After reading The Patron, I instantly fell in love with the story and couldn't wait for more of Kaia and Calum's story. I had so many questions and couldn't wait to read how the hell they were going to get back together after that whopper of a cliffhanger. I have to say I am incredibly underwhelmed with this installment.

The Dancer picks up a month after The Patron with Calum and Kaia sad over the end of their arrangement. I expected more groveling on Calum's part and was disappointed there wasn't any if at all. I felt like Kaia went right back into their arrangement too quickly and I understand that she has issues with her confidence but I felt like there was an opportunity here for her character to finally stand up to at least one man in her life and make him work for her affections and respect as well as her career as a dancer. She had other options besides NY Ballet and would have loved to have seen her dance somewhere else and thrive on her merits alone.

All the questions I had in the first book remained unanswered especially the ones surrounding her family. Calum revealed his secret to his brother but there was absolutely no conversation about it after and I was surprised by that since we're led to believe they have a very strong and solid relationship. I just couldn't believe he would be so blasé about it and kind of brush it off. I also felt like the introduction of Calum's adversary in the ballet company came out of nowhere so I'm hoping that stays resolved and not brought up again.

All of this is not to say I didn't enjoy the book because I did. I was happy that they got back together and that Calum can finally admit his feelings towards to Kaia. I especially loved that he was standing by her when confronted with her family and also tries to protect her even if it's a little misguided. I can see where their relationship is heading and I know it will be satisfying. I know that it's going to be an emotional conclusion and I'm really looking forward to The Embrace and hopefully all my questions and concerns will come to an end.

ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

The wait for book 2 was SO worth it! Kaia hasn't seen Callum for weeks and is trying to piece her life back together. Callum is lost without Kaia, though he will never admit that. He finally decides he needs to do something....no spoilers....but if he needs to show his arrogant aggressive side he will in order to get back the woman he can't get out of his thoughts. Kaia must confront her family, and Callum, and decide what she truly wants in her life. Ballet is a given, but what of the rest? I won't give anything away, you need to read this to find out...and that ending...again....I need the 3rd book!! I loved this!

3.5 stars

Kaia and Calum still have plenty go to through if they are meant to be and they need to work on each other and themselves to get there. I really enjoyed seeing them grow as people as well as how they were determined to keep moving forward, Kaia working to get money for her father who does a total douche move and Calum making those who blackmailed him. You think they went through a lot in the last book but there is more to come and to be fair I think there are times if I was in their position I would throw my hands up and say I give up, however if you truly want something you do need to fight for it so get settled in as this is another roller coaster ride and leaves you wondering what book 3 will throw at them!!

The Dancer picks up where The Patron left things and I'm so glad I was able to read both back to back. The Patron's cliffhanger had me itching for the next installment and this book did not disappoint. Immediately, I was thrown back into the craziness that is Kaia and Calum's world. There is deception and blackmail, as well as intrigue and loose ends that left me wanting more.

This series has given me curveball after curveball, and I am hooked. Do I know how things will end with Honor? No. Do I know how things will play out with Kaia's family? Nope. Or what will happen with the recently introduce mafia? Negative. But will I eagerly be awaiting the final installment in the series? Absolutely!

There isn't too much to add about the main characters in this book as you'll need to pick up The Patron (book one) to get a sense of who they are and how they've grown so far (with more to come in book 3, hopefully!). But I will point out that Wood's writing is just as engaging and addictive as before and she has woven a wonderful, drama-filled story that I've enjoyed immensely so far and look forward to the finale.