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The New York Ballet Theater Pas de Deux #1
Kiss Me Thrice
Three unexpected kisses.
Two ambitious dancers.
One chance at happily ever after.
Lindsay Ferg lives by a simple no dating, no distractions, just dance. It works—right up until an injury sidelines her partner and jeopardizes her career at New York Ballet Theater. Now she’s stuck dancing Romeo & Juliet opposite David Powers. He’s the company’s biggest male star, Lindsay’s second-biggest regret, and the definition of distraction.
David doesn’t want to dance this season—not because of his history with Lindsay, but because his life is falling apart. But when NYBT’s director confides that the financial future of the company is dependent on the success of Romeo & Juliet, David has no choice but to grab his tights and get to work.
In the studio, sparks fly, lines blur, and an explosive stage kiss leads to an unusual arrangement. During the day, they practice choreography, and at night they focus on harnessing the chemistry that’s threatening to derail the performance. The distraction starts to feel suspiciously like dating, and for the first time in Lindsay’s life, dancing isn’t enough—but one wrong step could close the curtain on NYBT forever.
As opening night approaches, Lindsay can’t help wondering if she and David are as doomed as the lovers they’re portraying, or if there’s a happily ever after waiting for them in the wings.
Two ambitious dancers.
One chance at happily ever after.
Lindsay Ferg lives by a simple no dating, no distractions, just dance. It works—right up until an injury sidelines her partner and jeopardizes her career at New York Ballet Theater. Now she’s stuck dancing Romeo & Juliet opposite David Powers. He’s the company’s biggest male star, Lindsay’s second-biggest regret, and the definition of distraction.
David doesn’t want to dance this season—not because of his history with Lindsay, but because his life is falling apart. But when NYBT’s director confides that the financial future of the company is dependent on the success of Romeo & Juliet, David has no choice but to grab his tights and get to work.
In the studio, sparks fly, lines blur, and an explosive stage kiss leads to an unusual arrangement. During the day, they practice choreography, and at night they focus on harnessing the chemistry that’s threatening to derail the performance. The distraction starts to feel suspiciously like dating, and for the first time in Lindsay’s life, dancing isn’t enough—but one wrong step could close the curtain on NYBT forever.
As opening night approaches, Lindsay can’t help wondering if she and David are as doomed as the lovers they’re portraying, or if there’s a happily ever after waiting for them in the wings.
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2024
6 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Mack
7 books17 followersEllie Mack is a contemporary and new adult romance author, coffee addict, and raccoon enthusiast. After growing up in the Intermountain West, she settled in New York with her husband and a deeply elderly cat. A mood reader through and through, she is reading at least three books at any given time--and usually writing even more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 21, 2024
4 stars!
"Kiss Me Thrice" by Ellie Mack is a *sort of* second-chance ballet romance. I haven't read any ballet romances before and am not familiar with dance terminology in general, so I cannot attest to how accurate the dance portion of the book is, but this book was good! I will admit, it was a little difficult to get into this book at first. The book begins verrrry slowly, throwing all sorts of terminology and ballet stuff at you right at the beginning, but the longer you get into it, the more obsessed you'll become with Lindsay and David's story. This story is surprisingly heartwrenching at times, and I truly felt for Lindsay and David on more than one occasion. Lindsay struggles with OCD, and David has a lot of familial trauma to overcome. They both felt like realistic, lived-in characters. Watching their relationship develop slowly over time as they are forced to dance together for the Romeo and Juliet ballet drew me into their relationship and kept me reading! Something that happened in their past makes Lindsay hesitant to trust David, but they eventually find their way to each other with David falling first (this time around!). I will say that the book feels a little bit too long, in my opinion. Some plot points and conversations repeat here and there, so a little bit more editing could have benefitted it overall. Otherwise, this is a great book, and I hope we get Bailey and Shawn's book at some point!
Thank you to BookSirens and Ellie Mack for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Kiss Me Thrice" by Ellie Mack is a *sort of* second-chance ballet romance. I haven't read any ballet romances before and am not familiar with dance terminology in general, so I cannot attest to how accurate the dance portion of the book is, but this book was good! I will admit, it was a little difficult to get into this book at first. The book begins verrrry slowly, throwing all sorts of terminology and ballet stuff at you right at the beginning, but the longer you get into it, the more obsessed you'll become with Lindsay and David's story. This story is surprisingly heartwrenching at times, and I truly felt for Lindsay and David on more than one occasion. Lindsay struggles with OCD, and David has a lot of familial trauma to overcome. They both felt like realistic, lived-in characters. Watching their relationship develop slowly over time as they are forced to dance together for the Romeo and Juliet ballet drew me into their relationship and kept me reading! Something that happened in their past makes Lindsay hesitant to trust David, but they eventually find their way to each other with David falling first (this time around!). I will say that the book feels a little bit too long, in my opinion. Some plot points and conversations repeat here and there, so a little bit more editing could have benefitted it overall. Otherwise, this is a great book, and I hope we get Bailey and Shawn's book at some point!
Thank you to BookSirens and Ellie Mack for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
July 31, 2024
Sometimes a book falls into your lap at the perfect time and it feels like a sign. Without going into way too much personal detail on the internet to strangers, this book grabbed me right in the chest and ripped out so many emotions. I’m crying for the FMC, I’m cheering for her, I’m yelling at her to get it together, I feel like I could be her in another life if I had a diagnosis and better support system when I was 14.
There are so many layers to this story and the characters themselves so it felt very realistic. Even the cat, Parsnip, didn’t feel one dimensional. It’s so much more than just a romance book because obviously they’re falling in love while dancing Romeo&Juliet but they exist outside of them falling in love. It’s gut wrenching seeing two people struggle with hard shit from life, but getting to see it come full circle with support from friends, theirselves, and each other was so worth it.
A romance with ballet that’s the most realistic portrayal of ballet I’ve seen. You won’t see me rage correcting this author for an incorrect explanation of a ballet term, or for her FMC dancing the wrong roles considering her position at the company.
“Huh, I had you pegged as a Polina Semionova girl” - you had me pegged right David, I a little bit wish I still had her photos from Dance Magazine on my walls lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are so many layers to this story and the characters themselves so it felt very realistic. Even the cat, Parsnip, didn’t feel one dimensional. It’s so much more than just a romance book because obviously they’re falling in love while dancing Romeo&Juliet but they exist outside of them falling in love. It’s gut wrenching seeing two people struggle with hard shit from life, but getting to see it come full circle with support from friends, theirselves, and each other was so worth it.
A romance with ballet that’s the most realistic portrayal of ballet I’ve seen. You won’t see me rage correcting this author for an incorrect explanation of a ballet term, or for her FMC dancing the wrong roles considering her position at the company.
“Huh, I had you pegged as a Polina Semionova girl” - you had me pegged right David, I a little bit wish I still had her photos from Dance Magazine on my walls lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2024
Kiss Me Thrice
The New York Ballet Theater Pas de Deux: Book One
Written By: Ellie Mack
Three unexpected kisses.
Two ambitious dancers.
One chance at happily ever after.
Lindsay Ferg lives by a simple no dating, no distractions, just dance. It works—right up until an injury sidelines her partner and jeopardizes her career at New York Ballet Theater. Now she’s stuck dancing Romeo & Juliet opposite David Powers. He’s the company’s biggest male star, Lindsay’s second-biggest regret, and the definition of distraction.
David doesn’t want to dance this season—not because of his history with Lindsay, but because his life is falling apart. But when NYBT’s director confides that the financial future of the company is dependent on the success of Romeo & Juliet, David has no choice but to grab his tights and get to work.
In the studio, sparks fly, lines blur, and an explosive stage kiss leads to an unusual arrangement. During the day, they practice choreography, and at night they focus on harnessing the chemistry that’s threatening to derail the performance. The distraction starts to feel suspiciously like dating, and for the first time in Lindsay’s life, dancing isn’t enough—but one wrong step could close the curtain on NYBT forever.
As opening night approaches, Lindsay can’t help wondering if she and David are as doomed as the lovers they’re portraying, or if there’s a happily ever after waiting for them in the wings.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75, rounding up to 4 for Goodreads and Amazon
I may be a little biased since I automatically favor books that involve ballet as I am a ballerina myself.
What more if it is a ballet romance, right?
So this book does not only involve the pros of being a professional ballerina, but it also deals with the hardship of being a dancer, being in a dance company, a dancer's struggle, and the *politics* (for lack of a better term) in the dance community.
I am not a professional ballerina so I cannot attest to the accuracy of being in a company, however, the dance terminology and the environment were very relatable on my end. The book started very slow and I had to push myself to continue reading. But then, Lindsay and David started having moments together and that was the game changer for me. What can I do? I'm a sucker for a prima ballerina and a male principal dancer romance.
Lindsay's OCD, David's family trauma, and both of their backstories made the characters more realistic. The romance between the two progressed slower for my liking but was very fitting for the story.
Also, there were pages that I had to fast-read, skim through, and sometimes skip (I am so sorry) because it became repetitive for my preference. My attention span was no longer on the story and a couple of times, I just wanted to know what and how things ended for David and Lindsay.
Overall, this book has a lot of potential. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
The New York Ballet Theater Pas de Deux: Book One
Written By: Ellie Mack
Three unexpected kisses.
Two ambitious dancers.
One chance at happily ever after.
Lindsay Ferg lives by a simple no dating, no distractions, just dance. It works—right up until an injury sidelines her partner and jeopardizes her career at New York Ballet Theater. Now she’s stuck dancing Romeo & Juliet opposite David Powers. He’s the company’s biggest male star, Lindsay’s second-biggest regret, and the definition of distraction.
David doesn’t want to dance this season—not because of his history with Lindsay, but because his life is falling apart. But when NYBT’s director confides that the financial future of the company is dependent on the success of Romeo & Juliet, David has no choice but to grab his tights and get to work.
In the studio, sparks fly, lines blur, and an explosive stage kiss leads to an unusual arrangement. During the day, they practice choreography, and at night they focus on harnessing the chemistry that’s threatening to derail the performance. The distraction starts to feel suspiciously like dating, and for the first time in Lindsay’s life, dancing isn’t enough—but one wrong step could close the curtain on NYBT forever.
As opening night approaches, Lindsay can’t help wondering if she and David are as doomed as the lovers they’re portraying, or if there’s a happily ever after waiting for them in the wings.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75, rounding up to 4 for Goodreads and Amazon
I may be a little biased since I automatically favor books that involve ballet as I am a ballerina myself.
What more if it is a ballet romance, right?
So this book does not only involve the pros of being a professional ballerina, but it also deals with the hardship of being a dancer, being in a dance company, a dancer's struggle, and the *politics* (for lack of a better term) in the dance community.
I am not a professional ballerina so I cannot attest to the accuracy of being in a company, however, the dance terminology and the environment were very relatable on my end. The book started very slow and I had to push myself to continue reading. But then, Lindsay and David started having moments together and that was the game changer for me. What can I do? I'm a sucker for a prima ballerina and a male principal dancer romance.
Lindsay's OCD, David's family trauma, and both of their backstories made the characters more realistic. The romance between the two progressed slower for my liking but was very fitting for the story.
Also, there were pages that I had to fast-read, skim through, and sometimes skip (I am so sorry) because it became repetitive for my preference. My attention span was no longer on the story and a couple of times, I just wanted to know what and how things ended for David and Lindsay.
Overall, this book has a lot of potential. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
July 4, 2024
THIS BOOK a glamorous scenario and I can feel it flow more easily as these steps are so ordered and enter this intimate and realistic wild world represented by the dance and by this story that emerges in its exhibition with the immersive theme and experienced by the characters, as well as their love story and personal journey and presents an incredible set of factors such as the magnificent and grandly not average cast, but rather measured by the author's texture and words. is so well polished and centered with a unique setting and so richly dotted
Not starting easily with a beautiful, devastating entrance, which I believe is what Lindsay and David are like at the beginning, and coming back to life one after the other around them coming together properly as the choreography progresses. hitting hard and powerfully, engaging in writing that is devastatingly engaging, emotional, compressive in its details and perceptions representing love and its variations in their relationship, with incidents such as the commotion that surrounds each other, until arriving at the affection and way in which it is built.
I am so honored to be part of this review team and to have read with the privilege before. It was an honor and I wish for visibility, so that more readers can love this book, and for those who haven't started yet I say: just prepare yourself to dive into a level of sensations and vibrations that gravitate around every impulse of this story and this relationship. I love them so much, I already feel disconnected without being connected to that artistic world so detailed and deep written by the author, and it makes me want to dance ballet! and I want a romantic dance partner to fall in love with!
and everyone did not disappoint when they arrived here and let themselves emerge through this book that will be in the corner and will give you another look at dance performances and the universe that revolves around them, in addition to everything covered with so much tact in this book! a great read!
Not starting easily with a beautiful, devastating entrance, which I believe is what Lindsay and David are like at the beginning, and coming back to life one after the other around them coming together properly as the choreography progresses. hitting hard and powerfully, engaging in writing that is devastatingly engaging, emotional, compressive in its details and perceptions representing love and its variations in their relationship, with incidents such as the commotion that surrounds each other, until arriving at the affection and way in which it is built.
I am so honored to be part of this review team and to have read with the privilege before. It was an honor and I wish for visibility, so that more readers can love this book, and for those who haven't started yet I say: just prepare yourself to dive into a level of sensations and vibrations that gravitate around every impulse of this story and this relationship. I love them so much, I already feel disconnected without being connected to that artistic world so detailed and deep written by the author, and it makes me want to dance ballet! and I want a romantic dance partner to fall in love with!
and everyone did not disappoint when they arrived here and let themselves emerge through this book that will be in the corner and will give you another look at dance performances and the universe that revolves around them, in addition to everything covered with so much tact in this book! a great read!
August 23, 2024
An absolutely enthralling romance. 5*
I would have given this novel at least 10*. Unusually, it transports the reader into the world of ballet. An art form that is the culmination of wonderful music, a classic story, a professional orchestra, a winning choreography and ballet dancers who spent the better part of 15 years of their lives, with daily practice sessions, and rehearsals without even mentioning the injuries, physio and the terrible pain that point shoes can inflict. I did ballet as a child for 5 years and decades later I can still remember the smell of the dedicated ballet studio. The novel brings a unique insight into a world that most of us only see from the outside, dressed to the T, witnessing the result of the incredible effort by many people. Ballet dancers may bring to life the story and drama of characters but they are people with lives, problems and feelings too. Lindsay and David have a history that both would rather forget but are thrown together and requested to pull out all the stops for a performance, persuading the audience of their undying love and passion for each other. Not easy when Lindsay is trying to cope with her trauma of rejection 3 years ago and is still reeling from the humiliation. Their way back to a truce/friendship is achieved through dealing with a lot of insecurity, slow-burn soliloquies, magnetic attraction and finally forgiveness. Their final performance of Romeo and Juliet reflected their undeniable deep love for each other leading to their own HEA and saving the future of their ballet theatre in the process. The story is enhanced by well-described characters, scene-appropriate dialogue and good use of language and vocabulary. I would more than happily recommend this emotional, informative and uniquely, enchanting romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would have given this novel at least 10*. Unusually, it transports the reader into the world of ballet. An art form that is the culmination of wonderful music, a classic story, a professional orchestra, a winning choreography and ballet dancers who spent the better part of 15 years of their lives, with daily practice sessions, and rehearsals without even mentioning the injuries, physio and the terrible pain that point shoes can inflict. I did ballet as a child for 5 years and decades later I can still remember the smell of the dedicated ballet studio. The novel brings a unique insight into a world that most of us only see from the outside, dressed to the T, witnessing the result of the incredible effort by many people. Ballet dancers may bring to life the story and drama of characters but they are people with lives, problems and feelings too. Lindsay and David have a history that both would rather forget but are thrown together and requested to pull out all the stops for a performance, persuading the audience of their undying love and passion for each other. Not easy when Lindsay is trying to cope with her trauma of rejection 3 years ago and is still reeling from the humiliation. Their way back to a truce/friendship is achieved through dealing with a lot of insecurity, slow-burn soliloquies, magnetic attraction and finally forgiveness. Their final performance of Romeo and Juliet reflected their undeniable deep love for each other leading to their own HEA and saving the future of their ballet theatre in the process. The story is enhanced by well-described characters, scene-appropriate dialogue and good use of language and vocabulary. I would more than happily recommend this emotional, informative and uniquely, enchanting romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2024
I looooved
The Gala Contract: An Aster Mountain Lodge Novel
, so when I saw this book pop up in my BookSirens feed, I had to grab it!
Kiss Me Thrice starts off a little slow, with a lot of exposition and long paragraphs, so it took me a while to get into it. There are a lot of passages throughout where there is some heavy description — describing the dances, for example. I found it hard to picture the moves, and I'm not familiar with the dances or ballet terminology (or even French!), so I had a hard time imagining what was going on. I had to pause to watch some videos on YouTube, which was very helpful. After that, I could see that the descriptions were very well done and very accurate. I think they were necessary to explain what's going on, but they really do slow down the story.
Aside from this, once the story got going, I was invested! Lindsay's OCD and David's family trauma really helped develop the characters and explained why they acted or reacted the way they did throughout the narrative, making them feel real and relatable.
Most of the loose threads are tied up at the end, but I was a little bothered that Bailey and Shawn's were left hanging. I assume that's because their story will be next in the series, but I felt like there should have been a mention of them after the resolution, maybe in the epilogue, just to make it feel like they weren't forgotten.
Overall, I liked The Gala Contract more (the humor in that book was top notch... I will never forget the scene where the FMC gets food poisoning!) and thought this could have used more of that humor, but I still very much enjoyed it. It was a quick, entertaining read, and I will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kiss Me Thrice starts off a little slow, with a lot of exposition and long paragraphs, so it took me a while to get into it. There are a lot of passages throughout where there is some heavy description — describing the dances, for example. I found it hard to picture the moves, and I'm not familiar with the dances or ballet terminology (or even French!), so I had a hard time imagining what was going on. I had to pause to watch some videos on YouTube, which was very helpful. After that, I could see that the descriptions were very well done and very accurate. I think they were necessary to explain what's going on, but they really do slow down the story.
Aside from this, once the story got going, I was invested! Lindsay's OCD and David's family trauma really helped develop the characters and explained why they acted or reacted the way they did throughout the narrative, making them feel real and relatable.
Most of the loose threads are tied up at the end, but I was a little bothered that Bailey and Shawn's were left hanging. I assume that's because their story will be next in the series, but I felt like there should have been a mention of them after the resolution, maybe in the epilogue, just to make it feel like they weren't forgotten.
Overall, I liked The Gala Contract more (the humor in that book was top notch... I will never forget the scene where the FMC gets food poisoning!) and thought this could have used more of that humor, but I still very much enjoyed it. It was a quick, entertaining read, and I will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2024
Ballet and kissing rehearsals
“I have to dance this ballet like I love David. It’s so simple—all I have to do is be honest—yet it might be the hardest thing anyone’s ever asked me to do.” - Lindsay Ferg
I adored this book! Kiss me Thrice is the sort of book that you’ll continue to think about long after you finish it. I fell in love with David right from the start, and the way he describes Lindsay, even before he falls in love with her, made me adore him even more. The writing was beautiful and seamless, and the characters were complex and well-fleshed out. As the story unfolds, you realise Lindsay is a seriously unreliable narrator when it comes to David. And you can’t really blame her—she’s remembering a moment through the eyes of her broken-hearted thirteen-year-old self. Getting to know David and his thoughts from his own pov was one of the most satisfying aspects of the novel and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I can’t not talk about the side characters who were fantastic, especially Madame Moreau. But Greer’s pep talk towards the end, “Pull your head out of your ass and go get her back,” was one of the best! Thank goodness for Greer’s good sense! Lastly, I loved that bit about the pizza rat thrown in at the end—I had no idea! 😅
This is an emotional, spicy, well-written contemporary romance that should be on everyone’s TBR.
Loved it, highly recommend!
“I have to dance this ballet like I love David. It’s so simple—all I have to do is be honest—yet it might be the hardest thing anyone’s ever asked me to do.” - Lindsay Ferg
I adored this book! Kiss me Thrice is the sort of book that you’ll continue to think about long after you finish it. I fell in love with David right from the start, and the way he describes Lindsay, even before he falls in love with her, made me adore him even more. The writing was beautiful and seamless, and the characters were complex and well-fleshed out. As the story unfolds, you realise Lindsay is a seriously unreliable narrator when it comes to David. And you can’t really blame her—she’s remembering a moment through the eyes of her broken-hearted thirteen-year-old self. Getting to know David and his thoughts from his own pov was one of the most satisfying aspects of the novel and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I can’t not talk about the side characters who were fantastic, especially Madame Moreau. But Greer’s pep talk towards the end, “Pull your head out of your ass and go get her back,” was one of the best! Thank goodness for Greer’s good sense! Lastly, I loved that bit about the pizza rat thrown in at the end—I had no idea! 😅
This is an emotional, spicy, well-written contemporary romance that should be on everyone’s TBR.
Loved it, highly recommend!
October 17, 2025
So good. Just so good. I'm a big big fan of the author and this series, now that I've read both books. It's an emotional tornado with lots of untold feelings, unresolved situations, secrets that come to haunt - couched in a slow burn mutual attraction storyline, between 2 principle lead ballet dancers.
(A) Can be read as standalone but better as a series. Both books are based on a set of twins (Lindsay and Bailey) and their respective partners (David and Shawn). Through the course of each book, there are parts where you get to see the same interaction, from the perspectives of different characters, almost like a literary kaleidoscope.
(B) OCD rep - this is pretty central to Lindsay's character and a big part of her journey. I will admit that I was schooled on the intricacies of OCD and I'm always grateful when I can learn something these books
(C) The emotional build up between David and Lindsay. Ohmigawd. It's like this wave that builds to a tsunami and Ellie Mack is a queen at kindling that burn. They are really magnetic to read and I enjoyed them so much.
Overall, highly HIGHLY highly recommend. One of my fav series this year.
(A) Can be read as standalone but better as a series. Both books are based on a set of twins (Lindsay and Bailey) and their respective partners (David and Shawn). Through the course of each book, there are parts where you get to see the same interaction, from the perspectives of different characters, almost like a literary kaleidoscope.
(B) OCD rep - this is pretty central to Lindsay's character and a big part of her journey. I will admit that I was schooled on the intricacies of OCD and I'm always grateful when I can learn something these books
(C) The emotional build up between David and Lindsay. Ohmigawd. It's like this wave that builds to a tsunami and Ellie Mack is a queen at kindling that burn. They are really magnetic to read and I enjoyed them so much.
Overall, highly HIGHLY highly recommend. One of my fav series this year.
June 16, 2024
Lindsay's dream of becoming a principal for the New York Ballett Theater is finally within her reach, when things start to go horribly wrong. Shawn, who's supposed to dance the Romeo to her Juliet has an accident and can't dance for the whole summer. When her childhood crush, David Powers, is roped back in after his sabbatical to stand in for Shawn, things start to get really awkward for both of them.
This is a gorgeous story, which broke my heart multiple times and put it back together at the end. I wanted to crawl into the book and hug Lindsay so badly. David is top tier book boyfriend matierial, a caring cinnamon roll with a 🔥 mouth, which is the best combination ever (if you ask me) 🫠. Their story entwines beautifully with their lives as dancers and their love for ballett in general. I especially loved how Lindsay discovered that she is allowed to have more in her life than the three d's and that she finally allows herself to live. The side characters were amazing, Greer's pep talk had me laughing so hard!! And I'm looking forward to more stories from the NYBT ☺️
This is a gorgeous story, which broke my heart multiple times and put it back together at the end. I wanted to crawl into the book and hug Lindsay so badly. David is top tier book boyfriend matierial, a caring cinnamon roll with a 🔥 mouth, which is the best combination ever (if you ask me) 🫠. Their story entwines beautifully with their lives as dancers and their love for ballett in general. I especially loved how Lindsay discovered that she is allowed to have more in her life than the three d's and that she finally allows herself to live. The side characters were amazing, Greer's pep talk had me laughing so hard!! And I'm looking forward to more stories from the NYBT ☺️
June 29, 2024
🩰 !! arc review !! 🩰
4,5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
releases july 10!
first of all, thank you so much Ellie Mack for the arc,
i‘m very greatful to support you and your release for your new book! 🫶🏼
you wrote a beautiful, inspiring and very emotional and spicy story.
it was really interesting and i always love reading about ballet, mostly because i danced myself for about 8 years.
what i also really enjoyed was the history between the characters, and how it affected their relationship and their performances.
for me it felt like the end was bit dragged out, and it took me a bit to read the last few chapters, but that is just my opinion. doesn’t have to be like this for everyone!
i really liked the characters, some of them were a bit annoying but i‘m not saying who.
what i really liked where the relationship between some characters, they were really beautifully written.
overall the story and the characters were very beautiful and lovely to read.
david powers was so sweet and hot, might i say a bit obsessed with lindsay 🤭
i loved reading in his pov and how he was written.
a new book man for me to obsess over 🫣
but for real he was so sweet to her in every kind of way.
oh and you could feel, when you read his pov how obsessed he is with her and i just love love LOVED it.
how he notices the little things about her and how he never judged her 😭🫶🏼
my sweet dear lindsay ferg.
i love her, and her were hitting a bit to real sometimes.
the ocd rep was so interesting to read about, because i never read about it before.
i think she will be a character that i‘m going to think about for a long time.
her personality was really interesting, i don’t have the exact words to describe, because she has a bit of everything.
this book is definitely worth a read!
it releases july 10!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4,5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
releases july 10!
first of all, thank you so much Ellie Mack for the arc,
i‘m very greatful to support you and your release for your new book! 🫶🏼
you wrote a beautiful, inspiring and very emotional and spicy story.
it was really interesting and i always love reading about ballet, mostly because i danced myself for about 8 years.
what i also really enjoyed was the history between the characters, and how it affected their relationship and their performances.
for me it felt like the end was bit dragged out, and it took me a bit to read the last few chapters, but that is just my opinion. doesn’t have to be like this for everyone!
i really liked the characters, some of them were a bit annoying but i‘m not saying who.
what i really liked where the relationship between some characters, they were really beautifully written.
overall the story and the characters were very beautiful and lovely to read.
david powers was so sweet and hot, might i say a bit obsessed with lindsay 🤭
i loved reading in his pov and how he was written.
a new book man for me to obsess over 🫣
but for real he was so sweet to her in every kind of way.
oh and you could feel, when you read his pov how obsessed he is with her and i just love love LOVED it.
how he notices the little things about her and how he never judged her 😭🫶🏼
my sweet dear lindsay ferg.
i love her, and her were hitting a bit to real sometimes.
the ocd rep was so interesting to read about, because i never read about it before.
i think she will be a character that i‘m going to think about for a long time.
her personality was really interesting, i don’t have the exact words to describe, because she has a bit of everything.
this book is definitely worth a read!
it releases july 10!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2024
Lindsay’s life is ballet and she is still not over her crush on David when she was 13 and he was 17. She told him how she felt about him, and he embarrassed her while turning her away. Now she is an accomplished dancer just waiting to be promoted in the New York Ballet Theater. He has kept up with her dancing and his friend, Sherman, asks him to dance Romeo and Juliet with her. The ballet company needs a success story and funding, so David agrees to be her partner. He is also busy with visiting his mentor in a nursing home and running her dance studio. Neither wants to dance together but they have no choice. There is a lot of chemistry between David and Lindsey. David has secrets and Lindsey has a life of mistakes that keep turning over in her mind making her doubt herself. Lindsey lives by a simple rule, no dating, no distractions, just dance. I really liked this story. Insights into the grueling schedule for ballet dancers were interesting. There were also good insights into OCD and anxiety disorders plagued by Lindsey. Great book.
June 29, 2024
David and Lindsay are ballet dancers, and are partnered together in the ballet show as Romeo and Juliet. The issue: when Lindsay was thirteen, she had professed her love to a then 17 year old David, with embarrassing consequences. Fast forward a fair few years later, and they have to dance together, but only that, they have to sell that they are in fact, star crossed lovers.
David is absolutely beautiful and I cannot get him out of my head. He has a cat called Turnip and I’m all here for that. Lindsay struggles with OCD, and I felt like Ellie had written this mental health condition really well, and it just made me want to give Lindsay a big hug. I learnt lots about ballet and terminology and I’m just obsessed.
I loved their relationship and how much they clearly adored each other, and their sexy times were 🥵🤤
I cannot tell you how no much you need some Romeo and Juliet Ballet in your lives.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
July 2, 2024
Romantic Tale Set in Competitive Ballet Company Dancer's World
This was a well-written story with wonderful characters and I often felt like I was in the rehearsal studio with the dancers myself. I could understand Lindsay's OCD and admired her for seeking treatment, as well as David's devotion to Olga. However, I did wonder where her parents were during her teen years to support both her and her twin sister Bailey, and it really bothered me that she could not forgive David (or herself) for teenaged behavior that happened years ago. If she was ready and "adult" enough to take on a premier role in a ballet company she needed to "grow up" and get over herself. As with many books, there was tension due to the lack of communication between the main characters, but there was plenty of chemistry. I am curious to see if Shawn and Bailey will get their story next?
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a well-written story with wonderful characters and I often felt like I was in the rehearsal studio with the dancers myself. I could understand Lindsay's OCD and admired her for seeking treatment, as well as David's devotion to Olga. However, I did wonder where her parents were during her teen years to support both her and her twin sister Bailey, and it really bothered me that she could not forgive David (or herself) for teenaged behavior that happened years ago. If she was ready and "adult" enough to take on a premier role in a ballet company she needed to "grow up" and get over herself. As with many books, there was tension due to the lack of communication between the main characters, but there was plenty of chemistry. I am curious to see if Shawn and Bailey will get their story next?
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 14, 2024
What an amazing book this is - I absolutely loved it! Within a few chapters, I was scurrying off to search for the scenes from Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet, the ballet in the book, which soon led to me finding a real-life couple of professional dancers (Mayara Magri and Matthew Ball) dancing the pas de deux described in the book... Got to love a book that keeps me thinking and daydreaming even when I'm not reading!
I should add that I don't really know much about ballet - or at least, I didn't before I read this book - but it doesn't matter. It's all described so vividly. The characters each have their issues to work through, and it's great to see how they help each other. The story is thought-provoking as well as thoroughly romantic. I was rooting for Lindsay and David to work things out, as they're perfect together. Loved this book!
I should add that I don't really know much about ballet - or at least, I didn't before I read this book - but it doesn't matter. It's all described so vividly. The characters each have their issues to work through, and it's great to see how they help each other. The story is thought-provoking as well as thoroughly romantic. I was rooting for Lindsay and David to work things out, as they're perfect together. Loved this book!
June 24, 2024
Lindsay is an anxious, OCD ballerina that is working her butt off to become the amazing ballerina that everyone knows she can be. David is a slightly older ballerina,coming back after a sabbatical, to fill in for Lindsay’s bestie Shawn (love him as well!) for her big debut role in Romeo and Juliet. What isn’t known to the director when he pairs them up is the somewhat tangled past that these two share. They agree to put their differences aside for the sake of the show but then the chemistry starts to hit…hard 😉which makes the show even more amazing! I’m be down for some “kissing rehearsals” with David anytime! 🌶️ Can they manage to move on though and find their happily ever after? Read to find out!
Would love to see a second book with Bailey (Lindsay’s twin) and Shawn!
Would love to see a second book with Bailey (Lindsay’s twin) and Shawn!
July 1, 2024
I had a great time with this story and would classify it as once of the best romances I've read this year. The tension, unfolding storyline, and trust built between David and Lindsay is done well and kept me hooked until the last page. The NYC ballet setting is dreamy. That cover??? Perfection!
The OCD representation was done accurately and didn't become the sole focus of the story, and David being the ultimate respectful, soft-hearted, enchanted love interest sold me!
If you are like me and only pick up a couple of dedicated romance books every year, make Kiss Me Thrice one of them.
*Thanks to the author and BookSirens for an advanced reader copy of this book. As always, my reviews and opinions are my own.*
The OCD representation was done accurately and didn't become the sole focus of the story, and David being the ultimate respectful, soft-hearted, enchanted love interest sold me!
If you are like me and only pick up a couple of dedicated romance books every year, make Kiss Me Thrice one of them.
*Thanks to the author and BookSirens for an advanced reader copy of this book. As always, my reviews and opinions are my own.*
July 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this reading. It is a light read, although at first it was a little difficult for me to understand what was specific to ballet.
I liked the author's way of showing the characters, since you could feel yourself inside the story. You can read what they felt while they were talking or thinking.
I loved that the MMC has a tender love for her, he notices her rituals but doesn't judge her, he does his best to understand her and not add stress to her life. We all deserve a David.
Another point that I loved was the support of their friends - sincere and understanding, both for Lindsay and for David.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. (Booksirens)
I really enjoyed this reading. It is a light read, although at first it was a little difficult for me to understand what was specific to ballet.
I liked the author's way of showing the characters, since you could feel yourself inside the story. You can read what they felt while they were talking or thinking.
I loved that the MMC has a tender love for her, he notices her rituals but doesn't judge her, he does his best to understand her and not add stress to her life. We all deserve a David.
Another point that I loved was the support of their friends - sincere and understanding, both for Lindsay and for David.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. (Booksirens)
July 7, 2024
I loved everything about this ARC! It literally made me laugh out loud multiple times, while also making you feel deeper emotions. Lindsay's mental health journey was so brilliantly written, and her second guessing things and focusing on negatives was one of the most relatable things I've read. The way ballet was woven throughout the story was beautifully done and really added to everything that was happening in the story. Above all, it's a love story, one that felt authentic and layered. I also always appreciate an epilogue and am now wondering why more books don't come with a playlist! Definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
I was immediately interested in the premise of this book (a ballet romance? Yes, please) and it did not disappoint. It took me a bit to get into it because I found Lindsay's attitude about something that happened 9 years ago when she was 13 years old to be bizarre and immature. Once she and David were able to connect though, I really liked the way their relationship developed. I liked them both as characters individually, and as a couple. The ending felt a bit drawn out but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I will be checking out her other novels as soon as I can get my hands on them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was immediately interested in the premise of this book (a ballet romance? Yes, please) and it did not disappoint. It took me a bit to get into it because I found Lindsay's attitude about something that happened 9 years ago when she was 13 years old to be bizarre and immature. Once she and David were able to connect though, I really liked the way their relationship developed. I liked them both as characters individually, and as a couple. The ending felt a bit drawn out but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I will be checking out her other novels as soon as I can get my hands on them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2025
I know nothing about ballet. I am a certified hater and lately I'm getting a bit bored with contemporary romance. It is a testament to Ellie's skill and talent that I found myself itching to pick the book back up once I started and didn't find anything about it cringey, I think she walked a line that others often step right over. Loved all of the characters, the OCD rep, etc etc. I'm neutral bordering on uninterested in dance but I found the scenes compelling, as well as legible enough for my uninformed imagination. The ~spice~ was well written and necessary to the plot, rather than thrown in at intervals to appease a tiktok audience. I think this gave me what I wanted and didn't quite get from Not Another Love Song.
June 16, 2024
I have been reading quite a few romance books this summer and wanted to switch things up a little bit, so I thought this ballet romance would be perfect as I haven’t read a dance book yet! I enjoyed the main characters, although I feel like there could have been a little more background information on the characters!! I feel like I don’t know a lot about them that is not ballet related.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the banter between Lindsay and David! I also liked the mental health aspect of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy to read romance 😊
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the banter between Lindsay and David! I also liked the mental health aspect of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy to read romance 😊
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2024
David and Lindsey had a moment years ago, a stolen kiss that ended badly. now years later they are in the same ballet company, and Lindsey's partner gets injured. David gets asked to step in for the summer season and dance Romeo and Juliet with Lindsey.
sparks fly, strangers become friends with benefits with “kissing rehearsals” and passion comes across the stage.
I loved this novel by Ellie Mack and I didn't want to put it down. She wrote ballet really well, like she knows it like the back of her hand. and the mental health representation was done perfectly. you could feel Lindsey's anxiety bounce off the pages.
all in all a solid entertaining novel.
sparks fly, strangers become friends with benefits with “kissing rehearsals” and passion comes across the stage.
I loved this novel by Ellie Mack and I didn't want to put it down. She wrote ballet really well, like she knows it like the back of her hand. and the mental health representation was done perfectly. you could feel Lindsey's anxiety bounce off the pages.
all in all a solid entertaining novel.
July 4, 2024
GAH! So much angst! Right away, I knew this book was going to get me. I felt so many emotions. While some of what Lindsay was feeling was a little immature, she does get a bit of a pass, as she was early 20s. I loved that Lindsay knew what she wanted to do from such a young age and that she gave it her all, for her whole life. I was saddened that she gave up so much of her being to become what her dream was and what she thought everyone expected of her.
I will recommend this book to others who like a good romance. There was some steam, but it wasn't over the top. I look forward to additional books in this series.
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.
I will recommend this book to others who like a good romance. There was some steam, but it wasn't over the top. I look forward to additional books in this series.
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.
July 25, 2024
Back in January this year, I read the Aster Mountain Lodge series, by this author and absolutely loved all 3 books!
So when I spotted this new series, I couldn't wait to dive in.
This is the first book in The New York Ballet Theatre Pas De Deux series. Phew ...that was a long one!
The NYBT is struggling financially and they need this next show to really sell well to keep them afloat, but when Lindsay's current partner gets an injury, David, their male star, has to put his personal troubles aside and get dancing.
Already with a history and in the throes of the passion of the performance, sparks fly between the pair and as things develop and complicate, the success of the show is threatened.
When I was younger, I loved to go the theatre and watch a ballet. I've never seen Romeo and Juliet, but knowing the passion in other performances and the story of R&J, it's easy to see how the lines could become blurred between performance and real life.
This was a brilliant storyline because it really felt so realistic.
I've always wondered how dancers can put so much passion in their performances and not have that run over into their own lives and here we see this situation develop.
It took me quite a while to get fully into this book as there is a lot of scene setting and dance terminology. I'm not a dancer by any means, but I just about kept up and could imagine some of the moves that were being described.
This would be amazing for anyone learning or who used to dance maybe?
The writing style was quite detailed and lengthy but once we got beyond this setting up, the storyline flowed much better.
I quite liked the characters who were believable and relatable. The inclusion of their own personal issues and struggles helped to make them more human rather than us just seeing them as the performer.
We also meet some of the other company members, who I'm assuming we'll meet more in the rest of the series.
Overall, a great read with an interesting setting that I've not read too much of for a while.
I'm sure that I'll be picking up the next book in the series too.
So when I spotted this new series, I couldn't wait to dive in.
This is the first book in The New York Ballet Theatre Pas De Deux series. Phew ...that was a long one!
The NYBT is struggling financially and they need this next show to really sell well to keep them afloat, but when Lindsay's current partner gets an injury, David, their male star, has to put his personal troubles aside and get dancing.
Already with a history and in the throes of the passion of the performance, sparks fly between the pair and as things develop and complicate, the success of the show is threatened.
When I was younger, I loved to go the theatre and watch a ballet. I've never seen Romeo and Juliet, but knowing the passion in other performances and the story of R&J, it's easy to see how the lines could become blurred between performance and real life.
This was a brilliant storyline because it really felt so realistic.
I've always wondered how dancers can put so much passion in their performances and not have that run over into their own lives and here we see this situation develop.
It took me quite a while to get fully into this book as there is a lot of scene setting and dance terminology. I'm not a dancer by any means, but I just about kept up and could imagine some of the moves that were being described.
This would be amazing for anyone learning or who used to dance maybe?
The writing style was quite detailed and lengthy but once we got beyond this setting up, the storyline flowed much better.
I quite liked the characters who were believable and relatable. The inclusion of their own personal issues and struggles helped to make them more human rather than us just seeing them as the performer.
We also meet some of the other company members, who I'm assuming we'll meet more in the rest of the series.
Overall, a great read with an interesting setting that I've not read too much of for a while.
I'm sure that I'll be picking up the next book in the series too.
July 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this book so much. It’s something I’ve not seen much of… a dance romance!
I loved the characters and rooted for them all the way through even had a cry at times. I loved seeing the growth of Lindsay, her OCD was so well written and honestly helped me understand that there are many levels to the condition. David is an amazing man and honestly he’s my new fictional love.
Ellie really excelled with this one and the details of the ballet really added to the story. I like when a romance has an actual plot and some 🌶️ spice too!
I’m just gutted it’s over
Thank you to book sirens and Ellie Mack for the opportunity to review
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this book so much. It’s something I’ve not seen much of… a dance romance!
I loved the characters and rooted for them all the way through even had a cry at times. I loved seeing the growth of Lindsay, her OCD was so well written and honestly helped me understand that there are many levels to the condition. David is an amazing man and honestly he’s my new fictional love.
Ellie really excelled with this one and the details of the ballet really added to the story. I like when a romance has an actual plot and some 🌶️ spice too!
I’m just gutted it’s over
Thank you to book sirens and Ellie Mack for the opportunity to review
July 17, 2024
The magic of ballet, the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the romance of CenterStage, mix it all up and you've got Kiss Me Thrice. David is a total simp and Lindsay has totally NOT been nursing a crush for years. Ellie Mack does a beautiful job with OCD representation and no magic love cure-all. The book also explores other real-life topics like a loved one with dementia with grace, humor, and love. Real, flawed, messy characters in the best way are Ellie's forte. If you haven't checked her out, this is time.
July 29, 2024
The first half of this book, I was sure I was gonna give it 5 stars. Truly. The emotional depth and the representation of OCD was so intentional and thought out and incredible. I loved it so much. The second half really let me down. It just fell and felt flat and I don’t know how else to put it. So much build up for nothing really. The third act breakup (which is one of my fave tropes) was over nothing. It just made no sense and all of the angst was lost.
I still think about this book a lot a month later and miss these characters but I’m stung over the ending.
I still think about this book a lot a month later and miss these characters but I’m stung over the ending.
June 11, 2024
A story that is set in a world a point shoes and beautiful repetto gowns, that I have grown up in and understand very well. A nicely set story with a good amount of character building on the female lead, though could have been a bit deeper for the male lead to add a bit more on his past.
A couple of grammatical errors in the first few pages, but could have been typos.
Overall a great read that I have devored over two days 👀 (oops)L
A couple of grammatical errors in the first few pages, but could have been typos.
Overall a great read that I have devored over two days 👀 (oops)L
July 16, 2024
4.25/5 stars
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Dancer MCs
Colleagues/ Dance together
Secret relationship
Intimacy "rehearsals"
Forced proximity
He falls first
OCD rep
Dual POV
This one was a bit hard for me to get into in the beginning because I really didn't like Lindsay. She sounded very immature and annoying in the start, and I couldn't understand why she was having such a hard time getting over the past. Then it clicked. I am glad I kept at it because by the end of the book, I was more understanding and sympathized with her struggles. I really liked David from the start and was just loving him by the end. I was really happy how everything came together and that Lindsay was able to grow.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the journey the MCs went through to get their HEA. I highly recommend this book for fans of office romance, forced proximity, and second chance romance.
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Dancer MCs
Colleagues/ Dance together
Secret relationship
Intimacy "rehearsals"
Forced proximity
He falls first
OCD rep
Dual POV
This one was a bit hard for me to get into in the beginning because I really didn't like Lindsay. She sounded very immature and annoying in the start, and I couldn't understand why she was having such a hard time getting over the past. Then it clicked. I am glad I kept at it because by the end of the book, I was more understanding and sympathized with her struggles. I really liked David from the start and was just loving him by the end. I was really happy how everything came together and that Lindsay was able to grow.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the journey the MCs went through to get their HEA. I highly recommend this book for fans of office romance, forced proximity, and second chance romance.
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
July 13, 2024
Had I read a dance-themed romance before this book? Nope. Would I again? Abso-freaking-lutely! The intimacy of the dance moves added an unexpected extra layer of heat and tension to the story, and it was an interesting play on the forced proximity trope. The quick, witty banter between the characters was so much fun, and I love how they both helped each other heal and open up in their own ways. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Ellie Mack and look forward to whatever’s next!
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