Book Review: Such a Dance by Kate McMurray

In the late 1920s, during the height of Prohibition, Eddie Cotton works towards his dream of becoming a Broadway star by performing in a song-and-dance duo with his good friend, Marian. People enjoy his act and the duo manages to bring a lot of money to the club. However, Eddie is harboring a secret that could not only cause him lose him his job if the wrong people found out, but also his life.

Lane Carillo is entrenched in the life and business of the Mob. When he arrived in New York from Chicago, he needed a job and his cousin provided just that. Looking back, it was a blessing and a curse. Not only is he part of the Mob, but he's gay, which is not something celebrated in organized crime, especially when trying to earn the respect of those who work with and for you.

When the two happen to meet by chance, sparks fly, but will they be able to explore their attraction for another or are they doomed to remain in a friends with benefits situation out of fear of being exposed?

I have a great fascination with the Mafia, so an m/m romance mixed with organized crime and set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties in New York City would seem like a win win situation. With this book, it is for the most part. The first 30-40% starts off pretty slow as the author establishes the world she's created and a myriad of characters, all of whom are complex and interesting. The romance between Eddie and Lane is also a slow build. There are moments of action sprinkled within the book, especially when Lane had to deal with "the family" or when Eddie must navigate the close-minded and homophobic producers in entertainment industry.

All in all, Such a Dance is a solid read, but I wish the pacing had been just a little tighter.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
Kensington Publishing | Amazon

~ M