I should have read the description more closely. This was a little young for my taste. The comparison to One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl was spot on. Good book for a younger audience, but not for me.

- arc review -

3.5 ⭐️

Gen and Grant!! I was so excited for these two to have their own book after meeting them in book 1. They both have traumatic pasts and getting to know them more was everything!

I do have to say tho that the last 25% dragged on. I feel there were a lot of unnecessary events while gen and grant were avoiding each other. There were also quite a few grammar mistakes that made it hard to read sometimes.

Overall tho, I did enjoy this! I adore grant and gen 🥹 The tension and chemistry between them gave me life. I was also living for all emotions and angst. The drama was just so insane, it was so entertaining!

The next book in the series was set up perfectly and I’m so excited. And as much as Will infuriates me, I want his book like yesterday, lol.

- basketball player x ballet dancer
- college
- love triangle
- interracial
- he falls first
- slow burn
- found family
- broken golden retriever mmc
- virgin fmc

Emotional, raw, and beautifully written—Second Position hit me right in the feels. The chemistry was intense, the angst was real, and the vulnerability between these characters made every moment feel earned. I devoured it in one sitting.

Second Position by Sydney Madison (arc review)

This book was everything I wanted and more!

After reading Astor Hill (book 1, Ben and Olivia's story), I was always curious about Gen and her character simply because I refused to believe that she was this "overstepping man stealer". I was not expecting the emotional rollercoaster that was Genevieve Dupont and Grant Fielder, holy cow.

This book was a solid follow-up to Astor Hill, as it helps round out the storyline so far. With Second Position, we get to see the same story unfold with different perspectives from and an entirely different party. As a reader, it helps fill in some of the questions that Astor Hill left open/unanswered while also keeping things open and leaving easter eggs for readers to pick up as they await book 3.

Gen and Grant had some serious TENSION in this book, which I am sure every reader will live and breathe for. What I liked about this book (something I also liked from book 1) was that the authors developed the characters' relationship on more than just immediate lust and physical attraction. Was there spice, oh yes absolutely there was, and it was STEAMY. There just wasn't a crazy amount of it, and it was more intimate because the relationship between Gen and Grant was more established. I love a good romance story, so I was LIVING for the tension, yearning, pining, flirting, and swooning moments these two had throughout the book.

Another factor I loved about this book was that we got to see more of Gen and Liv's friendship. We saw bits and pieces in book 1 but since it played a bigger role we got to see more of their interactiosp with each other. Which I honestly loved so much because once you took out the main "problem" factor they truly are good for each other in terms of a long lasting friendship.

This truly was a very strong second book in this series this wrting duo set out to create a book that meshed seamlessly with their debut and executed the task flawlessly. I am truly thankful I was able to read this book prior to its official release so I give my biggest thanks to Sydeny Madison for writing this amazing second book and I thank Netgalley for making giving me the oppourtunity to read it early.

Second Position by Sydney Madison is a beautifully written slow-burn romance set in the high-pressure world of ballet. The story follows Genevieve, a talented but emotionally drained dancer, as she unexpectedly connects with her rival, Grant. Their chemistry is intense and heartfelt, unraveling layers of vulnerability, ambition, and past hurt. Madison’s character development is rich, making both Gen and Grant feel authentic and deeply relatable. This emotionally charged standalone delivers a powerful message about self-worth, healing, and finding love in unexpected places.

This book gave me everything I wanted- a lot of drama, slow burn, complex emotions, and characters I couldn’t stop rooting for. If Magnolia Parks and One Tree Hill had a baby, Second Position would be it. Pure angst and heart.

Set in the Astor Hill universe, this book follows ballerina Genevieve and basketball star Grant in a story that’s equal parts painful, beautiful, and real.

In this book, you’ll find:
-Ballerina + basketball player pairing
-Slow burn romance
-He falls first, she falls harder
-Found family and emotional healing
-HEA (yes, it’s worth the wait!)
-Sports romance in an elite academic setting
-Raw, messy emotional growth
-Must-read connection to Astor Hill (Book 1)

I absolutely loved Grant and Gen--Grant is most certainly book bae! Grant is so emotionally guarded because of deep-rooted trauma, still carrying the pain of never being someone’s first choice—not even to his parents. His journey to letting love in again was powerful. Gen, on the other hand, is emotionally guarded in her own way. She’s spent years pining after her best friend Will, and honestly? Their dynamic was toxic. There were moments where I was frustrated with Gen—especially seeing how she allowed herself to be caught in the middle of Will and Olivia’s on-and-off mess. But watching her finally choose herself was such a satisfying and necessary shift.

This book digs deep into vulnerability, family baggage, unhealed wounds, and how real love requires truth, trust, and choice. The characters are layered, the drama is intense, and every hard moment feels earned.

Sydney Madison is quickly becoming one of my favorite writing duos. Their ability to create emotionally raw, flawed, and relatable characters makes this series stand out. Second Position cannot be fully appreciated without reading Astor Hill first—it lays the emotional groundwork that makes this installment hit so much harder.

If you're into character-driven romance with angst, yearning, and emotional payoff, this is your next must-read.

Thanks to PS Published, NetGalley and Sydney Madison for this amazing ARC.

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet up in the air. However, I very much disliked the FMC the first quarter of the book. But I enjoyed the rest of the book

I really enjoyed this book. I was a little confused at some parts, but in reading a couple other reviews I should have read the 1st book for a little more backstory and understanding. I wanted to shake/choke out both of them so many times. I'm so happy Gen finally did what she wanted and went with her heart. Grant is definitely boyfriend goals. These two together are the cutest, sweetest couple.

Second Position is so swoon worthy, I think I love it more Astor Hill, which was hard to do because Team Ben, but Team Grant is just as satisfying!

Gen, I love her real bad. She has been through so much and her relationship with her mother is so strained, I just wanted to hug her and tell her it would be ok. She was pining for Will for 10 years and then here comes Grant - a sweet, kind cinnamon roll with his own issues (and he’s also been through so much) but he is such a kind soul, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. Two souls who are drawn to each other, who fit like a glove regardless of their trauma and pain- best love story there is. Will is still the villain and I can’t wait for his redemption arc!

The angst was top tier and I sobbed a lot at certain parts because my goodness, I was so emotional but the growth Gen and Grant had on their journey made it all worth it!

I need a book about Sloane and Jean…ASAP!

Thank you NetGalley and Sydney Madison for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. It was absolutely my pleasure!

This is my first Sydney Madison read and I loved it so much I’ve already gotten my hands on their first release, Astor Hill. This is book 2 of the Astor Hill series but can be read as a standalone. This book follows along with Gen, a ballerina, and Grant, a basketball player. This book is filled with tension, emotion, found family and more. I loved the dual POV and all the drama that kept me turning page after page. Gen and Grant are both super relatable characters and I found myself relating to them both at different points of the story. Gen is such a strong female character and watching her learn and grow throughout this book was amazing. In addition to amazing main characters, the side characters were just as amazing. Grants sister, Sloane, and Jean brought so much to the story. I loved the fun banter they brought. This book will make you feel all the emotions and leave you wanting more while also feeling so content with how the story ends. I cannot wait for the next book and in the mean time I will be running back to read book 1. Thank you so much Sydney Madison and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC read. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this book!

I loved the WHOLE vibe of this, ballet girl x basketball boy.

It felt like a mash up of Step Up & Gossip Girl, if you love those two then you’ll be obsessed with this story.

The whole story was so believable and reminded me of my younger years, the push and pull of complex relationships between friends and lovers and obviously unrequited love.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Tropes:
🏫College romance
🩰Basketball player x Ballerina
💔Unrequited love
💞He falls first
👥Dual POV

We are back at Astor Hill but this time with Gen and Grant who I was waiting for ever since the first book. I was really excited to read their story and it did not disappoint. Gen who is a beautiful ballerina has this bestie relationship with Will who we know is toxic and I still do not like him so nothing’s changed there…But the drama here is Gen has feelings towards Will which complicates everything and I do not like how she’s always defending him in almost every situation like girl do you not see how he behaves??? I guess I kinda get it from her POV that he acts differently when they are alone since childhood but people change you know. Tbh I think she is blinded by love which is why she always acts for him. And then we have Grant who is a basketball player from the same team as Will and Grant does not like him in every way which same, I relate to that. I really like Grant’s character in this book because he has genuine feelings towards Gen and he’s always there for her even though Gen always sides with Will. He really is loyal and supportive of her and what made me like him initially is the fact that he never has any bad intentions with Gen, even with the deal that they agreed to. Honestly, he is such a sweetheart and I can’t stop talking about how he only has eyes for Gen and no one else. Interesting how both of them have mommy issues and how they dealt with it.

I also enjoyed the side characters like Jean and Sloane, they are such a vibe and it’s so nice to read about Olivia and Ben again. Their friend group has always been so wholesome and I will really miss it. Hope to see more of them soon!

P.S. Thank you to NetGalley, Sydney Madison and PS Published for giving me another ARC to read the second book of this series!

This was my second book from the Sydney Madison writing duo and it did not disappoint. I read Astor Hill earlier this year and loved it. I was immediately hooked in by their writing style. Second Position is the second book in the Astor Hill series, and I would recommend reading these books in order. They could be read as interconnected standalones, but they don’t always reference back to the history of previous characters, so it could leave new readers feeling lost.

Gen was a character that I loved to hate in Astor Hill. I found her to be difficult, but I knew that she had a redemption story coming her way, and I was right. My heart broke for Gen as I watched her navigate her relationship with her mother. Her mother often shamed her and her weight as a ballerina, and it created a complex dynamic that made me understand Gen’s cool exterior in the previous book. Grant was a character that I loved and wanted more of, so I was excited to see him have his moment. He is the definition of a golden retriever MMC, and watching him love Gen and help her to fall back in love with herself was one of my favorite parts of the book.

I did struggle a little with the premise of their relationship. Gen is a virgin, and wants Grant to take her virginity to get back at her best friend, Will (who is dating a character from the previous novel). This sort of bet based relationship isn’t my favorite trope, but it was the catalyst for a relationship that otherwise, wouldn’t have happened, which I could understand.

Second Position definitely gives off total Gossip Girl vibes, which is something I loved from the first book! I love a little drama, spice, and sports romance all in one. I also love reading about ballerinas, so I especially loved that about our FMC!

If Sydney Madison isn’t already on your tbr, definitely give their books a chance! They are a fun, easy to read blend of sports romance, drama, and grief/healing. Their characters are real - they aren’t cookie cutter, and have you hooked from start to finish.

Thank you to Sydney Madison, the publisher, and Net Galley for the ARC!

Thank you to Sydney Madison, PS Published, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Truthfully I was very nervous to read this since I found most characters in the first book unlikable— including Gen. HOWEVER, I devoured this in one sitting and loved it. I really felt for Gen with the unrequited love and her mommy issues. Grant is so lovable, in the first book I automatically loved him because of his genuine and caring personality. They work so well together and I enjoyed the respect and pace of them getting to know each other. As always, frustrated with the build up at the ending (sorry I can’t stand that trope!!!!!) and I wish we had a more in-the-future epilogue but overall it was a great resolution to the story. I’ll definitely enjoy the next book in the series!!!

This book had me hooked from the start, with all the chaos, gossip, and longing I didn’t know I needed. It’s messy in the best way: characters making terrible choices, saying the wrong things, feeling so much. I wanted to scream at Gen half the time (girl, please), and Grant? Absolute book boyfriend material, protective, patient, and somehow never gave up, even when I might’ve.

It’s one of those books that makes you feel everything: frustration, empathy, hope. A chaotic, heartfelt, and seriously bingeable read.

A very fun and easy read; it was great to get back to the same world and see more of new characters, and a bit of the old ones also.

Grant and Gen are so likeable, though with their flaws, of course, but you start hoping for them from early on. It’s very interesting to see their development and to understand why they are the way they are from some of the flashbacks.

A very easy read, though emotional and reflective.

This is a cute, fast-paced romance with plenty of drama! Second Position definitely gives off Gossip Girl vibes with lots of scandals and secrets, aswell as family dramas.

I loved the relationship between Gen and Grant and once I picked up the book I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend this to lovers of teen drama shows such as One Tree Hill, etc.

this book was incredible...after making me cry at 2am and making me see the most complex characters I've seen in a sports romance to date, I wish I didn't have to stop reading when the end hit. gen and grant are a gorgeous couple and their flaws are so perfectly portrayed, it felt like they could have been in my own friend group instead of in writing. the side characters each get their moment to build up their characters and shine and it only makes me crave more of their stories and characters. the astor hill series is incredibly written by the wonderful duo sydney madison and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

OKAYYYY this book was so good! This is my first book by this duo of authors and it won’t be my last!

I came into this conflicted because I contemplated reading the first book before this one, but I really wanted to finish this and a few other arcs before their pub dates so I just jumped in and honestly I have no regrets! There ARE a few parts where they reference something that had happened in the first book so if that would bother you maybe check the first one out before this comes out, but it didn’t bother me or effect the rating I gave it!

This book is a ‘my best friend’s enemy to lovers’ and a book about discovering your worth. Our FMC is in love with her best friend who likes to keep her just close enough that she stays obsessed but not close enough that they become more, and she starts to become fed up with feeling second best. While she is reeling these emotions, she kinda stumbles into our MMC and makes a deal with him. That deal slowly turns into two people who constantly find themselves feeling unwanted choosing each other, while still trying to become more than their past and traumas.

We get to dive into these two characters childhoods to see what really hurt them and bring them to where they are, with lots of drama along the way.

The reason I didn’t rate it a little higher would mainly be I felt there were certain pieces of the story that didn’t seem to finish, like they brought it into the plot but then it didn’t go anywhere, but nothing that makes me dislike the book as a whole. It just left me kinda pondering too many things and not feeling 100% complete at the end!

Otherwise SUCH A GREAT read that I would 100% recommend you check out! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the authors for allowing me to read an advanced copy!! I can’t wait for the next release from them!!!!

I adored this book!

It was fun, sexy and had a great relationship balance with the main characters.