Guest Review: The Journalist and the Dancer by Liam Livings

Christopher, a quiet, reserved, British journalist, reviews restaurants and night clubs in Ibiza. After a painful breakup and nervous breakdown in the UK, he aims to live a more spiritual possession-free life on the Mediterranean island.

Lucas flees an abusive ex in Madrid to live his dream of dancing in Ibiza’s large prestigious night clubs.

They meet at a night club and both feel an instant attraction which soon develops into an emotional connection neither of them feels ready for.

Sharing their painful pasts with each other brings them closer together, though neither of them planned on being in a proper relationship. But when a family crisis pulls Lucas back to Madrid and a painful encounter with his abusive ex, Christopher deals with painful experiences of his own.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I was drawn into the story from the outset. This was such an interesting premise for a book. The journalist has burnt out of his previously stressful and money-fuelled lifestyle and given up his life in London to eek out a living as a journalist reviewing nightclubs and such like in the party island of Ibiza. This was how he spots the intriguing Lucas who is trying to make it a nightclub dancer. Their eyes really do meet over a crowded room. It is the most perfect romance novel cliche! However, these are real men, each battling their own inner demons, and the circumstances of life that threaten to keep them apart.

The storytelling is quirky and realistic, clever and entertaining, but at times seems to lose momentum. There was a patch I had to keep myself reading before we got back on track and I read all the way to the end with no dawdling!

I rather liked both main characters, but was extremely charmed by Christopher’s unusual roommate! The ups and downs for the guys were rolling rather than jarring and the ending was sweet. I could easily see a sequel coming to life!

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.