuperate, she moves back to her home town, where she meets back up with her former ballet tutor, Natasha. At the age of 18 and 28, the two fell deeply for each other. Now that their love is no longer forbidden, the two are able to rekindle their old feelings and start something new.
This was a pretty nice, short little sapphic romance. I liked how the chapters jumped between present day and the past, so we slowly got to see what happened in the past, whilst also watching Zoe and Natasha rekindle that romance. I usually love age gap romances, but I’m not a student teacher fan, so majority of the backstory was a bit cringe inducing for me. The present day storyline was sweet, though it felt a bit lackluster and average. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, I definitely recommend this!
This was a pretty nice, short little sapphic romance. I liked how the chapters jumped between present day and the past, so we slowly got to see what happened in the past, whilst also watching Zoe and Natasha rekindle that romance. I usually love age gap romances, but I’m not a student teacher fan, so majority of the backstory was a bit cringe inducing for me. The present day storyline was sweet, though it felt a bit lackluster and average. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, I definitely recommend this!
May 18, 2020
2.5 stars. I was really excited to read this but I was extremely disappointed. I felt Natasha and Zoe has zero chemistry. They weren’t interesting together at all. Reading this bored me.
June 27, 2019
Again, Anna Stone brings an amazing story!
I love it the time jump through the chapters, specially because it's so well written that you don't get lost so you can enjoy like two love stories at once.
I once was a ballet dancer(for 9 years) and I really enjoyed how Anna talked about it, also, I could really see Zoe dancing, that's how deep you can get here.
The age-gap plus teacher-student relationship is awesome, specially because of how they deal with their feelings. Zoe leave so she can follow her dreams and Natasha supports her (also pushing her a little), and when she's back, they can finally live their love story, which is better 'cause Zoe was only 18 when she met Natasha.
The sex part is really hot, Miss Stone really know how to write it, really hot, sexy and sweet at the same time.
I supper recommend this book, a light and hot read.
**I received an ARC from Anna Stone in exchange for a honest review.
I love it the time jump through the chapters, specially because it's so well written that you don't get lost so you can enjoy like two love stories at once.
I once was a ballet dancer(for 9 years) and I really enjoyed how Anna talked about it, also, I could really see Zoe dancing, that's how deep you can get here.
The age-gap plus teacher-student relationship is awesome, specially because of how they deal with their feelings. Zoe leave so she can follow her dreams and Natasha supports her (also pushing her a little), and when she's back, they can finally live their love story, which is better 'cause Zoe was only 18 when she met Natasha.
The sex part is really hot, Miss Stone really know how to write it, really hot, sexy and sweet at the same time.
I supper recommend this book, a light and hot read.
**I received an ARC from Anna Stone in exchange for a honest review.
December 16, 2019
How strange. I thought that I hadn't finished this story for months, then I went back to check and it looks like I finished it, haha. So, here's my quick review!
I've said this before and I'll say it again: the ballet world is fascinating. Throw in a May/December relationship, some taboo, and detailed sex scenes and you've got yourselves a solid story. I'm more used to Stone's um, kinkier stories, so this was a change of pace with the flogging and whips. (sad face, lol)
All and all, really well done. It added in the well-needed topic of race without being heavy-handed or inelegant. Anna Stone knows what she's doing and she's become a favorite, no doubt.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: the ballet world is fascinating. Throw in a May/December relationship, some taboo, and detailed sex scenes and you've got yourselves a solid story. I'm more used to Stone's um, kinkier stories, so this was a change of pace with the flogging and whips. (sad face, lol)
All and all, really well done. It added in the well-needed topic of race without being heavy-handed or inelegant. Anna Stone knows what she's doing and she's become a favorite, no doubt.
May 7, 2024
Age gap, reconnected love
Natasha is a by the rules, passionate woman, keeping a secret. Zoe is heart on her sleeves, younger woman with a zest for life. Originally teacher\student role that may change 10 years later when Zoe returns to the US after an injury and runs into Natasha. Their chemistry is strong, and they finally in a place where they can accept it. This is not a typical Anna Stone romance, however it is still full of love, chemistry. You will not want to put it down.
Natasha is a by the rules, passionate woman, keeping a secret. Zoe is heart on her sleeves, younger woman with a zest for life. Originally teacher\student role that may change 10 years later when Zoe returns to the US after an injury and runs into Natasha. Their chemistry is strong, and they finally in a place where they can accept it. This is not a typical Anna Stone romance, however it is still full of love, chemistry. You will not want to put it down.
September 11, 2020
this was...okay? it started off really well and i was enjoying it at the beginning but then... it stretched out a little and i didn't enjoy the "past" part where the two characters were student and teacher. i also didn't like the fact that we don't really see much of natasha's relationship with her parents. i feel like it could have been developed more.
i don't know if this rating is final or temporary. i still enjoyed some parts of this story. i'll figure it out.
i don't know if this rating is final or temporary. i still enjoyed some parts of this story. i'll figure it out.
December 18, 2020
4.5 Stars for One Last Dance (audiobook) by Anna Stone read by Nicole Blessing. I really enjoyed this romance. I love any story set in the world of ballet. The narration was great too.
November 30, 2023
Content warnings: racism, lesbophobia and homophobia thinly veiled fatphobia, sexual content, ankle injury.
Rep: Zoe is a cis, Black lesbian. Natasha is a cis, white lesbian.
This was short and sweet. I enjoyed Zoe and Natasha's chemistry.
The going between the past and the present could've been better indicated, though.
Rep: Zoe is a cis, Black lesbian. Natasha is a cis, white lesbian.
This was short and sweet. I enjoyed Zoe and Natasha's chemistry.
The going between the past and the present could've been better indicated, though.
February 26, 2020
2.5 stars | i stayed for the sex scenes, tbqh.
August 7, 2019
4 stars. Besides the exhausting back and forth drama between the two that seemed a little bit forced this was a really great book. It’s a second chance romance in a way and the world of Ballet is featured heavily which I loved. There’s a forbidden aspect between student-teacher and an age gap and I think the author handled it all really well.
Natasha and Zoe are well developed characters and I liked them both though they both had moments where they got on my nerves. Zoe is kinda childish and jumps to conclusions a lot and Natasha doesn’t know when to open her mouth and speak up though I definitely understood her reason in the end. Besides that, they are great and I loved the development of their relationship.
The story takes place alternating between the past (ten years ago) and present and it all flows really well and really puts their relationship into perspective. It’s a very romantic and well written story and it definitely made me want to read more by this author.
Natasha and Zoe are well developed characters and I liked them both though they both had moments where they got on my nerves. Zoe is kinda childish and jumps to conclusions a lot and Natasha doesn’t know when to open her mouth and speak up though I definitely understood her reason in the end. Besides that, they are great and I loved the development of their relationship.
The story takes place alternating between the past (ten years ago) and present and it all flows really well and really puts their relationship into perspective. It’s a very romantic and well written story and it definitely made me want to read more by this author.
May 13, 2022
2.5 stars. I keep coming back to this author, because I have never disliked any of her books, which is why I keep trying them, but then... I've never actually super liked any of them either? And sadly, this was no different. This one had an interesting premise: a second chance-ish romance between a successful ballerina recovering from an injury, and her old teacher. To start off, I didn't really like the way this was told, skipping between the past and the present to show us what happened 10 years ago. Even when they're integral to the story, I very seldom enjoy flashbacks. Especially constant flashbacks. Completely a me thing! But then the writing is just kind of bland, a lot of cookie cutter phrases. I didn't like the rhythm/pace of the relationship; they had so many mini-breakups and misunderstandings. And the biggest one near the end? Not compelling to me in the slightest. I did like that we had a black ballerina and discussions of the difficulties she faced, so points for that. It was also super hot, which is always nice. But even that hotness was kinda... bland? I didn't feel their chemistry much.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Nicole Blessing, and I do think that made this more of a palatable read; she was able to give some emotion to the writing, which was, again, very dry. Nothing egregiously wrong with this one, but all in all I just wasn't feeling the romance. Pity.
Content warnings:
Listened to the audiobook as read by Nicole Blessing, and I do think that made this more of a palatable read; she was able to give some emotion to the writing, which was, again, very dry. Nothing egregiously wrong with this one, but all in all I just wasn't feeling the romance. Pity.
Content warnings:
February 26, 2020
2.5 stars | Don't listen to the audiobook. The book was alright.
Read
July 23, 2019This for sure is not what I need right now, so I am just going to stop reading.
April 26, 2020
TW: mentions of past emotional abuse and manipulation by an ex partner
Rep: w|w, black lesbian MC, lesbian MC
This was pretty steamy but unfortunately lacking plot- and character-wise. There were some cute moments and the ending was adorable but overall, the dialogues were repetitive and not really entertaining.
Rep: w|w, black lesbian MC, lesbian MC
This was pretty steamy but unfortunately lacking plot- and character-wise. There were some cute moments and the ending was adorable but overall, the dialogues were repetitive and not really entertaining.
May 24, 2023
once again, no skips with anna stone ever.
August 6, 2023
3,25/5
Honestly so much drama in this happened because Zoe wasn't good at listening and Natasha wasn't good at expressing her feelings.
I honestly can see both points but sometimes I had to take a pause and look at my screen like "really ?😐"
It was a simple book pretty eazy to read with some spicy scenes,with the forbidden-love trope🤍
Now I need an older woman 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Honestly so much drama in this happened because Zoe wasn't good at listening and Natasha wasn't good at expressing her feelings.
I honestly can see both points but sometimes I had to take a pause and look at my screen like "really ?😐"
It was a simple book pretty eazy to read with some spicy scenes,with the forbidden-love trope🤍
Now I need an older woman 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
December 22, 2020
This was quick and easy read, but I doubt I will remember it in two months.
July 16, 2024
Short enjoyable read!
Wasn't anything special and everything happened extremely fast since the book is so short.
Finished it in one day which is rather rare for me.
The length was perfect to help me get out of my slump.
Wasn't anything special and everything happened extremely fast since the book is so short.
Finished it in one day which is rather rare for me.
The length was perfect to help me get out of my slump.
March 13, 2022
Proceed With Caution:
This book contains discussion of homophobia and racism, mentions of domestic abuse and possible stalking, and an adult-student and teacher relationship.
The Basics:
One Last Dance is a F/F Second Chance Contemporary Romance between Zoe, an elite ballet dancer, and Natasha, her old instructor and the one who got away. The two had an attraction while Zoe was still a student, but they never acted on it before Zoe moved to London. Now, she's back in New York with an injured ankle and wants a second shot at a relationship.
My Thoughts:
One Last Dance is a lot of ballet and drama! If either of those things appeals to you, absolutely check it out. I don't even like ballet, but for some reason I enjoy books and movies about it. Perhaps because they're always dripping with passion and tension? I don't know, but I like it. I'm also a huge fan of student-teacher romances and age gaps. This isn't quite exactly either of those, but it still worked for me.
If you have concerns over student-teacher romances, even when they're both adults, don't skip out on One Last Dance! Zoe and Natasha do grow close during their classes together, but they never crossed that line. Sure, the attraction was there and the tension was thick, but Zoe left before anything happened. Zoe was 18 at the time and about to graduate, so I think it would have been okay. Natasha is only ten years older too.
Anyway. Once Last Dance does not skimp on the drama. Of course, there's Zoe lamenting the fact that she may never dance again and worrying about how she and Natasha will manage their relationship given their past. On top of that, Natasha's ex-girlfriend! That woman....evil. I was shocked when the full story came out, and I wanted more! I wish she had been featured more to really give our lovers some trouble!
In the end, I really liked One Last Dance. It was a quick, engrossing read. I read it straight through in one morning.
Read more at Pinkadot Pages.
This book contains discussion of homophobia and racism, mentions of domestic abuse and possible stalking, and an adult-student and teacher relationship.
The Basics:
One Last Dance is a F/F Second Chance Contemporary Romance between Zoe, an elite ballet dancer, and Natasha, her old instructor and the one who got away. The two had an attraction while Zoe was still a student, but they never acted on it before Zoe moved to London. Now, she's back in New York with an injured ankle and wants a second shot at a relationship.
My Thoughts:
One Last Dance is a lot of ballet and drama! If either of those things appeals to you, absolutely check it out. I don't even like ballet, but for some reason I enjoy books and movies about it. Perhaps because they're always dripping with passion and tension? I don't know, but I like it. I'm also a huge fan of student-teacher romances and age gaps. This isn't quite exactly either of those, but it still worked for me.
If you have concerns over student-teacher romances, even when they're both adults, don't skip out on One Last Dance! Zoe and Natasha do grow close during their classes together, but they never crossed that line. Sure, the attraction was there and the tension was thick, but Zoe left before anything happened. Zoe was 18 at the time and about to graduate, so I think it would have been okay. Natasha is only ten years older too.
Anyway. Once Last Dance does not skimp on the drama. Of course, there's Zoe lamenting the fact that she may never dance again and worrying about how she and Natasha will manage their relationship given their past. On top of that, Natasha's ex-girlfriend! That woman....evil. I was shocked when the full story came out, and I wanted more! I wish she had been featured more to really give our lovers some trouble!
In the end, I really liked One Last Dance. It was a quick, engrossing read. I read it straight through in one morning.
Read more at Pinkadot Pages.
June 27, 2019
Not going to lie, I might have gasped aloud when I saw Anna Stone had another book out. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and that's saying something when I read, like, two or three different books a day. I have a problem, but it's a fun problem to have.
The book is great, as all her books are. Zoe, a young, aspiring ballet student, reluctantly takes on private lessons with Natasha. Although tension begins between the two of them, over time, the tension turns sexual and complicated. The author sprinkles in "what went wrong" chapters, giving the reader insight into the past moments their student-teacher relationship turned into something more. In the current day, Zoe is now an injured ballet principal, doubting the future of her career, when she runs into Natasha and those original sparks return. It's all complicated and interesting and very hot, but the author's story-telling is really the star of the story. Everything is well-written and it all flows so well. I'm a sucker for that more than anything.
My only complaint is that I wished there was a bit more of a kink element to the story, but that's just me and my selfish ways. I'm the worst, I know. But the book is seriously worth the read.
The book is great, as all her books are. Zoe, a young, aspiring ballet student, reluctantly takes on private lessons with Natasha. Although tension begins between the two of them, over time, the tension turns sexual and complicated. The author sprinkles in "what went wrong" chapters, giving the reader insight into the past moments their student-teacher relationship turned into something more. In the current day, Zoe is now an injured ballet principal, doubting the future of her career, when she runs into Natasha and those original sparks return. It's all complicated and interesting and very hot, but the author's story-telling is really the star of the story. Everything is well-written and it all flows so well. I'm a sucker for that more than anything.
My only complaint is that I wished there was a bit more of a kink element to the story, but that's just me and my selfish ways. I'm the worst, I know. But the book is seriously worth the read.
June 30, 2019
Feelings arise and hearts want, but sometimes it just cannot be. But what about ten years later? This was a wonderful little romance novel doing well with the transitions between the two time periods and laying out the story of how they came to be where they are now ten years later. Zoe and Natasha have a lot baggage and emotional turmoil to work through. Many hiccups along the path due to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. I think there was a time or two that, eh... perhaps Zoe was a bit too quick to fly off the handle and leave without letting Natasha explain. I mean, emotions can make you do that if you are a passionate person just, still felt a bit overreacted at times. Perhaps that is where that age-gap plays a strong element in showing it.
The love scenes that arise were hot and heavy but not overly done where it would take away from the story. And there was just a nod of kink here and there on the part of Zoe.
Overall it was a great little read. :)
**ARC was given for an honest review**
The love scenes that arise were hot and heavy but not overly done where it would take away from the story. And there was just a nod of kink here and there on the part of Zoe.
Overall it was a great little read. :)
**ARC was given for an honest review**
July 21, 2019
Love has no expiration date
Zoe is back in the states after an injury that may end her career in London. While there, she runs into her old ballet instructor that she's been holding a torch for over ten years.
Natasha is both excited and a little reluctant to see where things go with Zoe. She has to get over the fact that Zoe was a student and come to terms with telling Zoe everything.
This is story about how things aren't always what they appear to be. The actions of one can impact another. Both women must figure out what to do when all the cards are on the table.
I loved the format of this book. Anna told the past and the present in tandem and it worked out really well. As with any Anna Stone book you get well developed characters, a relatable story, and the most amazing sex scenes to grace your pages.
Zoe is back in the states after an injury that may end her career in London. While there, she runs into her old ballet instructor that she's been holding a torch for over ten years.
Natasha is both excited and a little reluctant to see where things go with Zoe. She has to get over the fact that Zoe was a student and come to terms with telling Zoe everything.
This is story about how things aren't always what they appear to be. The actions of one can impact another. Both women must figure out what to do when all the cards are on the table.
I loved the format of this book. Anna told the past and the present in tandem and it worked out really well. As with any Anna Stone book you get well developed characters, a relatable story, and the most amazing sex scenes to grace your pages.
June 28, 2019
FANTASTIC READ
This author truly does go from strength to strength with each book she writes. This book joins her second book (Behind Closed Doors) as a joint favourite.
Zoe is a Dancer who works for the London Ballet Company. Her career is in jeopardy after getting injured. Natasha is a Teacher. Both met when Zoe was a student.
This book is a MUST READ. It was a great story line and both main characters are sweethearts. Zoe moved to London to follow her dreams. Natasha supported and encouraged her all the way. The book was a joy to read and was well written. The sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT.
This would suit readers who like age gap romances and/or teacher - student romances.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Author and voluntarily leaving my review.
This author truly does go from strength to strength with each book she writes. This book joins her second book (Behind Closed Doors) as a joint favourite.
Zoe is a Dancer who works for the London Ballet Company. Her career is in jeopardy after getting injured. Natasha is a Teacher. Both met when Zoe was a student.
This book is a MUST READ. It was a great story line and both main characters are sweethearts. Zoe moved to London to follow her dreams. Natasha supported and encouraged her all the way. The book was a joy to read and was well written. The sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT.
This would suit readers who like age gap romances and/or teacher - student romances.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Author and voluntarily leaving my review.
September 30, 2025
One Last Dance by Anna Stone tells the story of Zoe, a world-class ballet dancer whose career in London comes to an abrupt end after a devastating injury. Returning to New York, she comes face-to-face with Natasha, her former ballet teacher and the woman who broke her heart a decade earlier. Their history is complicated: back when Zoe was a student, both felt a deeper pull, but Natasha drew a line, leaving them both wounded. Now, the attraction is still alive, but so are the shadows of the past. Told in dual timelines —ten years ago and the present —the novel unravels their first connection, the heartbreak of their parting, and the messy, passionate attempt to rekindle what was lost. With ballet as both backdrop and metaphor, the story explores desire, regret, and the possibility of second chances when life seems to offer none.
The story feels like a romance built on fire and restraint in equal measure. Ballet shapes every page, not just as art but as pressure, discipline, and beauty. That stage reflects the push and pull between Zoe and Natasha, giving their relationship added weight.
The characters are layered and believable. Zoe burns hot, quick to lash out, while Natasha stays closed off for too long. Their flaws make the payoff stronger, because growth feels earned. Side figures—like Natasha’s cruel ex or Zoe’s protective sister—bring extra color, though they could have been fleshed out more. The split timeline works well, making the past ache while showing how it bleeds into the present.
The writing is smooth and highly readable. Love scenes are steamy yet grounded, serving the story instead of overshadowing it. The title fits perfectly—it’s about grabbing that last chance to get love right. If there’s one weak spot, it’s the repeated use of miscommunication. Zoe’s fiery exits start to feel predictable, slowing down the pace. Still, the novel shines brightest in its emotion. Fans of second-chance romance, forbidden attraction, and age-gap tension will find plenty to enjoy. Strong character work and a vivid setting make this a solid four-star read.
The story feels like a romance built on fire and restraint in equal measure. Ballet shapes every page, not just as art but as pressure, discipline, and beauty. That stage reflects the push and pull between Zoe and Natasha, giving their relationship added weight.
The characters are layered and believable. Zoe burns hot, quick to lash out, while Natasha stays closed off for too long. Their flaws make the payoff stronger, because growth feels earned. Side figures—like Natasha’s cruel ex or Zoe’s protective sister—bring extra color, though they could have been fleshed out more. The split timeline works well, making the past ache while showing how it bleeds into the present.
The writing is smooth and highly readable. Love scenes are steamy yet grounded, serving the story instead of overshadowing it. The title fits perfectly—it’s about grabbing that last chance to get love right. If there’s one weak spot, it’s the repeated use of miscommunication. Zoe’s fiery exits start to feel predictable, slowing down the pace. Still, the novel shines brightest in its emotion. Fans of second-chance romance, forbidden attraction, and age-gap tension will find plenty to enjoy. Strong character work and a vivid setting make this a solid four-star read.
November 18, 2020
My heart is open to romance, I promise it is, I want to keep dipping in periodically to see if I can find something I'll love. One Last Dance seemed promising because it has two things I love to read about - ballet and lesbians. There was nothing about this book to make me dislike it, I just didn't love it either. The writing style was overly simplistic for my taste, which meant that it didn't distract from the story but it also didn't give me very much to hold on to. Overall this was a fine story and I would recommend it to people who generally enjoy romance.
I really appreciated that it played on the tropes of an age-gap romance (our heroines are 10 years apart) and a teacher/student dynamic but in a healthy, ethical way. For the majority of the book we follow Zoe (28) and Natasha (38) in the present and Zoe is no longer Natasha's student but we also get flashbacks to 10 years in the past when they first met as student and teacher.
The book also touches on the issues of homophobia in the ballet community, in particular the double standard when it comes to acceptance of queer men vs queer women. And, to a lesser extent the topic of racism within ballet is discussed (Zoe is black and has faced push-back from the overwhelmingly white ballet establishment from the very beginning of her training), as well as the narrow view of acceptable body types within ballet (though this is more just accepted as the way of things).
I really appreciated that it played on the tropes of an age-gap romance (our heroines are 10 years apart) and a teacher/student dynamic but in a healthy, ethical way. For the majority of the book we follow Zoe (28) and Natasha (38) in the present and Zoe is no longer Natasha's student but we also get flashbacks to 10 years in the past when they first met as student and teacher.
The book also touches on the issues of homophobia in the ballet community, in particular the double standard when it comes to acceptance of queer men vs queer women. And, to a lesser extent the topic of racism within ballet is discussed (Zoe is black and has faced push-back from the overwhelmingly white ballet establishment from the very beginning of her training), as well as the narrow view of acceptable body types within ballet (though this is more just accepted as the way of things).
January 23, 2024
One Last Dance is a beautiful tale of love lost and refound.
Ten years ago, Zoe fell in love with Natasha. But at eighteen and on the cusp of beginning her career in ballet, Natasha refused to allow Zoe to make the same mistake she herself made. And for ten years, across an ocean, these two women have lived their lives apart though neither ever forgot the way they felt.
When Zoe is forced into retirement through an injury, she returns home to the States, desolate and feeling more lost than she's ever felt before. With her future uncertain and nothing to do with her time, she wanders the grocery store. And sees Natasha. Everything she felt for her former teacher is still there, Zoe knows it in the look they share. And despite past transgressions, the two reconnect. But will their history tear them apart before they've had a chance to dance together?
Anna Stone delivers pure romance in One Last Dance. It is unlike anything else in Anna's works and yet the passion, the ecstacy only Anna can deliver is there, in every simmering look Zoe and Natasha share, in every kiss, in every touch. The intimacy is perhaps the strongest I've found in any of Anna's writing and it is f.i.r.e!
Easily one of my favourite Anna Stone novels!
Ten years ago, Zoe fell in love with Natasha. But at eighteen and on the cusp of beginning her career in ballet, Natasha refused to allow Zoe to make the same mistake she herself made. And for ten years, across an ocean, these two women have lived their lives apart though neither ever forgot the way they felt.
When Zoe is forced into retirement through an injury, she returns home to the States, desolate and feeling more lost than she's ever felt before. With her future uncertain and nothing to do with her time, she wanders the grocery store. And sees Natasha. Everything she felt for her former teacher is still there, Zoe knows it in the look they share. And despite past transgressions, the two reconnect. But will their history tear them apart before they've had a chance to dance together?
Anna Stone delivers pure romance in One Last Dance. It is unlike anything else in Anna's works and yet the passion, the ecstacy only Anna can deliver is there, in every simmering look Zoe and Natasha share, in every kiss, in every touch. The intimacy is perhaps the strongest I've found in any of Anna's writing and it is f.i.r.e!
Easily one of my favourite Anna Stone novels!
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