Dansende ster

The O'Hurleys #2

by Nora Roberts, Ingrid Zweedijk (Translator)

De Ierse O’Hurleys: een hechte familie om meteen in je hart te sluiten. Het onafscheidelijke artiestenechtpaar Frank en Molly heeft altijd geprobeerd om niet alleen hun volharding aan hun vier kinderen door te geven, maar ook hun inlevingsvermogen en hun passie. Nu is het aan zoon Trace en drieling Abby, Maddy en Chantel om daarmee een eigen leven op te bouwen.

Haar naam mag dan in neonletters worden geschreven, Maddy geeft niets om roem. Voor haar telt alleen dat ze kan dansen en telkens weer die fijne energie kan voelen als ze het podium op gaat. Al wordt ze de laatste tijd wel nogal afgeleid door Reed Valentine, de knappe ondernemer die haar nieuwe voorstelling financiert.

Reed is overrompeld door de aantrekkingskracht die Maddy op hem uitoefent. Zij is immers een dromer, en hij is lang geleden gestopt met dromen. Zijn leven draait nu om rijkdom en macht. Dus maakt hij zichzelf wijs dat het in hun beider belang is om afstand te houden.

Maar Maddy zou geen echte O'Hurley zijn als ze deze fascinerende man zonder slag of stoot liet gaan!

Eerste compleet nieuwe en uitgebreide editie!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Ebooks, Adult

350 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 1988

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Geo Just Reading My Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Translation widget on the blog!!!
O poveste alertă, cu lupte interioare și emoții diverse. Cea mai mică dintre tripletele O’Hurley își spune povestea! Maddy este o fansatoare foarte cunoscută pe Broadway. În timp ce lucrează la ultima piesă ce va avea premiera în curând, Maddy îl cunoaște pe Reed, sponsorul acesteia.
Maddy este o tânără plină de viață, de culoare, energie și încredere. Reed este un scorțos care nu crede în dragoste. Cumva e de înțeles, având în vedere trecutul lui.
Cei doi au parte de o relație cu hopuri, care reușește să îi dea peste cap dar și să-i facă să spere.
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked each of the main characters individually and I continue to love the family dynamics, I just couldn't get past feeling like the heroine was a total manic pixie dream girl

CW: glamorized eating disorders

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it was about how opposites attract and the heroine Maddy had this energy inside her that attracted people to her, she was despite her success in Broadway so sweet and down to earth and perfectly balanced the hero who was a cynic. I loved her impulsiveness, how she invited the hero to dinner to her house, her eclectic taste in decorating, everything.

She is an enigma to the hero, who is a cynic and business-minded. It's his company that is financing her new play and he tries to stay away from her, since she is not his type and he fears hurting but there is this magnetic pull between them. The heroine actually has this childish innocence in her that makes her oh so lovable. I liked how she was so honest, telling the hero she loved him despite knowing that he had scars(his mother was a singer, who was a cheating, abandoning ho).

All in all a very enjoyable book which you will love because of the heroine.

I also liked how we saw how hard a dancer has to work to be at their best.

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

You just can’t beat the ‘80s. Paperback romances, rich recording companies, and glamorous eating disorders.

This book should be sold with a trigger warning. Honestly, Nora Roberts can usually do no wrong, and I’m trying to keep the context of the time period in mind, but at every possible moment, Maddy’s eating disorder was described as adorable and admirable. Oh, look at the athlete, the star in the Broadway musical, who spends her mornings in extra dancing classes and her days off going on 5 mile runs as a break, even though she’s in back-breaking rehearsals all day. Don’t worry, she’s proud of how one moment she’s eating half a salad and then binging on ice cream sundaes for breakfast. In one paragraph, she’s literally describing how well she knows her body and mentions her ‘too thin torso’. When she starts dating this rich, perfect executive, they go on dates and it’s shown as a sign of how interested he is in her that he knows she won’t eat a full meal, she just wants small bites of his. On their first date, she cooks him a steak and then eats a salad while watching him eat, with many comments on how much she envies his meal and how strong she is for denying herself the food she needs to survive after burning thousands of calories in rehearsal. I could not make this shit up.

I wanted to give this book a chance - they actually took months to fall in love, not days like in the first book of the series, and took the time to become ‘friends’ first and get to know each other. But the easy acceptance of the infantilization of women as a sign of love, the disgusting ‘he can treat you like crap but if you just stick around and don’t stand up for yourself one day he’ll love you back’ trope, and the elevation of anorexia and bingeing as an admirable diet choice for anyone, let alone an athlete, just pushed it over the edge for me. I think I’m going to let this series end with this one and stick to Nora’s more recent works from now on.

Other books in the O'Hurleys series:
#1: The Last Honest Woman ⭐⭐⭐

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[Analia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐

Era lógico que "me bebería" éste libro. Es una novela sencilla pero Nora Roberts logra atraparte en la historia y más allá de ser tan solo doce capitulos, en ellos estuve muy enganchada.
En danza de corazones conoceremos la historia de amor entre Maddy, otra de las trillizas que tiene desde pequeña dotes de bailarina y es en lo que triunfa ahora que es adulta; Y es la historia de Reed Valentine, un hombre que no creé en el matrimonio porque tiene en su pasado un recuerdo doloroso. Y más no contaré porque tienen que conocer ustedes la trama.


Pese a la sencillez, Nora Roberts trata muy buen el tema del amor y las relaciones lo que hace que se lea en un suspiro. Reed me enamoró pese a que en un principio me pareció un tanto duro..y Maddy es una mujer que va hacia adelante, decidida y muy segura de lo que hace.

Recomendado para fines de semana porque atrapa y se lee muy rápido..

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book that I like so much because I read it at an impressionable age. The hero is a little frustrating, but the heroine's willingness to let herself get trampled on is too, and I honestly just call it a wash.

I really wish this musical existed, though. I want to see it.

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second chapter of the O'Hurley triplets is Maddie's story. A true free spirit, she is really a chip of the old block. Her life path has led her to Broadway where she has thrived.
When she bumps into(literally)the financial backer of her current play she is bowled over.And Reed Valentine(gotta love that last name)is intrigued and smitten.
But of course,love has to take the bumpy road. And there are potholes aplenty.Opposites attract, but they aren't guaranteed a happy ending.
As in the Abby's story, the family makes an appearance for opening night in a show of support.Again,a setup for chapter three.
I enjoyed this one because of Maddie. It was easy to identify with her. I cannot say the same for her love interest,Reed. I understood where he was coming from, but had a lot of trouble empathizing with him.
Overall,a decent continuance of the saga.

[hc · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ 3.5 stars ] i honestly picked this book up on a whim. i found it when i was cleaning up a bookshelf and i read the blurb and decided to go in blind. i was pleasantly surprised, one because i wasn’t expecting much— seeing as this isn’t what I usually read, and two because i really loved the setting. there’s just something about broadway and the 80s… i don’t know, it’s amazing!

anyway, the back and forth of their relationship did get kind of exhausting after a while. but i did love maddy! i read a few reviews upon finishing the book which kind of have me looking at her in a different light now so eh. i don’t know how i feel about reed, like i don’t hate him and there were definitely parts in the book where I liked his character a lot, but some things definitely did annoy me. still, their chemistry was amazing and you couldn’t ignore it so i ate up all of their moments. i did like the ending for the most part and i wished we’d gotten more!

also, the side characters, like wanda and edwin? golden! i love them and i love how entrapped i felt in this world. i genuinely couldn’t put the book down and i read it all in one sitting. and, i’m intrigued by the o’hurley’s and their family dynamic. i really want to know more so i’m debating on whether or not i want to read the series.

so yeah i enjoyed this a lot aside from a few things. there were things i tried to get past but couldn’t ignore, like the disordered eating habits… and yes, i know it’s the 80s and showbiz and blah blah blah, but i just didn’t like that idk. anyway, had there been a little less back and forth and some more to that ending, this would’ve easily been a 3.75 or a 4 star read but even so, i loved it!

[Alina Geambasu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acest volum mi s-a parut mult mai amuzant decat precedentul, tocmai pentru ca Maddy are un caracter impulsiv.
,, - Când un bărbat nimerește în mijlocul unui uragan, ar face bine să-și pună centura de siguranță sau să se lase dus de val."
M-a cucerit povestea de dragoste dintre Maddy și Reed. A fost amuzant, replicile ironice ale lui Maddy m-au facut sa rad copios, dar partea a doua a adus o schimbare majora - scene emotionante, temeri, framantari, griji etc.
Pana la urma, am terminat cartea râzând în hohote. Da, a câștigat pariul. A castigat Mets. Cinci dolari merg în buzunarul lui Maddy :))

[Ali Molenaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leukste deel van de serie. Je kan hier een korte bespreking in het Nederlands vinden.
Mijn duizendste blogbericht by the way.
https://alimolenaar.nl/stukjes/theate...

[Isabella Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of an optimist and a cynic, a dreamer and a realist. A dance to the love tune of the life piper.

I love Maddy's energy. It's like she never gets tired and while I was reading her I feel like I'm being sucked into a mini-whirlwind and I can't stop myself from twirling. I love the dance theme. I love any story that has to do with dance and Maddy is the perfect dance character for me. She's driven, passionate, talented and most of all she's grounded. I love her warm nature and how she can brighten up the room just by smiling. Maddy knows what she wants and she knows she deserves it. And just like a dancer she knows how to bend and curve to whatever position life required of her.

Reed was a little frustrating for me if I have to be honest. I liked that he was trying hard to make ends meet with Maddy but sometimes I wanted to hit his handsome head. He has this tug of war thing going on inside of him and maybe that excuses him for a lot of things. Reed was a little slow so it was good thing Maddy wasn't.

It was nice watching them dance, I mean the play of emotion, their conversations and struggles with each other. Maddy and Reed is an example of dreams coming true. Their story reminds me that if you believe, try hard enough and give it your best shot anything is possible. There is no room for second-guessing yourself or half-assessments. It's all or nothing and the rewards come at the same value if not more of what you gave.

If you dream, dream big... if you love, love with all your heart because there is no point on feeling and doing things half way. And sometimes the best cure is not the right medicine or the best fit is someone who doesn't fit the criteria of perfect.

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddy O'Hurley, professional Broadway dancer and the youngest O'Hurley triplet, is preparing for a big starring role, when she accidentally meets Reed Valentine, the straight-laced producer of the show.

Maddy has always been impulsive and finds Reed interesting and so invites him over for dinner. She is endearingly quirky and takes him completely by surprise, charming him despite being far from his type. There are plenty of sparks between them and their differences and reservations are not enough to keep them apart, although they have a few obstacles in the way to their happily ever after.

Sweet and enjoyable story, with more amusing scenes of the O'Hurleys. Next comes Chantel's story in Skin Deep.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Rich boy falls hard for the low/middle class beauty. Sigh* What can I say :)

[Pauline Destinugrainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddy O'Hurley seorang bintang panggung yang selalu bertindak spontan. Berbeda dengan kedua saudari kembarnya, Maddy memilih karir menjadi penari. Dalam latihan untuk pertunjukan terbarunya, Maddy bertemu dengan Reed, si pemilik perusahaan rekaman yang menjadi sponsor pertunjukan mereka.

Maddy jatuh cinta pada Reed. Namun Reed menolak hubungan lebih jauh yang terikat. Maddy tidak ingin hubungan sementara saja. Dia berusaha meyakinkan Reed. Tapi masa lalu Reed membuatnya bertahan dengan prinsipnya.

Kisah Maddy berbeda dengan Abby. Tapi kehangatan keluarga O'Hurley saat anggota keluarga mereka mengalami masalah tetap sama. Itulah yang memberi kehangatan dari serial ini.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the first Nora Roberts books I ever read (somebody left a copy at the lake house my family rented when I was a kid) and I have read it sooooooo many times since then, but it's still satisfying. How does she fit all that character development into a category romance??? An eternal mystery. Love the side characters (Reed's dad and Maddy's new friend Wanda especially), love that Maddy always has the courage of her convictions, love Reed's growth. The Broadway setting is really vivid and gritty as well.

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite one in this series.

[Oliviana Georgescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irlandezul Frank O'Hurley și soția sa Molly, împreună cu cei patru copii ai lor - Trace, singurul băiat, și tripletele Chantel, Abby și Maddy - sunt o familie unită și plină de iubire, ce au format ani de zile o trupă de artiști nomazi, casa lor fiind acolo unde aveau următorul spectacol, petrecându-și viața pe scenă și pe drumurile între diferitele orașe, neprinzând rădăcini nicăieri.
Însă lipsa stabilității pe acest plan a fost compensată de iubirea, buna-dispoziție și bucuria care le umplea zilele. Primul care ”și-a luat zborul din cuib” a fost Trace, urmat de Abby - a cărei poveste am aflat-o în primul volum al seriei, ”Aproape de paradis”.
Chantel - care va fi protagonista următorului volum al seriei, ”Curajul de a iubi” - a devenit o stea de cinema, iar Maddy o dansatoare de succes.
În volumul de față aflăm povestea lui Maddy. Cartea mi-a oferit o după amiaza foarte plăcută în compania lui Maddy O'Hurley și Reed Valentine, finanțatorul spectacolului în care juca Maddy.
Acțiunea ne poartă pe scenă și în sălile de repetiții și suntem martorii exercițiilor istovitoare, al muncii susținute și al antrenamentelor dure, demne de un atlet, depuse de Maddy și de ceilalți dansatori pentru a străluci sub luminile rampei în seara spectacolului.
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/dan...

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second of the O'Hurley series and first published over 20 years ago. And again, it serves to highlight Roberts' growth since that time. Unfortunately, it's also worse than its predecessor.

Maddy O'Hurley is the dancer of the family. Dance permeates her life, as does an innate optimism and willingness to see the best in people. And it's a good thing she does because Reed is a first-class jerk. The book tries to justify his jerkness by ascribing it to the “betrayal” of his mother when he was little. And yes, it was a pretty strong betrayal. Still, I just didn't buy it. The man was not just a cynic, he was unconscionably callus about his own pain, and, more importantly, to the pain he caused Maddy.

Maddy decides, early on, that she loves Reed. Unfortunately, there isn't much there in the way of justification for her devotion. It's just love-magic, I guess, and the reader is expected to just go along with that. It's unfortunate, because I really liked Maddy. Unfortunately, liking her made me dislike Reed all the more. Dissatisfying.

The one strength of the novel is, unfortunately, a huge spoiler. I did like that Maddy and Reed didn’t make up before opening night. Maddy’s performance kicked butt even while she was in such intense emotional distress. This spoke to her inner strength and prevented us from suspecting that she’d be at the mercy of Reed in the future because her performance depended on relationship stability with him. It also proved to him, conclusively, that she was independent and would be able to move on if he failed, in the future, to live up to his promises. Good choice and I’m glad Roberts didn’t take the easy emotional high of a good performance being a reward for the hero pulling his head from his nethers.

A note about audio: This is an early-ish audible work that seems like it was simply ripped from something earlier, still. Included with this is a theme that plays at every chapter break. That theme not only got old, fast, but it was, at times, ludicrously at odds with the drama of the moment. Bad, bad, bad.

A note about steamy: Typical Nora Roberts—a scene or two of explicit sex and occasional sexy dialogue.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 (fine.. the family dynamics of triplets is always intriguing not having been one.

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1988
Length: 207 pages
Setting: Contemporary. New York and Philadelphia.
Sex: Explicit.
Hero: Money man.
Heroine: Youngest triplet, dancer/musical theatre.
Cheating: Reed is the child of infidelity

Maddy is one of those light, slightly crazy characters that makes you smile. You just spend the book happy. Nothing difficult happens except for the standard relationship angst. Fun and easy.

4 stars.

The O’Hurley’s:
Book 1 The Last Honest Woman - Abby O’Hurley Rockwell and Dylan Crosby
Book 2 Dance to the Piper - Maddy O’Hurley and Reed Valentine
Book 3 Skin Deep - Chantel O’Hurley and Quinn Doran
Book 4 Without A Trace - Trace O’Hurley and Gillian Fitzpatrick

References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com/

(Read in O'Hurley Born ISBN 9781488764967)

-CR-

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the O'Hurley series. The youngest O’Hurley triplet, Maddy, is preparing to star in a new Broadway musical financed by Valentine Records. Maddy meets the head of the label, Reed Valentine, outside the theater while struggling to keep her purse from a young mugger. The two have an instant attraction, though are opposites in many ways. Maddy is an optimistic and chatty extrovert while Reed is serious and conservative. Reed is also bruised from a traumatic childhood experience, and Maddy worries that Reed may never be able to love her. This is a really great romance, with a strong, interesting heroine and fun side characters. To hear a full discussion of Dance to the Piper listen to Season 2, Ep. #10, "Nora Roberts' The O'Hurleys: The Last Honest Woman and Dance to the Piper," of Romancing the Shelf, a Nora Roberts podcast: https://romancingtheshelf.libsyn.com/

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddy O'Hurley is a star even if she doesn't act like it. Her name is in lights, she draws crowds to all her performances, but she is always open to more. Reed Valentine just might be that more that she is looking for. He is a no nonsense business man who always has a plan and a contract to fulfil. What he doesn't realize is that the best contract may not be as easy as all that.

Book 2..... This is a fun and light hearted story, the personal interaction between Maddy and Reed are laugh out loud funny and so enjoyable. The story line is a predictable one, tender and at times sexy, but I had to keep going because of how much fun Maddy O'Hurley made it for everyone. Overall, an average story told in a playful way, thanks Nora Roberts for bringing some new life to the same old story.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Maddy and Reed SO MUCH MORE than Abigail and Dylan. Their relationship and chemistry just SPARKED. Everything about them was just fun and bright even during the rough spots. Total dorks about each other, I loved this one.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

The O'Hurleys are a talented musical and dancing family. I liked this one. It was sweet and heartwarming.

[Titinha Scaeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5... Gostei tanto da Maddy, tão querida, tão leve... Foi bom saber como está a Abby!!! Adoei! :D

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Nora. Sometimes I *really* like her. Other times I just like her okay.

This was a like her okay book. First, this was written in the 80s and it feels like it. I kinda like that. Contemporary romance written in the 80s is like its own weird time machine. You get all the trappings - answering machines, no Google, Tab - with all the thought processes that were prevalent at the time.

This book, Nora leans into the heroine as annoying overbearing ray of sunshine. The kind of person you’d probably never want to be around in real life. Doesn’t shut up. Sings in public. Invites herself into your house at midnight. That kind of shit. She’s overconfident and, as a result, hard to relate to for those of us who like to sit at home and drink Jack and eat Doritos.

The hero is more subdued, naturally. After all, he’s got to be completely perplexed by her if he’s going to fall in love with her. Never mind that I can’t see why he didn’t call security on her the second time she showed up uninvited, but whatever.

She’s a broadway star. More dancer than singer but for some reason, the hero’s record company is cutting a cast album.

Yes, this book is just that beautifully 80s. I expected a guest-starring role by Rita Moreno and Tommy Tune.

There’s a slow burn with these two being attracted for reasons I never quite cottoned to. She’s just so vibrant and wears overalls in upper Manhattan! And he’s so straight-laced and his tie is always crisp! What a feeling! Keep believing!

They have sex. It’s fine. He has the whole “I can’t be in love because reasons,” which I’m sure were explained at some point but I forgot a few minutes after reading the last page. She’s a star. And they’ve both got lovely fathers. He’s naturally got mommy issues though, so there’s that.

All in all, quick read. Nothing special. I picked this up at Goodwill. You could throw a stick in a thrift shop and hit about twenty Nora books. I tend to ignore most of them but occasionally one catches my eye and I pick them up. This one just felt so 80s I had to and it was. Mission accomplished. It even had an old K-Mart sticker on the back. So I got to envision myself channeling the first reader in her teased hair, drinking a Pepsi Free and balancing a phone receiver against her shoulder as she read the book.

Now why do I have “Father Figure” by George Michael suddenly stuck in my head?

[Mara Corduneanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

O recenzie fără spoilere, cu plusuri și minusuri, pentru romanul „Dansează în ritmul inimii” (Dance to the Piper, seria The O’Hurleys, vol. 2) de Nora Roberts:

📖 Recenzie: „Dansează în ritmul inimii” de Nora Roberts
Al doilea volum din seria The O’Hurleys urmărește povestea Maddy O’Hurley, o dansatoare plină de energie și pasiune, care își trăiește viața pe scenă, și a lui Reed Valentine, un om de afaceri pragmatic, rațional și retras. Întâlnirea dintre cele două lumi — arta și controlul, emoția și logica — stârnește scântei, provocând o poveste de dragoste intensă și emoționantă.
Romanul are toate ingredientele clasice ale unei povești Nora Roberts: chimie între personaje, dialoguri spumoase, ritm alert și o doză potrivită de vulnerabilitate emoțională.

✅ Plusuri
• Personaj feminin carismatic: Maddy este una dintre eroinele tipice ale lui Roberts — independentă, pasională, dar profund umană, cu visuri și temeri autentice.
• Chimie romantică puternică: Relația dintre Maddy și Reed este construită gradual, cu tensiune și tandrețe, ceea ce face ca povestea să fie credibilă și captivantă.
• Ritm plăcut: Povestea curge ușor, îmbinând umorul, emoția și introspecția.
• Tema echilibrului între pasiune și rațiune: Romanul explorează ideea că iubirea adevărată nu înseamnă să renunți la tine, ci să te lași descoperit.
• Dialoguri naturale și inteligente: Stilul lui Roberts rămâne accesibil, cald și cinematografic.

⚠️ Minusuri
• Previzibilitate: Ca multe romane romantice, finalul se poate intui, iar unele situații urmează tiparele genului.
• Personaj masculin mai puțin nuanțat: Reed, deși interesant, pare uneori construit în jurul arhetipului „bărbatului rece care învață să iubească”.
• Puțină profunzime narativă: Accentul cade pe relația de cuplu, nu pe conflicte complexe sau teme sociale, ceea ce poate lăsa dorința de mai mult.

„Dansează în ritmul inimii” este o poveste romantică vibrantă și reconfortantă, plină de pasiune, umor și căldură, care vorbește despre curajul de a te deschide în fața iubirii. Nora Roberts îmbină dansul, arta și emoția într-un roman ce se citește cu zâmbetul pe buze și inima ușoară.
Recomandare: Pentru cititorii care iubesc romanele de dragoste clasice, cu personaje puternice și o doză sănătoasă de optimism.

[Sanjana Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

But why is a terribly lovely lady being told she can (and has to) change a toxic man !!

Dance To The Piper. What a lovely read :) It is set in a world of an incredibly charming young woman, Maddy, who has been brought up with respect, care and affection. She has made it in the Broadway scene, is the lead of a show and still has no airs about her or her achievements. She comes as a breath of fresh air to me as well and I cant help falling in love with her. One of my favourite female leads of all time.
Maybe that's why I got really, really annoyed when a man enters her life and she is suddenly put into the role of 'rescuer.' I love her emotions towards the man, she is strong, follows her gut and stays true to who she is, all the time. On the other hand, the man, who is well established in his own career seems to never be "able to give her what she wants." My frustration begins when Maddy is told that since she is the strong woman she has to stand her ground, 'not give up' and essentially 'save' this hero. NO NO NO ! We learn further into the story about why Reed is the way he is, which makes you say oh okay (but still is his own job to work through his issues.) It is not the job of a lovely young lady to do that.
The story is written quite beautifully, it is the writing that makes me give it the 4 stars. The exchange between all the characters is wonderful, I love the metaphors and the vocabulary. The writing overall leaves a very soothing effect on the reader. Effortless, flawless, flowing.
I also really enjoyed the characters in the book, my favourites being her friend Wanda, Maddy's parents and also Reed's father. They all promise hope that good people still do exist. They are just wonderful, wonderful people. I love how these relationships are written, be it with her parents, Wanda or with her own sisters. (The O'Hurley triplets)
Lastly, for me this book is a love story, but not that of Reed and Maddy's. It's a love story between Maddy and Wanda, Maddy and her sisters, Maddy and her parents.
Of course, the reader towards also start falling in love with Maddy. I know I did.

[Rodica Bacain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daca primul volum din serie m-a incantat, cu acesta s-a rupt lantul de iubire. Si chiar este pacat, pentru ca personajul Maddy e unul pe care eu l-am iubit. E construit cu o efervescenta, e plin de culoare, are o impulsivitate adorabila si o sinceritate pentru care eu am apreciat-o. Am fost foarte incantata cand am inceput cartea si am cunoscut-o pe Maddy. In plus, meseria ei de dansatoare in spectacole de musical m-a incantat si mai mult caci mie imi place mult sa patrund in acea lume ce pare atat de stralucitoare de la distanta, dar in spatele cortinei se simt munca si sacrificiile.
Toate bune si frumoase, pana cand a aparut in scena Reed. Aceste este finantatorul spectacolului, e om de afaceri, gandeste practic, scortos si aproape chiar snob. Pentru ca mama l-a parasit pe el si astfel a primit prima dezamagire din viata, are conceptii foarte rigide legat de relatii si mai ales de femei. Atunci cand cele doua lumi complet diferite s-au intersectat, cea plina de culoare a lui Maddy si cea nuantata doar in gri a lui Reed, normal ca apar diferente si scantei. Din acest punct, pe mine nu m-a mai incantat cartea, pentru ca, in preajma lui Reed, Maddy si-a pierdut din farmecul initial. In plus, autoarea a trecut atat de superficial peste consolidarea relatie, ba chiar, anumite reactii au fost neasteptate si nejustificate pentru mine.
Normal ca si aceasta carte are un final fericit, cu toate ca, am ramas cu o mare intrebare. Ce au fetele astea din familia O'Hurley cu casatoria? Se simte ca e o carte destul de veche, e publicata in 1988 cand relatiile sunt zorite spre deznodamantul final, casatoria.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the curtain rises on your own life, are you playing it safe, or are you dancing full out?

Maddy O'Hurley has restless feet. She's always been ready for changes, embracing them, enjoying them, having the best time no matter what curveballs life might throw at her. But all that is about to change, when she meets Reed Valentine, the sponsor of the new Broadway show Maddy is starring in. Reed is the epitome of control and neatness - her total opposite. During their journey, passion and pragmatism collide, lives get tilted sideways, and the stage shall host more than a Broadway fictional romance...

OK, this was a hard book in terms of emotional stability for me, mainly because of Reed. The dude was such a control freak, full of cynical bitterness and trust issues. And while I get where he comes from, the way he kept projecting those issues on Maddy just plain hurt. Sure, she was impulsive, but how can you not love a woman so unapologetically real and full of life? She was a cutie pie and never once did she do or say anything to hurt him - unlike the way he treated her...

Still, it was a fascinating thing to watch. Reed kept raising walls to protect himself, and Maddy kept building bridges to connect with him, even though it scared her and repeatedly brought her down. I'm glad he saw reason in the end and overcame his issues to understand the true gem that had fallen into his unsuspecting hands.

After all, sometimes, the best things happen when you stop trying to control everything - and just dance to the piper!

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