Pas De Deux

Remember Center Stage? I must have watched that movie about twenty times over the last what..15 years? I was brought back to that world with this book, but more like the R-rated adult version this time around.

Disciplined dancers, full of passion and talent. A prima ballerina who has earned her stripes through dedication and hard work, against all odds. The charismatic love interest bursting with potential, with an old soul, but haunted by a dark past. These are the components that add up to a complex story with exceptionally deep characters and complicated relationships.

The chemistry between Mina and Zack was the flame that ignited and set the whole story on fire. The build-up of tension, the undeniable pull between the two, and their overwhelming need for one another created the backbone and heart of this story. The angst, drama, and yearning between the two came alive off the pages and branded my book-loving soul, ensuring I won't forget these two characters for a long time.

I was fully expecting to give this book a perfect rating. The writing was on point, the characters were well-developed and relatable in their fears and flaws, and the storyline progressed nicely. But then it happened. The random plot twist.

I didn't like it. It killed the rest of the story for me. Everything was going smooth and everything was making sense and then BOOM! *insert unrealistic, totally unnecessary plot twist* and it felt really out of place. The book didn't need that extra layer of drama and it just DIDN'T. MAKE. SENSE.

So, I'm left with a bit of a predicament in rating this book, because I really loved it. The characters, their relationships, their depth and palpable emotions were all top-notch. But the plot twist just threw a wrench in the whole thing and I'm left feeling a little disappointed. I mean, the ending came around, so it's not like the book went completely off the rails, but there was still a negative impact. Thus, I'm giving Pas De Deux a rating of 4/5 with the sole detraction for the plot twist. I would still highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more books by this engaging author.

*I was provided with a free ARC by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 This was an experience. Those who love angst, dance and the feels will adore this book. It was an in depth look through a novel of ballet and the relationships those who are dedicated to the arts.

A very engaging read about Wilhelmina Allende and her journey from Prima Ballerina in Paris to the lead role in a musical on Broadway.

This is certainly something Mina would never in her wildest dreams have thought she would be doing, but after a tragic loss, she meets Zachary Coen. He is directing and also dancing in his first musical and after he meets Mina, a black dancer no less, and after witnessing her dancing, he knew she was perfect for the role of Camille in The Lady in Red.

With the backing of one of the richest ladies in New York. Vera Tetley, and the fantastic cast of dancers and musicians, Zack has high hopes that he will convince Mina to be his partner and show everyone he has what it takes to write, direct and perform this beautiful musical.

For anyone who loves the Ballet, this book has so much to offer. The characters are outstanding, there is mystery, intrigue, evil and plenty of love add in a few surprises and it is perfect.

Zack has demons in his own life and along with Mina, he hopes to put not only his but hers to rest as well while trying very hard not to fall for her completely.

This is the type of book you don't want to put down and I couldn't recommend it more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Backlit PR for the opportunity to read and review.

I saw this book all over Instagram and that isn’t usually enough to influence me, until read the description. A prima ballerina changing lanes to do an experimental Broadway show with a sexy, enigmatic director? SIGN ME UP. I am such a Broadway junkie. I may or may not be listening to the Book of Mormon soundtrack while I write this review (I definitely am).

Let me just say, this book was passionate, fun, explosive and I had a great time reading it. I look forward to the next novel in a world of Ms. Turner’s creation.

The Pros: Lynn Turner was a new to me author and I was very pleasantly surprised. I was completely blown away by Ms. Turner’s prose. Parts of this story made me feel like I was in a beautiful dream. Other parts were so detailed and visceral that I actually felt like I was dancing with Mina and Zach. Mina was strong and flawed and I wanted to be her by the end of the novel. Zach was such a kind hero. For all his bluster, I appreciated his devotion to and support of Mina no matter what.

The Cons: I actually felt that this book was a little too long. It was well written and Ms. Turner fit a lot in but there were a few subplots that felt superfluous. The beginning of the book starts with a countdown to the Tony’s which wasn’t really explained and wasn’t as big of a plot point as I thought was merited with all the attention that was paid to it. The big performance felt a little anticlimactic and I think it was because the pacing in the novel was off. If the book had stayed a little more focused this would have been a five star read for sure.

Overall, this was an excellent read with in-depth exploration into many cultures (French and Hispanic), and real-life problems (abuse, race-issues). I highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful romance with a fun cast of characters.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I really enjoyed reading this. Mina and Zack were delightful leads, and their relationship problems felt realistic. Their personalities were well-developed through the course of the book and the way they worked together and the way their personalities even each other out was great. Each of their relationships with other people (family/friends) were also well-developed and helped make them feel more well-rounded.

However, I have a handful of nitpicky complaints that I just can't seem to let go of. The insta-lust that they both experienced from that initial meeting felt lazy, like it's so overpowering for both of them, and seemed so unnecessary, like the author couldn't figure out how else to create sexual tension and move the romance along. The soap opera twist at the end was a bit much, and even pointing out how soap opery it is doesn't fix it.

Then there's my super nitpicky "who cares?" complaints. I refuse to believe that the light pollution is so much worse in Paris than in a park in Brooklyn that there's significantly more visible stars worth remarking on. I refuse. As a Broadway fan, I find it ridiculous that the sexed up, amazing choreography of the show in question is enough to make it the game-changer that everyone in work thinks it is. Especially because the two shows most referenced by the characters are Les Mis and Hamilton, both shows that are sung through, and the show they're working on has a significant amount of unsung (and not particularly great) dialogue.

I have a great respect for people who choose a profession for the simple love of it. A profession where "making it"is like finding a needle in a haystack. Where dance is as natural as their next breath and they gotta dance and it's never about the paycheck. They love it and they want you to love it too. What's not to love about Wilhelmina Allende? A beautiful and talented black prima ballerina (an inspiration and great role model) at the top of her game whose world changes the moment she meets Zachary Coen, a talented choreographer and soon to be Broadway darling, a man with a tortured (is there any other kind) past. You have a story that will take you to the depths of angst intertwined with the heights of pleasure.

4* Petite Stars

This was a beautiful slow burn love story between Mina, who is a very talented prima ballerina and Zach, an award winning choreographer.

Mina was very likeable and even though she came from a privileged background she did not act like a spoilt brat. She was fierce and very faithful in her beliefs. Zach was the tortured hero who strived for others to succeed. He was commanding in a sexy way.

Zach and Mina’s love story was very seductive and the incorporation of the dances made for compelling reading. Their chemistry was palpable. Whilst reading this beautifully written story I felt like I was in the theatre witnessing their performances.

The secondary characters in the book were very likeable and quite hilarious.

If you are looking to read a passionate, picturesque read, into the world of dance then do not hesitate to read the story of Mina and Zach.

Thank you to Backlit PR and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

3.5 Stars!

Wilhelmina Allende is a prima ballerina who needs something more in her life following a tragedy.
Zachary Coen needs a leading lady for his new musical and while Mina may not be what he had in mind, their first meeting makes him change his mind.

This book was beautifully written, the characters have the kind of sensual, believable chemistry that one can't always find in a romance novel. The characters were layered, interesting and we were shown more than told who they were, which is something I really enjoy when reading.
I also loved that neither character needed to be the 'b**chy' or a**hole' stereotypes we see so often nowadays. Mina was lovely and humble and Zack was fierce without the author taking it too far.

The reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me is mostly to do with pacing, and the prose (while beautiful) became a bit much at times without enough dialogue to balance it out.
It was a beautiful story otherwise.

*This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was intrigued by the description of the book, as well as the cover, so when I got the email that I could read it, I was excited. Admittedly it did take a bit for me to get into it, but I liked the introduction of both Mina and Zack. I was able to get a feel for their characters right away. Both main characters weren't typical, which I liked. A biracial french ballerina and a caucasian man adopted by Puerto Ricans? I dug it! I also liked how it was told in third person multiple, so it felt as if I was inside both Mina and Zack's heads, even though it wasn't told in their own first person voice.

I enjoyed the build up of their romance, it didn't rush into becoming sexually physical either, even though it was clear they were attracted to one another from the start. In fact, their attraction to one another practically steamed off of their skin.

I felt the author did a great job painting the scene, as well as getting my senses going by describing, sound, taste and smell. I especially thought it was interesting how she described the smell of sweat during rehearsals, because it contrasted how outsiders view ballerinas. We see them as, Etienne said, moving art. Ballerinas are beautiful, poised, sleek, graceful, delicate looking, yet physically strong, so imagining that they stink after a long day of rehearsing, felt very real.

The only drawback for me about the story, was that I wasn't sure where it was going. The main plot of Zack and Mina's blossoming romance was fine, I think it was the sub plots that got me. Zack's traumatic childhood, Mina being haunted by Etienne's ghost... it didn't feel as strong to me. I'm not quite sure how to put my finger on it, but perhaps I felt a bit detached from it? Especially at the end. I don't know if the author had always intended for the big reveal towards the end, but it seemed a little like a last minute switcheroo in the plot. However the actual ending, the epilogue, DID feel satisfying with both Zack and Mina conquering their dreams.

Over all, this was a good story with great dialogue, description, and character development. Worth the read, just maybe not a repeat read for me. 3.8 stars.

Always a fan of devoted and amibitious heroines! The romance was rooted in more than just lust, it had the perfect level of angst/drama in it, and did I mention how much more enjoying a story, especially a romance, becomes when the heroine is written so well?! And the characters were focused on more things in life than just themselves + no unnecassary drama. Watching the relationship of the main characters evolve from repressed attraction to full-on affection was great. Also I'm a huge fan of everything that involves and hello ballerinas!!! And the details the author used surrounding the ballet were so intricate that I felt I was truly there.

Mina was an extraordinary primal ballerina. Her style and grace were flawless as she completed every performance. When tragedy strikes she steps out of her comfort zone and tries something different. Stepping out in a new way she tries to keep up with Zack’s commands and learning an entirely different style of dance. His need for perfection is his constant and she was the only one who fit his role. He will be there to pick up the broken pieces and help her smooth out the jagged edges. The chemistry between the characters will push them closer together as their dancing charms the hearts of all who witness them.

It was the first line of the description of`the story,which pulled me in:" It's said the artist is born of a damaged soul".
Breathtaking. And although the story about Mina and Zack was definitely breathtaking, it also was a bit over
the- top - dramatic at times. While Wilhelmina Allende and Zachary Koen can't be more of opposites, when they dance together the chemistry is off the charts.
Mina is a ballerina , grown up at boarding schools and lived a privileged life. Zach, on the other hand , went from foster to foster family and is an all-round artist.
He decides to ask Mina for his lead role in his debut musical, after he sees Mina perform. Unlike everybody else, he really sees Mina: her cracks and broken pieces, not only the prima ballerina she wants the world to see.
Nearly no one realizes the struggles and tragedy Mina has faced. So,when Zack offers her a role in a musical, which is so far out of her comfort zone, she jumps at the opportunity to do something totally different.
But Mon Dieu ,what is it totally frustrating to work with Zack. He is demanding, blunt, focused and not to forget totally hot .
In a slow, passionate and riveting story Lynn takes us on a journey where both Mina and Zack have to face
their own demons, before they tear them apart. All against a deadline of the premiere of the musical.
Three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc .

This was just an OK read for me. It took me way too long to finish. I enjoyed the two main characters Zack and Mina, their romance and the sex scenes. The writing was good and did a very good job with the dance scenes. The subplots however felt like afterthoughts. The mystery did not add anything to the story. The book could have been improved by being shorter and with better editing.

The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .