What do you think?
Rate this book
Off Course
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26For fans of Tessa Bailey comes a steamy debut sports romance following an Olympic downhill skier and the sexy risk-taking ski mountaineer she hires to train her for a new event. But when their chemistry threatens to disrupt her carefully planned life, will she stick with her schedule or let her life veer off course in the name of love?
Kit Schuster has been bombing downhill on skis since she was two-and-a-half, and becoming the most decorated woman on the slopes has made the decade of competing across multiple continents and grueling race schedules worth it. She doesn’t look anywhere but straight ahead of her—on the racecourse and in life. But a younger rival now has her looking over her shoulder. To solidify her place in history, Kit decides to enter in the newest Olympic event of ski mountaineering, giving her eighteen months to prepare for the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, Italy.
Asher McClendon grew up dangling from rock faces in Yosemite, and he stuns his followers with daring climbs up the world's most remote peaks before skiing down their steep ridges. He lives for the high-stakes thrills that come with ski mountaineering. When he agrees to coach a legendary alpine skier at his home outside Lake Tahoe, he's more intrigued by the paycheck than the woman. That is, until she arrives to stay in his guest cabin.
Far away from the perfectly groomed ski slopes of European resorts, Kit’s routine and laser focus get a major detour—by Asher's training regimen and their growing attraction to each other. Before she realizes it, everything in Kit’s life is veering off course. Faced with an insurmountable hurdle and no ski lift in sight, they must both determine what they’re willing to risk for love—even if it’s their careers.
Kit Schuster has been bombing downhill on skis since she was two-and-a-half, and becoming the most decorated woman on the slopes has made the decade of competing across multiple continents and grueling race schedules worth it. She doesn’t look anywhere but straight ahead of her—on the racecourse and in life. But a younger rival now has her looking over her shoulder. To solidify her place in history, Kit decides to enter in the newest Olympic event of ski mountaineering, giving her eighteen months to prepare for the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, Italy.
Asher McClendon grew up dangling from rock faces in Yosemite, and he stuns his followers with daring climbs up the world's most remote peaks before skiing down their steep ridges. He lives for the high-stakes thrills that come with ski mountaineering. When he agrees to coach a legendary alpine skier at his home outside Lake Tahoe, he's more intrigued by the paycheck than the woman. That is, until she arrives to stay in his guest cabin.
Far away from the perfectly groomed ski slopes of European resorts, Kit’s routine and laser focus get a major detour—by Asher's training regimen and their growing attraction to each other. Before she realizes it, everything in Kit’s life is veering off course. Faced with an insurmountable hurdle and no ski lift in sight, they must both determine what they’re willing to risk for love—even if it’s their careers.
- GenresSports RomanceRomance
284 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 4, 2026
139 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 25, 2026
As someone who was mourning the end of the Winter Olympics, this book arrived at the perfect time. I cannot fully explain how much I enjoyed it. I devoured it in a single day and did not want it to end.
The storyline was brilliant. I know some readers felt a little overwhelmed by the technical details, but I actually loved that aspect. It really highlighted the depth of knowledge behind the sports involved and made everything feel authentic and well researched. The attention to detail added to the intensity rather than taking away from it.
If I had one small critique, it would be that the final few chapters felt slightly rushed. I would have happily read another one or two chapters to let those moments breathe a little more. That said, it did not take away from my overall experience.
I absolutely loved the FMC, the MMC, and all of the side characters. Everyone had such distinct, engaging personalities, and I felt genuinely invested in them. The spice was also fantastic, beautifully written and perfectly balanced with the emotional development.
I honestly cannot believe this was a debut novel. It reads like something written by a fully established author. It was also refreshing to read about a winter sport other than ice hockey for a change, although ice hockey will always have my heart.
An easy five stars from me. I simply could not put it down.
The storyline was brilliant. I know some readers felt a little overwhelmed by the technical details, but I actually loved that aspect. It really highlighted the depth of knowledge behind the sports involved and made everything feel authentic and well researched. The attention to detail added to the intensity rather than taking away from it.
If I had one small critique, it would be that the final few chapters felt slightly rushed. I would have happily read another one or two chapters to let those moments breathe a little more. That said, it did not take away from my overall experience.
I absolutely loved the FMC, the MMC, and all of the side characters. Everyone had such distinct, engaging personalities, and I felt genuinely invested in them. The spice was also fantastic, beautifully written and perfectly balanced with the emotional development.
I honestly cannot believe this was a debut novel. It reads like something written by a fully established author. It was also refreshing to read about a winter sport other than ice hockey for a change, although ice hockey will always have my heart.
An easy five stars from me. I simply could not put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the eARC.
This was a fun romance, perfect for someone looking for a theme read for the wintry months or the winter Olympics! The FMC is a renowned downhill skier who teams up with a professional outdoorsman/adventurer to train for the newly added Olympic sport of ski mountaineering. The dialogue between the two MCs felt natural, it was interesting to delve into this new sport, and the author wrote a perfect portrait of the (somewhat obnoxious) dirtbag friend.
It was refreshing to read a story where most of the challenges and rising tension were due to the challenges of training and adventuring in the back country, rather than a frustrating miscommunication trope between the couple. I did feel like the ending felt a bit rushed, with several personal conflicts being introduced and then quickly resolved (and, indeed, the miscommunication trope does rear its ugly head among family members).
Light trigger warnings that I think should be included: Disordered eating–The FMC is a professional athlete with a regimented diet, but goes overboard with her approach to and discussion of food.
I received this through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun romance, perfect for someone looking for a theme read for the wintry months or the winter Olympics! The FMC is a renowned downhill skier who teams up with a professional outdoorsman/adventurer to train for the newly added Olympic sport of ski mountaineering. The dialogue between the two MCs felt natural, it was interesting to delve into this new sport, and the author wrote a perfect portrait of the (somewhat obnoxious) dirtbag friend.
It was refreshing to read a story where most of the challenges and rising tension were due to the challenges of training and adventuring in the back country, rather than a frustrating miscommunication trope between the couple. I did feel like the ending felt a bit rushed, with several personal conflicts being introduced and then quickly resolved (and, indeed, the miscommunication trope does rear its ugly head among family members).
Light trigger warnings that I think should be included: Disordered eating–The FMC is a professional athlete with a regimented diet, but goes overboard with her approach to and discussion of food.
I received this through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
Forced proximity
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Golden retriever MMC
HEA
This does not hit as a debut. This hits like a seasoned author writing her 10th novel. The story flowed well and was so engaging. While the time line of the romance is very quick, it still felt very authentic (it takes place over 1 month excluding epilogues) but it didn’t strike as insta-lust which I appreciate. There is obvious attraction but I still felt it was tactfully done.
I liked the dynamic between the hippie minded outdoorsy MMC and the regimented Olympian FMC. The growth of their mindsets is a great element too while they deal with external struggles, independently and together, between family, friends, grief, and failure. Nothing felt misplaced, un-needed or over extended.
With the Winter Olympics coming up (in the real world!) the timing couldn’t have been better for this read. I found I actually learned a bit of technical terms via this story and feel properly hyped to watch the Winter Olympics now!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Golden retriever MMC
HEA
This does not hit as a debut. This hits like a seasoned author writing her 10th novel. The story flowed well and was so engaging. While the time line of the romance is very quick, it still felt very authentic (it takes place over 1 month excluding epilogues) but it didn’t strike as insta-lust which I appreciate. There is obvious attraction but I still felt it was tactfully done.
I liked the dynamic between the hippie minded outdoorsy MMC and the regimented Olympian FMC. The growth of their mindsets is a great element too while they deal with external struggles, independently and together, between family, friends, grief, and failure. Nothing felt misplaced, un-needed or over extended.
With the Winter Olympics coming up (in the real world!) the timing couldn’t have been better for this read. I found I actually learned a bit of technical terms via this story and feel properly hyped to watch the Winter Olympics now!
February 26, 2026
“I might, uh, not, um, get to the summit.” “That is totally okay, if you don’t…get to the summit. But I want it really bad. I want to spend time at all the base camps, to be well and truly ready to push to the top. I’m not taking you to eight thousand meters without getting you to the peak of Everest, Kit.”
What started off as a captivating, light-hearted, opposites attract romance between two professional athletes turned into the most beautiful story about what you are willing to risk for love 🥹 This was such a wonderful debut and I really didn’t want it to end!
Kit Schuster is a driven, regimented and decorated Olympic Alpine Skier who is feeling the pressure of rookies coming for her standing. So she changes course and decides to compete in the brand new event of Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) in the upcoming Olympics in Italy. Determined to train with the best, she spends the next several weeks living alone with Asher McClendon - a laid back, Ski Mountaineering legend who wants nothing more than to shake some life back into her icy demeanour.
Kit and Asher couldn’t be more opposite and when they are forced together in close proximity, alone in the mountains to train for a month, it creates the perfect setting for witty banter and a slow burn romance that hit the mark at every turn. I loved seeing Kit soften her regimented, intense lifestyle as the book went on; revealing more and more of her true self in the company of Asher’s friends and family. Asher’s laid-back personality was infectious, as was the merry band of friends we are introduced to. I LOVED how forthcoming he was about his feelings towards Kit and how their attraction ramped up the more time they spent together.
This book is definitely a sports romance through and through. PERFECT for ski or adventure lovers or new-to-Skimo fans like me who learned so much from Kit & Asher’s training ⛷️ It’s clear that Julie knows the intricacies of this endurance sport like no other and it absolutely read like a love story to the tenacity of these athletes. The latter half of this book really tests the MCs and I was so gripped by the story! Julie’s writing is so engrossing, a true rollercoaster of emotions, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages so fast to see what happens next.
Off Course is a fantastic debut novel that’s perfect for readers who love skiing & the Olympics, who look for sport in “sports romance” and who melt for spicy slow burns that are so worth the wait!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing Company for the ARC 🫶🏻
February 23, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Turner Publishing Company and author Julie Cook for the e-ARC in exchange for honest review.
Being ski and alps-obsessed, I jumped at the opportunity to read this book as soon as I saw it!
I just loved the portrayal of Kit’s intense ski training/eating/sleeping regime (planned down to minutes within her day) - it really captured the insane commitment and intensity of life as an elite athlete! The balance of Asher’s bought yin to Kit’s yan, being an elite athlete himself who trains hard but has maintained peripheral vision on the other important parts of life that he values.
When Kit stays with Asher to train for a month in her off season for the new Olympic sport of ski mountaineering, I fell in love with Asher and how amenable he was to her strict routine and laser focus. I have NEVER read a MMC with such incredible communication and I’m so here for more!!!
I just loved their slow burn to steamy romance and all the changes, hurdles and challenges along the way.
This is Julie Cook’s debut novel - and I cannot speak highly enough about all the technical knowledge and vocabulary relating to ski racing and mountaineering. I love that the setting takes place in the States near Tahoe, in the Dolomites/Cortina, with places close to my heart like Courchevel and even home (Australia) being linked in!
Off Course is available from August 4, 2026.
Being ski and alps-obsessed, I jumped at the opportunity to read this book as soon as I saw it!
I just loved the portrayal of Kit’s intense ski training/eating/sleeping regime (planned down to minutes within her day) - it really captured the insane commitment and intensity of life as an elite athlete! The balance of Asher’s bought yin to Kit’s yan, being an elite athlete himself who trains hard but has maintained peripheral vision on the other important parts of life that he values.
When Kit stays with Asher to train for a month in her off season for the new Olympic sport of ski mountaineering, I fell in love with Asher and how amenable he was to her strict routine and laser focus. I have NEVER read a MMC with such incredible communication and I’m so here for more!!!
I just loved their slow burn to steamy romance and all the changes, hurdles and challenges along the way.
This is Julie Cook’s debut novel - and I cannot speak highly enough about all the technical knowledge and vocabulary relating to ski racing and mountaineering. I love that the setting takes place in the States near Tahoe, in the Dolomites/Cortina, with places close to my heart like Courchevel and even home (Australia) being linked in!
Off Course is available from August 4, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up Off Course for one reason: romance with the promise of competitive ski mountaineering, newly minted as an Olympic discipline. Now, that sounded like a refreshing premise—high stakes, extreme environments, the psychological grit of elite athletes. Unfortunately, that promise is never fulfilled.
The opening didn’t inspire much confidence. It leaned heavily on insta-attraction, sprinkled in tired clichés (yes, the veiny arms make an appearance almost on page one), and lingered far too long on lengthy explanations about gear that drain all momentum from the opening chapters. Still, I went on.
Before long, the snow-covered world and the thrill of mountaineering fade into the background as the story channels most of its energy into a romance bordering on erotica. The pacing doesn’t benefit from the frequent detours into meticulously detailed food restrictions and routines either, the repetition becoming hard to ignore (yes, the diet is strict, message received). After a while, these passages read more like filler than meaningful character or plot development. Not to mention that the imbalance in detail is increasingly frustrating. Pages are devoted to meal menus and discipline while Asher’s supposedly extraordinary mountaineering experiences are brushed past in a couple of lines like an afterthought. Adventures in Chamonix, Denali, even Antarctica, that should immerse the reader are reduced to mere mentions, creating a persistent sense of distance and missed opportunity.
And the love story? Let’s just say the phrase “I love you” works overtime (twenty-one times, but who’s counting), a reliance on telling rather than showing. Declarations of love arrive long before the characters know anything meaningful about each other. It’s not the speed of the romance that strains credibility—readers can accept whirlwind love—but the lack of emotional groundwork. We’re told the characters share a profound connection, yet rarely shown the specific moments that would make it believable. I mean, come one, Kit herself admits, “He can’t love me — he doesn’t know me,” which is always an interesting moment: when the protagonist starts voicing the reader’s concerns, something has probably gone structurally astray. Because no, you can’t reduce a relationship to attraction and lust. Readers don’t want the autopsy. We want the heartbeat. And when Kit says that it’s “one step away from Stockholm syndrome.” Ha, OMG! This is intellectually clever, granted, but isn’t it, like, emotionally distancing?
Even the big dramatic beats feel preloaded. Avalanche? Of course there’s an avalanche. Rescue taking “hours”? Convenient, if not entirely convincing for such a well-serviced Alpine area. By then, surprise is no longer part of the experience.
I kept reading — truly, I did — because I was waiting for the skiing and Olympic storyline to finally take center stage. After all, how cool is it to read about a brand-new Olympic event before it even happens? But that long-awaited thread is relegated to a brief, oddly muted epilogue, as if the novel suddenly remembered its own premise at the finish line.
In the end, this is a story we’ve all read a thousand times — only many versions have done it with more depth, more tension, and far greater emotional credibility. What could have been an adrenaline-charged, immersive novel settles instead for a very conventional romance with a scenic backdrop. Not terrible — just profoundly forgettable.
The opening didn’t inspire much confidence. It leaned heavily on insta-attraction, sprinkled in tired clichés (yes, the veiny arms make an appearance almost on page one), and lingered far too long on lengthy explanations about gear that drain all momentum from the opening chapters. Still, I went on.
Before long, the snow-covered world and the thrill of mountaineering fade into the background as the story channels most of its energy into a romance bordering on erotica. The pacing doesn’t benefit from the frequent detours into meticulously detailed food restrictions and routines either, the repetition becoming hard to ignore (yes, the diet is strict, message received). After a while, these passages read more like filler than meaningful character or plot development. Not to mention that the imbalance in detail is increasingly frustrating. Pages are devoted to meal menus and discipline while Asher’s supposedly extraordinary mountaineering experiences are brushed past in a couple of lines like an afterthought. Adventures in Chamonix, Denali, even Antarctica, that should immerse the reader are reduced to mere mentions, creating a persistent sense of distance and missed opportunity.
And the love story? Let’s just say the phrase “I love you” works overtime (twenty-one times, but who’s counting), a reliance on telling rather than showing. Declarations of love arrive long before the characters know anything meaningful about each other. It’s not the speed of the romance that strains credibility—readers can accept whirlwind love—but the lack of emotional groundwork. We’re told the characters share a profound connection, yet rarely shown the specific moments that would make it believable. I mean, come one, Kit herself admits, “He can’t love me — he doesn’t know me,” which is always an interesting moment: when the protagonist starts voicing the reader’s concerns, something has probably gone structurally astray. Because no, you can’t reduce a relationship to attraction and lust. Readers don’t want the autopsy. We want the heartbeat. And when Kit says that it’s “one step away from Stockholm syndrome.” Ha, OMG! This is intellectually clever, granted, but isn’t it, like, emotionally distancing?
Even the big dramatic beats feel preloaded. Avalanche? Of course there’s an avalanche. Rescue taking “hours”? Convenient, if not entirely convincing for such a well-serviced Alpine area. By then, surprise is no longer part of the experience.
I kept reading — truly, I did — because I was waiting for the skiing and Olympic storyline to finally take center stage. After all, how cool is it to read about a brand-new Olympic event before it even happens? But that long-awaited thread is relegated to a brief, oddly muted epilogue, as if the novel suddenly remembered its own premise at the finish line.
In the end, this is a story we’ve all read a thousand times — only many versions have done it with more depth, more tension, and far greater emotional credibility. What could have been an adrenaline-charged, immersive novel settles instead for a very conventional romance with a scenic backdrop. Not terrible — just profoundly forgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*service presse numérique (ARC)*
4/5⭐️
Off Course by Julie Cook
This was such a refreshing sports romance.
First, I loved that the FMC is the elite athlete. Kit is an Olympic downhill skier who decides to train for a brand-new Olympic event: ski mountaineering. She is disciplined, intense, and very focused. Her whole life is planned around training, food, sleep, and performance. You can really feel the pressure she lives under.
Asher is the opposite. He is a risk-taking ski mountaineer who grew up climbing and skiing extreme mountains. He is more relaxed, open, and emotionally available. I loved the contrast between them.
The forced proximity works so well. Kit stays in Asher’s guest cabin to train, and they spend almost all their time together : workouts, recovery, cooking, mountain trips. Their relationship grows naturally through these small daily moments.
I really appreciated that most of the tension comes from sport and ambition, not stupid miscommunication. The challenges feel real: competition, fear of failure, career pressure, and the risks of extreme sports.
The skiing details are very present. Sometimes it feels technical, but it also makes the story authentic. You can tell the author knows what she’s writing about.
Their chemistry is strong, and the romance is steamy but still emotional. Asher communicates his feelings clearly, which I loved. No toxic behavior, no games : just two ambitious people trying to figure out love and career at the same time.
My only small issue is that the ending felt a little rushed. Some conflicts are introduced and solved quite quickly.
Overall, this is a great debut. If you love winter sports, the Olympics, forced proximity, and strong female athletes, this is for you.
With all my love,
Ur Lina ❄️
4/5⭐️
Off Course by Julie Cook
This was such a refreshing sports romance.
First, I loved that the FMC is the elite athlete. Kit is an Olympic downhill skier who decides to train for a brand-new Olympic event: ski mountaineering. She is disciplined, intense, and very focused. Her whole life is planned around training, food, sleep, and performance. You can really feel the pressure she lives under.
Asher is the opposite. He is a risk-taking ski mountaineer who grew up climbing and skiing extreme mountains. He is more relaxed, open, and emotionally available. I loved the contrast between them.
The forced proximity works so well. Kit stays in Asher’s guest cabin to train, and they spend almost all their time together : workouts, recovery, cooking, mountain trips. Their relationship grows naturally through these small daily moments.
I really appreciated that most of the tension comes from sport and ambition, not stupid miscommunication. The challenges feel real: competition, fear of failure, career pressure, and the risks of extreme sports.
The skiing details are very present. Sometimes it feels technical, but it also makes the story authentic. You can tell the author knows what she’s writing about.
Their chemistry is strong, and the romance is steamy but still emotional. Asher communicates his feelings clearly, which I loved. No toxic behavior, no games : just two ambitious people trying to figure out love and career at the same time.
My only small issue is that the ending felt a little rushed. Some conflicts are introduced and solved quite quickly.
Overall, this is a great debut. If you love winter sports, the Olympics, forced proximity, and strong female athletes, this is for you.
With all my love,
Ur Lina ❄️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A stunning debut with great writing and so much detail on skiing that I feel educated.
It's really well-written, both in terms of the language itself, and the general structure of everything. These characters live and breathe different types of skiing and it shows in their way of thinking or speaking, which is a level of detail I'm jealous of being able to write. And everything is so well-described it feels like a textbook sometimes, in a good way. The whole premise is also very fresh and executed flawlessly.
I had no trouble sympathizing with the characters and enjoying how different they were. Kit's craving for normalcy was heart-breaking at times, and Asher's openness and communication skills were disarmingly adorable. I need more people who just say the things they're feeling right as they feel them.
I liked the whole cast of side-characters, but especially the fact that the parents weren't some villains, as they so often are in books, instead being shown as people who can make mistakes as well and ultimately just want what's best for their children.
The 'smaller' things I enjoyed were Kit's thoughts when they finally got to the hardest part of her training (nothing made her more human in my eyes than those), the conflict near the end (both sides are perfectly valid and understandable to me), and the second epilogue (especially the Quinn-related stuff).
Overall, if you're looking for something fresh in the sports romance world - Julie Cook's got you.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for letting me read the ARC!
It's really well-written, both in terms of the language itself, and the general structure of everything. These characters live and breathe different types of skiing and it shows in their way of thinking or speaking, which is a level of detail I'm jealous of being able to write. And everything is so well-described it feels like a textbook sometimes, in a good way. The whole premise is also very fresh and executed flawlessly.
I had no trouble sympathizing with the characters and enjoying how different they were. Kit's craving for normalcy was heart-breaking at times, and Asher's openness and communication skills were disarmingly adorable. I need more people who just say the things they're feeling right as they feel them.
I liked the whole cast of side-characters, but especially the fact that the parents weren't some villains, as they so often are in books, instead being shown as people who can make mistakes as well and ultimately just want what's best for their children.
The 'smaller' things I enjoyed were Kit's thoughts when they finally got to the hardest part of her training (nothing made her more human in my eyes than those), the conflict near the end (both sides are perfectly valid and understandable to me), and the second epilogue (especially the Quinn-related stuff).
Overall, if you're looking for something fresh in the sports romance world - Julie Cook's got you.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for letting me read the ARC!
February 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book couldn't have come at a better time with the Winter Olympics having started already. As a skier I was immediately drawn to the synopsis and the start of the book had me hooked. I didn't appreciate Kit at the beginning, but she grew on me. I liked how she was willing to throw herself in a completely new sport to challenge herself, although her motivations were not the best. Archer is a nice character, a great friend and I really loved his relationship with his family, they were all great. Absolutely love the cover.
What didn't work for me was the insta-lust and basically insta-love the two main character had and in general the lack of depth given to things that I thought could be very interesting, like Archer's travels around the world. I also would have dialed back on the technical terms for each sport and maybe given more attention to Kit's experiencing the sports. I also would have liked to read more about Kit's struggles with her family and how she overcame that.
Regarding Kit and Archer's relationship, I usually enjoy spicy scenes in books, but this time something didn't work for me, I found myself skipping ahead. Maybe it was just the speed at which everything happened.
Overall it was an easy read, perfect for this month and I'm glad I got the chance to know Kit and Archer. I think it would be a perfect book for people that don't mind characters falling in love very quickly.
This book couldn't have come at a better time with the Winter Olympics having started already. As a skier I was immediately drawn to the synopsis and the start of the book had me hooked. I didn't appreciate Kit at the beginning, but she grew on me. I liked how she was willing to throw herself in a completely new sport to challenge herself, although her motivations were not the best. Archer is a nice character, a great friend and I really loved his relationship with his family, they were all great. Absolutely love the cover.
What didn't work for me was the insta-lust and basically insta-love the two main character had and in general the lack of depth given to things that I thought could be very interesting, like Archer's travels around the world. I also would have dialed back on the technical terms for each sport and maybe given more attention to Kit's experiencing the sports. I also would have liked to read more about Kit's struggles with her family and how she overcame that.
Regarding Kit and Archer's relationship, I usually enjoy spicy scenes in books, but this time something didn't work for me, I found myself skipping ahead. Maybe it was just the speed at which everything happened.
Overall it was an easy read, perfect for this month and I'm glad I got the chance to know Kit and Archer. I think it would be a perfect book for people that don't mind characters falling in love very quickly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️
-Sports Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Trainer/Trainee
Thank you so much to Turner Publishing Company, Keylight Books, NetGalley and the author for this eARC!
This was such a cute sports romance and the perfect cozy pick for winter. I actually read it during the 2026 Winter Olympics, so it was extra fun to be following similar sports in real time while diving into the story.
I loved the forced proximity between Kit and Asher, and the trainer/trainee dynamic felt fresh and engaging. I’m also a sucker for dual POV, so getting both of their perspectives made the romance even more fun to sink into.
The opposites attract energy worked so well here, and Kit and Asher’s banter was a highlight for me (loved the nickname Snaily!). I also really enjoyed the look into Olympic level training and the years of work it takes to reach the top. A few details got a bit technical at times if you’re not familiar with competitive skiing, but it still added authenticity to the story.
Kit’s character growth was especially satisfying to watch, and I loved seeing her navigate and eventually find her place within Asher’s family dynamic. His whole cast of side characters was a delight and added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was a really satisfying debut from Julie Cook!
-Sports Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Trainer/Trainee
Thank you so much to Turner Publishing Company, Keylight Books, NetGalley and the author for this eARC!
This was such a cute sports romance and the perfect cozy pick for winter. I actually read it during the 2026 Winter Olympics, so it was extra fun to be following similar sports in real time while diving into the story.
I loved the forced proximity between Kit and Asher, and the trainer/trainee dynamic felt fresh and engaging. I’m also a sucker for dual POV, so getting both of their perspectives made the romance even more fun to sink into.
The opposites attract energy worked so well here, and Kit and Asher’s banter was a highlight for me (loved the nickname Snaily!). I also really enjoyed the look into Olympic level training and the years of work it takes to reach the top. A few details got a bit technical at times if you’re not familiar with competitive skiing, but it still added authenticity to the story.
Kit’s character growth was especially satisfying to watch, and I loved seeing her navigate and eventually find her place within Asher’s family dynamic. His whole cast of side characters was a delight and added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was a really satisfying debut from Julie Cook!
February 27, 2026
3 ⭐️ This not a bad book by any means just not for me. The blurb especially with the recent Winter Olympics sounded like a fun sweet romance. While it was a sweet book, I felt the chemistry between Kit and Asher was a miss for me. It was too much insta-lust. If they had more time to build in their relationship, I would have bought into.
I did enjoy Kit as a character. She is a strong driven FMC who has worked so hard to be a world class skier. Kit had a lot of growth throughout the book and it was nice to see her jump out of her strict routine to enjoy life.
Asher is a nice MMC. Nothing memorable but a sweet guy. He is the complete opposite of Kit so this is perfect if you love opposites attract tropes. I enjoyed how he respected Kit’s insane routine and went with the flow.
Overall, a sweet book but just not for me. Some of the spice was a little cringey to me and there were A LOT of puns lol. If you love a good pun, you will enjoy the plethora in this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Keylight Books for the ARC!
I did enjoy Kit as a character. She is a strong driven FMC who has worked so hard to be a world class skier. Kit had a lot of growth throughout the book and it was nice to see her jump out of her strict routine to enjoy life.
Asher is a nice MMC. Nothing memorable but a sweet guy. He is the complete opposite of Kit so this is perfect if you love opposites attract tropes. I enjoyed how he respected Kit’s insane routine and went with the flow.
Overall, a sweet book but just not for me. Some of the spice was a little cringey to me and there were A LOT of puns lol. If you love a good pun, you will enjoy the plethora in this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Keylight Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley, all opinions are my own!
I was really looking forward to reading this book, especially since it’s set around the time of the Winter Olympics. Ski mountaineering seemed so exciting, and I found it fascinating to learn about how athletes train for these events. It was a completely new sport to me, which even inspired me to dive deep on TikTok. I definitely gained a new level of respect for anyone who competes in the Winter Olympics.
Unfortunately, the story as a whole fell a bit flat for me. Whenever I put it down, I struggled to pick it up. While I understand that the focus on meal restrictions and intense training routines was important to the storyline, it sometimes felt overemphasized. I would have loved more depth in the relationship between Kit and Asher, as their dynamic had so much potential.
There were definitely some good moments, but overall, something just didn’t fully click for me. I really had to push myself to get to the end.
I was really looking forward to reading this book, especially since it’s set around the time of the Winter Olympics. Ski mountaineering seemed so exciting, and I found it fascinating to learn about how athletes train for these events. It was a completely new sport to me, which even inspired me to dive deep on TikTok. I definitely gained a new level of respect for anyone who competes in the Winter Olympics.
Unfortunately, the story as a whole fell a bit flat for me. Whenever I put it down, I struggled to pick it up. While I understand that the focus on meal restrictions and intense training routines was important to the storyline, it sometimes felt overemphasized. I would have loved more depth in the relationship between Kit and Asher, as their dynamic had so much potential.
There were definitely some good moments, but overall, something just didn’t fully click for me. I really had to push myself to get to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kit Schuster es la esquiadora más exitosa de su generación y está acostumbrada a ganar sin levantar la voz ni mirar a nadie a los lados. Cuando la presión mediática y la aparición de una rival más joven empiezan a cuestionar su lugar en la cima, Kit acepta un entrenamiento poco convencional que la saca de su rutina y de su zona segura. En Lake Tahoe conoce a Asher McClendon, un montañista experimentado que vive lejos del ruido, de los rankings y de la necesidad de demostrar algo. Lo que empieza como un acuerdo estrictamente profesional se convierte en una convivencia intensa donde Kit debe enfrentarse no solo a nuevos retos físicos, sino a todo lo que ha dejado de lado por vivir enfocada en ganar. En la montaña, bajar no siempre es lo más difícil y a veces perder el control es la única forma de encontrarse.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
3.5 STARS: I flew through this! Off Course was a refreshing departure from most sports romances circulating in the romance genre. Reading this during the Winter Olympics was lucky, though I think I would have enjoyed it regardless.
I am not always partial to dual-POV romances, but Asher and Kit had distinct, readable voices. Asher's POV was not just lusting after the FMC, and though their relationship progressed quickly, it seemed more realistic because they both were intense personalities and might naturally fall into it headfirst.
I appreciated that Kit was the competitor in this scenario and that Asher's sole purpose as a character was not to ~get her to let loose~, though it happened naturally.
Bottom line: I foresee people really enjoying this. It was well-rounded and a smooth read.
3.5 STARS: I flew through this! Off Course was a refreshing departure from most sports romances circulating in the romance genre. Reading this during the Winter Olympics was lucky, though I think I would have enjoyed it regardless.
I am not always partial to dual-POV romances, but Asher and Kit had distinct, readable voices. Asher's POV was not just lusting after the FMC, and though their relationship progressed quickly, it seemed more realistic because they both were intense personalities and might naturally fall into it headfirst.
I appreciated that Kit was the competitor in this scenario and that Asher's sole purpose as a character was not to ~get her to let loose~, though it happened naturally.
Bottom line: I foresee people really enjoying this. It was well-rounded and a smooth read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had such a great time reading this sports romance! I really appreciated that the female main character is the athlete, it made the story feel fresh and different. The skiing elements were super interesting, and I actually feel like I learned a few things along the way. Even when the technical parts went over my head a bit, it never distracted from the story.
Asher’s straightforward personality was really charming, and I loved the nickname he gave Kit. The humor was spot on and had me smiling a lot while reading. The side characters added so much personality and made the whole story feel lively. Overall, this was a really fun and enjoyable book!
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
Asher’s straightforward personality was really charming, and I loved the nickname he gave Kit. The humor was spot on and had me smiling a lot while reading. The side characters added so much personality and made the whole story feel lively. Overall, this was a really fun and enjoyable book!
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was really excited to get approved for an ARC from Netgalley and this book did not disappoint! I'm very much into a ski setting for any kind of book, and I also love mountaineering, so the combination of elite Olympic ski racer, experienced ski mountaineer, and exciting settings had me hooked. I loved all the characters and felt like Asher and Kit had an instant connection and real chemistry. I also loved seeing their individual growth (especially Kit) throughout the whole book in addition to their growth as a couple. The pacing was perfect, and there was a good split of romance and action. I'm really happy to have discovered a new-to-me author, and can't wait to read more books by Julie Cook!
did-not-finish
February 11, 2026DNF at 36%
I really wanted to give this one a fair shot because the ski mountaineering setting felt unique and immersive. The book opens with strong world-building, and I actually learned what a “powder day” is — which is timely since I’m planning to learn skiing in Hokkaido next year.
That said, the romance leaned heavily into instant attraction and physical chemistry from the start. I personally prefer a slower emotional build-up and deeper relational development, and that connection never quite formed for me.
If you enjoy forced proximity and strong physical tension early on, this might work better for you. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit at this time.
I really wanted to give this one a fair shot because the ski mountaineering setting felt unique and immersive. The book opens with strong world-building, and I actually learned what a “powder day” is — which is timely since I’m planning to learn skiing in Hokkaido next year.
That said, the romance leaned heavily into instant attraction and physical chemistry from the start. I personally prefer a slower emotional build-up and deeper relational development, and that connection never quite formed for me.
If you enjoy forced proximity and strong physical tension early on, this might work better for you. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit at this time.
February 28, 2026
This was a fantastic book to pick up right as the Winter Olympics are winding down.
Kit is a driven athlete who is a the top of her game and who always pushes for more. She is unapologetic about who she is and what her professional goals are, and I loved following her.
I really appreciated how Asher was around her. There was no toxic masculinity or male fragility, he simply respected and admired her and what she has done for her sport. The mutual respect they both had for each other was great.
The large majority of the story is centred around the training portion of the sport, in an isolated-ish setting. I would’ve liked to see more of the competition side of the sport. There is a lot of talk of the competition circuit and the Olympics, but I feel like there wasn’t enough of the book set during those events.
With that being said, the setting was great and I enjoyed following Kit in an environment that allowed her to relax and discover (or rediscover in some instances!) new people and new relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kit is a driven athlete who is a the top of her game and who always pushes for more. She is unapologetic about who she is and what her professional goals are, and I loved following her.
I really appreciated how Asher was around her. There was no toxic masculinity or male fragility, he simply respected and admired her and what she has done for her sport. The mutual respect they both had for each other was great.
The large majority of the story is centred around the training portion of the sport, in an isolated-ish setting. I would’ve liked to see more of the competition side of the sport. There is a lot of talk of the competition circuit and the Olympics, but I feel like there wasn’t enough of the book set during those events.
With that being said, the setting was great and I enjoyed following Kit in an environment that allowed her to relax and discover (or rediscover in some instances!) new people and new relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was so fun and unique! I loved reading about a sport not often seen in books. I had never heard of ski mountaineering. It was really interesting to read about the training and see the characters out in the back country. The perfect set-up for some forced proximity!
I love Julie Cook's writing style. I loved the banter between Asher and his friends and family. I did find the banter between Kit and Asher in the bedroom to be cringey. A lot of mountaineering double entendres.
Overall this is a fantastic debut novel and I'm excited to see what Julie Cook writes next!
Thank you to Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest opinion.
I love Julie Cook's writing style. I loved the banter between Asher and his friends and family. I did find the banter between Kit and Asher in the bedroom to be cringey. A lot of mountaineering double entendres.
Overall this is a fantastic debut novel and I'm excited to see what Julie Cook writes next!
Thank you to Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was enthralled by the concept of this book. I am, for some unknown reason, a huge fan of the Olympics. I love learning about the obscure Olympic sports and color me intrigued by SkiMo.
The characters are likable, the plot is interesting enough to keep you reading, the romance is cute and relatable, the spice better than average.
Altogether this was the perfect palette cleanser after and incredible stressful book. I HIGHLY recommend for when you want to turn your brain off and enjoy and cute story with a unique background 😁
Thanks to NetGalley, Julie Cook, and Keylight books for letting me get my hands on this one early!
The characters are likable, the plot is interesting enough to keep you reading, the romance is cute and relatable, the spice better than average.
Altogether this was the perfect palette cleanser after and incredible stressful book. I HIGHLY recommend for when you want to turn your brain off and enjoy and cute story with a unique background 😁
Thanks to NetGalley, Julie Cook, and Keylight books for letting me get my hands on this one early!
February 9, 2026
The perfect read while watching Winter Olympics! The two types of skiing paralleled with the characters’ personalities are so well done, and developed to show the dangers of both speed and the wilderness unknowns. The spice is definitely there in this one, and some of it felt forced or unnecessary. I learned so much about athletes, risk-taking, and really what it takes to be at the mastery level they both are at. An overall, good winter read to see that sometimes, not taking a risk at all is the worst mistake we can make.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can’t say I really liked this book. I found Kit to be very childish throughout but also sometimes quite needlessly vulgar. She was also very selfish at the end of the book, not really a very likeable character.
The characters first meeting and early interactions were cringey to the point of feeling secondhand embarrassment. I also found the sex scenes to be quite awkward.
Finally, early in the book I found Kit and Asher to be too confusing of names as they’re both androgynous names and Kit in particular I’ve actually only heard as a guy’s name so in the early chapters I was getting a bit mistaken on who was who.
All in all I struggled to get through the book.
The characters first meeting and early interactions were cringey to the point of feeling secondhand embarrassment. I also found the sex scenes to be quite awkward.
Finally, early in the book I found Kit and Asher to be too confusing of names as they’re both androgynous names and Kit in particular I’ve actually only heard as a guy’s name so in the early chapters I was getting a bit mistaken on who was who.
All in all I struggled to get through the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an advance read of this novel and can’t recommend it enough to others when it comes out. Julie Cook’s writing is phenomenal - full stop. Wildly entertaining, definitely has the full pay off while also being intellectually stimulating. I felt like I learned the ins and outs of competitive skiing and mountaineering while also falling in love with the characters. Well done! Can’t wait to read more of Julie’s work!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher and for the advance company receive.
The story was a pleasant surprise. I always enjoy a reverse grumpy sunshine story and Julie presented in a very nice way. It was fun to see how Kit slowly adapts coming from a very structured life to the more laid back Asher Personality. He never forces her but gives her space.
Their force proximity is also a fun add one.
I read this while enjoying the Olympics to add to the ambiance.
The story was a pleasant surprise. I always enjoy a reverse grumpy sunshine story and Julie presented in a very nice way. It was fun to see how Kit slowly adapts coming from a very structured life to the more laid back Asher Personality. He never forces her but gives her space.
Their force proximity is also a fun add one.
I read this while enjoying the Olympics to add to the ambiance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s only fitting to read a winter Olympic skiing romance book during the Winter Olympics. I enjoyed this book learning more about skiing and ski mountaineering and watching Kit and Asher fall for each other. It took a minute for Kit and Asher to figure out that they balance each other and that together they can have each other and still do the things they love.
Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback
Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback
March 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read an eARC of Pff Course! I’m giving this a 3.25 stars! While I enjoy a book that doesn’t have too much dragging on, I wish this one had more to it! I liked Kit and Asher they are great! I wish there had been more yearning or build up to their relationship. It felt like a few of the plot points were a little rushed but overall I enjoyed this! I’m looking forward to reading more from Julie Cook!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fantastic read and my very first book by Julie Cook. I love how captivating the story and characters are—it made me want to finish the book even faster, especially during an Olympic year!
Thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE EXACT KIND OF COUPLE I ALWAYS WANT TO READ ABOUT - HER, CLOSED OFF AND DRIVEN AND SCARILY COMPETENT, HIM, SWEET AND ENDLESSLY PATIENT AND EQUALLY COMPETENT IN A WAY THAT CHALLENGES HER; I ALMOST FELT LIKE I COULD SKI 95MPH DOWNHILL AFTER READING THIS BOOK BUT I’VE SEEN SIGOURNEY WEAVER IN WORKING GIRL SO I WON’T
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed the book. The characters are well written; Asher is a great MMC, and you can clearly see how Kit opens up to the world step by step. Moreover, I quite liked the skiing and Olympic theme.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An incredible debut novel! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a spicy, sweet, fun story with a lot of heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews