Under Midnight Lights: Part Two

by Bree M. Lewandowski

Lights on the stage are brighter than ever. But everything in Martina's music box world is getting darker...

Director of the company, Alan Jung, can't seem to pry himself away from his prima ballerina and his demands grow more and more intense. Intimate even. Afraid to damage a career she's worked so hard for, and only just begun, Martina is afraid to deny him anything.

Even if that includes her relationship with Maraav...

"The Wolf of the Mariinsky," Maraav Levondovska illuminates Martina. Around him, all the sweat and hardship of this world dissolves. It seemed so simple to let their lives on stage as lovers become their lives in real life. Dance imitating the life they want together.

But the music is twisted now. And the movements don't make sense. Their dance is off-kilter, Under Midnight Lights!

Genres: Romance

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Having lived all her life in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, author Bree M. Lewandowski incorporates all aspects of her life in her writing. A ballet dancer at a young age, continuing to teach ballet through her career as an author, she often turns to the tumultuous world of dance to find threads of a story. In love with classical literature, her writing not only pays homage to the style of writers like Dumas and Hugo, she also believes in creating main characters who are larger than life. Yet, struggles with body image, mental and emotional health, and the strained relationships so many have also play in and out of Lewandowski's writing. In the end, all these attributes combined, she loves to tell a love story.

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story captivated me from start and had me needing to know what was going to happen next. The author paints a portrait with her words, I felt as though I were there with the characters watching the scenes unfold. I look forward to reading from this author in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[Bex’s reading corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!! I can’t even find the right words for this book. The first book sucked me in. My love of dance mixed in with literature had me hooked but these characters and this story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I didn’t expect the twists and turns in the plot, only in the ballet. My jaw is still on the ground. Amazing.

[S.J. Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Impressions: The grammatical issues of the first book were nowhere to be seen in the conclusion of this romance. The story takes off right where we left our two protagonists, and I was immediately sucked right back in. Lewandowski paints beautiful wordscapes, and while I tend to lean towards starker writing styles myself, I can't help but linger on certain sentences to enjoy the lovely structure and poetry.

What I Loved: The things I love about this book are the same as the previous one; the beautiful descriptions, and the characters. Real, broken, impetuous and desperate people trying to find a way to keep moving forward.

Martina and Maraav are gorgeously strained, reaching for each other across a stage, and across the gulf made by the antagonist, Alan Jung. That tension keeps the reader turning the pages, and the pacing is almost perfect.

What Drove Me Crazy: The ending of the story, to me, felt a little rushed. It was definitely still satisfying, and wrapped the story up nicely, but after 190 or so pages of tension, I didn't feel like it crescendoed quite high enough. Nothing that would stop me from reading the book again though. And again. And again.

Overall Impressions: I'm just going to have to steal my impressions from my last review, because my feelings remain exactly the same. "This is not some Mary Sue Romance! This is a story about two flawed and fantastic characters in a world that doesn't give them any space to breath. Lewandowski touches on (though does not linger) on eating disorders, self image issues, rumors, obsession, and the fanatic and frankly mad love that some people have that drives them to dance. I finished this book in a day, and I am absolutely bouncing in my seat for the next one."

[Judy Robichaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

*•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´ *•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´
If you're looking for an escape from all the madness in the world and love romance and the fine arts, then look no further and delve into the stunning world of the Ballet in "Under Winter Lights (Part 1), and Under Midnight Lights (Part 2) by author, Bree M. Lewandowski.
*•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´ *•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´

This story takes you inside the life of Martina, a beautiful, shy ballerina and the physical and emotional struggles that go with being a dancer. Including the good (the beauty of the ballet), the bad (rigorous demands of being a ballerina) and the ugly (Alan Jung, a dastardly, possessive company director with an agenda) all while falling in love with her dance partner, world renown, Maraav Levondovska. Once Mr. Jung catches on to their relationship, their lives take a twisted and dark turn when obsession takes hold. Will it be the final curtain for Martina? I’m not telling. You’ll have to buys the books to find out.

This love story is beautifully written, and the exquisite detail written on the pages of these books made me feel as though I was right there.

Click on the links below to grab your copies of Under Winter Lights and Under Midnight Lights and take the journey with Martina & Maarav as they dance their way into each other’s heart.

[Greta Cribbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series took me by surprise by making me love a romance novel. It was able to do that by being much more than just a sweet love story. It's also the story of a young dancer fighting for her career. As it did in the first installment, ballet takes center stage in this book. I loved reading all the details about rehearsals and performances. I even enjoyed reading about the costume fittings. Having started ballet lessons late in life (my mid-thirties) I have a rudimentary understanding of the art form. Just enough to be fascinated by all the detailed descriptions in this series. While the first book focused on The Nutcracker, a ballet I think we're all familiar with, this one mentioned ballets I'd never heard of before, and I'm not ashamed to say I looked a few of them up on YouTube.

As for the romance itself, that part of it was also wrapped up in the dance aspects of the story. Should Martina follow her dreams or follow her heart? Or is it possible to do both? Does a relationship with Maraav mean having to leave her first love, ballet, behind? She struggles with this question all through the book, and without giving away too much, I can say that I found the ending quite satisfying.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love story continues and gets stronger. They overcome obstacles and their love not only flows thru their dance but in their hearts. Jung is worse than ever and shows his hand. This is a beautiful dance of love between these two who acknowledge that a dancer's life is like no other. While Jung tries to keep the couple apart others are trying to help them. Now all they have to do is work out how they can be together.

There isn't as much technical input about dance so this part of the story is easier to relate to without the brain trying to interrupt the flow of the story. I love that it is a sweet clean and touching romance. The burn is real and so is the fire.

[Amberlie McGrady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the sequel to Under Winter Nights and it really raises the bar for me for a part 2. Martina is a ballerina at the Bellus who is continually striving for her best but the Director has a weird obsession with her and thinks that she should focus on pleasure seekers from the Ballet instead of pleasures from the body. Maarav is the one she loves and the restrictions placed on that love drives them both crazy. The trials they face are great but are they strong enough to break free. Find out when you read this wonderful book. I received a copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily am leaving a review

[Carlos Muñoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey Gus , goodnight. My name is Charles , i am 16 years old and i am from venezuela. I still live in My country and sadly , because of the económical crisis wey are living , i can't afford to Buy books ( they are stupid expensive, and, this author is hard to find the free books sites i know), i can barely help My parents with the house expenses. Can anyone do me a small favour , if You can by send me a digital copy of this book
to My email: munoz.carlosalberto08@gmail.com. i am a humble Reader and a huge fan of romance fiction books ( especially the dance - ballet ) types. I Will be very happy if You could help me. Without furder ado , have a good day and good bless you

[Dawn Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ending for Martina and Maraav left me happy and somewhat predictable.
As with book 1 had the author seperated the educational lessons on Chicago and dance and just stuck to writing the story of Martina and Maraav this would have been a sold 4-5 star read but instead I struggle with giving it 4* feeling it's a 3-4 star read!
*** I feel in both book 1 and this book the author got to caught up on explaining things --- almost like reading / writing a book report on things for school with a beautiful story mixed into it. ***

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness me! I thought I liked the first one! I absolutely LOVED it! Sweet and perfect ending. I really enjoy her writing! I'm not too much into the CR genre but sometimes you find that jewel and this is it for me! Pulls at your heart and you just feel what they do. Kept me on my toes especially with the Alan thing. I really felt she took me on a ride...a ballet magical ride. Ok...I cant say enough and I dont wanna spoil it for others. You'll love it! Its emotional so I will warn ya there. For me it was.

[Andrea Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story picks up right were the other one left off. This beautiful love story unfolds. The way Bree writes this book makes you feel as if you are right there. Loved the story line for Martina and Maraav and the ending for both of them. You could feel the passion and the love shared by Martina and Maraav. Seeing the ballet in a different light shows how difficult it is to achieve your dreams in that cut throat world. Once I started reading could not put it down. A must read for everyone. Bravo Bree job well done!

[Marzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Part One, I have to say that I was disappointed in Part Two, in which the oh, so fragile heroine Martina (who continues to stutter whenever she is talking to someone in a position of power) still relies on Prince Charming to save her from the big bad wolf. The ballet world continued to be the best part of this duology. I just wish the author would give us a stronger and better evolving heroine, and a hero whose solution to problems with other men isn't anger and physical fighting. The tropes are fast and thick in this end to Under the Midnight/Winter Lights.

[Barbara Gartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with book one I was impressed with how easily I was sucked in. Under Midnight Lights starts off right where we left Martinia and Maraav. Book two was definitely an emotional roller coaster for me. There were a couple of times I even needed a tissue. I absolutely enjoyed this book. I can't really put into words what I feel for this one. All I can say is you must read it to understand. I highly recommend reading Under Midnight Lights!

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agonizing depths of sacrifice made for Ballet.
The strength of spirit necessary for success in this art is profound. After finishing these books I am enamored again. The story had me in tears, angry, laughing, and rejoicing. Yet my words are inadequate to explain. It simply must be read to understand.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find out if Maraav and Martina have their happily ever after or if Alan will succeed in keeping them apart forever. The author weaves a lovely tale of love and subterfuge intertwined with the beauty of ballet. I found myself looking up ballets and pas de deux so I could totally envision the story and the main characters as they found love together through their dance.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this ballet book. Martina the ballerina works hard for what she wants. Yet she has Alan and Maraav both showing interest in her. What will she do? You need to read to see what happens with these three.

[Stephanie Runion · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series is intense yet has a softer side. It immerses you in the world of ballet.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning piece of work

[Bunni Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Beautiful ending. Intense, dark, everything. A must read, highly recommend. I'll never think of ballet quite the same. Just, wow!

[Lucy-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite this book being a sequel, it was in a world of its own. Bree's writing is on a different level from what it was during the first book & she managed to write a story of pure tension, passion & fear. The ending was incredibly dark & shocking, with the whole book having a totally different feel from the first. Bree has done herself proud & I can't wait for her next book!

You can find my extended review here:
https://writingwolves.wordpress.com/2...