The Music and the Mirror is one of my favourite romance novels. It tells the story of Anna, an ambitious ballerina in a prestigious company, and her relationship with Victoria – its brilliant, demanding director. The dynamic between these two characters is nothing short of divine because of Lola Keeley’s razor-sharp characterisation. Victoria Ford even made the cut for my top 5 Ice Queens. Keeley absolutely rocks this trope. So, I was thrilled to find out about Ylva publishing a follow up short story.
Interlude picks up some months after where The Music and the Mirror left off. Anna’s finding her feet as Prima, growing in confidence as her company goes on an international tour. And Victoria’s waging a war against public opinion as she whips her new Parisian company into shape. Both women are at crucial points in their careers. And both women still love each other deeply. So, when the stars align and the opportunity comes to meet in Berlin, they take it.
Like Anna and Victoria, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Keeley picks up the style and tone seamlessly. The dynamic between her characters is every bit as delicious even as it shifts and evolves over time. And – it has to be said – the sex scene has volcanic levels of heat. It’s an intense, raw depiction of female desire.
My only criticism is that there wasn’t as much internal conflict as I’d have liked. Externally, Anna and Victoria’s schedules keep them apart most of the time. But internally there could have been a bit more vulnerability from Victoria, who is in a very precarious position. The stakes could have been higher. And the best part of having an Ice Queen is seeing her melt.
That being said, Interlude is an excellent story. It’s extremely well-written, entertaining, and very sexy. And it was a real joy to reconnect with these characters. I’m glad to have read it and am going to revisit the original book.
Lou Morgan 