After the Dance by Lori Johnson

Reviewed by Gypsy Culp Houston

Sometimes I feel like reading a good romance novel. However, I often find the storyline to be very formulaic….Girl meets boy, boy likes girl, their love faces a challenge, but in the end the challenge is overcome and they live happily ever after. After the Dance broke the usual formula.

The story centers on Faye and her neighbor Carl. After being neighbors for months their paths finally cross and the two become friends. Eventually, Faye presents Carl with the opportunity of three no strings attached, no looking back, hit it and quit it rendezvous. Figuring he would be a fool to pass that up, Carl accepts. This is where the story gets interesting. As their feelings grow, Faye is hesitant to admit that Carl just might be the guy for her. When a blast from the past enters the picture and brings along ancient drama, Faye is forced to make a choice. She does not choose Carl.

As the story progresses, the reader learns more about the history of both Carl and Faye. Several circumstances have led up the choices being made and to the emotions involved. After the Dance, does not end with, “Happily Ever After” but on a high note full of possibilities.

Now let’s talk about the writing itself. This book is very well written and unlike some romance novels, it is believable. While the main characters are thoroughly developed, the secondary characters understandably lack depth. It would have been nice to learn more about Nora, Squirrel and even Betty, but there is plenty of time for that Johnson’s next book.

Johnson allowed both main characters to tell their story in first person. It is interesting to see how differently each one perceives certain events. The conversational tone lets the reader feel as if Carl and Faye are sharing their deepest thoughts and concerns. This allows the reader to become invested in the story.

After the Dance is not your run of the mill romance novel. There is enough juice for those interested in that type of thing, but also enough meat for those of us that require a little more sustenance. Lori Johnson does a good job of allowing the reader to become concerned with the characters and their well-being. After reading After the Dance, I look forward to hearing more from Lori Johnson.