Release Date: August 17, 2015
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.
Book Two of the District Ballet Company
I fell absolutely, headfirst in love with Zed and Aly in the first book and prequel in The District Ballet Company series. Zed and Aly are such complicated, scarred, strong characters, and the way they deal with what life has given them is inspiring and interesting. I was so happy when NetGalley approved me to review the second book in the series.
The machinations and inner workings of a ballet company and the careers of professional artists is interesting in and of itself, especially as a person who used to dance (tap) and loved dancing and ballet. The world of ballet and the love and drive the characters have for such a demanding art is fascinating and genuine and I love experiencing that world. However, I think the real reason I fell in love with this series is the complexity of the characters.
Both Aly and Zed have gone through more than any person should ever have to, and the way they have grown and dealt with it all is a wonder to read. I love seeing how they support one another, strengthen one another, and push one another when need be. The love that Locke has created in her characters not only for ballet but for one another (a threesome that I see as being intertwined) is authentic and complicated and difficult and beautiful.
It's hard to explain how I felt after finishing a book that has so many intense subjects - depression, eating disorders, pressure with your career, amputations, alcoholism, healthy relationships - except that I read the last page with a huge smile on my face and a feeling of joy (probably the same joy Aly felt after dancing with Zed all those years ago).
I'm not sure if this is the last of District Ballet but I hope that I get to see Aly and Zed again. Their love for ballet, their family, for one other - for life - is contagious.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Learn more about Katherine and her books here: http://katherinelockebooks.com
Her debut novel, SECOND POSITION, arrives in early 2015 from Carina Press.
You can find her online at @bibliogato on Twitter, bibliogato on Tumblr, and KatherineLockeBooks.com.
Happy Reading!
Jasmine
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