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Danse Macabre #1
Danse Macabre
After the curtain closes on a ground breaking performance of Swan Lake by the only all Vampire Ballet Company, timid graduate student Autumn Darling spies a vampire dancing in the rehearsal studios. A mysterious, beautiful and intimidating man who serves as the all Vampire Ballet Company’s star Principal Dansuer, Aleksi. The poised, demure Autumn is shocked to find herself attracted to Aleksi, in spite of all of the warnings she’s received her entire life about vampires. Intrigued by Autumn’s composure and reserve, Aleksi discovers he has a need to make the shy academic his—at all costs. Neither of them could have guessed the price would be so high, as they embark on their passionate, torrid affair. Aleksi opens Autumn’s eyes to new possibilities, shattering her world, leaving her raw and reborn… and with a new found knowledge that pointe shoes aren’t just for dancing.
404 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Christina Quinn
20 books36 followersAn avid reader and lover of literature, Christina Quinn, has always wanted to be an author for as long as she can remember. She spends most of her days with a coffee cup or wine glass within arm’s reach as she labors at her laptop weaving incredible stories.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 15, 2017
I got to about 80% and decided I couldn't take anymore of the female lead. She's just sooo annoying. The 'I love him, I love him not' was too hard to take.
September 25, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Danse Macabre is one of the most original stories I’ve read; it’s very intriguing. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. This author has created a world that is fascinating to read. I can’t wait to devour the next book in the series. I read the sneak peak at the end, now I’m drowning in anticipation and excitement for the rest of the story.
September 24, 2015
ARC from author
3.5
This book surprised me. I think the world being created is really interesting. I found the characters interesting.
I started going a bit nuts after 75% with the push/pull between Aleski and Autumn. Also the word snickering was used so much it started to stand out like a sore thumb.
I am interested in reading book two because of the world being created by Quinn though.
3.5
This book surprised me. I think the world being created is really interesting. I found the characters interesting.
I started going a bit nuts after 75% with the push/pull between Aleski and Autumn. Also the word snickering was used so much it started to stand out like a sore thumb.
I am interested in reading book two because of the world being created by Quinn though.
March 25, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
First off this is a cliffhanger. I did not learn that obviously until getting closer to the end of the book. I really don't like cliffhangers because I am always so excited for the next book and sometimes you have to wait a year or more to get the next one... needless to say I WILL be waiting to see how Autumn & Aleksi's story will play out.
One of the things I liked about this book was that it is a nice easy read but seems to take awhile to read. I would check my status thinking I was way farther along in the book to find I was only half way to where I thought I was. I loved this because I knew I still had a lot more story to go before I had to say goodbye.
Autumn is very shy, very traditional with how women should act (don't get your feathers ruffled ladies, she is also independent and has a mind of her own) and how a relationship should be. In essence she is very submissive.
Aleksi is very alpha but as with all vampire books I've read there is a pecking order and he is not at the very top so gets put in his place here and there.
I really liked how the story played out. There is some nice steamy sex, some embarrassing voyeur moments along with a few where I wanted to kick the sense back into Aleksi for how he was/is treating Autumn.
There was a review that said the book grows on you... and truthfully it does. There were a few times where I thought of putting it down because it was going down a road that is not what I enjoy, but I'm glad I stuck with it because I want to see how it will end.
I will be waiting on tippy toes for more of my Aleksi ...
First off this is a cliffhanger. I did not learn that obviously until getting closer to the end of the book. I really don't like cliffhangers because I am always so excited for the next book and sometimes you have to wait a year or more to get the next one... needless to say I WILL be waiting to see how Autumn & Aleksi's story will play out.
One of the things I liked about this book was that it is a nice easy read but seems to take awhile to read. I would check my status thinking I was way farther along in the book to find I was only half way to where I thought I was. I loved this because I knew I still had a lot more story to go before I had to say goodbye.
Autumn is very shy, very traditional with how women should act (don't get your feathers ruffled ladies, she is also independent and has a mind of her own) and how a relationship should be. In essence she is very submissive.
Aleksi is very alpha but as with all vampire books I've read there is a pecking order and he is not at the very top so gets put in his place here and there.
I really liked how the story played out. There is some nice steamy sex, some embarrassing voyeur moments along with a few where I wanted to kick the sense back into Aleksi for how he was/is treating Autumn.
There was a review that said the book grows on you... and truthfully it does. There were a few times where I thought of putting it down because it was going down a road that is not what I enjoy, but I'm glad I stuck with it because I want to see how it will end.
I will be waiting on tippy toes for more of my Aleksi ...
August 26, 2015
ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
4 BITE ME STARS
So I came across this book needing to be reviewed and the blurb interested me a lot. I happen to love vampire books. I read a lot of them. I loved this one. It was different and edgy and very weird in a way. I liked the characters well i kind of hated thr hero, Aleksi. He really pissed me off to the end snd I wanted to bash him in the head.
The writing was good. Very vivid and descriptive which i liked a lot. A few errors i picked out in the writing but i ignored it because i was engrossed in the book. It dragged quite a bit and certain parts annoyed like the Miss Manners conscience talking to the heroine. That part really annoyed me. Didnt add anything to the story. It would have been good if it was left out
I got confused a lot. A lot was going on in the book and it did take a while to really find my bearings in the book.
Overally this is a great series with a lot to think about. Im looking forward to the next book. Hope the author gives me a chance to review the next book. Would want to. The ending made me want to read more. Im intrigued and want to know more
4 BITE ME STARS
So I came across this book needing to be reviewed and the blurb interested me a lot. I happen to love vampire books. I read a lot of them. I loved this one. It was different and edgy and very weird in a way. I liked the characters well i kind of hated thr hero, Aleksi. He really pissed me off to the end snd I wanted to bash him in the head.
The writing was good. Very vivid and descriptive which i liked a lot. A few errors i picked out in the writing but i ignored it because i was engrossed in the book. It dragged quite a bit and certain parts annoyed like the Miss Manners conscience talking to the heroine. That part really annoyed me. Didnt add anything to the story. It would have been good if it was left out
I got confused a lot. A lot was going on in the book and it did take a while to really find my bearings in the book.
Overally this is a great series with a lot to think about. Im looking forward to the next book. Hope the author gives me a chance to review the next book. Would want to. The ending made me want to read more. Im intrigued and want to know more
March 28, 2016
I can't even believe I made it halfway through this book before quitting. I think I'm going to need some eye/mind bleach to cleanse myself of this atrocity. It really was that bad.
I would quote some passages to back up my claims to how truly awful the reading experience I had with this book was, but I don't want to expose anyone else to it if at all possible.
In short, Danse Macabre was worse than 50 Shades of Grey (but weirdly similar to it from what I recall of the latter), another book permanently on my shit-list. And that's ultimately all I have to say about this.
I would quote some passages to back up my claims to how truly awful the reading experience I had with this book was, but I don't want to expose anyone else to it if at all possible.
In short, Danse Macabre was worse than 50 Shades of Grey (but weirdly similar to it from what I recall of the latter), another book permanently on my shit-list. And that's ultimately all I have to say about this.
September 25, 2015
This ebook was given as an ARC for an honest review.
While the storytelling was smooth it wasn't very compelling. I found the heroine to be rather wimpish in tolerating the women she called friends. They weren't as they didn't show genuine friendship. Just bitchiness.
The paranormal backstory was not fully introduced. This caused major distractions and had me asking myself questions instead of enjoying the story. I wanted to know, when did the vampires out themselves; where did they come from; what were their powers; what were their place in society.
It felt like this was a rough draft. Needs work.
While the storytelling was smooth it wasn't very compelling. I found the heroine to be rather wimpish in tolerating the women she called friends. They weren't as they didn't show genuine friendship. Just bitchiness.
The paranormal backstory was not fully introduced. This caused major distractions and had me asking myself questions instead of enjoying the story. I wanted to know, when did the vampires out themselves; where did they come from; what were their powers; what were their place in society.
It felt like this was a rough draft. Needs work.
January 22, 2016
I stumbled across this story on another site and thought that it was going to be another Fifty Shades parody. Not only was I wrong but I also saw that this was much different than any vampire story I came across! Ms. Quinn puts a lot of life in all of her characters, something that I always look for when I read. I am not a huge vampire fan nor a ballet fan but the mix of the two worlds is tantalizing! Each chapter will have you wanting to read more and it will definitely hit all of your emotions! This is a must read even for those who are slightly into vampires like myself!
December 13, 2015
Alright!!!!!!! That was intense! Now how about the sequel? Made my top ten!
October 27, 2015
3.5 stars
The overview the author gives is pretty accurate with the story so I'm not going to wastes words here. So I'll get right to the review.
Quinn builds a very realistic world of vampirism. She is always reminding the reader that they aren't human and to not forgot. We see vampires who treat the humans humanely and other who don't. Humans are seen as equals but some are reverenced. She does a wonderful job of her ballet history along with her Shakespearan reference. Though she could have done better with her world building. She seemed to just assume the reader new certain things. I didn't understand where geographically this was taking place. She would use non American terms. That's fine but if your not going to explain certain terms in the story a little background knowledge would be hopefully. Like what country the characters lived in so I could reference it. She glanced over how vampires decided to show themselves in her world, and she glanced over the main female character's background. I was a little erred that she would reference things like the "fourth bite" as if she already explained it.
The way the main characters, Autumn and Aleski, behaved in the beginning reminds me a little of Fifty Shades of Grey vampire style. Autumn is so submissive and has no spine it grated my nerves. Aleski starts off only speaking in one word commands and Autumn hopes to it like a little bunny. However, I'm glad that it didn't stay this way. Well Autumn stays the same, but we start to see the many layers of Aleski. You start to feel for him.
The book has very little BDSM, some ties here and there but that's about it. Quinn doesn't shy from the violence and the domination in her vampirism world so be far warned. They are known as predators and seemed dominance and must punish those who disobey. The writing of the book had some grammatically and spelling errors, but it was the jumpiness of the thoughts that slowed down my reading. I found myself reading paragraphs two or three times to figure out how I missed Autumn moving from the table to his lap. Also, I found a few contradicting statements when she referenced other characters in the book.
All in all the book grew on me. I can mostly predict stories but this story I couldn't automatically see the path it would follow. The characters and relationships seamed real. Not every relationship ends a HEA. Some are tragedy and some are comedy.
I will definitely be waiting for the sequel.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The overview the author gives is pretty accurate with the story so I'm not going to wastes words here. So I'll get right to the review.
Quinn builds a very realistic world of vampirism. She is always reminding the reader that they aren't human and to not forgot. We see vampires who treat the humans humanely and other who don't. Humans are seen as equals but some are reverenced. She does a wonderful job of her ballet history along with her Shakespearan reference. Though she could have done better with her world building. She seemed to just assume the reader new certain things. I didn't understand where geographically this was taking place. She would use non American terms. That's fine but if your not going to explain certain terms in the story a little background knowledge would be hopefully. Like what country the characters lived in so I could reference it. She glanced over how vampires decided to show themselves in her world, and she glanced over the main female character's background. I was a little erred that she would reference things like the "fourth bite" as if she already explained it.
The way the main characters, Autumn and Aleski, behaved in the beginning reminds me a little of Fifty Shades of Grey vampire style. Autumn is so submissive and has no spine it grated my nerves. Aleski starts off only speaking in one word commands and Autumn hopes to it like a little bunny. However, I'm glad that it didn't stay this way. Well Autumn stays the same, but we start to see the many layers of Aleski. You start to feel for him.
The book has very little BDSM, some ties here and there but that's about it. Quinn doesn't shy from the violence and the domination in her vampirism world so be far warned. They are known as predators and seemed dominance and must punish those who disobey. The writing of the book had some grammatically and spelling errors, but it was the jumpiness of the thoughts that slowed down my reading. I found myself reading paragraphs two or three times to figure out how I missed Autumn moving from the table to his lap. Also, I found a few contradicting statements when she referenced other characters in the book.
All in all the book grew on me. I can mostly predict stories but this story I couldn't automatically see the path it would follow. The characters and relationships seamed real. Not every relationship ends a HEA. Some are tragedy and some are comedy.
I will definitely be waiting for the sequel.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2015
I received this book the author through the group 'Fifty Shades Support Group' in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start by saying it is a different book in the kind 'paranormal', usually when I read this topic, the paranormal creatures usually belong to a world hidden and very few mortals know of their existence, whereas in this book humans coexist with vampires quite naturally, although much of their nature is unknown.
Autumn has a clearly submissive personality, not only in the sentimental level, but in all aspects of her life, taking orders from everyone around, especially her 'friends' she is the typical girl doormat, I also believe that she has a strong TOC. Moreover, Aleksi is the clear representation of the alpha male dominant and secure, but not the Master in his world, it which generates an internal conflict in him. God, not to mention to Kendra, if at first I felt a natural aversion for her, over the pages I reach a viscerally hate.
I loved the story and I ate every page avidly, I think Aleksi is taking a hasty and completely selfish final decision regarding Autumn, and really I want to rip his throat, I just hope to react and realize that this shitting seriously .
I hope to continue this story ...... Christina, how long to the next?
I'll start by saying it is a different book in the kind 'paranormal', usually when I read this topic, the paranormal creatures usually belong to a world hidden and very few mortals know of their existence, whereas in this book humans coexist with vampires quite naturally, although much of their nature is unknown.
Autumn has a clearly submissive personality, not only in the sentimental level, but in all aspects of her life, taking orders from everyone around, especially her 'friends' she is the typical girl doormat, I also believe that she has a strong TOC. Moreover, Aleksi is the clear representation of the alpha male dominant and secure, but not the Master in his world, it which generates an internal conflict in him. God, not to mention to Kendra, if at first I felt a natural aversion for her, over the pages I reach a viscerally hate.
I loved the story and I ate every page avidly, I think Aleksi is taking a hasty and completely selfish final decision regarding Autumn, and really I want to rip his throat, I just hope to react and realize that this shitting seriously .
I hope to continue this story ...... Christina, how long to the next?
October 8, 2015
Received as an Arc.
This was a great new take on Vampires. I really enjoyed the aspect of bringing in the ballet. I will say once finished I was hoping the second part was already out. I will say that it took me a little longer to get connected to the book as some of the female characters are whiny and immature. I seriously wanted to reach through my tablet and smake the crap out of Kendra. Yeah shes a real peace of work. The dynamics between Aleski and Autumn are a very push and pull. Aleski at times is more of a petulant child than a almost 200 year old vampire. The same can be said about Autumn. She is in a doctoral program and yet still has child like qualaties or maybe innocence I'm not exactly sure how I would sum her up.
The supporting characters add to the book rather than distract. Some of the dyanamics are intresting and yet twisted. Oh , and lets not forget that Vlad shows up to. All this together makes for a good read.
Overall the book was good and I am looking forward to the next one.
This was a great new take on Vampires. I really enjoyed the aspect of bringing in the ballet. I will say once finished I was hoping the second part was already out. I will say that it took me a little longer to get connected to the book as some of the female characters are whiny and immature. I seriously wanted to reach through my tablet and smake the crap out of Kendra. Yeah shes a real peace of work. The dynamics between Aleski and Autumn are a very push and pull. Aleski at times is more of a petulant child than a almost 200 year old vampire. The same can be said about Autumn. She is in a doctoral program and yet still has child like qualaties or maybe innocence I'm not exactly sure how I would sum her up.
The supporting characters add to the book rather than distract. Some of the dyanamics are intresting and yet twisted. Oh , and lets not forget that Vlad shows up to. All this together makes for a good read.
Overall the book was good and I am looking forward to the next one.
October 4, 2015
I'm not normally a fan of vampire fiction, but I love ballet, and I love the idea of vampires being dancers. I was not at all disappointed by this book, which has the best of both worlds.
The vampires in Ms Quinn's world are cold, often cruel, and they kill. They are not nice vampires. But they can, and do, love and frequently they find love with a mortal. In this case, a brilliant dancer, Aleksi, finds love with the mortal Autumn, but his position within vampire society makes their relationship fraught with misunderstandings, and even outright peril.
There will be inevitable comparisons drawn between this book and another trilogy that's attracted much attention. I would not, however, let that detract anyone from reading this book. Despite some small formatting issues, it's a marvelous read and the plot twists are well done.
I'll be looking for the sequel when it's released.
The vampires in Ms Quinn's world are cold, often cruel, and they kill. They are not nice vampires. But they can, and do, love and frequently they find love with a mortal. In this case, a brilliant dancer, Aleksi, finds love with the mortal Autumn, but his position within vampire society makes their relationship fraught with misunderstandings, and even outright peril.
There will be inevitable comparisons drawn between this book and another trilogy that's attracted much attention. I would not, however, let that detract anyone from reading this book. Despite some small formatting issues, it's a marvelous read and the plot twists are well done.
I'll be looking for the sequel when it's released.
October 11, 2015
For me this book was a mix of emotions.
There were many aspects of the story that I liked (a lot) but on the other hand I found myself drifting when it dragged a bit.
The characters of Aleksi an alpha vampire who though he was alpha was not top of in the order.
Autumn in a sense could be considered submissive and in my opinion to structured. She is shy, with an old fashioned way about her. In other words she behaved very lady like, nothing wrong with that it just threw me off yet she would at times she would show her independence. I know I'm probably confusing you and don't mean to. It just took me a little time to follow along.
Since this is a cliffhanger and we have more coming the question is would I read the next book. Yes! I have to admit this book kind of finds its way into your psyche and you will want to know how things play out for these two.
There were many aspects of the story that I liked (a lot) but on the other hand I found myself drifting when it dragged a bit.
The characters of Aleksi an alpha vampire who though he was alpha was not top of in the order.
Autumn in a sense could be considered submissive and in my opinion to structured. She is shy, with an old fashioned way about her. In other words she behaved very lady like, nothing wrong with that it just threw me off yet she would at times she would show her independence. I know I'm probably confusing you and don't mean to. It just took me a little time to follow along.
Since this is a cliffhanger and we have more coming the question is would I read the next book. Yes! I have to admit this book kind of finds its way into your psyche and you will want to know how things play out for these two.
September 1, 2015
The combination of ballet and vampires is a unique idea, and it flows well together. I can see the grace of both combined into one being, and it leads to a beautiful dance in my mind. Autumn Darling craves control in all things, but when she relinquishes that control to her new Master, a vampiric ballet dancer named Aleksi, her life turns upside down. In the end she has to decide if the glittering world of vampire ballet is worth the pain.
August 25, 2015
This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review
Really enjoyed it.
Love the heat between the people in the book. I did have trouble figuring out the
twist of the story.
I have read other BDSM book and I could always figure out what was
going to happen not the case with this story
Can't wait to read the follow up book
Really enjoyed it.
Love the heat between the people in the book. I did have trouble figuring out the
twist of the story.
I have read other BDSM book and I could always figure out what was
going to happen not the case with this story
Can't wait to read the follow up book
August 20, 2015
Vivd characters, unique setting and a protagonist I didn't want to strangle. Though I don't know if I'd call it a romance necessarily, still a great read. I hope ms.quinn doesn't keep us waiting too long for the next book.
September 30, 2015
I won this book and I was very surprised on this on this unusual take on this vampire story that was very interesting!
April 19, 2018
Loved the book enjoyed the rake on vampire and the hierarchy and Fischer this in about 2 days could not put it down as in no sleep cause I was dieing to know
July 14, 2016
It was better than I expected. I liked the story, with the vampires and ballerinas. The combination was different, but the writer made it work. Aleksi and Autumn as a couple are interesting, they got on my nerves a bit. The constant going back and forth got old, I wanted the story to just move along. The book is more of a romance mixed with some domination, than an erotic read mixed with some domination.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews