Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

If you enjoy sweet, clean, simple romance novels this is a great buy for you.

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US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y6cgSa
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/43yiuft
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171785659-the-dating-dance
Author’s Website: https://daniellenowell.com/

About the Book

When Sarah Shuster meets Theodore Caddel, she’s certain she’s found the perfect man, although after what happened with Jake Leifhour, she’s hesitant to get involved in a relationship. Sarah has a good job as a dance teacher and a steady life in Grenvale. As their relationship blossoms, Sarah is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a dream job in New York City. The problem? it’s over 2,000 miles away from Grenvale, and Theodore. Sarah is torn between her relationship with Theodore and her desire for career success. She doesn’t want to leave Theodore but also knows turning down the job would be a huge mistake. As she grapples with this decision, Sarah starts to wonder what truly matters to her and what she’s willing to sacrifice for her own happiness. Will Sarah choose the guy or her career? Or is there a way to have both? Follow Sarah’s journey as she navigates the highs and lows of her relationship, professional ambition, and search for fulfillment.

My Thoughts

This is a short and sweet read. It is a very quick romp through modern dating with “swiping right” to find all the Mr. Wrongs, before finding Mr. Right. The book features lots of popular tropes. Both main characters have been hurt before, both have tragic backstories, and there is a big misunderstanding with a third-act semi-breakup. The book also features a big decision for the female main character. She has to choose between her career and love.

The story was incredibly cute, but it was also super short. It felt like it could have been fleshed out a little, and that there could have been more tension and more exploration of the characters. I didn’t really feel like I had enough time to get to know the characters or their relationships well before the story was over. Additionally, like many first-time authors, the story could have benefited from another round of edits. There were some tense changes and some awkward passages that pulled me out of the story.

I was a little intrigued by this book. It was a clean romance. In fact, it was the cleanest romance I’ve ever read. In most clean romances, they address the elephant in the room. At some point, someone mentions sex. They talk about how they’re not going to do it, or they stop themselves from doing it. But there was none of that in this book. It was almost like sex didn’t exist within the universe of this book. It was even more interesting because more often than not, clean romances mention God or church or something – some reason for their cleanliness – at some point. But this one didn’t. Many of you know I enjoy clean romances, and this might actually be the epitome of clean romance.

Overall, it was a really cute, sweet story, but I personally felt it could have benefited from a little more editing and a little more story. The dance could have gone on a little longer, and I don’t think anyone would have minded. I am grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour. I look forward to reading more by the author. I think she has the makings of a great storyteller, and I can’t wait to hear more sweet stories.

Who’s It For

Anyone who loves a sweet, clean romance will love this book. If you prefer spicy books, this one isn’t for you. I enjoyed the characters and would have loved to get to know them better.

Content Warning: Parent Death, Divorce, Cheating, Car Accidents

About the Author

Danielle currently resides in central Florida with her husband and her two dogs, although she’s originally from Miami. She also works as an Emergency Communications Specialist. When not hanging out at home with her husband and dogs, she can be found at the theme parks or exploring the city’s’ food scene. She enjoys the beach and also enjoys traveling and has been to many different countries.

Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram

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