Set in a (fictional) ballet school in England, this first book in a series alternates points of view between Taryn, an aroace ballerina, Teddy, her best friend and usual partner, and Jaidev, who's called from France to become Taryn's new partner when Teddy finds out he has a serious, career-ending illness.
Both Taryn and Jaidev have tragedy in their past, and there's a mysterious bully trying to ruin their present too so, with all that plus Teddy's illness, the general tone of the novel is quite dark, but I enjoyed it anyway. I particularly liked the fact it's not entirely centred on a ballerina (danseurs may be less numerous but they deserve to be treated as more than just those who are there to lift their partners or be used as a kind of barre), although Taryn is a great main character (especially as she's aroace and a good enough actor to fake the romance required for her roles but still worried that she wouldn't be trusted to do it right if people knew).
I really liked all three main characters (plus some others) and the whole ballet school/company setting, so I'll definitely read the next book too.

Unfortunately this wasn't my kind of book, way too much drama for my liking and just one horrible event after another. Sometimes I feel like books have too much going on? But I did like that it highlighted the heart issues identified in some young people through Teddy's story. Prominent GB gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie lost their brother to it and its honestly so heartbreaking.

But yeah there was just too much with the heart diagnosis, a sibling death, hit by a car, abortion, EDs, bullying, racism, anti asexual narratives...I feel like it would be better if it gave the issues more time especially as its a series.

Also, the dialogue is not great, didn't feel authentic.