Review: Ballet dancers?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 5, 2012
Casey Richardson and Drew Byrne go toe-toe when Drew literally pulls his son, Josh, out of Casey's ballet class.  None of this "namby pamby prancing in tights" business for his son; what was his ex, Heather, thinking?  Apparently she wasn't.  As usual, the variable Drew forgets to consider is Josh.Casey has a lot on her mind.  A letter she's received in the mail has put her dance studio, home, and dream in jeopardy.  Once again Casey feels she's fallen short, so why, with all she has on her mind, did Drew Byrne make such an impact on her?  Casey knows all about rich guys and what a mistake that would be.Drew's attempts to connect with his son, deal with his domineering father, and understand the conflicting emotions stirred up by Casey belie the rich playboy reputation, though it's well deserved.  Having been burned once he's convinced that marriage isn't for him but now he's a mass of confusion and awkwardness.  That doesn't set well with Drew.  The person he confides in and turns to for advice is surprising.Casey may not have realized her dream of becoming a prima ballerina but she has realized another dream.  She's sunk everything she had into creating North Cove Dance studio and with the help of Parker, her brother, the dream is now reality.  Unfortunately her landlord is selling her building putting Casey's livelihood and home at risk.For me, KISS ME, DANCER, read as more than your common garden variety contemporary.  A large part of the appeal is the genuineness and sense of immediacy created by the characters and setting. I felt I could go to North Cove and find Natalie and her eatery, Casey's beleaguered North Cove Dance studio, along with all the places and people mentioned.  I appreciated that the book is set in New York and showcases the reality of life outside of New York City, just how rural and small town it actually is. KISS ME, DANCER has a strong sense of community, so while you read about Drew and Casey, you're also reading about Natalie, Parker and others in North Cove and the surrounding area.  Add plenty of conflict, chemistry, steaminess, humor, warmth, wit, spunk, and sheer determination to the above and you have one helluva good read.Reviewed by IvyD for Manic Readers