Dance with Me on New Year's Eve by Alana Highbury - Reviewed by Jessica Snoke

Loved it! 😍

"Dance with Me on New Year's Eve" explores love, self-doubt, and connection as Roxy navigates real and virtual worlds.

Synopsis

He's the last person she wants to see at work.
He's also the one person she can't wait to talk to every night.

Ruled by social anxiety, Roxy has felt lonely and self-conscious for as long as she can remember. Her stress and self-doubt multiply when she starts working more closely with her brusque colleague Jeff, who brings out the worst in her. To escape, she immerses herself in an online game-making community where she befriends an interesting guy with similar game-making goals.

Unbeknownst to her, this online friend is none other than Jeff. As their real-life interactions evolve from hostility to a tentative friendship, Roxy faces a dilemma: Can she reconcile her feelings for what she believes are two different men?

Battling her self-doubt and conflicting emotions, she must face the challenge of finding happiness, connection, and confidence in both her virtual and real worlds.

“Dance with Me on New Year’s Eve” is a touching exploration of love, identity, and the delicate dance of overcoming personal insecurities. Subhanil Mondal captures the essence of modern relationships and the challenges of self-perception with grace and authenticity.

The story revolves around Roxy, a protagonist who is painfully relatable to anyone familiar with social anxiety. Her struggles to find connection, whether in her professional environment or personal life, feel genuine and are portrayed with a deep sense of empathy. When Roxy is forced to collaborate with Jeff, her brusque and seemingly indifferent coworker, her insecurities flare, creating an intriguing dynamic between two individuals who appear to be polar opposites. Meanwhile, her solace in the online game-making community and her friendship with "Danny" offer an escape—though unbeknownst to her, Danny and Jeff are one and the same.

What stands out in this novel is the duality of Roxy’s worlds—her real-life interactions with Jeff and her virtual connection with Danny. This duality mirrors the internal conflict many people with social anxiety experience: the fear of judgment in person versus the freedom to be themselves online. The narrative weaves these threads seamlessly, keeping readers engaged as Roxy’s journey unfolds.

The supporting characters, Hazel and Mari, provide much-needed levity and a sense of hope. Their persistent efforts to bring Roxy out of her shell highlight the importance of friendships in breaking through self-imposed barriers. Their presence feels pivotal, serving as a catalyst for Roxy’s growth.

Jeff, on the other hand, is a compelling character in his own right. While initially presenting as a grumpy and aloof coworker, his subtle gestures and eventual vulnerability reveal a man trying to bridge the gap between perception and reality. His transformation, and the realization that he is both Danny and Jeff, adds depth to the story’s romantic tension.

While Roxy’s anxiety is central to the narrative, its constant presence can feel overwhelming at times. However, this intensity also underscores the reality of living with anxiety, making her eventual breakthroughs all the more satisfying.

Overall, “Dance with Me on New Year’s Eve” is a heartfelt and quick read that delves into the challenges of navigating relationships in both professional and virtual worlds. Subhanil Mondal successfully captures the complexities of love and self-discovery, leaving readers with a hopeful message about the power of connection and per

sonal growth.

Reviewed by

Subhanil Mondal is a passionate book reviewer from India, specializing in critiquing all genres of books. With a deep love for literature and storytelling, he shares thoughtful, engaging reviews that inspire readers and connect them to diverse literary worlds.

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Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

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