From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Josh Lanyon…

Dance With Me (Dancing, #1)

Heidi Cullinan

Start date: August 1, 2011

Finish date: August 31, 2011

Discussion: Book of the Month Club

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Book of the Month Club

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What Members Thought

Jul 30, 2011 Josephine Myles added it

Shelves: contemporary, 2013-reads

This is one I started to read a couple of times but got put off by the sports stuff on the first few pages. I should have pushed through as once I made myself get past that, it was an enchanting story. Heidi's a great writer and she always manages to create characters who leap off the pages and charm me, despite (or because of?) their flaws.

I loved the way Ed and Laurie's relationship developed slowly but steadily, and the way they weather the various challenges life throws in their way. It all ...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: rainbow-gay, glbt, romance, contemporary

I loved these two men!

When Ed and Laurie meet, they are both unhappy, because they haven't been able to face their problems yet. Ed had an accident that killed his football career and makes him hyper-aware of his physical conditions. He tries to do everything to lead his life as if he were still whole, just with tiny adjustments. Laurie was a great dancer who made a choice that crushed him psychologically in the past and he refuses to perform again (even if I think that while Ed's problems are e I loved these two men!

When Ed and Laurie meet, they are both unhappy, because they haven't been able to face their problems yet. Ed had an accident that killed his football career and makes him hyper-aware of his physical conditions. He tries to do everything to lead his life as if he were still whole, just with tiny adjustments. Laurie was a great dancer who made a choice that crushed him psychologically in the past and he refuses to perform again (even if I think that while Ed's problems are explained perfectly, I find it harder to connect with Laurie, it's as if a part of his story is missing).

At the beginning of the book, we learn that Ed and Laurie are teachers in a community center and they often argue because the center doesn't provide an environment where they can teach their disciplines without stepping on each other's toes. The way they get to know each other beyond their initial arguments is portrayed beautifully. Laurie is neurotic and bit skittish, but he lets the gruff but easy-going Ed get under his skin. The way they realize what they feel is deep - it's love - seemed very real. I liked how they allowed themselves to look weak and afraid in the presence of the other, especially Ed, and how at the same time they became freer and stronger, especially Laurie. The way Ed centers Laurie in their dance practice and brings out his passion in the bedroom is very moving.

The book was a bit repetitive in places and maybe a bit too long, but it always felt honest. Ed fights to keep his job, to retain his dignity, to try to be as whole as possible, but eventually he has to learn that his pain is now a part of his life and he has to accept all the help he can. Laurie is there every step of the way, even if he is insecure and fragile. Laurie's path leads him to fight for what he thinks is worth, because, to be whole again, Laurie has to manage to find joy in his life, and passion in his life and in his dance.

The story is beautiful because it shows how love can heal (sappy sappy sappy thought, I know, but what can I say, here it's true!). All the steps of the two men's relationship felt real and beautiful, because their difficulties are always there in the open. There is no magic cure, there is patience and understanding and I am sure many people will find comfort in this story.

It might not be a perfect book, but it's a perfect story. ...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Meggie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: family, m-m-romance-romance, drama, audio-book

2019/March/26 - 4 star rating
Ed and Laurie were beautiful together. The main storyline was fine, but maybe had to many sex scenes, which were nonetheless hot. I liked it in overall.
2015/November/4 - 5 star rating
I got to enjoy the story in an audiobook edition and it was amazingly done. Highly recommended audiobook!
2011/August/4 - 5 star rating
Damn great book! Absolutely great plotted story with amazingly real characters, who were full of emotions, sarcasm, sadness and love. I really love this ...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Antonella rated it liked it

See review from Simsala, I agree 100% with her.

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Sep 17, 2011 Lora rated it it was amazing

Shelves: has-a-soundtrack

Holy Crap! That was great! Not a perfect HEA, but a more realistic one. I loved every minute of it.

ETA: I loved this so much, it only took 6 months for me to want to re-read it.

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