Third Position

Dirty Dancing #3

by Melody Grace

The final sexy, dramatic installment in the hit new Dirty Dancing series!

There's no hiding from the truth any longer.
Everything changes tonight.

*The third and final part of the sexy, seductive romance serial*

(Note: previously published as With Every Heartbeat, the series has been extensively rewritten with additional sexy scenes!)

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Novella, Chick Lit

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2014

About the author

NYT bestselling author of small-town romance. A new chapter in the Sweetbriar Cove series begins with Two Hearts - July 30th!

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third Position picks up right where Second Position left off. Everything seemed to be going so well in Annalise's life until her mother shows up in Rome. Now Annalise's mom is keeping track of her every move. She doesn't care at all what Annalise wants, she just wants her to be the best, no matter what the cost.

"Ballet isn't just a hobby to me, it's in my blood. I want to be great, I want to make her proud, but that yearning is at war with my desire for Raphael. He's shown me a joy that comes from freedom, from dancing for the love of it, not to meet the perfection of someone else's standards. But mom would never understand. To her, ballet is the only thing that matters, and everyone else is a distraction, it makes you weak"

But, is Annalise willing to give up what she has with Raphael, all to please her mother? Dancing used to be her dream, but will it be her future? And Raphael....where does he fit in all of this? Will he pursue his own dancing dreams? Will he let Annalise give up everything just to be with him??

"Time doesn't exist; these four walls of the room mean nothing. All that matters is the two of us, dancing together as one. One heartbeat, one will, one soul. It's perfection, a dream, to share my passion like this-to make it something greater with him than I ever felt dancing alone"

I really enjoyed Raphael and Annalise's story. I loved watching Annalise's character grow and discover who she was and what was most important to her. I loved the passion that Raphael and Annalise shared, not only for dance, but for one another. The road to their HEA was not easy and there were a lot of obstacles along the way. But, in the end, it was worth it.

Third Position is the conclusion to the dirty dancing series. I fell so in love with this story from the first page page and am sad that it's over. The writing was captivating, and the story-line was filled with passion. This story had angst, romance, heartbreak, and self discovery. My only complaint, is that it's over........

My review can also be seen here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, the bliss of consummation. I've been in love with this serial since I knew about it and then read episodes 1 and 2. This final part is like the sweetest dessert after a perfect meal. I absolutely devoured it!
First reviewed on Literaria http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com

My favourite dancers finally get their moment together in many ways. Annalise is faced with a tough choice when an ultimatum puts her against the ropes. I was afraid for her, but she's a brave girl in the face of pressure, guilt and the heritage of ballet. I can't say how much I relished the time she and Raphael dance together, so beautifully written and so evocative.

The kind of more intimate dance that follows is just stunningly erotic and meaningful.

However, all the risks she's taking in the name of love come crashing down on her with brutal reality. When she focus on her dancing career again is with a broken heart. I felt as betrayed as she did, as lonely as she was. When she reaches perfection is as a shell of herself. It was so sad to see her go through all that.

Let me assure you that this story is about mad, mad love because what this girl does for her man goes beyond all reason. Though in the end it's actually much more than that. It's about a person's freedom to choose her destiny without the burden of everyone else's dreams and expectations.

The author's prose is always sweet, delicate and transcendently romantic. I enjoyed Annalise and Raphael's romance, and I also appreciated the love for life itself and its infinite possibilities that underlies the love story. Beautiful.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become very attached to Raphael and Annalise over the course of the last two installments in this serial, so to reach the end was...bittersweet.

Annalise loves Raphael and all the beautiful moves he's taught her, but she also loves her dancing. And now, she's being forced to choose. But how do you choose between your passion and your soulmate?

Third Position was an excellent ending to a highly entertaining series. Picking up immediately after she's discovered, Annalise has to contend with her overbearing mother - who deserved a sharp slap across the cheek - as well as bitchy competitors and her own doubts. I admired her strength in making her decisions - even if she was a little blind to what was really going on at times.

This finale had me both smiling and frowning and was, ultimately, a very hot, sexy and rewarding conclusion to Raphael and Annalise's story. I'm sorry to say goodbye to these characters but really, with that HEA, I don't need more. I just want it.

Third Position is the third and final book in the Dirty Dancing serial. It's not a standalone. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 5 stars

[DJ Sakata · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating:

3.5


Favorite Quotes:

“Time doesn’t exist; the four walls of the room mean nothing. All that matters is the two of us, dancing together as one. One heartbeat, one will, one soul. It’s perfection, a dream to share my passion like this – to make it something greater with him than I ever felt dancing alone.”

“I should be excited, nervous, anything other than numb, but it’s like there’s a sheet of smudged glass dividing me from everyone else: dimming the lights, keeping me separate and detached no matter how much noise clatters around me.”

“I’ve never felt this way before, I didn’t even realize it until you were walking away. You belong to me.”

My Review:

I had a hard time getting into this series as it is basically YA, which is just not my cup of tea. Adolescent virgin, personal insecurity, dance obsession, first love, and pushy stage mother. Done. Melody Grace is a tremendous talent and will always be one of my favorite authors. While this particular series just didn’t spark my interest, but would definitely appeal to a younger audience.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third Position is the conclusion to the serial Dirty Dancing and starts up from the cliffy we were left with in Second Position. The best was saved till last!

There was some angst, misunderstanding, angst, over-bearing mother, jealousy, some life-changing decisions, sizzling heat...did I mention sizzling heat *phew*, an OMG moment - I wanted to smack Raphael moment!!
I loved how Annalise finally grows up and is no longer the vessel her mother is living vicariously through, she comes into her own and starts living her life and making her own decisions. Very much a "yay!" moment!! And Raphael, even when I wanted to smack him for his foolishness, he came through and they get their HEA!!

I am still on the ledge about serial books, I think I would've preferred this more as one story and not separated by weeks in between episodes. But, overall, the three-part story had a bit of everything and left me content with the warm and fuzzies at the end. Enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Melody Grace way to leave me hanging at the end.......my fav part of books is the Epilog!!!!!!! I liked this series because it was very fun and I mean who doesn't love a HOT guy, Rome and gelato!!!! Really what girl would say no to falling in love in Rome......I mean feel free to do like a Novella about what happens with Annalise and her mother ( why would she invite them to dinner) and to find out if Raphael really makes it with his dance and to see if Annalise choose school or teach in ballet......soooooooo many questions hahaha. I highly recommend that everyone read this series!!!!!!!

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given to me for my honest review.

I LOVED the final installment in the Dirty Dancing series. There was so much fire in Annalise and I was so happy to see that she stood up for herself and went after what she wanted. The passion and chemistry between her and Raphael is undeniable. Granted he did mess up in this book, but he more than made up for it and proved to Annalise that he was there for her and he loved her. I highly recommend the Dirty Dancing series to everyone!

[Christine McAlister Falzarano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect conclusion to the serial. Love, heartache, healing, discovery... It's all there. I'm going to miss Rafael, and am hoping we get another worthy to fill in for him. A Latin Lover maybe?

[L.E. Chamberlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best till last

This final installment is the best out of the three. Everything falling into palace for both leads. Old dreams fade away and new dreams are made.
Great series, for me it could have been made into one book in my opinion. This is the first set if books I've read by this author. Enjoyed it

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Third Position is the third and final installment in the Dirty Dancing Serial by Melody Grace. This serial was previously published by Melody Grace as the novel, With Every Heartbeat. With the release as a serial, Melody Grace has revamped the story adding new content and making revisions. Having read both the novel and the serial I can tell you that there are a few differences between each. This new serial is a bit steamier than the first, and it does contain more of Raphael's POV. However if you have already read With Every Heartbeat, I think you will notice that not much has changed.

This installment picks up where we left off with Annalise facing her mother upon her surprise arrival. Annalise's mother keeps her under lock and key to ensure that Annalise will be ready for her performance. But Annalise is determined to help Raphael with his audition and to be there for him. Annalise's mother will stop at nothing to have her daughter be the best, and continues to tell Annalise that Raphael will do nothing but betray her. Can Annalise and Raphael have it all, or will all the obstacles in their way tear them apart?

Annalise and Raphael have already been through so much in such a short amount of time. But they really face their toughest battles yet in this installment. Things between them have always been intense and passionate, but in this installment we really are shown just how far they have come and how far they still have to go. They both have made mistakes, but it is clear that they have developed real feelings for one another and find themselves in unfamiliar territory. In Third Position, their relationship is put to the test in ways that they have never had to face before. While their connection and chemistry is strong, they have a lot of outside forces to deal with in this part.

I really felt like this installment had the least amount of new content so far. Not much seemed to be different or changed, and I found myself wondering if I had missed something. I am not really sure that over the course of these three installments that there was that much new content from With Every Heartbeat. We did get to see a sexier side to these characters at times, and we got more of Raphael's POV. But honestly I don't think that as a reader I would buy this one if I had already read With Every Heartbeat. For me, there just wasn't enough new content to justify the price of this serial on top of what was already charged for the first book. I think that readers that have not previously read With Every Heartbeat will find this story just as interesting and captivating as I found it the first time I read it. But I really don't think that it is necessary for readers of With Every Heartbeat to go and spend more money on top of what they already have. I really wish that instead of getting new covers and splitting it into three parts with a few changes, I would have much rather read a retelling of the story from Raphael's POV or maybe even a novella giving us a catch up on where they were in their HEA. I think that while this story will appeal to new readers, for me this one just wasn't necessary. I gave the story four stars as I did with the first book, because even with the new content I still feel like this was almost exactly the same story with very little changes.

**ARC Provided by Mark My Words Book Publicity**

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so hard to say goodbye to Raphael and Annalise. I've grown to really love them. And, I think that reading this book a third at a time made it seem shorter than most books, although it's really not. Or, maybe I just didn't want their story to end. That's entirely possible too.

Annalise's and Raphael's relationship was left hanging in the balance at the end of part 2 when her overbearing and success-driven mother shows up in Italy to rein in Annalise and make her buckle down. This means an end to the secret trysts with Raphael. But, how will Annalise get away to be his partner for his big audition? And, if her mother finds out about them, what will that mean for Annalise's career as a dancer?

We've caught glimpses of Annalise's mother in the first two parts. I had formed a vision of her in my head of who I thought she was. Let me tell you - nothing prepared me for the full-fledged onslaught of this Dance Mom. She blows into town and Annalise knows immediately that the little freedom she had to be with Raphael has disappeared.



I know there are moms out there who are living vicariously through their children, and because of that, they forget their job as a mother - to love your child unconditionally and support their dreams to the best of your ability. This is Annalise's mom to a T. She is an absolute tyrant. And, while she's making Annalise rehearse til her toes bleed and helping her count her calories, she's only solidifying Annalise's desire to want something different for her life. It was sad and frustrating and infuriating to read about this relationship and how utterly dysfunctional it is.

Raphael has always been completely supportive of Annalise doing what it is that she wants to do with her desire to dance. I loved that about him. He was careful with her feelings and tender with her heart. It was clear he loved her even before he knew he did. And, when Raphael screws up, he owns it. And, let me tell you - this boy knows how to apologize.

I sympathized with Annalise so much in Third Position. She's trying to fight against 19 years of indoctrination on behalf of her mother so that she can figure out what it is that she truly wants to do with her life. I loved that Annalise never gives up her search for the truth. And, that search unearths some terrible truths and a startling new reality for Annalise. It has to be terrifying and so hard to turn away from everything and everyone that has ever meant anything to you, so I get why that decision was put off for as long as it was. It wasn't easy for her, and it shouldn't be.

The ending was fantastic, and made me feel so good. I wish things had been tied up a bit more with her mom, but there was enough there to make me happy. Once again, Third Position was told in dual POV, with most of the story being told from Annalise's side. It was incredibly sexy and sensual. Don't pass up this fantastic series, especially now that the entire story has been told.

[Les Chroniques Aléatoires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il y a une fin à toute chose et le final de cette mini-série est vraiment mignonne comme tout, douce et comme on se l’attendait bien qu’il est eu des choses inattendues en chemin. Alors que tout semblait aller au beau fixe pour Annalise et Raphael, les choses vont se gâter peu à peu, se compliquer et ils vont être à un chouilla de tout perdre. Melody Grace signe une fois de plus un New Adult poignant comme elle les apprécie.

Annalise se découvre enfin, elle se surpasse dans sa danse, elle est plus sûre d’elle et de sa sensualité. Elle fait face à ses sentiments et son avenir mais malheureusement les problèmes vont tous s’enchaîner pour elle jusqu’à ce qu’elle devienne ce qu’elle a toujours détesté : sa mère. Raphael de son côté se révéle être plus fragile et incertain que l’image qu’il renvois de lui. Son amour pour la danse est énorme, ce qui peut éclipser sa raison et ses sentiments pour la ballerine. Il est probablement celui qui m’a le plus étonné dans cet épisode.

En dehors du couple principal, les personnages secondaires reprennent une place plus importante dans l’histoire. On revoit les colocataires d’Annalise bien que les choses ne se passent pas bien entre elles. Francesca est toujours la garce dans toute sa splendeur, tout le contraire de son frère. Mais le plus agréable est que finalement on rencontre enfin la mère d’Annalise. On peut se faire notre propre idée sur elle et croyez-moi, elle n’est pas positive du tout. Je n’ai jamais vu une personne aussi égoïste et insensible, surtout avec sa fille.

Amour, déception, trahison et danse sont au rendez-vous. La danse classique et la danse de salon ont plus d’importance cette fois. On participe à des entraînements et des représentations, sans oublier des auditions. On voit les coulisses de cet univers de grâce qui est vraiment dur et vicieux. Bien évidemment au beau milieu de tout cela, on se retrouve avec des moments hots qui réchauffe le tout, surtout à cause des grandes scènes de remise en questions existentielle. Bref, une belle conclusion pour une mini-série agréable à lire.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't had a chance to read this serial series yet, I highly recommend all three books! I received the Dirty Dancing Series as ARC's for honest reviews. I absolutely loved these novellas, and hope that you will too!

Raphael is a man that knows how to seduce a woman. When he meets Annalise for the first time it's an accident - but a love at first sight accident. Dancing in the streets of Rome is the way Raphael finds release in his ever changing lifestyle. When Annalise ventures away from her dancing company, she knows that she just signed her life away. Throughout the first, and second books, Raphael, and Annalise have trouble hiding their secret lives. In the third book, Third Position things get HOT, and out of control.

Annalise is on top of the world. Or at least trying to be. Following in her mother's footsteps is proving harder to do every day that she get on the dance stage. She doesn't know if ballet is something that she really wants, and if it is, why is she not into it like she knows she can be? When she spots Raphael for the first time, her dreams begin to change. She doesn't want to be the lead in any ballet from here on out. She wants to dance with him, and create her own name.

Things get crazy in Third Position! When Annalise's mom shows up, we all know that things are going to hit the fan. Her mom doesn't see through her - she knows there's a man involved, and says several hurtful things that ultimately push Annalise away, and back into Raphael's arms.

This was a thrilling, exciting, emotional read! I don't want to spoil any parts of the book, but the ending will have you wanting to throw your Kindle across the room. I know I say that often, but I swear when I say I wanted to, I REALLY wanted to!

Thank you Melody Grace for the chance to review your great series!

[Em The · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fantastic series and Third Position is a a brilliant end to the story for Raphael and Annalise! After all of the hurdles in the way for them to attempt to forge a relationship, and all of the uncertainty over both of their futures, Raphael throws a HUGE spanner into the works, sending Annalise running back to the ballet and into the life she is slowly realising is not necessarily for her.

Walking away from Raphael and throwing herself into her dancing, Annalise is doing just what is expected of her. But, despite Raphael effectively breaking her heart, she isn't happy. And its pretty obvious what, or who she is missing!

This final instalment reveals a lot to Annalise about her mother and also gives Annalise a lot of food for thought. Is dancing where she sees her future or is it in fact with some hot steamy Italian dancer who has cast her aside?

This is a a definite must read series. Raphael is hot but add Annalise to the mix and together they are dynamite! I have been fully divested in this hot and steamy series and it has been a really different love story to follow. And it takes you almost to the wire as to whether or not the couple get their HEA. Can two dancers ever be able to just be together with out any outside influences, more particularly Annalise's overbearing mother and also Raphael's dreams of dancing with the best?

I have swooned and I have cringed in equal measure during this series and also felt the emotion involved with the decisions both Annalise and Raphael have to make. The ending to the series is fitting to the story and has left me feeling satisfied and you are left happy in the knowledge that everyone has what they wished for!

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annalise is now caught up with Raphael and surprised by her mother who has shown up in Rome. OMG! Can her mother be any worse! She is more than the typical "stage mom". Her passion for Annalise to be perfect does not leave any room for feelings, caring, or nurturing. I felt so sorry for Annalise! These are confessions to be made and secrets that will surprise and break the heart.

Melody Grace has brilliantly written a story using the dedication required to be a prima ballerina to portray the age old story of what makes a life complete and full. We are blinded sometimes by our obsession to achieve fame, money, or a particular status at all cost. Life makes us decide our path based on our priorities. If our priorities are askew, will we still be fulfilled and happy? So many times in life we meet people who seem to have it all, yet they appear to be so sad and incomplete. Perhaps in their struggle to achieve their goals they forgot to prioritize what is really important to them. I've always thought that achieving perfection in life is delicate balance between the material achievements and feeding our spirit. You can have all the material glories and treasures, but if your soul is empty, how can you enjoy what you have achieved?

Annalise and Raphael come together to dance in his competition. What they experience together is a fulfillment that feeds both their spirits and it shows. These lovers are the perfect match - two souls that complete each other to perfection. Bravo to Melody Grace for this beautiful and passionate love story!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIRD POSITION by Melody Grace picks up directly following SECOND POSITION. This is the last installment in Melody's DIRTY DANCING series, and, oh, my goodness, it is HOT. Melody has definitely saved the best for last, and ended the series with a panty-melting, swoon-inducing, feel-good finale.

Raised to follow in her mother's prima ballerina footsteps, perfecting her craft has been the focus of Annalise's whole life. But Raphael brings out Annalise's inner passion, awakening desires in her that she didn't even know she had, and making her question her dedication to the troupe and to a life centered solely around ballet. Her mother's unexpected arrival in Rome, coupled with the jealousy of Raphael's former partner, threaten the new relationship developing between Annalise and Raphael, forcing her to make a decision about how she will live her life.

I enjoyed this whole series very much, but this third book really cemented my feelings. Seeing Annalise come into her own, and become the person that SHE wants to be made for a nice wrap-up, and the hotness factor in the relationship between her and Raphael was off the charts. Melody does sexy time excellently, and she absolutely delivered here; the heat between these two was sizzling, and had me fanning myself and blushing at the same time.

The fact that these books are serial-length should not keep anyone from reading them, because, when put together, they add up to one big thumbs-up, and definite additions to my 'recommends' list.

[Brianna bribookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. It does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely loved how this turned out, but only had some minor issues.

“I’ve danced in the shadows long enough. Now, it’s time to choose my own steps.” — Melody Grace, Third Position


Annalise has to make the decision: Raphael or dance. Who will she choose?

My only problem was how quickly some issues came and went. There were a couple scenes that were pretty big that I felt were rushed and blown over.

I absolutely despise Annalise’s mother. I hate that woman with a passion…

I LOVE that this is set in Rome, it’s one of the places I’m absolutely DYING to visit! The way everyone describes it sounds absolutely beautiful and gorgeous and makes me want to visit there that much more!

I’m happy with Annalise’s decision, although I did see it coming a long time ago. I absolutely love Annalise and Raphael’s relationship and how it ended for them! They are absolutely adorable together and I loved the little epilogue. I definitely would love to see more of their relationship as well as read more of Melody Grace’s books. She’s definitely a talented and amazing author and can’t wait to read more of her work! :)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well we had passion and dance. Sensual and erotic writing. Love and hate. The heroine finally mans up and stands up for herself which gave this an extra star. Sadly however the ending was sort of...blah. I mean we have all this poetry in how they meet, and learn each other, and this thing that comes between them. Then its all patched up in 2 pages...and a rather pedestrian 2 pages at that? Very disappointing. It wasn't so much that it was bad as it was such a departure from the beautiful writing of the rest of the serial and even this book, that i couldnt even reconcile them. "you really love?!" "Yes of course...first sight drivel" *kiss* *kiss*. COME ON you're so much better than that! Also while ifound the couple sweet together i didn't see them grow as a couple enough to last. We got the three months later and thats well and good...but they seemed to me as the sort of first love couple that probably wouldn't make it through the year. Sex isn't everything, love isn't everything. I just wanted more out of that ending maybe if it had impressed me more i would've bought them as a serious long term couple.
Bottom line: overall i loved this serial...but the ending is a huge disappointment after my rave reviews of the previous installment. I cant make a decision on whether to recommend it or not so that's up to your own discretion

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read more reviews at A Lust for Reading. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

At the end of book 2, Annalise got a very unpleasant surprise: her mother. Now she is under her constant supervision, and criticism, with no time for anything that is not ballet. But there is only so much she can take and she finally finds a way to get to Raphael. The first two books have been building up to this moment between them and it was explosive.

Annalise realizes that she must choose between ballet and Raphael. Will she choose the path that makes her mother happy or the one that makes herself happy? The choice might be easier than she thought, but it appears Raphael may not want her the way she wants him.

Tension and emotions run high in the conclusion to this sexy serial. I love how strong Annalise has become and that she finally stands up for what she wants. Raphael might make a few stupid guy mistakes, but he is still amazing and swoon worthy. The only disappointing part was that Annalise's mom didn't get punched in the face. So I just added that part in my mind.

These were enjoyable, fast reads and I highly recommend this serial to readers who enjoy a steamy romance story.

[Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FINAL installment , the conclusion. Choices will be made - will she follow her heart or will she be forced by her mother into a life that may not be what she wants??

Annalise is living in misery now. Her mother has swooped in and cleaned up her mess but Annalise is not happy being kept under lock and key. She has fallen for Raphael and will do anything to be with him despite what her mother says. Annalise has grown in this short amount of time and you can tell she is getting ready to finally make a choice to change her life and break out of her mother's shadow. After a heated dispute with her mother things are said that cannot be taken back, running to raphael proves to be just as devastating so Annalise decides to retreat into herself and once again focus on her performance. Sadly during her stellar performance she is not happy and realizes only one thing will make her happy. Will she finish the dance or will she go to her man ??

I loved how the story came full circle. They fought to be together and it pays off with their happiness. I loved the ending , the glimpse of their future. Seeing how the choices they made impacted them and where their choices brought them together !!

[Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this release, with bated breath. I have enjoyed Annalise and Raphael's story and could wait to see how it all turns out. And boy does Ms. Grace delivers.

Part Three starts where Part Two ends. Annalise's mother has just arrived, impeding on Annalise & Raphael's time together. Although her mother tries, Annalise still finds a way to see and practice with Raphael. However, even as Annalise defies the Company and her mother to attend the try-out with Raphael, she must decide what she really wants in her life.

Things start to fall apart, or at least it feels that way for Annalise. She's thrown herself into dance and avoiding Raphael. She's thinking about what she really wants and who she wants in it. And after giving the performance of a lifetime, she knows what she wants.

What a stunning conclusion to an amazing series. I love how Annalise finally comes into her own; after years of trying to please everyone else she is living herself. Raphael is sexy and even after he messes things up, he doesn't give up on his love.

[Kelly Smith Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final installment of Melody Grace's Dirty Dancing novella trilogy, Third Position, we find out just what Annalise loves more: ballet or Raphael.

With the production of Swan Lake a week away, and Raphael's audition even nearer, Annalise might not be able to do it all, but with her mother in town, things are even more difficult.

She has to choose, and the heartbreaking events in Third Position are very influential.


Third Position is not the tale of two lovers, nor is it the story of a ballerina. It's more than that. In its short span, we are given a lesson in love and loyalty, in heartbreak and determination. We experience loss, glory, betrayal and indecision through Annalise's eyes.

This is romantic, deep, and truly beautiful. Annalise is a heroine to root for. When she cries, we cry. We deal with her overbearing mother alongside her, dance with her and love with her. I'm sad that this is over now. It's a lovely series I'll be rereading again!


5/5--excellent!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was concerned about reading the third book in a series without reading the first 2. I was pleasantly surprised. Though I missed out on how they got to the point they were in book 3 I didn't feel lost to the plot. I did feel I missed out on how their love began but that is a simple remedy of reading the first 2 books and not a reflection on this one. This could easily be a stand alone book with the knowledge that books 1 and 2 would only enrich its reading experience.

Annalise works hard to please an impossible to please mother while trying to make herself happy. Raphael is her dream come true, but is he too much of a perfect thing to continue? She has hard choices ahead and she will need her friends support.

I enjoyed this book immensely it was a fast, but emotionally impacting book that is deeper that you first expect it to be.

** I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest and fair review**

[Jenn's Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot more going on than the first two books. Annalise has to deal with a lot emotionally and mentally. She’s trying to find her footing and that’s the thing that I like about her character. She started off very naïve and throughout this series her character does some growing up.

I’m a total fan of Raphael. I love love love how Melody Grace delivered his character. The way he speaks and describes his passion for dance or Annalise it’s like I can picture this hot Italian guy whispering sensually in my ear. It’s like the softest silk running along your skin giving you goose bumps.

This is a very light quick read with the added drama. There are lots of dance terms and I’m no dancer so I was just like ‘yeah, ok whatevs’ and moved along. Lol. It was a cute ending but I’m a little on the fence. I was left with some questions, so it felt unfinished to me. But that Raphael makes it totally worth it.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect ending to the Dirty Dancing series and Annalise and Raphael's love story!! Although I don't want to see this series end. I loved Annalise and Raphael!!

Despite all the odds that are stacked up against them, Annalise and Raphael seem to make it work. Theirs is a love that seems to be every lasting. Annalise has had a tough life. She doesn't really know what true and real love is, thanks to her mother. Now that she has Raphael, she is not sure what to make of it.

This was a roller coaster of an installment. Annalise and Raphael had so many obstacles to overcome. There was a time when I was reading this, that I thought, "oh no... this is it for them!!"
Melody Grace has me biting my nails. I love this series. It had a little of everything. Romance, love, living your dreams, and Italy!!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Third Position (Dirty Dancing #3) by Melody Grace

Review done for Hooked on Books

4 out of 5 stars

In this final installment of the Dirty Dancing series, Annalise has to make a life altering decision: stay on the path her mom wants her to or choose a path that she wants to go.

Raphael has awoken a desire in Annalise to follow her dreams. He has finally found the courage to follow his with Annalise’s help. Now he wants the same for her.

They both have found love with each other and they inspire each other as well. Annalise makes the ultimate sacrifice for Raphael.

This was a wonderful series full of angst and sexy love scenes. The characters were wonderful and I could feel their attraction for each other.

It was nice to see Annalise mature and make her own decisions despite the repercussions from her mother.

I definitely recommend this series to read.

[Lacey Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's over?? :( Now what do I do with my time?!

Third Position did NOT disappoint! It was just as emotionally and sexually charged as First & Second Position. In Third, Annalise and Raphael are forced to make huge decisions. Your dream or your love. Annalise's come easier than she thought they would. Raphael makes a decision based on what he thinks is best and the results are devastating. Can they find their way back to their one true love?
Find out in the conclusion of the Dirty Dancing trilogy.

Well done, Melody Grace. But, honestly, she does well with every book. That's why she will remain in my top 5 fave authors. Each novella was dramatic, entertaining, and sexy as hell. Their love explodes off of each page, gripping you like a vise and not letting go until the very end. I only wish they were longer - I didn't want them to end.

[Hooked On Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review done for Hooked on Books

4 out of 5 stars

In this final installment of the Dirty Dancing series, Annalise has to make a life altering decision: stay on the path her mom wants her to or choose a path that she wants to go.

Raphael has awoken a desire in Annalise to follow her dreams. He has finally found the courage to follow his with Annalise’s help. Now he wants the same for her.

They both have found love with each other and they inspire each other as well. Annalise makes the ultimate sacrifice for Raphael.

This was a wonderful series full of angst and sexy love scenes. The characters were wonderful and I could feel their attraction for each other.

It was nice to see Annalise mature and make her own decisions despite the repercussions from her mother.

I definitely recommend this series to read.

[Resch Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but I couldn't. I felt like Annalise had to choose between Raphael (who she has known for a short period of time) or the one thing she has spent her whole life striving for. It felt like her relationship with Raphael was extremely rushed and I couldn't find it relate-able or realistic. I am glad that Annalise finally found her voice but I don't think she found it for herself, I think she found it for Raphael. The fact that she was so dependent on her relationship with Raphael was kinda of disappointing.

I am not a fan of the passive girl who can't stand on her own two feet. I wasn't a fan of the epilogue either. It just wasn't realistic, I want to blow a million spoilers in this but I am just going to refrain and said that I wouldn't throw things away or put all my eggs in one basket.