Dance of Dreams
2 Stars

The follow-up to Reflections focuses on Ruth Bannion, Seth's niece, and Nikolai Davidov, Lindsay's former dance partner, both of whom appear in book #1. Nick has been Ruth's mentor for 5 years, but now she has come into her own and they are partnered in a sensual ballet that forces them to confront the feelings they have for one another.

Unfortunately, Ruth and Nick's romance falls completely flat. While age gaps are not usually an issue for me, it does not work here as it is paired with several other elements to make the romance rather cringe-worthy.

First, Ruth was 17 when they first met and Nick reveals his attraction was immediate, which is pervy. Second, their mentor/student and then director/dancer relationship has an inherent power divide. In fact, it is made clear that any disagreement between the two would result in Ruth's dismissal from the ballet company. Third, Nick once had strong feelings for Lindsay, Ruth's aunt, and if circumstances had been different might have acted on them.

While there are kernels of an interesting story with Ruth's rival in the company and the cable TV company, everything takes a back seat to Nick and Ruth's supposed battle of wills, which is contrived and irritating rather than engaging. Moreover, there are, once again, too many tedious descriptions and details on ballet and ballerinas to the extent that it feels more like a dance manual than a romance novel.

The updates on Seth and Lindsay and their cute kids are a highlight of the book and earn it an extra star.

Overall, not one of Nora's better books, but she has certainly come alone way since. ( )

Another good explanation of the hard work involved with being a ballet star. Enjoyed Ruth with standing up for what she believes, not letting herself be dominated when it involves her personal life. Felt that Nickolai Davidov was too old for her but yet for all his experience with women he learned a lot from the young Ruth. Good to have Lindsey back to give her perspective of Davidov without holding any grudges about her earlier love for the same man. ( )

Pleasant older romance from the 80's by Nora Roberts that takes place in the world of ballet.

Hero Nickolai Davidov and heroine Ruth Bannion are paired together as the leads for a new ballet. They have known each other for years. Nickolai is Ruth's mentor. (He's been called the finest dancer of the decade...a master, a legend.) Ruth has always been in awe of him. But now, during this new ballet, Ruth is finding herself falling for Nickolai.

This was a very enjoyable read. I liked the sexy Russian hero Nickolai...he was arrogant, dramatic, and charming. I also liked Ruth, she was spirited and feisty, but also sweet. I liked her cat Nijinsky. I found the other characters in the book interesting. I liked Ruth's Uncle Seth and his wife Lindsay (who was Ruth's ballet teacher years ago). I enjoyed the ballet storyline, I thought it was romantic. ( )

It was wonderful seeing Ruth grow up and see her relationship with Nickolai develop. I also enjoyed seeing his point of view in areas. My only complaint is that it could have been a little longer. ( )