A review by books_and_cha
Invitation to the Dance by Tamara Allen

3.0

Invitation to the Dance was a treat: a perfect mix of romance, fluff, and emotion.

Will is engaged to Violet, and joins the New York Herald so as to be in a better position for when they marry. Of course, from the moment he steps into the office, he clashes with resident journalist Charlie, who is chagrined by the arrival of yet another cutthroat editor. When their squabbles lead to a joint assignment, neither man is pleased, and hopes for a quick conclusion to their unlikely pairing. Thrown into the upper echelons of New York society in disguise, the two must rely on one another to keep their wits about them and stop their cover being blown before they write a good story.

I loved the romance. Charlie and Will start off on the wrong foot, and it was heartwarming to watch them transition from reluctant allies to lovers. The mutual pining is on point. Charlie, for all his carefree exterior, is a mess of longing and want underneath. Will isn't much better, despite his stern countenance. Together, they're delicious. All characters were well drawn, and even if they weren't good, they were entertaining (except Hannah, who annoyed me to no end).

There's a lot that goes on in this book. Charlie and Will pretend to belong in the upper classes of New York, and while navigating predatory women looking for husbands, scandals, and a fishy investment proposal, the two make genuine connections and find more than they expected from a short, shallow society assignment.

19th century Manhattan comes to life in these pages, and the characters who live in it even more so. Allen's love for a time gone by shines through, along with the love between Will and Charlie. If you're looking for a well-written, entertaining read that will warm you right up, choose this book. It won't let you down.