Photographer: Abigail Marie, Non Pa’Reil Photography
The Dance is the story of what happens after the happily ever.
Bryson Walker stumbled heart first into the steady rhythm of her life, never questioning whether other possibilities existed. She had been Will’s girl since their junior year in high school, followed him to college, and married him soon after graduation.
In every respect, they were a loving and successful couple, until a series of missteps shattered all of Bryson’s truths. Maybe their life was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. A performance that was never based in reality.
Hart was barely an acquaintance. He and Bryson shared one brief moment during senior prom, full of friction and heat that ignited a spark. But that night Bryson walked away and Hart let her go.
Years later, twisted fate brings Bryson and Hart together again, causing her to wonder if this is her second chance at once in a lifetime.
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Robin’s Review
I have enjoyed reading novels written by Alison G. Bailey since the day I picked up Present Perfect back in 2013. Although Bailey writes contemporary romance and new adult novels, her writing has recently taken on a multifaceted aspect. Bailey has been tackling some difficult topics, and she seems to do it with grace. Part women’s fiction, part contemporary romance, The Dance is a story about what occurs after Bryson Forsyth has her happily ever after. I should also note that Will Forsyth and Hart Mitchell each play a huge role in The Dance, and it’s just as much their story as it is Bryson’s.
We are introduced to Bryson when she is in high school. She’s been dating Will for a couple of years, and although he’s not the most attentive boyfriend, she just assumes Will is her future. It doesn’t even occur to Bryson that there might be someone better for her. While Will is hanging out with his friends at Prom, Bryson is alone, wandering the halls of the aquarium. Hart finds Bryson alone in a dark room, where the two of them share a quiet, romantic dance before her best friend steals her away. In the end, Bryson settles for Will, although she never forgets the dance she shared with Hart.
Character growth is one of the very best features of The Dance. Alison Bailey REALLY excelled in this area! Bryson, Will, and even Hart – each of these characters grow by leaps and bounds! Early in this story, I struggled with Bryson and Will. Bryson came across as weak – someone who allows her spouse to dictate her life. Will demeans Bryson without recourse. He is controlling and unsupportive of Bryson’s dreams. BUT, Bryson’s relationship with Will is very important to this story. Bailey wants us to see these characters at their low points, to understand just how bad things are in their marriage, so we can really see them grow as individuals.
Bailey starts to work her magic, and it begins with Hart! I was very intrigued by Hart and Bryson’s attraction to him. What a fantastic character! I soaked up every moment they spent together. I loved their honesty with one another, Hart’s support of Bryson, his patience with Bryson. Their relationship is so special – it was a joy for me to read their dialogue!
Slowly Bryson comes out of her shell. She grows as an individual, gains self-confidence, stands up for herself, and dares to chase her dreams! I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of this story – I ended up LOVING Bryson, Hart is a fantastic book boyfriend, and I found forgiveness in my heart for Will! The development of these characters felt completely natural with the events that transpired. The Dance is one of the best overall examples of character development that I can remember.
I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading The Dance. I felt joy, I smiled and laughed. I cried tears of sadness, felt extreme anger and frustration. I found myself completely absorbed in this story. The Dance was an extremely vivid reading experience for me! My heart felt incredibly full after finishing this 2016 favorite, and when the last page was turned, I still wanted more! Alison G. Bailey earns a 5-star rating from me for The Dance!
the Dance
Prologue
I stood in front of the glass wall, mesmerized. The fake sunlight shimmered down through the water, bouncing off the yellow, green, and pink coral. The blue glow of the tank gave the dimly lit nook a mystical dreamy feel.
The prom committee had pulled off an epic feat this year. Instead of having the dance in our gross school gym it was being held at the new state-of-the-art aquarium downtown. Once the student committee agreed, Megan Sims, head cheerleader and overly developed youth, was given the task of presenting the new location idea to the faculty advisor, Mr. Hall. During the meeting, as Megan waxed poetic about riding the waves of hope out into the ocean of the future, she hoisted her massive boobs up to meet Mr. Hall’s sightline. Three seconds into Megan’s spiel the dude was so titnotized that he would have offered up his first born in order to pay the rental fee.
At first, I had my doubts about spending my final prom at the aquarium. The fishy décor didn’t exactly scream romance, but I had to admit, it was pretty cool. The dance was in Ballroom A, which opened up onto a huge deck facing the Charleston harbor. Inside three giant purple octopus chandeliers hung down from the ceiling, casting cool shadows on the walls covered in varying shades of blue. Big white coral sculptures were at the four corners of the room. Tables draped in white linen with candles and seashell centerpieces outlined the room, leaving a huge space in the middle for dancing.
I was born and raised in Charleston, SC. I attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school I began writing one-act plays, which I later produced. My debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon’s Best Seller List and appeared on many “Best Reads of 2013” Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. My second novel, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and appeared on several best books of 2014 lists as well. Presently Perfect, the third and final book in The “Perfect” series was released in Dec 2014 to rave reviews. In March 2015 all the love, swoon, heat, and angst were combined into the Perfect Series Box Set. My fourth novel, Stop!, released in June 2015, becoming a bestseller in YA/Teen category.
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