Instructions for Dancing

Nicola Yoon

I’m not normally one to read contemporary romance but my word…my heart danced reading this!

The plot played out like a movie. The dance element of the story is so uplifting, yet intimate and sensual. It felt so compelling watching such a deep connection and trust develop between partners and sharing all the little flirtatious moments along the way.

The final few chapters absolutely broke me – tissues & waterproof mascara are an absolute must!

Evie is disillusioned about love ever since she caught her dad cheating with another woman – she’s even throwing out her beloved romance novel collection.

Whilst bundling the books into a little neighbourhood library, a mysterious woman appears. She insists Evie should take a book in return, a well-thumbed volume called Instructions for Dancing.

Soon after, Evie discovers she has a strange and unwelcome gift. When a couple kisses in front of her, she has a vision… she sees their whole relationship play out – from the moment they first catch each other’s eye to the last bitter moments of their break-up.

For Evie, it confirms everything she thinks she knows about love – that it doesn’t last.

Desperate for the visions to end, she follows a note inside the book to La Brea dance studio. But there she meets X – tall, dreadlocked, fascinating – and they start to learn to dance, together. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything–including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he’s only just met.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it’s that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love.

In the end, is love worth the risk?

X (short for Xavier) had me completely under his spell, I defy anyone to not fall hopelessly in love with him like I did! I could read this book again & again – it’s like being transported back to your teens and falling in love for the first time all over again.

My absolute favourite supporting character was without a doubt, dance instructor Fifi. Famous for her infinity hips, asymmetrical fringed dresses and killer heels she’s absolutely hilarious.

This is only the second time, I’ve taken a big step outside my Middle Grade comfort zone and I’ve had an had an absolute ball! I tested the water with Things to do Before the End of the World and at this rate, I could see myself becoming a YA convert!

Instructions for Dancing was published on 1st June by Penguin.

With thanks to Penguin and The Write Reads for the advance copy of the book and inviting me to be part of the tour.