While Sylvie's fall from grace comes across as a formulaic aftermath of a toxic affair between an older man and a naive younger woman, I think the author had a strong twist to this conflict with the addition of Jocelyn. I would have loved to see more showing than telling when it came to Sylvie and Jocelyn's complex relationship, though I did appreciate the bits we do see against the competitive and cutthroat world of ballet. The ending wrapped up a bit too nicely for me, but this was ultimately as propulsive as promised though a tamer take on the horrors of ballet portrayed in BLACK SWAN (2010).

DNF @ 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.

I'm not sure this book was entirely for me. I liked the plot idea very much. It sounded very similar to the movie, Black Swan, but I felt it went a different direction. That is not necessarily a bad thing! The main character lacked development, and I found myself not really caring about her and what she did. It was tough to force myself to finish because I didn't feel invested enough in the characters. The strength of this book is the description of the darker side of the world of ballet-- the pressures, the rivalries, the abuse, and more really stood out more so than the character navigating all of these things. The ending was also very well done! Just getting to it took some time.

I wasn’t sure about requesting this one but I’m happy that I did. That was an excellent debut novel! It was dark and sexy and held my interest the whole time. Definitely would recommend!

Dark and unabashedly erotic, FIRST POSITION follows a dancer who has fallen from grace, clawed her way back into the fringes of her ballet company, and stands poised to reclaim the spotlight--if she can stop sabotaging herself with prescription drugs, the urge to pick over old wounds, and a relentless attraction to all the wrong men. Female ambition and female friendship are complicated, spiky things here and the journey is dark but the ending is transcendent.

I love any book where we get an inside look at a sport or hobby. Most of us live our lives not knowing what it's like to devote yourself to such a hobby. An inside look into that is always such a treat for me. I loved learning about ballet and the inner workings of being a ballerina. I loved the dark side of it, including the raunchiness and sex details. I did wish there was more action because at times it was slow for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for honest review!!

Well this wasn't at all what I expecting it to be like, but still quite enjoyable. The author does a great job at writing these intense and slightly horrifying moments. I think this book has confirmed my belief that world of ballet is unforgiving yet captivating.

I'm interested to see what she writes next!

First Position is a fantastic debut novel by Melanie Hamrick. It’s also the first time I have read a book about the life of a ballerina and everything they go through behind the scenes.

I enjoyed the dual POV’s , and the dual timeline. The writing was excellent and the story itself was troubling obviously, but very interesting. This book totally held my interest. I definitely recommend reading this book to others. I absolutely love the cover of this book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Starts with a steamy sex scene in the theatre during a ballet rehearsal. That is how Sylvie meets the new hot ballet dancer. It is this relationship that upends everything for her - or does it free her. I loved the character of a driven dancer who no longer recognizes herself -

A lovely, dark and grimy, fast-paced story about ballet culture. Sexual, alive and fun. I adore ballet books in every aspect.

Not sure when all of ballet books became just erotica, but they are quite popular. Be advised though that this is very explicit material. Thank you for the ARC

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!

This book is a deep dive into the world of ballet, the incredible demands on their bodies, the sacrifice of their individuality and the competitive nature and never being perfect enough. This is told first by one young dancer, then her friend's story comes into the picture, told back then and currently, there are scandals, hook ups, drugs to get by. intense friendships made and broken. I enjoyed it, found the writing style to work and it reminded me in some small ways as my past as a non professional modern dancer

Sylvie Carter has been training to be a prima ballerina her whole life. Sylvie is a ballerina at the renowned North American Ballet and everything is falling into place. But just as she’s on the cusp of playing the role of a lifetime, her world is rocked by scandal. In the aftermath, Sylvie is struggling to reignite the passion she once had. When famed dancer Alessandro Russo joins the company, Sylvie is barely holding on to her dreams and his charm just might be her total undoing.

I had anticipated more action, but most of the plot focuses on Sylvie’s inner turmoil. Also, I guessed the crux of the scandal from the beginning, but that wasn't a drawback for me. That being said, enjoying this book requires readers to be invested in Sylvie; if you don't, then you will not care about how things turn out for her. She could be insufferable at times, but I enjoyed her as a flawed character. I don’t know much about ballet, but I’m interested in attending one now. I enjoyed the excerpt from the author's next book at the end and am excited to see where the other characters end up in the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC.

Dark and elegant, this novel provides a compelling inside look at competitive ballet. I enjoyed Sylvie as a main character, and the side characters are also super interesting. In fact, I hope we will get Jocelyn's story as a sequel. The author does a great job at immersing the reader in the story's world, and the plot moves at a nice pace. This one would be great for book clubs.

Received complimentary e-galley; all opinions are my own.

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!

I was lucky enough to win an advance copy of FIRST POSITION by Melanie Hamrick though a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and healthy winter!

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

This was such a good read, I was hooked from the first page and it didn't let go till the end. Melanie Hamrick does a great job in telling the story and it was written so well. I always look forward to reading Ballet books because it always is a interesting setting. I can't wait to read more from Melanie Hamrick.

"I turn in all my belongings at the entry, not wanting to put valuables in a locker. After a quick spasibo from the Russian woman behind the counter, I descend the stairs that take me deep into the underbelly of the nation’s capital. It’s admittedly a grimy atmosphere, but it’s still got this weird air of sexiness that rings through. It’s the humidity, the sort of sweet smell. Glistening bodies soak up murky water behind thin lattice screens which are, at absolute best, a metaphor for privacy."

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.