Review: Finding Center by Katherine Locke

Series: District Ballet Book #2

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance,

Publisher: Carina Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Zed and ballet are my two greatest loves

It took all of Aly's strength to get them back after a tragic accident ripped them from her six years ago. A long road to recovery led to her return, dancing full-time for the District Ballet Company and carrying Zed's child. But Aly is slipping. Each day becomes a fight to keep her career from crumbling under the weight of younger talent, the scrutiny of the public eye and the limitations of her ever-changing body. A fight she fears she's losing.

I'm scared Aly is broken to her core

Zed recognizes the signs, but he doesn't know how to fix her. The accident left him with his own demons, and while he wants nothing more than to take care of the woman he loves, it's getting harder the farther downward she spirals. When Aly's life is threatened and Zed's injuries prevent him from saving her, he's never felt so useless, so afraid he's not capable of being the man Aly and their child needs.

With new life comes new hope. And with their fractured lives already hanging by a thread, Aly and Zed must discover if they have what it takes—both together and apart—to rebuild and carry on.

 

Review

I put off reading the last book in this series for a while. In some ways I wish I had read it when I was in the high of the first book, but I’m also glad I waited. It was a great ending to a very good series I enjoyed reading. And I do plan on reading more by Katherine Locke.

Previously, I thought Aly and Zed’s relationship was a little dysfunctional. It still has some of that flavor, but this story really showed how much they have grown. Aly and Zed have to deal with their own issues and be very honest with themselves and each other.

I’ve mentioned before that I really like when an author shows how challenging a relationship can be. And this showed that. Aly and Zed have to deal with the logistical difficulties of being a couple, but also the emotional effort they need to make.

I’m so happy there are still Dr. Ham scenes. They are still some of my favorites. And they are so powerful because of the style in which they are written.

Throughout the series, Ms. Locke has dealt with some serious ballet stereotypes. Sometimes I get a little frustrated by this, because it perpetuates beliefs about dancers. But here she started pushing some of them like with the Madison character.

Really the only thing that stops me from giving this five stars is Zed. I still really love him and am very touched by his story. But I wanted a little bit more about what he did after the Rubies performance. That just felt like such an important story point for him and I wish it had been further explored.

Like I said before I do think this is a very well developed series and I would recommend it especially if you like an angsty read or dancer story. But if you do, you should definitely start with the .5 story because then you will get so much more out of it.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Second Position by Katherine Locke

Series: District Ballet Company Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

This definitely lived up to my expectations. I don’t think it’s a perfect book, but I couldn’t give it less than five stars. But I also don’t think this story is for everyone. It’s very angsty and Zed and Aly are fairly dysfunctional characters.

Speaking of, I actually like how messed up they are. It allows for a lot of character growth and they are very aware of their problems as individuals and a couple. They do tend to run hot and cold, but they are artists so it makes sense.

I’m glad this book takes place a few years after the novella. It creates a different dynamic. Then, there’s the added conflict of Zed no longer daring. Losing something that basically defines you is a challenge and Ms. Locke did a good job of exploring those complex emotions.

Just like the novella though, I wanted more backstory. And other characters. Aly and Zed just become so focused on each other and are kind of co-dependent. They remind me of Lily and Lo from the Addicted Series by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I’m very curious to see how or if this changes in the next book.

My favorite thing in this book is Dr. Ham. Those were my favorite chapters. They have a different style because it’s all dialogue so it makes it more raw. Plus, he’s hilarious and I wish he was my therapist. He better be in the next one.

If nothing else this made me understand (to some extent) why people like After by Anna Todd. But Zed is so much better.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Review: Turning Pointe by Katherine Locke

Series: District Ballet Company Book .5

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased (for free)

This was a great start to what I can only assume will be a great series. Any book that references Center Stage (and it’s greatness because it has real dancers) gets a boost for me. This was a very solid novella and any issues I may have I believe will be addressed in the series as a whole.

Let me actually mention my only real issue. I wanted more back-story on both characters-especially Zed. There were allusions to his family, but I want more. Then, there’s their whole friendship. I completely buy it, but I wish I could’ve seen it.

But as a whole I loved this story. They are a cute couple with great chemistry. I really root for them and am so excited to see them grow and evolve. And I like them as individuals-especially Zed because he’s amazing.

I have some other things to say, but I’m going to save them until I read the first full book in the series.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly