This was a moving and spicy dual POV single dad x ex professional ballet dancer vacation romance. Lyric and Devon find themselves on the same plane to Aruba and are double booked in the same villa. Agreeing to share, the two have a torrid affair only to find themselves struggling to make things work in the real world when they return to Memphis.

I loved the found family and female friendship in this book and the biological/adopted parent side story. I'm excited for the final book in the gems series coming in early 2025! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!! Highly recommended for fans of books like Canadian boyfriend by Jenny Holiday.

This is book five in the Six Gems series and I have enjoyed every single book so far.

Lyric and Devon first saw each other on the plane to Aruba and there was an instant attraction. Then a mix up at the resort leaves them sharing a villa. Rather then fight their attraction, they throw caution to the wind and decide to have a week long affair. It was supposed to end when they got back to Memphis but bothe are reluctant to make that happen. However neither one speaks up and they part ways. Then it ends up that his daughter is taking ballet at Lyric’s studio.

I really enjoyed this book. I was as frustrated with Devon as Lyric was. There were moments when I wanted to reach inside the book and shake him. When I got to the end I kept pressing the next page button hoping there was more.

I love this story so much! It had all the tropes I love in a romance.

One villa- mistake with the hotel, full vacancy. MC's end up sharing a villa together. They decide to explore each other for one week only. Sparks fly and their chemistry is on fire.

It turns out they both live in Memphis. There is a misunderstanding and it triggers both characters. There is forced proximity when the daughter of the mmc signs up for dance lessons at the fmc's dance studio.

Do they keep things private and spicy, or do they take their relationship to the next level?

Even though there is a lot of spice in the romance (which In personally love), I think the plot is really amazing and relatable. At some parts the conflicts and traumas are holding them back, but it started to feel a bit repetitive. I understand those insecurities were a big part of the story, but I feel like some of the repetition could've been shortened.

I enjoyed the way the story ended, even though it did feel rushed. It would've been nice to have epilogue to see how thing's progressed in their relationship.
The daughter warmed my heart and I teared up when she wanted to get closer to Lyric, but also for Lyric and Devon to be in a relationship.

I loved Devon's sister and Lyric's friends. They were all supportive and encouraging of their relationship continuing and giving love a chance.

GOING TOE TO TOE – Yahrah St. John
Six Gems, Book 5
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1-335-57480-0
August 20, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Aruba & Memphis, Tennessee – Present Day

Former ballerina Lyric Taylor is gifted a weeklong trip to Aruba by her best friends, aka The Six Gems, after she went through a bad stretch. Even before she landed, she spotted the handsome man on the plane, and to her surprise, they're headed to the same exclusive resort. As Lyric checks in, she learns there is a mix-up in reservations, and she and the man have the same villa. Since it is a two-bedroom villa, they finally agree to share. They don’t have to run into each other, right? But before twenty-four hours are up, they are having steamy sex. What happens in Aruba stays there. Or so they think until they run into each other in Memphis afterward.

Businessman and single father Devon Masters can’t afford to get involved with a woman right now as his little girl is his top priority. He figured he would never run into Lyric again, but after his sister enrolls his daughter in a ballerina class—against his better judgment—he discovers that the instructor is Lyric. The issue in his marriage to his now-deceased wife was that she worked as a dancer and was rarely home. So, there is no way he will get involved with a dancer again. But the sparks that flew between Lyric and Devon in Aruba still burn hot.

An instant attraction brings together Lyric and Devon in GOING TOE TO TOE, but once they are back in their hometown, they will need to work hard to build a relationship. Lyric is adopted and had been lovingly raised by her adoptive parents. She was a professional ballerina, but her career got cut short after she got injured. With the encouragement of her friends, she opened the dance studio. During their affair in Aruba, they didn’t discuss much about their personal lives, so it is a surprise to both when Devon shows up at her dance studio. It takes a while before he opens up to Lyric about why he wasn’t happy to learn she was a dancer.

Their relationship is up and down in GOING TOE TO TOE, and readers will wonder if they’ll ever get together. Meanwhile, Lyric meets her birth mother to understand why she was given up. Do things go the way she wants? Will her future include Devon and his daughter? Their romance is sizzling hot, and readers will root for them to make it all work out. Don’t miss their bumpy, yet fun, road to happiness. Be sure to pick up GOING TOE TO TOE.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I would like to start off by saying thank you to Yahrah St. John and NetGalley for this ARC.

I loved every minute of this book and will be accepting no criticism whatsoever. 🤭 The spice is so well written and so passionate I was honestly baffled by it. I will say this book was a lot of firsts for me. My first single dad romance, first phone s*x scene, and first dance related romance read. And it was everything and more. If you’re a fan of Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. I have not been able to find anything comparable until this book and I read OFTW back in January. Spice aside, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself connecting with each of the characters. Every single character had something about them that was relatable to me. As a child dancer, I also loved being able to read about what goes into running a dance school and putting together a recital. I cannot wait to read more from Miss St.John.

Lyric Taylor, a former ballerina, seeks solace in Aruba and begins a passionate fling with Devon Masters, a charming man she meets during her stay. Upon returning home, Lyric discovers that Devon is the father of her new dance student, complicating their lives. As they navigate their deepening emotions and personal histories, they must redefine their paths and what home truly means. This book delivers a heartwarming, swoon-worthy story with relatable characters and a seamless, captivating narrative that leaves readers with a smile.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Yahrah St. John! It was my first read by the author and I’ve gone and bought several of her other novels because I wanted more! This series about former college friends still in touch (the Six Gems) intrigued me and now I need the stories about the others.

Travel flings continuing on afterwards are kinda my jam, being in travel myself, so I didn’t hesitate to start with this book… even though it’s far into an existing series! These are easily read as standalone books. I loved the spicy fling that Lyric and Devon experienced when a hotel mixup had them sharing a suite in Aruba (which by the way, would absolutely never happen in reality! Strangers would never be allowed to do that, but the magic of fiction prevails). This was the start of a beautiful week in paradise and that was to be where it stayed.

When it turns out that Devon’s daughter is signed up for ballet by his sister, and Lyric is her teacher… well! Let’s just say that the story gets a whole lot more interesting and I. Was. Here. For. It! I loved it all, drama between the pair, drama between the families, and drama in general (Lyric has some drama about ballet too). Fantastic read and I definitely recommend it! Great spice, great story, and anyone who loves romance in general will fall in love with this one! She is a great author and storyteller - 4.5-stars from me for Going Toe to Toe, and I can’t wait to get into the others that I’ve now bought, and the next & final release in the series when it arrives!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and this is my honest feedback.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Yahrah St. John delivers another winner with Going Toe to Toe. It’s book 5 in her Six Gems series, and the second to be released with the Afterglow line, but it can be read as a standalone. This one really surprised me, because while I’ve definitely read other category-length books that had such profound emotional character depth, I didn’t quite expect it from this book in particular. Add in some well-done trope subversion, and it made for a really great read.
Lyric is a former professional ballet dancer who now teaches children ballet. But I was particularly drawn to her backstory, as she was adopted in a transracial adoption, and has never met her birth parents, although her birth mother gave permission for Lyric to contact her when she was 18. I appreciate the compassion given to Lyric’s journey, from having the support of her foster parents, to taking the time to navigate first contacting her birth mother, then finding her birth father.
Devon is equally sympathetic, as he’s navigating being a single father to a daughter, Kianna. In addition to the typical challenges that brings, along with the baggage from his relationship with his ex, souring him on getting into another relationship. While men with commitment issues irk me (and he had his moments that frustrated me), his issues came from an understandable place.
I really enjoyed the romance, which surprised me a little, as romances where they first connect due to their lust for each other usually turn me off. But I think there was something about them bonding, physically and a little emotionally, when there were no stakes in Aruba, and then having to adjust and address things between them when they found out Kianna is in Lyric’s dance class that really appealed to me. While there were some moments where I was frustrated with them, especially Devon, their conflicts felt realistic, but kept me invested in them as a couple.
This was an enjoyable read, and I’d recommend it to readers interested in a category-length contemporary romance with Black leads.

Going Toe to Toe is an excellent book. It examines the question what happens when a no strings fling with someone you thought you would never see again suddenly turns into something more when you come into contact with them in your day to day life. Seeing how Lyric and Devon navigate the various twists and turns in their relationship was enchanting. I loved this book and think those who have had to change their life plans due to circumstances out of their control will especially identify with Lyric. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and lovable. The pacing was perfect and left you wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Thanks to Netgalley this is the second novel by Yahrah St. John that I have had an opportunity to review. Going Toe to Toe continues the story of the Six Gems, this time focusing on Lyric. Lyric is a former professional ballerina transitioning into a new place in life as a business owner and dance instructor. To celebrate these big changes her friends send her on a trip to Aruba before she hits the ground running with her new business. While on this trip a clerical error creates a situation that requires she share her vacation villa with Devon, a single father in serious need of a break. The two have a vacation fling that they vow ends the moment they leave the island. However, life has a way of surprising you. Due to some interference from his younger sister Devon’s daughter Kianna is one of Lyrics new young students. Much as they try to void each other the pull is too strong.

While trying to navigate their situationship Lyric is working on putting together her personal history. As the product of a transracial adoption Lyric has had a hard journey understanding how to navigate black spaces, constantly being told she isn’t black enough by her black peers on one hand while being told that she was too black by her mostly white dancing contemporaries. To better understand herself she is on the hunt for a connection with her biological parents to understand the whys of her past.

Without giving too much else away I greatly enjoyed reading this novel and think others will enjoy it as well.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book.

Oh wow!!!!! This was a first for me by this author but will not be my last! Such a good story! The characters worked so well together. Such great chemistry. Good love story!!

I am a huge Yarah St John fan and this isntallment in her Six Gems series (which I am so glad Afterglow picked up) is so adorable.

After a casual romance in Aruba, Lyric and Devon didn't expect to meet again—until Lyric becomes Devon's daughter's dance teacher. As they deal with their surprising reunion, new emotions develop, and past hurts come back. What happens in Aruba doesn't always stay there, and now they must decide what their future looks like.

I enjoyed this book. I didn’t realize it was a series when i requested it from NetGalley. I appreciated how the story picked up right away without fluff. I would read this author again.

I love the cute cover and the plot of the story, it was just too fast paced for me. I feel like I didn't get a chance to really connect with the main characters as much as I would have liked. I just needed more from Devon and Lyric.

Watch me go read the rest of the books in this series! I'm so glad I took a chance on a random book on Netgalley because I loved this single dad romance so much!

Devon and Lyric meet while they're both on vacation. The hotel has a mixup and oops! there's only one bed. What else are you to do on vacation but enjoy as many things as possible? They have a fun time together, there's a lot of instalust which I'm here for! When the vacation ends, they reluctantly end as well.

I loved the "back to reality" time these two had. As a single dad his life is pretty much the same song and dance every day, until his daughter starts dance lessons at Lyrics studio. Their fun vacation hookup turns into a "let's keep it a secret" situationship.

Devon had A LOT of hold ups due to his relationship with his ex that caused some well placed drama in this story. Lyric also had some good story going on when she tries to track down her birth parents (she's adopted). Through it all I loved this story so much! It gave me all the feels and I just know the first books will be just as good, so I'm planning on reading them soon!

If you love single dad romances, reluctant/hesitant love, but ALL the feels, pick up this book!

In “Going Toe to Toe” by Yahrah St. John, readers experience a masterfully woven tale of love, redemption, and the magic of dance. Set against the backdrop of Aruba's sun-kissed beaches, this romance novel delivers a heartwarming story that will leave readers swooning. This book is a dance of passion and second chances!

Meet Lyric Taylor. She’s a former ballerina who finds herself at a crossroads after her ballet career comes to an abrupt end. Desperate for distraction, she embarks on a spontaneous fling with Devon, her sexy bunkmate during a tropical getaway. Their seven days of sun, sand, and sizzle ignite a passion neither expected. But when reality beckons, they part ways, believing their connection was nothing more than a fleeting affair.

Fast forward to Lyric's return home, where life takes an unexpected turn. Devon, a single dad, discovers that Lyric is his daughter Kianna's new dance teacher. The chemistry they shared in Aruba resurfaces, and old wounds reopen. As they navigate their feelings, secrets, and the challenges of blending their lives, they must decide whether to take a leap of faith or retreat to the safety of their pasts.

St. John crafts multidimensional characters who leap off the page. Lyric's vulnerability and determination resonate, while Devon's protective instincts and inner struggles tug at the heartstrings. Kianna, their precocious daughter, adds a delightful layer to the story. The sparks between Lyric and Devon are palpable. Their banter, stolen glances, and shared passion create an electric atmosphere. St. John knows how to build anticipation, leaving readers eagerly turning pages.

The dance sequences are beautifully described, capturing the grace, discipline, and sensuality of movement. Whether it's a tango or a waltz, the choreography mirrors the characters' emotional journey. St. John delves into themes of forgiveness, healing, and second chances. Readers will root for Lyric and Devon as they confront their pasts and learn to trust again.

“Going Toe to Toe” is a delightful romance that will make your heart pirouette. St. John's lyrical prose, vivid settings, and authentic emotions make this a must-read. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or simply a lover of love, this book will leave you smiling long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

This book is an instant lust romance which I'm normally not a fan of but them being together by 15 % and falling in love by 30% was way too much for me. The spicy scenes started very early in the book and it was a lot for characters that were just meeting each other at a vacation resort. The main characters in this book meet after they have to share a resort room due to a confusion. They are instantly lustful of each other and decide to have a no-feelings string for the remainder of the vacation. The mmc is widowed and the fmc doesn't have a lot of experience with relationships but they fall for each other but don't tell each other. As they leave the resort the mmc gets annoyed when he sees the fmc with someone and thinks the weekend was a lie. Flash forward to some time after and the MMC's daughter is in the fmc ballets class, they resist each other at first but then decide to hook up again for as long as it lasts.

The romance was okay, I thought it was cute but it did rely very much on their chemistry and sexy times which to me didn't develop their relationship well. The main issue I had was with some micro-aggressive stereotypes about race that was probably unintentionally put in the book. The fmc is a biracial black woman raised by her white parents who adopted her. She lived her life mainly in a white space and she mentioned not fitting in perfectly with her identities. There was a particular statement that perpetuated a stereotype about black mothers that caught my attention and wasn't necessary. It shaped the rest of the book and I think it could have been worded better.

Overall this is a short read and me not enjoying it is just my opinion and you may like it especially if you like instant love, single father trope, diverse characters, and lots of spice. Thank you, HTTP for the arc.