Easy Rumba

Boudreaux Universe

by Anna Edwards

Elise Landry is friends with Gabrielle Boudreaux, they bonded over their single parent status. She’s a divorced actress forced out of Hollywood when she split from her more famous husband. But when she’s given the chance to resurrect her career on a famous dance show, she does so on one proviso, she’s partnered with the man who she grew up with and hasn’t seen in fourteen years.

Leo Westwood is the professional dancer who’s known for his hips and the way he shakes them. He’s confident with women, but none of them hold a candle to the girl he’s dreamed of every day since he first met her all those years ago. When he’s partnered with her on a dance show, he can’t quite believe it. Could this be his second chance at happiness or is Elise too broken?

When secrets from both their pasts threaten to tear them apart, Elise and Leo look certain to lose their chance of a happily ever after, or does family legend hold the key to the painful truth neither of them will want to face?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2020

About the author

Nestled in the tranquil rural landscape near London, I'm a British author whose journey from the world of accounting to the realm of writing has been nothing short of transformative. While I occasionally revisit my numbers-oriented past, my days are predominantly filled with the harmonious dance between crafting compelling narratives and tending to my cherished family—my husband, two children, and a lively household of four cats and one dog
.
In those rare leisure moments, you'll find me lost in the enchanting world of poetry, delighting in the creation (and indulgence) of decadent cakes or fervently capturing moments through the lens of my camera.

Writing emerged as my beacon of hope in navigating the labyrinth of depression and anxiety. My insatiable love for literature and the boundless horizon of travel infuses my tales with the rich tapestry of my adventures. I strive to breathe life into my stories with an air of authenticity that resonates with readers.

Within the pages of my books, you'll encounter heroes exuding charisma and rugged allure, heroines embodying both grace and tenacity, all enveloped in the cloak of dramatic suspense.


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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now ... this story started with a BANG and ended on the same note! Excellent storyline that captivated me and glued me to my kindle from start to finish. Never let your guard down with this story, because the minute you do ... 4.5 spectacular stars!

Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
Amazon CA | Amazon AU

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart wrenching beautiful story 😥
A whole new side to Edwards writing
This deals with the emotional aspects of spousal abuse
The escape - The humiliation - The rebuild
The second chance to shine
Edwards did a formidable job of bringing Elise's pain to life
Of bringing me, the reader, wholly into the story.
I could feel her silent shame
Her need to justify what she believed others saw as a weakness
To right the past
I was a wreck from the beginning to the end.

Elise is fighting so hard to regain her self confidence.
To find the woman she once was.
For her daughter
For herself
Leo was such a formidable presence.
A light in her moment of need.
He didn't understand in the beginning but once he did
He was her rock
Her support
Her hope
Simon may your new roommate show you the same loving devotion you showered upon your family

This is one that will have you hugging your pillow
Attempting to peek at the coming pages (don't you dare!)
Crying those silent tears that incite little hiccups
Hoping
Believing

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

With that gorgeous cover holding my attention I just had to read what was inside and I was not disappointed. Easy Rumba was a beautiful second chance story full of sexy dancing, love and healing, but laced with a suspenseful darker side. I really enjoyed this!

Elise has sacrificed a lot to escape the clutches of her viscious ex husband and keep her beloved daughter with her. Although physically healed, she's broken inside but sees an opportunity where she might be able to regain her confidence and live again. Leo is a professional dancer and has been all over the world, but has never forgotten his first and only love from his youth. When he sees Elise is a contestant in the tv dance show he has just joined, he knows he will never let her go again, if he can just gain her trust, break down her defences and help her heal.

There are sweet and emotional parts to this story, full of love and healing. Leo is a wonderfully sexy man, but there is angst, secrets and dark suspense too as Elise's ex makes a sinister reappearance in her life. My heart broke for what she had to deal with, in fact what they both had to. Elise is stronger than she believes though.

I love the darker side of Anna Edward's imagination and this book had the perfect balance of darkness and light that kept me turning the pages.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Leo and Elise’s story. Elise is divorced and broken by her nasty ex hubby, and when she gets a chance to enter a dance competition, she grabs it. Leo is a professional dancer and he grew up with Elise, but they have not seen each other for years, so when he meets her again, he is determined to get a 2nd chance. This is a well written story which is fast paced, and with secrets, angst, emotional, and intense. I was hooked throughout and recommend for all. The only downside is that this story felt a tad rushed in parts, but I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was pure magic. Elise and Leo's second chance romance seriously clicked with me. Complex, easy to care about characters, a gripping story line, combustible chemistry and intense, raw emotions make for a book that captures your attention and steals your heart. Elise is a character that many readers will be able to really relate to and Leo was the kind of boo boyfriend the sweetest dreams are made of. A well crafted blend of drama, tension, angst, turmoil, heat and heart flows over every page to deliver a not to be missed read. Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional intense broken gripping heart stopping second chance love story of Leo and Elise pulled my heart strings all the feels ready for more

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got a glimpse of Leo and Elise's story in Easy Prom and I was excited to get to read this. Their story is filled with angst, passion, love and I was on edge the whole time. I loved seeing their support of each other, especially Leo towards Elise. Being apart for so long shows them what's really important when they get their second chance.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this story since the prequel in an anthology a few months back.
The prologue definitely proves why. What a start!!
As the story/plot progresses the lighter/slower tone in what is actually a fast paced read, feels like the author is lulling readers into a false sense of security. Especially when I've been told what a dark writer Anna is.

You soon get to see glimpses of what might be coming and it's definitely not good news for Elise.
Leo and his years away from Elise are still a mystery while these glimpses happen so it has you wondering what the author has cooked up.

Reading this book reminded me of the saying about the calm before the storm or even an eye of the storm as just when you think things were nipped in the bud...

While this book was good and mostly enjoyable, it felt slightly rushed. Won't stop me from trying more from this author in the future.

[Yvonne Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Strictly Come Dancing and a bit of drama/suspense you enjoy this story.

Elsie and Leo were great friends but drifted apart as they grew older. Brought back together again years later the chemistry between them grows. However, there is someone stopping Elsie moving on. He brings darkness over her.

This book is original and keeps you interested throughout. I hope we get to see more of this couple.

[Heather Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of second chances I loved every bit of this book it make me want to learn to dance !
Another great book by Anna Edwards

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I needed to read. Easy Rumba is an excellent read.

The story started off well.... and finished off even better. It was an easy going read with some great characters and some sexy dancing. Throw in a nasty ex husband and we get some angst as well. I was so rooting for the two main characters to get a happy ever after but with that nasty ex I didn’t know what to expect.

I felt I was glued from start to finish. I pretty much read this in one sitting as it was so so good.

[Wall to Wall Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Rumba - fabulous!

Leo Westwood and Elise Landry's story continues.

After losing touch fourteen years prior, Elise and Leo's worlds are brought together again for a dance competition. Things get intense and crazy when Elise's ex husband shows up to try to make her weak.
Leo is hoping to rekindle the romance and love they once had. He wants to be there for her but at the same time taking a step back to let Elise be the strong woman she used to be.
Can Elise stay strong and confident and fight him off? Will Leo step in and be her knight in shining armour? Or will the ex get his way?

Gripping, intense, emotional and amazing! Easy Rumba is a fantatsic read from Anna Edwards. 
I'd definitely love to read more about these two in the future. 

**Read the prequel, Easy Prom in A Little Bit Cupid: Collection of Short Stories, for a look at Elise and Leo fourteen years ago**

[Layla Rathbone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having suffered abuse at the hands of her husband for years, Oscar worthy actress Elise finds the strength to leave Hollywood and start her life over again somewhere new with her daughter. After agreeing to certain stipulations in their divorce, Elise goes back to Louisiana where she grew up.

When an opportunity arises for Elise to get back to work, she takes up the offer, and is extremely excited when she sees Leo, her childhood sweetheart, her first love.

Leo is now a hot shot dancer and when him and Elise are paired up for the dance show Elise is taking part in, sparks fly as the pair rekindle their high school romance.

Things aren’t easy for the pair though, and all manner of drama erupts, threatening to tear them apart. Can they survive this storm and dance off into the future together?

This story had a lot of potential, starting off with a bang I was instantly intrigued. My heart broke for Elise and everything she endured at the hand of her husband, but the happiness that radiates from her at reconnecting with Leo again warms your heart.

There were lots of things I enjoyed about this story, but for some reason I found it hard to connect to it fully. I found some of the language a little cheesy, cringing at a couple of Leo’s comments. There is a whole heap of drama throughout the book that makes your head spin and I found myself skimming through the intimate scenes too.

I’m giving this book 3 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan Freestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I love this story. It pulled at  my heart, I felt I could relate to a part of this story.

I have to say I really enjoyed this!
Every turn of the page pulled me in and made me not want to put it  down.

It's so well written and very different from any of Anna Edwards previous books.
It's not all about dancing it's got a very heartfelt story, which you will get pulled in by, I was rooting for Elise and Leo.

I definitely recommend this book and this Author.

[Susan (Sandra Loves Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I love this story. It pulled at  my heart. I have to say I really enjoyed this.

It's so well written and very different from any of Anna Edwards previous books.
It's not all about dancing it's got a very heartfelt story, which you will get pulled in by, I was rooting for Elise and Leo.

I definitely recommend this book and this Author.

[Laetitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elise Landry is an Oscar nominated actress who leaves her husband, also an actor after years of abuse. She packs her bags and moves to New Orleans with her daughter Izzy and they stay with Gabby at her inn and become fast friends. After a year of finding herself again, Elise is offered a spot on a dance competition show. Leo Westwood is a professional dancer who's won competitions all over the world and comes back home to New Orleans to participate in a dance competition show. On the day that the celebrities have to meet the professional dancers, Elise and Leo are shocked to see each other. Once upon a time long ago when Elise and Leo were young, they were in love and experienced all their firsts together. But after they graduated, they wet their separate ways and pursued different careers and now seeing each other again, old feelings resurface. Leo was a great guy who never stopped loving Elise and all he wanted was to start over again with her. All those years being abused, Elise's light has dimmed a bit and dancing with Leo makes her start to shine again. Izzy, Elise's daughter loved Leo and he was happy to be part of their lives. But Elise's ex husband came back to cause her trouble. I got very frustrated when Elise refused to tell the police about the abuse because of contracts and such. Leo was a very patient man when it came to the ex because that guy was crazy and what he did to Elise was just horrible. I loved the overall story and I loved seeing Gabby, Rhys and the kids but some parts were cheesy as hell. Elise was a strong woman who fought for her and her daughter's freedom and found love with Leo.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the television show Dancing With The Stars then this is a book for you with some added empowerment. Elise is a woman who was living a life with her husband Simon a well-known actor in Hollywood. However, when her star began to rise, Simon began to make demands on her and became abusive. After a contentious incident, Elise leaves with her daughter Izzy and ultimately divorces Simon with a specific contract as to what is and is not acceptable. Fast forward a year and Elise has returned to the small screen to partake in a dance show competition where she runs into her former childhood friend/love Leo. Leo is a Latin dance champion who is thrilled to be partnered with his former flame. As the weeks of the competition progress, Elise and Leo become closer. Will they rekindle what they once had? How will Simon react to the developing relationship between his ex-wife and her dancing partner? Ms. Edwards weaves a beautiful story like watching a fluid pair dancing across the floor following an intricate choreography that kick one’s heart. The passion for the dance and the love between Elise and Leo is felt throughout. Izzy is a breath of fresh air as she is a child wise beyond her years and like the adage says, out of the mouths of babes….This storyline also highlights the issue of domestic violence, and I would caution those who have certain triggers, and illustrates the resilience that Elise goes through to protect her daughter and save herself. I highly recommend this book. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good until it wasn’t

This book was really good compared to the last one I read in the Boudreaux Universe. Then at 75% I nearly DNF this thing. You know a twist will come from the ex. It’s just understood. But it should have at least made sense. No court is going to make an emergency decision on such flimsy subjective claims and without notifying opposing lawyers or parties.

Plus I lost my patience with victim Elise. She relies on this contract she signed. Towing every line. But when the other party clearly breaks their side (the custody stuff) then the contract is null. You don’t have to follow it anymore! She was too victim at that point because she just wants to keep her head in the sand.

And don’t get me started on the side drama of the parents. There was zero consideration given for Elise’s mother and anything she might have felt. I hate to be so disappointed in these additions to the Boudreaux Universe.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an author I never hesitate to pick and she never lets me down with an awesome story. I loved this steamy, romance story that is one of my favorites by her. This is a well written story that pulled me in from the beginning. I author's use of details gave the story a realistic feel as well as brought the story to life. I found this book to be a engaging story that has characters that are connectable. This is a fast paced story that I read in one sitting as it kept me turning pages to the end. This is Leo and Elise's story. What will happen when secrets from the past come to the present and threaten their chance for happily ever after? They are strong characters that truly made the story for me. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story as well as their chemistry. This is a must read story by and author that writes awesome stories you dont want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good second change hurt/comfort story. There are some intense moments, and Elise makes some choices that I would've found really difficult to make. I think that she was really strong though, even though her ex-ash-hole wanted to tell her differently and shove her down.

I like how protective Leo is over Elise, even if it has been a long time since they were together. He just wants to make sure that she is safe and loved. Of course, he'd like to be the one who helped her with that, which works. I mean, he does a lot of things to make sure that she's safe and happy, like flying to Spain with her.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so consumed with this book I found it very hard to put it down for any length of time. I kept on picked it up and wanting to finish. I loved Leo, Elise and Izzy so much. Although the book touched on the very delicate subject of domestic violence it was very well written and handled very well. I loved the dancing references and the description from the author made me feel that I was actually seeing Leo and Elise dance together. I enjoyed the book and the story line and getting to read about some wonderful characters. Another great book from Ms Edwards.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance

I liked this book that's based on a tv dance competition like Dancing with the Stars. Leo is the professional dancer and Elise is a movie star living in New Orleans. She agrees to do the show and finds out that she's paired with Leo who is her childhood friend and high school sweetheart. They haven't seen each other for fourteen years. The chemistry is still there. Her domineering, abusive ex-husband comes to stir up trouble. Can they overcome the problems and publicity?

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful intense second chance for Elise and Leo so much complex baggage with her crazy ex husband but these two have it all the passion, strengh, patience and I loved them as they fight for anything normal.
I loved the dancing and these two are hot together I also did not see that ending coming Elise is so brave and deserves to be happy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise and Leo get a second chance at romance while in a dance competition. He's a professional dancer and she's an actress trying to revive her career. I loved tagging along on this emotional story with well developed characters. This book has it all drama, heartache, turmoil, angst, secrets, passion and a page turning story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Story!

Anna Edwards is a new to me author and I am so very glad I found this story!! Leo & Elise are long lost lovers having now been reunited on a dancing show. They both bring baggage from their past. Will their love for each other now bring them closure? Read to find out!

[Susi Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Reading this book was a heartbreaking but beautiful time. No woman should have to go through what Elise went through. It took so much courage to stand up and fight for Izzy.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart broke for Elise but I’m glad she got her HEA with Leo. She definitely had issues because of her ex but I’m glad she had Leo in her corner. We all need that one person who helps makes us stronger and can be there for us when we need it.

[Lindsey Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely worth the read. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for Anna’s next book!

[Melanie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Elise’s journey from her struggle to be strong and survive. Her love for her daughter and to provide a safe happy life and finally the love for Leo her high school sweetheart

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another great one from Anna Edwards. This was an angsty, suspenseful story that also tugged at my heartstrings. The chemistry between Elise and Leo was intense and practically radiated from the pages. I couldn't put it down