This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

First Impressions

Dancing Beneath You is the first romantic suspense contemporary romance that Rosanne Bittner has written. I have been a fan of this author since I read my first book from her "Do Not Forsake Me" which meant I had to devour that whole series and then explore many of her other works. For those that aren't aware Rosanne Bittner has stepped away from traditional publishing to indie/self publishing and I am so proud of her for doing so. I was beyond thrilled when she started talking about writing a contemporary setting for a story and its actually been one of my most anticipated reads for this year. And I have to say that what impressed me was one how well researched this story is, the atmospheric vibe to the story, the characters that come alive and the writing that is so Bittner style but will satisfy any contemporary romance reader. This was a story that really blew me away though and it will easily sweep you away into the story so easily and you won't be able to put down this novel until its over. Even as I am writing this review, I am wanting to pick it up again because it was such a sweeping entrenching romance that I guarantee will capture your heart!

Summary

Our story kicks off Carmen Wolfe, who is recovering from an abusive husband and is finally divorced and learning to move on with her life and learning to live her life again. She and her best girlfriend go to a Native American performance song and dance, and during the act, one of the wolves, Caesar, comes to her seat and wont move. Carmen having suffered from a dog attack when she is young goes into a panic, but then the head dancer and singer and lawyer for the Lakota, comes to her side and makes sure that no harm comes to her and there is an instant chemistry between Carmen and Ben. Ben Colter, is himself recovering from a past trauma and losing his wife and child to a vicious attack, and is still suffering from the pain of those wounds. He has a crazy busy life being a lawyer for his people, and participating in the song and dances to give to his community. But there is something that calls him to Carmen, and its much more than Caesar being called to her side, he believes there is a spiritual reason that they have been brought together and he refuses to let this opportunity slide. Through a set of events, Carmen and Ben find themselves learning each other, valueing each other's culture and facing the dangers ahead that only their fierce protection can protect them from...

What I Loved

Dancing Beneath You was the first book in the series and this was such a wonderful book and honestly one of my top favorite books that this author has published. I know my review won't come close to honoring this book the way that it should be. I did come into this book with high expectations, but I had been seeing good reviews for this one, so I knew that I was in for a powerful journey, and Rosanne Bittner definitely takes her readers on such a in depth of one. Now I know this author has only written historical romance in the past, so one has to wonder can such an author switch genres and the answer to that is YES. Not many authors can switch genres, in fact, I can count on one hand the number of authors that do it well, and I am happy that I can add Bittner to that very short list. I know that she did plenty of research on this one and it definitely was apparent in the story. I didn't know exactly what I was expecting in this one, but this completely blew me away. I was instantly drawn into the story and especially the characters. If you enjoy heroines like that of what Jennifer Ryan writes, you will fall in love with this heroine, Carmen. Carmen has such a deep heart, and she hides great pain. Froom the beginning you can sense her vulnerabilities and her spine of steel that has kept her strong and vibrant even though she feels she is coming out in the sunshine after the times of abuse that she has suffered. I felt like the author really handled this aspect very well and delivered a strong yet kind heroine. Then we have our hero, Ben, who just had my heart from the beginning. He is so fierce and protective and his passion for his people and their traditions is humbling. He has such honor and strength and determination to do what is best for those he loves and cares for. And once Carmen falls into his lap, he is so attentive to her and my heart just swooned all the way throughout this story. The romance in this book is so powerful and I was instantly drawn into their connection, which goes deeper than the physical (although there is plenty of physical attraction between these two), its almost like they are two peas in a pod. The way that they try to accept one another and stand for each other that became so transparent and relatable delivered in a more connecting experience for this reader. Then we have the plot and the storyline and the suspense aspects to the story. These aspects are slowly built and at the beginning, you aren't sure where the story is going to be taken, but eventually we get to see where the author is leading it and I was more than happy to sit back with my kindle and enjoy the ride that she takes us on here. It had such strong points throughout the plot that gradually builds up into the climax and leaves you in a satisfying conclusion that will leave you emotionally sapped but with a smile on your face.

What I Struggled With

I have to say that there wasn't anything I struggled with at all. It was just right!

Overall View

Dancing Beneath You is a novel that will capture your senses, tug at your heartstrings, and keep you on edge from beginning to end with its addictive pacing, beautiful atmospheric portrayal, and the edgy thrills that keep you yearning for more...A GEM OF A ROMANCE!

Trigger Warnings:

Spoiler

Domestic Abuse, Kidnapping, Drug Abuse, PTSD, and Racial slurs