Review: Simply amazing!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2013
Wow, that was the first word that came to mind when I finished Lead And Follow (Club Devant, Book 1) by Katie Porter.  First off, I have to say to the writers who are Kate Porter, Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown, thank you for getting together and writing.  I have read each and every book and the Vegas Top Guns books were some of my favorites of 2012 and this one is destined to be a favorite of 2013.  Last year I became involved with ballroom dancing and since that time I've attended many competitions and spent time around a lot of dancers both professionals and their students.  The absolute authenticity of the dance scenes and the relationships between partners was amazing.  The descriptions of the dancing were so spot on; I could imagine myself in the role.  Never and I mean never have I felt so caught up completely in a book.  For this, I must commend you both on a job well done.This book blew me away, not only for the reasons mentioned above but because of the extremely emotional plot.  There is no doubt that Lizzie and Dima have a special relationship, they basically grew up together competing and while they share one intimate moment years ago, they've remained in the "friends" zone for the past decade.  They live together as it's convenient or so they tell themselves.  I can't even begin to explain the mine field these two walk through to get safely to the other side.  I'm blown away by their thoughts and feelings for each other.Some might think it's strange that Lizzie and Dima always seen and dated other people and weren't really a couple, but being around dancers I can honestly say that happens a lot. I'm amazed at how many pro dancers out there who are involved with other pro dancers but they don't dance together.  It's fairly common and to be honest I understand it.  When you dance with someone you know so well (like me and my husband), I have a harder time following because I'm able to anticipate what he's going to lead next and therefore I start before I should.  I'm not letting him lead.  Ahhh...yes, that is a HUGE problem.  Now, while I don't actually think that's the problem with these two, it's not unusual.  Their problem is communication and it takes Lizzie making a bold move with Club Devant's bartender, Paul, to make Dima understand.  When Lizzie flaunts Paul in Dima's face things begin to change rapidly.  It was like waving a red flag at a charging bull and we find out just how masterful Dima can be.  The scenes with the three of them were so incredibly hot and the fact that Paul realized he was what these two needed to go from friends and dance partners to lovers was one of the most selfless acts.  That's not to say he didn't enjoy every minute of it, but he knew their time together was short term.  Paul was an amazing friend to both Lizzie and Dima and I sure hope we see more of him in the future.The scene has been set for this series and I can't wait to see what the writing duo of Katie Porter has in store for us next.  If Lead And Follow is an example of what we can expect, then I expect this to be one of my favorite series of all time.  I loved this book and I can't think the authors enough for bringing this story to life!