Holy Olympic-sized tangle of emotions.
I don’t know if I was fully prepared going in for the myriad of relationships and complications this story contains. First of all, I didn’t realize it was a poly romance - and that’s on me for not paying better attention - but diving in headfirst probably allowed me to have the most natural reaction possible. No anticipation or expectations, other than lots of curling, a race for the podium, and a HEA. I can confidently say it delivers on all three.
Second, the complexity and intricacy of dynamics are intriguing. There are family connections, professional connections, romantic connections…all ebbing and flowing at each step of this journey. Pair that with the representation, unique characters, and complicated situations, and this book is captivating.
From the start, the story goes pretty hard setting up the relationship between Perry and Evan. They’re so in love and rock solid that I kind of wondered why they even needed a third partner, but this is where the set up is crucial. Jaime Samms does a terrific job highlighting what’s working and what’s not, inserting just enough uncertainty to show how maybe someone could fill the gaps. Or at least pique their interest, because they’re in love but definitely sense an incompleteness.
Enter Alan Channing.
Alan’s conflict is all about curling - he has his hands full with his Olympic prospects and the Darren Twins. The Darren Twins…they’re the kind of guys you love to hate: pretentious, entitled, and conceited. Not a single redeemable quality about them. Needless to say, finding the perfect guy - or in this case, guys - really could not come at a more complicated time.
If I had to pick a word to describe this one, it’d be messy, and by that, I mean there are emotions everywhere. (Thankfully Michael’s a licensed therapist.😮💨) The do they/don’t they of it all is the least of their worries; things get a bit angsty as they navigate the stress, tension, fear, and vulnerability of their Olympic journey. These guys let it all hang out and leave it all on the ice for the chance to have it all.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*