Nikki Urang

I have to admit that finishing this one was a struggle. The narrator was, from beginning to end, incredibly selfish, and fairly insufferable. She was far more interested in playing the victim and asking that the world revolve around her than she was in being a dancer. I don't know any reader who wants to listen to a spoiled brat whine for 300-some pages, and all in all, she acted more like a spoiled thirteen year old than an engaging college student. To make things worse, all of the characters were stereotypes, and although the story had a lot of potential, the lack of reasonable development in the characters made them uninteresting and predictable, at best. All of this added to the fact that there were some real plot holes at the story level, as well as inconsistencies, made it pretty obvious that the author either needed better editors who were willing and able to tell her the truth about what needed more work. For one thing, just take the idea of the hit list appearing on the conservatory's blog! That wouldn't happen. If it did, it would be noticed immediately, and the student responsible would be expelled. That's not to say that this game couldn't be played in other ways -- take flyers and email, for example -- but on the school's blog? And basic logistics were also a big problem, just in terms of the way the school and rehearsals operated; it rather felt like what was presented would have been more realistic for a reality show like So You Think You Can Dance than a conservatory teaching, at minimum, dozens of dance students. I won't keep going, but the unfortunate thing was that there were a lot of problems, many of which a good editor should have picked up on -- and they wouldn't have been incredibly difficult to fix, honestly, beyond the character issues.

Part of what made this so hard to read was that the dance sequences were written beautifully, and really highlighted the potential that this story Could have had if there'd been more time devoted to real revision and depth.

All told, though, this was incredibly disappointing. I was expecting it to be a bit predictable, sure, but I wasn't expecting such serious issues with plot and character.… (mais)

I wanted to read The Hit List because I am drawn to books about dancers. I have never done it, but I guess that is a lot of little kids' dreams. Then I read about the list, which is giving guys anonymitiy to sleep with or otherwise score with girls. I haven't read anything quite like it and I knew it could lead to some hard core emotions and heart break.

The main character, Sadie, has just transferred to LA after an injury with her ballet partner and ex-boyfriend. She has a lot pain inside and trust issues now. While the scene of dancing and that special bond you get from working with the same person for years, dancing with bodies aligned and the chemistry, I could definitely relate with her pain and fear of trusting again. She wants a new start, but the magazine article that was written about her and Patrick is the first thing to shadow her. Then the teachers drop the bomb shell that instead of individuals performing for the prestigious Fall Show, everyone will be auditioning and if accepted, dancing with a partner.

The Hit List made me and Sadie question all of the guys. I knew that only 12 were playing according to their numbers, but it casts suspicion on any guy that talks to her or asks her out. She has no intentions of putting her heart out there. But she is paired with known player and flirt, Luke. He is so frustrating-- he can be patient, sweet and attentive one minute, and then the next ignoring her or finding yet another new girl to flirt with, But as Sadie has panic attacks as Luke gets to close while dancing, we get to see the side of Luke that not many others do. He works to gain her trust, and Sadie's attraction to hot bad boy only grows and it confuses her.

So, besides the romance, I also like the friendship. Her roommate Brielle and token gay friend Adam both hang out with her, hoping to draw her out and let her have an outlet as well as convincing her to have some fun.

But I do appreciate the realism that although she goes out occasionally she puts so much focus, intensity and time into practicing and keeping up her talent. Now, I know that for story purposes there has to be other conflicts going on to help the plot, but some aren't very realistic in how much time you actually have to put into classes and practices to get and maintain talent to be at a ballet school.

Honestly, it did get a little too angsty at times, and I know that its the emotion coming out, and her fear, but she does say she's giving up too easy. I like that the teachers just mostly try to avoid and ignore the drama, telling her to take a water break and get right back to it instead of getting mad or taking a moment of weakness to seriously.

I liked the ending, and I never would have guessed who was behind the lists. As far as that it did feel a little rushed and that forgiveness or justifying it without repercussions was a little hard to be okay with. But I liked where Sadie ended up, how she grew as well as getting to know the other side of Luke.

Bottom Line: Good drama and romantic tension… (mais)

Nikki Urang really knows how to tell a good story that I just couldn't put down! Regardless of how I felt about the characters, from beginning to end, I was completely committed to finding out what was going to happen to everyone... even though I have no knowledge of any sort in regards to professional ballet, dance, tap, etc. The author gave me just enough info to understand what the characters were doing and what they were trying to accomplish without missing a moment or lacking in the stories momentum.

After having her heart ripped apart and recovering from a dance injury, both faulted by her old dance partner back in New York, Sadie moves to L.A. to try to get a fresh start and pick up where she left off, without a dance partner. However, life can never be that easy... but she's determine to do what she has to do to stay on top, with no strings attached to her old life and without creating any new ones in her new life, she is going to work as hard as she can to prove to herself and her instructors that she is the best. With high hopes to not only make it into the Fall Showcase where she'll be able to perform in front of some of the biggest talent scouts, with the hopes of landing her dream job, but also win a scholarship of sorts to go to London, Sadie will only trust in herself to accomplish her dreams.
But the instructors and department heads have made other plans. Everyone must be partnered in order to audition for the Fall Showcase. Not only that, someone has started a "Hit List", a game where guys try to hit on and score with the top 10 girls on the list. And Sadie, who just wants to be left alone, is on the top of that list.
And then Luke happens.
Not only is Luke the biggest player on campus, his parents are also prominent figures at the school, but he has just been assigned to be Sadie's partner.
Sadie has only been on campus for just a few short days, and she is completely overwhelmed and is starting to have panic attacks. How will she ever get over her trust issues in time to impress her peers and make her dreams come true???

The main issue between Sadie and Luke is communication. The back-and-forth banter, the hot-and-cold mood swings usually would cause me to say enough already, let's move on. However, for Sadie and Luke's story, it works. Every moment that they had together, good or bad, made them reflect and grow as individuals. Everyone's made mistakes. And they learn to accept theirs, each others, and more. It was really refreshing to see such honest and raw character development.
Also, Sadie was completely shattered not only by her ex-partner's, Patrick, betrayal and his involvement in her injury, but also, the fact that he was the only constant trust that she had in her life since her father past away and her mother blocked her out, is completely understandable and heartbreaking. At times, she seems a bit whiny and too quick to place 100% percent blame on Patrick. But, being that she was so young, so in love, and so trusting, one can understand that this was an extremely traumatic experience and time for her. And no one can truly understand her emotions unless they had physically and mentally went through what she had to go through, alone.

Again, the author has definitely created some memorable characters in THE HIT LIST. I highly recommend it - a good quick weekend read you won't regret!

*An eARC was sent to me by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.… (mais)