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Ballet Boys #1
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
A stuffy composer meets a flirty ballet dancer. Can these opposites make music together, or will their dreams pull them apart? This is a sweet and steamy MM romance set against the sun-soaked hills of Los Angeles.
Joshua
I should be applying for grad school. Or looking for a job. Anything to get out of my awful rut. But instead, I'm obsessing about the dancer I hooked up with at the ballet studio. Who would have thought a gig playing the piano would lead to the hottest sex of my life? Before we got down to it, I think I promised to help out on a dance concert he's producing. I was in such a lust haze I barely remember. He'd better text soon. I wonder if he's still interested in seeing me in a *very* unprofessional capacity.
Brandon
I can barely focus on the upcoming dance concert or my move to New York. I'm thinking about that cute pianist instead. Did I tell him I'm moving? Things happened so fast between us I can't remember. I've never had an experience like that where I was totally unraveled by a stranger. If I wasn't about to move across the country, I would definitely want to go another round. But I'm leaving, so no more hot domination games with Joshua. I've got to keep things professional and not fixate on the way his elegant fingers moved across my body.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back is the first book in the Ballet Boys series. Each book is a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, I suggest starting with book one.
Joshua
I should be applying for grad school. Or looking for a job. Anything to get out of my awful rut. But instead, I'm obsessing about the dancer I hooked up with at the ballet studio. Who would have thought a gig playing the piano would lead to the hottest sex of my life? Before we got down to it, I think I promised to help out on a dance concert he's producing. I was in such a lust haze I barely remember. He'd better text soon. I wonder if he's still interested in seeing me in a *very* unprofessional capacity.
Brandon
I can barely focus on the upcoming dance concert or my move to New York. I'm thinking about that cute pianist instead. Did I tell him I'm moving? Things happened so fast between us I can't remember. I've never had an experience like that where I was totally unraveled by a stranger. If I wasn't about to move across the country, I would definitely want to go another round. But I'm leaving, so no more hot domination games with Joshua. I've got to keep things professional and not fixate on the way his elegant fingers moved across my body.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back is the first book in the Ballet Boys series. Each book is a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, I suggest starting with book one.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
25 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF @ 25%
I'm sorry but this was exhausting. So much telling it felt endless I couldn't bring myself to finish the chapter but stopped in the intermission of Joshua's POV in Brandon's POV chapter.
This is the debut story of a new author. I don't know if my copy is the final one but there are a couple of things I hoped were caught and worked on. Like Brandon thinking:
'Uggh, on top of being hit, Joshua might be a good person as well.'
A good person? Instead what a bad one? I think an editor here or an alpha/beta reader should have advised for the word "good" to be replaced with something like "considerate".
A similar thing I noticed in a page or two afterwards with being told:
'Brandon repeated the introductions for his other roommate, and everyone was very polite.'
Very polite? It feels like the author wasn't sure how to end the sentence/scene.
Also is it me and or there seems to be going around a trend of one of the MC in his first hookup with the other MC to spontaneously spring BDSM into it? Like they haven't talked at all before, they didn't meet in a BDSM club or brunch or themed night or anything, just two individuals making eye contact, going somewhere to hook up and BAM! Dom-tendencies are sprung like t-shirts from a canon. Really now? Is that what we are doing?
Up till the point I read the MCs weren't really introduced to us and I was wondering if Joshua has anxiety issues because he spiraled pretty quickly in his car while thinking his hookup with Brandon, that I might add he had blown wayyy out of proportions of "are we boyfriends?" when the two of them weren't even on a date, didn't know each other before that point and had never talked to one another.
Not that Brandon didn't do kinda the same thing while trying to convince himself that he could have a fling when he was moving to the other side of the country, without of course asking Joshua his opinion. Also can I just say that Brandon got a hard on watching Lev undressing and then went and hooked up with Joshua.... kinda icky that there.
Anyways... this really wasn't for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I'm sorry but this was exhausting. So much telling it felt endless I couldn't bring myself to finish the chapter but stopped in the intermission of Joshua's POV in Brandon's POV chapter.
This is the debut story of a new author. I don't know if my copy is the final one but there are a couple of things I hoped were caught and worked on. Like Brandon thinking:
'Uggh, on top of being hit, Joshua might be a good person as well.'
A good person? Instead what a bad one? I think an editor here or an alpha/beta reader should have advised for the word "good" to be replaced with something like "considerate".
A similar thing I noticed in a page or two afterwards with being told:
'Brandon repeated the introductions for his other roommate, and everyone was very polite.'
Very polite? It feels like the author wasn't sure how to end the sentence/scene.
Also is it me and or there seems to be going around a trend of one of the MC in his first hookup with the other MC to spontaneously spring BDSM into it? Like they haven't talked at all before, they didn't meet in a BDSM club or brunch or themed night or anything, just two individuals making eye contact, going somewhere to hook up and BAM! Dom-tendencies are sprung like t-shirts from a canon. Really now? Is that what we are doing?
Up till the point I read the MCs weren't really introduced to us and I was wondering if Joshua has anxiety issues because he spiraled pretty quickly in his car while thinking his hookup with Brandon, that I might add he had blown wayyy out of proportions of "are we boyfriends?" when the two of them weren't even on a date, didn't know each other before that point and had never talked to one another.
Not that Brandon didn't do kinda the same thing while trying to convince himself that he could have a fling when he was moving to the other side of the country, without of course asking Joshua his opinion. Also can I just say that Brandon got a hard on watching Lev undressing and then went and hooked up with Joshua.... kinda icky that there.
Anyways... this really wasn't for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 26, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
This is a light and easy story about two men who need to do a bit more talking to one another, but who find a connection that neither expects. I think where it works best is when it focuses on the combination of music and dance, as Brandon is a dancer and Joshua a composer. I enjoyed the way the story highlights how the men create together and the way their artistic skills each enrich each other’s work.
Despite some lack of conversation between the men, this one is a quick, easy read, with a touch of kink, so I think that may appeal to some readers. However, I struggled here as everything just felt surface deep and nothing was really explored or developed, particularly in terms of the characters. The author tends to throw out background information or key things about the characters without ever delving into them or explaining more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
This is a light and easy story about two men who need to do a bit more talking to one another, but who find a connection that neither expects. I think where it works best is when it focuses on the combination of music and dance, as Brandon is a dancer and Joshua a composer. I enjoyed the way the story highlights how the men create together and the way their artistic skills each enrich each other’s work.
Despite some lack of conversation between the men, this one is a quick, easy read, with a touch of kink, so I think that may appeal to some readers. However, I struggled here as everything just felt surface deep and nothing was really explored or developed, particularly in terms of the characters. The author tends to throw out background information or key things about the characters without ever delving into them or explaining more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
dnf
August 4, 2022About 40% in and I just wasn’t feeling it. Onward.
July 23, 2022
Ballet, ballet dancers, composers, composers who fall for ballet dancers, these things all come together in this romance. Joshua and Brandon fall hard and oh, what a good time it is. Their love story, their struggles come alive on the pages. Their journey is sweet and sometimes bumpy but the ride is worth it. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
August 9, 2022
4.5 stars. Oh, this was a winner for me. Wonderfully written sweet romance with all the feelings.
Joshua could have never imagined his little piano gig at a dance studio would change his life forever.
Brandon is the elegant dance director who welcomed Joshua and is the same man who happily seduced Joshua in the changing room, and later on, made him promise things he can’t remember because in no time they are all over each other and brains are off-line.
After that hot encounter, they can’t stop thinking about each other. I think it’s safe to say there was instant love.
Joshua is down when he understands Brandon will move to New York. Brandon has just one thing on his mind… Joshua.
The next they meet it’s awkward as if nothing happened. They have to stay professional, the timing is so wrong!
Joshua is exploring his dominant side, just mildly. Brandon loves everything about it.
Both men have issues to overcome before they can commit and be honest, how they desperately want and need the other. So there is also a little bit of hurt comfort to enjoy.
What a deliciously sweet, delicate, and gentle story, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t love. Uhm, maybe the length, because I couldn’t get enough of them.
Joshua could have never imagined his little piano gig at a dance studio would change his life forever.
Brandon is the elegant dance director who welcomed Joshua and is the same man who happily seduced Joshua in the changing room, and later on, made him promise things he can’t remember because in no time they are all over each other and brains are off-line.
After that hot encounter, they can’t stop thinking about each other. I think it’s safe to say there was instant love.
Joshua is down when he understands Brandon will move to New York. Brandon has just one thing on his mind… Joshua.
The next they meet it’s awkward as if nothing happened. They have to stay professional, the timing is so wrong!
Joshua is exploring his dominant side, just mildly. Brandon loves everything about it.
Both men have issues to overcome before they can commit and be honest, how they desperately want and need the other. So there is also a little bit of hurt comfort to enjoy.
What a deliciously sweet, delicate, and gentle story, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t love. Uhm, maybe the length, because I couldn’t get enough of them.
July 25, 2022
I read this as an ARC, so hopefully it will go through editing one more time. There are several times the character names are wrong or flipped and it drove me absolutely crazy!!!!
Other then that issue this was a sweet opposites attract romp. With how tightlaced Joshua starts off I was shocked at the instalust smexy time! I really liked Brandon's character a lot, and they were a good fit for each other. I think that the author could have made Marcus a little bit worse, there was a lot of inner turmoil about Joshua's relationship with him and his terrible treatment, but the interaction when we get it was pretty tame in my opinion. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
Other then that issue this was a sweet opposites attract romp. With how tightlaced Joshua starts off I was shocked at the instalust smexy time! I really liked Brandon's character a lot, and they were a good fit for each other. I think that the author could have made Marcus a little bit worse, there was a lot of inner turmoil about Joshua's relationship with him and his terrible treatment, but the interaction when we get it was pretty tame in my opinion. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
July 27, 2022
One Step Forward is a quick and steamy story about Joshua, a reserved piano player, and Brandon, a flirty dancer. Joshua is in a weird place in his life. His ex-boyfriend has shattered his confidence in himself in almost every way. He agrees to fill in at a dance school and meets Brandon, a gregarious dancer who’s leaving soon to try to make it in New York. The two men are super hot together, and I love how they’re complete opposites. It’s also really interesting to have Joshua, the more reserved and introverted of the two men, be the dominant partner. It’s a sweet story, and they’re really good for each other. Joshua grounds Brandon, and Brandon gives Joshua confidence in himself.
March 3, 2023
A cute tale of the dancer and pianist
I enjoyed this story. It is a sweet and cute tale of a wannabe, maybe, baby dom and his ballet baby.
Kinda.
It is not a long story, so no deep dive or character development. We get some 🌶🌶🥵🥵 scenes and some angst with a HEA.
I struggled with keeping the characters straight in the first few chapters, but I eventually caught on. There are a few grammar issues, but nothing terrible for a self-published author- I will 100% be back to read more from Cyd Sidney!
I enjoyed this story. It is a sweet and cute tale of a wannabe, maybe, baby dom and his ballet baby.
Kinda.
It is not a long story, so no deep dive or character development. We get some 🌶🌶🥵🥵 scenes and some angst with a HEA.
I struggled with keeping the characters straight in the first few chapters, but I eventually caught on. There are a few grammar issues, but nothing terrible for a self-published author- I will 100% be back to read more from Cyd Sidney!
July 27, 2022
I loved this story. Joshua is not so stuffy as he is destroyed by the negative narrative he was forced to listen to from his ex. Brandon has a whole new thing that's going to happen on the other side of the country. Eventually they find a way for each of them to thrive. I loved how well the characters were written and how their story played out, beautiful. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 28, 2022
He is a composer who has been asked by a male dancer to help with music. It led to some very hot and steamy sex. He thinks he made a promise to help in a production but he cannot remember so he hopes they get in touch soon. Will they get together? How would it go? Follow them to see just how they both get on
July 29, 2022
Ebook Review📚
Story ♥️♥️♥️
Characters ❤️❤️❤️
Overall ♥️♥️♥️
Cyd Sidney is a new author for me, but what appealed to me was the theme...ballet dancer 🩰 and a pianist 🎹. Although I must say that the romance development focussed a bit much on smexy times...not that I am complaining😏.
Joshua MC 1 is a shy, buttoned-up pianist who is in between jobs and gets a gig to play piano for a high school ballet class. What he never expected was getting thoroughly charmed by the ballet dancer Brandon. Brandon, our MC 2 flirts with Joshua before, during and after the dance practice and then literally jumps on the guy and they make out in the broom closet😉. Brandon acts like a free spirit, but is actually a guy afraid of commitments and is planning to move to New York to pursue his ballet career after his last performance at a charity event.
The book is like a good rom com, with certain typical elements of instalust, hurt and comfort. But there are aspects of ballet performance mixing with music and how it all plays out that is noteworthy. Both the MCs are adorable in their own way. Your heart really goes out for Joshua and his struggle with anxiety, and how it triggers his behavior problem. His ex Michael's behavior is one such trigger, but the author has downplayed that part. Brandon might look flighty but is actually quiet a sensitive guy and he gets Joshua's struggles and treats him quiet adorably. It's a nice, short and light read.
***I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, for an honest review.***
Story ♥️♥️♥️
Characters ❤️❤️❤️
Overall ♥️♥️♥️
Cyd Sidney is a new author for me, but what appealed to me was the theme...ballet dancer 🩰 and a pianist 🎹. Although I must say that the romance development focussed a bit much on smexy times...not that I am complaining😏.
Joshua MC 1 is a shy, buttoned-up pianist who is in between jobs and gets a gig to play piano for a high school ballet class. What he never expected was getting thoroughly charmed by the ballet dancer Brandon. Brandon, our MC 2 flirts with Joshua before, during and after the dance practice and then literally jumps on the guy and they make out in the broom closet😉. Brandon acts like a free spirit, but is actually a guy afraid of commitments and is planning to move to New York to pursue his ballet career after his last performance at a charity event.
The book is like a good rom com, with certain typical elements of instalust, hurt and comfort. But there are aspects of ballet performance mixing with music and how it all plays out that is noteworthy. Both the MCs are adorable in their own way. Your heart really goes out for Joshua and his struggle with anxiety, and how it triggers his behavior problem. His ex Michael's behavior is one such trigger, but the author has downplayed that part. Brandon might look flighty but is actually quiet a sensitive guy and he gets Joshua's struggles and treats him quiet adorably. It's a nice, short and light read.
***I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, for an honest review.***
April 30, 2025
A brilliant composer plays the piano for a ballet troupe, and love ensues.
Brandon is a brash, take-charge, and talented ballet dancer who is moving to New York after a significant performance he is producing in Los Angeles. When the dance group needs a substitute for the piano accompaniment, Joshua steps in. But he's more than just a piano player; he's a talented composer whose work garners praise.
Both Brandon and Joshua have faced complicated relationships: Brandon contends with his dysfunctional family and a domineering boyfriend, while Joshua deals with a deprecating partner who publicly undermines him.
Brandon and Joshua share a strong connection from the outset, highlighted in a steamy scene (one of many in the book). Brandon's past and background place him in a protective stance as he seeks a new relationship. In contrast, Joshua yearns to explore some kink and dominant practices.
Joshua hesitates to pursue a deeper relationship with Brandon, considering Brandon’s impending move to New York City for a ballet company. The tension is palpable as they wonder whether their bond will survive beyond the move date or if it will end there. This well-told, fast-paced story follows the two men as they discover new aspects of each other, navigating the impending separation uniquely.
The dynamics of family and friends also come into play, influencing the production of ballets and the impact of social media. Cyd Sidney has crafted characters who move and emote vividly on the page, culminating in a heartfelt ending.
Brandon is a brash, take-charge, and talented ballet dancer who is moving to New York after a significant performance he is producing in Los Angeles. When the dance group needs a substitute for the piano accompaniment, Joshua steps in. But he's more than just a piano player; he's a talented composer whose work garners praise.
Both Brandon and Joshua have faced complicated relationships: Brandon contends with his dysfunctional family and a domineering boyfriend, while Joshua deals with a deprecating partner who publicly undermines him.
Brandon and Joshua share a strong connection from the outset, highlighted in a steamy scene (one of many in the book). Brandon's past and background place him in a protective stance as he seeks a new relationship. In contrast, Joshua yearns to explore some kink and dominant practices.
Joshua hesitates to pursue a deeper relationship with Brandon, considering Brandon’s impending move to New York City for a ballet company. The tension is palpable as they wonder whether their bond will survive beyond the move date or if it will end there. This well-told, fast-paced story follows the two men as they discover new aspects of each other, navigating the impending separation uniquely.
The dynamics of family and friends also come into play, influencing the production of ballets and the impact of social media. Cyd Sidney has crafted characters who move and emote vividly on the page, culminating in a heartfelt ending.
August 28, 2024
Joshua should be applying for grad school. Or looking for a job. Anything to get out of my awful rut. But instead, he's obsessing about the dancer he hooked up with at the ballet studio. Who would have thought a gig playing the piano would lead to the hottest sex of his life? Before we got down to it, he thinks he promised to help out on a dance concert Brandon's producing. He was in such a lust haze he barely remembers. He'd better text soon. I wonder if he's still interested in seeing me in a *very* unprofessional capacity. Brandon can barely focus on the upcoming dance concert or his move to New York. He's thinking about that cute pianist instead. Did he tell him that he's moving? Things happened so fast between them he can't remember. He's never had an experience like that where he was totally unravelled by a stranger. If he wasn't about to move across the country, he would definitely want to go another round. But he's leaving, so no more hot domination games with Joshua. He's got to keep things professional and not fixate on the way his elegant fingers moved across his body.
I enjoyed this story but did find it a bit confusing at times due to the complication caused by Brandon's imminent move and their bad communication. It all felt a bit mixed up. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story but did find it a bit confusing at times due to the complication caused by Brandon's imminent move and their bad communication. It all felt a bit mixed up. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
July 23, 2022
🎹Ready to make sweet music together? Romance challenges the odds👥
Good plot with two guys meeting, connecting immediately, but facing a known deadline when Brandon is scheduled to move cross-country to the Big Apple within weeks. I would say the steam, including some not too intense power exchange vibes, dominates over the romantic bits but they are both present. These guys can steam up a bedroom, but don't shy away from smaller spaces for their clinches as the mood can hit them just about anywhere.😉
The leads are young men in the arts, one very proactive and focused on pursuing his goals, the other a bit lost and uncertain about where his talents can take him. There's just enough backstory to give them a bit of sorrow and substance and it's not all smooth sailing; they do have issues communicating when it comes to their feelings. I liked them both, especially the way each of them thinks up a way to help the other to achieve the notice and success they deserve.
A good, complete story. I enjoyed it, right down to the hopeful conclusion. This was my first time reading a story by Cyd Sidney; I now plan to read his earlier work. I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Good plot with two guys meeting, connecting immediately, but facing a known deadline when Brandon is scheduled to move cross-country to the Big Apple within weeks. I would say the steam, including some not too intense power exchange vibes, dominates over the romantic bits but they are both present. These guys can steam up a bedroom, but don't shy away from smaller spaces for their clinches as the mood can hit them just about anywhere.😉
The leads are young men in the arts, one very proactive and focused on pursuing his goals, the other a bit lost and uncertain about where his talents can take him. There's just enough backstory to give them a bit of sorrow and substance and it's not all smooth sailing; they do have issues communicating when it comes to their feelings. I liked them both, especially the way each of them thinks up a way to help the other to achieve the notice and success they deserve.
A good, complete story. I enjoyed it, right down to the hopeful conclusion. This was my first time reading a story by Cyd Sidney; I now plan to read his earlier work. I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 23, 2022
Very steamy M/M romance between a hurting guy and his salvation
This is one of those books that I thought was just a lot of steamy scenes held together by a flimsy plot, but as the book goes on it gets down to the story that I was looking for. Joshua Goldman is 23yo but acts and dresses like he is much older. He’s been through a lot in his short life. Currently, he is playing piano for Lonely Oaks Ballet School and designs websites after a tragic period of time that changed a lot for him. As he plays the piano, he develops a crush on one of the male dancers, Brandon DiNova who is only a couple years younger but from Joshua’s standpoint, has his life together. Their story will intrigue and the ending will satisfy.
If you like sweet and steamy gay romance, you will want to check out this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this one through Gay Romance Reviews. First in a new series and I’m waiting to see who is next.
This is one of those books that I thought was just a lot of steamy scenes held together by a flimsy plot, but as the book goes on it gets down to the story that I was looking for. Joshua Goldman is 23yo but acts and dresses like he is much older. He’s been through a lot in his short life. Currently, he is playing piano for Lonely Oaks Ballet School and designs websites after a tragic period of time that changed a lot for him. As he plays the piano, he develops a crush on one of the male dancers, Brandon DiNova who is only a couple years younger but from Joshua’s standpoint, has his life together. Their story will intrigue and the ending will satisfy.
If you like sweet and steamy gay romance, you will want to check out this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this one through Gay Romance Reviews. First in a new series and I’m waiting to see who is next.
July 27, 2022
Joshua and Brandon connect unexpectedly, but with definite chemistry. In addition to the undeniable physical spark, their interests align nicely (a dancer and a musician) and it is, for the most part, fun to watch them together on the page. Neither are really sure what to do with what they’ve found with each other (or even what it is) and both could definitely stand to communicate more— both mainstays of a romantic plot, put to good use here. I would have liked to understand who the characters were, beyond the surface details (name, age, emotion in the moment, etc). There are references to things in the past / qualities each possesses that are aren’t really shown or developed over the course of the story, and while that’s somewhat understandable (this is a fairly quick read) it was sometimes frustrating to have hints without clarity. Overall, however, I enjoyed their story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 5, 2022
So I picked this book because of the cover, I didn't read the blurb; I never do! Does the arc copy need a final proof read, yes it does! Are there some continuity errors, yes there are! Is the book fundamentally unreadable, no it's no!!
This is a fun read about two random men at an awkward time in their lives, coming together and making it work. There's ballet, there's music, there's dominance, there's s3xy times, there's awkward times between mother and son but putting it all together it works pretty well and reads well as the novella it is.
The pace is good, the main characters are peppy and sassy, the secondary cast are perfect, the story is ok but the writing makes up for that.
Nothing bad to say about the book, you should read it and make up your own mind about it. Add it to your kindle summer reading list today. xx
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily
This is a fun read about two random men at an awkward time in their lives, coming together and making it work. There's ballet, there's music, there's dominance, there's s3xy times, there's awkward times between mother and son but putting it all together it works pretty well and reads well as the novella it is.
The pace is good, the main characters are peppy and sassy, the secondary cast are perfect, the story is ok but the writing makes up for that.
Nothing bad to say about the book, you should read it and make up your own mind about it. Add it to your kindle summer reading list today. xx
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily
October 20, 2022
I really liked this book! I didn't know what to expect, but I was happy to find a classically trained pianist and composer, Joshua, in a leading role. He has a nice mom, too. Brandon is a dancer with a small group and plans to move to NYC soon. Joshua is the sub for a rehearsal pianist, which is a hard job--you have to pop into place and help the dancers hit their marks in practice. These two find insta-lust and take it to the supply room just like that. But something more compels them to keep seeing each other and appreciating each other's talents. Joshua has an anticipatory broken heart. Finally, their friends push them to confess their feelings. Joshua's composing took off after a big name in dance heard his work. Brandon's talent was never in doubt. And the relationship between the two is never in doubt after about 50% of the book. Sweet, with lots of heat and a little angst.
I received an ARC via StoryOrigin and left this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC via StoryOrigin and left this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
This was a sweet, and spicy(!), low stakes queer romance that I really enjoyed! It explored relationships, loss, friendship and growth. It was just a lovely, lovely short story.
I loved all the characters, they all felt very real and likeable. The relationships, between the MCs, their friends and their family were so well done. It's always nice to read a story where no one has an issue with the characters' sexualities, it's just accepted and supported!
I loved the background story of dancer meets pianist, the way they spoke about music and performance. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, though I will warn that it starts as a purely physical relationship which becomes something more, again it felt quite genuine and not too rushed! Definitely recommend!
I loved all the characters, they all felt very real and likeable. The relationships, between the MCs, their friends and their family were so well done. It's always nice to read a story where no one has an issue with the characters' sexualities, it's just accepted and supported!
I loved the background story of dancer meets pianist, the way they spoke about music and performance. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, though I will warn that it starts as a purely physical relationship which becomes something more, again it felt quite genuine and not too rushed! Definitely recommend!
July 31, 2022
Firstly it was the cover that drew me to the book, unfortunately there is no mention of the desiner or model in the copy I received. Well done in find the perfect body to visualise Brandon.
Secondly, I was drawn to the setting of balley. Dance and music used as the basis to partray a story full of emotion, so pleasing to the soul.
The author has taken the meeting of a short promise of being together and then a separation of two creative people, and woven their story into one of friendship and love. From sadness to love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Secondly, I was drawn to the setting of balley. Dance and music used as the basis to partray a story full of emotion, so pleasing to the soul.
The author has taken the meeting of a short promise of being together and then a separation of two creative people, and woven their story into one of friendship and love. From sadness to love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 23, 2022
This was a book by a new to me author. It was a fairly short read with a good story line. I wish there was more character development though; I didn't get the feeling that I truly knew Justin & Brandon that well. Because of this, it was difficult to fully believe the instalove. I think adding a bit more would make this an even better story. I liked how they learned about kink together.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
July 26, 2022
This is the story of Joshua and Brandon. It is the first book in the Ballet Boys series and also the debut novel of Cyd Sidney. Please read the trigger warnings. The storyline is entertaining and I love the back stories which gave you more insight into the characters. Their chemistry is sizzling. Written well and I am looking forward to the next one. Recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 27, 2022
I don’t like giving 3 star ratings, specially with new to me authors but I had a hard time getting into the book. Joshua is a good soul with a rough past and Brandon seems to have it all together but when they meet there’s lots of chemistry and they can forget about their problems. It’s a sweet romance with lots of sexy.
November 24, 2022
This is a sweet tale of a dancer and a pianist experiencing that instant attraction, having great sex, but both afraid to contemplate a relationship, acknowledge their feelings and express what they both want. Eventually they work it out to get to the HEA. Lots of funny banter between Brandon and Joshua leading to laughing out loud. Light easy read.
September 22, 2025
A very sweet.love story
My first with this author and I enjoyed it very much!!! I love ballet and all the characters seem very real and down to earth and it was easy to be with the characters through the his & downs of the professional life of dance along with new love!!
Thank you - Lori
My first with this author and I enjoyed it very much!!! I love ballet and all the characters seem very real and down to earth and it was easy to be with the characters through the his & downs of the professional life of dance along with new love!!
Thank you - Lori
July 26, 2022
A lovely opposites attract story that just works, short and sweet. Took me a while to get into this but once I did, I enjoyed it. Both Brandon and Joshua worked for their HEA which was worth the wait.
July 27, 2022
So yes the beginning was a little hard to get through. But I'm glad I stuck in there because by the middle of the book I was completely invested in these characters. This ended up being a good read for me.
July 29, 2022
What I enjoyed most about Joshua and Brandon's story were the parts where they were working and creating together. I enjoy stories about the interactions between work and the romantic relationship and the dancer/composer pianist aspect of this one worked well for me.
August 2, 2022
This book was just "ok" for me. This is a new to me author and I just am not sure if I connected or if it was the writing style. I had to force myself to finish this book and Frankly, forgot about some of the plot. I think the characters were just surface characters. Not alot of meat to them.
June 5, 2023
A sweet and sometimes funny novella. The one thing that bugged me was the total blankness of these guys getting a clue, I felt like yelling "Come ON!!!" Clueless and hurting each other. Anyway, aside from that it's rather cute and sexy and a lovely read.
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