ARC Review: Second Position by Melody Grace

Second Position is the second installment in the Dirty Dancing Serial by Melody Grace. The Dirty Dancing Serial is actually a revised and expanded version of With Every Heartbeat, that was previously published by Melody Grace. While most of the story is the same, there are additional scenes and POVs that were not in the original version. Second Position is a continuation of Raphael and Annalise's story, and should only be read after First Position.

This installment picks up right where the cliffhanger of First Position left off, with Annalise hurting her ankle and wondering how she will possibly be able to perform at her audition. Annalise gets lucky and her time to prepare is extended, allowing her ankle to heal. But with her career on the line, Annalise realizes that now more than ever she needs to focus on dance and unfortunately that means staying away from Raphael. But Raphael is determined to make things up to Annalise and show her that what is between them is real and worth pursuing. Can Annalise have it all, or was her injury enough to convince her that some risks aren't worth taking?

I felt like this installment really showed things heating up between Annalise and Raphael. We really get to see the chemistry and passion between them as well as their growing connection to one another. They start to really get to know one another, and for the first time really get to spend some time together. Annalise and Raphael are extremely hot together, but what makes them work so well is how much they understand one another. They connect in a way that most people aren't able to because of their love and passion for dancing. They might have different styles, but they are able to understand all the same. It was great seeing them open up to each other more and for them to be able to talk about what they want for themselves in the future. I like how supportive and encouraging they are of each other, and I think we really get to see that in this installment. Second Position does end with another cliffhanger, and you will definitely be left wanting more.

While I like the revamped version giving us more steam and more of Raphael's thoughts and feelings, I had the same issue with this installment as I did with the previous one. Because of the switch from a novel to a serial, the story feels as though it is disjointed. I think some of this is due to the fact that I know the story and had read With Every Heartbeat. I know where things go from here and I see where the story was stopped in the middle of. I am not sure if it would feel so fragmented had I not previously read this though, so there is a chance that this is just because I know the story already. I do think that this is worth reading, and I think that fans of Melody Grace that haven't previously read this will definitely want to check it out. If you have read With Every Heartbeat and enjoyed it, I think that you will enjoy seeing more of Raphael's POV as well as more heat with this serial. But I am honestly not sure if I would buy this having already read With Every Heartbeat. While the extras have been fun and it's been great to see new content, I am not sure that they really add that much more to the story to justify the cost.

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

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N |

ARC Review: First Position by Melody Grace

When I first heard that Melody Grace was publishing a new sexy romance serial, I couldn't wait to read it. But then I found out that this story was actually her previously published book, With Every Heartbeat, but she has since revised it and added some new material. While I was excited to see what else she had done with the story because I enjoyed it so much the first time, I will admit that I was a bit worried that this was going to be almost exactly the same thing as before. While I didn't notice a ton that was different, I did like the changes for the most part.

When Annalise heads to Rome to try and get a position as a prima ballerina, she knows that this could be her last chance. Her mother had always pushed her, and she needs to focus on her dancing now more than ever. But when her company is out sight seeing, she ends up meeting a handsome street dancer named Raphael. Raphael invites her to a party, and though she knows she should stay away she finds herself unable to turn him down. But when Annalise is almost discovered, things take a turn for the worst and she can't help but be reminded of everything that is at stake.

Annalise and Raphael are the same great characters that I fell in love with the first time around. But with the revamp, Melody Grace has made them sexier than ever. These two continued to steam up the pages with their off the charts chemistry. Raphael knows how to effortlessly move his body as well as how to get the best out of his partner, and I loved seeing him show Annalise how to unlock the passion inside of herself. These two might have met and started things quickly, but it was clear from the beginning that there was something special between them. Annalise and Raphael are only just beginning, and I was really glad that we got to see more of Raphael's POV this time around. Besides the increased steam in this revamped version, that was the biggest difference that I saw. I will say that for me having already read With Every Heartbeat, the ending of this installment didn't kill me as it might have had I not known what happens next. But with this being a serial now, there is a cliffhanger ending to this one. While I liked the changes so far, I will say that I thought that going from a novel to a serial made this one feel a bit disjointed and I lost some of the flow that I felt from the first time around. I still recommend this story though, and I can't wait to see what other changes Melody Grace has in store in the next two installments.

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

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N |

ARC Review: Third Position by Melody Grace

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**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N |

ARC Review: Uninhibited by Melody Grace

Uninhibited is the fourth book in Melody Grace's Beachwood Bay series, but can be read as a standalone. This installment was so good, and honestly it is the best one yet in my opinion. I absolutely loved this story and I loved the characters. Dex was my favorite book boyfriend from the Beachwood Bay series by far, and is definitely one that I will always remember. I highly recommend this one, and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Alicia has been in love with her best friend from college for years, but has never told him. He met the girl of his dreams though and is getting married to her leaving Alicia with a broken heart. The only person that has been able to get Alicia to forget him is the hot rock start that she spent a night with months ago. While still heartbroken, she decides it is time to move on and takes Dex up on his offer of a week together in which he guarantees to get Hunter off her mind. Alicia never acts impulsively and always lives her life according to plan, but she is surprised how being with Dex not only takes her out of her comfort zone but that she is actually enjoying it. As their week together progresses, Dex and Alicia grow closer and real feelings start to develop between them. But can Alicia fully let Hunter go and embrace a future with Dex?

I really loved Dex. He was so fantastic, and I liked seeing all the different sides to him. He was sweet and thoughtful, sexy and confident. I loved that he didn't take advantage of Alicia and that he took his time with her. He wanted to show her that she was worth more, and I think that it was really sweet that he showed her how great she was. He was struggling with his own issues, but he really was patient with Alicia while supporting and encouraging her the whole time. Alicia was great as well. She had always done the easy and predictable thing, never allowing herself to be spontaneous or adventurous. But with Dex, she was more open and relaxed and really embraced life. I liked seeing her discover that side to herself with the help of Dex. I thought that they were great for each other, and they both helped the other to heal and move forward with their lives. They had amazing chemistry and were extremely hot together. I thought that the emotional connection that they shared though was what made their relationship so memorable and special.

Overall, I really can't recommend this book enough. Dex and Alicia were amazing together, and I loved every word of their story. They belonged together, and I loved watching them fall in love with each other. This book was sweet and sexy, and was exactly what I was looking for. Melody Grace really hit this one out of the park, and in my opinion it was the best book I have read of hers to date. Dex and Alicia's story is one that will stick with me and that I know I will go back and read over and over. I have enjoyed this series and would recommend checking it out if you haven't already, but this book is one that I think is a must read. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and can't wait to get to know Dex's sister better and see her HEA.

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

Purchase: | Amazon |

ARC Review: Unwrapped by Melody Grace

Unwrapped is a novella in Melody Grace's Beachwood Bay series. This is Lacey and Daniel's story and can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading this after you have read the previous stories as this will spoil some of what happens in the other books. If you haven't read them, beware that there will possibly be spoilers in this review.

Lacey is on her way to Beachwood Bay in order to be the maid of honor in her best friend Juliet's wedding. She is running late at the airport and runs right into Daniel, Juliet's ex. Lacey always had a crush on Daniel but there were many reasons that nothing could ever happen between them. They are complete opposites and even if they weren't, girls just can't date their BFF's ex. Daniel ends up on the same plane as Lacey and just so happens to be sitting in the seat right next to hers. They encounter a winter storm on the way and end up getting stranded at the airport hotel over night. There are no more rental cars that night, and there is only one hotel room left. They end up drinking a bit and skinny dipping, and the next thing they know they are unable to fight the attraction between them. But when they wake up in the morning and head to Beachwood Bay, will it all have been just a one night stand? Or will they start a relationship that neither one of them ever expected?

I liked Daniel. He was a really sweet guy and he had a way of saying things that absolutely made me swoon. He was driven and seemed to be very focused at first. But I love how he really started to loosen up once he was around Lacey. He was definitely more interesting and passionate than I ever expected, and I loved getting to know the real him. I really liked Lacey. She was really funny and I thought that she was a great friend. She really tried to fight her feelings for Daniel because of her relationship with Juliet. But I loved that they couldn't help the attraction between each other, and they had an easy way of being together. They just seemed to belong together and they fit perfectly. They were able to balance each other as well as bring out the best from the other. They also had a ton of chemistry together. I loved how playful they were at first, starting with a game of Truth or Dare and then ending up really exploring the passion between them.

I did feel like this relationship developed extremely fast though. I realize that they knew each other before, but this whole novella takes place over the course of two days. It just felt extremely rushed and I just couldn't quite believe that they were basically calling each other the one after that little bit of time. Especially since Daniel had never felt that way about Lacey before, and Lacey was constantly worried about him being Juliet's ex. I wish we would have seen a bit more of them after this first hook-up and maybe seen through New Year's after they spent a bit more time together. I also thought that there was a bit too much back and forth when it came to their feelings. One minute they were both convinced that what was going on was more, and the next they were convinced that the other thought it was nothing. It just wasn't very consistent. I did enjoy getting the dual POV though, and I loved being able to see Daniel's thoughts and feelings as well as Lacey's. I am excited about Garret's story next though. I have been looking forward to getting to know him better since I first read about him. Although I'm not sure that I am really looking forward to who he is getting paired with. The glimpse we get of the two of them at the end of Unwrapped has me a little worried about how likable i'm going to find Brianna. I just hope that she ends up being completely unlike how she seems at first. If you are a fan of the Beachwood Bay series, I think that you will really enjoy Unwrapped. Lacey and Daniel's story is a fun and quick read that gives you a taste of romance and steam with some holiday spirit, as well as more of the characters from the previous books.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

ARC Review: With Every Heartbeat by Melody Grace

I was intrigued by this one the minute I read the blurb for it. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, and as far as I can remember I have never read a book about a dancer before. But I figured that since this was by Melody Grace that it would be good. I wasn't disappointed at all. This story was well written and interesting, and I really loved the characters. For me this was a very quick and enjoyable read, and I am really glad that I gave this book a shot.

Being the only daughter of a famous ballerina, Annalise has always known what she was supposed to do with her life. She has lived the life of a ballerina in training, and has worked her way up to finally joining the American Ballet Company. But she has yet to really stand out or score a solo. So her mother works it out for her to go to Rome and earn her first solo where the competition is a little easier. But when she gets to Rome, Annalise meets Raphael. Raphael is also a dancer, but unlike Annalise he dances many different types of dance. Annalise and Raphael are instantly drawn to one another. Before long Annalise is risking everything in order to spend time with Raphael. If she is found to be sneaking out and missing curfew they could take away her spot and send her home. But she has always played by the rules and her connection to Raphael is to strong to stay away from. Can Annalise have both ballet and Raphael? Or will she have to make a sacrifice in order to follow her dreams?

I really loved Raphael. He was sexy and passionate and everything you would imagine a hot Italian guy to be. I loved that he encouraged Annalise and also was able to loosen her up. His easy going and passionate nature was a great balance to her regimented and strict life. It was nice to see how he got her to think and feel what was natural rather that just what was expected of her. I thought that he was a great guy and it made me really admire him for pursuing what he loved even when his family didn't understand or support him. He wasn't afraid to give up and I liked how determined he was. I also really liked Annalise. She was strong and determined, and I loved watching her really start to open up and grow. It was great to see her start to really go after what she wanted and not be afraid to do things for herself rather that what she thought others expected or wanted. I loved her and Raphael together. They were a great match, and I really could feel the emotions and connection between them. From the very start they just had this natural connection, and amazing chemistry. They were sweet together, but also really sexy. The passion between them was extremely steamy and I loved every minute of it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. With Every Heartbeat is definitely my favorite Melody Grace book I have read to date, and I cannot wait to read more in this series. I loved Annalise and Raphael, but I also really loved Annalise's friends Karla and Rosalie. I thought that this book was well written and had a wonderful pace to it. It kept me interested and really grabbed a hold of my attention. I was very invested in Annalise and Raphael, and I really felt connected to everything that they were going through. It felt like I was going on a journey as I read this story, and I just couldn't wait to see were Grace would take us next. I would definitely recommend checking this story out if you are a fan of romance, and I think that this story is one that most readers will be able to connect with. I am really looking forward to reading more in this series and I am excited to see more of these wonderful characters.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

ARC Review: Unafraid by Melody Grace

Unafraid is the second book in the Beachwood Bay series by Melody Grace. These books can be read as stand-alones and you do not need to have read the first in order to understand this one. Unafraid is the story of Hunter and Brittany who is Emerson's sister from Unbroken. For me, Unafraid was a quick read that had both things I liked and things I didn't. I just felt that this story was a little bit too predictable and although the characters were very likable, they would would often times have me shaking my head or rolling my eyes. This story seemed so promising, and unfortunately I just felt like something was allowing me from really loving this one.

Brittany Ray has grown up with everyone leaving her. She also has a reputation around Beachwood Bay of being easy. She convinces herself that she isn't worthy of love or happiness. She spends one night with the gorgeous and rich Hunter Covington, and leaves him early the next morning. She knows that they have no possible future together and yet she wants just one night together. Three years later, Hunter returns to Beachwood Bay determined to restore his grandfather's old horse ranch and convince Brit to give them a chance. Brit can't figure out why Hunter is pursuing her, but she knows that she doesn't belong with him and needs to push him away. However Hunter refuses to allow her to get away with running again. Hunter and Brittany begin to spend time together and the more that they see each other the more feelings that grow. But with him being from a family like his and Brit being who she is, there are many obstacles that stand in their way. Will Brit and Hunter be able to overcome everything that stands between them, or are they just too different to possibly make a relationship work?

I liked Hunter. I thought that he was a great guy who had a lot of pressure to be someone he wasn't, and you could tell that he really struggled with that. Although he knew what he wanted and went after it, there were times that he would allow others to control what he did or push him in a different direction. It just seemed very inconsistent at times when he would say one thing and then he would turn around and do something else. But he was very sweet and would do such special things for Brit that absolutely made me swoon! I felt really bad for Brit. She has had so many bad things happen to her, and they just seem to keep coming! Talk about hitting someone when they are down, my heart absolutely ached for her. She was vulnerable and yet strong despite being looked upon badly by her entire town. I loved that she stood up for herself and wasn't afraid to be who she was. There were times that I got a little annoyed with her though, and I just wanted to see her give up some of her insecurities. I felt the connection between Brit and Hunter and I really wanted them to get their HEA. These two had great chemistry and the attraction was there from the start. I felt like there was a little too much drama and angst at times though, and it just seemed as though they had a breakthrough only to experience a major setback. One step forward, two steps back...it was just a little much in my opinion. Despite all the drama, Brit and Hunter were really hot together and the steam was always there between them. I loved their steamy scenes, but I really loved their sweet scenes the most.

Overall, this was a quick and mostly enjoyable read. I think my biggest problem with this one was that there was just so much drama and angst that seemed to be really unnecessary to me. I just kept thinking enough already these two have to catch a break. I also really couldn't stand Hunter's mother, and how Hunter would just keep quiet especially when it came to things about Brit. Without spoiling too much, there was something that happened at the end and her reaction just seemed completely out of character and it just didn't make sense to me. It was very inconsistent with who she was the entire story before that. Despite the bad, I did like that there was an ending with absolutely no cliffhanger! It was nice to see Brit and Hunter overcome their obstacles and really grow together. They are definitely stronger together and really balance the other. It was nice to see them support each other and lean on each other. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more about where they ended up, but I hope that we might be given some of that in the next story. I think that most New Adult fans will find this story to be enjoyable and should give this series a try. I am curious to see where Melody Grace takes the rest of these characters in the future and i'm also curious to go back and read the start of this series. I have to say I am really curious about Brit's friend and boss Garrett. I really hope that we get his story, you could just tell that there is so much more going on than meets the eye.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Feature and Giveaway: Unafraid by Melody Grace

The first time I saw her, I knew this girl was wilder than any stallion I’d ever trained. She was headstrong, wounded, passionate and free. And I had to have her…”

Brittany Ray doesn’t care about her bad reputation. Growing up in a sleepy beach town with a junkie mom and a runaway dad, Brit’s learned the hard way that the people you love will only let you down. It’s no use hoping for love or happiness. Some dreams aren’t meant for girls like her.

Hunter Covington is one of those dreams.

Gorgeous, charming Hunter is damn near perfect—and it’s killing him. Son of Charleston royalty, he’s been trapped in a gilded cage since the day he was born. Now he’s breaking free. He’s quit law school to restore his grandpa’s old horse ranch, trying to soothe the demons in his soul. But Beachwood Bay is full of old ghosts, like the mysterious girl who spent an unforgettable night with him—and then slipped away before dawn. Brit.

Everything about her screams danger, but Hunter doesn’t care: he’s never felt a connection so deep. And try as she may, Brit can’t resist the desire consuming her —or the safety she finds in Hunter’s arms.

A reckless passion. An undeniable bond. Scarred by their pasts, Brit and Hunter fight to heal old wounds. But will dark secrets tear apart their new beginning? And when love is the biggest risk of all, can they find the courage to face the future unafraid?

Purchase: | Amazon |