The Embrace

Broken Slipper Trilogy #3

by Vivian Wood

Ballet takes everything from you.
All your sweat, all your tears, all your dedication, all your time.
There are no drunken nights, no drugs, no boyfriends, no distractions whatsoever.
But everyone has a dirty little secret...

Working as a stripper at Club Ecstasy at night is Kaia's dark indiscretion.
Sexy, mysterious billionaire Calum shows up as a patron at the club. He's drawn to her provocative innocence, not realizing that she is also a ballerina in his dance company. When she dances for him, he feels something stir in his cold, dead heart.

After Calum finds out her little deception, he should turn her in. After all, ballet requires sacrifice.

But to her surprise, he makes her an offer she can't refuse.
And now she's staring into his dark blue eyes as she dances for him privately. Trying desperately to remember rule number one of being an exotic dancer.

Don't fall for your customers.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, New Adult, Forbidden Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2021

About the author

Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.

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Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

January 29, 2021
You May Watch...
All The Current Ballet Shows...
Flesh and Bone or Tiny Pretty Things...
Thinking You Know What That Life Is...

Flesh And Bone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjbpS...
Tiny Little Things
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSs_b...

But Watching Something On-Screen...
And Living It Is Something Very Different...

Ballet Is Pure Dedication...
Striving For Perfection Every Time...
It Leaves No Time For Anything...
Growing Young Women Usually Experience...

You Push Your Bodies...
Just As Hard If Not Harder Than Any Athlete...
And You Learn More About Your Bodies...
Than Mommies And Daddies Would Like...

It Is The Feeling Of Dancing Freely...
That Has Me Dancing At Night At Club Ecstasy...
I Go Somewhere Else In My Head...
All The Pain And Perfection Gone...
Freedom and Sensual Movements...
Take Over In The Dark...

My Perfect Secret I Hold Dear...

Then My Secret Is Discovered...
By Sexy, Mysterious Billionaire Calum...
Owner of The Dance Company I Am Part Of...

He Should Fire Me...
Turn Me Away...
Never To Dance for His Company Again...

Instead, He Has Decided Something Else...
I Am To Be His Private Dancer...
Do As He asks And Not Fall For Him...

But Then We Break The Rules...
Feelings Start To Come
Because How Could I Ever Forget...

The Embrace (The Broken Slipper Trilogy, #3)-June 16, 2021

The Patron (Broken Slipper, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Dancer (Broken Slipper, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Embrace (Broken Slipper, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Embrace is the last book in the Broken Slipper trilogy and after reading The Dancer I had hopes that things would wrap up into a nice conclusion. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case for me.

When I was reading The Patron, I was hooked. Instantly. I loved it and wanted to read more about Kaia and Calum's relationship and how it would evolve after the cliffhanger ending in that book. We basically got more of the same of Calum being a major douche bag to Kaia and her forgiving him easily in the Dancer with not much progress with certain storyline threads. Specifically Kaia's family and the reveal of Calum being abused as a child.

I think the major problem I had with this series as a whole is the hero himself. I feel like he's supposed to be written as this very damaged and brooding hero but he just comes off as entitled and bratty. I don't like how in any situation that doesn't go his way, he lashes on Kaia and treats her like a punching bag. It's frustrating because she would let him walk all over her because she had such little self esteem due to her upbringing but I will say that Kaia was the saving grace for me in this novel and the series as a whole. She grew confident and learned to defend herself against her bullies at the studio, her family and she stood up to Calum. I was really happy with the person that she grew into in this book.

I also wish that their relationship would have had a more emotional connection that just the physical one. I never really understood why Kaia loved and wanted to make things work with Calum as much as she did. I also felt that Calum's willingness to change was too late in the book for me. I think I would have enjoyed this installment more if his willingness to seek professional help and try to be overall a better human being happened in The Dancer as opposed to so late in The Embrace.

The other thing I didn't really like in this book, and was a huge issue I had, is how much Lucas would push Anita on Calum because she was terminally ill. Lucas knew about their past and he kind of just took that confession from Calum very lightly which I found very strange. Especially since they are written as very close siblings. I mean Calum was sexually abused by this woman and Lucas just kept pushing her on him where at the end he not only attends but hosts a memorial service to have her ashes placed in their family plot. Am I insane to think that this is kind of crazy behavior? It just didn't sit well with me.

I know that I'm just talking about all the negatives but there were things I actually really enjoyed. I really enjoyed all the little moments between Kaia and Calum when he was acting like a decent human being. They acted like a couple and I loved it. I loved how Manon and Kaia's relationship turned more into frenemies than just enemies and I loved all the scenes of the inner workings of working for a ballet company. I also really enjoyed their trip to Scotland where we meet Calum's friend Keir and his little girl Isla. I'm very interested in what I'm sure will be a book between Keir and Elle would look like but honestly, I'm hoping it's just a standalone.

Overall the book was good. It wasn't great but it was good and I'm kind of sad it's over. I just had high hopes for this series as a whole and was left with just an ok feeling.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Embrace is the final book in the Broken Slipper trilogy, which follows Calum and Kaia's path to love.

Although this book was compulsively readable, it just didn't work for me. For the most part, my issue was with Calum. I truly do think his trauma and his upbringing made him who he was. So on one hand, his complex and difficult personality make sense. However, I just didn't like him as a romance hero. He acted like a teenager who was used to getting his way. Whenever he got angry, he'd take it out on Kaia in a way that made me question if he truly respected her at all. A good portion of their relationship is just physical, so I often didn't feel the love between them.

The author does a really nice job of including the ballet world in her book. It's not all grace and beauty--it's competition, hard work, obsession, sweat, tears, and fear. I also liked how things ended. Calum made some big strides and Kaia stood up for herself.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

review for the whole trilogy.

this was pretty steamy. calum’s character needed some getting used to but i liked kaia. if only she wasn’t so vulnerable towards calum though. i wanted her to have more fight. when she’s not working as a stripper at the club, kaia’s mostly introverted and not as confident. it was interesting to see a different side of her when she’s at the club. as calum slowly falls for kaia, he’s hesitant to accept the feeling since he considers himself broken. but i think kaia’s sunny disposition gradually melted his stone cold heart. the plot was alright. this trilogy concluded well. i did think that there were too many sex scenes (feels like it's filter scenes), but it would also explain how she got pregnant so quickly.. i can't believe she's only 18-19 year old though. thought she would be older.

[yesenia (Caligirlheartsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate being the bearer of bad news but after so much push and pull and that cliffhanger, the whole wrap-up of this story was not what I expected.

Was it readable? Yes. Was it enjoyable? At times. Did it meet my expectations? Not really, unfortunately.

I think my biggest issue was Callum. Kaia deserves a better anti-hero, hero. He was selfish at times and though I breathe for a great redemption from the biggest asshole alive. He did not fully redeem himself for me. The author did a great job at explaining his past to give us an Idea why our anti-hero is the way he is. I just wish his character would have given us a little bit more.

This book was definitely no rainbow and sunshine all around, but it does end with a HEA so there is that!

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept waiting for this series to get better. Spoiler: it didn't.

Neither main character is particularly lovable. Calum is a horrible person - sex obsessed, egomaniac, borderline abusive. But we are to excuse this because he was molested as a young teen. However, he refuses to call his youth for what it was or seek counseling to move on. That is, until almost the very end of the book. All because Kaia is such a magical sex goddess that he is hopelessly in love.

Kaia is mostly a wildly immature doormat, who has a weirdly abusive father and younger sister. However, she is suddenly mature beyond her - 18? 19? the author changes between ages several times within the chronology of the story - years. We are supposed to believe that she somehow has this maturity and can singularly change a man 10 years her senior with her magical vagina and "incredible cleavage?" (I laughed every time at the last part - a professional ballerina with a "slight figure even for her height" has significant enough breasts for cleavage?! Since when!)

Let's throw in the fact that at 28 Calum has managed to have a successful career at the NY Ballet and post career-ending injury, manage to found a company that makes him a billionaire. Did I mention he's 28?

And, the random drama - Kaia's emotionally abusive father has the mob after him? A prior love interest of Calum's has ties to the Russian mob? What ever happened to her anyway? She was a story that simply dropped out of the book.

Too much, without any time to actually see meaningful connections - again, until the end of the book - just the book equivalent of a porn movie on repeat. Every sex scene seemed to be written with the exact same description, just the location changed.

Lastly, the typos are HORRENDOUS! Surely there are book editors still in existence?

The one redeeming part in all of this is the fact that the series was free online - but then again, how could any publisher charge for this terror of a series and maintain validity.

Do yourself a favor and skip!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a mess to me. From the fact that entire pages of intimate scenes were copied and pasted from prior books to recycle here in this one (seriously, not one thing was changed, I checked!) and information contradictions from other places, as well as gaping plotholes, I was mad I wasted so much money on these books! Furious in fact, and these are not old books "she was a new writer so let's cut her some slack" stuff. This was published less than two years ago. In the first book of the series, Kaia says her father had her get an IUD before she even turned 16. Then in The second book she suddenly needs to make a realization she just get on birth control and she goes on the pill. Then we have book 3, where the pill fails and she pregnant, which I understand why she needed that to be the pill because an IUD has a lower chance of failing, but that's extremely poor planning on her part and really irritated me. You have, within the same book, the Kier's wife being called Mary, and then being called Kinsey (at the chapter 37 extended book area). Also, you are the only author from the Heaven and Hell series to call that club "Heaven" instead of "Purgatory". Your description was also the most radically different of all of them, like they got a memo you didn't. This one critique is possibly unfair. I could go on but you get my point. It was annoying and if you are an attentive reader, it will drive you insane. Especially if you read these books in a close enough time frame where the material is fairly fresh.

She really ought to consider getting some beta readers to find these types of issues before she goes to the publisher, or find better ones if she has them, because these are such glaring things, among the ones I haven't listed and the other books I didn't leave feedback on, that could truly save the quality of the book.

Of course, copying and pasting entire scenes was done purposely and was completely lazy and cheating your readers who pay $5 for a book of original work. Not sloppy copies. Shame on you.

[Amber Swain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fell flat

I was waiting for this book for what felt like so long, but it fell flat for me. I am all for hot sex scenes but the whole first half of the book is constant sex to where nothing is really happening and it was boring. I stopped at around 45% and skipped to 70% then finished the book.

[Rina | booksofthemuggleborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5-3.75 stars!

**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**

I can’t believe we’ve finally reached the third and final book in the Broken Slipper Trilogy! This story started out strong with its intrigue, secrecy, and budding lust-fuelled romance between Calum and Kaia. The initial premise is what sold me in wanting to read this billionaire, age-gap romance…

But by the second book, it gradually turned into a complicated and overwhelming storyline of problem after problem that only escalated as the story progressed into this final one. Ooo-wee! Calum and Kaia had a lot to deal with in order to keep their relationship going.

To be honest this book was a bit of mixed bag for my liking. The Dancer (book two) left in such a cliffhanger that I was reeling to start this one in order to see the outcome. Unfortunately, that outcome left me a little underwhelmed. For a life or death matter, it didn’t come off as something Calum or Kaia took seriously. I like Vivian’s writing style to have wanted to read this trilogy but I feel like this particular book was rushed, despite the fact that a lot of things still occurred before it ended.

The same problems kept popping up and it was never truly resolved. I felt like Calum and Kaia were sweeping these serious matters under the rug until it bit them in their asses, and by then I lost interest in seeing them fix it because it all felt too repetitive. A few of the issues they encountered in the first two books that seemed like the biggest threats to their relationship were now an afterthought and somewhat brushed off in this book with anticlimactic solutions.

The storyline felt choppy and had a disjointed flow. With the introduction of new characters and relationships, the new developments/ additions into the storyline didn’t feel organic. Whilst I was still invested in seeing Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship through to the end, the side stories that were simultaneously happening in the background didn’t hold my interest as much and ultimately felt like filler in order to put some dimension into the story.

Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship exhibited a lot of repetitive issues that should’ve been resolved a lot earlier. There’s no doubt that they had chemistry and plenty of raunchy romance, but there were also plenty of cracks. I would’ve loved to have seen a gradual development in their relationship full of in-depth discussions about where they would like their relationship to head towards and to work through their differences long before they were forced into doing so.

That wasn’t the only relationship in this story that was tumultuous. I was left frustrated with a lot of the actions (or lack thereof) from Calum and his brother Lucas concerning a certain pivotal matter in their lives. I had trouble agreeing with either one of them but for completely different reasons. Calum buried his feelings unless he felt backed into a corner and then it was like, “let it rip!”

For Lucas, I was baffled with his overall mindset after discovering what Calum had been through. How can a brother overlook a horrific, traumatic event all because it didn’t happen to him?! Ugh, I will never understand. Sigh. 😩

Kaia’s toxic family disputes were equally stressing to the point where I was done with all that drama long before anything was done about it. Even after having had time to process this book, I still can’t quite figure out Kaia’s decisions regarding her family. To each their own, I guess… *shrug*

But it wasn’t all unfortunate.

I liked Kaia’s friendship with her bestie Ella. It may have been a little rocky here and there but they stuck it out and their bond’s stronger than ever. Even though the new addition of characters and relationships were introduced (albeit a little sudden), the inkling of possible future stories had me perking up with interest. And no matter how crazy Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship had been throughout, and even though I didn’t completely agree with how things went down, the final scene with their happily ever after was sweet to witness. Things may not have gone according to plan and situations had to be altered, it was satisfying to see Calum and Kaia be able to move on and begin the next chapter in their lives.

Not going to lie, besides one main plot point that was predictable fairly early on, the conclusion wasn’t quite what I was expecting. But overall, it’s a decent wrap-up to the trilogy. It’s a slow, steady-paced storytelling and told from dual points of view so you get a good idea of each protagonists’ present mindset.

This was my first contemporary romance where a huge chunk of the storyline revolved around the world of ballet, and it was amazing to see elements of it from beginning to end. This may not have been my favourite out of the three books but I would still recommend this trilogy as a whole to fellow romance readers.

If you enjoy the following elements in your romance, this trilogy might be right up your alley:
- Billionaire Romance
- Age Gap
- Secret/ Forbidden Romance
- Contemporary
- Suspense
- Dance Backdrop
- Drama/ Angst

** This is a continuous storyline and each book must be read in order. Also note, this story contains sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers, such as child abuse, rape, attempted murder, violence, harassment, and domestic abuse. It also broaches certain topics such as body image, PTSD, and one’s own personal choices. It contains mature sexual themes suitable for readers 18+ only!

💻 Full review in my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...

[Vanessa (bookfairy95) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a minute since I finished the finale of the #BrokenSlipperTrilogy by @vivianwoodwrites , however, I sort of postponed writing this review. I really liked this book! It is just so difficult writing reviews for series finales without spoiling anything. 😂So, let me try to be as vague as possible.😂

As I said, I really liked this book, it did have some minor things that I disliked however. Let me start with the good stuff though.

After book 2 ended on a major cliffhanger and rereading the last chapter of said book, I had no issues whatsoever with getting back into the story. Calum and Kaia went a long way in these two books and I loved seeing their feelings for each other develop. I loved seeing the side characters, I loved Calum’s brother, that they finally talked about the important things and I loved how Kaia got on good terms with her rival at the ballet. I am always happy when “villain” characters show a good side after all!

All in all the entire series gets a 4 star rating from me as well, with book number 1 being my favourite. Why? Because there was that little bit more tension and I loved seeing the passion they both had for ballet! With the plot developing and many things happening ballet took a bit of a backseat in this finale which was sad. At some point I didn’t even remember Kaia was in the ballet anymore, because it didn’t appear that often.

And while I loved seeing the two of them together, my biggest issue in this finale was Calum (and his issues). He didn’t treat Kaia well - without even knowing he was the biggest a$$ imaginable and that made me sad, because it destroyed Kaia. It really upset me seeing her like this and Callum not realising what was going on and what he was doing. I was really happy to see his brother talking some sense into him though (or trying).

The overall ending did make up for some things. Calum’s repeated bs behaviour really triggered me and honestly I wouldn’t have forgiven him that easily. I think more time was needed for Kaia to forgive and Calum needed to do more to be forgiven, but seeing him voluntarily take that step to become a better person? It takes a lot to take a step that big and it made up for his past behaviour at least a little, so all in all #TheEmbrace was a good finale to the trilogy!🥰

[Cat Nunez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Calum and Kaia’s story and I really wanted to know how it would end. As always I loved the steamy scenes between them and how at the end Calum changed from book one. So in general I liked the story but there were some things that felt very inconclusive.

In the previous books there were a lot of problems between Kaia and her father, he was very persistent but in this book everything happened so fast with them and I didn’t feel like it was the closure Kaia deserved, especially since he treated her badly all her life.

Also, I felt that there were some non important things throughout the book that didn’t added anything to the story or they weren’t very relevant to Calum and Kaia’s story.

I definitely expected more of the book and their story, but I loved how they got their HEA and I hope to read soon Lucas’s book and see if Calum and Kaia make some appearances.

[Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The resolution of this story is finally here! Both Kaia and Calum had been through a lot and they deserve the peace they finally got at the end of this book.

Vivian Wood finished this trilogy beautifully. I loved that I saw Kaia being stronger and in charge of her decisions. I loved that Calum finally accepted that he has to deal with his demons if he really wants to have a good life with Kaia.

All in all, the climax of this trilogy didn't disappoint. I am glad that I could be a part of this story, even if as a humble reader! Thank you Vivian for giving me an amazing ballerina story!

[Loda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waited so long

So much hype was put into this trilogy. Expected so much more instead it was a sweet story. More sex than story but sex scenes were definitely great. Liked both characters.

[Janice Somers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow

I am so in love with this story even though I only have a rating of 3 stars. Whoever did the editing must of been asleep or didn't know a thing about the job.
I am so glad that I was able to fill in what was appropriately ment to be the correct words in my mind as I read it.

[Addicted.2.reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are on fire, so hot!
The conclusion of Callum and kaia story starts of right where we left the last Cliffhanger.
And this book is no different, full up and downs on the way to their HEA

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well we get to see what happens in this conclusion to the Broken Slipper series. And oh what a ride it was. With twists and turns everywhere.

We also get to see what happens after Calum gets shot. We do get a lot of sexy times.

Overall it was a great series and one I would recommend.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of Kaia and Calum's story was perfect, especially after the last book ended. There was so many ups and downs that it kept my interest throughout

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start with I’m happy with the conclusion of the story. Calum’s inability to deal with his past problems (and his attitude) nearly cost him his relationship. Kaia seemed to mature rapidly in this book and took control of her emotions and problems regarding her family. Unfortunately I’d say the negatives outweighed the positives. Following up from my review in book 2, there were again numerous dialogue discrepancies between previous books as well as countless grammatical errors to a point where it is distracting.
- Book 2 states Calum could see himself as head of a family … book 3 - spoiler alert is all about him not wanting kids to which was the main topic in this book.
- In book 1 Calum is 15 when he is sexually abused by Anita. In book 2, it’s 14. In book 3, it’s 13.
- In book 1 the cat is blind, in book 3 he only has 3 legs.
- There is a huge mausoleum dedicated for the Fordhams … umm wasn’t there mom a junkie and there dad left when they were little. I got the impression they were kind of poor. I mean they could have had money but seems unlikely.

I also started glossing over the sex scenes, although they were steamy, they weren’t unique to previous interactions and some seemed verbatim to prior instances.

Overall, 2 stars for the whole series and not worth the cost to read the books. I think the idea for this was good, but the execution needs a complete overhaul.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get the conclusion to Kaia and Calum and it's one wild ride. While the story has the steam we are used to, we see a turning point in the relationship they have developed. Their love knows no bounds but they each grow through a growth that was beautiful to see.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Broken Promises (Broken Slipper 1-3) which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (11/23/2022)! 🎁

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final conclusion to the Broken Slipper Trilogy, The Embrace is here. With the story picking right off from the cliffhanger ending in The Dance, we continue on Kaia and Calum’s final journey through dual POVs.

After the event that takes place at end of The Dance involving Calum. The aftermath results in having a deeper impact on Kaia and Calum, leading to them realising that though they both love each other dearly, it is time for them to come together and assess their life, future and the possibility of how it could affect their relationship moving forward. Considering the differences they have when it comes to what they see in their ultimate future together. But they know it’s not going to be easy, considering the conflict from the outside drama going on at the same time that is affecting them too.

While I will admit early on in the book, I felt like the story was going in the same direction of The Dancer. The focus playing heavily on the steamy moments, as opposed to the narrative with there not really being a strong sense of direction much. However the deeper and further I burrowed into the story, I came to see I was wrong, with the narrative blossoming in showcasing a wider and deeper depth. Not only that, there was focus being explored on the secondary characters. Albeit on a smaller scale, with making sure not to take away from Kaia and Calum as it's their story. But enough to have you curious to see where they (secondary characters) will go and what will come of them. All coming together, with The Embrace leading you on a wild rollercoaster ride that was deeply intense with emotional angst, considering the suspense and drama that goes on.

When it came to Kaia, we get to see her become even more stronger as a woman. I loved seeing how Vivian finally gave Kaia the push she needed in taking the final step in being who and what she wanted to be. By finally putting herself first when it comes to decisions in regards to her life, we see her put an end to it all and any toxicity in her life, with severing all ties and saying goodbye once and for all.
At the same time when it came to Calum, we see him set upon his final path into finding a way into laying down his own demons to rest once and for all. Something that isn’t easy and quite an emotional journey. Given how it leads to him confronting his past, which he still struggled with.

When it came to Kaia and Calum as a couple, Vivian showcased their love knew no bounds. The fact that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other and always wanting to be around one another’s presence. Proving the spark that was there from the very beginning still remained. Continuously growing, only to explode every now again into their FIERY chemistry with the steamy factor being off the charts HOT. Leading to Kaia and Calum constantly enveloping into each others embrace that lead to even more RAUNCHIER, RISQUÉ and Down Right Dirty sexual acts of pleasure.

It has to be said my own criticism would be the closer to the ending I got, the faster the pace of narrative seemed to move. All to the point of the ending feeling kind of rushed in not being played out fully and completely like I would’ve liked to see. Considering what was meant to be the climax happened in a blink of an eye, as if it never even occurred at all. With the resolvement happening just as fast too. I would’ve preferred to see the outcome from the climax be ruminated on a little further and deeper.
Also I did feel like there were some loose ends that weren’t tied up, in terms of Kaia’s dad and Honor considering what they had done.

But despite all that, I absolutely enjoyed The Embrace. Vivian did an amazing job in bringing Kaia and Calum’s story to an end. Especially with that HEA, it was the cherry on top of the ice cream.
The overall journey of following along with Kaia and Calum story throughout the Broken Slipper Trilogy has been a pleasure, even though it was bittersweet to see the series come to an end.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Calum and Kaia

Romance trope: tortured billionaire
Series: Broken Slipper
Length: 278 pages

Plot: Calum is now fighting for his life after being shot. He knows now that Kaia is the most important part of his life; he loves her and needs to tell her. But smooth sailing? No. Calum and Kaia will face the biggest challenge of their life together and this will determine where they end up.

Commentary: Well look at Lucas throwing around his money and the "do you know who I am" because the doctors at the hospital don't know the answers that he wants. Arrogant jerk.
Anyways, this story is about Calum. He is emotionally immature and stunted, arrogant, mean, and a jerk on his best days. He is self-centered and for the life of me I can't see what he has to offer Kaia except for sex and money (which to be fair, is quite enough for a lot of people - but she keeps insisting she loves him for him.). He berates staff at the hospital because he doesn't have enough pillows (like saving him from a collapsed lung wasn't nice enough, after the random stalker who ended up being connected to his former obsession shot him).

Speaking of the sex scenes, they were very repetitive and long, almost like filler.

There were lots of threads that were dropped (all the blackmail and mafia teasers) and there were serious errors that were confusing. For example, Calum (the famous ballet dancer who is now a billionaire tech mogul before the age of 30) was the stage manager at the ballet. Then he was the choreographer. Except they already had a choreographer. They have a conversation about kids, and both of them say, yes, in the future. Then later, he is so opposed that he tells her to get an abortion (which was kind of glossed over), as though the prior conversation never happened.

And Calum actually says this line: "And I don’t think that nurturing others is very sweet.”

All in all, he spent most of the book acting as though he didn't necessarily love and respect Kaia, until the very end when he decided to fix himself. So good for him, but it made it difficult to read, seeing him treat her in ways quite reminiscent of the way her abusive father treated her.

Grammar/formatting: Definitely needed another pass with the proofreader for grammatical errors and another round with an editor for continuity mistakes.

Previous book in the series: The Dancer

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing final book to finish this Trilogy!

Author Vivian Wood has outdone her self with this forbidden love series, THE BROKEN SLIPPER trilogy, that started in book one, THE PATRON, continued in THE DANCER through to this epic finale where the ending she gave to Kaia and Calum’s story was just perfect, including putting them through one hell of a challenging situation!

Bear in mind that this is a trilogy, so it is imperative that you’ve read THE PATRON and THE DANCER first. You need to get to know our characters, their backgrounds and the circumstances surrounding their meeting. Seriously, without it, you’ll get the gist of this red-hot and steamy story, but you won’t have developed any sort of insight or investment into the hearts, minds and motivations of Kaia and Calum.

The broken and untrusting Calum has discovered how much he needs his Dancer. He’s still possessive, alpha, controlling and hurtful, but he is also extremely protective, and admits to himself that he’s putting Kaia first. He is still lashing out at the one closest to him, and if you haven’t read the preceding two books, you’ll not truly appreciate where his ‘ice-cold’ heart lies.

It’s hard to remember that Kaia is only nineteen, and even though her soft heart has made her a target for her family, especially for her father, she has always had a backbone, and by crikey, she put it to good use in THE EMBRACE. Wow, what a change in her outlook, and she was a character I admired in her determination to succeed, her pure motives, and her ability to love unconditionally.

I honestly thought that after finishing the second book, there wasn’t a lot more that Ms Wood could put them through, but because this is the cut-throat world of the New York Ballet, there were always secrets to be exposed, and scandals to be written about in the press. And speaking of heat, yes, there is still plenty of that to be had between our highly attractive and gorgeous couple.

I’m also going to add that Ms Wood pulled off a character move that left me pleasantly gobsmacked and desperately looking forward to her novella spin-off that I’ve already pre-ordered!!!!!

THE BROKEN SLIPPER trilogy is everything that those who love the damaged alpha billionaire, dance and forbidden love tropes need in their reading lives. One-click now – they’re an amazing story. 5-Stars ❣🩰

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[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like starting a book out in tears...

The Embrace is the final book of the Broken Slipper trilogy. As she is waiting to audition for the New York Ballet Kaia is horrified when she looks up and sees who the stage director is. She just knows her dreams to be a prima ballerina are coming to an end because she knows this man ... intimately.

She has danced for him privately at Club X and he had offered to be her Patron and for her to be at his beck and call whenever he desired. Because Kaia is an aspiring ballerina by day and the stripper Cerise by night.

Kaia and Calum's HEA has not come easily. They are both from dysfunctional families. Kaia's father is not only a narcissist, but a true sociopath. Her sister is a Witch and her mother is so beaten down by her dad she agrees with everything he says. But Kaia was determined to get out of her father's clutches and his demands for money.

Calum's mother died of an overdose when he was thirteen, leaving him and his brother at the mercy of Anita. She offered them a home and gave them everything they needed to become a success. Only there was a price that Calum had to pay which left him damaged and full of rage.

I love this book! This series has been a roller-coaster ride for Kaia and Calum. I love all the characters! Calum grew so much emotionally and finally was able to address his anger issues.

Kaia has to make a life-altering decision although part of her choices was taken away by other circumstances.

We get to know Manon better in book three and meet Kair who I'm hoping will get his own story.

I about died laughing when reading Lucas and Calum,s conversation about what they should do with Anita.

The chemistry between Kaia and Calum was smoldering throughout this whole series. Every time Calum whispered "Oh, beauty..." I would get chills.

I highly recommend this series! It is full of action, betrayal, jealousy, suspense and explicit sex. Calum is a very dominant man with a tortured soul, but Kaia with her innocence and fresh outlook calms him. There are so many awesome secondary characters - ones you love and definitely some you hate!

The Patron, The Dancer, and The Embrace are full-length novels that are meant to be read in order. It is a continuing trilogy about Kaia and Calum and has a few cliffhangers, but they finally get their HEA. Great read!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It has never been like this with anybody else that I’ve been with. I think that is unique to us.”

The Embrace is the conclusion to Calum’s and Kaia’s story and it picks up right where we left off with Calum being shot. While still reeling with the realization about his feelings for Kaia, the couple are dealt one blow after another as they try to determine their future relationship. Will their struggles make them stronger or destroy their relationship entirely?

“The first moment that we met, you looked right through me. You see me for exactly what I am. You made me love you even though I didn’t want to love anyone.”

Kaia has matured a bit in this installment and is learning to stand up for herself. With her world falling apart around her, she realizes that she has to be strong for herself and stand on her own two feet. While she loves Calum, she has to decide if love is enough when his destructive behavior threatens to destroy their future.

“Somehow, you shifted something essential in me. You’re so young and talented and bright…and you brought that into the dark cave that was my life.”

I think Calum shows the most growth throughout this series. He’s cruel and self-centered and doesn’t know how to take anyone’s feelings into consideration. However, when faced with losing everything that he holds dear, he finally realized that he needs to face his past and learn to control his emotions if he is ever going to have a future with Kaia.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Broken Slipper trilogy although I felt that there were some loose ends that weren’t tied up. The chemistry between Calum and Kaia is still smoking hot and their connection has deepened throughout the series. I am looking forward to Lucas’ story and learning more about his relationship with a certain villainess.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

After such an unexpected cliffhanger in the Dancer I could not wait to read The Embrace. Unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. With that said though there were aspects I liked. Its told in dual POV. As a ballet dancer myself I loved the dance aspect, but would have loved to have seen more and I really liked the way Calum and Kaia's ended. I thought it was very cute and sweet! Some of my issues with this book started right from the start after picking up where the Dancer ended. It didnt feel like either character was taking the event/ recovery seriously and felt unrealistic to me. I liked Kaia's character for the most part. I liked how she was becoming a strong, independent woman, but then something would happen and she couldn't deal with it unless Calum was there with her. I have a love hate relationship with Calum. I did not like how he treated Kaia. He acted like my five year old when he didn't get his way and way meaner. There was a lot if repetition as well. I'll be honest I got bored at times because it felt like the same thing was happening over and over. There were a lot of things happening too but everything felt rushed and incomplete. As I mentioned earlier I did enjoy parts and the idea of this book but collectively it wasn't my favorite by Vivian. I am looking forward to some of the side characters to get their own story!

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Embrace is the final book in Vivan Wood’s Broken Slipper Trilogy. It cannot be read as a standalone. The story picks up with Calum fighting for his life after being shot at the gala. It’s this event that has him realizing Kaia means more to him than he realized.

But it isn’t smooth sailing as Calum is dealing with emotional baggage from his childhood. Kaia is also dealing with the constant toxicity and demands of her father, always threatening to ruin her if she doesn’t pay up. And, Kaia is gaining weight . . . which may be the most serious implication of all.

Calum has made it clear he doesn’t want to be a father. Kais is on the cusp of having her career as a professional ballerina and the man she loves, but both may be gone once she reveals her truth to Calum. Is her love enough to show Calum he is more than his money and that his past does not have to define him?

This conclusion is emotionally intense. Calum is not good at processing or expressing his emotions and lashes out continuously. Kaia is terrified of losing everything, but also unwilling to give up the life inside her. This book had me feeling raw at times, as my heart hurt for what this couple was going through. The heartache is worth it for the ending, however . . . simply spectacular! 4.5 stars.

[loves.romance.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

The third and final installment in the Broken Slipper trilogy and I thought it was a great way to round out the series.

After the culmination of events in The Dancer, things are up in the air. Calum took a bullet for Kaia just after telling her his true feelings. I felt that was such progress for this extremely broken hero. And that progress is continued in this book, which was great to see.

Kaia has started to become more independent and less of a doormat which I felt she was in book 2. I liked the change. She takes charge of situations that would have terrified her in the previous books.

The sex is great, as always. Calum is a hot hot hot alpha, what's not to love!!

I really enjoyed the ending however felt that there wasn't a resolution until the verrrrrrrrry end and with such a short epilogue we didn't get to see much of that very hard won HEA which is why I took off half a star. Other than that I really enjoyed it and would totally recommend this series to everyone. It's an easy read that flows, is well paced, has well drawn characters and just the right about of smexy times!

Thanks to the author for an early read copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in ther Broken Slipper Trilogy. You will need to read the other 2 books in the series, as book #3 picks up where book #2 left off. We continue with the Duel POV's of Kaia & Calum.

Kaia is a young ballet dancer with a company in NYC. Kaia has a troubled family life, but, living on her own, next to Calum. Kaia's father has been blackmailing her in a way. Finally Kaia has stood up to him refusing to give him any more money. I haven't liked her father guiliting her into giving him money. Kaia is only 19 yrs old, she is very young. She's very mature for her age, but, at the same time, just young.

Calum has finally opened his heart after realizing that he is in love with Kaia. He hasn't let anyone into his heart in so long, its taken him forever to realizes that its love that he feels for her. He’s still possessive, alpha, controlling and hurtful, but he is also extremely protective, and admits to himself that he’s putting Kaia first.

The bedroom scene's between Kaia & Calum are extra steamy, it seems like their bedroom scene's happen more in this book than the actual story.

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would definitely say the Embrace is a fitting end to a fantastic series. Callum and Kaia must escape the danger from the cliffhanger in the previous book. The ramifications of that event have a deep emotional impact and really drives the backbone of The Embrace story. Now that they can both see the depth of their love and a future together they must decide what that future looks like and how to overcome any differences they may have in that grand picture. This book really carries the emotional weight of the series as Callum must face his past demons to move forward and keep the woman he loves. Kaia herself must make difficult choices if she wants to keep Callum while also forging a new path for her own nuclear family. Amongst the emotional journey, there are still plenty of steamy love scenes between these two dancers. I loved that this book felt like it fit the series while focusing on a bit of a different side to everything. It didn't feel like a repeat of the previous books or felt like there was unnecessary drama to drag the story out. For fans of this series it's definitely a must read!