Thank you to Turningpagesnz and Penguin books nz for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Instructions for dancing by Nicola Yoon via Netgalley.

I've previously read and enjoyed both The Sun is also a star and Everything, everything (and seen the film) by this author and I don't think I even read the blurb on this book before signing up to read this novel so I was surprised to discover it was contemporary magical realism rather than a standard contemporary.

Because this is a Nicola Yoon novel it was diverse, it had relatable characters going through challenging experiences. It made me think, it surprised me. . It made me laugh and it made me CRY.

I have also posted this review to my Instagram and Good reads accounts.

Jenthebookishbakernz

Having read and enjoyed both of Nicola Yoon’s previous YA books, I was very intrigued by her latest release. Her books always promise a very intense, all-consuming teen romance but I wasn’t quite prepared for the tears that came with this one!

Since the dramatic end of her parents’ relationship, Evie doesn’t believe in true love anymore. After she gives away all of her beloved romance novels, whenever she sees a couple kiss, she has visions of their whole history and their break-up. She has no idea why this is happening but then life leads her to La Brea Dance Studio, ballroom dancing and the handsome musician, X. But she knows that every romance eventually ends, so how can she save herself the inevitable hurt and stop herself from falling for X?

My heart went out to the Evie at the beginning of the book. Her instant rejection of the existence of everlasting love rang particularly true for me. I remember feeling the exact same way the first time I experienced heartbreak. I know it’s really quite dangerous to hold that belief for the long-term though and I couldn’t wait to see how Evie would eventually realise that good, true love is available to her.

Evie’s younger sister Danica jumps from boyfriend to boyfriend and it’s safe to say that their parents’ divorce hasn’t affected her as much as it has Evie. However, Evie has knowledge of the catalyst for her parents’ separation that Danica doesn’t have and this seems to be the difference between the two sisters’ reactions. I couldn’t help but feel quite protective of Danica though. Perhaps it was because I was reading from Evie’s perspective but I really wanted Danica to slow down and find herself before picking a nice suitable guy -preferably Evie’s wonderful friend Martin!

In some ways, Evie’s skepticism about the existence of true love makes her seem like a wise old soul. She has a very level head on her and I wasn’t worried that she’d fall into any major trouble at any point. However, perhaps I wanted her to let go and behave a little more like a teenager sometimes. I was a little concerned that she wasn’t really enjoying life in the way that she should have been and I was really relieved when she began to focus more on dancing. The freedom, discipline and transporting nature of dance is possibly the best thing that could have come into Evie’s life.

‘People don’t come back, Evie. The time we get is the time we get.’

Meeting X really seems to shift Evie’s perspective, not only on love but on how to live life fully. X has experienced deep loss in his life and it’s through this that he encourages Evie to just throw herself into every day. Again, he is a very wise, mature soul and the more I got to know him, the more I felt that he and Evie were the perfect match. Luckily, she starts to realise this too!

Watching the fog in Evie’s mind lift and the light start to shine through was so beautiful. She builds bridges that I wasn’t sure she would and I felt a huge sense of pride for her by the end of the book. She manages to put a lot of her own feelings aside for the sake of other people’s happiness, which is perhaps one of the most touching, grown-up things we can do.

Instructions For Dancing is a moving, magical contemporary story about a young girl rediscovering romance and her passion for life amidst a huge life change. The ending was bittersweet but I couldn’t help but smile through the tears. Instructions For Dancing manages to portray more than one very realistic depiction of young love while possessing a whimsical aura that is fantastically enchanting. It’s definitely my favourite of Nicola Yoon’s books, so pick it up if you’re a fan of hers!

Ouch. I was not expecting this book to break my heart! This is such a cute, thought-provoking, emotional, and heartbreaking story. There’s some magic realism mixed in too. I was expecting a cute rom-com type book and got a lot more from it.

I could see this book playing out on the screen. The fact that our main character, Evie, is obsessed with romance novels and frequently points them out in her life, is quite entertaining. Evie is jaded. Her parents have gone through a divorce and she knows an ugly little secret about it. It’s ruined the idea of what her father was to her. In addition, it’s ruined her to love. She’s completely closed off and doesn’t believe it’s worth it if everyone just ends up in heartbreak.

Then we meet X. Oh gosh, wasn’t he such a great character! I loved how open he was to life but it’s not just on the surface. He has his own tragedies in life and I think he ran into Evie at the perfect time.

One of my biggest issues with this book is the pacing. The dancing was rushed and we jump time so quickly, it was hard to remember why it was important to the story. I would have loved more of their relationship unfolding in the dance room. One of the most important elements of this book, the visions, are just pushed to the side as well. It was such an interesting aspect and I would have loved a lot more of that. She was supposed to learn her lesson from it and it was kind of minor.

The plot itself was very enjoyable. It’s rather touching and I love that we explore whether or not love is worth it. Is it better to love and have lost than never loved at all? There’s a lot that Evie has to figure out, in regards to her dad and her love life. I think this is such a relatable book for teenagers. I remember thinking similar things with love at that age and not knowing. The answer is yes. It’s always better to live in the now and love while you can (IMO). ❤

Overall, I had a fun time with this book and had a hard time putting it down. Although there are some character and pacing issues, it didn’t take away from the message. It has some very sad moments. Nicola Yoon talks about how she was going through a lot of pain when writing this book. You can feel her heartbreak coming through with this one.

I will be upfront with you. I am a Nicola Yoon newbie. I’ve not read one of her novels nor seen any of the movie adaptations. However, after reading Instructions for Dancing, I will not be a newbie for long. Nicola grabbed my heart with her pen and won’t let go. I know I will never be the same again. This book is something you can’t forget.

When Evie learns a terrible secret about the one person she felt she could trust with her life, she shuts down. Nothing can penetrate her broken heart until she meets X. X is everything Evie needs, but nothing she wants. She doesn’t want to give her heart to anyone only to let it break again. Love always ends, doesn’t it? Evie thinks so. But, no matter how hard she tries, Evie falls in love with X, only to run away when she learns a truth she doesn’t want to face. Will Evie ever learn to trust in love, even if it means another broken heart?

Evie is one of those characters that you love yet want to scream at her at the same time. So many times, I wanted to shake her to get her to come to her senses. I understand her defenses. But her need to run away from heartache causes even more damage to her heart. She needs to stay and deal with the outcome. X is a good influence on her and is wise beyond his years. I thought he would be her guiding light, but maybe not.

I must tell you that this book got me. I read it in one sitting, and the tears never stopped. I can’t count how many tissues I went through while reading. I didn’t have those pretty gentle tears that sometimes leak from your eyes. I was full-on ugly crying, and it got to the point where my daughter thought I had a mental breakdown. But, I will also tell you that I wouldn’t change my reaction to this book at all. The tears made me realize how much I wanted to scoop Evie up and hold her. I needed to tell her everything will be okay, and she can let down her walls. The poor girl was so broken, and I wanted to put her back together.

It isn’t rare for me to cry while reading a book. In fact, I cry a lot, not just at books, but movies, tv, even commercials make me tear up. But, never in all the books I’ve read has a character broken me. Evie did.

I award Instructions for Dancing a full 5 out of 5 stars. There is no way I couldn’t after the connection I had to Evie. I know I don’t make the best argument for reading this book, but you need to trust me. Please, read it.

When your family shatters around you it’s easy to see how you might feel somewhat disillusioned about love and relationships.
Evie Thomas has struggled to accept the breakdown of her parents’ relationship. She knows her father had an affair and she wonders if falling in love is worth it if it’s going to end badly. This book offers an alternative way of looking at things.
Evie finds herself picking up an unusual book, Instructions for Dancing, and it sets her on a path that is not expected but which offers her a more positive way of engaging with the world. She finds herself learning to dance and entered into a competition that involves her opening herself to new opportunities.
From the start, I loved this. There’s a genuine optimism to some potentially difficult subjects and I found myself desperate to see how things resolved.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Once again Nicola Yoon has written a book that has made me both incredibly happy and incredibly sad and heartbroken at the same time.

I loved this book so much. I think out of Nicola Yoon's three books, this one is definitely my favourite and is one of my new favourite books of the year. It was just so good. I read the whole thing in a few hours because I could not put it down and I was obsessed.

I loved Evie as a main character and I loved seeing her growing relationship with X throughout the book, but I also loved seeing Evie with her friends and her family and her learning to forgive people and learning that love is important no matter what.

This book has a sort of magical element to it, which I didn't know about going into it, but I loved it so much. I loved the little chapters seeing other peoples entire love stories in a few scenes. Nicola Yoon's writing is so amazing and the way she weaves in other characters stories within the book was one of my favourite elements of this book and of 'The Sun Is Also A Star'.

'Instructions For Dancing' is going to be one of those books I will love and think about for a long time. I already can't wait to reread this book as I know this is going to be one of those books I find myself rereading in the future.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Children's UK for providing me with an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Evie used to love romance books. That was before she stopped believing in love; ever since she caught her Dad cheating on her Mum, things haven't been the same. On a bike ride one day, she finds a book in a Free Little Library and follows its instructions to a dance studio downtown. Not only does she unwittingly enter into a dance competition with the boy who tried to steal her bike, she realises she has special powers: the ability to see how a relationship starts and ends, whenever a couple kisses.

This cute but bittersweet novel tells the story of opening up to love, and seeing life for what it truly is. Evie is a relatable character, getting too in her head about the negativities of life; why should we even try to fall in love if we always get hurt and lose people? With the help of her friends and family, Evie opens her heart up again to love and loss, getting hurt along the way but learning the important lesson that it doesn't make the love you felt anyway less real, or worth it.

I really enjoyed X's character, finding his happy go lucky and enthusiastic nature extremely contagious. Evie's friends are sweet too, and her difficult but slowly re-blossoming relationship with her Dad is heart wrenching to read. Overall, this novel is sweet, with bountiful amounts of love, but equal amounts of pain - exactly like real life.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Children's and Netgalley for my arc copy! I loved it!

It's time to get your dancing shoes with this highly addictive and exquisitely emotional read...

Instructions For Dancing is beautifully and tenderly written, with some of it waxing lyrical, amongst the emotional rollercoaster of joy and heartache of life and dance - sometimes it's soaring and other times, pounding and grinding down.

Instructions For Dancing is the title of an instruction manual on how to dance many styles of this art form, that inspires Evie. The title, not only means the physical act of dancing at the dance studio, but also perhaps a metaphorical meaning of dancing the steps of life as there are break-ups and make-ups and life in general to deal with and issues to walk through.... So any readers who have come across Don't Forget To Dance, would also appreciate this, although certain themes differ.

There's fun in Evie's life with waffles and brownies and hanging out with her friends, but also her homelife is in a bit of crisis. There's also music and some romance in the air in the maze of teenage life, but also the breaking up of her family that changes and complicates things and an unexpected romance that also changes everything. It shows so much of the highs and lows of life.

Readers will get a real feel for Evie's personality and the inclusion of texts that also carry the story along is a fun addition in being immersed into her life.

This is highly addictive, exquisite book that I highly recommend. It is one of those perfectly conceived books for teens/young adults.

After the long gap between the publication of The Sun Is Also A Star and Instructions for Dancing, I went into reading this book expecting much of what I had read in Yoon's previous two titles - an easy, yet enjoyable, first love/romance with strings attached. And that is what, ostensibly, Instructions for Dancing is, however I was pleasantly surprised by Yoon's inclusion of a previously unused idea in her novels - magic! At first, I was sceptical after Evie's first vision of a couple's love story. I wasn't sure how it was going to work. But using the visions of the future that Evie sees, her interpretation of the "sight" as a curse and her overwhelming need to get rid of these visions as the catalyst for her to then go to the dance studio, meet X, learn to dance and trust and love again. For me, the only thing that let this book down, was the moment that Evie kisses X and sees their own future. Throughout the novel, it was established that in order for a vision to occur, she needs to see the couple kiss and it cannot be a first kiss. However, how can she see her own kiss with X? It made no sense to me. However, it was obviously needed in terms of plot devices in order to have Evie come to the realisation that even though her relationship with X may not last forever and would cause her pain eventually, the joy and happiness that their love would bring her in the time before that moment, is worth it. I must admit that on occasion Evie and her attitude towards her dad and his new partner really annoyed me. She came across as much more immature than she really was. Overall though, an enjoyable summer read for those who like romantic stories with some teenage angst thrown in for good measure.

With any Nicola Yoon book, I have been sat on writing this review for days, because every time I come to write it, I end up sitting in front of a blank screen, all of my emotions consuming me. I don’t even know where to start. I don’t know how I’m possibly going to encapsulate the utter joy and heartbreak that Evie and X caused me, because truly, all I want to say is, “I just want to sit and hug this book forever” and “This book will make you scream and cry, go get it now!!“, but this masterpiece and Nicola deserve so much more than that, so here we go, let’s attempt putting this stunning novel in to words.

Going in to ‘Instructions for Dancing‘, I believed this to be a cutesy romance between two teenagers, after meeting at a dance studio – WRONG. This is in fact, not a love story as such, because Evie does not believe in love. Evie’s parents are no longer together and have destroyed every bit of faith she had towards romance. Goodbye to all of Evie’s beloved romance books, goodbye to taking a chance on love. At a time where Evie needed to believe in love more than ever, she was granted the powers to foresee the future of all couples she caught kissing. Whilst the visions of their past and present were delightful and promising, their futures told a story that would devastate both involved, making Evie realise that no one was ever capable of having a happy ending. All happy relationships were eventually set to end. So, when a mysterious woman passes her on a dance manual, with a studio address, Evie is thrown in to a whirlwind of either taking a chance on love once more or allowing this new curse to affect her life forever. Or at least until she learns her lesson, that’s usually how these things go, right?

As mentioned prior, this book is not the lovey-dovey storyline the book cover gives off and strongly explores grief, not necessarily for death as such, but more for love. Throughout the story, Evie is grieving the father she had once admired and loved, before he left the family and moved on to another. Her anger exudes from witnessing her father’s betrayal first-hand and having to keep the secret from her youngest sister, which no one at Evie’s age should have to carry by themselves. We also see the impact and grief one can feel from the loss of friendships. Nicola really does an incredible job within exploring the many aspects of grief that people can experience throughout their lives, and also the many aspects of love. Nicola is sure to portray how wonderful love can be, whilst also showing the messy side that many of us try to avoid or are afraid of.

I absolutely adored following the blossoming friendship between Evie and X, along with the many beautiful characters woven within their lives – they bonded in many ways that had me smiling from cheek to cheek and knowing how devastated Evie currently is, X appeared at the most perfect time. He showed her what joys can come out of life and that love is worth risking, no matter the heartache that may come out of it in the end. X experiences some tragedy of his own within the book and not only does he teach Evie, but he also teaches the readers, that life is too short to hold grudges against those you love, because in certain circumstances, you may never get a second chance to make amends – forgiveness is extremely important.

There was a moment nearing the end of the book, in which I had an idea of where Evie and X’s story was heading, however, it punched me in the gut harder than I ever thought it possibly could. In fact, when I had finally clicked on to what was going to happen in the near future, I had to slowly put my kindle down, take a breather and wipe a few tears that had managed to escape. When I got to the final page of this book, I pretty much just wanted to stare at a wall and cry for the entire evening and even still, my mind hasn’t comprehended those final chapters. For readers who are familiar with Nicola’s work, you will know not to expect rainbows and sunshine’s, so for the new readers, this is just a heads up to prepare for what is about to come your way and I pre-warn you to also try to protect your heart as much as possible, because it will break!

Instruction for Dancing is an enchanting and captivating read, that will end up consuming your entire mind for days after you have finished it. In fact, I bought a paperback copy and will honestly admit, sometimes I just pick the book up and hug it because I just can’t get over it. This is truly a masterpiece, that deserves all the love and attention it can possibly get, including a movie… give me a movie version now!! Not that physically watching Evie and X go through all that they go through is going to be any less painful, I will absolutely sob my little heart out seeing it all come to life, but this is what we deserve!!

That's So Raven meets Big (film) in this irresistible love story!

Um. It's not every book that makes me sit in the car and scream after I finish reading it. That really hurt.

Yoon has perfectly captured the Young Adult voice that I adore in all of her novels and Instructions For Dancing is no exception. I loved this book with my whole being. I completely understand people who have complained about the ending feeling rushed and whilst I did also feel like "HELLO, COMMUNICATION IS NOT THAT HARD!", this book is so deserving of 5 stars because of how it made me feel, and knowing Yoon wrote it during a hard time in her life, it made it even more authentic. My heart soared, crashed, burned but most importantly, it shone.

My favourite thing about reading is noticing the little details and in IFD, we have a complicated marital relationship, magical realism, friends who have known each other since little kids, a hilarious dance instructor, siblings, school, the beach and so much more.

The dancing aspect was one of the best things about this book. I LOVE dancing and every time, X and Evie danced, whether it was bachata or salsa, I felt it in my blood! I felt so at home.

Talking about X and Evie, I'm not a big fan of insta-like but this WORKED, I truly believe in their chemistry and connection. It was well-written, vivid and descriptive. I loved the incredible concept and diverse characters. Xavier Darius Woods is the best character in it. He's one of those characters that leave a mark on you. And although I can' t relate to Evie, I thank Yoon for making her cynical and sarcastic.

In less than 300 pages, Yoon highlighted the importance of perspective. There are so any valuable things to take away from this book. It's a quick and meaningful story about love; the good and the bad. "Love is the question and the answer and the reason to ask in the first place. It's everything. All of it."

After you read this, you won't be afraid to live every day like it's your last. Love fiercely and fearlessly. Go hug your loved ones.

Alexa, play X by Prince Royce ft. Zendaya (this song is so perfect for some many reasons).

Books do not really make me cry anymore but Instructions for Dancing made me sob like a baby. It is beautiful, heart-breaking and full of hope! Nicola Yoon has yet again proved that she is a spectacular author who writes vivid, inspirational and entertaining novels. I highly recommend this one.

Evie and X are two of the sweetest characters I’ve read about in YA. Evie loved romance books but after finding her father cheating on her mother she has grown skeptical. She is a loveable character who I adored straight away. I mean, any character that lists their favourite romance tropes is up there for me. X is caring, sweet and a guy I think so many people will adore. Individually the characters are incredible and as a pair they are outstanding. Also, the side characters in this book are well-rounded and unique. I particularly loved Evie’s best friend and the dance instructor X and Evie have.

There is a magical realism aspect to this book which I enjoyed. Evie can see a couples fate and future when she sees them kissing which was a really interesting addition to the book. I would have liked to see this in a little bit more detail throughout the book but when it was there I adored it. There is something about seeing a couples relationship pan out over a couple of pages that brought me a whole lot of emotions. It was a really unique take on romance for me.

Why has no other author made dance lessons a part of a book plot before? This book made me want to learn how to dance and I have two left feet. I adored the dance storyline of this book and all the characters that the dance studio brought. If you know nothing about dance do not fear because it is so easy to understand and not confusing in any way.

This book managed to bring me so much joy and destroy me at the same time. One minute I was laughing and then the next I was sobbing. I think that is a skill that Nicola Yoon has with her writing. She manages to break your heart and fix it whilst you read such a beautiful story. I already want another Nicola Yoon book in my life.

I read this book in a couple of sittings and loved the pacing of it. It kept me engaged, slowing down when it needed to and quickening the pace when necessary. It never breezed over the important aspects and it just read really easily. It is the perfect book to read this summer.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all contemporary YA loved and fans of magical realism. Just be prepared to have your heart broken and glued back together again. It is beautiful, hopeful and an inspiring story that I will not be forgetting quickly. Nicola Yoon has done it again and I would highly recommend it.

Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually.

This is an easy, quick read that can be done in one or two sittings. A good story overall.

I went into Instructions for Dancing thinking that it will be a light tale of a young Black couple finding love through dancing. Clearly I had no clue what I was in for because I was not expecting this book to also shatter my heart to pieces, but that it did.

The story follows Evie, who has become disenchanted about love after learning that her parents are getting a divorce due to her dad's affair. In the process of donating all her romance novels, Evie ends up discovering she has been given a magical ability to see a couples entire relationship history play out before her eyes. This gift makes her even more doubtful of love, in seeing so many endings she questions why people even love when we know its going to hurt?

This is an incredibly beautiful story, that reflects on the vulnerabilities of love. It is sure to make you re-evaluate how you view love and what makes it worthwhile. There are so many fully developed lovable characters throughout. My favourites have to be Fifi and X, Fifi simply made me smile every time she was on the page, she is so fun and outrageously flamboyant. Tell me where to sign up for dance classes with her and I'll be there! I loved X's say yes positive attitude, the relationship between him and Evie was so natural and well-paced.

This is definitely a book to recommend far and wide, I hope it joins Nicola Yoon's other books in being adapted into a movie.

Thank you to The Write Reads, Penguin, and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I’ve been sitting here, looking at my screen, trying to figure out a way to write a post the encapsulates the feeling of utter enjoyment that enveloped me after I finished this book. Mostly, I just want to flail my arms and beg you all to read it in all caps. But I’m going to attempt to be coherent.

Instructions for Dancing follows a young girl named Evie who has fallen out of love with romance after the recent divorce of her parents. Evie idolized her father and now she’s having to grapple with her feelings for him when she knows the reason behind the divorce. At this very inopportune time, she is given the power to see how a couple’s past, present, and future just by witnessing them kiss. For someone who has recently become very jaded to love, you can guess just about how well Evie takes this. Not only that, but when a mysterious dance manual leads her to a dance studio, she bumps into a boy that she could find herself falling in love with. Evie thinks a relationship is the last thing she wants or needs… but it could it help her break free from her curse?

Y’all, this book was SO SWEET! Seriously, there were moments where I could feel myself just melting into a pile of goo over how sweet it was! But it wasn’t the kind of sweet that can feel cloying, no. This was a sweet and beautiful story that packed a wallop. When I say be prepared to shed a few tears, I’m not joking around. Nicola Yoon will having you feeling all the feelings, one right after another! I was an emotional puddle after I read the last page and I still don’t know if I’ve fully recovered. I mean, I’m still thinking about the book on the daily, so probably not recovered, right? Ugh… it’s so good…

I think my favorite thing about this book is how it presents relationships and love as not just this wonderful, happy thing. Love is great, yes, but love can also hurt. The inspection of grief is so well done in this book. And it’s not just exploring grief due to death. It looks at grief from seeing someone you love and idolize, like Evie does her father, in a completely different light. It looks at grief from losing friends. It explores so many different aspects of grief and I think Nicola Yoon does it with a deft hand. It also explores so many different aspects of love, as well, and shows the reader that it can be messy and it can be hard, but it can also be so, so worth it.

What else can I say besides, well, I loved this, lol! I loved everything about it! I loved the characters (Evie and X are just the best). I loved the representation. I loved the setting and how I felt like I was biking around Los Angeles right with Evie. Also, can I get a Surf City Waffle in Massachusetts? I know it doesn’t exist, but it sounds like absolute heaven! This book was a breath a fresh air. It’s the perfect summer read: light, sweet, with a touch of the harder emotions and a spattering of beautiful life lessons. I want to read it again already and young adult romances are not typically my thing! It’s just an incredible, heartfelt story and I want everyone to read it pleeaaaase. What a way to kick off June!

Final thoughts: No thoughts, head empty PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! Seriously, though, this was a fantastic young adult romance/contemporary that pulls you into the story and wrecks every single one of your emotions along the way. If you enjoy romance that delves into some harder subjects, but still leaves you feeling like a hopeless romantic, with strong characters and beautiful writing, I think you’ll love Instructions for Dancing!

Even though I finished Instructions for Dancing a few days ago I'm still having a hard time putting how much I loved this book into words. Nicola Yoon mixed the contemporary stories I'm come to love by her with the perfect amount of magical realism. This story was everything I wanted and more.


The main character Evie is done believing in love. After finding out her Dad cheated on her Mom she's done with love. How can it exist if the people she thought loved each other the most didn't stay together? Evie was such an amazing character. I loved that she loved books and how when she cared she does so with her whole heart. I think that's why this hit her so hard.


So when Evie finds a book and ends up at a dance school her life changes. Besides learning how to dance with a boy she doesn't want to like she also sees someone's love story when they kiss. She sees the happier moments, but also how it will end. Nobody seems to stay together forever, so what's the point in loving?


Evie meeting X was a lot of fun. They were definitely opposites. X says yes to everything. He's learned life is too short not to take risks. I couldn't put the book down as they got to know each other. Evie started opening her heart and X started finding ways to heal. But can their feelings stand the test if Evie sees how their relationship will go?


Instructions for Dancing isn't just a romance. It's so much more. This story talks about love: falling in love, falling out of love, losing someone you love, friendship, family, growing up and taking the risk and letting yourself fall even if you get hurt. The amazing cast of side characters made this story complete. Nicola Yoon truly hit me in all the feels. Even though this story is heartbreaking it's also truly beautiful. I know this book will be on my favorite reads of 2021.

Instructions for Dancing
Nicola Yoon
Pub Date June 3 2021
I loved this book if you love dancing and a romance then this book is for you. Full of humour and a romance. I’ve read a few of Nicola Yoon books this was my favourite I loved so far. Evie loved dancing and wants to find out what love is like and she meets x and they have a romance. I like Evie and x relationship has its grows through the book. This book will make you smile and cry the same time. I loved the characters in this story they were all different. This is a very good book you enjoy.

I am really struggling to sit here and think to myself how am I going to write this review. I have been seeing fellow bloggers review this book and say it’s emotional and heartbreaking and quite honestly before reading this book I didn’t believe them. Then no word of a lie at around 80% I got hit with the worst suckerpunch ever, it hit me from out of the blue and I have to admit if I ever cried at books I would have cried at this. So let me tell you a bit more about this book. Firstly this is not a romance as much as it makes you believe it is truly freaking heartbreaking and it made me love and hate this book equally because of it. Secondly Evie is a character that you learn to grow with through her heartbreak, fall-outs and finding new love. Last but not least this book made me realise I focused too much on the future and wanting certain things but what I should be doing is just focusing on the present and being in the here and now because we never know what will happen right around the corner but we know what is happening in the moment.

This was a beautifully written book that gave me so many emotions from beginning to end! I went into it not really knowing what to expect, but I was hoping for a very sweet romance full of laughter and healing. We certainly got that! However, it was so much more than just a romance, because in the end, it was more about learning not to waste time filling your life with regret. Live in the moment, be present today, and tomorrow will come with its challenges that you can deal with then. It was a roller coast of a ride reading this book, but in the end, it was absolutely, 100% worth it.

Yvette Thomas used to love romance books. Her shelves were full of them, they were her escape from reality, and she dreamt of having a love like that one day. Then reality came crashing in on her, and now she can't stand to look at them anymore. While dropping them off at a local Little Free Library, she comes across the woman who manages it and she insists that Yvette take a book called Instructions for Dancing. Giving in, Yvette takes the book with her, and returns home. And that's when it happens - she sees her sister kiss her boyfriend and suddenly Yvette can see their relationship, from beginning...to the end. It keeps happening, every time she sees a couple kiss, and she begins to wonder if she's losing it. Trying to figure out what's happening to her, she looks for clues in the book and goes to the school the book came from, La Brea Dance. There she meets a young man named X, she's roped into a dancing competition alongside him, and her life will never be the same.

First things first, for those of you who like reading romance for the HEA - you don't get that here. You get a HFN with a look to the future that is heartbreaking. So read this with that mindset, because if you're expecting the two main characters to ride off into the distance with a bright future ahead of them...this is not your book. I wouldn't consider this even a romance, in all honesty - this is a YA Fiction book that will teach you lots of things, not just about love but also about life. Lessons that we wish our kids didn't have to learn at such a young age, but when they are confronted with life's biggest obstacles and deepest regrets, they need to know how to navigate them. Yvette had experienced one of life's greatest betrayals - her father cheated on her mother and she saw it happen. Her bond with him had been shattered, and with him starting a new life with the woman he cheated with, she was left to pick up the pieces of her image of him as a father. She had lost her belief not only in him but in everyone - if a man like her father could do such a thing, then anyone is capable of anything. Thankfully, she met X, and he taught her to see the joys in life and forgiveness. X had his own struggles, and she helped him with those as well. They were exactly what each other needed. In my opinion, they were soulmates. Which just made the future reveal harder to swallow. Absolutely devastating. I had a little cry when the book ended, and I rarely cry when reading.

Highly recommended to all - it's perfectly suited for readers who like a little romance and also readers who like to see a teenager grow in her struggles. It's relatable for everyone, no matter your age.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

Instructions for Dancing is a bittersweet yet life-affirming romance read, Evie, the main character, used to be a romance reader until her parents marriage ended in divorce after her father cheated on her Mom. Evie no longer believes romance can last forever, and with this she begins to see visions of every couple’s eventual break-up, I loved this little magical element to the story, it gave the plot a new and unique twist that I wasn’t expecting. Instructions for Dancing delves into the question of why bother to fall in love with someone if it’ll only end in heartbreak, and Evie is convinced every relationship ends in heartbreak and misery.
The dancing element of the story is a little random to begin with, and the training scenes are quite few and far between but it creates an interesting addition to the plot, Evie attends a beginners class and is paired up with X in the hopes of entering an amateur dancers competition. And from here, their romance begins to blossom, but it all depends on Evie’s willingness to potentially have her heart broken. Nicola Yoon has created a story that fuels Evie’s character development, Evie’s journey throughout the book is so well written!
I loved how realistic and relatable this story is for many teens and young adults, it’s a complex story of love and loss, of hopes and regrets, tied up in a deceivingly joyful and enticing cover! The chapters varied from written paragraphs to lists and text messages which really gave you a feel of Evie’s personality, I personally loved the lists, they were usually quite funny and sarcastic. I was definitely expecting a light and fluffy novel, but instead, Nicola Yoon has crafted an emotional and personal read. Instructions for Dancing is a fantastic book about taking a chance on love.