Charlotte Darling, principal dancer for New York City Ballet, is not as young as she once was, but a childhood memory of Margot Fonteyn keeps her going long after other dancers might have retired. Like all athletes, she has iron self-discipline as well as some injuries, which require a certain amount of pain management.

The book opens with Charlotte writing her memoirs. Her soon-to-be former husband has put her in a financial bind, and she is writing and dancing as fast as she can to maintain her luxurious lifestyle.

Charlotte's sister Lilly is her manager, but as the divorce proceedings become more and more complicated, their mother leaves retirement behind in Virginia and comes back on the scene. The indomitable Kay Darling has spent her life promoting her talented daughter and proves to be a lioness in protecting her.

Careless is a fast-moving and witty tale of love and betrayal. The action takes place in New York, Palm Beach, Newport and Middleburg, places the author knows intimately.

Foster shows us the dark side of fame and addiction, yet manages to make us laugh.