Life on the Edge

May 22, 2017
Comeaux (Gold Rush), kicking off the new Edge series, demonstrates clear passion for the sport of pairs figure skating, though her writing skill doesn’t quite match her eagerness. At 19, Emily, a Massachussetts figure skater, is considered at her peak. After she succumbs to nerves on the singles circuit, she pairs with another young skater, Chris, to tackle a new division. They’re coached by an up-and-coming Russian, Sergei, whose own skating past is shrouded in mystery. Emily’s intense training and competition schedule is made even more complicated by her baffled realization that she’s attracted to the off-limits Sergei. It’s certainly a mixed blessing when she determines that he returns her regard. The friends-to-lovers romance comes in a distant second to the technical, delightful behind-the-scenes look at a popular sport. Unfortunately, the book is less of a romance and more a love letter to skating and the picturesque Cape Cod area. Subtle religious overtones add to an already crowded plot, occasionally injecting a rather idealistic note. Fans of Yuri!!! on Ice who observe some familiar story notes may be surprised to learn that this book was published before the show aired.