Invitation to the Dance

Loved the first 2/3 or so of the book. It's got a nice slow burn that's really not simply because the entire story covers less than two months. But the buildup of the relationship, the fact that we're about 40% through the book before either of them even thinks that they're physically attracted to the other. That was lovely. I also like the supporting characters quite a lot. Especially Rose. She's a sweetheart.

The last third or so brought a mystery to the forefront, which I should have expected considering this author's other work, but that also felt a bit out of place.

Tamara Allen releases new books far too infrequently so each one is cause to rejoice. Invitation to the Dance doesn't disappoint. In turn of the century New York City, a cautious new copy editor and a brash journalist go from enemies to friends to lovers when they are forced to work together to get the Society story of the year, which turns out to be more than they anticipated. This is a slow-burn romance (neither character even admits to being homosexual until more than a third of the book is done, and the first kiss takes place well after the halfway mark) but it feels completely appropriate to the setting. Instead of longing looks we get lots of witty banter, interesting secondary characters (including a sweet M/F romance), and period detail that makes you feel like you are trying to hail a cab on Broadway right before Christmas in a cold wind.

While Allen doesn't shy away from the realities of being a gay couple when it was still a crime, she's also rather matter of fact about the ways that Charlie and Will find to be alone together, so it doesn't feel like their sexuality is the barrier keeping them apart. Once they admit their feelings, the conflict revolves around the actions they have taken to insinuate themselves into High Society and the friends and enemies they have made along the way.

I can't understand why Tamara Allen isn't a bigger name in MM romance, but I look forward to each release with great anticipation. I'm already planning a re-read in the very near future because I already miss Charlie and Will and want to spend more time with them. To resort to a cliche - don't turn down this Invitation (sorry, couldn't help myself)!