Finally, a story from a new to me author that I actually enjoyed. I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut lately so I decided to move from my tried and trues to a new voice and I’m so glad I did!

While this book doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel with its ice queen/opposites attract storyline, what it does it does well. Starting with a frosty (and hilarious) meet-cute, we see the characters less than favorable opinions of each other change as they get to know and understand each other and eventually sizzling chemistry develops. Like I said, this book is somewhat predictable but I was okay with that because I sure did enjoy the ride.

The only real negative I’d add is that the blog posts didn’t really add anything to the story and at times were a little distracting. But overall a very nice book and in author I will look forward to seeing more in the future.

This was a good read about Piper and Dahlia. Piper is a legal assistant that has her Pipes the unPlugged blog. She unexpectedly and literally runs into Dahlia. Dahlia is not thrilled by the experience and chalks it up to dogs being out of control. The dog in question is Piper's friend and no fault of hers.
Piper is called in by her boss to fill in for a friend's office weeks later. Little does she know, that woman who owns the office is Dahlia. As they get to know each other, they realize first impressions aren't always correct. And love at first sight doesn't always happen. Dahlia comes with a lot of baggage and Piper is determined to help her unpack.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the blurb for this book I really thought it would be a good story. However, I just could not get in to it at all. The style of writing really grated with me, the blog at the beginning of each new chapter did nothing for me, nor did I find any spark of chemistry between Dal and Piper. There was so much unnecessary repetition of the story I began skipping chunks of dialogue. It was too slow, the characters were two dimensional and I just couldn’t believe in either the characters love/relationship or the storyline.
I am sure others will find the story and writing ok but it wasn’t for me.

Sweet and rather charming story with a fun, acerbic beginning. The banter was entertaining as the romance unfolded. All the secondary characters added to the overall feel good factor of the book. As did the canine. Really I had only one tiny complaint, and maybe it happens in the US, but daffodils and dhalias in a display together! We’re talking early spring and late summer/autumn in the UK. So there’s no flowering at the same time.

A slow burn romance. I thought the attraction between the main characters was too quick. Eventually Dal did open up to Piper, but I just thought it dragged out for too long.

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

I was possibly impacted by my energy level when I read this but at the start at least, or at least till the mains met properIy, couldn’t keep,straight in my head, who was who. I also felt a bit overwhelmed with all the flower information being imparted. I also didn’t really get in to the blog pieces certainly initially. To be honest, had they been a blog, I wouldn’t have subscribed……. Till I read the one about Fred, the dog.
I was also surprised about the information a mutual, shared about the main, finishing with “l’ll let her tell you any more!”
20% in and I’m still not a fan of the blog, but there is a glimmer of writing I really like. I think my issue is that I like a blog to be accessible, this blog made me feel a bit thick.
Either I got smarter as the book went on, or the blog, because it was writing about relationships became more accessible, I’m not sure. I am sure I warmed up to it.
A couple of minor irritations tho. One main volunteers on a Sunday but seems happy to go with the other main during her shift, either for a long lunch or to go to the zoo.
I know these two are attracted to each other, and I know for one it is a temporary barrier, but despite “the banter” I’m not really in love with their relationship. This, I think, is on me. If this was a date I wouldn’t be going for a second. However, this book may be your Ms right. The first was date was fine, but no zing. I got a bit irritated with the constant jealousy and mis understanding.
However there was a life lesson worth remembering - “do not let what happened in the past destroy the future“

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Piper longs for a loving relationship that her friends have but she hasn’t met a woman who speaks to her heart. While out on a run with her friend Bryce she accidentally runs into a woman who doesn’t take it kindly being knock down even though it’s wasn’t Piper fault. Piper is shock to feel a instant attraction to the rude woman but more shocking when her boss/friend Cate ask her to temporary work for the a friend who needs help turns out to be the rude woman from her run. Dal didn’t have a great upbringing but she turn her life around and became a Veterinarian she prefer interact with animals then people she hasn’t have time for love with her going through a divorce a marriage that shouldn’t had happen the only good thing out of it was her daughter Ruby that’s who she is focus on and her dog Einstein but when Piper enter her life she didn’t realize loves comes when your not looking. This was a good read low on the angst I love Piper blogs and how she puts her thoughts and feelings into it, it would’ve been nice to see Piper reads some comments on her blogs to see if anyone relates.

Julia Underwood’s *Dancing With Dahlia* is a delightful romance that deftly blends humor with heartfelt moments. The story centers on Piper Fernley, an upbeat blogger who finds herself unexpectedly smitten with her new boss, Dahlia Noble. The initial meeting between Piper and Dahlia, involving a comically disastrous encounter with a dog, sets the stage for a tension-filled dynamic that evolves into something much more profound. Underwood skillfully develops Piper’s character, portraying her as a resilient and charming protagonist whose vibrant personality contrasts sharply with Dahlia’s guarded demeanor.

Dahlia Noble, the titular character, is a veterinarian whose past experiences have left her wary of emotional entanglements. Her preference for animals over people is a defense mechanism, shielding her from the complexities of human relationships. Underwood paints Dahlia as a multifaceted character, whose journey from an emotionally guarded individual to someone capable of vulnerability is both engaging and relatable. The gradual transformation of Dahlia’s feelings towards Piper adds a compelling layer to the narrative, making their interactions both tense and endearing.

The novel’s strength lies in its exploration of themes such as healing and self-discovery, all while delivering a satisfying romantic arc. Underwood's writing is infused with wit and warmth, and her characters are crafted with depth and authenticity. *Dancing With Dahlia* is a charming read that illustrates how love can often find its way when least expected, and how two seemingly incompatible lives can merge into something beautifully unexpected.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

the first piper knew about it was the fog horn going off behind her on her run the fact that the dog in front of her panicked and ran across her path with it lead still attached to it and their owner made for a very unfortunate accident for piper when the owner landed on top of her and the dog ran off.....

the one thing that would have helped was if that owner had also laughed it off but it turned out that owner didnt have a sense of humour and was in fact very rude....

when piper then a week later entered the office she was to work in for the next six weeks whilst her boss was away on honeymoon and was confronted with this very person ...piper knew it was going to be a very long six weeks....

what she hadnt counted on was falling in love but her boss had other things on her mind and love wasnt it...

have to say i thorough enjoyed this book, though i am not a fan of its cover the actual storyline gripped me right to the end, all the characters were well written and established some i liked more than others

cant wait to read more from this author

It's a classic meet-cute story, made even cuter by the involvement of a dog. Dahlia, a divorced woman with a daughter, and Piper, a younger woman, find themselves thrown together by fate after a chance encounter. Of all the people in the world, Piper can't believe her luck that her new temporary job will lead her to Dahlia. Dahlia can't believe it either, especially when her reluctance to have anything to do with her new temporary employee is going to be difficult to avoid.

Besides her new job and her usual role as an assistant in her friend's business, who's currently on her honeymoon, Piper also has a blog where she describes her life experiences using floral similes. Now, her new relationship with Dahlia will be the subject of her latest posts. These comments, which close each chapter, complement the feelings Pipper experiences throughout the book.

The story has a good pace and a predictable development. Dahlia, facing an imminent divorce, has doubts about starting a new relationship. Piper notices a certain imbalance and the mixed signals she receives from Dahlia don't help. But it's been an entertaining read, with some truly funny secondary characters, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable for me.

Trust the wisdom of dogs. Even after trauma and hurt you can still focus on happiness and love. A story of letting go of control and surrendering to the belief that the best is yet to come.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Piper Fernley loves plants and flowers. They tell stories and send messages with their stems and buds and colorful leafs. Piper has a good life. Her job as Cate Colston’s paralegal is as wonderful as her boss and friend. She has great friends and a cat that is determined to not show how much he loves her. After a few failed relationships and seeing her friends find their true loves, Piper knows what her life is lacking. She wants a loving relationship for herself too. Not temporary, but a forever kind of love. When her boss is getting married and plans to go on a long honeymoon, she arranges a temp job for Piper at one of her clients offices. One weekend morning right before she starts that new job, Piper is running around the lake with her best friend Blaze when a rude bicyclist forces her to change course. That’s when Piper trips over the leash of a dog and falls flat on her back with the gorgeous dog owner stretched out on top of her. Gorgeous but very rude and haughty. Of course the aggravating dog mom turns out to be her boss at her new temporary job. Of course!

Dahlia Noble has set some strict rules. She will always have control over her life and her heart belongs only to her daughter Ruby and her stand-in mom and admin assistent Viola. After a traumatizing childhood and a disaster of a marriage, Dal is done with being open to more risks with her life and her heart. There’s a good reason she prefers animals to humans. Dal’s professional focus is solely on her chain of vet practices and her animal rescue charity. When Viola finally retires at 78, a temp will come for six weeks to smooth over the transition. Of course that temp is the woman she fell on top of at the lake last weekend. What Dal didn’t expect is for Piper to be the sweetest most unpretentious woman she’s ever met. While working together Dal is mesmerized by Piper. But no, she will not let her guard down. Never again.

I loved this story! I’ve read Underwood’s first novel Dancing Towards Stardust and fell in love with her writing. It was especially great to check in with Cate and Meg, the main characters of the first story and see that their relationship blossomed over the past two years. Piper was one of my favorite side characters in their story and I was thrilled to discover she featured in Dancing With Dahlia.

Piper is one of those people you just can’t help but love. She is open and honest and doesn’t shy away of being her whole self. She is not afraid of showing the world exactly who she is. Piper writes an anonymous blog and those entries give such an in depth look into her way of seeing the world and everything that happens in her life. Especially with her budding relationship with Dal.

Dal, Dahlia, is the complete opposite of Piper. She is closed off and sometimes plain rude, but Underwood does an excellent job in making you fall hard for her. Dal has had a very difficult life. She has been made to believe that the only one she can trust is herself and her stand-in mom Viola. It was Viola who took her in as a kid and made sure Dal knew she was loved. It couldn’t prevent Dal from seeing people as a threat. It’s the reason why she became a vet and why she eventually started her veterinary business and pet rescues. It is her dedication to the animals that have been cast aside, that shows Dal is capable of deep and caring love. If only she could be convinced of that herself.

This story is a delicious slow burn romance. The whole book focuses on the struggle within Dal to ignore her growing feelings for Piper, and on Piper’s determination of showing Dal she is capable of loving all of her while also protecting her own heart in case Dal never comes to her senses. The entire journey is so very vulnerable and raw. It shows that no person is unaffected by their past, but the only thing that matters is whether or not you let that past define your future. The analogy with the rescue dogs and their faith in finding happiness after trauma is beautiful.

Dancing With Dahlia is beautiful and sometimes poetic. It is definitely not a flimsy read, but one well worth your time. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Julia Underwood brings us next.

I loved the concept of this book - as a single mom who has kept herself cut off from any thing other than basic, mostly sexual relationships, I feel for Dahlia. I love her hard edges, her enforcement of space and boundaries. And how they waver, glimpses of her vulnerability.
Piper is such a love - of course. The blog journal entries did nothing for the plot - just a rehash of what the reader knows.

I did like this book but then if animals are involved it's usually a given. Two women meet and although they are attracted to each other they have had bad experiences on the past and are loathe to take it further. A very readable story about how they overcome their misgivings. Hindered by the fact that one of them has not been exactly up front about her marital situation. Will it all work out in the end? One can only hope.

Piper Fernley works as a paralegal but while her boss is on an extended honeymoon she is going to work temporarily as a personal assistant for firm client Dahlia Noble. Unfortunately she turns out to be the rude woman Piper literally had a run in with the weekend before. Dahlia is a trained veterinarian who runs several vet clinics and also nonprofit animal rescues. She has a five year old daughter, Ruby. I didn’t love how instantly smitten Piper is for Dahlia. I didn’t see much basis for the attraction. And throwing around the L word without a date or kiss felt like a stretch. I didn’t get the point of two women in the story being Piper’s exes. They could have been strangers and provoked the same jealousies. Also, Dahlia’s marital situation was a sticking point for me as well. Of course you can never go wrong with having dogs and cats in a story. And I did like that Dahlia enjoyed Piper’s colorfulness and kindness.

This is a slow burn romance that wraps with a future plan towards a HEA. The book can easily be read as a stand alone but it is a sequel to Dancing Towards Stardust (March 2024). I enjoyed seeing Cate and Meg from that book appear briefly in this story.

This book has some good and bad aspects to it. I appreciate the way that Piper has her own style and that her character is very open, it contrasts well with Dal's more reserved private attitude. As well, I like how Dal, though prickly on the outside, is actually a very caring individual, shown well by her love of animals and Ruby. However, a few things I didn't enjoy as much were the attraction between Dal and Piper seemed a little too instant, and yet Dal actively chooses not to act on it for so long despite it cropping up almost immediately. Also, the blog posts weren't that enjoyable to me, I felt like they took away from the main story and didn't usually add very much. Overall, I'd rate this one a 3.3/5 stars.

I have not read the first book in the series but that was not really an issue since now focus on Piper and Dalia. I really liked the build up in their love story, such chemistry. Finally the awesome Piper gets Dalia to open up to love. However, even if a slow burn can be good this book overdid it. They did not end up in bed until 95% into the book and then just briefly described and then no good epilogue. If a couple of more chapters had been added with a lot of love the book would have been so much better.

I received a free ARC via NetGalley.

This charming romance between Piper and Dahlia is a delightful blend of unexpected attraction and emotional growth. Piper, a paralegal/ blogger/office manager, and Dahlia, a guarded veterinarian, find their lives colliding, literally. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey from initial friction to a deeper connection is beautifully portrayed. Despite Dahlia's tough exterior and complicated past, Piper's unpretentious nature gradually breaks down her walls. I enjoyed reading this book, a solid choice.

Free ARC via NetGalley