White Knuckle Dance

by Andrew Cockburn

She’s not what she appears to be.
He’s got secrets of his own.
But someone has to lead this dance.

There is a story behind every face you walk by on the street, or that you bump into in life. But what about your own story?

Dan never thought about himself as being different, and the world would agree with him. Just a regular nice guy who works in a regular nice job in London.

His nice and normal London life in the hectic world of sales turns upside down when he meets the captivating Mary at a work event. Deep down he knew there was more to life than what he was doing. He had an inkling that things with him could maybe be a little different. That a life of drudgery wasn’t what he’d signed up for.

But there seems to be a lot more to Mary than meets the eye. And with her guidance and through their relationship, he learns things he never even knew about himself.

But Mary is not the only one with a secret. As the dance speeds up, the games begin, and the stakes are raised.

And so begins the white knuckle dance of discovery, risk, and power.

But can there really be a winner in that deadly dance of theirs?

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read! A man who is not able to hold a long term relationship, seemingly bored with his job and a lot of secrets past and present. A woman who captures his attention at a party, beautiful and successful. He calls her to get some therapy yet is attracted to her. During their sessions he lets some of his secrets out, not all of them but enough that he is drawn closer to her simply cause he could be honest. The two of them have an undeniable connection that they explore once he finishes his therapy. She dropped hints she is a submissive and led him to believe he just might be an alpha dom. A world he knows nothing about, so he researches and learns in an effort to please her. They have some great times, yet there is more to both of them that keeps you guessing as to what is really going on. Who is hiding the biggest secret? Wonderful plot twist that I wasn't expecting! Two people playing dangerous games, only one can win.

[b latifi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! Educational and suspenseful

Really enjoyed this novel as the topic is not the usual...quite the opposite. The twists and turns keep you guessing as you become attached the characters. Definitely recommend.

[cathey dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despicable

I almost stopped reading this book because I thought it was just going to be another book about two people having kinky sex. I was not looking for that kind of book but ended with more to my liking.

[Jack B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of why I'm trying to read more independent and debut novelists in 2021. It's nice to read work from those who may be at the start of their career in writing, and seeing how they construct their stories.

For the record, this one is ace. With enough sex, money and intrigue to keep anyone interested, and full of well-written characters you genuinely engage with, Cockburn has done a great job here.

Do yourself a favour and ignore that bestsellers list for a month or two, put away that list of classics you promised you'd read, and give authors and novels like this a try. It's fresh, fun and readable.

[John Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts quite slowly. Well written and takes some very interesting turns. Kept me reading and finished it in two days, and that's a good sign. Also explores sociopathy in a balanced way I think. Characters are very believable.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting in that I didn't love it or hate it. The author introduces us to a world that most of us would not be familiar with. He gives us a little taste of that world and it left me intrigued, I wanted to know more. However, the author is like a baker baking a cake, he offers us the cake to eat but leaves out the best part, the frosting. I found I could not relate to the characters because they do things that seem out of character for me, honestly I didn't like any of them maybe because of the sociopathy, but I did like the fetters. The title of this novel is intriguing and what drew me to read it because it hints at some sort of tension or suspense, and the dance between these two characters does leave you breathless and it stays with you long after the last page is read.

[Roleth Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was able to stir different emotions while I was reading it. From empathy, to romance, the thrill and mystery -it took me for a ride that I did not expect. Learned a lot on psychology and power play too. The characters weren’t complicated but the twists towards the end raised questions that I too can relate personally especially on truth and trust. I wish the story hasn’t ended yet and if there’s another book, I would love to read it.

[Mia Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading almost my whole life and I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Though I knew a bit of what will happen from watching movies, I still loved how the author paced the book. I couldn't put the book down and had to do an overnight read because of it. I would definitely recommend it! Cant wait for the next one from this author!