Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux

Life on the Edge (Edge #1)
written by Jennifer Comeaux
published by Astraea Press

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book:  I am participating in the blog tour for the second book in this series, Edge of the Past (Edge #2). I was given the option to read this book as well prior to reading the tour book. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: I really enjoyed this book. I have always loved watching Olympic figure skating, especially pairs skating, as well as movies about figure skating, so this book was right up my alley.

Life on the Edge is a quick, fun read that kept me interested and invested until the very end. It had some wonderful moments, moments that made me squeal, or feel giddy, anxious, happy, or sad, and moments that were worrisome and romantic. That is just a few of the emotions that I felt while reading this book.

The descriptions of the skating practices, technical elements, day-to-day training, and the feelings the skaters were experiencing during the competitions were spot-on. I could see Chris and Emily practicing the tricks. I could feel the chill of the ice arena. I could feel the tension and nervous energy Emily had before she would compete. All of these made for an exciting read that had me feeling as if I was personally affected by how the skaters performed.

I found Emily to be sweet, dedicated, and fiercely competitive. I really felt for her during her personal, yet forbidden relationship with Sergei. Sergei is a good guy and a wonderful coach. He has a past that he won’t speak about. Chris is a great partner for Emily. He is opposite from her and keeps her balanced and focused. Chris is funny and gave me some good laughs.

I have never read a fiction book about figure skating before (I’ve seen some movies), and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. And I cannot wait to read the sequel, Edge of the Past. 

Would I recommend it: If you enjoy figure skating and “forbidden” relationships, then you would enjoy this book. It was a good read.

Will I read it again: This is not a “read once a year” book…but it is a book that I may revisit in a few years.

About the book – from Goodreads: Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.

Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.

Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!