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First Position
A dancer’s fall from grace ignites a dark ambition in this propulsive novel about the seductive, cutthroat world of professional ballet by debut author Melanie Hamrick.
Five years into her career at the North American Ballet, Sylvie Carter has come a long way from the girl she once was—the young, driven ballerina who dutifully kept a list of rules for how to succeed. But as her star in the company rises, every rule gets broken and she becomes a version of herself she no longer recognizes. When a tumultuous, troubling relationship erupts into a devastating scandal for which she alone is blamed, she loses everything. Her reputation is destroyed, her best friend is now her fiercest rival, and the dream she’s worked for her entire life—becoming a prima ballerina—will never be realized. She vows not to ever make the same mistake again.
But when renowned dancer Alessandro Russo joins NAB as a guest artist for the season, Sylvie is magnetically drawn to him. Torn between fear and attraction, she finds herself mentally unraveling but also artistically blossoming as she taps into emotions she’d buried long ago. Caught in a bewildering spiral, she can either let the wounds of the past destroy her or find a way to be reborn.
Five years into her career at the North American Ballet, Sylvie Carter has come a long way from the girl she once was—the young, driven ballerina who dutifully kept a list of rules for how to succeed. But as her star in the company rises, every rule gets broken and she becomes a version of herself she no longer recognizes. When a tumultuous, troubling relationship erupts into a devastating scandal for which she alone is blamed, she loses everything. Her reputation is destroyed, her best friend is now her fiercest rival, and the dream she’s worked for her entire life—becoming a prima ballerina—will never be realized. She vows not to ever make the same mistake again.
But when renowned dancer Alessandro Russo joins NAB as a guest artist for the season, Sylvie is magnetically drawn to him. Torn between fear and attraction, she finds herself mentally unraveling but also artistically blossoming as she taps into emotions she’d buried long ago. Caught in a bewildering spiral, she can either let the wounds of the past destroy her or find a way to be reborn.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2023
225 people are currently reading
10430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
May 9, 2023
My expectations were higher after reading the interesting plot line that gave off Black Swan vibes and a promising, dark introduction to the world of ballerinas. However, I found that I watched a very detailed, smooth, and technical documentary about ballerinas instead of reading a riveting thriller about them.
The depictions of ballerinas' compelling lifestyle, their hard work amidst harsh and excruciating circumstances, the rivalry, exploitation, abuse, and debauchery were skillfully written. However, the lack of character depth and emotional intensity caused me to give up on caring about the characters. I didn't feel invested in finding out what would happen to them and I struggled to finish the book as if it was a mandatory task that I didn't enjoy.
The pacing was slow and dragging, but the conclusion was well crafted. Nevertheless, I still had a hard time getting into the main story and connecting with any of the characters, which is why I decided to give a flat, uneventful, solid three stars. I wish I had enjoyed the book more than its alluring cover!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The depictions of ballerinas' compelling lifestyle, their hard work amidst harsh and excruciating circumstances, the rivalry, exploitation, abuse, and debauchery were skillfully written. However, the lack of character depth and emotional intensity caused me to give up on caring about the characters. I didn't feel invested in finding out what would happen to them and I struggled to finish the book as if it was a mandatory task that I didn't enjoy.
The pacing was slow and dragging, but the conclusion was well crafted. Nevertheless, I still had a hard time getting into the main story and connecting with any of the characters, which is why I decided to give a flat, uneventful, solid three stars. I wish I had enjoyed the book more than its alluring cover!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
July 12, 2023
**Many thanks to Shelf Awareness, NetGalley, Berkley, and Melanie Hamrick for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 6.20!**
When you see this cover and read the words "First Position," you might think that this is a simply a book about the dark side of ballet...you know, first position, second position, etc.
But this book felt more at home with the likes of those describing, uh, certain OTHER positions....if you catch my drift...and voyeurism of this kind is a BIT more R rated than the vision I had of toe shoes and tutus (not to mention one that was also supposed to be peppered with thrills!)
Sylvie Carter has always longed for the post of prima ballerina, and five years ago, it seemed well within her grasp. She had a 'leg up' on her competition (so to speak) and was handling the ballet world (filled with plenty of sex and drugs) with just enough grace to keep her goal within reach. But when a whirlwind 'courtship' with a powerful and handsome magnate in the dance world goes awry and winds up in scandal territory, Sylvie's one shot seems to have evaporated...for good.
...Until now. Sylvie is in a new city and is still dancing: now as part of the North American Ballet company (NAB). When the stunning, masterful Alessandro Russo arrives, however, Sylvie's world is once again rocked and she quickly falls under his spell. Is Sylvie able to take this second chance, move on from the mistakes of her past, and ascend to true greatness? Or will the allure of sex, drugs, alcohol and yet ANOTHER forbidden romance keep her ultimate dream as nothing MORE than a fading, furtive dream?
This book is pitched as being Black Swan-esque...but I'm sorry to tell my thriller loving friends that there is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, thrilling about this book. At all. NONE of what plays out could even be considered remotely frightening, unless you find sex clubs or hooking up with older men terrifying. There is no murder, no gore, and DEFINITELY no mystery to solve. 80% of this narrative is about ballet...but more specifically, the 'dark' side of ballet...which translated means "lots and LOTS of sex and drugs." When I saw this book was 'dark' I guess I was assuming there would be more in the way of stakes and tension.
What I didn't expect, however, was the aforementioned overabundance of spicy sexual scenes that took up SO much of the book that I often had a hard time remembering what else in the plot was supposed to be relevant. Between this and Sylvie's constant drug abuse (often for no reason at all) I got pretty frustrated trying to stay invested in her journey. The dialogue also at times felt very clunky and fake...one such scene had the 'alluring' older man watching Sylvie and best frenemy Jocelyn and urging them: "Have fun, girls-do not forget to have fun! For god's sake, you're on drugs!"
...Seriously? As if he'd need to REMIND them?
This timeline also bops around to THREE different points in time for absolutely no reason, and also has narratives from Sylvie AND occasionally Jocelyn: so unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. The one upside to this is at least Jocelyn's sections had a bit more energy and punch, although she's just as unlikable as Sylvie, if not moreso. To give you a bit more insight into the bulk of her personality, here's how Jocelyn's mind works: "He pushes his hips into mine and I remember again why I'm having this fling. He's got no personality but he's an amazing dancer with a huge d***" (Yep, this is ACTUALLY Jocelyn's inner monologue...such as it is.)
Sadly, the world of ballet often got lost here, although there's plenty of technical jargon and authentic descriptions of dance sequences, the machinations of rehearsals etc. (based in part on Hamrick's own experience as a ballerina) to add that sense of reality that so much of this book seemed to be missing. The odd and somewhat saccharine ending felt even more out of place and left me wondering what message the author was truly hoping to convey to the reading audience. I can't tell if this was supposed to be a convoluted love story, a coming-of-age story, a lesson in identity...or proof positive of why you should "Just Say No to Drugs."
And this book DID leave me wanting to jeté, alright....but rather than a grand and graceful leap, I just wanted to jeté on OUT of there. 🩰
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3
When you see this cover and read the words "First Position," you might think that this is a simply a book about the dark side of ballet...you know, first position, second position, etc.
But this book felt more at home with the likes of those describing, uh, certain OTHER positions....if you catch my drift...and voyeurism of this kind is a BIT more R rated than the vision I had of toe shoes and tutus (not to mention one that was also supposed to be peppered with thrills!)
Sylvie Carter has always longed for the post of prima ballerina, and five years ago, it seemed well within her grasp. She had a 'leg up' on her competition (so to speak) and was handling the ballet world (filled with plenty of sex and drugs) with just enough grace to keep her goal within reach. But when a whirlwind 'courtship' with a powerful and handsome magnate in the dance world goes awry and winds up in scandal territory, Sylvie's one shot seems to have evaporated...for good.
...Until now. Sylvie is in a new city and is still dancing: now as part of the North American Ballet company (NAB). When the stunning, masterful Alessandro Russo arrives, however, Sylvie's world is once again rocked and she quickly falls under his spell. Is Sylvie able to take this second chance, move on from the mistakes of her past, and ascend to true greatness? Or will the allure of sex, drugs, alcohol and yet ANOTHER forbidden romance keep her ultimate dream as nothing MORE than a fading, furtive dream?
This book is pitched as being Black Swan-esque...but I'm sorry to tell my thriller loving friends that there is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, thrilling about this book. At all. NONE of what plays out could even be considered remotely frightening, unless you find sex clubs or hooking up with older men terrifying. There is no murder, no gore, and DEFINITELY no mystery to solve. 80% of this narrative is about ballet...but more specifically, the 'dark' side of ballet...which translated means "lots and LOTS of sex and drugs." When I saw this book was 'dark' I guess I was assuming there would be more in the way of stakes and tension.
What I didn't expect, however, was the aforementioned overabundance of spicy sexual scenes that took up SO much of the book that I often had a hard time remembering what else in the plot was supposed to be relevant. Between this and Sylvie's constant drug abuse (often for no reason at all) I got pretty frustrated trying to stay invested in her journey. The dialogue also at times felt very clunky and fake...one such scene had the 'alluring' older man watching Sylvie and best frenemy Jocelyn and urging them: "Have fun, girls-do not forget to have fun! For god's sake, you're on drugs!"
...Seriously? As if he'd need to REMIND them?
This timeline also bops around to THREE different points in time for absolutely no reason, and also has narratives from Sylvie AND occasionally Jocelyn: so unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. The one upside to this is at least Jocelyn's sections had a bit more energy and punch, although she's just as unlikable as Sylvie, if not moreso. To give you a bit more insight into the bulk of her personality, here's how Jocelyn's mind works: "He pushes his hips into mine and I remember again why I'm having this fling. He's got no personality but he's an amazing dancer with a huge d***" (Yep, this is ACTUALLY Jocelyn's inner monologue...such as it is.)
Sadly, the world of ballet often got lost here, although there's plenty of technical jargon and authentic descriptions of dance sequences, the machinations of rehearsals etc. (based in part on Hamrick's own experience as a ballerina) to add that sense of reality that so much of this book seemed to be missing. The odd and somewhat saccharine ending felt even more out of place and left me wondering what message the author was truly hoping to convey to the reading audience. I can't tell if this was supposed to be a convoluted love story, a coming-of-age story, a lesson in identity...or proof positive of why you should "Just Say No to Drugs."
And this book DID leave me wanting to jeté, alright....but rather than a grand and graceful leap, I just wanted to jeté on OUT of there. 🩰
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3
June 23, 2023
3.0 Stars
I adore books involving dance and female athletes. So many of my favourite books fall within this niche subgenre. So I was incredibly eager to read this new release.
After finishing this novel, I can report that it's pretty good. It's fine, but it does not leave up to the potential of this subgenre.
Readers looking for a thriller in the vein of Black Swan should be aware that this is more of a piece of contemporary fiction. The build and climax are pretty mild. Basically the story is just soft. It's a character study of a character, but the character that it studies is very a little plain.
Despite my criticisms, I am still a suck for a ballet story and I loved reading as she progressed in her career. I particularly liked the beginning that framed her diligence just to have it fall apart as the story progressed.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I adore books involving dance and female athletes. So many of my favourite books fall within this niche subgenre. So I was incredibly eager to read this new release.
After finishing this novel, I can report that it's pretty good. It's fine, but it does not leave up to the potential of this subgenre.
Readers looking for a thriller in the vein of Black Swan should be aware that this is more of a piece of contemporary fiction. The build and climax are pretty mild. Basically the story is just soft. It's a character study of a character, but the character that it studies is very a little plain.
Despite my criticisms, I am still a suck for a ballet story and I loved reading as she progressed in her career. I particularly liked the beginning that framed her diligence just to have it fall apart as the story progressed.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 30, 2023
Sex ( a lot it gratuitous, a lot of it creepy, little of it erotic), drugs and ballet, with lots of melodrama and a Hollywood ending. One of the best scenes early on has a window into the blood and pain that the audience never sees, and it degenerates into a gratuitous and silly sex scene. It cheapens the book.
And since the author was a long time dancer for ABT, the questions of how much is this is truly based on her experience/knowledge, and which real life people could be the base of her characters are definitely out there.
And since the author was a long time dancer for ABT, the questions of how much is this is truly based on her experience/knowledge, and which real life people could be the base of her characters are definitely out there.
June 24, 2024
3.5/5
"The worst kind of passion is the kind that is fighting to get out but is being barred by something its owner thinks is necessary. As if to be passionate is to be weak, or to be foolish, or to be uncivilized. As if passion is not the only thing that has ever made it possible for brilliance to be translated from one to the other. Passion is not a detail of talent. It is the synthesizer, the vehicle, the translation, the magic drug that makes it possible for talent to be seen and felt."
I randomly picked up this book because I wanted to read some ballet fiction, and I was not disappointed. I somewhat expected it to be the typical ballet drama, as seen in "Black Swan" or "Tiny Pretty Things" - because aren't all ballet fiction books/TV shows/movies similar? And it was similar in some ways. But in other ways, it was very different and unique. I anticipated more focus on the plot, but the plot ended up being the excuse to explore the psychological trauma hidden within the minds of these ballerinas. And let me tell you, I absolutely loved it.
I found Sylvie's thoughts to be very relatable, even if her lifestyle wasn't. THE QUOTES. THE-QUOTES. Throughout the 300-page book, I highlighted more quotes and paragraphs than usual for such a small novel. Sylvie's inner struggles with perfectionism, anxiety, allowing men to control her life and emotions - and affecting her chances for success - resonated with me. I felt so understood being in her head. It was like reading her personal journal and realizing that I'm not the only one who experiences - or has experienced - this anxious turmoil and conflicting emotions.
>> "There are two voices inside me. One of them is the truth teller. The one who sees things how they are and tells me, whether I like it or not, what I cannot admit to myself. The other is the liar. The one who acts on fear and anxiety. The one that tells me to stay scared because I will fail and who tells me not to take a risk because I'll fall." [I MEAN!!!]
PROS:
- THE QUOTES!!!
- I 100% believe this book is for the anxious/self-critical girlies who've had a hard time dealing with their own emotions, who've made mistakes and regretted them, who've let other people dictate their lives.
- Speaks of feminism and how men can get away with so much while women suffer the consequences of their actions for years and often get the short end of the stick.
- Beautiful descriptions of cities as you travel with the NAB & go back in time, and to the present again.
CONS:
- The plot was OK. I wasn't as pulled in by the story, although I was intrigued and wanted to know the *tea*.
- The romance didn't have enough chance to develop, so the book didn't feel romantic, even though it was marketed as a steamy ballet romance novel - which I don't think it is. It feels like the romance is part of Sylvie's and even Jocelyn's journey, but it's definitely not the center of attention. Even the steamy scenes didn't feel romantic; they felt explanatory and descriptive, as if I was an outsider seeing things happen from a very objective point of view. To me, the romance and sex were just the escape from what was happening in these characters' heads.
I would recommend it, but I don't think everyone will enjoy this book either. It's a hit or miss.
"The worst kind of passion is the kind that is fighting to get out but is being barred by something its owner thinks is necessary. As if to be passionate is to be weak, or to be foolish, or to be uncivilized. As if passion is not the only thing that has ever made it possible for brilliance to be translated from one to the other. Passion is not a detail of talent. It is the synthesizer, the vehicle, the translation, the magic drug that makes it possible for talent to be seen and felt."
I randomly picked up this book because I wanted to read some ballet fiction, and I was not disappointed. I somewhat expected it to be the typical ballet drama, as seen in "Black Swan" or "Tiny Pretty Things" - because aren't all ballet fiction books/TV shows/movies similar? And it was similar in some ways. But in other ways, it was very different and unique. I anticipated more focus on the plot, but the plot ended up being the excuse to explore the psychological trauma hidden within the minds of these ballerinas. And let me tell you, I absolutely loved it.
I found Sylvie's thoughts to be very relatable, even if her lifestyle wasn't. THE QUOTES. THE-QUOTES. Throughout the 300-page book, I highlighted more quotes and paragraphs than usual for such a small novel. Sylvie's inner struggles with perfectionism, anxiety, allowing men to control her life and emotions - and affecting her chances for success - resonated with me. I felt so understood being in her head. It was like reading her personal journal and realizing that I'm not the only one who experiences - or has experienced - this anxious turmoil and conflicting emotions.
>> "There are two voices inside me. One of them is the truth teller. The one who sees things how they are and tells me, whether I like it or not, what I cannot admit to myself. The other is the liar. The one who acts on fear and anxiety. The one that tells me to stay scared because I will fail and who tells me not to take a risk because I'll fall." [I MEAN!!!]
PROS:
- THE QUOTES!!!
- I 100% believe this book is for the anxious/self-critical girlies who've had a hard time dealing with their own emotions, who've made mistakes and regretted them, who've let other people dictate their lives.
- Speaks of feminism and how men can get away with so much while women suffer the consequences of their actions for years and often get the short end of the stick.
- Beautiful descriptions of cities as you travel with the NAB & go back in time, and to the present again.
CONS:
- The plot was OK. I wasn't as pulled in by the story, although I was intrigued and wanted to know the *tea*.
- The romance didn't have enough chance to develop, so the book didn't feel romantic, even though it was marketed as a steamy ballet romance novel - which I don't think it is. It feels like the romance is part of Sylvie's and even Jocelyn's journey, but it's definitely not the center of attention. Even the steamy scenes didn't feel romantic; they felt explanatory and descriptive, as if I was an outsider seeing things happen from a very objective point of view. To me, the romance and sex were just the escape from what was happening in these characters' heads.
I would recommend it, but I don't think everyone will enjoy this book either. It's a hit or miss.
June 19, 2023
I really, really, really enjoyed this debut that takes a look at the dark side of professional ballet. Told from the perspective of two best friends turned rivals, Sylvie and Jocelyn, as they start with the ballet North American Ballet company at the same time but are torn apart by a scandal. Through flashbacks we also get to see how each of them got to the point they did and the trauma they suffered along the way.
Beware that this story tackles some graphic sexual abuse and sex-shaming as well as drug and alcohol abuse. Excellent on audio narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Summer Morton. Recommended for fans of the movie Center stage or books like The ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale or The turnout by Megan Abbott. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
Beware that this story tackles some graphic sexual abuse and sex-shaming as well as drug and alcohol abuse. Excellent on audio narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Summer Morton. Recommended for fans of the movie Center stage or books like The ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale or The turnout by Megan Abbott. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
September 29, 2024
4.5 🌟
There’s just something about ballerinas that I LOVE!
This book was twisted, toxic, desirable, confronting and steamy. I may have taken a month to read it (soz busy life) but bloody hell I loved it.
There’s just something about ballerinas that I LOVE!
This book was twisted, toxic, desirable, confronting and steamy. I may have taken a month to read it (soz busy life) but bloody hell I loved it.
June 16, 2023
I picked this one up for the Black Swan vibes and my lifelong interest in anything dance related but I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect beyond that. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be as steamy as it was though, there was a lot of sex and it played a really central role to the story in an odd way. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives of Sylvie and Jocelyn as they both navigated the incredibly grueling world of ballet but I do wish they were a little bit more drawn, I think the base for these characters was great I just wanted more depth. The dark side of being a ballerina was really interesting to me but overall I was underwhelmed in the end and wanted more of a connection to the story.
November 25, 2023
Grand plié into this pootang.
July 6, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of this book kind of reminded me of the Black Swan movie, which I really enjoyed! It follows the lives of two young women traveling the world with the North American Ballet Company. I grew up dancing and have two daughters who have danced most of their lives so a large part of the story was super relatable! The book is well written with a captivating story that I know many other will enjoy too!
The concept of this book kind of reminded me of the Black Swan movie, which I really enjoyed! It follows the lives of two young women traveling the world with the North American Ballet Company. I grew up dancing and have two daughters who have danced most of their lives so a large part of the story was super relatable! The book is well written with a captivating story that I know many other will enjoy too!
Read
June 7, 2024this book held my attention from beginning to end. kinda of was pissed about the end but i do get it. i just wanted more.
i found a lot of peace & inspiration reading this, for that i’m grateful.
i’m also still learning how to write reviews because i have so many thoughts then when i finish, i have NOTHING TO SAY. it’ll get better
i found a lot of peace & inspiration reading this, for that i’m grateful.
i’m also still learning how to write reviews because i have so many thoughts then when i finish, i have NOTHING TO SAY. it’ll get better
Read
June 20, 2023What an interesting romance, making us witness the life of a few ballerinas through the years. Brutality and rigorous regime required to bring such a beautiful performance on stage.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
Read
May 20, 2023DNF @ 50% - I really really wanted to finish this one, but the triggers were too much for me. as an explanation, I am a former professional ballerina, and books and films and other works of art depicting ballerinas at their worst (and usually depicting them as crazy psychos who would do anything for a lead role) just can’t do it for me. in real life, it couldn’t be further from the truth - and while I realize that this is a work of fiction, it still infuriates me to see this stigma of ballet dancers out there in the world. the lack of character depth in this one too left a sense of coldness and deceit amongst them, and the plot itself was so confusing that I wasn’t actually sure what the story was supposed to be about. whoever designed the cover of this one though should be given a raise!!!!
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
Be prepared to enter completely into the intense and cutthroat world of international ballet!
Sylvie Carter has scraped and clawed her was into becoming a member of the North American Ballet (NAB). Five years in, and she has fallen from potential principal to a backup performer at best, primarily due to her dalliance with an older male star. Sylvie has fallen hard and fast and has turned to drugs and drinking to mute the pain. When Alessandro Russo joins the the NAB for a season, she she knows she should stay away. But Alessandro brings out her best, and she wants the chance to be the best again more than anything.
Written with great intensity, join Sylvie in First Position as she makes choices that will impact the rest of her life. If you love competition, thrillers and art (especially ballet) and of course forbidden love and bad choices, First Position is for you! Best yet, Melanie Hamrick has included a portion of her next novel, I cannot wait to read !!!
But when renowned dancer Alessandro Russo#Berkley #FirstPosition #MelanieHamrick
Sylvie Carter has scraped and clawed her was into becoming a member of the North American Ballet (NAB). Five years in, and she has fallen from potential principal to a backup performer at best, primarily due to her dalliance with an older male star. Sylvie has fallen hard and fast and has turned to drugs and drinking to mute the pain. When Alessandro Russo joins the the NAB for a season, she she knows she should stay away. But Alessandro brings out her best, and she wants the chance to be the best again more than anything.
Written with great intensity, join Sylvie in First Position as she makes choices that will impact the rest of her life. If you love competition, thrillers and art (especially ballet) and of course forbidden love and bad choices, First Position is for you! Best yet, Melanie Hamrick has included a portion of her next novel, I cannot wait to read !!!
But when renowned dancer Alessandro Russo#Berkley #FirstPosition #MelanieHamrick
February 25, 2023
In line with Black Swan, My Dark Vanessa, The Ballerinas, and Queens Gambit, First Position highlights the darker aspects of ballet, as well as the abuse of power “mentors” can wield over their protégés. Told from both past and present storylines, through the perspectives of two dancers, Melanine Hamrick uses her experience as a ballerina to showcase what can happen behind the scenes.
This story is full of drugs, sex, and psychological manipulation. Sylvie is such a hot mess, clearly spiraling and repeating old patterns. Can she snap out of it? Or have her vices totally consumed her? Her character’s story is realistic and harrowing, though I enjoyed every moment of it! It seems like Hamrick is going to write Jocelyn’s story next, and I cannot wait to see what happens based on the small taste I got at the end of this book!
Thank you to Berkley for my ARC!
This story is full of drugs, sex, and psychological manipulation. Sylvie is such a hot mess, clearly spiraling and repeating old patterns. Can she snap out of it? Or have her vices totally consumed her? Her character’s story is realistic and harrowing, though I enjoyed every moment of it! It seems like Hamrick is going to write Jocelyn’s story next, and I cannot wait to see what happens based on the small taste I got at the end of this book!
Thank you to Berkley for my ARC!
July 5, 2023
First Position is the dark and seductive tale of the darker side of ballet. From the moment I picked up this book I found myself utterly intrigued by Sylvie's story and unable to put it down. This story isn't for the faint of heart, and while I wouldn't necessarily consider this book to be a dark read, I do think it pushes boundaries and will take readers on a totally unexpected ride. This book was completely unexpected in the best possible way.
First Position is smartly written, sexy, and consuming. It's hard to believe that this is Melanie Hamrick's debut novel, as this book flowed with such ease. I think this author knocked it out of the park with this book and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
*Thank you so much to Berkley Books and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this title*
First Position is smartly written, sexy, and consuming. It's hard to believe that this is Melanie Hamrick's debut novel, as this book flowed with such ease. I think this author knocked it out of the park with this book and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
*Thank you so much to Berkley Books and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this title*
June 25, 2023
A fun if sometimes cringey Dark Ballet novel that keeps your attention and moves well.
Though a bit short on actual ballet, this is entertaining if you’re into this subgenre, and boasts two intriguing and likable protagonists.
There’s not a lot here that you can’t find in other ballet books of this sort and a lot of them are better written, but this one gets points for pacing and likable characters.
And though there are a LOT of super cringey sex scenes, the intriguing friendship and rivalry between the two protagonists is more than enough to make up for it in terms of plot.
I also think the politics of ballet are extremely well rendered here, frustrating and infuriating as they may be to read about at times.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Though a bit short on actual ballet, this is entertaining if you’re into this subgenre, and boasts two intriguing and likable protagonists.
There’s not a lot here that you can’t find in other ballet books of this sort and a lot of them are better written, but this one gets points for pacing and likable characters.
And though there are a LOT of super cringey sex scenes, the intriguing friendship and rivalry between the two protagonists is more than enough to make up for it in terms of plot.
I also think the politics of ballet are extremely well rendered here, frustrating and infuriating as they may be to read about at times.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
March 13, 2023
First Position is a story based on the alternating viewpoints of Jocelyn and Sylvie, who are both trying to "make it" at a major ballet company. This read definitely has Black Swan vibes. I think the thing that disappointed me was that I was expecting a book about ballet, but this was all about sex and emotional spirals. There is nothing wrong with those two concepts in books, but I thought I was going to be reading something completely different since this book has a ballerina on the front. I wanted to learn more about the inner life of a ballerina, and some of that is in there (insecurities, etc.), but I wish it had gone a lot deeper.
All in all, I wasn't bored, but I wasn't intrigued either. Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix show) did something similar where the story became more about raw sex and human flesh than it did about ballet and what it is actually like to be a dancer in a major company. If it's what you're looking for, then you will have a good time, but all said and done, I wish there had been better characterization and a stronger emphasis on dance. I did enjoy the sapphic elements and wish that had been cultivated more, with the predatory male lead(s) left out. The bits where Sylvie is thinking about what it means to be a ballet dancer were what I truly enjoyed the most! It is both horrifying and awe-inspiring to learn about what dancers go through to achieve their dreams.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sending me an e-arc in exchange for a review!
All in all, I wasn't bored, but I wasn't intrigued either. Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix show) did something similar where the story became more about raw sex and human flesh than it did about ballet and what it is actually like to be a dancer in a major company. If it's what you're looking for, then you will have a good time, but all said and done, I wish there had been better characterization and a stronger emphasis on dance. I did enjoy the sapphic elements and wish that had been cultivated more, with the predatory male lead(s) left out. The bits where Sylvie is thinking about what it means to be a ballet dancer were what I truly enjoyed the most! It is both horrifying and awe-inspiring to learn about what dancers go through to achieve their dreams.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sending me an e-arc in exchange for a review!
October 12, 2025
I don't know if I have ever read a book with a lower avg rating on GR! This was one of those books that came across overdrive and caught my eye - but I never came on and checked the reviews until I finished. I did listen to this one in a short amount of time as I had busy mindless work to do so I had it on. I didn't struggle with it but it wasn't that great. This was also harder to follow on audio because it jumped around in time quite a bit. I had hoped for a bigger ballet storyline, but it was more drama than anything, Reminded me exactly how I felt about The movie Black Swan. Dark and lots of drama amongst the dancers and the company. Story was OK!
January 19, 2024
Yes the book did contain some unwanted things however the ending was extraordinary some might say cheesy but I think it was perfection. The storyline was great and very similar to black swan a favourite movie of mine. I loved how it went from character to character past to present so you could I really understand the entire story. I loved every page and the book contained such beautiful writing some of which make great quotes. As a dancer I loved this book and I feel like it accurately captured the world of ballet.
May 3, 2025
We read First Position for book club, and while I don’t usually go for dark romances, I was intrigued because of the ballet setting - I loved the film Black Swan and was hoping for something with a similar edge. I did enjoy the structure, with the back-and-forth between past and present, however, the story felt a bit aimless and boring. The writing wasn’t very strong, and I found the sex scenes a bit heavy handed and clumsily written. Overall, it felt more like a beginner’s attempt at a novel than a fully developed book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
Thank you to Berkley for my complimentary eArc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First Position is a deep dive into the cut throat world of ballerinas. While I appreciate the behind the scenes look into their lives, some of the themes and situations were not for me. I did power through and was happy with the ending.
First Position is a deep dive into the cut throat world of ballerinas. While I appreciate the behind the scenes look into their lives, some of the themes and situations were not for me. I did power through and was happy with the ending.
March 31, 2023
Here's my official blurb for FIRST POSITION!
Addictive. Hamrick weaves a fascinating portrait of the darkness behind the curtain in professional ballet. Perfect for fans of Black Swan or those who love forbidden romance.
Addictive. Hamrick weaves a fascinating portrait of the darkness behind the curtain in professional ballet. Perfect for fans of Black Swan or those who love forbidden romance.
July 11, 2023
“There are two voices inside of me. One of them is the truth-teller. The one who sees things how they are and tells me, whether I like it or not, what I cannot admit to myself. The other is the liar. The one who acts on fear and anxiety. The one that tells me to stay scared because I will fail and who tells me not to take a risk because I’ll fall. They speak the same language but seem to have an almost imperceptibly different dialect. It makes it hard to tell which is speaking.”
Sylvie Carter, a prima ballerina, had her whole future mapped out for herself, including a list to keep her goals on track, but after a forbidden relationship is revealed, and her reputation is in tatters, she becomes seduced by the dark world of ballet. When sex, drugs, and alcohol begin to derail her future, she has to decide whether she wants to fight to be the ballerina she knows she can be or if she will let the darker side of ballet ruin her future.
I am not sure why this is being marketed as a romance because it most definitely is not one. Yes, there is sex and quite a lot of it, but most of it isn’t between the hero and the heroine, and in the end, there is no real happily ever after. I was expecting so much more from this book, and while there were aspects I did like, it was overshadowed by the many problems this story has.
Sylvie came across as highly unlikeable and selfish. I understand the issues that she had, but the way she treated people throughout the story just rubbed me the wrong way. I thought surely there would be some sort of growth in her, or the author would try to redeem her, but that didn’t happen. She was the same old Sylvie until the very end when I am supposed to root for her because she decides to stop drinking and treating everyone badly.
I think this is a case of Melanie Hamrick being a debut author, and she needs to work on character development and making her characters more multi-dimensional so they don’t come across as flat and one-dimensional. I did like Alessandro, and I liked the way he did support Sylvie even when she didn’t truly want his help. The author was previously a ballerina, and her firsthand perspective of ballet lent a very realistic backdrop to her story.
This book is marketed as Colleen Hoover meets black swan, and I think if you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover, this may be up your alley and something you might want to try.
~ Michelle
Sylvie Carter, a prima ballerina, had her whole future mapped out for herself, including a list to keep her goals on track, but after a forbidden relationship is revealed, and her reputation is in tatters, she becomes seduced by the dark world of ballet. When sex, drugs, and alcohol begin to derail her future, she has to decide whether she wants to fight to be the ballerina she knows she can be or if she will let the darker side of ballet ruin her future.
I am not sure why this is being marketed as a romance because it most definitely is not one. Yes, there is sex and quite a lot of it, but most of it isn’t between the hero and the heroine, and in the end, there is no real happily ever after. I was expecting so much more from this book, and while there were aspects I did like, it was overshadowed by the many problems this story has.
Sylvie came across as highly unlikeable and selfish. I understand the issues that she had, but the way she treated people throughout the story just rubbed me the wrong way. I thought surely there would be some sort of growth in her, or the author would try to redeem her, but that didn’t happen. She was the same old Sylvie until the very end when I am supposed to root for her because she decides to stop drinking and treating everyone badly.
I think this is a case of Melanie Hamrick being a debut author, and she needs to work on character development and making her characters more multi-dimensional so they don’t come across as flat and one-dimensional. I did like Alessandro, and I liked the way he did support Sylvie even when she didn’t truly want his help. The author was previously a ballerina, and her firsthand perspective of ballet lent a very realistic backdrop to her story.
This book is marketed as Colleen Hoover meets black swan, and I think if you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover, this may be up your alley and something you might want to try.
~ Michelle
July 12, 2023
I hugely appreciated the ballet being so accurately written and depicted. Loved the naughtier aspects too ;) Addictive reading.
October 22, 2023
Gritty,delicious and intriguing First Position is a ballet lovers dream read. An original and engrossing premise that really takes you behind the scenes of the dancers world so you really feel what they do.
June 9, 2024
3.75⭐️
October 21, 2024
Again... I will read anything about ballet.
April 30, 2025
Unfortunately the book was very long winded and only a small story attached
February 18, 2024
Felt like 2014 tumblr smut sometimes… but sweet ending.
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