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Dance with Me
Contemporary dancer-turned-teacher Nora Cassidy hasn’t performed since a traumatic competition in 2015, when former dance partner Julian Walker dropped her mid-lift and caused her to take a nasty fall in the middle of a group dance. They have been enemies ever since. Taunts from her peers and incessant criticism from her stern grandmother, Constance, taught Nora from a young age that there is no place for plus-size women in the dance world, so she retired from the spotlight at seventeen. Now, she works in her best friend’s café and teaches the odd lesson at her grandmother’s studio. However, she still dreams that, one day, there will be more space for diversity on the dance floor.
When Constance announces sudden plans to retire from managing her beloved dance studio, with Nora set to inherit it, those dreams finally seem within reach for the first time — but in an attempt to prove herself, she must work on a duet for the Winter Showcase with Julian, meaning she has to face both her fears of performing in front of an audience again and the suddenly complicated feelings that arise between her and her new/old dance partner.
This enemies-to-lovers romance proves that dance can bring just about anybody together, following Nora and Julian on their separate and joint journeys towards self-love, romantic love, and future success.
When Constance announces sudden plans to retire from managing her beloved dance studio, with Nora set to inherit it, those dreams finally seem within reach for the first time — but in an attempt to prove herself, she must work on a duet for the Winter Showcase with Julian, meaning she has to face both her fears of performing in front of an audience again and the suddenly complicated feelings that arise between her and her new/old dance partner.
This enemies-to-lovers romance proves that dance can bring just about anybody together, following Nora and Julian on their separate and joint journeys towards self-love, romantic love, and future success.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Bowdler
20 books157 followersRachel Bowdler grew up and still lives just outside of Manchester, on the edge of West Yorkshire. Her books feature queer and plus-size characters finding their happily ever afters. You can usually find her hosting the Swords & Sapphics Podcast, writing under the pen names Bonnie Woods and Bryony Rosehurst, and working as a freelance editor.
Her festive debut novel, Honeymoon for One, was brought to readers in 2022 and became a bestseller in lesbian romance.
Her festive debut novel, Honeymoon for One, was brought to readers in 2022 and became a bestseller in lesbian romance.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 11, 2022
4.5 Stars for Dance With Me (audiobook) by Rachel Bowdler read by Courtney Bailey.
This was a interesting glimpse into the world of modern dance. A young man is trying to audition for a dance company when he is forced to find a new partner for his tryout. He has only one choice, his old partner that he had dropped and injured during a lift years ago. She has her own demons to work out because of that fall but fate has brought these to back together.
This was a interesting glimpse into the world of modern dance. A young man is trying to audition for a dance company when he is forced to find a new partner for his tryout. He has only one choice, his old partner that he had dropped and injured during a lift years ago. She has her own demons to work out because of that fall but fate has brought these to back together.
February 26, 2021
I haven’t read a dance romance before but I’ve always loved hate to love so I gave it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by this book given that it seems very unknown and genuinely enjoyed the story. It made me want to read more dance stories because I think this author did a beautiful job.
December 24, 2020
Rach said “Merry fucking Christmas” and gave us the greatest gift in the world.
Dance with Me is a novella that just is and stays in my heart forever. It’s a story about plus sized girl in the dance world, who didn’t preform after Julian Walker dropped her mid group dance. Now in an attempt to prove herself to her grandmother she must work on a duet with Julian.
This is beautiful, funny and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story that was just...whshhs I cannot possibly express how much I loved it.
Nora’s journey to true self love and acceptance of her own body is something so pure and beautiful and so fucking close to home.
I’m also very much Julian’s slut. His and Nora’s banter made me laugh out loud several times.
Oh how I just love this story so much. I’m already listening the audiobook.
Dance with Me is a novella that just is and stays in my heart forever. It’s a story about plus sized girl in the dance world, who didn’t preform after Julian Walker dropped her mid group dance. Now in an attempt to prove herself to her grandmother she must work on a duet with Julian.
This is beautiful, funny and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story that was just...whshhs I cannot possibly express how much I loved it.
Nora’s journey to true self love and acceptance of her own body is something so pure and beautiful and so fucking close to home.
I’m also very much Julian’s slut. His and Nora’s banter made me laugh out loud several times.
Oh how I just love this story so much. I’m already listening the audiobook.
January 10, 2021
Nora Cassidy is a plus sized former dancer turned dance teacher. She quit dancing after a humiliating accident. She blames dancer Julian Walker for what happened and he needs her help now. She's the only one who can fill the role of partner in an important audition he is scheduled for. Nora being plus sized was not the focus- her insecurities were. This is a sweet friends to lovers story and a pleasure to read.
December 22, 2020
This book filled my little dancing heart. It deals with weight issues and confidence so well and so carefully it's actually beautiful to read. I love how the characters both have their own lives too and don't fall in love instantly, especially with the gravity of their past. I just love it so so so much
December 14, 2021
This was a lovely romance set in the world of dance. I really loved Nora and was rooting for her all the way. Julian, too, was easy to root for (I think having his POV definetely helped here, or he would have come across a bit like a jerk at time), meaning I was cheering these two on the entire book.
Snarky back and forth will always be a winner for me and this book is full of it, but it also touches upon a lot more sensitive topics with grace, and balances the two well.
Overall, a beautiful story about two people learning to love each other and themselves.
Snarky back and forth will always be a winner for me and this book is full of it, but it also touches upon a lot more sensitive topics with grace, and balances the two well.
Overall, a beautiful story about two people learning to love each other and themselves.
January 19, 2021
"he had not even noticed until then just how deep her roots had buried themselves in him. god help him if they were ever unearthed."
if u see me looking up dance studios nearby to have my own enemies to lovers moment in 2021 mind ur business <3
if u see me looking up dance studios nearby to have my own enemies to lovers moment in 2021 mind ur business <3
January 9, 2021
This book has such heart, I want to hold it to my chest and never let it go.
September 10, 2023
Dance with Me by Rachel Bowdler filled my heart with joy, and I loved it from the first page to the last. I've always had a soft spot for books, movies and tv shows set in the world of dance, so when I saw this little gem while scrolling through amazon one day I decided to pick it up on a whim.
This is the story of Nora, a dance teacher who has always loved the art of dance but is afraid of performing because of a traumatic incident years ago when her partner dropped her mid lift during a competition. She has always been conscious that her body is bigger than that of the average dancer, but that does not hinder the joy she finds in dancing when she thinks no one is watching , or her dream of sharing that joy with the young children she teaches at her Grandmother's dance school. When her Grandmother tells her that she is stepping down and intends to leave the school in Nora's hands, it comes with strings attached, she must perform in the annual showcase. As if that were not bad enough, she must partner with Julian, the dancer who dropped her all those years before, and the animosity between them has certainly not lessened as the years went by.
I am a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance, and that is exactly what I found here, the chemistry between the characters was sizzling, but there was also a sweetness to their developing romance that I really appreciated. I loved that while Nora was a plus sized character, it was not the only thing that defined her, and she was happy and comfortable in her own skin. It would have been easy to dislike Julian , the love interest, especially at first as he comes across quite arrogant , but as his side of the story unfolds it becomes easier to root for him , and for them as a couple.
This is the story of Nora, a dance teacher who has always loved the art of dance but is afraid of performing because of a traumatic incident years ago when her partner dropped her mid lift during a competition. She has always been conscious that her body is bigger than that of the average dancer, but that does not hinder the joy she finds in dancing when she thinks no one is watching , or her dream of sharing that joy with the young children she teaches at her Grandmother's dance school. When her Grandmother tells her that she is stepping down and intends to leave the school in Nora's hands, it comes with strings attached, she must perform in the annual showcase. As if that were not bad enough, she must partner with Julian, the dancer who dropped her all those years before, and the animosity between them has certainly not lessened as the years went by.
I am a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance, and that is exactly what I found here, the chemistry between the characters was sizzling, but there was also a sweetness to their developing romance that I really appreciated. I loved that while Nora was a plus sized character, it was not the only thing that defined her, and she was happy and comfortable in her own skin. It would have been easy to dislike Julian , the love interest, especially at first as he comes across quite arrogant , but as his side of the story unfolds it becomes easier to root for him , and for them as a couple.
January 22, 2022
As a woman who doesn't generally read romance, I was very pleasantly surprised. I was quite happy to sit and binge read this book in one sitting. If a book doesn't make you want to do that, it's not THE ONE! I would highly recommend picking up this book for a love-hate relationship that works out well.
January 23, 2022
If you happen to be getting withdrawal symptoms when Strictly isn't on, this is the read for you! Nora and Julian are the perfect enemies due to an incident in the past which haunts Nora. They really do despise each other and the author does well to shape this into an enemies to lovers trope. This fits the bill perfectly as they are forced to dance together. Nora's grandmother you love to hate- she's nasty with a very cutting tongue and judgemental. A great surrounding cast of the people around them, Fraser is adorable and using dance as an escapism is lovely to read.
This definitely made me want to get up and get dancing but I also really felt invested in this world and would love to know what happens next.
Enchanting, delightful, superb.
This definitely made me want to get up and get dancing but I also really felt invested in this world and would love to know what happens next.
Enchanting, delightful, superb.
October 6, 2025
As someone who isn't typically a romance reader but loves dance, I absolutely devoured this book! Years after Nora suffered a traumatic fall at a dance competition where her partner Julian dropped her, she's been reluctant to ever dance again. But when an opportunity to take over her grandmother's studio arises, and Julian is in need of a partner to get into his dream school, they're forced back together, and it's off to a rough start. They can't stand each other, but they'll need to make it work.
I found myself tearing up at several points in the story, especially as they open up about their pasts and learn to cope together. Julian's father has never been supportive, and Nora's grandmother is overly critical. The more time they spend together, the less they start to hate each other, and I absolutely loved the way their relationship blossomed. If there was ever a sequel, you bet I'd be reading it!
This is my first read by Rachel Bowdler, and it certainly won't be my last!
I found myself tearing up at several points in the story, especially as they open up about their pasts and learn to cope together. Julian's father has never been supportive, and Nora's grandmother is overly critical. The more time they spend together, the less they start to hate each other, and I absolutely loved the way their relationship blossomed. If there was ever a sequel, you bet I'd be reading it!
This is my first read by Rachel Bowdler, and it certainly won't be my last!
December 30, 2020
though i am not a dancer, i am plus sized (or fat, if you will). reading this book and reading about nora achieving her dreams was an experience filled with joy for me because a plus sized woman was the main character but the book wasn't about nora being plus size. nora had a handful of insecurities because of her size and especially being compared to the smaller dancers, even if she was better than them, didn't make her feel better. she didn't face any direct fatphobia in the book and julian wasn't portrayed as a hero or as if he were supporting a good cause by being in love and most importantly, loving a plus sized woman.
February 15, 2021
Urgh!
That's all I've got to say.
That's all I've got to say.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews