Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Dance with Me

SERIES:  Nava Dance Studios #1

AUTHOR:  Alex J. Adams

PUBLISHER:  Self Published

LENGTH:  238 pages

RELEASE DATE:.  July 17, 2021

BLURB:

Joe has twelve weeks and counting until he marries the woman of his dreams. Or is she?

After meeting with Seb, their sexy dance tutor, he’s not so sure anymore. This has him questioning his choices. Is marriage to Clare really what he wants?

Is he prepared to give it all up for the man he wants or should he let him go?

Daniel’s death left Seb a mess.

Unable to form any meaningful relationships since, a veil of sadness covers him. And then he meets Joe, with his dimpled smile and two left feet.

Against his better judgement, he’s falling for the very engaged, very straight guy.

Finding Joe was easy, but someone from Seb’s past is out to get him, threatening his career and his very future.

Can Joe and Seb overcome their very real problems to get their happy ever after, or will it all come crashing down?

Dance With Me is a slow burn MM contemporary romance featuring a sexy dance tutor, an accountant, who’s anything but boring, and an adorable dog. HEA guaranteed. Features mention of drug abuse, overdose (off page) and kidnapping.

REVIEW:

Dance with Me is a worthy debut novel about Seb, a dance instructor, and Jeb, his bisexual, engaged-to-a-woman, student. They meet when Joe’s fiancé, Clare, hires Seb to teach them how to tango for the first dance at their wedding as husband and wife. But inconveniently, Seb and Joe are falling for each other. Awkward. Fortunately, Joe’s relationship was rocky before meeting Seb so his decision about the future is not strictly influenced by the sexy dancer. And, there is no cheating in this book – not even a kiss.

Seb is still struggling with being left by his previous lover, Daniel, two years earlier. He thought he was The One, but now wonders how he misjudged the situation so badly. Why wasn’t he enough for Daniel? Would he ever be enough for anyone? Joe makes him feel like he matters, and that yes, he does have enough to offer. For his part, Joe feels like he can be himself when he’s with Seb; he doesn’t have to pretend to be perfect anymore.

The love story is charming, but nothing spectacular; I would’ve enjoyed a more passionate bond between the men. But the leading men are both very likable, as are their friends and family. Clare is cast as a villain, of course, and executes the role perfectly. If you like manipulation, here it is.

Where the book stumbles is with its secondary plotline of Seb being pursued by a dangerous stalker. Tension is created by the threats that steadily increase in hostility. However, from the moment the character is introduced early in the book, it’s patently obvious who the stalker is. No mystery here whatsoever, so it’s a matter of when they’ll attack, not who will attack. The basic building blocks of a good mystery are here, it just needs tighter development. There are a few other small niggles, too. For example, after months together – to the point they’re falling in love – Seb and Joe still don’t know each other’s last name.

I was drawn to Dance with Me because I love dancers and dance related themes. Also, I enjoy discovering new authors. Ms. Adams shows great promise in the genre with her well-developed characters, even pacing, and strong editing. The mystery storyline needed more nuance, but overall, I was provided with a few hours of satisfying entertainment. I happily recommend this novel and freshman author, Alex J. Adams.

RATING: 

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