Ballroom Blitz

by Ames B. Winterbourne

Two friends will do anything to get back to each other. Only love and lust get in the way.

Two friends who have been separated will do anything to get back to each other. Only one is consumed by a strange attraction to her mysterious one-night stand, a guard from another realm with his own secrets. An evil king captures the other, and she struggles with her feelings for the woman who betrayed her years ago.

When a ball is announced to celebrate the king's marriage, one friend will team up with her one-night lover while the other plots a way to free herself from her doom, only to be caught up in lust. A ballroom blitz is about to occur, and no one's life or heart is safe.

This book is both MF and FF (different characters).

Content Warning:
Abusive Relationship (past), Alcohol, Emotional Abuse (past), PTSD, Queerphobia, Mentions of Rape (past), Mentions of Genocide, Gore, Assault, Sexism, Homophobia, Lesbiphobia, Mentions of Sexual Abuse (past), mentions of child abuse (past), Sexually explicit scenes, mentions of incest (past), mentions of slavery, Death, Violence, Murder, War

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Enemies To Lovers

Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Ames is a full-time stay-at-home mom, paralegal, and writer. She writes paranormal, fantasy, new adult, and mystery/thriller books with romance and spice.
When not writing, you can find gasping for breath as she chases after her little Slytherin Loki toddler, cuddling with her cats, or watching the Golden Girls with her husband.

Feel free to follow her on:
Instagram: ames_the_author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amestheauthor

Or check out her website: https://www.amestheauthor.com

Reviews

[Lorraine Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has something for everyone! Multiple characters, intrigue, drama, passion, action...a rollercoaster of emotions indeed! I am addicted and cannot wait for more!!!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ballroom Blitz: The Notorious Femmes" by Ames B. Winterbourne is a complex and engaging fantasy romance that weaves together multiple character perspectives, intricate world-building, and a blend of spicy encounters and emotional drama. The book plunges readers into a world of elves, shapeshifters, and fae, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and passion.

The narrative focuses on two separated friends, Gray and Trace, and their respective journeys. Gray is drawn into a passionate encounter with a mysterious guard, while Trace is captured by an evil king and grapples with her feelings for a past betrayer. The story builds toward a ballroom event, where these threads converge, leading to a climax filled with twists and emotional turmoil.

The intricate plot, filled with secrets and hidden agendas, will keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The diverse cast of characters, including elves, doppelgangers, sirens, and orcs, added depth and complexity to the world-building. The "found family" aspect, particularly the bond between Gray, Trace, and their adopted family, resonated with many readers. The strong female friendships and the portrayal of capable female characters were also highlighted as strengths. The book's blend of MF and FF romances, each with their own level of spice, provided a diverse and engaging reading experience.

The initial world-building and character introductions can be somewhat chaotic, requiring a period of adjustment. The third-person POV, while effective for some, took time to become accustomed to. Additionally, the pacing was rushed, and the reliance on the epilogue for crucial backstory information was a point of contention.

The overall consensus is that "Ballroom Blitz" is a compelling and entertaining fantasy romance with a strong foundation of world-building and character development. The book's ability to evoke emotional responses, its diverse cast, and its spicy encounters make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

Rating: 3.75/5 stars. The book delivers a complex and engaging fantasy romance, though some pacing and world-building issues were noted.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grace Lyttle alyttlebookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so mad. I knew when I got to about the halfway point that this was going to be a series, and I was not going to get the answers I wanted. I am emotionally distraught that I now have to wait for another book to come out to find out what happens.

I now understand why people don't want to start a series that hasn't been completed yet. It is to shield themselves from the hurt of having to wait. *insert Michael Scott Gif, "I'm ready to get hurt again*
" Right here*

I was a little irritated in the beginning because i I felt like Gray and Trace just kept on repeating how close they were and were more like sisters. And then saying that Riddick, Leona, Gray, and Trace were a family, but I'm beginning to think there is more to it.

This book started off wild. I knew I was going to have to pay attention because there was going to be stuff hiding around every corner. I was right, but also so very wrong. I could not have guessed how this ended if my life depended on it. I was shook, and then there were aftershocks. I was in an earthquake of emotions by the end of this book.

Great for lovers of:
• Fantasy
• Spice
• Found Family
• Mystical beings
• Arranged Marriage
• Romance
• Fated Mates
• Strong female friendships
• Possessive MMC
• Super capable FMCs
• Pirates? (There was definitely a boat)
• Corrupt royalty
• Chaos
• Emotional damage... not just the characters, but you too.

It will never cease to amaze me with how many emotions I can feel while reading a book. This story had them all

I received an advance reader copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.

[Marie-Claude Carrière · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ballroom Blitz was SO GOOD, I'll be impatiently waiting for book 2!!

I simply couldn't get enough of this magical fantasy romance, I loved the characters, the world, the storyline, the angst, the spice and the cliffhanger.

I have to admit I had a hard time getting absorbed into the story at the very beginning, the world building and characters presentation felt a bit messy in the first few chapters but as soon as I got used to the writing style and the 3rd person POV I couldn't get enough of this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
◾Fated mates
◾Elf's, doppelganger, sirens, Orc, etc.
◾Secret identity
◾Royalty
◾MF, FF (different characters)
◾Arranged marriage
◾Strong FMCs
◾Multiple main characters
◾3rd person POV

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, steam, action, intrigue, twists, passion, witty, emotions, fantasy and lots of strange personalities. Each of these characters take you on a trip from their past to now. There are Elf, doppelgangers, sirens, orcs, and fated mates. So many different characters you need a scorecard to keep them straight. Gray and Trace are like sisters but really are only raised in the same house along with Riddick, all as family. Each knows what kingdom (King) to stay away from. Lots of actions from the bar/gambling scenes to the ballroom scene. This story keeps you twisting and turning while reading. Glad to read the upcoming story as this ends in a cliffhanger. Would recommend to others.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this magical fantasy romance, from the characters and world to the storyline, angst, spice, and the cliffhanger. However, I did struggle a bit at the start. The world-building and character introductions felt a bit chaotic, and the third-person POV took some time to adjust to. Once I got used to the writing style, though, I couldn’t put the book down.

That said, there were moments that left me confused. The pacing felt rushed at times, and I really wish the author had provided more backstory earlier instead of saving key details for the epilogue. The story had so many twists, it was hard to keep up. The epilogue and sneak peek look promising, but I’m still unsure if I’ll continue with the series.

[Angela L Bollman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you hate a book that starts with a con, leather pants and spice? I love the 2 main female characters and the "sister bond" that they share, then throw in the woman that raised them and their werewolf "brother". Such a great found family that takes care of each other. The story takes off and all of a sudden you see how everyone's lives have been intertwined even before they knew it. Starts off hot goes to a simmer then explodes again, can't wait to see what is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great book. It was a romance page turner and the suspense was sweet and captivating. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. I was breathtaking as I was reading this love story with these characters in finding true love and happiness. These characters meet at a ballroom party. And the chemistry between them intrigues and the physical attraction was intense of emotions and passion.

I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the variety of characters in this book, gray and Trace are fighting their own battles yet holding their own. By the way Trace is the female and she has her own PTSD about her past betrayers. There are romance and strong Foundation it's almost like a continuous of the previous book and they added more characters or different set of characters. because of the authors style of writing at teetered to work more to the four star versus 3. Your taste does matter when you read the book. Liked the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was extremely confusing for me. I think I will need to go back and reread the book to really grasp what is happening. At times I felt it was rushed. I really, really wish the author had taken a little more time in providing backstories in the beginning instead of us getting the last missing details in the epilogue. There was also sooooooo many freaking twists! The epilogue and sneak peak however did look promising. 2.5 stars in total. I am unsure if I will continue with the series.

❤️ fae
❤️ elves
❤️ fated mates
❤️ shapeshifters
❤️ enemies to l0vers

[Beth Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Winterbourne immediately draws readers into the world and the characters of this book and it engeged me from page one. The relationships between the characters were well developed while also leaving some of the past to be revealed as the plot unfolded. It's a delightful mashup of "Game of Thrones", "Lord of the Rings" and the works of Brandon Sanderson.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book.
There was a large information dump in the beginning of the book that made it hard for me to focus on all the details.
I gave it three stars because I don't like to go less than three unless the book has no redeeming qualities which this book did. But not enough to make me want to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is well written, with drama, steam, action, intrigue, twists, turns and romance. But it does end by being continued. I will be reading the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[P.A. Eastwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is different but it’s good. Definitely worth reading has good characters and plot with plenty of steam!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana Roszko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story that I couldn't put down. Trace and Grey were such amazing fmc that dont put up with anyone. I need the second book asap as I need Trace to finally get her revenge.

[LisaReadsThings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good moments, and the last 100 or so pages were pretty decent. Overall though it was just okay.

[Robyn Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMES B. WINTERBOURNE you got me hooked. Ballroom Blintz has a little bit of everything I need in a fantasy book without being over whelming. I have falling in love or hate with most of the characters in this book even the minor characters. When I felt the book would drag on it threw a nice little surprise to spice it up. Now this book does hang end on a cliffhanger, but the author was nice enough to give us a sneak peak of the next book. I will patiently waiting for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emerald Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
um, yeah I'd like the rest of the series immediately please
First of all, thank you to the author for the ARC!!! This was truly such a wonderful read that pulled me from the brink of a reading slump. All of the characters and their relationships with one another felt like real people, with me just being a fly on the wall. I am ridiculously excited to read the next instalment in the Notorious Femmes series, and will be (im)patiently awaiting the rest of the books.

[Nicolle Persoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a pageturner full of wonderful characters/a good story and action filled.

I thought I'd be lost because of the number of narrators, but it was smooth reading.

Characters and action so well described it played like a movie in my mind. Xrated at times that...

Cannot wait for book 2.

I am leaving this review voluntarily.