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Pink Club
Years ago, Darla's dreams of becoming a professional dancer were dashed by a greedy dance teacher. Now, in her twenties with shattered dance dreams, Darla is struggling in life, acting as another mother to her own mother and working two jobs to make ends meet. She is exhausted and feels trapped by her circumstances, truly believing there is no way out.
One day, fate intervenes and Darlas' life takes an unexpected, exotic turn. Will she survive and thrive, or will fear cause her to crash and burn? This book's editing and formatting have been updated.
One day, fate intervenes and Darlas' life takes an unexpected, exotic turn. Will she survive and thrive, or will fear cause her to crash and burn? This book's editing and formatting have been updated.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2021
86 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 20, 2022
There is a dancer who couldn't reach the position she wanted because of a dance teacher who betrayed her for her own needs. For once, it seems like she has to remain satisfied with the regular, normal lifestyle.
The novel is in the first-person narrative. Darla Pebble gives the readers a peek into her life. By talking about the personal details of her life, which people wouldn't usually discuss with strangers, she makes us feel like we are a part of her inner world. It also increases the readers' interest as they can connect to her in a personal novel. The novel gives us a new friend, who tells us about her struggles and her fun moments. Along with her, we laugh and cry and then laugh again. The author has done brilliant work with the book as by reading her descriptions of the events, we can imagine them. She has been living with her mom and her cat for a while now. And although it is fun mostly, she does realize that there is more she needs to do. The money she earns by working as a waitress might be just enough to feed her and her mother. But her dance talents cannot be wasted only by dancing at the club. She knows they are worth more than the tips she gets. Eventually, she decides to move out, and the book covers her journey from there on.
The book is multi-faceted as it does not just go on about one thing. The novel explores multiple aspects. There are some awkward incidents, which may seem irrelevant but, how she faces them help us in understanding her character in the larger framework. Will she be able to fulfil her dreams of becoming a professional dancer? Or will she remain stuck in the jobs she has? Read the novel to find out.
The novel is in the first-person narrative. Darla Pebble gives the readers a peek into her life. By talking about the personal details of her life, which people wouldn't usually discuss with strangers, she makes us feel like we are a part of her inner world. It also increases the readers' interest as they can connect to her in a personal novel. The novel gives us a new friend, who tells us about her struggles and her fun moments. Along with her, we laugh and cry and then laugh again. The author has done brilliant work with the book as by reading her descriptions of the events, we can imagine them. She has been living with her mom and her cat for a while now. And although it is fun mostly, she does realize that there is more she needs to do. The money she earns by working as a waitress might be just enough to feed her and her mother. But her dance talents cannot be wasted only by dancing at the club. She knows they are worth more than the tips she gets. Eventually, she decides to move out, and the book covers her journey from there on.
The book is multi-faceted as it does not just go on about one thing. The novel explores multiple aspects. There are some awkward incidents, which may seem irrelevant but, how she faces them help us in understanding her character in the larger framework. Will she be able to fulfil her dreams of becoming a professional dancer? Or will she remain stuck in the jobs she has? Read the novel to find out.
July 10, 2023
I did enjoy this book / the storyline and read it in under one day. The only thing I did notice was some slight inconsistencies such as page one it says Darla is 23 and then on page 49 she is 24 (but her birthdays at the end of the book so didn’t make sense). There was also a little bit of repetition, the same metaphors used throughout multiple time etc. I did enjoy it and have bought the second book which I am looking forward to reading but did pick up on these few little things :)
March 1, 2023
Darla has a lot of responsibilities - including taking care of her flighty mom. She works 2 jobs, and one is an exotic dancer. Then Darla gets her big break - at least that's what she is hoping for. She is now working for the Pink Club.
I felt like the story drug on in some places and could have been thinned down. I didn't connect with the characters - but I still enjoyed the story.
I felt like the story drug on in some places and could have been thinned down. I didn't connect with the characters - but I still enjoyed the story.
January 25, 2024
3.5 stars! It was good and I’m gonna read the next book in the series but nothing was WOW about it
October 2, 2023
0 stars, I should have DNF’ed this book but finished so i could give it an honest review.
July 4, 2023
I like the cheeky British writer. I think that in general, the book is good but I don’t recall there being an actual plot. You see the beginnings of it but the book ends before anything can happen. There are parts of the book that you want to continue because they have real depth to them and other parts that just drag on which could have been cut. You get to know the FMC and start to understand others but if feels like the author released a 1/3 of the book.
June 6, 2022
Pink club is a book you can’t put down. There is plenty of suspense, humour, comedy, romance and drama throughout, not only could I not put this down but have some recommended pink club to all my friends. This is perfect for a holiday read or just to enjoy while cozying up and relaxing. The ending was simply jaw dropping I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
July 10, 2023
I’m not a big romance reader and while it wasn’t bad, it was a little slow for me. I was going to give it three stars but the ending too abrupt for me. I get leaving a cliffhanger in order to lead into the next book but, again, it was just too abrupt. Like there was no suspenseful buildup leading to the ending that would make me what to continue the series.
June 14, 2022
A truly fantastic read, I couldn't stop turning the pages to follow Daria's story. You can't help but keep rooting for her. The characters are so well blended and I can't wait for the sequel.
Highly recommend The Pink Club. Well done Emma
Highly recommend The Pink Club. Well done Emma
August 20, 2023
good but slow
I normally would stop reading a book that drags this much, but the characters were likable so I kept going. It was OK. Not sure I’m going to read the second book in the series, probably not, mainly, because it just dragged with no real romance or excitement.
I normally would stop reading a book that drags this much, but the characters were likable so I kept going. It was OK. Not sure I’m going to read the second book in the series, probably not, mainly, because it just dragged with no real romance or excitement.
June 6, 2022
OMG! I could not put this book down. It was funny, relatable, emotional and a bloody good read. I love a girlie book but this went beyond my expectations. I cannot wait for book 2 this summer.
June 9, 2022
I took this on holiday and it was the perfect girlie holiday read! On the beach, cocktail in hand. Made me want to pack my bags and be in my 20’s again! Looking forward to the next book!
August 30, 2023
I am not a quitter. I tried really hard to get through this book. But I just couldn’t do it. I made it 84%
Let me start by saying this was probably the most poorly written book I have ever encountered. This book lacks details where details are needed and supplies too many details in areas that are completely unnecessary. For example, the nursing home nurse Martha. She’s told her gran is being read to by a woman named Martha. She enters the room and her gran is indeed being read to by who she assumes is Martha. Then the woman says hello my name is Martha. All on the same page. We get it. Martha.
But then when her gran passes her mom tells her that a woman named Matilda wanted her to know that her gran wasn’t in any pain. Seriously, Matilda? You forced me to remember Martha and then have some rando named Matilda? Why did she need to be named at all?!?
Also, she wears a mask while pole dancing so no one will know who she is, yet when she got her picture taken by some weird ass situation, the press was all over the strip club waiting for her.
Then the dancing. What kind of dancing? She grew up taking ballet and now she’s a pole dancer and her crush is some sort of dancer and instructor and the club is some type of dance place but there are zero details on this mystery club and the type of dance and I’m 84% of the way in! This is all about dancing! I’m assuming the author knows as much about dance as I know about rocket science. But if I was going to write a book about rocker science, I’d do my research.
Did the author even read her own book? I’m very sorry I did.
Let me start by saying this was probably the most poorly written book I have ever encountered. This book lacks details where details are needed and supplies too many details in areas that are completely unnecessary. For example, the nursing home nurse Martha. She’s told her gran is being read to by a woman named Martha. She enters the room and her gran is indeed being read to by who she assumes is Martha. Then the woman says hello my name is Martha. All on the same page. We get it. Martha.
But then when her gran passes her mom tells her that a woman named Matilda wanted her to know that her gran wasn’t in any pain. Seriously, Matilda? You forced me to remember Martha and then have some rando named Matilda? Why did she need to be named at all?!?
Also, she wears a mask while pole dancing so no one will know who she is, yet when she got her picture taken by some weird ass situation, the press was all over the strip club waiting for her.
Then the dancing. What kind of dancing? She grew up taking ballet and now she’s a pole dancer and her crush is some sort of dancer and instructor and the club is some type of dance place but there are zero details on this mystery club and the type of dance and I’m 84% of the way in! This is all about dancing! I’m assuming the author knows as much about dance as I know about rocket science. But if I was going to write a book about rocker science, I’d do my research.
Did the author even read her own book? I’m very sorry I did.
July 17, 2025
I rarely DNF books, but Pink Club really tested my patience.
The story feels surreal, like an altered reality where everything comes too easily to the main character. She suddenly knows how to dance, how to control dogs, lands a fancy apartment and a driver just for joining the “Pink Club” — which, by the way, has more security than the Vatican!
There are so many unnecessary or unfinished subplots: Marta’s role made no sense, the Romanian girl storyline went nowhere, and the friends-turned-couple plot felt half-baked. I honestly found myself reading faster just to get it over with.
The level of cringe was off the charts, with lines like: “How much I miss human contact from the opposite sex. Sighing, and feeling the loneliness of being single brings with it.” Or the pizza scene: “Hello, Papa José’s? Yes, I’d like to make an order for…” It was hard not to roll my eyes.
On top of that, some parts felt uncomfortable — like how Dr. Khan’s accent is mentioned in a way that borders on stereotype.
Overall, this was one of the weakest books I’ve read in a long time. Exaggerated, implausible, and packed with cringey moments. Definitely won’t be picking up book 2.
The story feels surreal, like an altered reality where everything comes too easily to the main character. She suddenly knows how to dance, how to control dogs, lands a fancy apartment and a driver just for joining the “Pink Club” — which, by the way, has more security than the Vatican!
There are so many unnecessary or unfinished subplots: Marta’s role made no sense, the Romanian girl storyline went nowhere, and the friends-turned-couple plot felt half-baked. I honestly found myself reading faster just to get it over with.
The level of cringe was off the charts, with lines like: “How much I miss human contact from the opposite sex. Sighing, and feeling the loneliness of being single brings with it.” Or the pizza scene: “Hello, Papa José’s? Yes, I’d like to make an order for…” It was hard not to roll my eyes.
On top of that, some parts felt uncomfortable — like how Dr. Khan’s accent is mentioned in a way that borders on stereotype.
Overall, this was one of the weakest books I’ve read in a long time. Exaggerated, implausible, and packed with cringey moments. Definitely won’t be picking up book 2.
August 27, 2023
Miss Bruce Introduces readers to the intense and dangerous world of the competitive dancer.. Enter the character of Darla Pepple, Dante, Sarah, Eva, the dashing but available Joshua Glass, Eva, and Octavia. The story opens up when Darla is serving the dashing Joshua Glass a steaming cuppa tea to his table but putting it instead on Eva. Oh what a situation she has put herself into.
, Jump the story up a few months. Bella, the lead dancer for the Pink Club, has overdosed. Leaving the most inclusive dance joint in London without a lead for the new spring season. Eva must find a new dancer before she ensures the wrath of the owner Stella. Even going so far to have open auditions.
Enter Dante and Darla and her Pole Dancing. Unbenounced to her, Dante sends in a resume to the Pink Club. Darla finds the return letter before him, and answers for him! Starts an adventure for the ages! Darla’s life changes in ways that amazes even her. Does the new job fit into her past life? Can her growing attraction to Joshua be quenched?
, Jump the story up a few months. Bella, the lead dancer for the Pink Club, has overdosed. Leaving the most inclusive dance joint in London without a lead for the new spring season. Eva must find a new dancer before she ensures the wrath of the owner Stella. Even going so far to have open auditions.
Enter Dante and Darla and her Pole Dancing. Unbenounced to her, Dante sends in a resume to the Pink Club. Darla finds the return letter before him, and answers for him! Starts an adventure for the ages! Darla’s life changes in ways that amazes even her. Does the new job fit into her past life? Can her growing attraction to Joshua be quenched?
October 20, 2025
It was an okay book.
Actually not much happens in this book.
I did not know what to expect when I started this book. It was sitting on my kindle unread for a while, so I decided to just read it. I don't think I will read the other books in this series, as the plot and also the romance is very slow burn. At times it felt to slow for me.
There are three more books
Actually not much happens in this book.
I did not know what to expect when I started this book. It was sitting on my kindle unread for a while, so I decided to just read it. I don't think I will read the other books in this series, as the plot and also the romance is very slow burn. At times it felt to slow for me.
There are three more books
October 29, 2023
An engaging read!
Pink Club is a well written and suspenseful book with an intriguing plot and a well crafted ending, and paving the way for the future. Much praise is due to author Emma Bruce in terms of characterisation, with a believable lead character. One can empathise with Darla’s situation and struggles and be gripped by her journey as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer. It is always good to learn something new from a book and I now know what the Havening Technique is, as well as the mystery surrounding the Pink Club. It is a book that will appeal to young adults and anyone who likes to be taken on an adventure.
Pink Club is a well written and suspenseful book with an intriguing plot and a well crafted ending, and paving the way for the future. Much praise is due to author Emma Bruce in terms of characterisation, with a believable lead character. One can empathise with Darla’s situation and struggles and be gripped by her journey as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer. It is always good to learn something new from a book and I now know what the Havening Technique is, as well as the mystery surrounding the Pink Club. It is a book that will appeal to young adults and anyone who likes to be taken on an adventure.
October 24, 2024
Good one!
With vivid storytelling and emotional depth, this book captures the essence of struggle, hope, and the courage to face the unknown.
Darla's journey is one of resilience, heartbreak, and unexpected transformation. In this poignant story, the weight of shattered dreams and family burdens presses heavily on her, yet fate offers her a chance to reclaim her life.
It's an inspiring tale of survival and self-discovery that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by life's circumstances.
With vivid storytelling and emotional depth, this book captures the essence of struggle, hope, and the courage to face the unknown.
Darla's journey is one of resilience, heartbreak, and unexpected transformation. In this poignant story, the weight of shattered dreams and family burdens presses heavily on her, yet fate offers her a chance to reclaim her life.
It's an inspiring tale of survival and self-discovery that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by life's circumstances.
January 25, 2025
A Compelling Blend of Romance and Resilience
Emma Bruce has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is intriguing.
Darla’s journey from exhaustion and disappointment to an exotic twist of fate is both relatable and inspiring.
The romance with Joshua is full of sparks, and the suspenseful moments keep you hooked until the very end.
The cliffhanger left me speechless, and I’m eager to see how Darla’s story unfolds in the next installment.
With a clever plot, memorable characters, and a perfect balance of humor and emotion, this book is a gem.
Emma Bruce has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is intriguing.
Darla’s journey from exhaustion and disappointment to an exotic twist of fate is both relatable and inspiring.
The romance with Joshua is full of sparks, and the suspenseful moments keep you hooked until the very end.
The cliffhanger left me speechless, and I’m eager to see how Darla’s story unfolds in the next installment.
With a clever plot, memorable characters, and a perfect balance of humor and emotion, this book is a gem.
July 10, 2025
A Second Chance at Rhythm and Life
Darla’s life is defined by lost dreams and heavy responsibilities until a twist of fate offers her a chance to break free. Once a hopeful dancer, now burdened by family and survival, she’s stuck in a cycle that seems impossible to escape.
But when the unexpected shakes up her world, Darla is faced with a choice: embrace change and rediscover her passion, or let fear keep her in place.
Updated with fresh editing and formatting, this is a heartfelt story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to chase what once felt out of reach.
Darla’s life is defined by lost dreams and heavy responsibilities until a twist of fate offers her a chance to break free. Once a hopeful dancer, now burdened by family and survival, she’s stuck in a cycle that seems impossible to escape.
But when the unexpected shakes up her world, Darla is faced with a choice: embrace change and rediscover her passion, or let fear keep her in place.
Updated with fresh editing and formatting, this is a heartfelt story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to chase what once felt out of reach.
July 3, 2023
Many will relate to Darla’s dilemma, her big dreams of dancing to stardom and the sad reality of shaking her booty for tips instead. Caring for her manic mother and struggling to make ends meet are the daily routine, but fate is about to lend a hand. Will her Prince Charming save our Cinderella? Or is there something more sinister going on?
A great first book from Emma Bruce. I’m sure more will follow.
A great first book from Emma Bruce. I’m sure more will follow.
November 17, 2023
Fantastic story.
Really enjoyed Pink Club. As a website developer for many authors in charge of creating their websites I'm often invited to read their books.
I have to say Bruce does not disappoint readers with this beautifully orchestrated story. Darla is an underdog with grit determination. She never gives up and as I read the story felt a lot resonated with me in regard to mental health and other issues / challenges I have faced in my own life.
Praise for Bruce. 5stars all the way.
Really enjoyed Pink Club. As a website developer for many authors in charge of creating their websites I'm often invited to read their books.
I have to say Bruce does not disappoint readers with this beautifully orchestrated story. Darla is an underdog with grit determination. She never gives up and as I read the story felt a lot resonated with me in regard to mental health and other issues / challenges I have faced in my own life.
Praise for Bruce. 5stars all the way.
January 10, 2024
I really wanted to love this book but it just fell flat for me. In the beginning I was hooked but then it started to just drag on and nothing seemed to be happening. A lot of the story could have been left out, it was too much character development and not much of a plot. And there was no real romance to the story. I thought there would be at first between Darla and Dante and then Darla and Joshua but nope. I most likely will not continue the series.
May 31, 2024
A Dance of Romance and Suspense
"Pink Club" is a captivating read that blends dance, romance, and suspense.
Darla's journey at the prestigious Pink Club, along with her evolving relationship with Max, keeps readers hooked. The plot is well-crafted, with the revelation of Mimi Glass's survival adding a new layer of intrigue.
The supporting cast of characters is well-developed, adding depth to the story. Overall, it’s a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
"Pink Club" is a captivating read that blends dance, romance, and suspense.
Darla's journey at the prestigious Pink Club, along with her evolving relationship with Max, keeps readers hooked. The plot is well-crafted, with the revelation of Mimi Glass's survival adding a new layer of intrigue.
The supporting cast of characters is well-developed, adding depth to the story. Overall, it’s a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
August 21, 2024
Wow what a brilliant book, can’t wait to start the next one in the series. It was written very well, and felt as if I was experiencing what the character Darla was feeling. It had me gripped to find out what was happening. The mishaps were good she had and the fact that she went all out to follow her dream. I was not expecting the ending that came though but will be interesting to find out what happens next.
April 30, 2025
Darla was such a strong, resilient character—I really connected with her. Her journey and dreams kept me hooked right up to the end, and I just had to know how things would turn out. I also loved the dynamic between her and Max; their chemistry felt so real. The pacing slowed a little in spots, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes next. Would happily recommend this one!
January 21, 2024
I read the summary and thought ok I like this. But did this book even see an editor? So many inconsistencies like Darla's age. While the general plot is good it could have been cut in half. There was so many unnecessary storylines. The food poisoning - why? I am going to attempt the second book to see if it gets any better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
Such a lovely light read with real life characters that I could relate to. Loved the bit of mystery to the story that had me wanting to get to the next page. Thoroughly enjoyed it.... Read in one sitting. What an ending too. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
January 3, 2024
Although there are some inconsistencies (Darla's age, for example), the book is OK. It's easy to read and the story is nice. I really enjoyed reading it!
December 22, 2022
This is an excellent start to the series, and I couldn’t put the book down. A perfect weekend read, and I like that there’s a bit of rom-com mixed with some funny chic lit. Looking forward to seeing more of the relationship develop between Joshua and Darla- if that is the author’s intention. After she lost her first crush to her best friend, the poor girl deserves to find love! Plus, I need to know why Joshua gave her that necklace before the show! Hopefully, I’ll get to see all that in Book 2?
Romance with a touch of suspense is always a big plus for me, and we see that at the cliffhanger ending – I won’t give out spoilers, but I will say WOW!
Darla has a big heart, hopefully, it doesn’t get crushed by her dream job or dream man. I’m rooting for her!!
The book is well written with a clever plot. This is the first book I’ve read by author Emma Bruce, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Romance with a touch of suspense is always a big plus for me, and we see that at the cliffhanger ending – I won’t give out spoilers, but I will say WOW!
Darla has a big heart, hopefully, it doesn’t get crushed by her dream job or dream man. I’m rooting for her!!
The book is well written with a clever plot. This is the first book I’ve read by author Emma Bruce, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews