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Pacific Grove University #2
It Started with a Dance
WILL THEY PULL OFF THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE?
It's double time for Cami Clinton...
Dance is in Cami’s blood, but a bombshell diagnosis puts her on the sidelines. Now returning for her senior year of college, she’s determined to prove she is the dancer she once was. Each year, at the end of the semester, the campus hosts a dance festival. Cami knows this is her shot at redemption, but while at a party, things go horribly wrong and Cami suddenly has a new boyfriend: Marsh Lincoln.
Marsh Lincoln has two left feet…
He doesn’t dance. A nasty accident haunts Marsh and he’s just ready to graduate. Until he’s told he’s missing credits. The only class left to fill his missing credits? Ballroom dancing. To make matters worse, his girlfriend breaks-up with him in front of everyone at a party, leaving him with a new girlfriend he’s never met before…
It takes two to tango…
Acting like the perfect couple isn’t easy when you’ve just met. When the lines between what’s real and pretend blurs, they have to ask themselves: Can you catch feelings for something that’s all pretend?
It's double time for Cami Clinton...
Dance is in Cami’s blood, but a bombshell diagnosis puts her on the sidelines. Now returning for her senior year of college, she’s determined to prove she is the dancer she once was. Each year, at the end of the semester, the campus hosts a dance festival. Cami knows this is her shot at redemption, but while at a party, things go horribly wrong and Cami suddenly has a new boyfriend: Marsh Lincoln.
Marsh Lincoln has two left feet…
He doesn’t dance. A nasty accident haunts Marsh and he’s just ready to graduate. Until he’s told he’s missing credits. The only class left to fill his missing credits? Ballroom dancing. To make matters worse, his girlfriend breaks-up with him in front of everyone at a party, leaving him with a new girlfriend he’s never met before…
It takes two to tango…
Acting like the perfect couple isn’t easy when you’ve just met. When the lines between what’s real and pretend blurs, they have to ask themselves: Can you catch feelings for something that’s all pretend?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Tinia Montford
6 books194 followersTinia (TUH-NEE-YAH) Montford is a Pisces who’s a sap for romance, especially when there’s (tons of) kissing. Loves eighties sitcoms and will consume anything with chocolate. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English and Graphic Design.
She is a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.
If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie.
She is a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.
If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 24, 2022
5⭐️
2🔥
Thank you Tinia for The ARC
cami lives for dancing. dancing is her great passion. she was told she has lupus and felt that her whole world was collapsing. she pretends she has nothing and doesn't tell her friends anything. cami is at a party where she runs into marsh. mash gets humiliated by his ex. cami steps in and pretends to be his girlfriend.
they decide to follow through and start fake dating. marsh has to take an extra class and chooses ballroom dancing where cami helps him. their bond grows a lot and get more trust in each other. marsh has a traumatic experience that it has not yet gone through and has conversations with the therapist.
i am so thankful for the arc. this book is great! there are illnesses that change your life and traumas that stay with you forever. I enjoyed the first book but this one is so good I have no words for it. you get to know the main and their characters so well and really empathize with them. they make you laugh and cry. this is a delightful romance that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys reading it. There aren't many spicy scenes in it, but the ones in it are fantastic.
2🔥
Thank you Tinia for The ARC
cami lives for dancing. dancing is her great passion. she was told she has lupus and felt that her whole world was collapsing. she pretends she has nothing and doesn't tell her friends anything. cami is at a party where she runs into marsh. mash gets humiliated by his ex. cami steps in and pretends to be his girlfriend.
they decide to follow through and start fake dating. marsh has to take an extra class and chooses ballroom dancing where cami helps him. their bond grows a lot and get more trust in each other. marsh has a traumatic experience that it has not yet gone through and has conversations with the therapist.
i am so thankful for the arc. this book is great! there are illnesses that change your life and traumas that stay with you forever. I enjoyed the first book but this one is so good I have no words for it. you get to know the main and their characters so well and really empathize with them. they make you laugh and cry. this is a delightful romance that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys reading it. There aren't many spicy scenes in it, but the ones in it are fantastic.
August 1, 2024
Cami and Marsh . . .
Cami Clinton loves to dance, but she is devastated with a diagnosis that will make that activity improbable if not impossible. But she is determined to move forward with her dancing, even foolishly refusing to take her medicine to pretend the condition does not exist. At a party, she befriends a guy by stepping in and acting as Marsh Lincoln’s new girlfriend, a ruse they continue to fake.
But Marsh Lincoln doesn’t dance. When he finds he needs to make up some credits to graduate, the only thing left is ballroom dancing. So his new partner Cami tries to help him out. Will they be able to merge together as the flawless dancing wonders they need to project to their audience? Can they overcome the odds against the personal issues and difficulties they are trying to push past? And will the fake feelings they are displaying turn out to be more real than they had imagined?
Cami Clinton loves to dance, but she is devastated with a diagnosis that will make that activity improbable if not impossible. But she is determined to move forward with her dancing, even foolishly refusing to take her medicine to pretend the condition does not exist. At a party, she befriends a guy by stepping in and acting as Marsh Lincoln’s new girlfriend, a ruse they continue to fake.
But Marsh Lincoln doesn’t dance. When he finds he needs to make up some credits to graduate, the only thing left is ballroom dancing. So his new partner Cami tries to help him out. Will they be able to merge together as the flawless dancing wonders they need to project to their audience? Can they overcome the odds against the personal issues and difficulties they are trying to push past? And will the fake feelings they are displaying turn out to be more real than they had imagined?
September 13, 2022
This book was a 4 star read for me.
It started with a Dance, was a quick and easy read, with great character development. I really enjoyed the representation in the book; chronic illness and PTSD. Cami and Marsh have great chemistry.. This book includes some of my favourite tropes including enemies to lovers, and fake dating. The writing was great, and I couldn't get enough of the spice in this book. I found the side characters really added to the storyline, and can't wait to hopefully see more of them in books to come.
I love a book that includes dual points of view, and felt this really added to my enjoyment of the story overall. Marsh's back story broke my heart, and I enjoyed reading about both characters working through their past/diagnoses.
I felt the book was a touch too long, and drug on in some parts, but overall loved the storyline and characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC, for any honest review.
It started with a Dance, was a quick and easy read, with great character development. I really enjoyed the representation in the book; chronic illness and PTSD. Cami and Marsh have great chemistry.. This book includes some of my favourite tropes including enemies to lovers, and fake dating. The writing was great, and I couldn't get enough of the spice in this book. I found the side characters really added to the storyline, and can't wait to hopefully see more of them in books to come.
I love a book that includes dual points of view, and felt this really added to my enjoyment of the story overall. Marsh's back story broke my heart, and I enjoyed reading about both characters working through their past/diagnoses.
I felt the book was a touch too long, and drug on in some parts, but overall loved the storyline and characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC, for any honest review.
August 7, 2022
TWs: chronic illness and having a hard time accepting, past death of a partner, ptsd
Wow Tinia is really becoming such a strong romance writer UGH I loved just as much maybe even more than the first book in this series.
This was grumpy x sunshine in full effect. Cami being the sunshine and Marsh being the grumpy and boy did that fit their personalities.
Cami, my sweet dancing pink obsessed baby angel who is having a hard time accepting her chronic illness, I love and cherish you and you like me fr fr. I loved her personality and energy and when she would ramble for so long. An anime loving queen?? We love to see!
Marsh, my smooth talking grumpy caring king, you got at nerves a little but made up for it always 😌. Also the way he was described was so hot it made my chest feel tight and the way he would describe Cami and his feelings for her!?!? Yeah need that in my life 🧍🏿♀️
THE SMUT 😤🔥🔥🔥 AWOOOGA. Listen! LEMME TELL U SUMTHIN! the passion! The intimacy! The neediness! The desperation!? I'm taking Tinia to court for emotional horny distress! But there was about 3 scenes.
The fake dating worked in this book. I don't feel like it was anything over the top but it made sense to me why it started and why they kept it going.
I'm also not a fan of the ex girlfriend being in the picture and being kinda crazy but I can admit that it did have me super engaged and I liked the way that was resolved and everyone admitting their mistakes.
I'm also a big fan of the way the author wrote their third act and how it all resolved. Like it hurt like a b*tch but that made it feel more realistic for me.
Overall I'm giving this 5 stars because I had the best time. I got super invested with the main characters! I loves everyone's development and them actually getting help and I loved the way it ended.
I would take more stories from this series but I'm super excited for whatever this author has coming next!!
* I received am arc from the author for my honest review
Wow Tinia is really becoming such a strong romance writer UGH I loved just as much maybe even more than the first book in this series.
This was grumpy x sunshine in full effect. Cami being the sunshine and Marsh being the grumpy and boy did that fit their personalities.
Cami, my sweet dancing pink obsessed baby angel who is having a hard time accepting her chronic illness, I love and cherish you and you like me fr fr. I loved her personality and energy and when she would ramble for so long. An anime loving queen?? We love to see!
Marsh, my smooth talking grumpy caring king, you got at nerves a little but made up for it always 😌. Also the way he was described was so hot it made my chest feel tight and the way he would describe Cami and his feelings for her!?!? Yeah need that in my life 🧍🏿♀️
THE SMUT 😤🔥🔥🔥 AWOOOGA. Listen! LEMME TELL U SUMTHIN! the passion! The intimacy! The neediness! The desperation!? I'm taking Tinia to court for emotional horny distress! But there was about 3 scenes.
The fake dating worked in this book. I don't feel like it was anything over the top but it made sense to me why it started and why they kept it going.
I'm also not a fan of the ex girlfriend being in the picture and being kinda crazy but I can admit that it did have me super engaged and I liked the way that was resolved and everyone admitting their mistakes.
I'm also a big fan of the way the author wrote their third act and how it all resolved. Like it hurt like a b*tch but that made it feel more realistic for me.
Overall I'm giving this 5 stars because I had the best time. I got super invested with the main characters! I loves everyone's development and them actually getting help and I loved the way it ended.
I would take more stories from this series but I'm super excited for whatever this author has coming next!!
* I received am arc from the author for my honest review
September 27, 2022
This was a cute book and one that I enjoyed for the most part. I did not love the drama at times, but the overall chemistry between our MCs made up for it. I'm looking forward to reading more by Tinia Montford.
August 23, 2022
Fake dating is a trope I thoroughly enjoy… most of the time. Unfortunately for me, this book does not deliver that enjoyment to me. I know fake dating is built on lies, but the main characters cannot even lie to save their lives. I’m just amazed how they actually buy their meet cute story when just one moment ago Cami said that she met Marsh for the first time. Plus point for the chronic illness and PTSD rep, but still the characters feel one-dimensional and annoying I cannot even name one character I like. Also, reading this feels like reading a YA book with a dash of smut scene, which is kinda off-putting even for me.
ARC provided by netgalley for voluntary review.
ARC provided by netgalley for voluntary review.
August 29, 2022
This book hit the spot it was a short, drama-filled college romance. This reminded me of Elle Kennedy minus the sports themes and adding in Black Culture
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
I couldn't put this down - I finished it within a day and I loved every moment
Cami is a nerdy dancer who has a sickness and is trying to navigate that while a persistent ex-lover won't leave her alone Marsh is getting over past devastation meanwhile his girlfriend and his friend are together now after cheating behind his back
A standard fake relationship is what they both need. Beyond the drama that I enjoy the spicy scene were top-notch.
I will be promptly reading the first book in this series and looking forward to more.
July 12, 2022
Cami is a strong dancer. Dance is her life. She is on a dance team, and takes ballroom dance for credits.
Marsh needs just a few more credits to graduate, and the counseler suggests the ballroom dance class.
Once these 2 meet, you can feel the passion through the pages.
There's some angst, with Marsh's very competitive ex-girlfriend, some laughs, and a lot of heat.
I will definitely read other books by Tinia Montford.
***I recieved an ARC copy for an honest review***
Marsh needs just a few more credits to graduate, and the counseler suggests the ballroom dance class.
Once these 2 meet, you can feel the passion through the pages.
There's some angst, with Marsh's very competitive ex-girlfriend, some laughs, and a lot of heat.
I will definitely read other books by Tinia Montford.
***I recieved an ARC copy for an honest review***
August 23, 2022
4.5 stars! I loved this book!
Cami is a dancer through and through. She is temporarily taken out of commission when she receives a medical diagnosis that may alter the course of her life. Instead of taking her medication and going to a support group, she ignores what her doctors tell her and tries to live her college life as if she doesn't have a chronic condition (dancing included). Marsh is going through the motions ever since a horrible accident changed his life forever. He is now only a few credits away from graduating college and attending law school. He finds out he needs to take an elective course to make up those credits and gets stuck in the only class left: a ballroom dancing class. Cami and Marsh meet with a bang and don't get along first. As the weeks roll by, Cami pretends to be Marsh's girlfriend to save him from an embarrassing public situation. As they get to know each other, their outward relationship status may be fake, but their feelings for each other certainly aren't. Can Cami and Marsh overcome their traumas and admit their love for one another?
Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes, and author Tinia Montford executes it with ease and perfection in "It Started with a Dance." I *loved* this book. Cami and Marsh's slow-burning pining and intense chemistry eventually lead to some serious spice, steam, and big-time feelings. I rooted for them from the first page! Cami and Marsh are two extremely well-fleshed-out characters, as are most of the side characters, including Cami's brother Devin, Marsh's friend/frat brother Ezra, Cami's two best friends Deja and Winter, and Marsh's ex-girlfriend Larissa. None of the characters are ever forgotten or disappear from the page only to randomly come back in the last act. Hopefully, we will get another book about Deja or Winter or Larissa??? :)
I thought Tinia Montford handled the trauma aspects of the story well, especially where Cami is concerned. As someone with a chronic illness that impacts every single aspect of my life, I totally identified with Cami's feelings surrounding her lupus diagnosis. I have been dealing with my illness since I was 14 (I am now in my late 30s), and I know what Cami was going through when she found out she never dance again. It's heartbreaking, sure, but Montford has a way of talking about Cami's lupus with tender care and extreme realism all at once.
Please read "It Started with a Dance" immediately! I loved the representation, I loved the writing, I loved the banter, I loved the emotion... I just loved this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tinia Montford, and 735 Emerald Press LLC for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review in any way.
Cami is a dancer through and through. She is temporarily taken out of commission when she receives a medical diagnosis that may alter the course of her life. Instead of taking her medication and going to a support group, she ignores what her doctors tell her and tries to live her college life as if she doesn't have a chronic condition (dancing included). Marsh is going through the motions ever since a horrible accident changed his life forever. He is now only a few credits away from graduating college and attending law school. He finds out he needs to take an elective course to make up those credits and gets stuck in the only class left: a ballroom dancing class. Cami and Marsh meet with a bang and don't get along first. As the weeks roll by, Cami pretends to be Marsh's girlfriend to save him from an embarrassing public situation. As they get to know each other, their outward relationship status may be fake, but their feelings for each other certainly aren't. Can Cami and Marsh overcome their traumas and admit their love for one another?
Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes, and author Tinia Montford executes it with ease and perfection in "It Started with a Dance." I *loved* this book. Cami and Marsh's slow-burning pining and intense chemistry eventually lead to some serious spice, steam, and big-time feelings. I rooted for them from the first page! Cami and Marsh are two extremely well-fleshed-out characters, as are most of the side characters, including Cami's brother Devin, Marsh's friend/frat brother Ezra, Cami's two best friends Deja and Winter, and Marsh's ex-girlfriend Larissa. None of the characters are ever forgotten or disappear from the page only to randomly come back in the last act. Hopefully, we will get another book about Deja or Winter or Larissa??? :)
I thought Tinia Montford handled the trauma aspects of the story well, especially where Cami is concerned. As someone with a chronic illness that impacts every single aspect of my life, I totally identified with Cami's feelings surrounding her lupus diagnosis. I have been dealing with my illness since I was 14 (I am now in my late 30s), and I know what Cami was going through when she found out she never dance again. It's heartbreaking, sure, but Montford has a way of talking about Cami's lupus with tender care and extreme realism all at once.
Please read "It Started with a Dance" immediately! I loved the representation, I loved the writing, I loved the banter, I loved the emotion... I just loved this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tinia Montford, and 735 Emerald Press LLC for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review in any way.
July 28, 2022
Cami and Marsh are an unforgettable couple in It Started With A Dance; they exude romance, seduction, and authenticity.
Having an understanding relationship with the characters is one of my favorite aspects of romance, and Cami and Marsh's relationship, even before they have this "pact," radiates from the page. While the novel is both emotional and lighthearted, it imparts depth to the romance that exists between the two characters; they are able to discern what is their own turmoil and what isn't. This made for a powerful connection between them not only as a couple but also as individuals.
There is something so wonderful about the dual pov between the pair. I truly enjoyed it. Marsh is one of my favorite man-candy characters so far, and I cannot get enough of his charm. I like the way he is, the way he talks, everything works for me, Cami knew what she was doing. I also appreciated the representation of Blackness in the form of family, food, language, and style. It was so illuminating to read Cami's braids flowing down her back.
The 'fake dating' trope is generally not my cup of tea, but Tinia's novel made it less about the 'fake dating' and more about how it was “okay” for them to catch feelings. They may not have intended to fall in love, but it is okay that they did. I often forgot it was 'fake' for a period of time while reading because they vibed so well.
I found the sex scenes to be both naughty and scrumptious. It was wonderful to listen to the dirty talk; Marsh, I am grateful to you on behalf of all men out there. I particularly enjoyed the finger-play scenes, which are not common. Usually, foreplay is missing from romance novels (I feel), and it is so fun, so I appreciate that this novel contains about three instances of it 🥹—the sex was tasteful and I enjoyyyyed it.
This fake datin’ dancin’ romance novel swept me up all tha’ way—and it is out tomorrow!
Having an understanding relationship with the characters is one of my favorite aspects of romance, and Cami and Marsh's relationship, even before they have this "pact," radiates from the page. While the novel is both emotional and lighthearted, it imparts depth to the romance that exists between the two characters; they are able to discern what is their own turmoil and what isn't. This made for a powerful connection between them not only as a couple but also as individuals.
There is something so wonderful about the dual pov between the pair. I truly enjoyed it. Marsh is one of my favorite man-candy characters so far, and I cannot get enough of his charm. I like the way he is, the way he talks, everything works for me, Cami knew what she was doing. I also appreciated the representation of Blackness in the form of family, food, language, and style. It was so illuminating to read Cami's braids flowing down her back.
The 'fake dating' trope is generally not my cup of tea, but Tinia's novel made it less about the 'fake dating' and more about how it was “okay” for them to catch feelings. They may not have intended to fall in love, but it is okay that they did. I often forgot it was 'fake' for a period of time while reading because they vibed so well.
I found the sex scenes to be both naughty and scrumptious. It was wonderful to listen to the dirty talk; Marsh, I am grateful to you on behalf of all men out there. I particularly enjoyed the finger-play scenes, which are not common. Usually, foreplay is missing from romance novels (I feel), and it is so fun, so I appreciate that this novel contains about three instances of it 🥹—the sex was tasteful and I enjoyyyyed it.
This fake datin’ dancin’ romance novel swept me up all tha’ way—and it is out tomorrow!
July 28, 2022
**Little Spoilers** I enjoyed Cami and Marsh's story. Not only is it a fake relationship story but also an opposites attract love story with the nerdy, dancer girl landing the popular frat boy. This was my first book by this author but definitely won't be my last. The writing style and plot were great and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
My heart broke for Marsh. Such a horrible accident in the past continued to plague him in the present. He's bottling up the hurt, guilt, and pain of it all. It was not going to work out well if he continued on that path. And the same for Cami who's in denial about her condition. Not taking her medications is only going to exacerbate the situation. I could understand her frustrations and uncertainties because it would affect her future goals. I'm glad they both were able to speak their truth, acknowledge their feelings were valid, but also come to the realization that it's time to be make serious changes if they want their futures to be successful and have meaning and purpose.
The secondary characters are great as well and bring so much to the story. Deja and Winter are awesome best friends who had Cami's back regardless. Ezra made me laugh constantly and was a true friend to Marsh. Devin, Cami's brother, is overbearing at times, but it came from a place of love. Larissa was a bitter and jealous mess who ultimately learned the grass isn't always greener on the outside. So it's best that you tend to your own and keep it watered and mowed.
Overall, this was a great story. It's full of story has drama, revenge, heartbreak, tragedy, friendship, forgiveness for yourself and others, family, love, and romance. I'd definitely recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart broke for Marsh. Such a horrible accident in the past continued to plague him in the present. He's bottling up the hurt, guilt, and pain of it all. It was not going to work out well if he continued on that path. And the same for Cami who's in denial about her condition. Not taking her medications is only going to exacerbate the situation. I could understand her frustrations and uncertainties because it would affect her future goals. I'm glad they both were able to speak their truth, acknowledge their feelings were valid, but also come to the realization that it's time to be make serious changes if they want their futures to be successful and have meaning and purpose.
The secondary characters are great as well and bring so much to the story. Deja and Winter are awesome best friends who had Cami's back regardless. Ezra made me laugh constantly and was a true friend to Marsh. Devin, Cami's brother, is overbearing at times, but it came from a place of love. Larissa was a bitter and jealous mess who ultimately learned the grass isn't always greener on the outside. So it's best that you tend to your own and keep it watered and mowed.
Overall, this was a great story. It's full of story has drama, revenge, heartbreak, tragedy, friendship, forgiveness for yourself and others, family, love, and romance. I'd definitely recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
I loved this book! I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own opinion.
I was recommended this book from @latestbookcrush on Bookstagram. We meet Cami a dancer in college who was just diagnosed with Lupus. She is in denial and just wants to live a normal life and dance! Who needs a support group anyways? Then we meet Marsh who’s 23 and needs two more credits to graduate. So he needs to take an elective but the only one that’s left is ballroom dance. He then meets Cami who is also in the class. They both don’t really get along in the beginning Marsh could care less about dance and dance is Cami’s world. Cami and Marsh agree to take date. But feelings fly. But Marsh isn’t ready to open his heart as it still belongs to someone he lost in a tragedy that he carries immense guilt for. He’s working through his grief and Cami is working through her new normal. Can a fake relationship really turn into real feelings?
I used to be a dancer before I dislocated my knee in grade 10. I really related to our main character Cami. She was also just diagnosed with Lupus and I really understood wanting to feel normal because in 2020 I was diagnosed with a life threatening auto immune disorder called Addisons. ( my body doesn’t produce cortisol which is vital to live) But I was also grateful we had answers after month of being extremely ill. Like Cami we both had a new normal thrusted onto us. This book was emotional but also spicy as all get out 🌶🌶 Highly recommend! Thanks again Netgalley and Xpresso book tours for this experience
I was recommended this book from @latestbookcrush on Bookstagram. We meet Cami a dancer in college who was just diagnosed with Lupus. She is in denial and just wants to live a normal life and dance! Who needs a support group anyways? Then we meet Marsh who’s 23 and needs two more credits to graduate. So he needs to take an elective but the only one that’s left is ballroom dance. He then meets Cami who is also in the class. They both don’t really get along in the beginning Marsh could care less about dance and dance is Cami’s world. Cami and Marsh agree to take date. But feelings fly. But Marsh isn’t ready to open his heart as it still belongs to someone he lost in a tragedy that he carries immense guilt for. He’s working through his grief and Cami is working through her new normal. Can a fake relationship really turn into real feelings?
I used to be a dancer before I dislocated my knee in grade 10. I really related to our main character Cami. She was also just diagnosed with Lupus and I really understood wanting to feel normal because in 2020 I was diagnosed with a life threatening auto immune disorder called Addisons. ( my body doesn’t produce cortisol which is vital to live) But I was also grateful we had answers after month of being extremely ill. Like Cami we both had a new normal thrusted onto us. This book was emotional but also spicy as all get out 🌶🌶 Highly recommend! Thanks again Netgalley and Xpresso book tours for this experience
July 20, 2022
Cami lives for dance and hopes to be a dancer when she graduates despite lupus. Trying to pretend she does not have it; she keeps from telling her friends she is sick and refuses to take the medicine or go to a support group.
Cami is at a campus party when she finds Marsh being humiliated by his best friend and ex-girlfriend. Cami steps up and pretends she is his new girlfriend, and they decide to keep the relationship going until he graduates. To graduate he needs to find a class to fill his missing credits. Ballroom dancing is the only option even though he hates to dance. Cami and Marsh are partners and after time, their relationship grows.
Marsh was in a terrible accident that killed his girlfriend and badly injured him. Months of hospitalization and a therapist has helped. He still feels guilty about driving the car that killed his girlfriend and believes he cannot be trusted with love.
This is a great book about the trials of living with a debilitating disease that will make you take medicine and watch your activities for the rest of your life. Watching Marsh struggle with survivor’s guilt is hard on him as well as his friends and family. I loved the book and the support the friends and family gave both Cami and Marsh. Honesty and communication can make a big difference. Great love story and wonderful characters.
Cami is at a campus party when she finds Marsh being humiliated by his best friend and ex-girlfriend. Cami steps up and pretends she is his new girlfriend, and they decide to keep the relationship going until he graduates. To graduate he needs to find a class to fill his missing credits. Ballroom dancing is the only option even though he hates to dance. Cami and Marsh are partners and after time, their relationship grows.
Marsh was in a terrible accident that killed his girlfriend and badly injured him. Months of hospitalization and a therapist has helped. He still feels guilty about driving the car that killed his girlfriend and believes he cannot be trusted with love.
This is a great book about the trials of living with a debilitating disease that will make you take medicine and watch your activities for the rest of your life. Watching Marsh struggle with survivor’s guilt is hard on him as well as his friends and family. I loved the book and the support the friends and family gave both Cami and Marsh. Honesty and communication can make a big difference. Great love story and wonderful characters.
July 16, 2022
ARC received (thanks BookSirens) for honest review
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Since I adored her first book in the PGU series, I was excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! Cami loves dance, her older over protective brother and her two best friends. After discovering she has an incurable disease at such a young age, she deals with it the best way she knows how, deniability. Marsh is overachieving and closed off after a tragedy rocks his world during his freshman year of college. Since then he has developed tunnel vision for graduating, going to law school and leaving his life at PGU behind. That was until Cami fell into his life (literally) in the men’s locker room and he’s betrayed by his ex-girlfriend and one of his best friends/frat brother. These two are on a train moving fast towards falling in love with one another even if neither one can see it due to their “fake relationship”. This book will leaving you laughing out loud, teary and swooning. I loved the chemistry between these two and how two broken souls can help heal one another without even trying.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Since I adored her first book in the PGU series, I was excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! Cami loves dance, her older over protective brother and her two best friends. After discovering she has an incurable disease at such a young age, she deals with it the best way she knows how, deniability. Marsh is overachieving and closed off after a tragedy rocks his world during his freshman year of college. Since then he has developed tunnel vision for graduating, going to law school and leaving his life at PGU behind. That was until Cami fell into his life (literally) in the men’s locker room and he’s betrayed by his ex-girlfriend and one of his best friends/frat brother. These two are on a train moving fast towards falling in love with one another even if neither one can see it due to their “fake relationship”. This book will leaving you laughing out loud, teary and swooning. I loved the chemistry between these two and how two broken souls can help heal one another without even trying.
August 14, 2022
This story was a pleasant surprise! While it was your typical fake relationship that turns real, that was real such a minor plot point compared to the heart of the story.
The MC is a 21 year old dancer who’s been diagnosed with Lupus and arthritis. She struggles the entire book with the changes to her life the illness brings about, and it’s a really poignant narrative on living with chronic health issues. I absolutely ADORED Cami’s story, and as a dancer I can’t imagine the denial and shock Cami dealt with in knowing her whole livelihood may have to change or be given up.
The other MC, Marsh, is a frat bro, struggling with the guilt and aftermath of a being involved in a fatal accident. Throughout the story, Marsh learns to absolve his own guilt and to move on with his life.
This book presented a really unique and sweet story! Both MCs go through incredible growth as the trajectories of their lives are changed and as they fall in love with one another. As I said before, the book was a total surprise to me and I loved it!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
The MC is a 21 year old dancer who’s been diagnosed with Lupus and arthritis. She struggles the entire book with the changes to her life the illness brings about, and it’s a really poignant narrative on living with chronic health issues. I absolutely ADORED Cami’s story, and as a dancer I can’t imagine the denial and shock Cami dealt with in knowing her whole livelihood may have to change or be given up.
The other MC, Marsh, is a frat bro, struggling with the guilt and aftermath of a being involved in a fatal accident. Throughout the story, Marsh learns to absolve his own guilt and to move on with his life.
This book presented a really unique and sweet story! Both MCs go through incredible growth as the trajectories of their lives are changed and as they fall in love with one another. As I said before, the book was a total surprise to me and I loved it!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
This was an adorable, new adult romance between two college students who would have normally otherwise never met. Carrie has always wanted to dance. But recently being diagnosed with a condition that can alter her life, Carrie is determined to ignore it so that she can compete in the yearly dance competition that could change her future. Marsh needs 4 credits to graduate and then move on to law school, and the only class that is available is dance, and it just so happens to be the same class Carrie is apart of. They both have secrets they are hiding, so they decide to fake date until the end of the school year so that they can ace the dance class and competition.
This was a new author to me, and I have to say I really enjoyed this story. From the characters, and how they grew and were developed, to the story line itself and how some taboo topics were approached were done with such a great job, I plan to read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
This was a new author to me, and I have to say I really enjoyed this story. From the characters, and how they grew and were developed, to the story line itself and how some taboo topics were approached were done with such a great job, I plan to read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
July 25, 2022
It Started With a Dance was a spectacular read!
Cami has recently been diagnosed with Lupus and Arthritis at 21, she is very involved with dance and doesn't want her life to change. Marsh is trying to graduate early so he can get onto the next chapter of his life, he needs a dance class to make that happen. Their personalities are opposite, but they have to dance together.
Cami's thoughts and feelings about a recent chronic illness diagnosis are absolutely spot on. Her raging against the diagnosis, hoping it was a mistake, trying to fight her treatment plan, it's all true! Cami's chronic illness and my chronic illness are not the same, but I absolutely felt seen in these pages.
Cami and Marsh start out fake dating, but we all know where that leads! Their love story is powerful, but also sweet. Their chemistry is explosively hot!!! I really enjoyed this story.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cami has recently been diagnosed with Lupus and Arthritis at 21, she is very involved with dance and doesn't want her life to change. Marsh is trying to graduate early so he can get onto the next chapter of his life, he needs a dance class to make that happen. Their personalities are opposite, but they have to dance together.
Cami's thoughts and feelings about a recent chronic illness diagnosis are absolutely spot on. Her raging against the diagnosis, hoping it was a mistake, trying to fight her treatment plan, it's all true! Cami's chronic illness and my chronic illness are not the same, but I absolutely felt seen in these pages.
Cami and Marsh start out fake dating, but we all know where that leads! Their love story is powerful, but also sweet. Their chemistry is explosively hot!!! I really enjoyed this story.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2022
Ok, so I enjoyed It Started With A list, but Tinia has left the best for last! I fricking LOVE this! Cami, Deja & Winter are amazing! They are the best kind of friends anyone could want. Deja gets a special mention because she is hilarious.
I love the Fake Dating trope, and this has strengthened that love. The chemistry and connection between Cami and Marsh is fantastic. I love the banter, the shy looks, and their inner monologues. It all makes this such an adorable read.
Underneath the dance steps and fake dating, we have both Cami and Marsh dealing with the traumas and pain of their past or the diagnosis of an incurable illness and how coming together might just be what they both need to help overcome and heal.
You know I’m a sucker for a physical copy, so as soon as it’s available in paperback, this book will be added to my collection.
Thank you sooooo much, Tinia, for the arc. I love it and can’t wait to read everything you write! Lol ♥️
I love the Fake Dating trope, and this has strengthened that love. The chemistry and connection between Cami and Marsh is fantastic. I love the banter, the shy looks, and their inner monologues. It all makes this such an adorable read.
Underneath the dance steps and fake dating, we have both Cami and Marsh dealing with the traumas and pain of their past or the diagnosis of an incurable illness and how coming together might just be what they both need to help overcome and heal.
You know I’m a sucker for a physical copy, so as soon as it’s available in paperback, this book will be added to my collection.
Thank you sooooo much, Tinia, for the arc. I love it and can’t wait to read everything you write! Lol ♥️
August 6, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this! Loved the characters, loved their interactions and loved the level of steam!
This the 2nd book by Tinia Montford that I've read and I can categorically confirm that she's a auto-buy author for me. I really appreciate how she centres the main characters' families of origin for advice and guidance - just as she did in "It Started With A List".
I really wanted to give this 5 stars but there are a few issues with continuity: e.g. at one point it's November, then it seems November hasn't started yet, then there's a long gap before Thanksgiving, then I'm not entirely sure how much time elapses between Thanksgiving and Cami meeting up with her friends. I think that the ARC still needs to be assessed by an editor and I'm hopeful that this is all resolved when the book is published.
Kudos, Ms Montford for another fantastic book.
I loved this! Loved the characters, loved their interactions and loved the level of steam!
This the 2nd book by Tinia Montford that I've read and I can categorically confirm that she's a auto-buy author for me. I really appreciate how she centres the main characters' families of origin for advice and guidance - just as she did in "It Started With A List".
I really wanted to give this 5 stars but there are a few issues with continuity: e.g. at one point it's November, then it seems November hasn't started yet, then there's a long gap before Thanksgiving, then I'm not entirely sure how much time elapses between Thanksgiving and Cami meeting up with her friends. I think that the ARC still needs to be assessed by an editor and I'm hopeful that this is all resolved when the book is published.
Kudos, Ms Montford for another fantastic book.
August 11, 2022
Thank you so much to BookSirens for allowing me to read & review an ARC of "It Started With a Dance" by Tinia Montford!
Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!
There were so many different things that I enjoyed about this book. First off, the fact that it was a romance book, as that's typically the main genre that I like reading. I liked the ways in which the two main characters, Cami & Marsh were written! Another important aspect throughout this novel was the representation in regards to PTSD, survivor's guilt, and chronic illness (lupus & arthritis). I'm also glad to be reading a NA (new adult book) because I'm usually at the point in my life where I'm beyond most YA novels but not yet ready for books about relationships where the main characters are in their 60's. There is also fake dating involved, and it was done really well!
Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!
There were so many different things that I enjoyed about this book. First off, the fact that it was a romance book, as that's typically the main genre that I like reading. I liked the ways in which the two main characters, Cami & Marsh were written! Another important aspect throughout this novel was the representation in regards to PTSD, survivor's guilt, and chronic illness (lupus & arthritis). I'm also glad to be reading a NA (new adult book) because I'm usually at the point in my life where I'm beyond most YA novels but not yet ready for books about relationships where the main characters are in their 60's. There is also fake dating involved, and it was done really well!
July 12, 2022
I had the pleasure of receiving this arc and reading before release... This is probably gonna be in my top 5 of best books I have read in 2022. This is an absolutely beautifully written funny story. I love the diversity of the characters. Even with it being told from 3rd person you get both sides of the story. You feel everything the character is feeling and going through. I honestly teared up a couple of times. The spiciness in this book is the absolute perfect amount of spice. The dance scenes were absolutely amazing I felt like I could actually picture it in my head as I was reading it. I couldn't read this book fast enough and I didn't want it to end if I'm being honest. I will be recommending this book to everybody.
August 5, 2022
"It Started With a Dance" was such a delightfully entertaining novel which was set in Northern California at a fictitious college called Pacific Grove University. Its energetic yet poignantly written plot (with a star rating of 4.5) was filled with adversity, self-awareness, and love. Kudos to the author for shedding light on someone having to live with lupus. Moreover, the dynamic main characters, Cami and Marsh, were made for each other and gushed with chemistry. I loved the author's style of writing and how she incorporated the hip-hop vernacular into the narrative; nevertheless, the editor should have been more hands-on. I enjoyed reading the narrative.
I received a copy for free, and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free, and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
August 17, 2022
It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride reading this book. The first chapters were very very slow paced for me. I struggled to finish a chapter for a day. But boiii when things got a little interesting I couldn’t put my phone down. I even finished reading at 5 am because I don’t want to stop it. There are some parts that confused me but overall it’s a nice read.Interesting and a little spicy. I love Marsh’s and Cami’s love story. I like to think this book could also offer support for people who is also experiencing lupus. Lastly, I love how Tinia didn’t left us hanging with the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2022
ARC Review
Cami is a dancer but was recently diagnosed with Lupus, yet she refused to admit it keeping it a secret from her friends. Marsh is in a loveless relationship because he doesn’t think he should be happy. They decided to fake date after finding out his girlfriend was sleeping with his friend. Little by little they share their secrets and fall in love with each other. They are both damaged in their own struggling to live a “normal” life and they make the other happy and everyone notices it.
Great book definitely recommend to anyone.
Cami is a dancer but was recently diagnosed with Lupus, yet she refused to admit it keeping it a secret from her friends. Marsh is in a loveless relationship because he doesn’t think he should be happy. They decided to fake date after finding out his girlfriend was sleeping with his friend. Little by little they share their secrets and fall in love with each other. They are both damaged in their own struggling to live a “normal” life and they make the other happy and everyone notices it.
Great book definitely recommend to anyone.
July 29, 2022
Cami is a dancer and just got some bad news that might change her whole life. Marsh is a frat boy and needs 4 more credits to graduate college, so he takes a dance class. Cami is asked by the teacher to help Marsh with his dance moves. This story is so cute, I like young adult romcoms; kids getting together. The characters are so loveable. I like series that connect to each other but stand alones are always good too. I can't wait for book 3 later this year.
June 20, 2023
The premise is good. Quirky but predictable. Boy and girl have to pair up in dance class. They arrange to pretend to date to keep other people off their backs. And fall in love. Some things don’t really sit right though. Wade doesn’t make sense. Why does he keep showing up? There are logistical issues in parts and some spelling errors. Sometimes it’s hard to follow the dialogue due to sentence arrangement. Cliche ending.
July 22, 2022
I really loved the book a lot. It was so great that I only took a day to finish the book. I felt the emotions of Cami, especially the embarrassment. I was kinda hoping that the book would have been longer, but nevertheless it was a good book, with normal paced romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2022
Funny. Current with the times. Senior college almost like senior high school but a tad more mature. Scenes and situations that you just shakes your head at. African American girl tramples on boy story. So much fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
The second book in the Pacific Grove University series. Cami Clinton and Marsh Lincoln meet when she steps in to help him out when he needs a girlfriend. I enjoyed seeing their story progress from there. I found the story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2022
Overall, this is a really good book. I really liked Cami and Marsh, and they were a cute couple. I enjoyed following their story, and binge read it pretty quickly. The ending was fairly good, it felt more of an HFN than an HEA, but with the obvious potential of a full HEA. Hopefully we'll get to see more of them making appearances in future books of the series.
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