Pas De Deux by MJ Duncan

⭐⭐⭐☆🟉(3.75 stars)

This one took an inordinately long time to read for the best reason possible: we slowed down to savour MC Addison Leigh and her sweetness.

Mallory Collingswood (39) is the Leader of the Orchestra of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). She has come back to London after spending a few years in Los Angeles and after a break-up that has left her in pieces. Her best friend Will, and his wife, Siobhan, have helped gather and put back the pieces and Mallory is on the way to mending. An unusual offer comes her way from The Royal Ballet. Nina, the artistic director of The Royal Ballet has visualised a pas de duex wherein Mallory will play her violin and execute a few simple steps with The Royal Ballet’s principal ballerina, Addison Leigh (23 or 24). The two companies agree to terms and the rehearsals start.

Addison is absolutely adorable. She is sweet, sincere, open, sassy and all round loveable. In comparison, Mallory comes across as a tad stiff, too formal, a little cold and not someone who can really inspire the kind of love she gets from either Addison, or Will, or even her colleagues, Clara and Max. The book has zero angst, which is a good thing.

On the whole, this is a lovely read.  

⭐⭐⭐☆🟉(3.75 stars)

First Position By Melissa Brayden

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Melissa Brayden's books are formulistic, yes, but it is a good formula. It is pleasant and we know there is a happy ending in store for us. Each time we finish one of Brayden’s books, we can’t wait for another.

Some of the things we love about Brayden’s books are that her characters are really chill. They have problems, issues, complexes but they don’t carry the weight of it all around. They make it through with panache, and humour.

As compared to her other books though, in First Position, Ana is a much more serious character. But, Ana is also one of our favourite characters of all time. We really flip for girls who acknowledge their emotions and are willing to give them a chance…willing to flow with them. And Ana is that.

While Natalie is a cool dude bordering on badass, Ana is serious, closed and uptight. Yet, between the two, it is Ana who takes greater emotional risks throughout the book. Ana is one of the best developed characters by this author. 

As always, Brayden writes excellent sex scenes that really reach out and grab you. You can feel every touch and every emotion right there along with the girls.

One issue though, which is as much about the author as her editors – there are unfortunate inconsistencies and small language and grammatical errors in all her books. It is disappointing because we love this author’s style, voice, pace and characters.  

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Waiting in the Wings by Melissa Brayden

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was Melissa Brayden’s debut. Set in the world of theatre and film, this one has celebrities and co-stars falling for each other.

Jenna McGovern is sent for an audition by her agent as soon as she has graduated. The audition is for an ensemble dancer in an on-going production. Jenna impresses enough in her audition to land a supporting role. The play, Clean Slate, is headlined by Adrienne Kenyon, an acclaimed television star. Adrienne and Jenna are irresistibly drawn to each other and get involved. During one of the performances, Adrienne is badly injured and has to pull out of the show. While Adrienne is recuperating Jenna gets an offer that can pole vault her career. Jenna chooses her work over her relationship with Adrienne. Years later, Jenna and Adrienne meet again as co-stars for a movie. The sparks are still well and alive, but work seems to be playing villain again.

This is probably the only Brayden book in which we felt that the love wasn’t fully reciprocated. Adrienne is much more into Jenna and more committed to the relationship than Jenna is. And that is always so not cool. However, at the critical conflict point, Brayden manages to make us empathise with both MCs – which is quite a feat.

Any of Brayden’s books are always a good choice and recommended for a romantic read. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐