Book Review·Lesbian Review

Reverence by Milena McKay It is a beautiful love story of enemies and lovers set against the backdrop of Parisian ballet.

It’s the vibrant ’80s, and Juliette Lucian-Sorel seems to have it all. She was the most dazzling dancer ever to grace the stage of the Opéra Garnier, a beloved idol to her loyal fans, and all of Paris seemed to be at her feet. But things are not always what they seem…

Katarina Vyatka is escaping the Iron Curtain, determined to save her life and career. Or at least, that’s what she said…

What happens when the Princess of Paris comes to the aid of the Bolshoi’s brightest star? Can the Paris ballet stage withstand their fiery energy? As sparks fly, rivals become lovers, igniting their lives with passion, secrets, intrigue and awe-inspiring big planes!

writing

When people think of the ’80s, they often think of scrunchies, parachute pants, Wham!, and the rise of MTV. Often overlooked, however, are the atrocities that occurred (and are still occurring) in and around the former Soviet Union, the Cold War, and deadly, silent epidemics. Respect It’s amazing how cleverly these dark elements are intertwined with a love story.

Respect Full of conflicting emotions, but at its core is hope—the hope for a future free of deception, loss, or sacrifice. The story is rich in detail, with vivid imagery and subtle foreshadowing throughout. Dialogue flows naturally and feels fluid, authentic, and even delightfully snappy at times. It’s so engrossing that at times I’m so engrossed that I find myself holding my breath, close to my iPad, flipping through the pages quickly as I have Know how…why…

Pros and my favorite part

Katarina Vyatka is an enigma – cold, silent, stunning and strangely calm. She wields silence like a weapon with a precision and impact far greater than any tantrum or outburst. Hidden beneath the cold exterior is a woman whose life journey would make most people huddle in a corner with their heads buried. There was fire beneath the ice—a fire that fueled her perseverance amid unspeakable atrocities. It holds her head high, propels her forward, drives her to be the best ballerina she can be. She is the ice queen with an inner fire that never goes out. Her character is a striking dichotomy – cold and aloof to most, but soft and vulnerable to the few who manage to break through her icy exterior.

Juliette Lucian-Sorel made it through the first twenty-five years of her life without much adversity. But when faced with Katarina’s defection, she didn’t hesitate to come to her defense. Why? why not? That moment changed the course of her life forever. Catarina’s indifference begins to unsettle Juliet, and living together only deepens her frustration. As Juliet becomes more obsessed –Ahem– Katarina This maddening mystery infuriates me, I can almost see her grinding her teeth, fanning, or both! But when this icy woman ignites a fire in Juliet like she’s never experienced before, can Catarina really be her enemy?

Juliet and Catarina’s relationship is undoubtedly complicated, but at its core is a deep love. The connection between them is so strong that it almost jumps off the page. Oh, how I wish I could have witnessed their epic pas de deux as it beautifully interweaves light and darkness, love and loss, truth and deception – perfectly reflecting the nature of their relationship.

Gabrielle, Francesca and Helena enrich the storyline, bringing elements of light, laughter, support and comfort. Their witty banter with Juliet and Catarina adds a layer of humor that perfectly balances the heavy moments of the story. And there are a few passing characters – whose names I’ll keep secret – who definitely deserve a wink and a nod from me.

careful

Content warning regarding Soviet political oppression.

in conclusion

Respect is a masterpiece that explores the intricate layers of betrayal, acceptance, intrigue, suspicion and human relationships. When two of the world’s top ballerinas dance for the Paris Opera Ballet, sparks are bound to fly. Catarina’s icy demeanor and raised eyebrows make one’s knees tremble, leaving Juliet both frustrated and fascinated. It’s the charm and irresistible chemistry between them that ignites their romance, even though beneath the surface of the Paris Ballet lurks a world of deception, half-truths and hidden pain. Respect Be beautiful, heartbreaking, rewarding, and passionate. This is a story that will make you turn pages late into the night, forget your responsibilities, and make your heart beat faster. I highly recommend getting your copy today!

Excerpted from Reverence by Milena McKay

The first time she saw Katarina Vyatka, she saw cold eyes and a bloody ribbon. Juliet wasn’t sure what shocked her more—the absolute steel in the charcoal gaze, or the crimson droplets that splattered on the prima ballerina’s slippers and studio mirror.

The soloist, with whom Juliet never had time to spend the day, held her cheeks and cried in agony. The rest of the dancers were stunned. The mysterious Soviet heroine, Empress of Moscow, Katarina the Great, whom the world had heard of but never seen – save for that bizarre video clip stolen and smuggled across the Iron Curtain – she stood proud Standing tall, her regal shoulders thrown back, she silently took in the sight before her.

In fact, Juliet has heard such news ever since the Bolshoi, the Soviet Union’s main ballet company, announced that it would tour Europe. Katarina Vyatka will not speak. If the whole incident is an example, Katarina Vyatka does not need to speak. She is deadly without saying a word.

If Juliet had directed this scene, she would have set it in slow motion. A random man stretched out his unwelcome hand, and the next second, there was a slap, followed by screams. She would stage the entire piece in bloody color and silence.

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ISBN: B0DGX6NH7F(ASIN)

Publisher: independent author

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