One of the joys of miserable weather is the extra bit of guilt-free reading/listening time I can rationalize after battling mountains of concrete (i.e. ice) encased snow. The cruel grip of winter has loosened, at least where I live, (and I wish all who are reading a gentle spring or fall), so now all my attention can return to a deeply seated (pun intended!) addiction I know I share with millions: figure skating. By the time you read these words, the Olympics ice competitions will be over, but lucky for us, authors have been crafting addictive stories about skating for years.
First up: Mariana Zapata introduced readers to Ivan Lukov and Jasmine Santos years ago, but the magic of her slow-burn romance, FROM LUKOV WITH LOVE, remains intoxicating. Wonder how “pairs” couples manage to make it look so effortless? Read Jasmine’s accounts of her 20-hour days of practice (falls), ballet, Pilates, running, more practice (more falls), and like me, you’ll appreciate your comfy reading chair more than ever! Jasmine has more prickly determination (and a tendency toward self-flagellation) than any other character I’ve come to love, and Ivan is truly swoon-worthy, on or off the ice. This book has stood the test of time, and it will rest secure on my keeper shelf through many Olympics to come.
In a story remarkably similar to some we’ve heard discussed in real life recently, Victoria Schade’s FATED SKATES tells the story of a once-promising female skater trying to make a comeback after years of humiliating headlines and social media abuse. Quinn’s struggling with self-confidence; she’s worked hard on separating herself from her domineering, controlling mother (“Are you sure you should be eating THAT?”) and making her own choices. Meeting up with a man from her past (himself a gold medal speed-skater), now assigned to cover her for a reality show, adds stress that just might undo her progress and her barely healed broken heart. Quinn had thought when they last spent time together that Ben might really care about her, so she’s wary of his friendly demeanor. FATED SKATES delves deep into mental health issues - those unique to high-level athletes and those familiar to many in the general population - but it is ultimately an uplifting story about love and forgiveness.
On to the elephant in the rink: I’ve just started HEATED RIVALRY for a book club meeting later this month, so I’ll undoubtedly write about it in the months to come. But I did read Rachel Reid’s TOUGH GUY, the third book in her Game Changers series. It’s a book that’s fine to read out of sequence, but it’s definitely not lacking actual sequins, since indie-musician, Toronto-based Fabian loves all things bright, shiny, and out there. Hockey defender Ryan knows he’s gay, but he’s more of a shy mountain-man than a sequin or nail polish aficionado. These two knew each other years ago, however, and when they accidentally run into each other after Ryan is traded to Toronto, each must think long and hard about their differences while they glory in the magnetism that pulls them together. And yes, the sex scenes are descriptive, but what truly scores the goal is the beautiful romance and the lasting conviction that yes, love is love.
Leaving the cold of the rink for the heat of a conflagration, PLAY WITH FIRE, by Sophie L. Henderson, is a delightful debut novel that identifies as the first in a series, and that’s great news. Savannah is the lone female firefighter at Station Eight, and she’s proud of how hard she’s worked, both physically and mentally, to earn her position and the respect of her fellow crew members. When her ex, Brody, who broke her heart by abruptly dumping her three years ago, is assigned to profile her for the local media, Savannah wants nothing to do with him. But Savannah and Brodie are both hiding wounds and secrets, so when enforced professional contact fails to bring them closer, thank goodness their physical chemistry still has sparks. I loved the banter, the exploration of family ties, the Canadian manners (the book and the author are based in Vancouver), and the sweet (but oh so sexy) love story. I can’t wait for more in the Vancity Fire series.
Romcom author Pru Warren delivers another delectable installment of her Bad Attitude Billionaires series with URSULA. The marketing executive, whose family’s omnipotent business prowess minimizes the respect or encouragement her position would normally receive, resolves to carve a name for herself through historical preservation. Reality TV is where it’s at, so Ursula secretly and cleverly finagles a spot on the new show “Millionaire’s Culture Clash.” Hijinks and shenanigans ensue, but this is a romcom, so love does, too. I loved Ursula and “x” (no spoilers!) the contestant she ends up with, and once again, I was left sorry that I can’t tune into the show in real life. (The author’s terrific “Cupid Quest” series also involved reality TV.) Now I’m waiting for JOANNA, the next Babcock cousin destined for love and adventure.
Finally, a romance icon has invited us once again into the wonderful sports adjacent world she’s created with her Chicago Stars football team. AND THE CROWD WENT WILD, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, immediately sweeps us up into the drama and despair Dancy Flynn has been buried in as sex-kitten starlet and betrayed ex-wife to a Hollywood mega-star. Desperate for escape, she throws herself on the mercy of her high school boyfriend, now a Chicago Star quarterback, and attempts to disappear into the obscurity of his rural vacation home. If he’ll just grant her a little bit of time, she hopes to reawaken her independence, resourcefulness, and creativity. Does he welcome her sudden appearance? Most definitely not! Will the author achieve her goal of delivering a toe-curling, sigh-worthy love story anyway? Absolutely.
As always before I say goodbye for another month, I hope you’ll pick up my SECOND SIGHT for a love story that transcends time. But I also want to recommend THE EVERLASTING, by Alix E. Harrow, even though I’m essentially wordless as to how to describe it. I had to check (after finishing the book!), and I found that it’s categorized as “folklore,” “science fiction & fantasy,” and “fairy-tale fantasy.” I read none of these genres, and I honestly have no idea how the book even ended up in my queue. But I can tell you that THE EVERLASTING is a breathtakingly beautiful love story. I listened to the audiobook, and I was truly heartbroken to reach the end. Come rest under the yew tree featured so prominently and fall under a spell you’ll never want to escape.
Meg’s friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed “serious pursuits” to get in her way. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances–in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life.
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