The Unraveling: A Novel By Melanie Hamrick

Jocelyn Banks, a tenacious ballerina from rural Louisiana, has always been an outsider in the elite world of ballet. After clawing her way to success with the North American Ballet, she takes a break in London, where the ballet scene operates under entirely different rules. In London, it’s not just about talent—it’s about securing a wealthy sponsor who can propel her career forward. Jocelyn lands a sponsor, Alastair Cavendish, whose influence at the Royal National Ballet is unmatched.

However, Alastair's allure extends far beyond his financial power. Jocelyn finds herself drawn to his magnetic presence, a dangerous attraction that threatens to derail her carefully built life. Torn between her disciplined pursuit of ballet and her burgeoning desire for Alastair, Jocelyn spirals into a world where lust and luxury reign. The intoxicating mix of power and passion pulls her deeper into a risky liaison that could either catapult her to new heights or destroy her entirely.

As Jocelyn navigates the cutthroat world of London ballet, she must make a harrowing choice: surrender to the consuming flames of desire and risk everything, or maintain her focus and preserve the career she’s fought so hard to build. But with emotions she’s buried for years beginning to resurface, Jocelyn is on the brink of a dangerous spiral, where one wrong move could lead to self-destruction.