Review: JW Ashley's Review of First Position
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 31, 2013
In addition to flashbacks of a virgin hero, clear and engaging character motivations, cute and quirky sub-characters (such Clive the bartender and Olivia), as well as the heroine's roommate Wesley and his lover Tomas, there was a lot to like about this novel.Real-life Tension. I loved that the suspense and danger for the relationship in First Position wasn't a killer waiting in the wings, but rather ongoing entanglements with ex-wives and painful secrets from the past--problems that are more human, more realistic, and much more engaging. What does Mason's grasping and greedy almost-ex have up her sleeve next? Will Mason's mother be able to destroy their fledgling second-chance relationship before it ever really takes off? Will Mason find a contract and continue his career? What is the secret that continues to hurt Emory and threaten her future? And will it tear her and Mason apart? Will what haunts the couple ever leave them free to truly begin again? This method of plot development not only delivers a truly gripping story, but it gives the book its strongest thematic element. Emory, as a dancer, finds balance in starting with first position. But the entire novel is a return to first position, an attempt to find a new beginning by starting over.Inspirational and Uplifting Themes. Spiritual or Christian romances aren't really my thing, but First position has religion as a steady presence in the novel for the characters. It serves a role in the plot and it has a strong continuity throughout that I appreciate. It never felt like belief for belief's sake-or a nod toward a genre for the sake of selling a book. It also didn't feel as thoughPrescott were proselytizing. Faith was simply true for the characters, always in the back of their minds and at the core of their hearts. There were moments when faith was used to emotional effect, but I particularly loved a scene in which a young Mason (in a flashback( is considering praying that God help him with his first sexual experience. "He said a prayer that he would at least make Emory happy, but then it occurred to him that God probably wasn't too interested in helping two college kids have pre-marital sex." Who hasn't prayed to God knowing that what we shouldn't?Engaging Characters. I love reading romance, and I am often charmed and cheered by these stories, but it's been a long time since I really rooted for two people. As readers, we're always waiting for the gratification of the happily ever after. It feels good closing a book with a smile on your face. But it's a rare that you're truly hoping for a happily after ever for the characters themselves. It's painful watching these protagonists struggle with their demons. Mason's worry that he's too much like his father and Emory's guilt over her past. Prescott gives the story depth and heart and moments of beautiful prose: "It was her usual routine- locking herself away, starting with first position, dancing until her ankle was swollen, then collapsing. It was her therapy and penance."Disclaimer: An ARC copy of this book was provided by the author.