Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Waltz This Way (Ex Trophy Wives #3)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 141 ratings · 26 reviews

In her new novel, national bestselling author of Burning Down the Spouse, Dakota Cassidy takes on life, love, and championship ballroom dancing. Get ready to rumba.

Left without a partner...

When former ballroom champion Melina Cherkasov found out that her famous husband was cheating, she was devastated, especially since she was informed by a sleazy reporter on national TV....more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Berkley Trade

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

2012 Contemporary Romance Novels

174th out of 337 books — 978 voters

Culinary Goodness

81st out of 104 books — 23 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 472)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 27, 2012 Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it 4 of 5 stars

A reviewer that I respect, Nora-Adrienne Deret, wrote a promising review of this novel. I mainly read cozy murder mysteries, but, when this book came, I saw it was 'Contemporary Romance.' What that meant was to be learned, by me.

At first it was a good romantic book with tones of pick myself up and rebuild me, then, came in the Contemporary Romance...meaning explicit sexual scenes. Not to my taste at all. I'm just uncomfortable, however...Nora recommended the book, so...I skipped over the scenes...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance

Reviewed By: April
Review Copy Provided By: Good Choice Reading ARC Tours
Dakota Cassidy seamlessly blends humor, sizzle, inspiration and tons of fun in Waltz This Way!

What happens when everything that you have ever known is cruelly ripped away, leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back? That is what Melina must recover from when her life-sucking husband tosses aside their marriage to hop in the sack with a much younger woman. Melina losses her home, her precious dance studio, her stu...more Reviewed By: April
Review Copy Provided By: Good Choice Reading ARC Tours
Dakota Cassidy seamlessly blends humor, sizzle, inspiration and tons of fun in Waltz This Way!

What happens when everything that you have ever known is cruelly ripped away, leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back? That is what Melina must recover from when her life-sucking husband tosses aside their marriage to hop in the sack with a much younger woman. Melina losses her home, her precious dance studio, her students and everything that has ever meant anything to her in a blink of an eye – and in front of the entire world.

Moving in with her father, Melina takes a job at a retirement community where she meets a very colorful cast of characters. Before she knows it, she meets the hunky and yummy Drew, the nephew of one of the orneriest ladies at the retirement community. When a new job teaching boys at a school for geniuses brings her even closer to Drew, fireworks explode and heat ignites.

Both Melina and Drew have many past issues that they must try to come to terms with; Melina, her divorce and humiliation, Drew, a divorce from an alcoholic woman and mother of his child. These issues contribute a good dose of tension throughout the story. I do have to say that there were a few times that I wanted to slap both Drew and Melina upside the head. Why? For the simple fact that there were times that they couldn’t see just what they had in front of them, as far as their relationship. Drew’s hang-up on money was frustrating and Melina’s stubbornness toward Drew was frustrating. Did this take away from the story? Not at all. It was a wonderful way to add antagonism and conflict to the story. There were times, however, where I found myself a bit exhausted by both of the characters – emotionally.

Dakota Cassidy does an excellent job of weaving a story that is entertaining, lively and will hook the reader in completely. I loved Ms. Cassidy’s style of writing and her writing voice in Waltz This Way. The character development was wonderful and I found myself truly bonding with not only the main characters, but also the secondary characters of Nate, Drew’s son and Myriam, Drew’s aunt, as well as many of the others. Each of their personalities was very distinct and real.

I have to also admit that I absolutely loved the chemistry between Drew and Melina. From the moment these two met, there was attraction of the animalistic nature. Sizzle and intense heat run rampant throughout Waltz This Way. I do want to say that this is not in a way that is truly erotic, but it will get your heart pumping and your libido revving.

Overall what are my thoughts on Waltz This Way? Tons of fun, hot, spicy and robust, with bits of inspiration sprinkled on top. I have not read the other two books in this series, but after reading this one, I am going to be adding them to my “to read” list immediately. I highly recommend Waltz This Way to anyone looking for a fun read to indulge in and to lose themselves within.

Favorite Quote: He put his cup down and leaned forward as though he was going to tell her a secret. His grin was sly. "Trust me, sweetheart, you wouldn't be disappointed by Drew McPhee in action. He's just decided to take his action to a less demanding playing field. "He said the words low and husky, shooting her another arrogant smile.

Me fought a purr of pure lust at his alpha stance. Must. Resist.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

I have absolutely loved the trophy wives series by Dakota Cassidy. This is book #3 in the series and I honestly think that it has been the absolute best in the series. There was something about this book that touched me deeper than the other two did. I think that a lot of it had to do with the addition of the boy geniuses at the school where Mel teaches, especially Nate, Drew's son. Mel has a wicked sense of humor and every single time she interacted with these boys, I giggled about it...more My Review:

I have absolutely loved the trophy wives series by Dakota Cassidy. This is book #3 in the series and I honestly think that it has been the absolute best in the series. There was something about this book that touched me deeper than the other two did. I think that a lot of it had to do with the addition of the boy geniuses at the school where Mel teaches, especially Nate, Drew's son. Mel has a wicked sense of humor and every single time she interacted with these boys, I giggled about it. I liked the perspective that Nate had to add to the story and the twists that his part of the story brought to the story. As a genius, he is so level-headed about his approach to Drew and Mel's feelings and reactions to each other...at the age of 12, it was completely endearing. I really liked his character.

Drew and Mel are polar opposites. She's a ballroom dancing champ, hired by his son's private school to teach the boys how to waltz. Drew is a handyman and carpenter and is furious when he finds out that his son's supposed high-level of education includes something as "frivolous" as dance. Mel, obviously, takes a little offense at the fact that he disses her craft that she loves like that. From there things get a little testy between the two, despite their mutual attraction. They both have been divorced and both have their scars because of that. I like the way that Dakota made the real issues in this one belong to Drew. Mel has her issues too, but it is really Drew that learns and grows in this book.

There are some really sweet scenes in this book....the ones that take place in the tree house are my favorite. I enjoyed getting to watch the progression, as rocky as it is, of the relationship between these two. I love that Mel is fairly emotionally stable (at least, after the first date night/coffee shop fiasco.) She is a little more emotionally stable than most of Dakota's trophy wives usually are right after their divorces. It was nice that there didn't seem to be quite so much crazy from the female side of the relationship...although, don't get me wrong. There was plenty of crazy in this book. It is still a Dakota book. ;o)

As is usual for all of Dakota's books, there was a FABULOUS group of supporting characters in this one....Maxine, Frankie & Jasmine, the ex-trophy wives from the other two books. But there were also some great new characters in this one...Jackie and Neil (Mel's best friends,) Myriam (Drew's trouble-making aunt,) and even Stan (Mel's ex.)

Overall, I highly recommend this one. I am not even a fan of the reality dancing shows or ballroom dancing and I still thoroughly enjoyed the story line in this book. Mel is funny. Drew is sexy. Nate is smart and so mature. It was simply fabulous and more than a little sexy too!! A+ for this book!!
(less)

like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Teri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-release, arc, for-review

What Dakota Cassidy has created with her Trophy Wives series is nothing short of snarky excellence.
Waltz This Way takes us into the life of Melina, wife to a rich Dancer and showman who has been kicked to the curb from her marriage and is back in her old town living with her Dad. With rich and vindictive characters we cheer on Melina as she builds herself back up in life and faces her obstacles with those big girl panties and a tub of chocolate frosting. Because sometimes that frosting can help...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 23, 2011 Alaiel Kreuz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Honestly? I wish I could buy this book right now but I'm gonna have to wait until it's published... Never fear, that's why we all have a wishlist, right? So we never forget to buy a great book.

Melina suddenly discovered, thanks to the reporters that were stalking her like crazy that her busband was cheating on her with a much younger woman and to make things worst she is left with nothing but the clothes she is wearing.
And her husband swims in money... Thanks for nothing, jerk!

And now, thanks to...more Honestly? I wish I could buy this book right now but I'm gonna have to wait until it's published... Never fear, that's why we all have a wishlist, right? So we never forget to buy a great book.

Melina suddenly discovered, thanks to the reporters that were stalking her like crazy that her busband was cheating on her with a much younger woman and to make things worst she is left with nothing but the clothes she is wearing.
And her husband swims in money... Thanks for nothing, jerk!

And now, thanks to dedicating her life to "that" she has no profession (she was a professional ballroom dancer until she married him), no money and no job. As you can see, things are getting better by every second... And the jerk is hiding somewhere with his lover...

So Melina packs what she has left and goes to her dad's house in a retirement community and meets a support group of ex-trophy wives who found themselves in the same position she is now in and are willing to help her get a job and gain her lost self-esteem back.

And the first step is to work and earn her own money for the first time! But Melina is terrified, she is used to teach kids how to dance, she did it for free in her own studio where kids without money could learn with her. The difference is that those kids wanted to learn so their relationship flew without problems but now she has to teach clever kids, I mean, really clever kids, little genius who thought ballroom was a waste of their time when they could be discovering a cure for cancer.

And to make things even more complicated there is a man, a very handsome man who thinks she is sexy, who loves the way she dances and is a little "caveman-thinking"... but no one is perfect, right?

Could Melina trust in a man again? Could she believe that she is not fat at all, understand that she is not too old for romance and get her confidence back before it's too late?

Are the lies and surprises ever going to stop?!

Personal opinion:
This was a great book in fact. Melina is a huge example for every wife that is left without a single word, without confidence and without love: Girls, there is hope and we are strong! No man can take that from us because we are worthy!
Period.

So yes, I think we can learn from her while having fun with the clever dialogues, the funny moments and the great development of the story.

Add it to your TBR pile if you like romances. I know I'm going to have a look at all the books by Dakota Cassidy right now ;)(less)

like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Sara Horney rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book on a packed plane ride out of New Orleans. What a mistake!
This is the kind of book that will make you laugh, make you cry and generally make other passengers on a flight think that you're a raging lunatic.
Dakota Cassidy once again captures the myriad of emotions that come into play following public betrayal, divorce and trying to start over. She successfully follows both heroine and hero as they struggle with fear, lust, anger and love and writes them each so authentically that...more

like · see review

Mar 07, 2012 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, read-in-2012, review-for-smexybooks, romance-contemporary, series, humor

Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2012/03/rev...

Favorite Quote:
”I don’t think pancakes can make you scream like I do.“
“You’ve never seen me eat a pancake.”

Dakota Cassidy once again leads us through the pitfalls of divorce with plenty of charm, laughter, and snark as we get to know Melina Cherkasov, the third trophy wife in her hilarious Ex-Trophy Wives series. A character driven series, it’s the fast pacing and conversational style writing that enhances the appeal of this story. Ms...more

like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 Andie Z rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, arc-tour, arcs-i-own, ebook, own, read-2011, reviewed, 2012-release, on-my-kindle

Read this review and more on my blog From A to Z.

As a former dancer I knew I was going to enjoy Waltz This Way, but you don’t need to appreciate ballroom dance or reality TV shows in order to love this story. It’s full of relatable characters, snappy dialogue, and sexy moments, and it’s such a fun ride every step of the way.

I loved loved LOVED the interactions between Drew and Mel. I like my romances hot and snarky, and these two have chemistry in spades. They’re hilarious and clever and absolut...more

like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Third in the Ex Trophy Wives series this is by far the best. Former ballroom champion Melina Cherkasov finds out that her Svengali husband is a cheat on national television. He leaves her with nothing but her dog after 20 years of marriage. Melina is forced to go back to live with her dad in his retirement community in New Jersey where with help from Max, Jasmine and Frankie from the previous books Melina starts to build her life anew.
I really liked Melina. I loved her best friend Jackie. Drew...more

like · see review

Mar 23, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Waltz This Way is a story about a divorced woman and a divorced man and how they find each other and have a second chance at love. I find that stories about first love lost and second love found and all that jazz can be tricky. For the reader to truly feel like the couple deserves a second shot at love, they need to be really likeable. No whiny “omg I have to go to the ‘regular people store’ instead of the boutique I usually go to” lady and no ‘”I must g...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Waltz This Way is a story about a divorced woman and a divorced man and how they find each other and have a second chance at love. I find that stories about first love lost and second love found and all that jazz can be tricky. For the reader to truly feel like the couple deserves a second shot at love, they need to be really likeable. No whiny “omg I have to go to the ‘regular people store’ instead of the boutique I usually go to” lady and no ‘”I must go and do every woman I see just so I can prove that my manhood wasn’t the reason my marriage failed” man. There is none of that in this book. You reach the end truly believing that, not only do these two deserve to find love again, but that they are perfectly suited for one another.

When we meet Mel, she is an ex-pro ballroom dancer and married to a very wealthy – and quite a bit older – choreographer. Even though she’s married to money, you don’t get the impression that it’s all that important to her. Which is good because when everything goes to sh*t, it’s hard to feel bad for someone who is whining because they can’t buy that $300 pair of shoes. She is smart and resourceful and when her marriage ends, she is completely crushed. I totally wanted to cheer for her even when she did little things for the first time like actually get though to one of her students or when she opens her first ever chequing account. She was lovely.

Drew is a fantastic character. Even though his initial reaction to Mel and her new job was a bit surprising (and closed-minded) I still loved reading him. And even though his constantly wanting to place Mel is his ex-wife’s mold was really quite frustrating at times, I still loved reading him. He is so down to earth and just wants what is best for his son and his family. His story is a sad one but he won’t let it get him down. Did I mention he was yummy. Yes he was.

Mel’s best friend Jackie drove me a bit nuts. I found her too harsh. And the woman who owns the agency that helps Mel find work after her divorce was a bit much for me too. I respected her attitude and loved the message she was passing but her personality was off for me. I’m not a fan of people like that in real life and, apparently, not a fan of them in my books either.

I love how real this book felt. The characters reaction’s to their situation was well written and was very realistic. Even though Dakota has a fun and snarky writing voice, the emotion in this book felt sincere. The book’s overall tone was lovely – a great mix of humor (without being too over the top) and charm and warmth. And the twist that is revealed near the end of the book really took me by surprise. It was a good one though – made me not hate Mel’s ex-husband as much. In fact, everything turns out really well and you feel like everything ended up where it was always meant to be.

Waltz This Way is the third book in Dakota Cassidy’s Trophy Ex-Wives series but it can totally be read as a standalone. In fact, I have not read the other instalments and didn’t feel lost in the least. It’s a wonderful story about discovering who you really are after being someone else’s version of you for so many years. Filled with strong likable characters I’m going to want to re-visit someday. This is definitely going on my keeper shelf.

4.5 stars(less)

like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Smut Junkie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, favorties-2012, own-it, read-in-2012, series, sweet-vanilla

I don't know what I can say about this book that won't be a total repeat of what I said about the first two books in this series....I AM IN LOVE with this series! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could! Dakota Cassidy is genius! The voice that she gives to her characters is SO BRILLIANT that I feel like crying when I'm done the book because I'm so sad that I am finished reading it! She makes me laugh. She makes me cry. And she makes me fall in love with each and every book! I said it in th...more

like · see review

Mar 31, 2012 Cassandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, romance, fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Lindsay rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sweet-vanilla-romance, smut, series, read-in-2012, own-read-it, own-it, favorites, favorite-adult, adult-romance, adult-fiction

I don't know what I can say about this book that won't be a total repeat of what I said about the first two books in this series....I AM IN LOVE with this series! Dakota Cassidy is genius! The voice that she gives to her characters is SO BRILLIANT that I feel like crying when I'm done the book because I'm so sad that I am finished reading it! She makes me laugh. She makes me cry. And she makes me fall in love with each and every book! I said it in the previous reviews, but there aren't many book...more

like · see review

Apr 10, 2012 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dakota Cassidy's books always entertain me. I like watching her female characters find themselves and learn to become strong independent women. Her writing is funny and always makes me smile. Especially reading the parts that have to do with the senior citizens at the retirement home. I really think Ms. Cassidy's books would be great turned into films. If you haven't read any of these books, I highly recommend the Ex-Trophy Wives series.

like · see review

Apr 25, 2012 Jo (My House of Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I have absolutely loved this series, and I'm sad to see it end. Ms. Cassidy brings her trademark snark to Melina Cherkasov, so while it's a little similar to what we've seen from the heroines in the two previous books (You Dropped a Blonde on Me and Burning Down the Spouse), Melina is different, despite being the same situation as the other former Ex-Trophy Wives.

What I liked most about Waltz This Way was that as romantic feelings progress for Melina and Drew, the other issues in their...more

like · see review

Mar 24, 2012 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, romance

I found it interesting that in this one the guy had most of the issues, that they were the same ones annoyed me. I wanted to yell at him to grow up. So I was glad that someone did, too bad it was his 12 year old son. Granted with Nate being a genius he knew, but your kids shouldn't have to do that. Nate was refreshing with his geekdom, I loved that his family allowed him to embrace it.

Mel didn't annoy me as some of the women in this series have. Towards the end I was stunned by how much crap jus...more

like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book started out kind of slow, so I was thinking, oh no this is not going to be good. Well I was very wrong. It was so good. I just love the whole concept of the book. Rich woman loses everything through divorce, has to start anew and finds love of her life. Of course with a lot of other things in between. A very HEA!

like · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Madison Warner Fairbanks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fun, and heartwarming with the continuing theme of "suck it up Princess". I'm enjoying this series a lot.
Special thanks to Dakota as my copy was an ARC won by a contest.

like · see review

May 19, 2012 Nora-adrienne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: comedic-romance

DC you totally rocked my weekend. Mel, Drew, Nate and this whole new gang of folks made this a wonderfully pleasant day reading with new friends. Thanks Princess!

I got the book from my local library.

like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Anne-Kathrine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-on-kindle, romance, series, sexy

Kindle edition. Dakota wrote another wonderful book. With enough mystery and sexyness to make it a great reads. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out :) (yes I know I know this one just came out lol)

like · see review

May 22, 2012 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the quirky humour in this book, and the unique take on divorce and relationships. I think I will look for more of this author's books.

like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Darynda Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is too cute and sexy as all get out. I loved it, especially the amazing ending!!!! Dakota did a fantastic job of bringing it all together in such a way as to literally have me sighing. LOVED!

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Jennifer~ *Bhook-Junkhie* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, library-book-read, part-of-a-series

Well that was a little surprise!..I was expecting some light, humorous fluff..but it turned out to be so much more:)...and that ending had me in tears...I didnt see all that coming!...It was a wonderful, unique turn of events...loved it!

like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 Brandie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Dakota Cassidy's books! Such a fun, fresh read. I had trouble putting it down to go to bed! Can't wait for more.

like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Ellen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-series, contemporary-series

Good enough to make me want the trilogy/series to continue.

like · see review

May 19, 2013 Kristen Womack marked it as to-read

May 17, 2013 Chelle marked it as to-read

May 16, 2013 Lisa Ann marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Amber Unland rated it 1 of 5 stars

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 15 16 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Romance

16 users

Contemporary

11 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

5 users

Humor

3 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Kiss Me, I'm Irish
by Roxanne St. Claire
Icebreaker
by Deirdre Martin
Scrumptious
by Amanda Usen
Fever
by Joan Swan
Jacked Up
by Erin McCarthy

About Dakota Cassidy

Dakota Cassidy lives for a good laugh in life and in her writing. In fact, she almost loves a good giggle as much as she loves hair products and that’s saying something.

Her goals in life are simple, (like really simple): banish the color yellow forever, create world peace via hot rollers and Aqua Net; and finally, nab every tiara in the land by competing in the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss W...more

More about Dakota Cassidy...

Books by Dakota Cassidy

The Accidental Werewolf (Accidentally Friends, #1)

Accidentally Dead (Accidentally Friends, #2)

The Accidental Human (Accidentally Friends, #3)

Accidentally Demonic (Accidentally Friends, #4)

Accidentally Catty (Accidentally Friends, #5)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Waltz This Way

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Waltz This Way
avg rating	preview: Waltz This Way Goodreads rating: 4.02 (141 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11455167-waltz-this-way?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1313800178l/11455167.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11455167-waltz-this-way?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Waltz This Way by Dakota Cassidy[/url]

Waltz This Way (Ex Trophy Wives #3)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website