TikTok got me on this one. I found myself watching a video where the author promoted her new romance novel where two women from rival highland dance schools hate each other and then…really don’t. I ordered it immediately.
It was delightful. Moira is still reeling from a breakup that happened some time ago where her ex-girlfriend called her boring, something she really took to heart. All she really wants is to keep teaching at her family’s dance school, but she feels like she’s supposed to want more. Kenzie is trying to make it through college so she can be a social worker, but she’s also consumed with trying to take care of her mother, who suffers from often-debilitating untreated depression. She keeps up a tough front, always trying to keep up appearances while struggling to keep the bills paid and help her mom. Back when they both used to compete, Moira and Kenzie were rivals. Now, they teach for the two best dance schools in Ottawa.
When a contest for a college scholarship is announced to a current highland dancer, both Kenzie and Moira decide to go for it. For Kenzie, it could make it possible for her to stay in school. For Moira, it could prove that she’s not lost, and that she’s doing something right. They’re paired up to make a video for the scholarship contest and immediate butt heads, while at the same time being drawn to each other.
As they start spending time together, they open up about their struggles. But when Kenzie’s family life becomes too much, everything starts to fall apart and she pushes Moira away. While I won’t spoil the rest, this is a romance novel, so…
I read this quickly and truly enjoyed being immersed in the world of competitive highland dancing. TikTok for the win this time!