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Sugar #1
Sugar's Dance
At the tender age of seventeen Tula “Sugar” Dubois had it all, an up and coming ballroom dance career, and a family she loved deeply. In the blink of an eye she lost it all on a cold, snowy Minnesota bridge. Now, ten years later, Sugar has rebuilt her life, but still hides her heart behind the log walls of her lodge on Lake Superior.
Drug Task Force Agent Donovan Walsh follows his most sought after drug lord to Duluth, Minnesota. His plan is simple; protect the key witness to McElevain’s destruction and track down the proof he needs to put him away for life. He just wasn’t planning for his witness to be the most beautiful, and most difficult, woman in all of Duluth.
Sugar finds herself drawn to her new bodyguard, but can’t risk her heart for a romance destined to break it. When an attempt is made on her life she trusts Van to lead her through a dangerous rumba of deceit, kidnapping, and murder, but when the last notes fade away Sugar has one decision left to make. Will Van heal her heart or break it?
Drug Task Force Agent Donovan Walsh follows his most sought after drug lord to Duluth, Minnesota. His plan is simple; protect the key witness to McElevain’s destruction and track down the proof he needs to put him away for life. He just wasn’t planning for his witness to be the most beautiful, and most difficult, woman in all of Duluth.
Sugar finds herself drawn to her new bodyguard, but can’t risk her heart for a romance destined to break it. When an attempt is made on her life she trusts Van to lead her through a dangerous rumba of deceit, kidnapping, and murder, but when the last notes fade away Sugar has one decision left to make. Will Van heal her heart or break it?
- GenresRomance
434 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2011
25 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Katie Mettner
100 books1,602 followersKatie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
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Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
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Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2012
Sugar's Dance is an incredible work of art in book form! Author Katie Mettner did such a great job with her characters (and not just her hero & heroine, Tula 'Sugar' Dubois and Donovan 'Van' Walsh)that by the time I finished the book I felt like I knew them all personally. I was privy to their thoughts, desires, flaws, sense of humor, values, and strengths. The mystery and danger surrounding Sugar's lodge was revealed a little at a time, keeping me glued to the story to find out what was lurking around the next corner. Loved the setting! Ms. Mettner's love for Lake Superior and the surrounding area came through in her writing, as did her passion for the life-saving gift of organ donation (MAMBOS - Miracles Are Made By Organ Sharing). I loved this story from beginning to end and will definitely read this author again.
October 16, 2012
Katie Mettner is a master at character development. I was instantly in love with each character as they were introduced, and in turn completely captivated with the story.
I've seen this book classified as a story about overcoming grief and adversity. The fact that Sugar is an amputee who is also a dance instructor is widely known, but what I didn't realized until I was already deep into the story, is that it's also a brilliant romantic suspense.
You'll root for Sugar and for Van as they fight to be together even when the odds are against them. It's an amazing roller coaster ride and you won't want to get off when the ride is over.
I can't wait for the follow up story, because I know this can't be the end of Sugar's story.
I've seen this book classified as a story about overcoming grief and adversity. The fact that Sugar is an amputee who is also a dance instructor is widely known, but what I didn't realized until I was already deep into the story, is that it's also a brilliant romantic suspense.
You'll root for Sugar and for Van as they fight to be together even when the odds are against them. It's an amazing roller coaster ride and you won't want to get off when the ride is over.
I can't wait for the follow up story, because I know this can't be the end of Sugar's story.
February 16, 2013
This book was WOW!!! Sugar is one of the strongest and lovable characters I have read. This book will have you crying one minute and laughing another. Katie as written with such warmth that every character becomes real and you feel as you read that you are part of it all as well. A book that as inspired me to see things differently and I just love it!! Thanks Katie for such a fantastic read.
June 22, 2013
This is one of those books that you can’t put down until it’s finished, and you’re glad you bought a copy instead of borrowing it because you know you’ll want to read it again and again. Sugar’s Dance is such a beautiful story about a woman, broken and shattered after losing her entire family and unable to put her life back together despite an enormous outpouring of support, until she meets a man who turns it all around because he falls instantly in love with her.
I laughed, I cried, I related and most of all, I learned. My Kindle’s bookmarks feature got a workout with this novel because there were so many beautiful passages, I didn’t want to forget them.
Sugar’s Dance is a story that is unique in that you know the author is writing from a very personal place, and she does it so eloquently. Her writing style is very touching, graceful and heart warming. You will not finish this book without understanding her pain, triumph and why the difference between how the world sees you and how you see yourself is so important, especially in her case.
Tula DuBois, or Sugar, is an amputee. In a tragic car accident, she lost her leg and a whole lot more. For all intents and purposes, she essentially lost her life despite the fact that she was the only survivor. The irony is never lost on her. In the beginning of the story Sugar battles with herself as the anniversary of the tragedy approaches. But this year marks the tenth year since the accident and this time she can’t do it with the same support. Her breaking point becomes evident as her pseudo family watches the nightmares, starvation and isolation take over her. Until Van comes into the picture and shows her that she is worthy of all the beauty life has to offer her, including himself.
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a softie with romantic mysteries, especially when they involve cops. But this story is very unique compared to most that I’ve read and written.
Bravo Katie Mettner! You truly have a gift and bless you for sharing your story.
It was so difficult to choose from all twenty two passages that I highlighted, but here are a few that I truly loved and will remember:
“My grandpa always told me that you don’t have to go to church to talk to God. You can sit in the woods on an old tree stump and do the same thing you can do in a pew. He told me it isn’t about the physical place, it’s about the relationship you have with Him.”
“I’m still mad at Him and he knows that. I can agree to be friends with Him, but I haven’t figured out how to love Him again.”…”That is one of the most frank admittances of imperfection I have ever heard. You are a surprise around every corner, Tula. The fact that you still come out here and you still talk to Him and you still believe in that higher power is admirable considering what you have been through. I’m inclined to believe that He loves you for your honesty because I don’t believe He gets that from a lot of his worshippers.”
“I think it’s the perfect song in this case. Maybe you should say those final things you never said to your parents. Maybe you should say them out loud to the wind and the water. Maybe that would allow you to come out here and see this as everything that it can be instead of everything that it was.”….”I want them to be proud of me and what I’ve done with my life. I want them to see that I didn’t take my second chance and waste it. I want them to see that I fought back and everything they taught me is in here.” I patted my chest.
“You know it’s my job to protect you from things that go bump in the night even if those things aren’t in the same world I’m in.”
Okay, one last one……
…”They see you as a person, not you as the disability. But it’s obvious that when it comes to me all you see is the disability. It’s like you can trust that as a cop I’m going to keep you safe from the bad guys, but as a man I’m one of the bad guys.”
I’m so glad this story is a series!!
I laughed, I cried, I related and most of all, I learned. My Kindle’s bookmarks feature got a workout with this novel because there were so many beautiful passages, I didn’t want to forget them.
Sugar’s Dance is a story that is unique in that you know the author is writing from a very personal place, and she does it so eloquently. Her writing style is very touching, graceful and heart warming. You will not finish this book without understanding her pain, triumph and why the difference between how the world sees you and how you see yourself is so important, especially in her case.
Tula DuBois, or Sugar, is an amputee. In a tragic car accident, she lost her leg and a whole lot more. For all intents and purposes, she essentially lost her life despite the fact that she was the only survivor. The irony is never lost on her. In the beginning of the story Sugar battles with herself as the anniversary of the tragedy approaches. But this year marks the tenth year since the accident and this time she can’t do it with the same support. Her breaking point becomes evident as her pseudo family watches the nightmares, starvation and isolation take over her. Until Van comes into the picture and shows her that she is worthy of all the beauty life has to offer her, including himself.
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a softie with romantic mysteries, especially when they involve cops. But this story is very unique compared to most that I’ve read and written.
Bravo Katie Mettner! You truly have a gift and bless you for sharing your story.
It was so difficult to choose from all twenty two passages that I highlighted, but here are a few that I truly loved and will remember:
“My grandpa always told me that you don’t have to go to church to talk to God. You can sit in the woods on an old tree stump and do the same thing you can do in a pew. He told me it isn’t about the physical place, it’s about the relationship you have with Him.”
“I’m still mad at Him and he knows that. I can agree to be friends with Him, but I haven’t figured out how to love Him again.”…”That is one of the most frank admittances of imperfection I have ever heard. You are a surprise around every corner, Tula. The fact that you still come out here and you still talk to Him and you still believe in that higher power is admirable considering what you have been through. I’m inclined to believe that He loves you for your honesty because I don’t believe He gets that from a lot of his worshippers.”
“I think it’s the perfect song in this case. Maybe you should say those final things you never said to your parents. Maybe you should say them out loud to the wind and the water. Maybe that would allow you to come out here and see this as everything that it can be instead of everything that it was.”….”I want them to be proud of me and what I’ve done with my life. I want them to see that I didn’t take my second chance and waste it. I want them to see that I fought back and everything they taught me is in here.” I patted my chest.
“You know it’s my job to protect you from things that go bump in the night even if those things aren’t in the same world I’m in.”
Okay, one last one……
…”They see you as a person, not you as the disability. But it’s obvious that when it comes to me all you see is the disability. It’s like you can trust that as a cop I’m going to keep you safe from the bad guys, but as a man I’m one of the bad guys.”
I’m so glad this story is a series!!
June 26, 2012
I’m sure I’m going to get flack for what I’m about to write about because, unlike those who absolutely loved it, I found it to be just okay. The reason I chose to read it? Because of all the 5 star ratings it received. Everywhere I checked, “Sugar’s Dance” was rated 5 stars by everyone who read it. So I can’t go wrong with it can I? It has to be an amazing book, right? How I wished it was a great read for me. It was anything but.
The biggest issue for me was the length of the novel. It’s 436 pages of constant crying throughout by pretty much every character in the book. Way too long. It could have used an editor to scale back the novel by at least 100 pages or so. I just didn’t think it would end. Half-way thru I just started skimming it quickly just so it would end.
Then we have the heroine (Sugar) and hero (Van), along with a bunch of supporting characters, each of whom constantly blamed themselves for whatever predicament he or she was in. It became the norm that made it so tiring to read. Most irritating for me was Sugar. I’m surprised that those who loved her didn’t just put up their hands and shout they’ve had enough of her self-pity. She cried so often throughout she could have filled a swimming pool with her tears.
The plot about her life being in danger and having a special agent be her shadow was just ridiculous. Van’s job is to keep her safe by keeping her indoors. Yet, they’re both out and about walking around town like tourists. Not to mention that with all the agents watching the lodge and with Van, who made sure all the doors and windows were constantly secured, couldn’t even keep her safe. It was obvious from reading the novel that the so-called danger she’s in was definitely not the focal point of the story. In fact, it was low on the totem pole so-to-speak. Instead the novel focused on her forgiving and healing herself from a tragedy that took place ten years earlier; as well as the romantic angle between her and Van. I certainly didn’t feel any chemistry between the two.
Last but not least, the novel contains a lot of grammatical and sentence structure errors. Grammatical errors are one thing, but there were a lot of sentences missing commas and periods, and for a novel being so freaking long, it became irritating.
So in the end, would I recommend this novel? No. But like I mentioned earlier, I’m in the minority here. I’ll just leave it up to your discretion whether you want to read it or not.
The biggest issue for me was the length of the novel. It’s 436 pages of constant crying throughout by pretty much every character in the book. Way too long. It could have used an editor to scale back the novel by at least 100 pages or so. I just didn’t think it would end. Half-way thru I just started skimming it quickly just so it would end.
Then we have the heroine (Sugar) and hero (Van), along with a bunch of supporting characters, each of whom constantly blamed themselves for whatever predicament he or she was in. It became the norm that made it so tiring to read. Most irritating for me was Sugar. I’m surprised that those who loved her didn’t just put up their hands and shout they’ve had enough of her self-pity. She cried so often throughout she could have filled a swimming pool with her tears.
The plot about her life being in danger and having a special agent be her shadow was just ridiculous. Van’s job is to keep her safe by keeping her indoors. Yet, they’re both out and about walking around town like tourists. Not to mention that with all the agents watching the lodge and with Van, who made sure all the doors and windows were constantly secured, couldn’t even keep her safe. It was obvious from reading the novel that the so-called danger she’s in was definitely not the focal point of the story. In fact, it was low on the totem pole so-to-speak. Instead the novel focused on her forgiving and healing herself from a tragedy that took place ten years earlier; as well as the romantic angle between her and Van. I certainly didn’t feel any chemistry between the two.
Last but not least, the novel contains a lot of grammatical and sentence structure errors. Grammatical errors are one thing, but there were a lot of sentences missing commas and periods, and for a novel being so freaking long, it became irritating.
So in the end, would I recommend this novel? No. But like I mentioned earlier, I’m in the minority here. I’ll just leave it up to your discretion whether you want to read it or not.
February 15, 2013
Family drama, a romance, and suspense thrown in. Sugar's Dance is a sweet and uplifting story. Sugar's life was shattered ten years ago on an icy bridge when a semi struck her family car, killing her parents and dance partner. She struggles with survivor's guilt and grief. Meanwhile, her friends were kidnapped by a dangerous drug kingpin and the police stake out Sugar's house. Sugar has to find the key and the evidence to put the druglord away, but not before losing her heart to her bodyguard, a charming Irishman named Van.
Van and Sugar share the same passion for ballroom dancing and music. And little by little, Van gets Sugar to open up to her feelings and tear down the walls she put up. Excitement builds with the cat and mouse game when Sugar singlehandedly brings down the drug boss. Unfortunately, with the danger past, Van leaves to take care of paperwork and Sugar finds her heart breaking all over again. Can she pull herself back into her shell and exist again? Or will true love bring them back together?
Sugar is surrounded by family and people who love and care for her. This story is about love, and how it triumphs over despair and grief. A significant subplot deals with disability and organ donation. Reading this book has made me think about organ donation and how by the death of one person, seven people can get off the transplant waiting lists and have a chance at life again.
Three recipes are given at the end of the book as an added bonus. A heartwarming story to be read in a cozy cabin in front of the fireplace.
Van and Sugar share the same passion for ballroom dancing and music. And little by little, Van gets Sugar to open up to her feelings and tear down the walls she put up. Excitement builds with the cat and mouse game when Sugar singlehandedly brings down the drug boss. Unfortunately, with the danger past, Van leaves to take care of paperwork and Sugar finds her heart breaking all over again. Can she pull herself back into her shell and exist again? Or will true love bring them back together?
Sugar is surrounded by family and people who love and care for her. This story is about love, and how it triumphs over despair and grief. A significant subplot deals with disability and organ donation. Reading this book has made me think about organ donation and how by the death of one person, seven people can get off the transplant waiting lists and have a chance at life again.
Three recipes are given at the end of the book as an added bonus. A heartwarming story to be read in a cozy cabin in front of the fireplace.
November 15, 2014
There are not enough stars to signify how much I loved this book. I know I came late to the party but I am so happy that I found this awesome series and this very talented author.
The words of Sugar’s Dance flow across the page not dissimilar to the way a dancer floats across the floor while performing a graceful Viennese waltz. But it’s not just the story that captured my heart, but also the characters. I think I have a pretty good imagination and I tend to immerse myself in a book and its characters when I’m reading a book. Sometimes it is difficult but, in this case, it wasn’t. Many times I was on the verge of drowning and I will admit I had tears in my eyes a few times, some sad and some happy.
But Sugar’s Dance also contained an element of suspense that kept me turning the pages, occasionally gasping, and kept me awake at night because I wanted to know how this story played out to the end.
My favourite quote in the book (and there were so many) is "You don't choose a family, God gives them to you. Flesh and blood doesn't make a family.....None of use blood, but I would do anything for any one of you, so that makes you my family." It couldn’t have come at a better time in my life.
On another note, I had no idea there were that many different types of coffee and I was very thankful for the glossary of Irish slang terms.
I gave Sugar’s Dance 5 gleaming green stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
The words of Sugar’s Dance flow across the page not dissimilar to the way a dancer floats across the floor while performing a graceful Viennese waltz. But it’s not just the story that captured my heart, but also the characters. I think I have a pretty good imagination and I tend to immerse myself in a book and its characters when I’m reading a book. Sometimes it is difficult but, in this case, it wasn’t. Many times I was on the verge of drowning and I will admit I had tears in my eyes a few times, some sad and some happy.
But Sugar’s Dance also contained an element of suspense that kept me turning the pages, occasionally gasping, and kept me awake at night because I wanted to know how this story played out to the end.
My favourite quote in the book (and there were so many) is "You don't choose a family, God gives them to you. Flesh and blood doesn't make a family.....None of use blood, but I would do anything for any one of you, so that makes you my family." It couldn’t have come at a better time in my life.
On another note, I had no idea there were that many different types of coffee and I was very thankful for the glossary of Irish slang terms.
I gave Sugar’s Dance 5 gleaming green stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
February 27, 2013
Thank God for Sugar
This is such a wonderfully engaging tale that draws you in from the first page as we are introduced to Tule (Sugar) Dubois. She is a driven young woman who to the people of her local community seems to have it all. A beautiful lakeside lodge, a successful dance instructor and wedding co-ordinator but inside she is falling apart. The carefully constructed facade she displays to the world is crumbling around as the tenth anniversary of a personal tragedy draws ever closer. Nightmares so powerful haunt her nights until she cannot sleep and her anger at God makes her question her faith and the nature of forgiveness.
When it seems she has reached breaking point the story really lifts off and pulls you aboard a real roller-coaster of a ride. From meeting the first man she thinks she can trust in a decade to finding her life and those she loves at risk from a powerful drug baron and ruthless killer the story never lets up.
Without giving anything away I found this to be a wonderfully written story that leaves you a lighter heart, a smile on your face and a hankering for coffee, burgers and onion rings. God bless Sugar
I rated this 5/5 and cannot recommend it highly enough.
This is such a wonderfully engaging tale that draws you in from the first page as we are introduced to Tule (Sugar) Dubois. She is a driven young woman who to the people of her local community seems to have it all. A beautiful lakeside lodge, a successful dance instructor and wedding co-ordinator but inside she is falling apart. The carefully constructed facade she displays to the world is crumbling around as the tenth anniversary of a personal tragedy draws ever closer. Nightmares so powerful haunt her nights until she cannot sleep and her anger at God makes her question her faith and the nature of forgiveness.
When it seems she has reached breaking point the story really lifts off and pulls you aboard a real roller-coaster of a ride. From meeting the first man she thinks she can trust in a decade to finding her life and those she loves at risk from a powerful drug baron and ruthless killer the story never lets up.
Without giving anything away I found this to be a wonderfully written story that leaves you a lighter heart, a smile on your face and a hankering for coffee, burgers and onion rings. God bless Sugar
I rated this 5/5 and cannot recommend it highly enough.
March 25, 2013
This is a very well written, character driven story from beginning to end. The author has a real talent of bring characters and scenery to life within the pages of a book. As you read, you feel as if you actually know the characters and can picture the town as if it's a place you've been to in the past and would like to return to again.
The main characters seem to be written in a way that no matter who you are, you will find something in them that relates to you. It may be a love of dance, music, songs, coffee, charity, hometown pride, pizza (I'm with the coffee and pizza myself), true love, or any number of other things but you will, no matter what, find something.
This is a great book with a compelling storyline written in a beautiful flowing style that should be read by all. The author is a natural with writing and you should expect great things from her now and in the future. Do yourself a favor and read this book and keep an eye out for more from this amazing writer.
The main characters seem to be written in a way that no matter who you are, you will find something in them that relates to you. It may be a love of dance, music, songs, coffee, charity, hometown pride, pizza (I'm with the coffee and pizza myself), true love, or any number of other things but you will, no matter what, find something.
This is a great book with a compelling storyline written in a beautiful flowing style that should be read by all. The author is a natural with writing and you should expect great things from her now and in the future. Do yourself a favor and read this book and keep an eye out for more from this amazing writer.
September 6, 2013
Overall, I liked Sugar's dance.
It was an emotional read, for Sugar is trying to come to terms with the grief caused by an accident ten years ago which robbed her of family and caused her other trauma. At the same time her brother, who is a cop, involves her in police business and that brings her problems of its own. Enter Van.
I liked the writing style, which gave a good 'voice' to Sugar as the narrator, and I felt I knew her well. I liked the setting - the shore area of Lake Superior in winter - which was vividly described. The author built the suspense well, and had me turning the pages at a great rate. However, I am not a fan of graphic sex scenes, which is why I gave this book four and not five stars, as I did skip those pages. That said, Sugar's dance was an enjoyable read, and I will be looking at the author's work again.
It was an emotional read, for Sugar is trying to come to terms with the grief caused by an accident ten years ago which robbed her of family and caused her other trauma. At the same time her brother, who is a cop, involves her in police business and that brings her problems of its own. Enter Van.
I liked the writing style, which gave a good 'voice' to Sugar as the narrator, and I felt I knew her well. I liked the setting - the shore area of Lake Superior in winter - which was vividly described. The author built the suspense well, and had me turning the pages at a great rate. However, I am not a fan of graphic sex scenes, which is why I gave this book four and not five stars, as I did skip those pages. That said, Sugar's dance was an enjoyable read, and I will be looking at the author's work again.
May 27, 2014
Life, love, pain, healing – it’s a roller-coaster ride of emotions. This book is written from the heart and you can feel it in every word. Ms Mettner will bring tears to your eyes and also make your emotions leap. You will fall in love with Sugar (Tula) and Van, but find yourself holding your breath as the things life has thrown at them come between them. It’s a love story with heart-stopping moments, with a plot that brings it all together very nicely and some wonderful, real-life characters. A wonderful read and I was delighted to see a couple of the recipes featured in the book at the back! I’ll be sampling Chicago Kraut Dogs for the first time this weekend.
June 25, 2012
Grab yourself a cup of coffee and spend some time in Duluth with Sugar and Van! This is a great story of love, relationships, tragedy and new beginnings spiced up with a hot man and a killer on the loose!
You will fall in love with the vulnerable yet feisty Sugar and enjoy the ride with her as she learns to let someone into her heart.
A well-written story that will tug at your heart strings and leave you with a smile on your face.
You will fall in love with the vulnerable yet feisty Sugar and enjoy the ride with her as she learns to let someone into her heart.
A well-written story that will tug at your heart strings and leave you with a smile on your face.
November 4, 2012
Just finished "Sugar's Dance" and loved every second of it. I was in on the edge of my seat, I cried, I laughed. I ended it with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face! This is one of those books you read and wish you could read faster just to get to the next sentence, then are sad when it's over. I have many friends who I will be recommending this book to. Thank you for a great read, I hope there are more books to come.
March 3, 2016
Un roman sur comment on se reconstruit après des événements traumatiques... j'ai ressenti quelques petites longueurs mais qui je pense étaient nécessaires pour se rendre compte que les choses ne sont pas simples et ne changent pas comme ça. L'histoire de Sugar est très émouvante. Comment elle vit avec son handicap est très intéressant. Van est juste... adorable. Et ça donne envie d'aller dans le WIsconsin !
February 2, 2015
loved!
I have read Katie's other work and like the past books I read I have fell in love with the characters and felt a connection to them. Sugar has made me laugh and cry and want to slap her at times for her bull headedness. She takes you on a crazy and a little dangerous adventure. I can't wait to read the other books in the series!
I have read Katie's other work and like the past books I read I have fell in love with the characters and felt a connection to them. Sugar has made me laugh and cry and want to slap her at times for her bull headedness. She takes you on a crazy and a little dangerous adventure. I can't wait to read the other books in the series!
January 5, 2015
I loved this book! Complex characters, a main character I wanted to be like, a love interest, and a bit of a thriller thrown into it all. A wonderful dance of a story. Will definitely read the next one.
April 25, 2023
I read this book because it was listed as a romantic suspense story. I read approximately 200 books a year and as soon as I started Sugar's Dance I had to look at the publication date because the writing of the story is very dated. The story was overly longwinded and overly dramatic. There wasn't much suspense and I have never read as much about dancing techniques in my life. The book is written in first person from Sugar "Tula" DuBois' perspective. Her chosen brother Jesse who is a police officer in town had brought trouble to Sugar's doorstep without informing her. Now he is sending a drug force detective from Texas to stay with her until a missing couple that had stayed with her can be found. Donovan "Van" Walsh is that detective. This is a long drawn out emotional story and I cannot possibly write about everything these two have gone through in their pasts as well as throughout the story without exhausting my fingers from typing the review. First person is my least favorite type of storytelling and for a book to be this long it just felt like a waste of my days. And then I see that there are 3 more books revolving around Sugar. I am cutting my losses and quitting now.
January 18, 2020
Sugar's Dance by Katie Mettner
Sugar is a ballroom dancer, she also is an amputee. When her life is in danger Van (Donovan Walsh) is there to protect Sugar, as well as solving a crime. There seems to be a mutual attraction between the two, but Life is a bit complicated. Van is a single Father, and Sugar facing her inner demons, will they become more than just friends?
An original plot with well developed characters. I liked Sugar a lot, she has inner struggles that she must over come. Van is likable as well, his life is not as simple as it could be. The mutual attraction along with the suspense had me hooked from the first page until the end. Filled with emotions, thrills and romance Sugar's Dance has all the "feels" to keep you wanting more. I highly recommend to all.
Sugar is a ballroom dancer, she also is an amputee. When her life is in danger Van (Donovan Walsh) is there to protect Sugar, as well as solving a crime. There seems to be a mutual attraction between the two, but Life is a bit complicated. Van is a single Father, and Sugar facing her inner demons, will they become more than just friends?
An original plot with well developed characters. I liked Sugar a lot, she has inner struggles that she must over come. Van is likable as well, his life is not as simple as it could be. The mutual attraction along with the suspense had me hooked from the first page until the end. Filled with emotions, thrills and romance Sugar's Dance has all the "feels" to keep you wanting more. I highly recommend to all.
April 14, 2022
Heartwarming for sure
Sugar is an complex character and quite strong when she needs to be. That's not a bad thing, unless one pushes themselves a bit too far without help. Family is the key. Mettner proves that in this book. Family does NOT mean only blood relations. Family includes non blood people such as best friends, surrogate mothers, siblings can be foster kidsy not related but grow up just like siblings and family. Family is love. That is the key. God bless Family. At one point, I was a little jealous about the wonderful characters who were, and are, Family for each other. I've never had that in my life. Oh, and disability due to prosthetics or for any reason is not handicapped but she has a disability or she wears oxygen, etcetera as people are not what you see first. I love happily ever afters as well.
Sugar is an complex character and quite strong when she needs to be. That's not a bad thing, unless one pushes themselves a bit too far without help. Family is the key. Mettner proves that in this book. Family does NOT mean only blood relations. Family includes non blood people such as best friends, surrogate mothers, siblings can be foster kidsy not related but grow up just like siblings and family. Family is love. That is the key. God bless Family. At one point, I was a little jealous about the wonderful characters who were, and are, Family for each other. I've never had that in my life. Oh, and disability due to prosthetics or for any reason is not handicapped but she has a disability or she wears oxygen, etcetera as people are not what you see first. I love happily ever afters as well.
January 30, 2025
OMG
Katie Mettner has done it again. Little bit of romance and lil bit of suspense, and you have the perfect book. This was not an easy book to have to put down. I couldn't wait to pick it up again. This book kept me wondering what was next. Was Van going to come back? What was happening with Margie and Nathan?
Katie Mettner has done it again. Little bit of romance and lil bit of suspense, and you have the perfect book. This was not an easy book to have to put down. I couldn't wait to pick it up again. This book kept me wondering what was next. Was Van going to come back? What was happening with Margie and Nathan?
October 26, 2023
O my goodness so much love and heartbreak in this book. I absolutely loved all of the characters they were so well written and full of depth. I love that this author writes incredible books with characters that are not normally leads and it’s perfect ❤️
June 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend it.
I was gifted a arc copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I was gifted a arc copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
May 8, 2023
Sugar’s Dance was a very emotional ride for me. It had danger, love and family and family is not always blood. Tula (Sugar) has lost so much in her young life. And she’s falling apart and she has everyone worried. You see her grow throughout the story and she finally realizes it’s ok to ask for help! No one can do it alone! I feel so much emotion and I think Incried through the last half of the story Some was happy tears, but a lot were sad tears wanting to go into the story and help her.
You can feel how important family and love is to Katie. She’s made me sit back and realize that family and love are gifts from God that we should not take advantage of. I so enjoyed this! It’s one of my favorites!!
You can feel how important family and love is to Katie. She’s made me sit back and realize that family and love are gifts from God that we should not take advantage of. I so enjoyed this! It’s one of my favorites!!
February 18, 2020
Great idea but ...
I'm frustrated with the over-explanations, the telling of the obvious, and the refusal to allow the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
Mettner unfortunately spends too much time detailing everything out for us, taking away the very distinct possibility that we want to allow our imaginations to fulfill some of the dreams that are possible within the story. It's almost as though she's treating us like we're not intelligent enough to read her books.
I like the premise of her stories. I believe that everyone deserves love, and can find love. I believe that those who face challenges in their life because of physical or mental handicaps, emotional or mental distress, or any other reason are just as capable of thriving in life. So it makes me happy to find books that are centered around characters with those challenges. It just makes me unhappy to have an author force fetus every detail is that we can't use our imaginations.
I'm frustrated with the over-explanations, the telling of the obvious, and the refusal to allow the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
Mettner unfortunately spends too much time detailing everything out for us, taking away the very distinct possibility that we want to allow our imaginations to fulfill some of the dreams that are possible within the story. It's almost as though she's treating us like we're not intelligent enough to read her books.
I like the premise of her stories. I believe that everyone deserves love, and can find love. I believe that those who face challenges in their life because of physical or mental handicaps, emotional or mental distress, or any other reason are just as capable of thriving in life. So it makes me happy to find books that are centered around characters with those challenges. It just makes me unhappy to have an author force fetus every detail is that we can't use our imaginations.
February 4, 2014
Tula DuBois AKA Sugar is a well known ballroom dance teacher. Sugar appears to be living an ideal life by having a successful business along with love and support from family and friends. However, one dreadful snowy November night is keeping her hidden emotional state in a state of turmoil. As she struggles to cope with her emotional problems, Drug Task Force Agent Donovan Walsh arrives in Duluth, Minnesota on a special assignment. It is there that he meets a reliable witness to his assignment; Sugar. Once he learns about her and her involvement in his assignment, he must protect her from people who want her dead. It is there that the dances between life and death occurs as Sugar and Agent Walsh dance their way around the evilness. As time goes on, Walsh starts to fall for Sugar. As their love flourishes, their love soon turns into a triangle of trouble as the evilness keeps interfering. This book surely is a dance because there are so many events happening all at once yet it's a real easy read because Katie Mettner keeps the events real simple as well as the characters. Real people means simple people to understand. My favorite part of the book is the title. As I said before, the book is really a dance because since Sugar is a dance teacher, she probably sees life as a big dance; obstacles to go through or dance around but in the end, the experience is very satisfying or is it?
March 15, 2018
Family drama, a romance, and suspense thrown in. Sugar's Dance is a sweet and uplifting story. Sugar's life was shattered ten years ago on an icy bridge when a semi struck her family car, killing her parents and dance partner. She struggles with survivor's guilt and grief. Meanwhile, her friends were kidnapped by a dangerous drug kingpin and the police stake out Sugar's house. Sugar has to find the key and the evidence to put the druglord away, but not before losing her heart to her bodyguard, a charming Irishman named Van.
Van and Sugar share the same passion for ballroom dancing and music. And little by little, Van gets Sugar to open up to her feelings and tear down the walls she put up. Excitement builds with the cat and mouse game when Sugar singlehandedly brings down the drug boss. Unfortunately, with the danger past, Van leaves to take care of paperwork and Sugar finds her heart breaking all over again. Can she pull herself back into her shell and exist again? Or will true love bring them back together?
Sugar is surrounded by family and people who love and care for her. This story is about love, and how it triumphs over despair and grief. A significant subplot deals with disability and organ donation. Reading this book has made me think about organ donation and how by the death of one person, seven people can get off the transplant waiting lists and have a chance at life again.
Three recipes are given at the end of the book as an added bonus. A heartwarming story to be read in a cozy cabin in front of the fireplace.
Van and Sugar share the same passion for ballroom dancing and music. And little by little, Van gets Sugar to open up to her feelings and tear down the walls she put up. Excitement builds with the cat and mouse game when Sugar singlehandedly brings down the drug boss. Unfortunately, with the danger past, Van leaves to take care of paperwork and Sugar finds her heart breaking all over again. Can she pull herself back into her shell and exist again? Or will true love bring them back together?
Sugar is surrounded by family and people who love and care for her. This story is about love, and how it triumphs over despair and grief. A significant subplot deals with disability and organ donation. Reading this book has made me think about organ donation and how by the death of one person, seven people can get off the transplant waiting lists and have a chance at life again.
Three recipes are given at the end of the book as an added bonus. A heartwarming story to be read in a cozy cabin in front of the fireplace.
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