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The Miraveld Chronicles #2
A Lonely Dance
A strong-willed crown princess.
Ilara of Talland hoped a foreign visitor could increase trade for her starving people. Instead, he turned out to be a powerful sorcerer.
Now Ilara and her two sisters are cursed.
Every night the princesses are stolen away to a magical ball they can’t remember. The sorcerer claims he will free them if Ilara marries him, and he warns his efforts to win her without bloodshed will last only as long as his evaporating patience…
A lonely ambassador.
In Rethalyon, former prince Tristan Carbrey is still reeling from the rightful king’s return. Distrusted, unwanted, and haunted by his sins, he’s forced to undertake an ambassadorial mission to prove his loyalty.
Unfortunately, the king of Talland is more interested in his experience with curses than trade. But helping the princesses might be Tristan’s chance at redemption and at the companionship he longs for…
If he isn’t killed first.
Can Tristan dare to love the kind princess despite believing he’s a villain unworthy of her affection? And can Ilara afford to love a man who doesn’t trust himself?
A Twelve Dancing Princesses reimagining and book two in The Miraveld Chronicles.
This book can be read on its own but contains spoilers for book one, A Thieving Curse.
(Warning for possible triggers include: past domestic abuse, some violence/blood, past death of a parent/grief, a forced kiss, brief reference to past SA of an off-page/unseen character.)
Ilara of Talland hoped a foreign visitor could increase trade for her starving people. Instead, he turned out to be a powerful sorcerer.
Now Ilara and her two sisters are cursed.
Every night the princesses are stolen away to a magical ball they can’t remember. The sorcerer claims he will free them if Ilara marries him, and he warns his efforts to win her without bloodshed will last only as long as his evaporating patience…
A lonely ambassador.
In Rethalyon, former prince Tristan Carbrey is still reeling from the rightful king’s return. Distrusted, unwanted, and haunted by his sins, he’s forced to undertake an ambassadorial mission to prove his loyalty.
Unfortunately, the king of Talland is more interested in his experience with curses than trade. But helping the princesses might be Tristan’s chance at redemption and at the companionship he longs for…
If he isn’t killed first.
Can Tristan dare to love the kind princess despite believing he’s a villain unworthy of her affection? And can Ilara afford to love a man who doesn’t trust himself?
A Twelve Dancing Princesses reimagining and book two in The Miraveld Chronicles.
This book can be read on its own but contains spoilers for book one, A Thieving Curse.
(Warning for possible triggers include: past domestic abuse, some violence/blood, past death of a parent/grief, a forced kiss, brief reference to past SA of an off-page/unseen character.)
426 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2022
31 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Selina R. Gonzalez
14 books209 followersSelina R. Gonzalez is a Colorado local with mountains in her blood and dreams that top 14,000 feet. She loves swords, fantasy, costumes, bread, history, castles, superheroes, things that sparkle, snark, dogs, dragons, and Jesus—not in that order.
She writes medieval-inspired fantasy with swoon but no on-page spice. She loves writing about relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—and her books center healthy romances founded on mutual values, trust, and respect between imperfect people who make mistakes but always strive to grow.
Get bonus short stories, book playlists, cut scenes, and more by subscribing to Selina's newsletter at: https://www.selinargonzalez.com/newsl...
I only accept friend requests from people I personally know.
She writes medieval-inspired fantasy with swoon but no on-page spice. She loves writing about relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—and her books center healthy romances founded on mutual values, trust, and respect between imperfect people who make mistakes but always strive to grow.
Get bonus short stories, book playlists, cut scenes, and more by subscribing to Selina's newsletter at: https://www.selinargonzalez.com/newsl...
I only accept friend requests from people I personally know.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 4, 2024
3.5/4 stars, personally. Clean fairytale retelling with a couple uses of language.
Buddy read with the lovely Sarah & Celestria! 💕💕💕
I’ve been avoid this book because of Tristan. If you're read the first book, you can't blame me (you might even agree with me). This author has a talent though. She shows him as such a multiple faced, complexed character. I honestly would go back-and-forth between every sentence in his point of view of understanding where he’s coming from and then wanting to punch his lights out. (It also helped having a new villain to despise. I started sharpening my pitchfork about fifty pages in for the Domhnall guy. My girl Nika was right about him. 😠)
I liked how the author really created an entire new culture with Ilara’s country. The engagement ear cuff was just such a unique element and I may have swooned at those parts, haha.
Interesting enough, this second book didn’t suck me in as much as the first book did. I started to get a bit frustrated with the 12 Dancing Princesses element of the story, actually. It almost felt like a Groundhog Day plot in the sense of it kept repeating the same parts again and again and then giving us a little bit of information about what was going on each time. She definitely was trapped in the situation, so I wasn’t frustrated at her, I was just frustrated with the whole situation with her.
It was funny reading a book where the integrity of the plot nearly was about sleep and the lack of sleep. I don’t know why that struck me as humorous. Perhaps of my own lack of sleep.
I did really like how Ilara was a strong female lead without ever looking down on her gender—perhaps because of her upbringing of knowing she will one day be queen and no male siblings to potentially alter that, but still. She was a strong female lead that was respectful, didn’t have to train with the male knights to prove herself, and was completely loyal to her country. I really liked her for that reason alone.
The author really did do a fantastic job showing us all of Tristan’s emotions and hurts. Even though I’ll admit at times I wanted Tristan to be…well, less emotional. I truly can’t blame him for that though. His father really did a number on him. (Do we ever learn that his father gets eaten by a monster or something? Hmm?)
One random thing, I’m liking in both this book and the first book of the series? All magic is portrayed as wrong. Only evil/selfish people (or other fantasy creatures) use it. (At least from what I can remember about the first book.) I don’t have super strong opinions on reading magic-related fiction books, but I do like to see it be a clear black and white case with magic being wrong in a fictional fantasy world. I’ve read many books over the years where it’s used for good & even more commonly there’s some who use it for good and those who use it for evil intentions, but it’s just refreshing in a way to see it looked upon as bad. It almost feels like a hot take when you compare it to the very popular fantasy books.
I was so hesitant about this book. Ironically, when first learning about this series, I was more interested in this book because of the 12 Dancing Princess aspect. But after reading the first book, I was ready to toss Tristan out of the nearest available window. And to be honest, he would have probably tossed himself out the window if asked in the first half of this book. He had a lot of emotions (a ton, really) during this book that showed he could be redeemable. Now, I definitely still like Alex and Raelyn and their story more, but Tristan and Ilara had their cute—and much needed healing—moments as well. I truly appreciate that Ilara wasn’t ever Tristan’s “savior” nor did falling in love magically fix him (which we see often in fiction books, though, typically switched with the man being the woman’s savior). This book was just different. I can say that about the first book as well. They’re just different. Different from my usual read and just different from the other books in this category. Whether that’s because of the characters, the plots, the writing style, the twists and turns (so many parts took me by surprise in this book) or a combination of all of it, it’s just different. A good different.
(And now I get to read Raelyn’s brother’s story!!)
Main Content:
This book heavy features mentions of curses/enchantments, faes, using magic for evil intentions, etc. Not only is Tristan cursed by his father about not talking ill of him, Ilara and her sisters are cursed to spend the night awake dancing with a sorcerer (*Spoiler* ); See more information on the villain towards the end of this content section, but he’s able to tampering with others’ thoughts and also wipe their thoughts with magical food; The villain is able to appear and disappear like the mist, turn swords into flowers, and open portals/paths to another realm; *Major Spoiler* .
All about many mentions of curses, talismans, enchantments, love spells, sorcery, sorcerers (all looked upon as dark magic and have evil intentions), & faes; Mentions of other fantasy creatures (dragons, trolls, faeries, sprites, cockatrice, etc.); Mentions of evil intentions & superstitions.
The moon is sacred in Ilara’s culture/kingdom and phrases like “moon guide and protect you” and wishing the moon to hide it’s face from someone who breaks their marriage vows are said.
Language: two ‘a**’s (calling someone this); Made-up curses like ‘moonlight’, ‘moonset’, ‘moonless winter’, ‘thank the moon’, and ‘by the moon’ are said/exclaimed by Ilara; Tristan uses ones like ‘Flames’, ‘flames knew’, & ‘flaming’. Other made-up curses are used; Mentions of curses (including by Tristan; said, not written); A couple potential curses are cut-off; Minor language like ‘stupid’, ‘shut up’, and ‘idiot’ are used; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Attacking a troll, Fighting, Being tortured/tied up, Being choked, Being kicked, blood/bleeding, injuries, pain, getting & stitches (up to semi-detailed); Being kidnapped & Being drugged (by the villain’s magical food, up to semi-detailed); Being threatened with major (& creative) harm and death (up to semi-detailed); Seeing others tortured & seriously harmed (up to semi-detailed); Vomiting (barely-above-not-detailed); Recalling a death in the first book (that Tristan feels to blame for, up to semi-detailed).
I can’t share enough how Tristan’s father was absolutely terrible and did a serious number on him, we see Tristan’s thoughts, emotions, and remembering his father’s hateful/ugly words and physical punishments very often (his father would also pit him against his cousin which has greatly affected their relationship and how Tristan views him); Tristan lashes out because of his guilt; Tristan knocks someone out to steal his clothes; Tristan lies to the villain (looked as positive because it worked and was for their safety).
After her mother passed away, Ilara’s father would have bouts of extreme emotions (also said that he was “choosing darkness” over Ilara and her sisters) and wasn’t able to do his kingly duties; Ilara’s grief for her mother is mentioned on page as well; Tristan has a moment where he can’t breath (panic attack) and someone helps calm him down (up to semi-detailed, also a few mentions of this again later and someone else struggling with panic attacks).
Drinking wine (at dinners, parties, & being forced to drink by the villain); People in Ilara’s kingdom (including herself) have ritualistic tattoos (looked upon as a rite of passage/cultural).
Many mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, pain, & having to have stitches (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of wine, drinking (at dinners and social events), drunks, & hangovers; Mentions of deaths, bodies, & grief (of loved ones); Mentions of threats (including execution), violence, & torture (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of being drugged; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of eavesdropping.
Hand kisses, a cheek kiss, three forehead kisses, eight barely-above-not-detailed kisses (one unwanted), and four semi-detailed kisses (one between Tristan and another woman when they’ve had too much to drink & one forced kiss); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss/be kissed (up to semi-detailed).
Touches, Embraces, Butterflies, Hand holding, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles and curves, barely-above-not-detailed); Flirting; Blushes; Seeing a couple all over the other (which makes Tristan’s face heat and he looks away).
Tristan taunts Alex about Raelyn (including about a kiss being passionate and enjoying it); At the beginning chapters, Tristan wonders what if would have been like if he married Raelyn; A woman touches Tristan’s chest & kisses him to be able to brag about kissing a prince (up to semi-detailed); When Tristan is given one of Ilara’s dresses to look at to find out where the princesses are transported every night, he feels like it’s inappropriate (a knight teases him about it); Ilara teases Tristan about not thinking she has tattoos anywhere scandalous; Ilara invites Tristan into her bedroom (nothing happens besides kissing).
The villain is able to alter Ilara’s thoughts about him, making her think about him and wanting to be with him (she’s shocked and concerned at these thoughts); He is able to convinced/force what he wants on her and others (tampering their thoughts and making her want to kiss him; She’s able to fight it at times and realizes that somethings wrong); The villain is able to wipe Ilara’s memory by forcing her to eat his magical food and wine (he forcibly shoves food in her mouth when she resists, multiple times) & she becomes dazed afterwards (like puppet); The villain kisses, touches, & dances with Ilara (up to semi-detailed); The villain threatens Ilara’s younger sisters (including the younger one who is only 13); Tristan wishes he could kick the villain “in the jewels”; The villain tries to kiss Ilara (but it makes her wake up from the drugs, so he stops trying); Ilara knees the villain in the groin; The villain comments that he could make Ilara remove more than just jewelry when she’s under his control; *Spoiler* .
Tristan is told that “women are people…[they] desire to be respected, not ordered like dogs, or touched just because you can…no woman owes you herself, not even your betrothed.” And he thinks about this being very different from what his father would say (including mentions of his father thinking that women are weak and disparaged them & Tristan being told that a “wife is subject whose only goal is to serve and please her husband”).
Mentions of Tristan’s mother passing away shortly after childbirth; Mentions of a married man’s affair (given the details that he convinced her to love him and spend the night with him when he got her drunk; he persuaded her to keep sleeping with him and violated her) & an illegitimate child from it (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & seeing other couples kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of swooning & teen girls talking about swooning and being embraced by a guy; A few mentions of Tristan stealing a man’s clothes and leaving him mostly naked in a forest; A couple mentions of Ilara’s small chest (one by her and one by a man rudely); A mention of a rumor about Tristan being handsy with Raelyn in Book #1; A mention of a man being handsy with one of the young princesses (while she’s drugged); A mention of Tristan’s father telling him he didn’t deserve to have children; A mention of a secret tryst; A mention of a man’s philandering.
Buddy read with the lovely Sarah & Celestria! 💕💕💕
I’ve been avoid this book because of Tristan. If you're read the first book, you can't blame me (you might even agree with me). This author has a talent though. She shows him as such a multiple faced, complexed character. I honestly would go back-and-forth between every sentence in his point of view of understanding where he’s coming from and then wanting to punch his lights out. (It also helped having a new villain to despise. I started sharpening my pitchfork about fifty pages in for the Domhnall guy. My girl Nika was right about him. 😠)
I liked how the author really created an entire new culture with Ilara’s country. The engagement ear cuff was just such a unique element and I may have swooned at those parts, haha.
Interesting enough, this second book didn’t suck me in as much as the first book did. I started to get a bit frustrated with the 12 Dancing Princesses element of the story, actually. It almost felt like a Groundhog Day plot in the sense of it kept repeating the same parts again and again and then giving us a little bit of information about what was going on each time. She definitely was trapped in the situation, so I wasn’t frustrated at her, I was just frustrated with the whole situation with her.
It was funny reading a book where the integrity of the plot nearly was about sleep and the lack of sleep. I don’t know why that struck me as humorous. Perhaps of my own lack of sleep.
I did really like how Ilara was a strong female lead without ever looking down on her gender—perhaps because of her upbringing of knowing she will one day be queen and no male siblings to potentially alter that, but still. She was a strong female lead that was respectful, didn’t have to train with the male knights to prove herself, and was completely loyal to her country. I really liked her for that reason alone.
The author really did do a fantastic job showing us all of Tristan’s emotions and hurts. Even though I’ll admit at times I wanted Tristan to be…well, less emotional. I truly can’t blame him for that though. His father really did a number on him. (Do we ever learn that his father gets eaten by a monster or something? Hmm?)
One random thing, I’m liking in both this book and the first book of the series? All magic is portrayed as wrong. Only evil/selfish people (or other fantasy creatures) use it. (At least from what I can remember about the first book.) I don’t have super strong opinions on reading magic-related fiction books, but I do like to see it be a clear black and white case with magic being wrong in a fictional fantasy world. I’ve read many books over the years where it’s used for good & even more commonly there’s some who use it for good and those who use it for evil intentions, but it’s just refreshing in a way to see it looked upon as bad. It almost feels like a hot take when you compare it to the very popular fantasy books.
I was so hesitant about this book. Ironically, when first learning about this series, I was more interested in this book because of the 12 Dancing Princess aspect. But after reading the first book, I was ready to toss Tristan out of the nearest available window. And to be honest, he would have probably tossed himself out the window if asked in the first half of this book. He had a lot of emotions (a ton, really) during this book that showed he could be redeemable. Now, I definitely still like Alex and Raelyn and their story more, but Tristan and Ilara had their cute—and much needed healing—moments as well. I truly appreciate that Ilara wasn’t ever Tristan’s “savior” nor did falling in love magically fix him (which we see often in fiction books, though, typically switched with the man being the woman’s savior). This book was just different. I can say that about the first book as well. They’re just different. Different from my usual read and just different from the other books in this category. Whether that’s because of the characters, the plots, the writing style, the twists and turns (so many parts took me by surprise in this book) or a combination of all of it, it’s just different. A good different.
(And now I get to read Raelyn’s brother’s story!!)
Main Content:
This book heavy features mentions of curses/enchantments, faes, using magic for evil intentions, etc. Not only is Tristan cursed by his father about not talking ill of him, Ilara and her sisters are cursed to spend the night awake dancing with a sorcerer (*Spoiler* ); See more information on the villain towards the end of this content section, but he’s able to tampering with others’ thoughts and also wipe their thoughts with magical food; The villain is able to appear and disappear like the mist, turn swords into flowers, and open portals/paths to another realm; *Major Spoiler* .
All about many mentions of curses, talismans, enchantments, love spells, sorcery, sorcerers (all looked upon as dark magic and have evil intentions), & faes; Mentions of other fantasy creatures (dragons, trolls, faeries, sprites, cockatrice, etc.); Mentions of evil intentions & superstitions.
The moon is sacred in Ilara’s culture/kingdom and phrases like “moon guide and protect you” and wishing the moon to hide it’s face from someone who breaks their marriage vows are said.
Language: two ‘a**’s (calling someone this); Made-up curses like ‘moonlight’, ‘moonset’, ‘moonless winter’, ‘thank the moon’, and ‘by the moon’ are said/exclaimed by Ilara; Tristan uses ones like ‘Flames’, ‘flames knew’, & ‘flaming’. Other made-up curses are used; Mentions of curses (including by Tristan; said, not written); A couple potential curses are cut-off; Minor language like ‘stupid’, ‘shut up’, and ‘idiot’ are used; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Attacking a troll, Fighting, Being tortured/tied up, Being choked, Being kicked, blood/bleeding, injuries, pain, getting & stitches (up to semi-detailed); Being kidnapped & Being drugged (by the villain’s magical food, up to semi-detailed); Being threatened with major (& creative) harm and death (up to semi-detailed); Seeing others tortured & seriously harmed (up to semi-detailed); Vomiting (barely-above-not-detailed); Recalling a death in the first book (that Tristan feels to blame for, up to semi-detailed).
I can’t share enough how Tristan’s father was absolutely terrible and did a serious number on him, we see Tristan’s thoughts, emotions, and remembering his father’s hateful/ugly words and physical punishments very often (his father would also pit him against his cousin which has greatly affected their relationship and how Tristan views him); Tristan lashes out because of his guilt; Tristan knocks someone out to steal his clothes; Tristan lies to the villain (looked as positive because it worked and was for their safety).
After her mother passed away, Ilara’s father would have bouts of extreme emotions (also said that he was “choosing darkness” over Ilara and her sisters) and wasn’t able to do his kingly duties; Ilara’s grief for her mother is mentioned on page as well; Tristan has a moment where he can’t breath (panic attack) and someone helps calm him down (up to semi-detailed, also a few mentions of this again later and someone else struggling with panic attacks).
Drinking wine (at dinners, parties, & being forced to drink by the villain); People in Ilara’s kingdom (including herself) have ritualistic tattoos (looked upon as a rite of passage/cultural).
Many mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, pain, & having to have stitches (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of wine, drinking (at dinners and social events), drunks, & hangovers; Mentions of deaths, bodies, & grief (of loved ones); Mentions of threats (including execution), violence, & torture (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of being drugged; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of eavesdropping.
Hand kisses, a cheek kiss, three forehead kisses, eight barely-above-not-detailed kisses (one unwanted), and four semi-detailed kisses (one between Tristan and another woman when they’ve had too much to drink & one forced kiss); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss/be kissed (up to semi-detailed).
Touches, Embraces, Butterflies, Hand holding, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles and curves, barely-above-not-detailed); Flirting; Blushes; Seeing a couple all over the other (which makes Tristan’s face heat and he looks away).
Tristan taunts Alex about Raelyn (including about a kiss being passionate and enjoying it); At the beginning chapters, Tristan wonders what if would have been like if he married Raelyn; A woman touches Tristan’s chest & kisses him to be able to brag about kissing a prince (up to semi-detailed); When Tristan is given one of Ilara’s dresses to look at to find out where the princesses are transported every night, he feels like it’s inappropriate (a knight teases him about it); Ilara teases Tristan about not thinking she has tattoos anywhere scandalous; Ilara invites Tristan into her bedroom (nothing happens besides kissing).
The villain is able to alter Ilara’s thoughts about him, making her think about him and wanting to be with him (she’s shocked and concerned at these thoughts); He is able to convinced/force what he wants on her and others (tampering their thoughts and making her want to kiss him; She’s able to fight it at times and realizes that somethings wrong); The villain is able to wipe Ilara’s memory by forcing her to eat his magical food and wine (he forcibly shoves food in her mouth when she resists, multiple times) & she becomes dazed afterwards (like puppet); The villain kisses, touches, & dances with Ilara (up to semi-detailed); The villain threatens Ilara’s younger sisters (including the younger one who is only 13); Tristan wishes he could kick the villain “in the jewels”; The villain tries to kiss Ilara (but it makes her wake up from the drugs, so he stops trying); Ilara knees the villain in the groin; The villain comments that he could make Ilara remove more than just jewelry when she’s under his control; *Spoiler* .
Tristan is told that “women are people…[they] desire to be respected, not ordered like dogs, or touched just because you can…no woman owes you herself, not even your betrothed.” And he thinks about this being very different from what his father would say (including mentions of his father thinking that women are weak and disparaged them & Tristan being told that a “wife is subject whose only goal is to serve and please her husband”).
Mentions of Tristan’s mother passing away shortly after childbirth; Mentions of a married man’s affair (given the details that he convinced her to love him and spend the night with him when he got her drunk; he persuaded her to keep sleeping with him and violated her) & an illegitimate child from it (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & seeing other couples kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of swooning & teen girls talking about swooning and being embraced by a guy; A few mentions of Tristan stealing a man’s clothes and leaving him mostly naked in a forest; A couple mentions of Ilara’s small chest (one by her and one by a man rudely); A mention of a rumor about Tristan being handsy with Raelyn in Book #1; A mention of a man being handsy with one of the young princesses (while she’s drugged); A mention of Tristan’s father telling him he didn’t deserve to have children; A mention of a secret tryst; A mention of a man’s philandering.
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June 19, 2022I put so much of my heart into this book. I do into every book, really, but it feels especially true for this one. It's been a bumpy road getting to this point, but after all the bumps and potholes and wrong turns, it worked out in the end. Even after re-reading it yet *again,* I really love these characters and this story. I hope it will find some readers who will love it, too. 💜
March 3, 2024
2024 Reread: Still an amazing, beautiful story I love. 😍🥰😍🥰 Buddy read it this time with my friends Lindsey and Celestria and it was so much fun! 💖
****
Original 2022 review: My heart. This is a beautiful masterpiece I love and feel so much for. I’m almost afraid to write a review for it because I know I can’t possibly do this book justice, but I will try my hardest.
This world is beautiful and mysterious with the added fae twist (which I guessed at but wasn’t positive on in the beginning), but that wasn’t even the best part. No, that goes directly to these wonderful characters who have captured me heart and soul.
Ilara is just amazing and so, so strong without ever having to lift a weapon or fight despite doing plenty of fighting in a non physical way. I love how Selina writes her female characters in this way that they are clearly women with their gentle kindness but also so strong and bold without being obnoxious about it, and Ilara shows that and so much more in spades. I honestly wish I could be half as kind and understanding she is without losing her fire, and I love her so much. 🥰
And then there’s Tristan. 🥰🥺😭 I LOVE TRISTAN!! Honestly I did NOT like him for most of A Thieving Curse, but when things happen at the end of that book (vague because spoilers!) I understood where he was coming from and why he did what he did and ended up liking him a bit. Just a bit. Until this book came along and DESTROYED ME!!! (how dare you, Selina—please keep doing so and never stop 😎😉) His struggles, doubts, and fears mirrored many of my own especially in asking am I allowed to be loved even though I’m broken—oh my gosh this character wrecked me!!!!! 😭😭😭😭 I wanted to give him a great big hug but also slap him at the same time, lol. And his whole journey was so, so beautiful and gave me hope my own story could end up in the same beautiful, redemptive way as my wonderful Tristan’s did.
And Tristan and Ilara together is just *chef’s kiss*. *sighs happily and melts into a little puddle of feels* 🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍 They are THE BEST, and I love them so darn much! Selina writes the most excellent romances ever, guys. Just…if you want great fantasy romance READ ALL HER BOOKS!!!!! They all have the perfect amount of swoony, sweet feels and danger, and A Lonely Dance does not disappoint on this front.
All the other characters are amazing or aggravating in turns—Allyre, Masarik, Remy, Ryn, Kiri, Meelah, Nika (because yes the dog totally counts!) especially as I ADORED and grew so, so attached to and loved them so much. Halkon isn’t as vile as some of Selina’s villains *cough* Nolan Carrick *cough* but I despised him all the same and wanted to stab him myself for trying to break up my ship! How dare he!!!! 😡⚔️
This book is beautiful, amazing, healing, heartfelt, and so, so powerful and wonderful. It helped me in a hurting time and I have no doubt it will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Definitely one of my forever all time favorite books ever.
Don’t miss this one! Highly, highly, HIGHLY a thousand times over recommend this book and author!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character’s father was a physical, emotional, and mental abuser (not to semi detailed); a forced kiss; a never on screen but mentioned woman was raped and then convinced to sleep with the same person even more (not detailed or shown); depression and panic attacks
Language: ass
Violence: a character’s father was a physical, emotional, and mental abuser (not to semi detailed); memories of past beatings (not detailed); a couple punches in the face; magical thorny vines are used to bind, wound, and blind someone (not detailed); a character is tied up, tortured, and nearly killed by magical thorny vines (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); death by stabbing; fighting a troll (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); suggestive comments/hints; a never on screen but mentioned woman was raped and then convinced to sleep with the same person even more (not detailed or shown); a forced kiss
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink wine; magical food and drink makes people forget and are able to be controlled
Other: magic; a magical race and place; magical abilities, objects, and creatures; some characters were in the past or still are cursed; death threats; a character has depression/mood swings; a character has a couple panic attacks; a character enchants himself to look like another to trick someone; a fantasy/fictional culture reveres the moon; past use of dark magic is mentioned (not in a good light)
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own, and I wasn’t required to write any kind of review, positive or negative, but this book was so massively good it deserved a giant rambling review and more than I can give it. 🥰****
****
Original 2022 review: My heart. This is a beautiful masterpiece I love and feel so much for. I’m almost afraid to write a review for it because I know I can’t possibly do this book justice, but I will try my hardest.
This world is beautiful and mysterious with the added fae twist (which I guessed at but wasn’t positive on in the beginning), but that wasn’t even the best part. No, that goes directly to these wonderful characters who have captured me heart and soul.
Ilara is just amazing and so, so strong without ever having to lift a weapon or fight despite doing plenty of fighting in a non physical way. I love how Selina writes her female characters in this way that they are clearly women with their gentle kindness but also so strong and bold without being obnoxious about it, and Ilara shows that and so much more in spades. I honestly wish I could be half as kind and understanding she is without losing her fire, and I love her so much. 🥰
And then there’s Tristan. 🥰🥺😭 I LOVE TRISTAN!! Honestly I did NOT like him for most of A Thieving Curse, but when things happen at the end of that book (vague because spoilers!) I understood where he was coming from and why he did what he did and ended up liking him a bit. Just a bit. Until this book came along and DESTROYED ME!!! (how dare you, Selina—please keep doing so and never stop 😎😉) His struggles, doubts, and fears mirrored many of my own especially in asking am I allowed to be loved even though I’m broken—oh my gosh this character wrecked me!!!!! 😭😭😭😭 I wanted to give him a great big hug but also slap him at the same time, lol. And his whole journey was so, so beautiful and gave me hope my own story could end up in the same beautiful, redemptive way as my wonderful Tristan’s did.
And Tristan and Ilara together is just *chef’s kiss*. *sighs happily and melts into a little puddle of feels* 🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍 They are THE BEST, and I love them so darn much! Selina writes the most excellent romances ever, guys. Just…if you want great fantasy romance READ ALL HER BOOKS!!!!! They all have the perfect amount of swoony, sweet feels and danger, and A Lonely Dance does not disappoint on this front.
All the other characters are amazing or aggravating in turns—Allyre, Masarik, Remy, Ryn, Kiri, Meelah, Nika (because yes the dog totally counts!) especially as I ADORED and grew so, so attached to and loved them so much. Halkon isn’t as vile as some of Selina’s villains *cough* Nolan Carrick *cough* but I despised him all the same and wanted to stab him myself for trying to break up my ship! How dare he!!!! 😡⚔️
This book is beautiful, amazing, healing, heartfelt, and so, so powerful and wonderful. It helped me in a hurting time and I have no doubt it will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Definitely one of my forever all time favorite books ever.
Don’t miss this one! Highly, highly, HIGHLY a thousand times over recommend this book and author!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character’s father was a physical, emotional, and mental abuser (not to semi detailed); a forced kiss; a never on screen but mentioned woman was raped and then convinced to sleep with the same person even more (not detailed or shown); depression and panic attacks
Language: ass
Violence: a character’s father was a physical, emotional, and mental abuser (not to semi detailed); memories of past beatings (not detailed); a couple punches in the face; magical thorny vines are used to bind, wound, and blind someone (not detailed); a character is tied up, tortured, and nearly killed by magical thorny vines (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); death by stabbing; fighting a troll (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); suggestive comments/hints; a never on screen but mentioned woman was raped and then convinced to sleep with the same person even more (not detailed or shown); a forced kiss
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink wine; magical food and drink makes people forget and are able to be controlled
Other: magic; a magical race and place; magical abilities, objects, and creatures; some characters were in the past or still are cursed; death threats; a character has depression/mood swings; a character has a couple panic attacks; a character enchants himself to look like another to trick someone; a fantasy/fictional culture reveres the moon; past use of dark magic is mentioned (not in a good light)
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own, and I wasn’t required to write any kind of review, positive or negative, but this book was so massively good it deserved a giant rambling review and more than I can give it. 🥰****
August 4, 2022
If you love a tortured, used-to-be-a-villain-but-is-now-a-hero redemption arc, then you’ll love A Lonely Dance. Tristan makes for a compelling character as he struggles to forgive himself and learn to be a better man, all while facing the suspicion and lack of respect of those around him. He makes a great leading man for Ilara as she fights to save her family and kingdom from the grasp of a conniving sorcerer set on forcing her into marriage to enslave her kingdom. This book put me into such a post-good-book haze after I stayed up way too late and ditched my responsibilities in favor of reading it. I loved the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice in this excellent spin on the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale!
I received a copy of the book from the author. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
I received a copy of the book from the author. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
It's truly harder to review books I love than books I don't like. I can point out flaws and say "this is why it didn't work for me". But I find it's much harder find what specific things make me love certain books.
A Lonely Dance is a masterpiece. I've loved everything I've read from the author in the past, but this is, in my opinion, her best work. The fairytale elements, the love story, the redemption arc I was unsure about but fell in love with, it was all so carefully woven together it was an honor just to witness it.
After reading A Thieving Curse I wasn't sure how to feel about Tristan, but I am always willing to see a redemption arc, if it's done right. It's done wonderfully here. While Ilara helps Tristan heal, falling in love doesn't fix him; he still has work to do himself. He really had to wrestle with his decisions and what they meant for him as a person, and I was here for all of it. And Ilara!! She's so iconic, I love her. And I adore their relationship and how it develops.
12 Dancing Princesses is one of my favorite fairytales ever, and this book reminded me just how much I love it. Five stars for sure. One of my favorite reads of the year.
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
re-read 2024: this book is a masterpiece and quite frankly might be one of my favorite ever written
A Lonely Dance is a masterpiece. I've loved everything I've read from the author in the past, but this is, in my opinion, her best work. The fairytale elements, the love story, the redemption arc I was unsure about but fell in love with, it was all so carefully woven together it was an honor just to witness it.
After reading A Thieving Curse I wasn't sure how to feel about Tristan, but I am always willing to see a redemption arc, if it's done right. It's done wonderfully here. While Ilara helps Tristan heal, falling in love doesn't fix him; he still has work to do himself. He really had to wrestle with his decisions and what they meant for him as a person, and I was here for all of it. And Ilara!! She's so iconic, I love her. And I adore their relationship and how it develops.
12 Dancing Princesses is one of my favorite fairytales ever, and this book reminded me just how much I love it. Five stars for sure. One of my favorite reads of the year.
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
re-read 2024: this book is a masterpiece and quite frankly might be one of my favorite ever written
July 2, 2022
Oh my word! Selina has done it again! This second book in Miraveld Chronicles is just as good as the first—maybe even more so. There were so many places I highlighted as I read my eARC, so many lessons that spoke to my heart as much as the characters. It’s was breathtakingly heartbreaking but also wonderfully healing. It was a masterpiece!
•
You can’t read this story without having read A Thieving Curse (I mean, you CAN, but you’ll be very very confused). I loved the journey of redemption our MC goes on after his actions in ATC and how broken he is. I loved Ilara’s patience and tenderness as she spoke truth into his life, showing him that healing is possible and forgiveness is necessary.
•
All in all, an epic read and I’m sad I read it so quickly 😂
5 out of 5
(I received an eARC from the author without a requirement for a review—favorable or otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.)
•
(Content warning: abuse {mentally, emotionally, physically} marital unfaithfulness, one mild curse, blood, and violence, “kidnapping”, unwanted advances)
•
You can’t read this story without having read A Thieving Curse (I mean, you CAN, but you’ll be very very confused). I loved the journey of redemption our MC goes on after his actions in ATC and how broken he is. I loved Ilara’s patience and tenderness as she spoke truth into his life, showing him that healing is possible and forgiveness is necessary.
•
All in all, an epic read and I’m sad I read it so quickly 😂
5 out of 5
(I received an eARC from the author without a requirement for a review—favorable or otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.)
•
(Content warning: abuse {mentally, emotionally, physically} marital unfaithfulness, one mild curse, blood, and violence, “kidnapping”, unwanted advances)
September 7, 2022
Oh my....RTC 😁
October 17, 2023
This was WONDERFUL. I loved every single page and I have a new OTP. This was such carefully done character development and I’m such a huge fan.
August 7, 2022
A beautiful retelling of a popular classic.
Gonzalez has worked her magic once again with complex, raw characters, twists, wicked villains, and intricate worldbuilding. I loved the dynamics of family and friendship (yaay for an excellent rep on female comradery). The climax kept me guessing; I swear I didn't breathe till it was over.
I hope we see more of this world soon!
Gonzalez has worked her magic once again with complex, raw characters, twists, wicked villains, and intricate worldbuilding. I loved the dynamics of family and friendship (yaay for an excellent rep on female comradery). The climax kept me guessing; I swear I didn't breathe till it was over.
I hope we see more of this world soon!
July 17, 2022
A Lonely Dance, the sequel to A Thieving Curse dances with magic, healing, and love. Moonlight highlights familial relationships (trio of sisters *hearts*), friendships and doggos!
An arc (A PHYSICAL BOOK GUYS LIKE AHHH) = my honest spoiler-free review with spoilers hidden in the spoiler cage at the bottom :)
To summarize, (I don't think this is too much if I say), you won't hate Tristain after reading this book. Probably after reading the first few chapters actually. You will love this man and this selfless woman and her whiny, fluffy doggo and you will probably go "AHHH or EEEEE or go D: D: D:" while reading, if you do that sort of thing.
Content: two uses of "donkey"
that's basically it, lol.
There are kisses ;) (if there wasn't, would this really be a romance book??? lol) but it was very clean. This book could have been SO SO dark and so terrifying and I am SO THANKFUL that it wasn't (I mean, I do indeed like my angst pain) but I was worried that it could go in a bad direction and it did not go there. Thank you D':
There is pain present for a character due to an abusive parent. (Saying that because that could be a trigger for some).
IF YOU LIKED A THIEVING CURSE, READ THIS BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT AND THEN GO AHHH AWWW WITH ME!!! :D
Okay, non spoiler review over, inside the blankness below is my spoilers
An arc (A PHYSICAL BOOK GUYS LIKE AHHH) = my honest spoiler-free review with spoilers hidden in the spoiler cage at the bottom :)
To summarize, (I don't think this is too much if I say), you won't hate Tristain after reading this book. Probably after reading the first few chapters actually. You will love this man and this selfless woman and her whiny, fluffy doggo and you will probably go "AHHH or EEEEE or go D: D: D:" while reading, if you do that sort of thing.
Content: two uses of "donkey"
that's basically it, lol.
There are kisses ;) (if there wasn't, would this really be a romance book??? lol) but it was very clean. This book could have been SO SO dark and so terrifying and I am SO THANKFUL that it wasn't (I mean, I do indeed like my angst pain) but I was worried that it could go in a bad direction and it did not go there. Thank you D':
There is pain present for a character due to an abusive parent. (Saying that because that could be a trigger for some).
IF YOU LIKED A THIEVING CURSE, READ THIS BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT AND THEN GO AHHH AWWW WITH ME!!! :D
Okay, non spoiler review over, inside the blankness below is my spoilers
August 27, 2022
Well, this was pretty fabulous--and totally not what I was expecting.
To begin, I do NOT think that it is necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one! I certainly didn't xD And while I didn't get to read about Psycho Villain Tristan in Alex and Raelyn's story, I wasn't ever confused about that background, nor was it difficult for me to imagine. Plus, none of that really mattered to me because the author does an amazing job with characterization.
Both Tristan and Ilara are well-written and easy to root for--especially Tristan, my goodness. I've heard plenty of things about Selina Gonzalez's tortured heroes, and Tristan does not disappoint. His inner conflict, guilt, and redemption arc are all wonderfully portrayed, and even though he starts off... in a not great place, he really makes you feel for him! As the story focuses heavily on his growth, Ilara's doesn't shine as much, but her character plays a different role than what I usually get to read about. She's a likable heroine with a strong personality that doesn't back down easily.
The book as a retelling surprised me a bit. Most 12DP retellings I've read are more action-heavy, whereas this one focuses a little more on the romance and character arcs. Also, I loved the inclusion of mental health as a topic--especially when it turned the king's role in the original fairytale on its head. It made a lot more sense that way, and brought some additional stakes into the main plot too.
That said, I do think too much of that plot is propelled by dialogue. Just repeated conversations with the same messages... That did take out some of my enjoyment of the book.
But even so... the side characters! I would be remiss not to mention how awesome they are. Makes me sad that Tristan with Masarik, Allyre, and Remy only feature as a crew in one book :'((( That's not exactly fair. But it's also better than a standalone novel in a series of fairytale romances featuring boring, forgettable cardboard props as side characters, so I count this as a win.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys slower-paced fantasy romance, fae courts, emotional redemption arcs, and lovely and realistic themes. This is not a traditional 12DP retelling but more importantly, not a fluff-filled, bland, or overly simple take on the fairytale, and overall the author did a great job with it. I'm only giving it 3 stars because the dialogue got too repetitive for me in some parts and I didn't connect to the female lead as much as I hoped to, but overall it was an enjoyable and heartfelt story that'll stay with me for a while.
*I received an ARC of this book. A review was not required; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
To begin, I do NOT think that it is necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one! I certainly didn't xD And while I didn't get to read about Psycho Villain Tristan in Alex and Raelyn's story, I wasn't ever confused about that background, nor was it difficult for me to imagine. Plus, none of that really mattered to me because the author does an amazing job with characterization.
Both Tristan and Ilara are well-written and easy to root for--especially Tristan, my goodness. I've heard plenty of things about Selina Gonzalez's tortured heroes, and Tristan does not disappoint. His inner conflict, guilt, and redemption arc are all wonderfully portrayed, and even though he starts off... in a not great place, he really makes you feel for him! As the story focuses heavily on his growth, Ilara's doesn't shine as much, but her character plays a different role than what I usually get to read about. She's a likable heroine with a strong personality that doesn't back down easily.
The book as a retelling surprised me a bit. Most 12DP retellings I've read are more action-heavy, whereas this one focuses a little more on the romance and character arcs. Also, I loved the inclusion of mental health as a topic--especially when it turned the king's role in the original fairytale on its head. It made a lot more sense that way, and brought some additional stakes into the main plot too.
That said, I do think too much of that plot is propelled by dialogue. Just repeated conversations with the same messages... That did take out some of my enjoyment of the book.
But even so... the side characters! I would be remiss not to mention how awesome they are. Makes me sad that Tristan with Masarik, Allyre, and Remy only feature as a crew in one book :'((( That's not exactly fair. But it's also better than a standalone novel in a series of fairytale romances featuring boring, forgettable cardboard props as side characters, so I count this as a win.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys slower-paced fantasy romance, fae courts, emotional redemption arcs, and lovely and realistic themes. This is not a traditional 12DP retelling but more importantly, not a fluff-filled, bland, or overly simple take on the fairytale, and overall the author did a great job with it. I'm only giving it 3 stars because the dialogue got too repetitive for me in some parts and I didn't connect to the female lead as much as I hoped to, but overall it was an enjoyable and heartfelt story that'll stay with me for a while.
*I received an ARC of this book. A review was not required; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
November 15, 2022
Loved this book! Selina was able to take a character who I hated from the first book and made me care for him from chapter one when he was broken, bitter, hurt, and angry. Well done!! Seeing Tristen’s arc and journey was so beautiful and I quickly fell in love with this man (though there we’re definitely moments in the beginning that we’re questionable lol)! 😍
I really appreciated the messages of repentance, forgiveness (including forgiving oneself), grace, and love that were woven into this story. It was so well done and something you don’t see in books often. There were some beautiful moments and quotes sprinkled throughout the book! 😍
I want to take a moment and appreciate the world building of this book! From the wolves and weather, to the clothing, sayings, and the fact that they use ear cuffs instead of engagement/wedding rings. It added a really nice touch to the story!
Ilara and Tristan were great characters and I really enjoyed the Twelve Dancing Princesses aspects of it! The way this particular book made it was really cool and I loved seeing them fight to defeat the villain.
That being said, in my opinion at least A Lonely Dance could be pretty slow at times as the majority of the book is made up of dialogue. There’s a whole lot of talking about forgiveness and stuff, which is good, but that did drag it down some for me. But I still greatly enjoyed this book and am really excited for the third one! 😆
I really appreciated the messages of repentance, forgiveness (including forgiving oneself), grace, and love that were woven into this story. It was so well done and something you don’t see in books often. There were some beautiful moments and quotes sprinkled throughout the book! 😍
I want to take a moment and appreciate the world building of this book! From the wolves and weather, to the clothing, sayings, and the fact that they use ear cuffs instead of engagement/wedding rings. It added a really nice touch to the story!
Ilara and Tristan were great characters and I really enjoyed the Twelve Dancing Princesses aspects of it! The way this particular book made it was really cool and I loved seeing them fight to defeat the villain.
That being said, in my opinion at least A Lonely Dance could be pretty slow at times as the majority of the book is made up of dialogue. There’s a whole lot of talking about forgiveness and stuff, which is good, but that did drag it down some for me. But I still greatly enjoyed this book and am really excited for the third one! 😆
April 12, 2024
While I understand all of Tristian's emotions and issues (my man has been through a lot and I get it) being in his head in the midst of all those emotions was a lot for me and kinda annoying. But overall I still liked the story.
May 18, 2024
This is truly my favorite fiction book of all time. I love and relate to Tristan and Ilara's relationship so deeply. I recommend this book to anyone who reads fantasy because the morals and lessons and love and story here is just everything I need to read. Thank you for writing this Selina. It's my second time reading but I'll be reading it every so often until I die. ❤️
September 6, 2022
I read this in 24 hours. How many chores and responsibilities I shirked/put-off to do that I will never tell 😉
Redemption arcs are my favorite thing in the world, so when I learned that book 2 of the Miraveld Chronicles had the Gaston character from the last book as the male MC, I was stoked. This book did not disappoint. Redemption isn't easy, and forgiving yourself is sometimes even harder than gaining forgiveness from others. I loved following Tristan's story, as well as getting to know Ilara. I loved her strength and grace that shone through even when her adversary could affect her mind, and her and Tristan together are #goals.
Redemption arcs are my favorite thing in the world, so when I learned that book 2 of the Miraveld Chronicles had the Gaston character from the last book as the male MC, I was stoked. This book did not disappoint. Redemption isn't easy, and forgiving yourself is sometimes even harder than gaining forgiveness from others. I loved following Tristan's story, as well as getting to know Ilara. I loved her strength and grace that shone through even when her adversary could affect her mind, and her and Tristan together are #goals.
July 28, 2025
While this was still a fun read , I just didn't enjoy it as much as the first one . I wasn't really a fan of the romance and the Twelve Dancing Princesses aspect of the story started to become repetitive . Still a good book , just not a favorite .
June 27, 2022
If there’s one thing I LOVE, it is stories with ~angst.~ I guess Tristan’s journey was a bit more serious than mere angst—he had some pretty heavy feelings of guilt and shame to work through—but I loved seeing his growth and struggle.
I am also here for:
-princesses with hips (I know naturally thin women exist and are beautiful too! But I do love a little chub on my leading ladies!)
-Sister dynamics
-Forgiveness =/= erasing the past
-big ol’ puppers
-depression rep (Selina handled this SO WELL I thought. Not shaming the character with depression while also demonstrating the effect it had on other characters; there was so much compassion and understanding in this story.)
Overall, a beautiful & unique setting, a great twist on the 12 dancing princesses (thanks, Selina, for cutting it down to three princesses because 12 is SO MANY to keep track of), a wonderful second chance/redemption story, a good blend of internal struggles with action scenes, and a nice romance to top it all off. Im looking forward to reading more in this world!
I am also here for:
-princesses with hips (I know naturally thin women exist and are beautiful too! But I do love a little chub on my leading ladies!)
-Sister dynamics
-Forgiveness =/= erasing the past
-big ol’ puppers
-depression rep (Selina handled this SO WELL I thought. Not shaming the character with depression while also demonstrating the effect it had on other characters; there was so much compassion and understanding in this story.)
Overall, a beautiful & unique setting, a great twist on the 12 dancing princesses (thanks, Selina, for cutting it down to three princesses because 12 is SO MANY to keep track of), a wonderful second chance/redemption story, a good blend of internal struggles with action scenes, and a nice romance to top it all off. Im looking forward to reading more in this world!
August 25, 2022
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
(This is the second book in a series. As such, this review could contain spoilers for book 1.)
When a foreign stranger shows up in Talland, Princess Ilara hopes it might lead to increased trade between their countries. Instead, it results in a curse being placed on her and her sisters. Every night, they are taken to a magical ball, forced to dance, and then they lose all memory of what occurred there. It won't stop unless Ilara agrees to marry the sorcerer who cursed them.
Meanwhile, in Rethalyon, Tristan is struggling with his place under the new king. To prove his loyalty, he is sent as an ambassador to Talland. It's a much better fate than he deserves after his past deeds, but he has no desire to go so far from home. He hopes this mission will at least give him a chance to redeem himself, but the unexpected curse on the royal family is making his new ambassadorship rather complicated...
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! I admit that I was wary of a book from Tristan's POV since I didn't like him at all in book 1, but this book completely changed the way I viewed his character. I'm a sucker for a good redemption arc, and Selina nailed this one!
Besides Tristan and his character development, I also loved Ilara's character! She's determined and brave, and her love for her family makes her easy to root for! She also has a lot of patience and a good heart. I hope we get a cameo of her in future books!
I also loved Masarik, Allyre, and Remy! Their dynamic with each other and Tristan was great! I didn't expect them to play as much of a role as they did, but some of my favorite scenes are the ones with these guys!
Fantasy romance and fairytale retellings are my favorite genres, and this book is both! It's a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I was curious to see Selina's take on it, and her version is beautiful!
This story is packed full of messages about forgiveness, grief, healing, regret, anxiety, etc. They're seamlessly woven into the story. It was incredibly well-done, and I thought it made this book even more impressive than it already was!
I can't recommend this book (and the series in general) enough. Selina is a powerful storyteller, and her books leave a lasting impression. If you love fantasy romance, fairytale re-tellings, redemption arcs, strong friendships, and amazing characters, you should read this book!
I'm definitely going to continue this series! I'm looking forward to whichever character/fairytale comes next!
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
(This is the second book in a series. As such, this review could contain spoilers for book 1.)
When a foreign stranger shows up in Talland, Princess Ilara hopes it might lead to increased trade between their countries. Instead, it results in a curse being placed on her and her sisters. Every night, they are taken to a magical ball, forced to dance, and then they lose all memory of what occurred there. It won't stop unless Ilara agrees to marry the sorcerer who cursed them.
Meanwhile, in Rethalyon, Tristan is struggling with his place under the new king. To prove his loyalty, he is sent as an ambassador to Talland. It's a much better fate than he deserves after his past deeds, but he has no desire to go so far from home. He hopes this mission will at least give him a chance to redeem himself, but the unexpected curse on the royal family is making his new ambassadorship rather complicated...
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! I admit that I was wary of a book from Tristan's POV since I didn't like him at all in book 1, but this book completely changed the way I viewed his character. I'm a sucker for a good redemption arc, and Selina nailed this one!
Besides Tristan and his character development, I also loved Ilara's character! She's determined and brave, and her love for her family makes her easy to root for! She also has a lot of patience and a good heart. I hope we get a cameo of her in future books!
I also loved Masarik, Allyre, and Remy! Their dynamic with each other and Tristan was great! I didn't expect them to play as much of a role as they did, but some of my favorite scenes are the ones with these guys!
Fantasy romance and fairytale retellings are my favorite genres, and this book is both! It's a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I was curious to see Selina's take on it, and her version is beautiful!
This story is packed full of messages about forgiveness, grief, healing, regret, anxiety, etc. They're seamlessly woven into the story. It was incredibly well-done, and I thought it made this book even more impressive than it already was!
I can't recommend this book (and the series in general) enough. Selina is a powerful storyteller, and her books leave a lasting impression. If you love fantasy romance, fairytale re-tellings, redemption arcs, strong friendships, and amazing characters, you should read this book!
I'm definitely going to continue this series! I'm looking forward to whichever character/fairytale comes next!
June 22, 2022
I give this book an A+ for subtle diversity, captivating characters, and deft handling of complex issues.
A Lonely Dance (ALD) is a sequel to A Thieving Curse (ATC), but can be read first with the
understanding that there will be spoilers for ATC.
If you love sad, complex heroes looking for redemption, this book is for you. If you love unique fairytale retellings that add depth, excitement, and swoonyness to the original tale in such a way that the old one will never be the same to you again, this book is for you. Finally, if you love strong heroines that don't bluster, suppress their emotions, or put other women down, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
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Characters:
Tristan: my bby boy. If you liked Nasir from We Hunt the Flame, you will love Tristan. I positively LOATHED him in ATC. I wanted him to fall of a cliff and DIE. When I saw that the sequel would be about him I may have given some side eye. However, I never should have doubted Madame Author. She gives context to, but doesn't handwave or justify his actions, and gives him an earnest desire to change (and an obligatory tragic backstory).
Ilara: beautiful sunshine with buns of steel.
Probably my favorite female protag in a while.
Kind, caring, brave, and willing to go after what she wants.
Mentally strong, and formidable in her own way.
Analytical, curious, and protective.
I luv her.
King Onak:
A devoted father, and complex king.
Gonzalez writes his struggles with mental illness in a way that demonstrates a deep understanding, if not personal experience. His illness does contribute to the conflict of a story, but not in the tacky, offensive way it might in the hands of an inexperienced/unknowledgeable author.
The Side Cast:
The knights, Remy, the dogs, all add depth and vibrancy to the story. (Especially Sir Sharland, but I can't say more cause spoilers)
The Villain:
Suitably villainy. Formidably powerful. Occasionally funny, but not very charming (which was clearly intentional). I don't want to say too much, but suffice to say he's THE WORST.
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Mechanics:
Gonzalez's writing style is descriptive, without being flowery or purple. The worldbuilding is subtly woven into the story without being distracting or extraneous.
My only nitpick (other than wanting the book to be longer and to have a sequel immediately) is that I felt the villain was defeated a bit quickly for someone with his power level. I think the darkest hour of the story was a bit rushed, but the ending was satisfying and an HEA.
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Final Thoughts:
This book moved Selina R. Gonzalez to the top of my favorite authors list. I need the next book to come out ASAP or I will literally (figuratively) die.
******************************************************************************
Favorite Quotes:
(Out of context and order, to throw ya off ur rhythm)
~"You made it sound like you didn’t want to be called anything else.” The knight pointed at Tristan. “Correct! All right, we can keep him.”
~"I’d planned on taking him during the inevitable ‘hunt down Tristan’ party so you’d think he’d fled, but this was better. I really thought you were going to execute him. I would have had so much fun gloating"
~"What if I don’t want your hand?” “Excuse me?” She pulled back with an affronted expression, but Tristan caught her hand and drew it up to his lips. What would I do with just your hand?” He kissed her palm. “It’s a nice enough hand.” He pressed a kiss to her fingertips. “But I think I’d prefer all of you."
~"Your beliefs about yourself affect who you are. Don’t worry about letting her down. Embrace that she loves you and love her back with every part of you. Then even when you do fail, you’ll be motivated by love and not shame to apologize and do better.”
~"By the moon, she was going to keep kissing her ambassador if she had to cut out the lord’s heart herself to do so."
~“That’s it?” Ryn demanded. “She admits she likes you, and you sit down and talk to the dog? No offense, Nika.”
Anyway, I'm off to re-read this and cry.
*I received an eARC from the author, and am reviewing this book voluntarily.*
A Lonely Dance (ALD) is a sequel to A Thieving Curse (ATC), but can be read first with the
understanding that there will be spoilers for ATC.
If you love sad, complex heroes looking for redemption, this book is for you. If you love unique fairytale retellings that add depth, excitement, and swoonyness to the original tale in such a way that the old one will never be the same to you again, this book is for you. Finally, if you love strong heroines that don't bluster, suppress their emotions, or put other women down, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
******************************************************************************
Characters:
Tristan: my bby boy. If you liked Nasir from We Hunt the Flame, you will love Tristan. I positively LOATHED him in ATC. I wanted him to fall of a cliff and DIE. When I saw that the sequel would be about him I may have given some side eye. However, I never should have doubted Madame Author. She gives context to, but doesn't handwave or justify his actions, and gives him an earnest desire to change (and an obligatory tragic backstory).
Ilara: beautiful sunshine with buns of steel.
Probably my favorite female protag in a while.
Kind, caring, brave, and willing to go after what she wants.
Mentally strong, and formidable in her own way.
Analytical, curious, and protective.
I luv her.
King Onak:
A devoted father, and complex king.
Gonzalez writes his struggles with mental illness in a way that demonstrates a deep understanding, if not personal experience. His illness does contribute to the conflict of a story, but not in the tacky, offensive way it might in the hands of an inexperienced/unknowledgeable author.
The Side Cast:
The knights, Remy, the dogs, all add depth and vibrancy to the story. (Especially Sir Sharland, but I can't say more cause spoilers)
The Villain:
Suitably villainy. Formidably powerful. Occasionally funny, but not very charming (which was clearly intentional). I don't want to say too much, but suffice to say he's THE WORST.
******************************************************************************
Mechanics:
Gonzalez's writing style is descriptive, without being flowery or purple. The worldbuilding is subtly woven into the story without being distracting or extraneous.
My only nitpick (other than wanting the book to be longer and to have a sequel immediately) is that I felt the villain was defeated a bit quickly for someone with his power level. I think the darkest hour of the story was a bit rushed, but the ending was satisfying and an HEA.
******************************************************************************
Final Thoughts:
This book moved Selina R. Gonzalez to the top of my favorite authors list. I need the next book to come out ASAP or I will literally (figuratively) die.
******************************************************************************
Favorite Quotes:
(Out of context and order, to throw ya off ur rhythm)
~"You made it sound like you didn’t want to be called anything else.” The knight pointed at Tristan. “Correct! All right, we can keep him.”
~"I’d planned on taking him during the inevitable ‘hunt down Tristan’ party so you’d think he’d fled, but this was better. I really thought you were going to execute him. I would have had so much fun gloating"
~"What if I don’t want your hand?” “Excuse me?” She pulled back with an affronted expression, but Tristan caught her hand and drew it up to his lips. What would I do with just your hand?” He kissed her palm. “It’s a nice enough hand.” He pressed a kiss to her fingertips. “But I think I’d prefer all of you."
~"Your beliefs about yourself affect who you are. Don’t worry about letting her down. Embrace that she loves you and love her back with every part of you. Then even when you do fail, you’ll be motivated by love and not shame to apologize and do better.”
~"By the moon, she was going to keep kissing her ambassador if she had to cut out the lord’s heart herself to do so."
~“That’s it?” Ryn demanded. “She admits she likes you, and you sit down and talk to the dog? No offense, Nika.”
Anyway, I'm off to re-read this and cry.
*I received an eARC from the author, and am reviewing this book voluntarily.*
August 25, 2022
For as much as I wanted to punch Tristan in the face for the entirety of A Thieving Curse, this story made me want to hug him.
Also: ILARA HAS MY BODY TYPE AND THAT MAKES THIS BOOK AN AUTOMATIC FAVE.
Mostly because no one ever writes female characters who have my body type. Ever.
This book is a fun twist on 12 Dancing Princesses and I LOVED IT.
You don’t NEED to read A Thieving Curse before you read A Lonely Dance, but I’d definitely recommend it. It gives Tristan’s character arc context. :)
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
Also: ILARA HAS MY BODY TYPE AND THAT MAKES THIS BOOK AN AUTOMATIC FAVE.
Mostly because no one ever writes female characters who have my body type. Ever.
This book is a fun twist on 12 Dancing Princesses and I LOVED IT.
You don’t NEED to read A Thieving Curse before you read A Lonely Dance, but I’d definitely recommend it. It gives Tristan’s character arc context. :)
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
August 24, 2022
Good night, what a great book! How do I start (without spoilers—that’s the real trick)? Let me just say, you need to start with A Thieving Curse to really understand A Lonely Dance. If you don’t, you won’t get the full picture of how bad Tristan really acted in the first book. He was a monster, quite honestly, and very hard to love.
But then he made a couple good decisions at the very end of A Thieving Curse and redeemed himself a little. Because of that, he was shown mercy and forgiveness from those he hurt. It was a good scene.
But now, in A Lonely Dance, we see how life has to play out when someone has broken the trust of others. Tristan is forgiven (something he can’t quite settle in his own heart) but not trusted or liked. How can he be? We didn’t trust or like him in A Thieving Curse either! Add to that the guilt he carries, the shame built into his own heart by his father, and the fact that he can’t forgive himself, and you have Tristan, our anti-hero.
There is such a great theme in this book about the difference between shame and guilt. Guilt is about what you’ve done (and Tristan had done—and repented from—a lot). Shame is about who you are (and Tristan can’t see himself outside of his own shame). Tristan has to learn how to forgive himself, see himself through the correct lens, and remember that grace and mercy can’t be earned. Luckily, he has some dedicated people to help him learn these things.
There is a pretty significant plot twist in this story, and I LOVE it. There is also a whole huge plot involving Ilara and her sisters that I’m not even mentioning (because this post is already too long). Ilara is a lovely person; she is kind and discerning and comforting and just everything Tristan needs. She’s also wise and strong in her own right, and such a fun/determined character!
I’m going to admit, out of all Selina Gonzalez’s books, I liked A Thieving Curse the least (because Alex wasn’t Regulus or Dresden and dang it, I loved those two). But A Lonely Dance is probably my favorite right now, and takes a place in the top 5 books I’ve read this year. I read it in a single day and sacrificed sleep on a work day because I couldn’t leave it to be finished later. Amazing, five stars!
If you liked books by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, this one is for you!!
Rated PG-13
—clean romance
—some violence and gore (tactfully handled)
—some torture
—parental abuse, mostly emotional/psychological but some mention of physical (non-graphic)
—no language
I received this eARC free from the author without requirements. My opinions are voluntary and my own.
But then he made a couple good decisions at the very end of A Thieving Curse and redeemed himself a little. Because of that, he was shown mercy and forgiveness from those he hurt. It was a good scene.
But now, in A Lonely Dance, we see how life has to play out when someone has broken the trust of others. Tristan is forgiven (something he can’t quite settle in his own heart) but not trusted or liked. How can he be? We didn’t trust or like him in A Thieving Curse either! Add to that the guilt he carries, the shame built into his own heart by his father, and the fact that he can’t forgive himself, and you have Tristan, our anti-hero.
There is such a great theme in this book about the difference between shame and guilt. Guilt is about what you’ve done (and Tristan had done—and repented from—a lot). Shame is about who you are (and Tristan can’t see himself outside of his own shame). Tristan has to learn how to forgive himself, see himself through the correct lens, and remember that grace and mercy can’t be earned. Luckily, he has some dedicated people to help him learn these things.
There is a pretty significant plot twist in this story, and I LOVE it. There is also a whole huge plot involving Ilara and her sisters that I’m not even mentioning (because this post is already too long). Ilara is a lovely person; she is kind and discerning and comforting and just everything Tristan needs. She’s also wise and strong in her own right, and such a fun/determined character!
I’m going to admit, out of all Selina Gonzalez’s books, I liked A Thieving Curse the least (because Alex wasn’t Regulus or Dresden and dang it, I loved those two). But A Lonely Dance is probably my favorite right now, and takes a place in the top 5 books I’ve read this year. I read it in a single day and sacrificed sleep on a work day because I couldn’t leave it to be finished later. Amazing, five stars!
If you liked books by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, this one is for you!!
Rated PG-13
—clean romance
—some violence and gore (tactfully handled)
—some torture
—parental abuse, mostly emotional/psychological but some mention of physical (non-graphic)
—no language
I received this eARC free from the author without requirements. My opinions are voluntary and my own.
March 27, 2023
Absolutely love this story's themes and explorations of guilt and forgiveness and redemption SO MUCH. Tristan is a new favorite!
Would have been perfect if the pacing is improved a bit more: the plot at times feels a bit stuck in place. But if you feel the lag, bear with it and continue! You will NOT be disappointed!!
I need to reread and gain proper thoughts and return for this one.
4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5 on GR. =)
(Should have written this review AGES ago, since I'd read it and enjoyed it so much. But, alas, it's been so long that I don't even need to include an ARC note at the end because I'd purchased a paperback copy since. xD Still, however, MANY thanks to the author for providing me with a physical ARC <3)
Would have been perfect if the pacing is improved a bit more: the plot at times feels a bit stuck in place. But if you feel the lag, bear with it and continue! You will NOT be disappointed!!
I need to reread and gain proper thoughts and return for this one.
4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5 on GR. =)
(Should have written this review AGES ago, since I'd read it and enjoyed it so much. But, alas, it's been so long that I don't even need to include an ARC note at the end because I'd purchased a paperback copy since. xD Still, however, MANY thanks to the author for providing me with a physical ARC <3)
April 22, 2024
3.5✨
🩰🗡️👑
”The thing about love,” she said quietly, “is sooner or later, it always hurts. Real love is choosing it anyway.”
overview: this was much deeper than I expected 😭
characters: y’all it was so nice to have a FMC who actually uses her brain and sees through lies! Ilara was brave and full of hope; and so loyal in her love 🥹
now, Tristan? This poor man was going through it. He did absolutely terrible things in book one, yet I actually felt really sad for him and his actions were understandable after you heard his past. He got amazing character development and redemption; seeing him soften + realize that he has friends and family that love him was so special 🥺
He didn’t know what scared him more: being forever unknown, unwanted, unloved…or being known and, somehow, still wanted and loved.
If this was love, why did it scare him? If this was acceptance, why did he still want to hide?
also, Remy was adorable 🥺
romance: I wasn’t super invested, but Ilara and Tristan were really cute. Loved seeing Tristan fight to be worthy of her, as well as Ilara just plain loving him. They both had so much baggage and grief to work through; I’m so glad they didn’t get together right away!
This enchanted version of Ilara was lovely, but the girl who lifted her chin to glare at the fae lord was breathtaking.
“I want you here. I like having you close, Tristan.” “I like being close to you.”
writing: pretty and descriptive!
A legion of candles on gold-filigree chandeliers and candelabras filled the ballroom of the Rethali royal palace with dazzling light. The sweet scent of pastries and wine mingled with perfumes. Melodies woven by pipers, harpists, and lute players swirled between couples dancing in their finest velvets and brocades. Other coronation ball guests clustered in groups around the periphery of the room, talking and laughing. But Tristan stood alone in a corner, nursing a goblet of wine the color of blood and regret.
The air smelled like summer, of sweet, cut grass and strawberries and wildflowers and fresh ocean breezes. Fireflies floated between the silver and gold trunks, flickering in the shadows between crystals. The delicate melody of harps and flutes drifted through the wood.
season: summer ☀️
———
content: language (a*s, twice). sexual (clean kisses between the MCs. A man in power kisses and touches the FMC while she is drugged, and while she’s not, despite her telling him no). other (mentions of curses, potions, faeries, and other mythical creatures).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
🩰🗡️👑
”The thing about love,” she said quietly, “is sooner or later, it always hurts. Real love is choosing it anyway.”
overview: this was much deeper than I expected 😭
characters: y’all it was so nice to have a FMC who actually uses her brain and sees through lies! Ilara was brave and full of hope; and so loyal in her love 🥹
now, Tristan? This poor man was going through it. He did absolutely terrible things in book one, yet I actually felt really sad for him and his actions were understandable after you heard his past. He got amazing character development and redemption; seeing him soften + realize that he has friends and family that love him was so special 🥺
He didn’t know what scared him more: being forever unknown, unwanted, unloved…or being known and, somehow, still wanted and loved.
If this was love, why did it scare him? If this was acceptance, why did he still want to hide?
also, Remy was adorable 🥺
romance: I wasn’t super invested, but Ilara and Tristan were really cute. Loved seeing Tristan fight to be worthy of her, as well as Ilara just plain loving him. They both had so much baggage and grief to work through; I’m so glad they didn’t get together right away!
This enchanted version of Ilara was lovely, but the girl who lifted her chin to glare at the fae lord was breathtaking.
“I want you here. I like having you close, Tristan.” “I like being close to you.”
writing: pretty and descriptive!
A legion of candles on gold-filigree chandeliers and candelabras filled the ballroom of the Rethali royal palace with dazzling light. The sweet scent of pastries and wine mingled with perfumes. Melodies woven by pipers, harpists, and lute players swirled between couples dancing in their finest velvets and brocades. Other coronation ball guests clustered in groups around the periphery of the room, talking and laughing. But Tristan stood alone in a corner, nursing a goblet of wine the color of blood and regret.
The air smelled like summer, of sweet, cut grass and strawberries and wildflowers and fresh ocean breezes. Fireflies floated between the silver and gold trunks, flickering in the shadows between crystals. The delicate melody of harps and flutes drifted through the wood.
season: summer ☀️
———
content: language (a*s, twice). sexual (clean kisses between the MCs. A man in power kisses and touches the FMC while she is drugged, and while she’s not, despite her telling him no). other (mentions of curses, potions, faeries, and other mythical creatures).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
I think it’s so great that in this world Selina has set absolutely no boundaries for herself when it comes to the magical/fantasy realm. She can throw in whatever, whenever because all her readers are cultured in these things. 😂 She explains the “magic” boundaries as she goes and it gives her so much freedom as a writer.
BUT no one wants my writer observations 😂 just my opinion of the story.
Personally I loved the first book so much more. And it had everything to do with the fact that the love interest was part dragon. (No I’m not obsessed, don’t look at me like that) Everything about the first book brought out the fan-girl in me. (do not look at my lock-screen)
This book seemed to revolve more around Tristan’s redemption than an actual plot. There was so much talking and (personally) it wasn’t even that great of conversation. It was like the characters explained everything rather than leaving the readers to just understand. It became annoying . . . how often they discussed the same things.
I understand the author wanted to display mental disorders and the struggles of anxiety/depression in a realistic light. I think she did a decent job, it just got repetitive. Tristian’s redemption arc and his struggles are well written, aside from how often they were discussed. There should have been an easier way to convey such a thing without the repetition.
Apologies for my critical rant. Basically it was a good book, but a lot of the conversation was annoying.
The ending was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l 💖
THAT COVER 😍
Also can we please have more stories with the Fae but like as a love interest??! Yes? Anyone? Thank you.
I loved the culture and world building Selina has build into her world. It’s lovely. Perfectly romantic.
*me not understanding how she writes such torcher scenes without a big bang ending*
don’t mind me literally chopping this story into bits
✨ Simplified Emoji Review Below ✨
Setting 😏
Characters 💖
Plot 🙃😶
Romance ✨
WorldBuilding 🔥
Halkon 👀
Retelling 🥺
**DISCLAIMER** Selina Gonzalez gave an e-arc to me for the chance of an early review. I obliged her (because I absolutely adore her work *supporting indie authors*) by finishing the book and posting this a couple days before its release date. (😅🙈) My review was not affected by this. It is my personal opinion and is not meant offensively. Thanks! :)
BUT no one wants my writer observations 😂 just my opinion of the story.
Personally I loved the first book so much more. And it had everything to do with the fact that the love interest was part dragon. (No I’m not obsessed, don’t look at me like that) Everything about the first book brought out the fan-girl in me. (do not look at my lock-screen)
This book seemed to revolve more around Tristan’s redemption than an actual plot. There was so much talking and (personally) it wasn’t even that great of conversation. It was like the characters explained everything rather than leaving the readers to just understand. It became annoying . . . how often they discussed the same things.
I understand the author wanted to display mental disorders and the struggles of anxiety/depression in a realistic light. I think she did a decent job, it just got repetitive. Tristian’s redemption arc and his struggles are well written, aside from how often they were discussed. There should have been an easier way to convey such a thing without the repetition.
Apologies for my critical rant. Basically it was a good book, but a lot of the conversation was annoying.
The ending was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l 💖
THAT COVER 😍
Also can we please have more stories with the Fae but like as a love interest??! Yes? Anyone? Thank you.
I loved the culture and world building Selina has build into her world. It’s lovely. Perfectly romantic.
*me not understanding how she writes such torcher scenes without a big bang ending*
don’t mind me literally chopping this story into bits
✨ Simplified Emoji Review Below ✨
Setting 😏
Characters 💖
Plot 🙃😶
Romance ✨
WorldBuilding 🔥
Halkon 👀
Retelling 🥺
**DISCLAIMER** Selina Gonzalez gave an e-arc to me for the chance of an early review. I obliged her (because I absolutely adore her work *supporting indie authors*) by finishing the book and posting this a couple days before its release date. (😅🙈) My review was not affected by this. It is my personal opinion and is not meant offensively. Thanks! :)
February 22, 2023
This was really fun!
I loved seeing Tristan again, and his character arc and starting to work through his abusive past was the best thing about this book.
The way he interacts with his friends and Ilara at the beginning and then through the book really showcases how much he changed from when we saw him in A Thieving Curse. Tristan gets 10 stars from me. ✨
Ilara was cool, but I definitely didn’t like her as much as Tristan. I couldn’t really see any real character flaws, and was unable to connect with her on any human level.
The plot was pretty solid, I really liked the mystery aspect and trying to figure it out with Tristan.
I loved seeing Tristan again, and his character arc and starting to work through his abusive past was the best thing about this book.
The way he interacts with his friends and Ilara at the beginning and then through the book really showcases how much he changed from when we saw him in A Thieving Curse. Tristan gets 10 stars from me. ✨
Ilara was cool, but I definitely didn’t like her as much as Tristan. I couldn’t really see any real character flaws, and was unable to connect with her on any human level.
The plot was pretty solid, I really liked the mystery aspect and trying to figure it out with Tristan.
February 22, 2025
My heart!! I binged this book in a single day. When I first saw that this book was about Tristan, I didn’t want to read it. But I am SO glad that I gave it a chance.
If you’re looking for a book that will simultaneously break your heart and put it back together, then look no further! This one will be hard to beat.
I love Tristan and I cried for him during this book. I loved how the people around him cared for him and loved him. Ilara was soooo perfect for him 🥰🥰🥰
Also the plot was so intense and unpredictable !! I needed to know what was coming next!! This might be my most favorite book of the month!!!
If you’re looking for a book that will simultaneously break your heart and put it back together, then look no further! This one will be hard to beat.
I love Tristan and I cried for him during this book. I loved how the people around him cared for him and loved him. Ilara was soooo perfect for him 🥰🥰🥰
Also the plot was so intense and unpredictable !! I needed to know what was coming next!! This might be my most favorite book of the month!!!
September 27, 2022
The Twelve Dancing Princesses is an odd fairy tale, and therefore not usually my favorite. HOWEVER. This retelling was really delightful, taking familiar elements of the original while still standing on its own feet and making something new.
We first met Tristan in book 1(which is a standalone, as is this one), and this book follows with him essentially dealing with the emotional repercussions of everything that happened in that one--and in the rest of his life from his crappy dad. 😆 As someone with SERIOUS self confidence issues, his struggle with feeling worthy got me RIGHT IN THE FEELS. I love him. And I loved seeing his growth from the beginning of the story to the end. He deserves all the hugs.
Ilara was ALSO a delightful character--a great balance of sweetness and fiery strength. She felt like a very steady character; the growth in this story was all for Tristan, and considering how much he had to work through, I was ok with that. She was just steady and there to teach him how to be better and love him, which he really needed.
The plot itself was steady--it never really lulled. The side characters were each distinct and fresh on their own, too, and the importance of love in all its forms--specifically, in the form of familial and friendship ties as much as romantic--was evident. I love a good friendship nearly as much as a good romance in a story, and this one had a few different ones. Not to mention tackling the question of what makes someone good. That was a really enjoyable aspect of this story for me.
Overall I loved it, and found it to be a really charming love story. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a good, sweet, clean fantasy romance.
I received an ARC copy, and I am writing this review willingly.
We first met Tristan in book 1(which is a standalone, as is this one), and this book follows with him essentially dealing with the emotional repercussions of everything that happened in that one--and in the rest of his life from his crappy dad. 😆 As someone with SERIOUS self confidence issues, his struggle with feeling worthy got me RIGHT IN THE FEELS. I love him. And I loved seeing his growth from the beginning of the story to the end. He deserves all the hugs.
Ilara was ALSO a delightful character--a great balance of sweetness and fiery strength. She felt like a very steady character; the growth in this story was all for Tristan, and considering how much he had to work through, I was ok with that. She was just steady and there to teach him how to be better and love him, which he really needed.
The plot itself was steady--it never really lulled. The side characters were each distinct and fresh on their own, too, and the importance of love in all its forms--specifically, in the form of familial and friendship ties as much as romantic--was evident. I love a good friendship nearly as much as a good romance in a story, and this one had a few different ones. Not to mention tackling the question of what makes someone good. That was a really enjoyable aspect of this story for me.
Overall I loved it, and found it to be a really charming love story. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a good, sweet, clean fantasy romance.
I received an ARC copy, and I am writing this review willingly.
September 20, 2022
Selina R. Gonzalez is an auto-buy author for me... her stories are filled with great worldbuilding and hope and sweet (clean!) romance and lovable characters. I highly recommend all her work. A Lonely Dance didn't quite resonate with me as much as her previous books, but I think that's because I didn't relate to the MCs, particularly to Tristan...not because of his past (Gonzalez did a very convincing job of redeeming him in this story) but probably just because I didn't mesh with him as a character, and I found Ilara a bit inconsistent too. But all in all, still a wonderful story and absolutely worth the read!
July 14, 2024
I'm not sure if my review will probably convey my feelings about how much I LOVED this book, but I'll try my best. =)
This was a "12 Dancing Princesses" retelling. This is the first book I have read retelling that tale so far. I know of several books that have retold the "12 Dancing Princesses", but for some reason, I haven't picked them up yet. I really enjoyed it. I liked the fae element added to the story, as it works really well with this retelling. I originally didn't know this book was going to have that, so I was so giddy when I guessed right.
And also, how did this author redeem a villain that I hated so much and made me love him? How? Tristan is probably one of my favorite characters now.
I liked how this book shows that people can be redeemable. I mean, just look at Tristan. He was horrible in the first book and even in some parts in this one. My first instinct was similar to the other characters, wanting justice for what Tristan did and not wanting to give him a chance to change. I wanted to judge him. And yet, somehow, this book showed me why he was the way he was. If that was all this book would have done, I don't think my mind could have been changed. But Tristan was constantly battling his worst self and trying to become a better version of himself. And because of that, Tristan went from me hating him to me loving him. This alone made me love this book so much. It takes some powerful writing to change someone's overall opinion. And for that, I applaud the writer for a job well done.
The book also did this in a way that showed having a healthy relationship with those who hurt you could mean distance and that some people aren't redeemable. At least, not being your place to redeem them.
I loved, loved the setting for this book. Fictional places based off of northern mountain areas are so much fun to read about. My only complaint about this is that I wished the book would've had more about the people and how they lived. The little we got was fascinating, which is why I wished it was explored a little more.
Tristan's relationship with Ilara was top-notch. I really liked how Tristan laid his past sins on the table and let her know how he had acted before. I loved how Ilara was patient with him and compassionate. These two characters were perfect for one another. Probably the one ship I shipped so hard. The book does a good job of showing Tristan and Ilara being afraid of rejection and (in Tristan's case) fearing that he doesn't deserve to be loved because of his flaws. I honestly cried a little at those scenes. But I was so happy with them together. *Happy feels*
This book has a wonderful slew of side characters. There are a couple of characters I wished we could've seen a little more of. Such as Ilara's sisters and Allyre. Still, I loved every one of them. Especially how Ilara's sisters tease each other. I loved how Remy wanted to serve. How Masarik was both understandable and downright frustrating at times. Ilara's father is scary, but doted on and wanted to protect his daughters, which is why he was so scary. And the doggo was adorable! Extra points due to the doggy!
Halkon was a good villain. That is all. He knew how to make me angry, which is why he is a good villain.
Who I Would Recommend This Book To:
Those who want a retelling of the "12 Dancing Princesses". Those who want a redeemed villain. Those who want a sweet romance. Those who want wicked fae.
Content in Book:
1. Magic. (Some magic in this book is deemed as being evil, such as curses. There is also fae magic.)
2. Some characters might worship the moon.
3. Drinking wine. (One type of wine and fruit causes the characters to become almost drugged and forget stuff).
4. Sexual. (A few unwanted kisses. Mentions of a rape and convincing the women to continue to sleep with him (only mentioned). A few suggested comments.)
5. Violence. (Torturing people with thorny vines and once causing a character to go blind. Sword fighting, killing or injuring people. Some fistfights. Etc.)
6. Mentions of abuse. (A character was physically, emotionally, and mentally abused by his father).
This was a "12 Dancing Princesses" retelling. This is the first book I have read retelling that tale so far. I know of several books that have retold the "12 Dancing Princesses", but for some reason, I haven't picked them up yet. I really enjoyed it. I liked the fae element added to the story, as it works really well with this retelling. I originally didn't know this book was going to have that, so I was so giddy when I guessed right.
And also, how did this author redeem a villain that I hated so much and made me love him? How? Tristan is probably one of my favorite characters now.
I liked how this book shows that people can be redeemable. I mean, just look at Tristan. He was horrible in the first book and even in some parts in this one. My first instinct was similar to the other characters, wanting justice for what Tristan did and not wanting to give him a chance to change. I wanted to judge him. And yet, somehow, this book showed me why he was the way he was. If that was all this book would have done, I don't think my mind could have been changed. But Tristan was constantly battling his worst self and trying to become a better version of himself. And because of that, Tristan went from me hating him to me loving him. This alone made me love this book so much. It takes some powerful writing to change someone's overall opinion. And for that, I applaud the writer for a job well done.
The book also did this in a way that showed having a healthy relationship with those who hurt you could mean distance and that some people aren't redeemable. At least, not being your place to redeem them.
I loved, loved the setting for this book. Fictional places based off of northern mountain areas are so much fun to read about. My only complaint about this is that I wished the book would've had more about the people and how they lived. The little we got was fascinating, which is why I wished it was explored a little more.
Tristan's relationship with Ilara was top-notch. I really liked how Tristan laid his past sins on the table and let her know how he had acted before. I loved how Ilara was patient with him and compassionate. These two characters were perfect for one another. Probably the one ship I shipped so hard. The book does a good job of showing Tristan and Ilara being afraid of rejection and (in Tristan's case) fearing that he doesn't deserve to be loved because of his flaws. I honestly cried a little at those scenes. But I was so happy with them together. *Happy feels*
This book has a wonderful slew of side characters. There are a couple of characters I wished we could've seen a little more of. Such as Ilara's sisters and Allyre. Still, I loved every one of them. Especially how Ilara's sisters tease each other. I loved how Remy wanted to serve. How Masarik was both understandable and downright frustrating at times. Ilara's father is scary, but doted on and wanted to protect his daughters, which is why he was so scary. And the doggo was adorable! Extra points due to the doggy!
Halkon was a good villain. That is all. He knew how to make me angry, which is why he is a good villain.
Who I Would Recommend This Book To:
Those who want a retelling of the "12 Dancing Princesses". Those who want a redeemed villain. Those who want a sweet romance. Those who want wicked fae.
Content in Book:
1. Magic. (Some magic in this book is deemed as being evil, such as curses. There is also fae magic.)
2. Some characters might worship the moon.
3. Drinking wine. (One type of wine and fruit causes the characters to become almost drugged and forget stuff).
4. Sexual. (A few unwanted kisses. Mentions of a rape and convincing the women to continue to sleep with him (only mentioned). A few suggested comments.)
5. Violence. (Torturing people with thorny vines and once causing a character to go blind. Sword fighting, killing or injuring people. Some fistfights. Etc.)
6. Mentions of abuse. (A character was physically, emotionally, and mentally abused by his father).
November 12, 2022
After enjoying the first in this series, I desperately wanted to read more of Tristan, so here we are. I chose this book over sleep, and I don’t really regret it.
It was so much easier to get into the story and to root for the characters. Tristan’s struggles are so familiar and easy to both relate to and pity. To see him fluctuating between pride and self-loathing was hard to read, but it did so much for me as a reader who wanted to see him happy.
Ilara was decisive and emphatically informal and everything a crown princess ought to be. Her persistence and patience with Tristan was wonderful and had a lovely payoff.
Though I did rate this 5 stars, there were some things that I didn’t quite like and I think I can put it into words. In both this book and it’s predecessor there are times where the POV character reacts negatively to something, usually something intentionally provocative, and is rightfully condemned. However, when condemnations are being passed out, the individual who made the inflammatory remarks gets away with being unkind. Several times in the beginning of the book, Gareth and Alexander make pointed comments referencing the past, overreact to a dance where partners change, and get pissed off when Tristan admits he partially has feelings for Raelyn (would he rather have him lie?? i don’t get it) With Tristan’s past and reactive remarks, it’s fair enough that there are enough broken relationships to go around, but neither Alex nor Gareth apologize. Ever. Alex, despite having “forgiven” Tristan, refuses to see any effort and still assumes the worst of him. And instead lords his authority over him and flaunts everything he has.
The stuff at the beginning, I could let slide if only to assume that there will be development and genuine forgiveness in the future. However, when all is said and done, Alexander and Raelyn(for shame), with the testimonials of four separate people, still pretend to withhold happiness from Tristan and humiliate him into crying while on his knees before them in the great hall. I’m sorry, what? Raelyn, who supposedly forgave him? Trust or no trust, there’s still common courtesy. Suggest a trial period or a long engagement or something else that doesn’t involve more abuse. The boy has suffered enough. But to emulate his abuser, whether intentionally or not? Good heavens. Surely there could have been another way, especially for two people who spent the last book learning about choosing love and choosing forgiveness.
Though I spent most of my review talking about what I didn’t like so much, please believe that I really love this book. Ilara and her family are lovely and complicated. Talland is an unusual setting and a refreshing change of pace from the typical medieval settings. The cultural differences were really cool to see.
Truly, I like this book much more than the previous one and will likely read it more in the long run! Read this series!
(Still don’t like Gareth though)
It was so much easier to get into the story and to root for the characters. Tristan’s struggles are so familiar and easy to both relate to and pity. To see him fluctuating between pride and self-loathing was hard to read, but it did so much for me as a reader who wanted to see him happy.
Ilara was decisive and emphatically informal and everything a crown princess ought to be. Her persistence and patience with Tristan was wonderful and had a lovely payoff.
Though I did rate this 5 stars, there were some things that I didn’t quite like and I think I can put it into words. In both this book and it’s predecessor there are times where the POV character reacts negatively to something, usually something intentionally provocative, and is rightfully condemned. However, when condemnations are being passed out, the individual who made the inflammatory remarks gets away with being unkind. Several times in the beginning of the book, Gareth and Alexander make pointed comments referencing the past, overreact to a dance where partners change, and get pissed off when Tristan admits he partially has feelings for Raelyn (would he rather have him lie?? i don’t get it) With Tristan’s past and reactive remarks, it’s fair enough that there are enough broken relationships to go around, but neither Alex nor Gareth apologize. Ever. Alex, despite having “forgiven” Tristan, refuses to see any effort and still assumes the worst of him. And instead lords his authority over him and flaunts everything he has.
The stuff at the beginning, I could let slide if only to assume that there will be development and genuine forgiveness in the future. However, when all is said and done, Alexander and Raelyn(for shame), with the testimonials of four separate people, still pretend to withhold happiness from Tristan and humiliate him into crying while on his knees before them in the great hall. I’m sorry, what? Raelyn, who supposedly forgave him? Trust or no trust, there’s still common courtesy. Suggest a trial period or a long engagement or something else that doesn’t involve more abuse. The boy has suffered enough. But to emulate his abuser, whether intentionally or not? Good heavens. Surely there could have been another way, especially for two people who spent the last book learning about choosing love and choosing forgiveness.
Though I spent most of my review talking about what I didn’t like so much, please believe that I really love this book. Ilara and her family are lovely and complicated. Talland is an unusual setting and a refreshing change of pace from the typical medieval settings. The cultural differences were really cool to see.
Truly, I like this book much more than the previous one and will likely read it more in the long run! Read this series!
(Still don’t like Gareth though)
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