This story is centered around a person who lives the ballerina life. I think I have only ever read one other story with this focus, which made this a very special and unique read.
Published this month, check out my thoughts on this steamy novel that showcases some of the not-so-beautiful parts of the ballerina life.
The Unraveling by Melanie Hamrick
Publisher: Berkley
Pub Date: August 13, 2024
ISBN-13: 978-0593638163
OVERVIEW:
Jocelyn Banks has always felt like an outsider in the ballet world. She was raised in rural Louisiana, and taught to scrap and hustle for the life she wanted. And ever since Jocelyn found ballet, she has been able to take her life into her own hands. After years of success at the North American Ballet, she is now on a hiatus to enjoy life in London.
But in an instant, Jocelyn’s world is turned upside down and she’s forced to find a way back into the ballet world. But the ballet scene in London is completely different from the one in America. It’s not just talent and drive that will move you forward; if you don’t secure a sponsor to pay your salary, you will go nowhere. Jocelyn manages to score a donor, which is crucial at the Royal National Ballet—but the hardest part is yet to come.
Jocelyn is unable to break through her emotions, afraid that if she does, she’ll be flooded with feelings she can’t afford to have. But something about her sponsor, the charismatic Alastair Cavendish, sets a fire in her. What she feels when she’s with him is raw and real. If she goes down this precarious path, she knows she’s doomed to fall into an intoxicating spiral of self-sabotage. But the lust and magnetizing lure of power and prestige keep clawing at her, ultimately forcing her to choose between desire and duty.
The Unraveling by Melanie Hamrick Review
This story was unexpected but I liked that about it! This author does not hold back in terms of steam and spice. Our main character is down for anything and in the first half of the book we are introduced to this wild child.
But the story does not just revolve around her, per se. In fact, it is a lot about the backstabbing and manipulations, both subtle and not so subtle. The machine that drives people to do what they do in and around the art world.
This author took us on a tour of the ballet world through the eyes of our main character. She lived for her art, but she was dramatic and kind of mean. I did not like her at all in many places throughout the story.
But as the story evolved, so did she. We see the other side of people and what they will do to manipulate and get what they want. But there was one constant and he was amazing. The ending was so worth all of the drama, lies, and twisted people.
The Unraveling is a different type of romance. It is not dark but you don’t get all of the happy feels either. It is a blend of right and wrong, twisted people manipulating people, and finding yourself along the way.
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.