I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Pointe of Pride is an enemies to lovers ballerina/photographer romance with disability rep. While I loved the first in the series, this one did not pack the same punch but I would try this author again in the future.

I was so excited about this book after reading Pas De Don't and it did not disappoint! There is a lot of depth and background to Carly and Nick, both of them bringing a unique character to the story. I loved that Carly was "stuck" as a corps member. It was refreshing to see a more realistic expectation of being a professional ballerina. And the banter! Carly has a lot of fire and passion behind her words and Nick does struggle with communication, but they are fantastic. I'm excited to see if the series will continue (and hope it does)!

Professional ballet dancer Carly Montgomery has flown for nearly 24 hours to Sydney, Australia, to support her best friend, Heather, in the lead-up to Heather and Marcus’s wedding. All she wants is to grab her suitcase, hug her best friend, and enjoy a much-deserved cup of coffee. However, her trip gets off to a rocky start when an errant luggage cart leads to an altercation with another traveler. To make matters worse, the grumpy traveler she nearly ran over with the luggage cart turns out to be Nick, Marcus’s best man, with whom Carly must run wedding errands for the next three weeks.
Despite their mutual distaste, Carly and Nick are determined to help their friends' wedding succeed. They decide to fake collegiality, which leads to a real professional collaboration and then... something more?!
POINTE OF PRIDE is a delight! It’s a joy to be back with Angyal’s professional ballet dancers in Australia as they navigate romance, friendship, ambition, insecurities, and health issues.
Carly is fiery (she’s working on her temper) but also sensitive and fiercely loyal. Nick is kind and contained, holding his cards close but truly seeing Carly and, over time, wanting to open up to her and support her however she needs. Oh, and he’s super hot and, as a former ballet dancer, has a knack for picking up choreography 😏
In addition to enjoying the romance and friendships in the book, I empathized with the characters' professional anxieties. Their struggles are relatable for anyone who has had to navigate career transitions and grapple with professional disappointments.
A big thank you to @chicagoreviewpress and @netgalley for sharing a digital ARC with me.

This was a fun reading. Carly is a professional dancer in an important company in the USA, but she has been in the corps of ballet for many years and she's waiting to be promoted, while Nick, is a retired dancer, trying to figure out what to do with his life, after being a principal dancer at an important company in France.
Since the book is more about the relationship between Nick and Carly, It's very accurate to the feelings of both characters in this particular moment of their careers, because these are very important in the life of dancers. Most of them spend too much time trying to belong and be very good as dancers, and time lasts fast when they realize, they have to look to an uncertain future. It's not easy, the most of them feel that they have already done all they want to, and feel lost when have to figure out what to do with their lives before the dance.
There's another topic in this book interesting, which I didn't know, and it is a disorder of the function of the pelvic floor. So, this is a crucial part of the book because defines the personality and the way Carly relates with her couples during her lifetime.
I think it is an easy-reading book, aimed at a young adult audience.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for allowing me to read this copy in advance

Chloe Angyal does NOT miss!! This is the first book I’ve ever read that features a straight couple with no PIV (penis in vagina). Carly has a pelvic floor dysfunction that makes PIV painful and this type of representation is so needed in books! Chloe herself said that non-PIV representation isn’t something new, so many LGBTQ+ books are this way.

I’ll get to the plot, but it’s been so cool to see comments of people with pelvic floor pain see themselves in Chloe and feel empowered to either find the right doctor / the right partner, etc. REPRESENTATION IS SO IMPORTANT!!

The chemistry in this enemies to lovers is so well done. They’re definitely cranky with each other, but not in a way where you’d never believe that they wouldn’t get together.

I can understand the criticism of the 3rd act breakup, but after hearing Chloe’s explanation of it, it truly is so “Carly.” I just couldn’t imagine being her bff in this situation! Heather is better than I am, because as someone who’s had a wedding reception, and Heather being as organized as she is — I could not forgive the chaos.

I loved the social media tie in. As a content creator, I loved that it wasn’t overdone or the main focus, but a fun addition.

The depth of these characters is *chefs kiss*. I knew Carly from Pas de Don’t, but even without it, you get to know both her and Marcus on such a personal level, especially because this is dual-POV.

For all the Davo Stans out there, I don’t get the hype. But, I do get the Chloe Angyal hype so please support this wonderful author so we can get more from her!!! Forever an auto-buy author for me!

Thank you NetGalley and Indepent Publishers Group for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Angyal's debut, Pas de Don't, and this book is a companion follow up to that. So essentially, the couple from Pas de Don't are getting married so Carly and Nick have come in for the wedding as the Maid of Honor and Best Man respectively. The two of them have an extremely negative first... couple encounters, but wind up being forced to work together for wedding reasons. And then other reasons.

What I loved about this book was the representation of Carly's "broken vagina," as she has a type of vaginismus, which makes penetration extremely painful for her. And the way that Angyal handled the discussion of the issue, the way that Nick was ultimately so great about it? And not in a like, "Cool, so we can't have p in v sex," but in the way that he like, does his own research to figure out what Carly has going on. I just... I really appreciated it.

I also loved the way the two of them both had kind of black cat energy in some ways about letting someone get close to them and so they just sort of take very tentative steps toward coming together. (Also, this is nothing against black cats. Mine has wandered away from me at the present moment, but he's actually incredible affectionate.) It just felt pretty real to have some pretty significant trust issues and also, to be at such a fragile place in your life, almost a crossroads. Overall, a really excellent book and I look forward to reading more from Angyal whenever her next book releases!

Thank you NetGalley and Chloe Angyal for the ARC of “Point of Pride”! It was just a heartwarming read!! I’ve been in my career for 10 years now and have had that burn out feeling and have been confused on what to do next in my life and this story really connected that feeling of hope for change and growth. I loved the characters development and the banter! Everything was perfect!!

A beautiful moving love story that follows Carly and Nick as they figure out their life and careers. Chloe Angyal did a such a good job at making me care about this characters and want nothing but the best for them.

Carly’s issues with pelvic pain were raw, real and it gave this book such a sense of vulnerability. Nick was truly the best example of what a partner should do and that just made him so sexy and dreamy.

This story was deeply entertaining and I was immediately invested in the characters. Carly and her explosive tendencies as well as her fierce loyalty for those she loves made her someone I was rooting for. Nick while he might come off as a bit of an asshole in the beginning clearly is just someone who is struggling with life and insecurities but is so caring and loyal. The tension was thick from the beginning and the explosion once they get together was everything I wanted.

Carly and Nick are an intriguing and complicated couple. I liked that while Carly thought Nick had it all together, Nick really doesn't. I liked that where Carly built Nick up, the story made him more real. Their relationship developing felt natural and I loved their dynamic.

Just read this one, you will not be disappointed! I also love how the author depicts ballet; all the beauty and pain, and not romanticized in a way that undercuts the real issues inherent in the sport.

Carly Montgomery, determined to excel as the world’s best maid of honor and secure a promotion in New York City’s ballet scene, finds herself entangled with Nick Jacobs, an uptight and attractive photographer who is also in town for the same wedding.

The novel unfolds with Carly and Nick navigating their unexpected partnership amidst personal challenges. Carly, grappling with her ambitions in ballet and a looming decision about her career, turns to Nick for help despite their initial clash of personalities. Meanwhile, Nick, concealing a recent personal setback from his Parisian life, discovers a renewed sense of purpose through their collaboration.

Angyal’s writing skillfully weaves together witty banter, genuine emotional depth, and palpable chemistry between Carly and Nick. Their evolving relationship is portrayed with authenticity and tenderness, evolving from initial friction to a heartfelt connection as they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

The backdrop of Sydney provides a picturesque setting that enhances the narrative’s charm, offering a vivid backdrop for Carly and Nick’s escapades and introspective moments. The story is not merely about romance but also explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams amidst unexpected detours.

“Pointe of Pride” is a delightful read that combines sparkling dialogue, emotional resonance, and a satisfying romance that unfolds against the enchanting allure of Sydney and the competitive world of ballet. Fans of contemporary romance will find themselves thoroughly enchanted by Carly and Nick’s journey towards understanding, forgiveness, and love.

In her follow up to Pas de Don’t, her romcom debut, former dancer Chloe Angyal provides an engaging enemies-to-lovers tale set in her native Sydney, Australia. Sparky New York corps de ballet dancer Carly Montgomery puts friendship over prospects for promotion by serving as maid of honor for her bestie, prima ballerina Heather Hays. On her arrival she has an unpleasant encounter with a handsome jerk, whose luggage gets mixed up with hers, and who naturally turns out to be the groom’s best man, Nick Jacobs. His dancing days are long past, his career as professional photographer hasn’t taken off. Carly, committed to her profession, also suffers internal injury that requires extensive physical therapy prohibits penetrative sex

The bickering couple agree to make nice throughout preparation for the nuptials, all the while sparring out of their friends’ presence. Carly taking advantage of Nick’s supposed fame as photographer, enlists him to take dramatic pictures of her in scenic locations in the Sydney environs, with the intention of boosting her Instagram profile. A multitude of followers and enhance popularity, she’s sure, will result in her longed-for rise in the ballet company back home. When carefully concealed secrets are fully revealed, the romance as well as workplace prospects are imperiled.

The pace of the story never flags, Nick and Carly are pleasingly flawed and equally captivating, and the ballet content is well-presented. The result: another winning story from Angyal. (Amberjack Publishing, 378 pp., paperback/ebook, May 2024)

I'm currently quite obsessed with ballet so Pointe of Pride was a very enjoyable read. I really liked the references and even though I hadn't read the first volume, it was very easy to follow. The romance was well developed along with the characters and it was a delight to follow the two dealing with the frustrations of their professions and family issues. Unfortunately, the part that i didn't liked so much was the final conflict, it was too anti-climactic for me and I didn't think the motive was strong enough. Overall, I still recommend reading it, as it was a perfect choice for my current interests, but I feel like it could be a 5-star book if it weren't for the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

I didn’t love this one as much as the other ARCs I had this week.

I struggled to get into it and even though it is always fun to have the characters have a different job/life (this one was ballet), it just kind of fell flat for me.

I would like to say that it may be just the timing that I read it, but I am not sure.

Where do I begin? I was obsessed with this book! The chemistry between Carly and Nick is evident from the beginning. Carly’s friendship with her best friend Heather is super supportive and as someone who didn’t read the first book in this series (yet) I still found it easy to get into.

One of the things that’s stands out in this is the way Angyal deals with Carly’s medical issues and I absolutely loved the representation for women with pelvic floor pain and it made the book feel so much more real.

Another thing I loved is how descriptive it was because I really felt like I could see it in my head like a movie. I know nothing about ballet or photography but you feel excited with the characters because you can feel the passion through the pages.

Overall if you like subtle enemies to lovers vibes, fiery redheads and swoony MMCs you’ll really enjoy this book. Thankyou to NetGalley and Chloe Angyal for this ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. This was a good debut. The book was well done and I was expecting the 3rd act breakup but it was well done and a HEA was provided. Good read.

Two makes a pattern right? Well this is the second time this year that I read the second book in a series first. Don’t fret because Pointe of Pride by Chloe Angyal stands on its own. The cover perfectly sums up the set-up - Carly, a fiery ballet dancer, meets Nick, a proud photographer (retired ballet dancer), and sparks fly. This enemies-to-lovers tale is hilarious with the physical comedy and poignant with its careful handling of a chronic pain condition Carly reveals in the most cringe-worthy scene. Angyal’s writing gets us to sympathize with bratty Carly & stick-in-the-mud Nick. As they fall in love, their secrets are ticking time bombs and as they explode over their fresh wounds, you are left to ponder how in the world they will find themselves back to each other. Set in Australia, you will find yourself searching for photos of the beaches these two frolic on & looking up flight prices. Bonus points for great subplots: best friends, WTF do I do with myself when my dream job slips away, & healing from family wounds. I’m going to need to go back & read, Pas de Don’t, as we hope for another book to the series.

My sincere thanks to Amberjack Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Pointe of Pride. Opinions given about this book are unbiased and all my own.

We previously met Carly Montgomery in Chloe Angyal's previous book Pas de Don't as the best friend of the main character, Heather. In Pointe of Pride, Carly is back in Australia to be the best Maid of Honor ever at Heather and Marcus wedding. Trouble seems to follow Carly wherever she goes and her first few minutes in Australia prove this point when her luggage cart crashes into a very handsome man and their bags get mixed up in the process. Needless to say, they do NOT hit it off. When Carly finds out that her new acquaintance is Marcus's friend and also his best man, Nick she is not sure she will be able to handle it. They agree to put their differences aside and give their friends the wedding they deserve. Aside from the pre-wedding drama, Carly and Nick are also dealing with their own personal struggles. Both ballet dancers at or nearing the end of their careers, they both feel adrift and uncertain where their lives are headed. Carly is also working on controlling her explosive personality as well as enduring physical therapy for chronic pelvic pain that has kept her from true intimacy with her partners who want more from her than she is able to give.

I really liked this book. Carly was definitely a LOT, but she was also loyal to those she chose to let into her circle. While the relationship between Carly and Nick was a little too instalove for my personal taste, I still enjoyed the way it was written. Carly's chronic pelvic pain was important to the storyline and not something that I've really seen handled often in romance. The author did a wonderful job at not only teaching a little about it, but also dealing with the complicated feelings Carly worked through. There were quite a few steamy scenes that demonstrated how couples are able to be intimate and pain free. Nick was willing to take what Carly was able to give and make sure that she didn't feel less than perfect. Their relationship had to go through a lot as neither one was perfect, but who is. I was satisfied with the ending and recommend this romance to readers who want something different from the average contemporary story.

Carly and Nick are both facing the end of their professional dance careers, but while Nick was a principal dancer and soloist in France when he decided to retire, Carly is facing the end of a career spent in the corps de ballet of a prestigious NYC company as just another faceless, nameless supporting dancer. Nonetheless, they have more in common than they think. Carly's professional challenges are obvious, while Nick is hiding the fact that his recently launched photography career is not going well.

Their paths cross at the Sydney airport in a not=so-meet cute where they accidentally end up with each other's bags. After that encounter, they are horrified to learn that they are both in town for the same reason, their best friends Marcus and Heather's (from Pas de Don't) wedding, and will be working closely together to help the bride and groom with the final wedding plans.

This is truly an enemies-to-lovers romance. There is plenty of antagonism, along with a healthy dose of attraction as they rub each other the wrong way right from the start, yet also have that undeniable spark. Carly is almost a cliche, a redheaded hurricane who struggles all the time with her temper and her tendency to challenge authority, often to her detriment, but also manages to achieve gains for herself and others in a profession struggling to overcome ingrained sexism and prejudice. Nick is much quieter, a peacemaker, who hates making waves and who has been hurt by his parents' rejection of his career and his ex's lack of interest in him once he retired.

I loved that the book brings to the forefront a mostly ignored medical issue for women, chronic pelvic floor pain, which can make penetrative sex painful and difficult. It's approached in a sensitive, respectful, yet informative manner and is a subject I've never seen before in a romance. Nick was so supportive of Carly's struggles and that was lovely to read. Thank you to the author for shining a light on this issue. Aside from that, I loved that the book highlighted dancers like Carly who never get that coveted break in their career, but nonetheless, give it every bit of the love and passion that the soloists do and are able to (barely) make a living doing the thing they love. I thought the reason for the third act breakup was pretty flimsy but was happy that Carly and Nick found their way back to each other as well as a way forward in both of their careers after dance. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.