Living La Vida Loca - Belinda Jones (2010)

Best friends Carmen and Beth are at a crossroads in their lives. The gorgeous Beth has been trying to get the lead in dance shows but always gets passed over and can only manage to get dodgy jobs in places she'd rather not be. The under-confident Carmen has a comfortable career as a costume designer but has just broken up with her abusive boyfriend Lee (again!) and really needs to break free of this unhealthy pattern. So, when the opportunity arises to try out for a reality TV show in which the leading lady (or ladies in this case) will dance their way through the troublesome tango in Argentina, the frisky flamenco in Spain and the scorching hot salsa in Cuba, the girls decide to try out. Making a few adjustments in order to land the role, the two girls find themselves whisked off on the adventure of a lifetime. Dancing their way through love, heartbreak and loads of gorgeous men, both Beth and Carmen find themselves being changed in ways they never expected. With an oppressive producer, a shy, lovelorn sound guy and a deceitful camera guy, the girls will return to London as changed women. Beth might finally lose some of her cynical attitude towards love and Carmen just may find that the true cure for heartbreak is closer than she ever thought. An essential read for those days when you need some inspiration or just want to enjoy a heart-warming story. (AS)

Belinda Jones is dishing up another holiday read this year. The summary of Living la Vida Loca says: "Carmen has been feeling the need to break free for Too Darn Long. So when her equally frustrated friend Beth suggests the ultimate escape - dancing their way through a series of scorchingly-hot countries - she can't resist! There's just one catch ... they can only go on this adventure if they participate in a reality TV show, one intent on teaching them the mournful tango in Argentina, the feisty flamenco in Spain and the sassy, celebratory salsa in Cuba! As they travel from Buenos Aires to Seville and ultimately steamy Havana, each dance has a profound effect on the girls - and indeed the sexy gauchos, matadors and dirty dancers who partner them. But, when the sun goes down, do they have what it takes to go beyond the steps and free their hearts for love?" It's out in May. You can read the start at the author's website.

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