"Dark Encore is an immersive, unexpectedly compelling read even for someone like myself who doesn’t typically reach for this genre. Martinez handles the protagonist’s journey from childhood trauma to hard-won resilience and healing with sensitivity and depth, making her story impossible to look away from. The dance-world elements are so well researched and believable that they anchor the narrative beautifully. Gritty, emotional, and richly layered, this romance delivers far more than the usual beats."