★★★★★ 5 Stars | 0.5 Spice ♥︎

This book is a beautifully written literary masterpiece. The way emotions, feelings, and even the surrounding environment are described is nothing short of phenomenal. On more than one occasion, I had to put the book down and wipe away tears because certain lines made me feel seen in ways I didn’t expect.
Before reading A Dance of Lies, I had never encountered a story featuring a disabled or incapacitated main character, and I hadn’t realized how much I was missing out.
The world-building is immersive and meticulously crafted, while the execution of the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers trope is astonishingly well done. That said, this book is utterly unique; I never predicted what would happen next. This unpredictability kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Vasalie is a standout character. She isn’t guided by insta-lust or the need for a man’s approval—she is entirely her own person. Her journey toward accommodating and accepting her declining physical health is portrayed with such authenticity and strength. Rather than letting her condition define or defeat her, she learns to adapt while refusing to hide it, showing remarkable resilience and determination. Her demeanour radiates a quiet power that is deeply inspiring.

The ending absolutely broke me. At two in the morning, I found myself reading it aloud to my partner because I couldn’t not share it immediately. Suffice it to say, I won’t be okay until I can get my hands on the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review. You consistently disrupt my reading plans and keep adding to my ever-growing TBR!