Get Ready for Lauren Gibbons Paul’s "The Steps Between Us" – A Thrilling Mix of Romance, Suspense, and Ballroom Drama

NATIONWIDE - MAY 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Author Lauren Gibbons Paul is set to captivate readers with her forthcoming novel The Steps Between Us, a thrilling blend of crime, romance, and suspense, set against the backdrop of the dazzling world of competitive ballroom dancing. Slated for release on June 2 in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats, the highly anticipated book will also be available as an audiobook in July. The Steps Between Us delves into the world of professional-amateur ballroom dance, offering an intriguing mix of elegance and dark secrets that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

The Steps Between Us introduces readers to Ava, a woman in her later years who, after a long marriage, seeks to reclaim the male attention she once enjoyed. By chance, Ava finds herself drawn into the world of competitive ballroom dancing at a local studio, despite her lack of natural dance ability. The studio’s seductive atmosphere—glittering dresses, sultry dances, and handsome instructors—draws her in, particularly her much younger Hungarian dance partner, Nandi. As Ava’s relationship with Nandi deepens, her husband Jack’s discontent grows, setting the stage for a narrative full of drama, intrigue, and suspense.

As the story unfolds, Ava uncovers shocking revelations about the ballroom world. Many of the professionals at the studio, who were recruited from overseas, are bound by restrictive non-compete agreements, keeping them tethered to the studio under exploitative conditions. When a male professional named Laszlo dies under mysterious circumstances, Ava finds herself tangled in a web of betrayal and deceit. The studio’s British owner is revealed to owe a dangerous debt to a murky Russian figure, threatening to unravel everything in its path. The climax of the story brings Ava full circle, revealing that her long-time husband Jack may have had her back all along.

The novel, a perfect mix of lighthearted romance and dark, sinister undertones, promises to take readers on an exhilarating journey through the complexities of love, ambition, betrayal, and the dangers lurking in the shadows of the ballroom floor. Drawing on her personal experience in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, Lauren Gibbons Paul brings an authenticity to the narrative, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of learning and competing in the dance world.

"I started ballroom dance lessons seven years ago, and the experiences I’ve had have been nothing short of life-changing," said Gibbons Paul. "The characters in The Steps Between Us are rooted in the world I’ve come to love. Though Ava’s story is fictional, there’s so much truth to the emotions, the fears, and the joy of rediscovering dance. It’s a human experience that most people can relate to—everyone is terrified to dance, but everyone also wants to dance. Learning to dance is a celebration of being human, even if your steps aren’t perfect."

The book stands out for its unique blending of genres and themes. It touches on issues such as the personal struggles of a middle-aged woman, the romantic tensions between a dance professional and his older client, the exploitation of international dancers in the competitive ballroom world, and the dark secrets that often hide beneath the glittering surface of fame and success. The novel is as much a thriller as it is a commentary on the desires and vulnerabilities that drive people to seek validation and connection.

The Steps Between Us is available for pre-order on Amazon now and will be officially launched on June 2. For fans of romantic suspense, thriller mysteries, and those interested in the glamorous world of ballroom dancing, this novel promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

For more information about The Steps Between Us, visit Lauren Gibbons Paul's website, or follow her on social media:
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Explore The Steps Between Us through the book trailer and landing page here: Book Candy Studios.

About Lauren Gibbons Paul
Lauren Gibbons Paul is an author and former business journalist with a passion for ballroom dance. She began her dance journey seven years ago, which inspired her to write The Steps Between Us, blending her love for writing with her experiences in the ballroom world. Her novel is a captivating exploration of personal reinvention, romantic intrigue, and the hidden dangers in a seemingly perfect world.