Title: I Dream of Dancing
Author: Gwen Leonhard
Publication Date: June 30, 2024
Genres: Romance
Protagonist Gender: Female
I Dream of Dancing was just a lovely story, a character-driven romance that's full of relationship drama, but with the promise of fulfillment ahead. Gwen Leonhard has a wonderful style of writing that makes the story feel immediate and intense, with so many curious aspects of magic and mythology simply taken for granted, rather than being dwelled upon to the point of distraction.
The character arc of Acelina is delightful, even with her pain, trauma, and transition. She's hurt others and been hurt herself, but all as part of finding herself and coming out as herself. Admitting her feelings for Florence means risking rejection and possibly ruining a friendship, but it's something she's ready to do. As for Florence, she welcomes the potential for romance, but she's afraid of being hurt as Acelina's lovers have been in the past. There's jealousy and anxiety intertwined in both their feelings, but while so many authors create an artificial catalyst for unnaturally leaping past such an obstacle, Leonard takes the time to work through it naturally, forcing the characters to talk . . . to think . . . and to feel.
Watching these two women come together, explore their feelings, and choose to risk what they've had for what they could have is fabulous. Instead of racing through the date to get to bed, the story immerses itself in the date, makes the date the point of the story, and allows the reader to empathize and identify with both women. The longer the night went on, the more I wanted to know about them both, and when it comes time for the kiss . . . perfection!
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀
My sincere thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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