I’ve missed a few of the titles in this series, most notable to me for showing the ordinary lives of people looking for love, even when those people happen to be looking for someone of the same sex. Annabeth Albert manages to highlight those moments that are familiar to us all, bringing us closer to her characters and easily engaged and involved in her stories.

Todd is settlng into his life as a sober man with a plan, working every day to keep his life on track and not allow the demons that erode his self-esteem to run him off track. Even with encouragement from the boss at the bakery, Todd isn’t interested in taking more responsibility or chances, and is happy to be the ‘guy at the counter’. Until Kendall comes into the bakery: gender fluid, Kendall is a wedding planner with a solid niche in the LBGTQ market, even as he’d like to have more. Sure, Todd is cute but his last relationship ended badly, as his boyfriend had little interest in accepting his style and his lack of concern with gender labels.

Together, these two are sweetly adorable, even if I was wishing for more to happen to push their growth further. Let me explain. Todd is very “Portland” – plaid shirts, ripped jeans, beard. His demeanor, however, is reticent and retiring. Until flirting (tentatively) with Kendall. Kendall for his part has no interest in being pigeonholed by the typical ‘gender rules’, he prefers to dance on the edge – more feminine one day, more masculine the next, but never predictable. This has, however, caused him issues in relationships.

But, when these two finally start to build a relationship through Todd agreeing to join Kendall in a series of dance lessons that Kendall had planed to attend with his ex, the two of them start to show their true colors. We see that Todd’s experiences and life lessons haven’t hardened him, but made him more accepting and unwilling to judge people by any impressions, simply by their behavior toward him and others. Never having felt true acceptance, Kendall isn’t one to walk away from someone as special as Todd, especially if he can convince him to take those chances he so willingly gave him and expend them on himself.

A bit heavier in tone than other books in the series, Albert devotes much time to Kendall’s gender fluidity and his issues that surround it, and it often felt as if this moment to teach readers (which was needed) and build a sense of this issues this could create did take away from Kendall and Todd actually making a connection that felt as strong to me, or as joyful, as others she’s written. That doesn’t make this a bad book, in fact I learned plenty and have come away with a new understanding as well as hopes that Todd and Kendall, in all their couplehood glory, will get their time to simply enjoy one another.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Short and super super sweet story about Kendall and Todd, if you haven’t read the other books in the series do not worry because this novella can read as a standalone and I promise you will really enjoy it.

I seriously just wanted to hug them both and tell them everything was going to be alright and to please just be honest with one another and be happy already!!

On one side we have Todd who doesn’t feel like he is good enough for Kendall, and then we have Kendall who is positive that he isn’t Todd’s type. They both struggle with this throughout the book and it was excruciating for me to read about it because they are so beautiful individually and together, they accepted each other for who they were and somehow still found themselves having doubts. Like, he can’t possibly like me! And he can’t possibly think I’m enough for him!

Annabeth has the ability to write heartfelt stories that break my heart a little bit but that always leave my heart happy at the end.

Danced Close is the sixth book in the Portland Heat series. I haven't read the entire series, but I wasn't lost at all! I discovered Annabeth's Gaymers series and now she's one of my go-to-authors. I just read everything she writes. Her writing is always fresh, sexy and funny and I find myself reading her books in one sitting. This is my first m/m book where the main character is genderqueer. I absolutely loved Kendall. He knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin. He wears what he wants and doesn't care what others think about him. Todd is a bearded, flannel wearing hipster who's sexy as hell. Todd is working at the bakery and loves when he sees Kendall. He's attracted to him and his style. He loves that Kendall wears what he wants. So, when the opportunity to dance with Kendall arises, he jumps at the chance. Todd has a past that he wants to get away from, but some things you can't out run. As things heat up between Kendall and Todd, insecurities come to the surface and Todd needs to share his secrets. Todd is looking for someone to love who loves him back. He wants to feel needed and taken care of, but he also wants to take care of Kendall. Dancing with Kendall makes Todd feel free. He's missed this feeling and he knows it's not just the dancing, it's Kendall. Will Kendall let down his walls and let Todd in? Can Todd trust Kendall? I loved this story! Kendall and Todd are so sexy, fun and vulnerable. I laughed, cried and swooned and left me wanting more!

This bearded baby lumberjack giving up control to me? I want more of that, yes please.

"I'm not all that." Todd blushed.
"Hot bearded tattooed hipster who looks fuckable in vintage? Sweetheart, I'm not sure where you've been, but there are whole Instagram and Timblr accounts devoted to guys like you."

"You're not. It's more like…you're what I didn't know I was missing. What I need. Like dancing back in my life and pesto and salad and you.

Annabeth Albert has a unique way of writing and combining different but always diverse topics. This book is no exception and with Kendall and Todd we have – again – two main character who are really interesting.

I really enjoyed how Kendall is displayed as a genderfluid character. Kendall is totally awesome and I really loved how the topic was – sensitive – displayed in the book.

The sensitive display is outlined through Todd as his questions. Always aware and not to hurt Kendall he is really trying not to insult or offend Kendall.

The dance lessions both take are really awesome and bond them together. It felt sensual and so hot, the erotic scenes were so sweet and the feelings palpable.

Unfortunately the book is with less than 150 pages so fast to read through and you miss Kendall and Todd right from the last page after you finished the book.

Though it is a book in a series you can totally read it as a stand alone but I would recommend to read the other books too. Don’t miss the unique characters out. 🙂

For this I can only give 5 out of 5 stars. Full points. :3
*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*
Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Having missed out on Wrapped Together because of scheduling issues, I was delighted to be able to squeeze Danced Close in as I adore the Portland Heat series. Albert does a great job of striking the balance in these novellas by penning believable connections that aren’t insta-love, yet propel the story forward in such a way that the reader gets to see the spark, the deepening of the connection, and the beginning of the relationship. Even when obstacles surface and the sailing isn’t smooth, the author guides the couple (or gets dragged along by them) toward the happy for now ending that is right for the men involved. That she accomplishes this in less than 150 pages is quite a feat because I’m left feeling happy and invested in the couples’ future, hopeful that they’ll make a cameo in a future installment in the series so I can see that they are still in love and working toward their happily ever after.

As expected, Danced Close delivered all this and a bit more for me personally as I watched Todd struggle with the baggage I’ve witnessed friends deal with when navigating a new relationship – and no, I won’t disclose what it was since it wasn’t mentioned in the blurb. Because of it, I felt particularly invested in Todd’s character and how he not only found love, but he reclaimed a part of his past that he had closed the door on during his recovery and discovered new things about himself. I absolutely loved Todd; his earnestness, his openness, and his absolute acceptance of Kendall’s gender fluidity made him a breath of fresh air. It also made it impossible for me not to adore Kendall. I won’t lie, I find gender fluid characters absolutely fascinating. I am in awe of the person who comes to realize that they don’t “fit the norm” and is able to be true to who they are, especially in our current climate. So, seeing characters like Kendall take center stage and find that person who sees them for who they are on the inside, while wholeheartedly embracing who they are on the outside is wonderful. Equally enjoyable for me, was that Todd and Kendall discovered a new level of intimacy in their role reversal. I particularly liked the scene where Todd discovers that he’s not eager to give up the lead to someone who isn’t Kendall. Unsurprisingly, my heart broke for both characters when they faced an insurmountable obstacle (in their opinions), but I had faith that Albert would make everything come together in the end and she proved my belief in her writing to be justified. I absolutely loved Danced Close and look forward to backtracking to Wrapped Together, while awaiting the next installment in the Portland Heat series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth in the series. Although you do not need to read the others – as this introduces a new couple – there are ongoing background references to prior relationships. They are also good reads, so I would recommend them to you.

These books are very effective at dealing with big issues in a very down--to-earth manner, and this one is most definitely no exception. Turning an invitation to a dance class into a relationship, for two people who had both thought their chances were slight given their pasts, works really well. There were times when I wanted a tiny bit more detail to really get a good picture in my mind. The story centres around a short period of time, with an enlightening epilogue.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Kendall is a successful wedding planner. He is genderqueer, confident and comfortable with who he is. Todd is an open-hearted guy, a recovering drug addict who lacks self-confidence. In search of a dance partner for his upcoming swing dance lessons, Kendall invites Todd to be his partner.

It was fun watching Kendall and Todd dance together. They share dinners, a shopping trip for vintage clothing, dance practice, and many kisses that lead to more. Neither man is after anything serious, but you know how that goes. When that their minds want does not match what their hearts want.

I loved watching Todd grow with Kendall by his side. They make a great pair. Danced Close is definitely my favourite Portland Heat story.

4.5 Stars!!!

I absolutely loved Todd, who was such an adorable man, despite all he'd gone through. I loved that he was so upfront about everything, so accepting and understanding. He seemed more mature than his years, which all things considered made a lot of sense. I liked Kendall, even if there were a couple of instances in which I wanted to shake him up a bit to help him get over his hangups with relationships, especially when he had such a great man in Todd. I liked that he didn't make a big deal out of Todd's big reveal, but actually went and researched and talked things over with Todd. They were really sweet together and had great chemistry. I just adored how naturally their relationship progressed and how perfect they were for one another, even if they couldn't have been more different.

With every new book I read of her, Annabeth Albert just confirms why she's one of my favorite authors. All her books are well-written, of course, but they also have a lot of heart and passion and sweetness, with flawed, realistic characters you just fall for, and while this series is very low angst, there's still some to balance it all out.

All in all, this was such a sweet addition to the Portland Heat series, of which I've been a huge fan since the first book, and it felt a little like coming home to me, what with Robby and David from Served Hot appearing in Danced Close. While it can be read as a standalone, the series is awesome, so don't miss out, you won't regret picking it up.

Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.***

What can I say about Danced Close? Todd and Kendall are amazing, each of these men are unique in their own ways and they have such undeniable chemistry. It was nice coming back to Portland for this book. It felt like coming home again. Like always Annabeth sprinkles in just the right amount of angst and sexy times. I fell in love with Kendall and Todd and wanted the story to never end.
I said it was going to be short and it's super short. I'm having a hard time saying goodbye to this world that means a lot to me but Danced Close is probably the best send off I could have asked for from Annabeth. So in short thank you Annabeth.

3.5 Stars rounded UP

Portland Heat series for me is feel good mixed with angsty stories; they brought to live genuine and sensible characters, each with baggage of their own. Just like in Danced Close.

Having fallen into drug use in his late teen and lived on the street altered Todd's life. Now clean and sober, he's rebuilding his life with the help of his gran and volunteer from the shelter. His fascination of Kendall, a genderqueer wedding planner who's a regular at the bakery he worked, soon brought dancing back into Todd's life.

There's so much feel I have for the pair of young men in this story; Todd who had been through a lot in his relatively young age and Kendall who - despite his carefree outward appearance - long for someone who could take him as he is. The gradual friendship between Todd and Kellan that blossom into something more felt so natural. Similarly their initial wariness in rushing into romantic relationship because of past experiences.

Yes, I had the usual issue(s) with the characters over indecision that occurred along the way (unfortunately a habit of mine when reading stories with NA age range characters). But all in all Danced Close is a beautiful and engaging story of courage and personal redemption starring a pair of appealing characters. This is one Portland Heat story not to be missed!


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Danced Close is the sixth book in the Portland Heat series but each of the books can be read as standalones with no problem. This isn’t my favorite story by Annabeth Albert but I still liked it a lot. I just didn’t seem to feel the connection between Todd and Kendall and that’s super unusual for me with an Annabeth Albert book. I have loved every single one of her stories and I’m pretty sure that I’ve read them all.

I hate it when I can only give a 4-star review to one of my favorite authors. Now, a 4-star review is still great IMHO but it still pains me when I feel that I just can’t give 5 stars and still be honest about my feelings when I read the book. Opinions on books can be affected by so many things like what else is going on for me when I’m reading a story or maybe I was too tired when I tried to read it? I wish I could pinpoint the reason.

I still think the writing is superb and I really suspect that it was the characters that I couldn’t connect with as easily and I have with the characters in the other books in this series. (Knit Tight is one of my all-time favorite books.) It's also a fairly short book so that might have been part of it. A bit more detail about both of the MCs would probably have helped me feel more connected.

This may sound weird but I tend to judge a book by whether or not it makes me cry. If a book really gets to me I invariably shed tears, it’s just the way I am. I didn’t shed any tears reading Danced Close; another first for me with an A.A. book.

I’m not going to restate the books blurb because it’s great and I couldn’t say it any better if I tried to summarize the book in my own words. I will say that if you are an Annabeth Albert fan you definitely should read this story and I think you will at least like it as I did. I just can’t say I loved this one.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

I adored the MCs. Kendall knows himself well and makes no apologies for who he is. Todd, at 22 y.o., is on his 2nd year of putting his life back together.

At first glance, these two don't seem highly compatible. However, Todd sees Kendall clearly. More importantly, he accepts and appreciates Kendall implicitly. There's a lot to be said for finding a person who not only sees you clearly, but also appreciates the you they see.

Kendall is initially attracted to Todd but is taken aback as Todd throws curve ball after curve ball at him. His huge heart won't let him remain detached however, and he quickly comes to care for Todd.

This is a novella, so I was shocked to find such heavy themes in the plot. It could have easily become an angst fest. AA did an excellent job in respecting each character's uniqueness while not allowing the story to plunge into darkness.

I love having to add new shelves to cater for new diversities.

Not that this is my first non-binary MC. I have read a couple of others, and Kendall stacks up well as a realistic portrayal of a man who prefers to be assigned male, but knows his identity is much more fluid, much more complex than that.

Todd's immediate acceptance and constant thoughtfulness of his gender queerness is a breath of fresh air. Kendall is also attracted to the seemingly obvious old southern style boy. But he should be careful of making assumptions, particularly when he pushes against them himself.

The muddle through, this pair of cautious boys. They have both been hurt by previous partners, and their awakenings is a delight and fun to watch. I loved seeing other characters from Albert's other 'Portland Heat' series, but it isn't necessary to have read those before jumping into this one.

There's dancing and feisty grandmas, a demanding dog, and a wedding or two. It's tied together neatly, and has a very cute ending.

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for copy. Danced Close is released on March 14.

4* Annabeth Albert has magic - far, far sweeter and deeper than the blurb suggests.

I loved this book and the only reason that it doesn't get 5* is because it ended without quite giving me what I needed - I needed the words, but I got the hints, I got the 'picture' but *greedy me* wanted that little bit more, and needed that little bit more, because it felt as if a really, really important decision was missing. I can't tell you more, but read it and it'll become clear.

AA did well not to reveal too much about Todd in the blurb, so what I read about him and found out about him touched my heart in a good way; he's one of the sweetest, straightest-talking leads I've come across and I loved his hard-found confidence and backbone. I loved his total embracing of Kendall and his quirks, and that he was so non-judgmental. I liked that Kendall wasn't at all fazed by Todd's reveal and that he took steps to make sure he could deal with it, without making it feel like a big issue.

There's very little sex in this, but a lot of sweetness, a lot of decency, a lot of concentrating on the stuff that was important to both guys, but I just wanted to know what their future would entail with the reveal. I hope they'll pop up in connected tales.

ARC courtesy of NetgGalley and Kensington Books, for my reading pleasure.

I’ll be honest. There isn’t an Annabeth Albert book that I haven’t loved. So maybe I’m probably not the most impartial reviewer of her books. But that’s okay because her amazing writing and characters sells itself. And Danced Close is no exception.

One of the things that draws me to Albert’s books is the diversity of her characters. Danced Close went a step further by not only introducing a new diverse character but by also shining light on stereotypes/assumptions and how harmful they can be.

Kendall has fully and unapologetically embraced his “feminine” side. But just because he is comfortable in his own skin doesn’t mean the rest of the world is comfortable with his fluidity. He’s used to some people staring at him as if he’s there to entertain them so when Todd keeps stealing glances Kendall immediately chalks it off to yet another person who is curious, maybe judgmental but not at all interested. When Todd overcomes his shyness enough to pull Kendall aside it’s not about curiosity or judgment at all. Kendall finds Todd’s quiet and earnest question about preferred pronouns almost charming and decides to open up just a little bit.

Todd has always been in awe of the wedding planner that often brings his clients to the bakery. Kendall is way out of his league. Especially with all the baggage Todd is carrying around. But when Kendall asks him to be his partner for a swing dance classes, Todd reluctantly agrees. Dancing means facing some of his past. And dancing with Kendall means being in close proximity with something he can’t have.

Both of these men have insecurities and battles that they deal with on a daily basis. Insecurities that have proven to be debilitating when it comes to having a relationship. But it’s amazing what a little communication and being each other’s champion can do to build something beautiful and unexpected.

This is #6 in the Portland Heat series and I really hope it doesn’t end here. They get better with every installment (although Delivered Fast will always be my fave – read it and you’ll know why). I am sure the stream of diverse and complex beta heroes has something to do with it. If you are a fan of the forever boy then you must treat yourself to every book in this series.

Nat

A sweet story with two likable MCs, I think with a little tweaking this one could have knocked my socks off.

This book isn't my first rodeo with a genderqueer MC, and I was excited to try another one. I think Annabeth Albert did a great job with the characterization of Kendall, but I had some issues that I feel pretty conflicted about.

A lot of the book is focused around Kendall's gender identity and how he is perceived and treated by others. On the one hand, the author really had to devote a bunch of time explaining and delving into being genderqueer because, even in the QUILTBAG community, it isn't that well understood or accepted, in my opinion. Hell, I'd wager that a big portion of my friends don't even know what genderqueer is. I think that page time talking about Kendall's feelings about his outward presentation and gender were warranted, even needed. However, in a novella-length book, I think that it was a tough squeeze. Though I felt like I understood Kendall as a person, I didn't feel like enough page time was spent on the chemistry between Kendall and Todd.

Similarly, I felt like I understood Todd and his struggles growing up and with addiction a great deal, but I didn't fully feel the pull between him and Kendall. The start of something was there, but there needed to be more something for me to get the depth of emotion that I craved.

The dancing was super sweet, and I love, LOVED how Kendall was the bossier, more in charge one (*wink, wink*) in a lot of ways. I wish I even got more heat out of the story because the sex scenes felt a little meh to me, but that's also more expected in a novella-length story with a slow build-up to sex.

Though Kendall and Todd were good complements, the story felt very heavy, like the two didn't have a lot of light moments together. Things felt serious to me, and I wish I had a longer book where the two MCs could just enjoy one another a little more.

In addition, I had some issues with the little miscommunications back and forth and the seemingly pointless drama near the end. Things also wrapped up very neatly and abruptly, which I also didn't love.

Though I'm sort of nitpicking, the story overall left me with a positive feeling. I love that Annabeth Albert, one of my favorite authors, is taking some real chances and stepping outside the box, and I hope I see more diverse characters from her in the future.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

I’m giving this book a 3.5 star rating, not because I didn’t love it but because after book 5 being a stellar 5 star read for me, 3.5 seems more accurate in comparison.

I absolutely adore this series and love that each book is so different. Ms. Albert tackles a couple of tough issues in this book, not all of which I’ll mention so I don’t reveal too much. The book is extremely light-hearted for the weight of the issues. This is a quick, feel-good, sweet romance.

What I loved most about Todd is his almost childlike, seemingly innocent personality. He’s very simple and honest. He’s extremely sweet but unsure of himself. He has a couple of talents that have gone unused and unrecognized and through the exposure of those talents we see a bit more of the real Todd. He’s had a rough go of it and sometimes I really just wanted to hug him.

Kendall is more extroverted and flamboyant. He’s embraced his gender fluidity and has, at times wearily, accepted how he is treated by most folks he comes in contact with. Because of his past experience, he projects a bit of the normal preconceived notions unfairly onto Todd but Todd quickly dispels those prejudices by just accepting Kendall at face value. Kendall, understandably, has trust issues and takes a while to really trust that Todd is as he seems.

These two just work together. Todd simply accepts Kendall and Kendall treats Todd with the respect and patience that he needs. While these two do have a sexual and emotional chemistry it doesn’t melt the pages, it’s sweeter than over the top passionate (although they do have trouble keeping their hands to themselves) which exactly fits who these guys are.

As always, I look forward to more stories in the Portland Heat series!

This series is fast becoming one of my favourites, a fabulous addition, can't wait to see who's next!

When I read Wrapped Together around the holidays, a tidbit of Danced Close was included in the back. Even from that little glimpse, I knew I was going to love it. Spoiler alert: past me was right. Of course, I've yet to read a book from Albert that has left me disappointed; sure, I have some I love more than others, but overall her writing and stories are all solid and I can't recommend her enough. While Knit Tight remains my favorite in this series, Danced Close hits a close second (....tying with Wrapped Together -- I can't pick one over the other, they're both so good!).




"I'm an acquired taste. Lots of people think people like me given gays a bad name."

"What?" I blinked. "By being too pretty and confident? That's BS. Fuck the haters."




One thing I love about Albert is the amount of diversity in her stories -- in all ways. In this book, we have Kendall, a gay man who identifies as genderqueer and definitely embraces his fem side quite often -- including some makeup and heels, which he rocks with ease. Even better, he's not written like some caricature of a genderqueer individual, either, but comes across as a fully fleshed out character. Kendall is also an event planner -- weddings and so on -- and really enjoys his job. Unfortunately, he occasionally comes across a client who hires him thinking he IS only this gay "drag" (which he's not) character to entertain their party guests. He's quick to shut those clients down and, politely of course, ask them to find someone else. Kendall is quite confident in who he is and takes no shit about it.



On the other hand, we have Todd. Todd works in a bakery, mostly running the front, but slowly he starts working with Vic, the owner, on more of the decorating and such. Here, I'll let Kendall's description of Todd tell you all you need to know about him:




"Hot bearded tattooed hipster who looks fuckable in vintage? Sweetheart, I'm not sure where you've been, but there are whole Instagram and Tumblr accounts devoted to guys like you."




Um. Yes, yes please! Lucky Kendall. *grumbles*



Todd is also a recovering addict. There's a bit more to his story, but I don't wish to spoil anything, so I'll keep my lips zipped on that.



These two first meet (in this book, at least) at the bakery. Kendall often uses it for many of his events, and he's there with two brides picking out their wedding cake. While there, Todd discreetly asks him about his preferred pronouns, not wishing to mess up. It's a bit awkward (as Todd is a bit shy about it) but very thoughtful and cute -- and definitely earns Todd a few points from Kendall, who is used to having people make assumptions about him.



The two have some minor flirting, but things don't really pick up between them until Kendall gets the news that he needs to find a new dance partner -- and he has his eyes on Todd to fill that position. Even better, Todd used to do dancing as a kid, and while he doesn't wish to do it anymore, he's more than happy to help Kendall out for this upcoming fundraiser, especially since it is supporting a shelter that means a lot to him (from having used it during his drug addicts days).




And wasn't that a heady sensation? This bearded baby lumberjack giving up control to me? I want more of that, yes please.




The two start attending the dance lessons in preparation, and I loved those scenes. For one thing, they slowly start to get to know one another, but also they find out that Kendall is the stronger lead while Todd works best as his follower. It was nice to see this stereotype -- of the fem guy being the follower and the masculine guy being the leader -- flipped. And that flip carries over quite a bit into the bedroom, too, with Kendall often taking the lead there as well. This works out very nicely for both men, of course, and there are even a few moments when Todd takes over the lead in bed, too. Their dynamic, in and out of the bedroom, works so well and I loved it.



These two are ridiculously sexy together; Albert does emotionally sexy very well, so this didn't surprise me. I love the dialogue, and the fact that they both speak up about their needs during the sex scenes. That's always a plus in my book, and Albert often pulls it in, which I very much appreciate. I also love that their sexual journey is a bit of a slower exploration, rather than just a jump straight to penetration. This is also very common in Albert's writing and it's one more reason why I so enjoy her books. I love seeing couples find pleasure in various ways, not just the expected final step (intercourse). Regardless of how these two get each other off, the scenes all but scorch your Kindle --- though you'll never, ever hear me complain. Here's a little peek:




"Need . . . fuck . . . I need skin. Want to feel you."

"Oh yeah." Reaching down, I shoved my boxers off, and rolled so he could do the same. I kind of expected him to push me the rest of the way down and climb on top, so I was a bit startled when he tugged me back over him.

"Ahhh," he groaned when I settled myself back between his legs, our dicks lining up.

"Fuck." I rocked my hips, instinctively, and he brought his knees up around my hips.

"Kiss me," he demanded.

I claimed his mouth a bit roughly, desire making me clumsy. But it seemed like my lack of finesse only inflamed him, made him buck beneath me. His dick rutted against my stomach.

"Kendall," he panted. "God, Kendall, I'm close."

"Yeah, that's it, sweetheart. Go for it." My lips founds the spot behind his ear that made him moan.

"Never came like this before, but god, kissing you is so good."

"Come on." I rocked my hips harder against him, getting a hand on his hip to pull him closer against me. "That's right. You come for me."

"Kendall. Kendall. Kendall," he chanted as his whole body shook. "Kiss me. God, please kiss me."

My lips found his again, tongue fucking his mouth, which seemed to drive more moans from him.




Of course neither wants to speak up about wanting to try for more, wanting to try having an actual relationship rather than a friends-with-benefits kind of set up. And of course this leads to the miscommunication moment and resulting distance/break up, though it's resolved by (gasp!) taking a chance and actually talking things out. Oh, and great make up sex. Because of course.




We hadn't said a lot of words that needed saying, but I was more at peace than I'd been in weeks, and I snuggled into his embrace, let go of the last of my anger. And it wasn't because of the fuck, good as it had been. It was the look in his eyes, even now, half-asleep. He saw me, really saw me, and wasn't running.





Note: Told in alternating 1st POV (one chapter from Todd, one from Kendall)



Overall, a story with as much heart and sweet as fire and heat. I loved these two, loved that Albert continues to give us quite a diverse range of M/M romances to enjoy. All of this is why she's been an auto-buy for me from the start. From what I understand this is the last in this particular series, but there's a new series starting this summer, also set in Oregon. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for us next!



4 1/2 STARS!

Kendall is a wedding planner and Todd works at the bakery many of Kendall's clients get their cakes. Todd is a recovering addict who gets all tongue-tied when he sees Kendall-but he feels he's out of the man's league. Kendall has also noticed Todd, but he thinks he's the same as his ex who didn't like Kendall's feminine side. When Kendall's bestie cancels on a dancing class they were to take, he asks Todd to fill in. He hopes it will be a fun time!

Danced Close is Annabeth Albert's sixth book in the Portland Heat series. You can read each one individually, but characters from previous books do make guest appearances!

I really enjoyed the easiness in this book. I loved how Todd and Kendall's relationship gradually formed. It was slow and with care. Kendall embraces his genderqueer label and I liked how that Todd, although tentative at the beginning, found he loved that side of Kendall too. Even giving him pointers!! He wants to see him embrace it because he says, "it's just you"!

But alas, things don't go so smoothly for these two. Kendall thinks Todd is just too perfect-with his acceptance and all, so he's afraid Todd will just one day kick him to the curb. Todd, on the other hand, coming out of the dark place of addiction, feels inadequate and thinks Kendall will cut him loose, thus spinning him back into the dark. Definitely a place he doesn't want to revisit.

These two needed to let up on the armor guarding their hearts just a wee bit. They were both so focused on keeping those walls up, the misconceptions wreaked havoc on them! They had to have a talk and figure out what was really going on, and clear up everything. Both thought the other was going to break-up with them and both were, in fact, falling in love with the other. Self-preservation hurts. I get why they did it though. Love has the ability to hurt too-vulnerability. I was extremely happy when all the cards were finally laid out, and how everything wrapped up! Heart tugs for sure!

Ms. Albert does a great job of focusing on a unique aspect that let the reader in on all the feelings behind it. Genderqueer is about doing what feels right for you. I applaud the people that embrace the outside of the box way of society thinking. Thank you for the introduction.

reviewed by Deb

Danced Close by Annabeth Albert is the sixth book in the Portland Heat series. I have not read these books in order and I was not lost reading this one. It can be read as a standalone story.
I do love series like this, because not only as a reader but as a reviewer I can pick up a book and read it and not worry about having read the previous six first.
Kenadall needs a partner that is willing to accept all parts of him. Including his gender fluidity. He is a fun loving person who needs someone to accept him just the way he is.
Todd owns a bakery and newly sober. He is trying to keep his nose clean and do what he is suppose too. When Kendall asks him to be his dance partner Todd almost wants to say no to him. But taking a chance might be fun, and a way to find love again.
Over all this is a really sweet story. There are a few angsty places but over all this is a really nice story. Both men are super sweet and deserve to have love in their lives. I really loved this read and am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.

Five Shooting Stars

Sweet, sexy and charming!

This is an engaging, contemporary romance story that emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing who you truly are and reminds us that sometimes in life it's nice to lead and sometimes in life it's even nicer to be led.

The characters are honest, unique and supportive. The writing is straightforward and smooth. And the plot is an engaging mix of humour, relationship drama, acceptance, chemistry, love, sweet treats and of course a tiny bit of dancing.

Overall, I would have to say that this is an uplifting, heartwarming, enjoyable read that proves opposites definitely do attract.

This is book six in the "Portland Heat" series by Annabeth Albert. Be sure to check out some of the other titles in the series HERE!

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Kensington Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.