Stagefight

by Mel Walker

Poppy:
The stage is no place for romance.
Hell, it’s the last place I should be. I’ve always been happy living my life as if no one is watching because frankly, they aren’t. Then my personal world is upset forcing me out of my comfort zone. In the blink of an eye, my entire world is overturned. I’m about to fight my biggest fear and it’s going to play out in front of the entire world. Why would I do this? Because of him.
Ali:
Music is my life, but the mask I wear to protect my carefully crafted persona also restricts me from evolving. A tragic event and a chance meeting have me willing to risk it all. But before I can, those that protect me insist on one thing: a hidden pea. It’s risky, ingenious, and cruel, but it will work. Only a true princess of music will be able to feel it in her bones. It’s a challenge we’re up for even if we are forced to fight for what we seek.

I’m about to give them something only she can feel. Queue the music.
This STANDALONE, modern-day fairytale retelling of the ‘Princess and the Pea’ is the sweetest combination of dance fiction and celebrity romance. Part of the Internet Famous Collection.

Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2020

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


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Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to the Modern Princess Collection, each book in the Internet Famous Collection is based on a fairytale story. Stagefight by Mel Walker is based loosely on The Princess and the 3Pea. Our book starts with famous rapper @PrinceAli wanting to change things up and put dancing back into his routines and videos as dance was always his passion and now his father on his deathbed has apologized and given Ali the chance to be who he is deep down and that's someone whose passion is dance. Our female heroine Poppy is an amazing dancer but prefers to stay out of the spotlight as she has learned how brutal the internet can be. When her best friend and roommate announces that she is moving out and that Poppy needs to earn some extra money to pay for the lease, she secretly promotes Poppy as a private dance instructor. Poppy's friend is always trying to push her back into the spotlight and out of the shadows. When Ali meets Poppy, there is something about her that he wants and he believes that Poppy can give it to him. He has secretly put together an audition tape which only someone so fine-tuned can hear the mistake, will Poppy be his Princess and discover the "pea", something that hundreds of dancers before have failed to do? The other thing that was fun in this book was the references to Eminem's movie "8 mile" as this book contains some rap battles. If you love music, dance, and the world of social media - then check out StageFight by Mel Walker - Book #2 in the Internet Famous Collection.

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4 stars!

This is my first Mel Walker book, and definitely will not be my last. I haven’t read too many dance romances, especially of the hip hop variety. I loved Poppi & Prince Ali’s chemistry and hang ups on the dance floor. These two are perfect for each other if they can just get over their differences and apprehensions on the dance floor.

[Nai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stagefight by Mel Walker was an amazing read. I could not put the thing down. The two main characters, Poppy and Ali, they were so good together and I’m always a sucker for a book or a movie that includes dancing, especially men dancing!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I wish it could be its own little series. I would love for the other characters to get their own stories because they were all great and I want to know more about this world that has been created. Of course, I would also love more or Poppy and Ali, to watch them grow together.

I feel really refreshed after reading Stagefight, it just didn’t seem like your regular romance, there was something energizing about it. Definitely recommend giving it a read!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal

Poppy's roommate moving out and leaving her with the desire for a way to make more money opens her up to new possibilities, especially Prince Ali, a well known rapper. He needs her choreography/dance skills. She needs to make money. The two should be perfect for each other. And they are, if Poppy can get past her fear of performing in front of crowds, and if Ali can get over his insecurities about adding dance to his stage performances.



If you like hip hop dancing, rap music, rap battles, or really just a good modern fairy tale, you'll like Stagefight. I personally thought it was great. I like the clever way The Princess and the Pea was retold, and the combination of hip hop dancing and rap music (both of which I LOVE!) made for a sexy, fun read.

ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cover design!
I enjoyed this book and especially the pacing of it. There was no dragging and usually the first chapter really makes or breaks my decision to keep reading because let's face it: time is precious and life is short, so read good books!

Hope everyone gets a chance to salsa-merengue-bachata over to their Kindle store and pre-order now!

https://www.amazon.ca/StageFight-Inte...

[Alicia Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up way to late last night as I could not put this story down until it was done! The instant connection between the characters, over coming fears and obstacles, and achieving dreams was all written perfectly.

Full Review- https://aliciasbookblog106921670.word...

[Persephone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stagefight by Mel Walker is loaded with energy and sweet love.

The moment Ali and Poppy met, I love how easily they clicked without pretense. The way they ebbed and flowed with each other was a beacon. And I loved the music and arts mixed into the story. I felt the beat of the melodies and energy of the dance.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I felt this book really had its own feel even though it is a twist on The Princess and The Pea fairytale. Ali and Poppy were likable, had great chemistry and made an easy couple to root for. I thought the story was interesting and I enjoyed the heavy focus on music and dance. I'm posting a candid, volitional review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Ali is a dancer turned rapper who would like to go back to his dancing roots. Poppy is a dancer who now hides from the world because of how mean girls and sometimes her mother have been to her over her dancing. Adele is Poppy's best friend and a dance instructor. Adele is moving out to live with her boyfriend so she tries to talk Poppy into becoming a dance instructor who gives both private and public lessons. Unbeknownst to Poppy, Adele distributes some posters giving Poppy's information and saying she is taking clients. Ali happens to be helping Adele move and sees the notice and decides to hire Poppy to help him refresh his dance moves. In order to find the right choreographer for Ali's video, Ali's brother plants a "pea" deep inside the tryout soundtrack and only a true feeler of the music will be affected by the "pea". Will Poppy be the "one"? If she is will she be able to handle the fame that she will be exposed to by being associated with Prince Ali? Read this interesting take on The Princess and Pea.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great quick read.
Ali and Poppy had amazing chemistry from the beginning and they were perfectly matched.
Loved the mix of dance and music... and the hidden ‘pea’.
This retelling of a classic was cute and wonderfully written.
I guess overcoming your fears is easier together.
Must read.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much, I wish it was a movie! I love Poppy and Ali's story. Rap, dance, chemistry, perfect for fans of Hip hop or any kind of dance. Think "Honey and Save the last dance combined".

[Dawn]

Great story. Poppy loves to dance, but keeps to the shadows because of past bullies. Ali follows his dads last wishes to Dance. They come together, he protects her and their love blossoms.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This story was a delightful and surprising journey. The blurb immediately caught my attention. It was the first time I ever read a retelling about the Princess and the Pea fairytale that I was ready for this story also because sports romances aren’t my thing at all so I wasn’t sure if this would be like that but Stagefight proved to be a great story that I loved. Ali and Poppy’s story was full of chemistry (lots of it), sparks and I would say the magic of music. There’s not doubt that they were meant to be. I laughed a lot with this funny and romantic story. Plus if you like hip hop, rap music and the dancing this story is definitely for you.”

[Susan-Justavoraciousreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, magical, fun. romantic, unique and sssssssexy story inspired by fairytale Princess and the Pea!! Loved it!!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Awesome read!!! I was super skeptical on reading this due to cover picture...I don't really care for sport themed books...but what a surprise I got!!! No sports at all instead HOT HOT HOT!!! Loved every page!!! Total page turner could not put it down!!! Quick and easy read, GREAT characters and amazing plot!!!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was short and sweet. I loved the dance, the music, the chemistry. The connection between Poppy and Ali was felt from the first introduction. I just loved the way they could read each other and just be so in sync. Refreshing different and fun!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Wow. Twists, turns, choreography, talented dancer, music, bullying, self confidence, and a stage battle all rolled into an epic feel good story. This book sucked me in and didn't let go. Mel Walker delivers, yet another, incredible story. Do yourself a favor...read this book.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I found to be amazing and is Poppy and Ali's story. This is a fast paced standalone, modern-day fairytale retelling of the ‘Princess and the Pea’ is the sweetest combination of dance fiction and celebrity romance. There's lots of action, drama, suspense, twists and turns to get them to their happy ever after, I loved reading this book and can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!

Holy. Wow. Twists, turns, choreography, talented dancer, music, bullying, self confidence, and a stage battle all rolled into an epic feel good story. This book sucked me in and didn't let go. Mel Walker delivers, yet another, incredible story. Do yourself a favor...read this book.

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another solid offering from this series. Ali is a famous rapper better known as @PrinceAli. Poppy is a dancer who prefers to stay out of the limelight. When Ali decides to go back to his roots of adding dance to his shows, the push is on to find a dancer who can help choreograph his shows. This is where he and Poppy meet. She agrees to help him even though it isn't in her comfort zone. This was a pleasure to read.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book. Well done

[Erica Marselas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mel's take on the Princess and the Pea.
It's been awhile since I picked up a book and read, so this was a great story to escape into...

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

StageFight  is book 2 in the Internet Famous Collection series by Mel Walker. This story is fast paced and short. You will.get hooked to see what will happen next. Poppy lives to dance but doesn't like to do it around a lot of people. She doesn't want to be the center of attention. Helping her roommate move she meets Ali. She doesn't recognize him and he loves it. Ali is a famous rapper that wants to change things up with his image. This was a great read.

[Linda Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about facing your fears and not reaching your dreams. Poppy loves to dance but not in front of a crowd but she needs money now that her roommate moved out. When Adele her roommate was moving one of her guys was Ali a famous rapper who has decided to add dance to his stage presence. He wants Poppy to be the one to help him but her lack of confidence may be his downfall.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stagefight is a new modern twist on Princess and the Pea, and it was highly original in my opinion. Poppy's roommate/best friend is moving out of their apartment so Poppy needs to figure something out to be able to pay for it all by herself.  Prince Ali is a famous rapper who wants to add dance to his performances, and he decides that he needs Poppy, who actually has a fear of being on stage though she's a dancer.  So, she's worried about being on stage while he has insecurities about adding dance which made for some complications even though they're perfect for each other.  Stagefight is full of hip hop dancing, rapping, and rap battles which is the reason I found it highly original because I don't believe I've ever read anything like this.  So, hit those one click buttons to find out how it all plays out while I find other stories to read by Mel Walker!  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!  

[Michelle Schwartz Engaging Secrets · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know somebody that is afraid of the stage. A fear of the unknown and little self-confidence to do what they have always dreamt of. Enter Poppy, aka Princess P. She is a dancer in her own right. Beautiful, talented, down to earth. She dances, but in the shadows. She is brilliant, but to herself. This all changes when Prince Ali, a famous music artist walks into her life. Meeting him ensures that Poppy will never be the same.

The chemistry is instant and undeniable. Not only is Poppy good for Ali, but Poppy brings out the dancer in him. The buildup is a great pace and the story melted my heart. As a dancer, this story spoke to me and I loved every moment. Mr. Walker kept me interested and I did not put the book down until it read “The End”. Mel Walker has a new follower!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stagefight is the great 2nd book in the Internet Famous collection. I really didn't know what to expect going into this one. Rap music? Not my cup of tea but I thought why not. Boy am I ever glad I gave it a fair chance. This was a great story that drew me in from the start and has quickly become of my favorites in this collection! I loved the connection between Poppy and Ali. Very enjoyable story that I didn't want to end!

[Neisha Exeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but I can’t wait to read more of his work. This book was short and sweet. I read it in one go and the main characters are wonderful. Great book and definitely recommended.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book was phenomenal. There was action, friendship, shocks, heart, heat, love, humiliation, turning a crowd I swear if you can name it this book had it.

I received an advance copy of this book for my HONEST review which; I happily am given.

[Krystal Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring retelling of The Princess and the Pea. This story inspires you to be your best self and follow your heart. Ali and Poppy lift each other up and provide the confidence the other might need. What love really is about; complementing each other.

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced story about following your dreams and your ideas. The story follows Poppy, a girl who loves to dance but in her own way. She is shy and only dances with her friend in a class. When she needs to make more money, she decides to try teaching. But before she can, in walks rapper Prince Ali, smooth with his rhymes but also secretly wishing he could express himself more. He hires Poppy to work with him to improve his skills. Poppy only dances for herself and doesn't see herself as being able to teach anyone. But she is up for the challenge and both Poppy and Prince Ali up their street cred.