Branwen is a FMC who returns to New York City after four years away.
She had previously left after a social media post, but has now returned after sacrificing her body for the director of the company she had been dancing for. She is broke, without money, alone, and in desperate need.
She meets Kent Morgan, a renowned choreographer with a premiere dance company in New York.
He offers her a job, and they begin to work together.
Despite their initial struggles, they find that they have a strong chemistry and need each other's support.
Kent is not the arrogant alpha male type she expected, but rather a thoughtful and passionate individual who is also under pressure to make difficult decisions. She admires and respects him for his strength and determination.

I went into this book with no expectations. It was the first book I’ve read set in the competitive dance world, so I really didn’t know what I should expect. I was pleasantly surprised for many reasons. Brianna’s writing catches your attention immediately and holds it. I feel like the mysterious billionaire trope can be so cliche and over done, but Kent was more than that in that he was spending his time and energy focusing on what his true passion was; the art of dancing. It wasn’t a book that focused on his billions and lavish life of living. He was mysterious and Branwan was troubled and a little sassy. It’s definitely a slow burn, but that’s half the fun. The tension and forbidden ‘we shouldn’t’ of their relationship definitely draws you in. I will for sure be reading the other books in this series!

Curtain Call is the first book in the Driven Dance Theater series by Brianna Stark. The story follows Branwyn O'Hara, a determined dancer struggling to make her mark in New York City. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she not once but twice runs into Kent Morgan, the brilliant director of the Driven Dance Theater. While the romance is more on the sweet side, there is a little spice to keep things interesting.
Curtain Call was a fun and quick read. I loved that it showed the "life of a dancer" from Branwyn's point of view.

Amazing romance story, I loved the caracters, the spice in the book was perfect and very hot.

Loved it from the first chapters.

Dancing, hot (RICH) boss, problematic ex-friend, romance, spice - this had it all. It was a great read, nothing fancy about it just a good, old fashioned romance drama.

Chemistry between the main characters was perfect, the friendships kept the side story interesting and funny, and the drama with the ex-friend kept me on my toes. As an ex-dancer myself the dance setting was well received and I loved Branwen's dedication and bravery. I thought the characters were well developed and the storyline well thought out.

A great summer read!

What a wonderful story. I loved to experience the dance world with the romance. The story is filled with angst, drama, and steam. The banter and back/forth between characters will have you on the edge of your seat. I do wish it was dual POV. But it was still an enjoyable read

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

As a dancer for the first twenty years of my life, I was very excited to rest this book. This book had so much potential, but it fell flat in many ways. The characters were static and even though this was written in first POV, I still feel like I don't truly know Branwen. Kent would sing her praises and it would just leave me wondering how he saw any of those things because I surely didn't. Kent didn't even seem like a fully fleshed out human.

The back and forth between them was incredibly frustrating. Them getting together makes no sense, why did he finally decide to go for it? Will Branwen's insecurities actually go away enough for this relationship to be successful? Will they learn to communicate? There's not even an epilogue to tie everything up.

Why was it so important for Branwen to get a solo? It's her first year with the company. If she's the absolute best sure, but the plot hinging on the fact that it's unfair for her to not get the solo because of *drama* didn't help the cause. Why did social media caring so much that the director was interested in his principal dancer? Why was there this side plot about Kent's company with Chip that just easily gets resolved?

I was very close to not finishing this book. If not for this being an ARC, I probably would have. The language in this kept frustrating me. It felt jumbled and at times like I was missing info mation or it was just randomly given to me. Felt like I was being told things more often than shown.

Characters: 2⭐
Plot: 1.5⭐
Frustration level: high
Spice: .5🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dance and theater are long time loves of mine. I was thrilled to see a billionaire romance combining those two. This title from Stark was entertaining right away. It didn't take long for me to get invested in the main characters and what would happen to them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Typical rags-ro-riches romance novel set in the dance world. A dancer appears out of the blue and introduces herself to the choreographer and owner of a major ballet company. They fall in love, there is much intrigue and drama around the apprentice and the Director having an affair. The ending could have gone several ways. Not too many surprises. An entertaining read for those interested in ballet companies.

Wow! I couldn't put down Curtain Call : A Driven Dance Theater Series. What chemistry between Kent and Bronwyn. It was sizzling and loved every page. Had to read in one sitting. Can't wait to read more from Brianna

Brianna Stark’s Curtain Call is an enchanting blend of passion, resilience, and redemption. This dance-infused spicy romance seamlessly intertwines the beauty of performance with the raw emotion of a budding love story, creating a narrative that’s as captivating as it is heartfelt.

At the heart of the story is Branwen, a relatable and deeply compelling protagonist whose past struggles resonate with readers. Her journey of overcoming personal challenges and reclaiming her place in the world of dance is both inspiring and emotionally charged. Stark brilliantly conveys Branwen’s vulnerabilities while celebrating her strength, offering a protagonist who feels genuine and multifaceted.

The novel’s balance between the technical world of dance and the fiery romance is one of its standout features. Stark vividly captures the artistry and discipline of dance, making it a rich backdrop for the romance to unfold. The chemistry between Branwen and her romantic interest is electric, building tension and depth that keeps readers invested in their story.

What sets Curtain Call apart is its message of resilience. Through Branwen’s struggles and triumphs, Stark illustrates the power of perseverance and self-belief, crafting a narrative that inspires as much as it entertains.

For readers who enjoy a romance with emotional depth, strong character development, and a unique setting, Curtain Call is a must-read. Brianna Stark delivers a story that’s as uplifting as it is steamy, leaving a lasting impression.