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Gravity #3
Shooting for the Stars
For one night she had everything.
Pro snowboarder Stella Lazarus has always loved her brother's best friend. But the one time she tried to show him, she was shot down faster than you can say "competitor disqualified."
Until one blissful night in Tahoe, when Stella finally gets her man.
Or does she? In the morning, Stella and Bear wake up to horrible news. The sort that sends them racing back to Vermont, and straight into the arms of guilt and family obligations.
For all of Bryan “Bear” Barry’s life, three natural laws held true: his best friend Hank was destined for greatness, Hank’s sister Stella was off-limits, and Bear would always manage to negotiate the rocky paths that life threw his way. In the space of two days, that’s all shattered.
Bear can't believe he slipped up so badly with Stella. Even if his best friend wasn’t lying broken in a hospital bed, it would still be unforgivable. Determined to do better, he devotes himself to his friend's recovery, denying himself the very person he loves. And the very thing he needs.
Pro snowboarder Stella Lazarus has always loved her brother's best friend. But the one time she tried to show him, she was shot down faster than you can say "competitor disqualified."
Until one blissful night in Tahoe, when Stella finally gets her man.
Or does she? In the morning, Stella and Bear wake up to horrible news. The sort that sends them racing back to Vermont, and straight into the arms of guilt and family obligations.
For all of Bryan “Bear” Barry’s life, three natural laws held true: his best friend Hank was destined for greatness, Hank’s sister Stella was off-limits, and Bear would always manage to negotiate the rocky paths that life threw his way. In the space of two days, that’s all shattered.
Bear can't believe he slipped up so badly with Stella. Even if his best friend wasn’t lying broken in a hospital bed, it would still be unforgivable. Determined to do better, he devotes himself to his friend's recovery, denying himself the very person he loves. And the very thing he needs.
ebook
First published March 16, 2015
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About the author
Sarina Bowen
105 books18.9k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
January 29, 2019
4 Stars
I love a good falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend romance, and this one hit all my buttons.
Stella Lazarus has been in love with Bryan “Bear” Barry practically her entire life. As her brother’s best friend, Bear has been an honorary member of the Lazarus family since they were little kids. As they grew older, Stella tried her best to catch Bear’s eye in more than a familial/friendly kind of way, but the man remained stubborn to a fault, always turning down her advances, much to Stella’s devastation and mortification.
Bear adores Stella, he really does, but due to his unwavering belief that he’s not good enough for someone as amazing as her, he has always kept a lid on any attraction he may harbor. Plus, he tries to abide strictly to the time-honored guy code, wherein thou shall not hit the sheets with thy best friend’s little sister.
When the two finally succumb to their attraction one night while out celebrating Stella’s first major snowboarding win, Stella dares to hope that all of her dreams are finally coming true. But when they wake the next morning to the news that Hank (Stella’s brother/Bear’s bestie) has been in a major snowboarding accident (see book two), they rush to his side, putting an abrupt and heartbreaking end to what they started the night before.
The story goes on to follow Bear as he throws himself into rebuilding his new life post-snowboarding career, while Stella continues to work her ass off to fund her way through various snowboarding competitions to build her own name in the sport. They spend a good amount of time avoiding one another after their sexy rendezvous, but eventually the two find solid ground again in their friendship, helped along by their determination to fully support Hank in his physical and mental recovery. As they begin to get their personal lives in order, Bear finally begins to admit to himself, and finally to Stella, that what he feels for her is mutual and well worth the risks involved in becoming more than friends.
There was a lot of time spent apart in the middle of this story, and although this is something that would usually annoy me in my romance reads, it worked for me here. I felt Stella’s heartbreak over the thought of never truly getting to be with Bear, but I also completely understood why Bear was so hesitant to let himself feel everything he could feel for her. It certainly helped that from the moment they spent their first night together neither character was with anybody else, even though the story spanned something like a year and a half from first night together through to the eventual love confessions. I loved that even though they weren’t together-together for most of the story, their hearts were still in it and neither even considered being with anyone else.
I most definitely recommend reading order be followed for fuller comprehension, especially seeing as most of this story overlaps directly with events from book two, while also heavily featuring past MC Hank as a secondary character.
Shooting for the Stars was a great ending to the series and definitely my favourite of the three! Bear and Stella were absolutely lovely. <3
I love a good falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend romance, and this one hit all my buttons.
Stella Lazarus has been in love with Bryan “Bear” Barry practically her entire life. As her brother’s best friend, Bear has been an honorary member of the Lazarus family since they were little kids. As they grew older, Stella tried her best to catch Bear’s eye in more than a familial/friendly kind of way, but the man remained stubborn to a fault, always turning down her advances, much to Stella’s devastation and mortification.
Bear adores Stella, he really does, but due to his unwavering belief that he’s not good enough for someone as amazing as her, he has always kept a lid on any attraction he may harbor. Plus, he tries to abide strictly to the time-honored guy code, wherein thou shall not hit the sheets with thy best friend’s little sister.
When the two finally succumb to their attraction one night while out celebrating Stella’s first major snowboarding win, Stella dares to hope that all of her dreams are finally coming true. But when they wake the next morning to the news that Hank (Stella’s brother/Bear’s bestie) has been in a major snowboarding accident (see book two), they rush to his side, putting an abrupt and heartbreaking end to what they started the night before.
The story goes on to follow Bear as he throws himself into rebuilding his new life post-snowboarding career, while Stella continues to work her ass off to fund her way through various snowboarding competitions to build her own name in the sport. They spend a good amount of time avoiding one another after their sexy rendezvous, but eventually the two find solid ground again in their friendship, helped along by their determination to fully support Hank in his physical and mental recovery. As they begin to get their personal lives in order, Bear finally begins to admit to himself, and finally to Stella, that what he feels for her is mutual and well worth the risks involved in becoming more than friends.
There was a lot of time spent apart in the middle of this story, and although this is something that would usually annoy me in my romance reads, it worked for me here. I felt Stella’s heartbreak over the thought of never truly getting to be with Bear, but I also completely understood why Bear was so hesitant to let himself feel everything he could feel for her. It certainly helped that from the moment they spent their first night together neither character was with anybody else, even though the story spanned something like a year and a half from first night together through to the eventual love confessions. I loved that even though they weren’t together-together for most of the story, their hearts were still in it and neither even considered being with anyone else.
I most definitely recommend reading order be followed for fuller comprehension, especially seeing as most of this story overlaps directly with events from book two, while also heavily featuring past MC Hank as a secondary character.
Shooting for the Stars was a great ending to the series and definitely my favourite of the three! Bear and Stella were absolutely lovely. <3
March 10, 2015
**Shooting for the Stars generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
3 "There was only Stella." Stars
After reading and loving book two in this series featuring Callie and Hank I couldn't wait to get my hands on the story between Stella Lazarus and Bear. Sarina Bowen never fails to write a fast-paced story with independent characters who struggle with themselves before they can fully realize what they have in each other.
Stella and Bear have known each other since they were kids. Bear being the only person who's always just really seen Stella for exactly who she is and who she's become. He doesn't make excuses for her perceived weaknesses like others, he sees the best in her, believes the best in her. For as long as Stella remembers Bear has been it for her. He's a man she's so in tune with she can't see anyone else. Being rocks in each other's lives has kept them connected. But Bear is Stella's brother best friend so of course seeing her as his buddy's little sister is hard to overcome. Not to mention the fact he thinks she's better than him.
Their story waxed and waned for me as far as my interest. For some reason I felt it drug on without too much happening. Towards the end is when I really felt connected to them as a couple and starting believing in their attraction. I enjoyed how the story wove together Hank's story and of course I enjoyed the glimpses into Callie and Hank's future as well as the epilogue of Stella and Bear.
It's a solid read from Sarina Bowen. This author has made me a fan of her writing and her characters. These are people, if I were a winter sports kind of girl, that I would want to hang out with. They are real people with real issues.
October 5, 2017
Audible Review: I can't tell you how happy I am that this author choose a male and female narrator. Both Noel Harrison and Emma Wilder did a great job with the narration. Really good voice acting from both of them and I would listen to more of their work.
Story Review: This book was about Stella overcoming leukemia as a child, battling the man's world of profession snowboarding to make a name for herself and her life long love for Bear. Then we have her brother Hank who is a celebrated professional snowboarder who suddenly loses his career in a snowboarding accident. And last but not least, Bear. Bear is Hank's best friend and also a professional snowboarder. Bear's career isn't as good as Hank's and not only has to deal with him being dropped from the tour but also trying to be the best friend he can be for Hank, all the while dealing with his infatuation with Stella.
I loved Bear! He was such a great character and even though he kept Stella at arms length for most of the book, he was so good to her. He was protective and respectful with not only her, but really everyone. It seemed he was just a good guy all around.
Stella was a heroine I could respect. I loved that she was just as much of an adventure seeker as her brother and Bear. Plus, she has loved Bear her whole life and instead of wallowing about it she had courage and put herself out there and made the first move...and the second move.
There was a lot of heart to this story. These were good people dealing with real life issues. The author did a good job of providing us with characters that you can respect and want to root for. This is a safe read with no cheating or abuse, plus a really great epilogue.
Story Review: This book was about Stella overcoming leukemia as a child, battling the man's world of profession snowboarding to make a name for herself and her life long love for Bear. Then we have her brother Hank who is a celebrated professional snowboarder who suddenly loses his career in a snowboarding accident. And last but not least, Bear. Bear is Hank's best friend and also a professional snowboarder. Bear's career isn't as good as Hank's and not only has to deal with him being dropped from the tour but also trying to be the best friend he can be for Hank, all the while dealing with his infatuation with Stella.
I loved Bear! He was such a great character and even though he kept Stella at arms length for most of the book, he was so good to her. He was protective and respectful with not only her, but really everyone. It seemed he was just a good guy all around.
Stella was a heroine I could respect. I loved that she was just as much of an adventure seeker as her brother and Bear. Plus, she has loved Bear her whole life and instead of wallowing about it she had courage and put herself out there and made the first move...and the second move.
There was a lot of heart to this story. These were good people dealing with real life issues. The author did a good job of providing us with characters that you can respect and want to root for. This is a safe read with no cheating or abuse, plus a really great epilogue.
May 8, 2017
I was really disappointed with this book. It was SO BORING. Honestly, I have no idea how I could have just read such a boring book. I marathoned Sarina Bowen's Ivy Years series and really enjoyed it and was thrilled to see that she also had an adult romance series. Too bad it was a major disappointment overall! Each book was pretty boring tbh.
I feel like this book had bare minimum character development, bare minimum chemistry, bare minimum *sexy time scenes*, bare minimum everything you would want in a romance book. The IDEA of Stella Lazarus as a character is very interesting to me, but she ended up falling really flat. I also liked the idea of Bear, but again, FELL FLAT. They just weren't believable and seemed very two dimensional. Also, I am a huge fan of the "brother's best friend" trope, but even that wasn't very compelling in this book.
I am truly surprised that I found it so boring. I am a very fast reader and because of that I rarely find books boring because in reading so fast there isn't TIME to be bored. Because I've usually flown through whatever sections might be deemed "boring" by other people.
THIS BOOK HOWEVER....I was bored from start to finish!
I will still be adding Sarina Bowen to my list of new adult/romance authors to fall and will be looking forward to all of her new work. It's just unfortunate that this series, especially this book, did nothing for me at all.
I feel like this book had bare minimum character development, bare minimum chemistry, bare minimum *sexy time scenes*, bare minimum everything you would want in a romance book. The IDEA of Stella Lazarus as a character is very interesting to me, but she ended up falling really flat. I also liked the idea of Bear, but again, FELL FLAT. They just weren't believable and seemed very two dimensional. Also, I am a huge fan of the "brother's best friend" trope, but even that wasn't very compelling in this book.
I am truly surprised that I found it so boring. I am a very fast reader and because of that I rarely find books boring because in reading so fast there isn't TIME to be bored. Because I've usually flown through whatever sections might be deemed "boring" by other people.
THIS BOOK HOWEVER....I was bored from start to finish!
I will still be adding Sarina Bowen to my list of new adult/romance authors to fall and will be looking forward to all of her new work. It's just unfortunate that this series, especially this book, did nothing for me at all.
February 6, 2017
4 Bear and Stella Stars
Third and final instalment in the Gravity series, but can be read as a standalone. Finally, we get to see Bear and Stella together. Bear is Hank's best friend and Stella is Hank's little sister. If you, like me, enjoy a friends to lovers theme along with the big brother's best friend trope, then this should be perfect for you.
Bear and Stella have been in love with each other forever but neither thinks the other feels that way. Bear doesn't think he deserves the feisty, spirited and beautiful Stella. In reality, there is no one better suited to her than him. He 'gets' her like no one else (except, perhaps, Hank). I really enjoyed this book - so why not 5 stars? I wanted a bit more of them 'together' and at times I wanted to shove Bear to just sweep Stella off her feet. Bear is incredibly endearing though and I warmed to him greatly. Stella is a strong heroine and when she was sad because she thought her love was unrequited, my kindle heart ached for her.
The ending is adorable. It would be great to have a little novella or something just to catch up with all three couples a bit further down the road.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Third and final instalment in the Gravity series, but can be read as a standalone. Finally, we get to see Bear and Stella together. Bear is Hank's best friend and Stella is Hank's little sister. If you, like me, enjoy a friends to lovers theme along with the big brother's best friend trope, then this should be perfect for you.
Bear and Stella have been in love with each other forever but neither thinks the other feels that way. Bear doesn't think he deserves the feisty, spirited and beautiful Stella. In reality, there is no one better suited to her than him. He 'gets' her like no one else (except, perhaps, Hank). I really enjoyed this book - so why not 5 stars? I wanted a bit more of them 'together' and at times I wanted to shove Bear to just sweep Stella off her feet. Bear is incredibly endearing though and I warmed to him greatly. Stella is a strong heroine and when she was sad because she thought her love was unrequited, my kindle heart ached for her.
The ending is adorable. It would be great to have a little novella or something just to catch up with all three couples a bit further down the road.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
July 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
I love Sarina Bowen's writing.
In this book, Stella (Hank's sister) and Bear (Hank's best friend) are skirting around each other.
Bear thinks Stella is untouchable - best friend's little sister and all that. Plus, he feels he doesn't deserve her.
I loved Stella. She has been through a lot and Bear has been a rock for her.
Sarina Bowen's writing is so easy for me to read. This wasn't my favorite of hers - mainly because I wanted to reach into the book and slap the characters silly and say "TALK TO EACH OTHER." The avoidance and lack of communication was frustrating.
Once they were able to talk, it got better for me.
I loved seeing the other characters.
Bottom line: can't wait for more Sarina Bowen books!!
I love Sarina Bowen's writing.
In this book, Stella (Hank's sister) and Bear (Hank's best friend) are skirting around each other.
Bear thinks Stella is untouchable - best friend's little sister and all that. Plus, he feels he doesn't deserve her.
I loved Stella. She has been through a lot and Bear has been a rock for her.
Sarina Bowen's writing is so easy for me to read. This wasn't my favorite of hers - mainly because I wanted to reach into the book and slap the characters silly and say "TALK TO EACH OTHER." The avoidance and lack of communication was frustrating.
Once they were able to talk, it got better for me.
I loved seeing the other characters.
Bottom line: can't wait for more Sarina Bowen books!!
September 22, 2017
I am a Bowen fan and a fan of this series, and now, I finally get Bear and Stella's story.
Stella had loved Bear since she was a little girl, and man! When you heard her backstory and how Bear stood by her side, you could understand why she loved him. You also hear about when she tried to show him she loved him, and how he rebuffed her efforts. When they finally make that magic connection, their worlds are turned upside down with the news of Hank's accident.
This was a love story that was sooooo many years in the making. I loved Stella's perseverance, and I was rooting for these two to stop resisting and make it happen. And the ending!!! Bowen knows how to make her fans happy. It was a beautiful ending, so thank you Ms. Bowen.
Stella had loved Bear since she was a little girl, and man! When you heard her backstory and how Bear stood by her side, you could understand why she loved him. You also hear about when she tried to show him she loved him, and how he rebuffed her efforts. When they finally make that magic connection, their worlds are turned upside down with the news of Hank's accident.
This was a love story that was sooooo many years in the making. I loved Stella's perseverance, and I was rooting for these two to stop resisting and make it happen. And the ending!!! Bowen knows how to make her fans happy. It was a beautiful ending, so thank you Ms. Bowen.
February 20, 2022
I love Sarina Bowen's storytelling.
The hero (Bear) was a little too down on himself at times, and there were a few slow spots when they talked a bit much about snowboarding or got a little techy about cameras and stuff...but overall I enjoyed the story. Stella and Bear balanced each other out quite well, and I love a good friends to lovers story. And Sarina Bowen's characterizations and dialogue are always first rate, and I know I'm going to get a good story and some heat as well. Nicely done.
4 1/2 stars
The hero (Bear) was a little too down on himself at times, and there were a few slow spots when they talked a bit much about snowboarding or got a little techy about cameras and stuff...but overall I enjoyed the story. Stella and Bear balanced each other out quite well, and I love a good friends to lovers story. And Sarina Bowen's characterizations and dialogue are always first rate, and I know I'm going to get a good story and some heat as well. Nicely done.
4 1/2 stars
March 17, 2018
*3.5 Stars!*
This ending was super cute and I enjoyed the narration for this one.
This ending was super cute and I enjoyed the narration for this one.
December 15, 2015
Well, the most unexpected thing about this book was the timeline. We are taken back to before Hank's accident where he is getting ready to compete and life is so good for him. And Stella and Bear seem to finally be admitting their longtime feelings for each other. When BAM!!!! The accident!! And damn, just knowing that was coming in the beginning had me so anxious (even though I knew the outcome for Hank). Knowing his little sister, Stella, and best friend, Bear, were about to have their world somewhat shattered by this tragedy just killed me to go through again.
Needless to say, after the accident, Bear was heavy with guilt for hooking up with his best friend's sister and I think Stella was in a bit of shock. Bear was losing his spot in the snowboarding competitions after not having enough wins lately, and he was floundering....trying to figure out his next steps in life. And Stella's parents were not as great a support to her with her snowboarding career as they were for Hank's, guess because she's a girl.
As I stated in my last review, Bear was completely committed to helping Hank (and this book now explains why). He was feeling so guilty about Stella, he would do anything to help Hank. Then he comes up with a plan for his future, and Hank's future, and Stella's future........wow! Great story!
Great series, and I actually wish there was more to it. I loved being connected to the winter athletes!
Needless to say, after the accident, Bear was heavy with guilt for hooking up with his best friend's sister and I think Stella was in a bit of shock. Bear was losing his spot in the snowboarding competitions after not having enough wins lately, and he was floundering....trying to figure out his next steps in life. And Stella's parents were not as great a support to her with her snowboarding career as they were for Hank's, guess because she's a girl.
As I stated in my last review, Bear was completely committed to helping Hank (and this book now explains why). He was feeling so guilty about Stella, he would do anything to help Hank. Then he comes up with a plan for his future, and Hank's future, and Stella's future........wow! Great story!
Great series, and I actually wish there was more to it. I loved being connected to the winter athletes!
November 24, 2020
This book wasn’t objectively bad at all. It just wasn’t for me :/
I typically love the brother’s best friend trope but Shooting for the Stars had way too much “will they, won’t they” for my taste. Bear doesn’t communicate at all, and we spend the entire book reading about him avoiding his feelings. Seriously. The ENTIRE book. It became tiring to read. Especially since our MC Stella is super upfront and no-nonsense. Their dynamic just didn’t work for me, and even when we did get a few sweet scenes between the two, they felt inconsistent and out of place.
I also think that this book was trying to accomplish too much in one story. There’s a time jump in the very beginning, and then after that the entire story has weird pacing and passage of time. Suddenly five months had passed and it feel as if I was missing something as a reader.
If I wasn’t listening to this book on audio I probably would have DNFed. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series so I will definitely give those a try in hopes that I enjoy them more.
I typically love the brother’s best friend trope but Shooting for the Stars had way too much “will they, won’t they” for my taste. Bear doesn’t communicate at all, and we spend the entire book reading about him avoiding his feelings. Seriously. The ENTIRE book. It became tiring to read. Especially since our MC Stella is super upfront and no-nonsense. Their dynamic just didn’t work for me, and even when we did get a few sweet scenes between the two, they felt inconsistent and out of place.
I also think that this book was trying to accomplish too much in one story. There’s a time jump in the very beginning, and then after that the entire story has weird pacing and passage of time. Suddenly five months had passed and it feel as if I was missing something as a reader.
If I wasn’t listening to this book on audio I probably would have DNFed. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series so I will definitely give those a try in hopes that I enjoy them more.
March 11, 2015
*ARC kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review*
Sarina Bowen could make me fall in love with every kind of sport she decides to write about.I've loved Shooting for the stars and I'm so fascinated by the snowboarding world right now that I keep watching freeriding video maybe one of them was shot by Bear :D
The most amazing thing of this story is that the snowboarder is a girl and one of the best one.I like Stella so much.I felt her freedom and joy descending those slopes,her need to not be trapped by her brother's shadow and live her life as she prefers,without any plans with the man she loves since her youth.
I would like to live without any fear with a man like Bear too.
January 23, 2018
Ok, this one was REALLY cute.
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, especially friends that have been secretly in love with each other for FOREVER.
I adored Bear. I loved the lengths that he took for friendship, not out of guilt or duty, but out of pure kindness of his heart.
But then there's Stella!! So headstrong, completely fearless(except for when it came to her brother's best friend). I loved the action in this with Stella! I wanted more, so much more, but I loved her adventure side.
I'm going to miss these people. I can't wait for Sarina to come out with another sport romance, because she's amazing at writing them.
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, especially friends that have been secretly in love with each other for FOREVER.
I adored Bear. I loved the lengths that he took for friendship, not out of guilt or duty, but out of pure kindness of his heart.
But then there's Stella!! So headstrong, completely fearless(except for when it came to her brother's best friend). I loved the action in this with Stella! I wanted more, so much more, but I loved her adventure side.
I'm going to miss these people. I can't wait for Sarina to come out with another sport romance, because she's amazing at writing them.
October 10, 2021
3.5 stars
The third book in the Gravity series, this is a really sweet brother’s-best-friend romance.
Stella is the sister of Hank (hero of book #2, Falling From the Sky), and ‘Bear’ is his best friend. Like Hank, Stella and Bear are pro snowboarders, trying hard to make a living doing what they love the most. Stella has been in love with Bear for as long as she can remember, and when a night of celebrating on the tour ends in them spending an incredible night together, she hopes it is the start of something finally between them. But their morning-after is interrupted when her brother is in a devastating accident, and both of their lives are forever changed as a result of it.
It’s over a year later when we see them again (around the same timeframe as Falling from the Sky). Bear’s life is almost unrecognisable, having lost his athletic sponsorship and no longer on the pro circuit, he has dedicated himself to being there for his best friend, and helping him with his recovery while he tries to sort out what to do with his own life. He’s also done his best to avoid Stella, knowing that she is off limits to him and that she deserves better.
When Bear is given the opportunity to make his own snowboarding movie, it looks like his life may be getting back on track, especially when his best friend joins him on the shoot. And when Stella joins the team, the two of them will be all up in each other’s business while they travel, and they’ll finally be forced to confront what happened between them, and the feelings that are still so strong for each other.
It’s a slow burn, but I enjoyed watching Stella and Bear find their way to each other. There’s clearly so much emotion between the two of them, and they have so many feelings that they have to navigate. It may take a while, and it’s a whole lot of ups and downs, but when they finally get there, it’s sexy, swoony and beautifully romantic, and I loved seeing them together.
There’s an epilogue which finishes off their story beautifully, and also provides closure for the series as we get a glimpse of both previous couples living their HEA.
It’s a sweet read, and I really enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.
The third book in the Gravity series, this is a really sweet brother’s-best-friend romance.
Stella is the sister of Hank (hero of book #2, Falling From the Sky), and ‘Bear’ is his best friend. Like Hank, Stella and Bear are pro snowboarders, trying hard to make a living doing what they love the most. Stella has been in love with Bear for as long as she can remember, and when a night of celebrating on the tour ends in them spending an incredible night together, she hopes it is the start of something finally between them. But their morning-after is interrupted when her brother is in a devastating accident, and both of their lives are forever changed as a result of it.
It’s over a year later when we see them again (around the same timeframe as Falling from the Sky). Bear’s life is almost unrecognisable, having lost his athletic sponsorship and no longer on the pro circuit, he has dedicated himself to being there for his best friend, and helping him with his recovery while he tries to sort out what to do with his own life. He’s also done his best to avoid Stella, knowing that she is off limits to him and that she deserves better.
When Bear is given the opportunity to make his own snowboarding movie, it looks like his life may be getting back on track, especially when his best friend joins him on the shoot. And when Stella joins the team, the two of them will be all up in each other’s business while they travel, and they’ll finally be forced to confront what happened between them, and the feelings that are still so strong for each other.
It’s a slow burn, but I enjoyed watching Stella and Bear find their way to each other. There’s clearly so much emotion between the two of them, and they have so many feelings that they have to navigate. It may take a while, and it’s a whole lot of ups and downs, but when they finally get there, it’s sexy, swoony and beautifully romantic, and I loved seeing them together.
There’s an epilogue which finishes off their story beautifully, and also provides closure for the series as we get a glimpse of both previous couples living their HEA.
It’s a sweet read, and I really enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.
May 15, 2022
Rounded this one up because it was really closer to four stars than three. I liked the heroine in this one. She was spunky and went after what she wanted. No fear. The hero was a little too insecure at times, but with the history and circumstance, it was understandable. My biggest complaint with this book was the overuse of "buddy" because to me, every time Bear called her this, it was reinforcing that he had firmly put her in the friend zone. Overall, though, another great read from Sarina Bowen.
November 20, 2018
3,5 mi aspettavo un po' di più dalla storia di Stella e Bear.
March 8, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I've throughly enjoyed all of Sarina's previous books particularly the Gravity series. I've been excited to read Shooting for the Stars which is about Stella Lazarus and Bryan "Bear" Barry ever since I first read about them in Hank's book Falling from the Sky last year. Stella is Hank's sister and Bear is his best friend.
Stella is confident and fearless while flying through the air performing jumps in her snowboarding competitions but once back on the ground and faced with Bear, her heart hammers in her chest. Why? She's been in love with him since she was 8 years old.
Bear has always had to work hard. He's had to work hard to train and progress in his snowboarding competitions, he's had to work hard to secure his sponsors and he's had to work hard not to act on his feelings for Stella.
In Falling from the Sky Stella isn't the easiest person to be around. She's angsty, sassy and clearly has some issues knowing what her place in the family is. As it's Hank's book we don't learn too much about her though I just knew she had a story to tell and I was not disappointed.
Right from the beginning of Shooting for the Stars we're inside Stella's head. She's just about to compete in a freeriding competition. When she reaches the end Hank and Bear are waiting for her. Her reaction to seeing Bear is the first glimpse of the real girl and not just the fierce force of nature in Hank's life we'd met previously.
The chapters in this book alternate between Stella and Bear. So by the 2nd chapter we're inside Bear's head and beginning to realise he feels much for the same for Stella as she does for him. But she's his best and oldest friends little sister. He's always accepted she's off limits.
Soon after Stella's competition Hank has to fly out of town for a competition of his own but the fact he was there for her is testament to how close they are. Before Hank leaves he asks Bear to take Stella out that night and celebrate her victory. I love that this book starts just before Hank's story begins and ends some time after.
Hank informs Stella before he takes off that he hasn't checked out of his penthouse room so she can reap the benefits. Bear plans to just drop Stella off at the hotel and meet up again later but she talks him into joining her for cocktails.
I really enjoyed the glimpses back to Stella, Bear and Hank's childhood in this book. Hank had it easiest coming from a family of wealth. Bear struggled the most but Stella too had her own struggles and not just those that came from the competitiveness of having an older brother. I finished this book with a much better understanding of Stella.
After Stella and Bear spend the night together they both have different reactions to it the next morning. Before they have time to discuss what happens next they receive the news that Hank's competition has changed his life in ways none of them could of imaged.
Back in Vermont, Stella and Bear dedicate their time to being there for Hank in anyway he needs them to be and trying to avoid each other in the process but inevitably cross paths at work, the local bar and at Hank's home. All three of them have reached a point in their life that they are struggling to move forward from. Bear in a burst of inspiration decides it's up to him to help all of them out of their slump.
I absolutely adored these characters and the fact they both so clearly have feelings for each other and have done for the longest time would have been realised if only they'd communicate. I loved the coming and going between them so much I pulled an all nighter to finish this book in one sitting. I just couldn't rest until I knew whether they overcame their insecurities and found their way to each other.
Two of the things I love most in books are different points of view and revisiting previous characters and this book delivered! While all the Gravity books are standalone some of the same characters make an appearance and I just love checking in with them again. In Falling from the Sky there were some dark months for Hank which are recalled in Shooting for the Stars from Stella and Bear's POV.
This book gets an easy five 5 stars from me and I know I'll continue to think about not only Stella and Bear but all the characters I've come to know and love across the Gravity books and who's lives are all interwoven.
Visit Sarina's website
www.sarinabowen.com for more information.
I've throughly enjoyed all of Sarina's previous books particularly the Gravity series. I've been excited to read Shooting for the Stars which is about Stella Lazarus and Bryan "Bear" Barry ever since I first read about them in Hank's book Falling from the Sky last year. Stella is Hank's sister and Bear is his best friend.
Stella is confident and fearless while flying through the air performing jumps in her snowboarding competitions but once back on the ground and faced with Bear, her heart hammers in her chest. Why? She's been in love with him since she was 8 years old.
Bear has always had to work hard. He's had to work hard to train and progress in his snowboarding competitions, he's had to work hard to secure his sponsors and he's had to work hard not to act on his feelings for Stella.
In Falling from the Sky Stella isn't the easiest person to be around. She's angsty, sassy and clearly has some issues knowing what her place in the family is. As it's Hank's book we don't learn too much about her though I just knew she had a story to tell and I was not disappointed.
Right from the beginning of Shooting for the Stars we're inside Stella's head. She's just about to compete in a freeriding competition. When she reaches the end Hank and Bear are waiting for her. Her reaction to seeing Bear is the first glimpse of the real girl and not just the fierce force of nature in Hank's life we'd met previously.
The chapters in this book alternate between Stella and Bear. So by the 2nd chapter we're inside Bear's head and beginning to realise he feels much for the same for Stella as she does for him. But she's his best and oldest friends little sister. He's always accepted she's off limits.
Soon after Stella's competition Hank has to fly out of town for a competition of his own but the fact he was there for her is testament to how close they are. Before Hank leaves he asks Bear to take Stella out that night and celebrate her victory. I love that this book starts just before Hank's story begins and ends some time after.
Hank informs Stella before he takes off that he hasn't checked out of his penthouse room so she can reap the benefits. Bear plans to just drop Stella off at the hotel and meet up again later but she talks him into joining her for cocktails.
I really enjoyed the glimpses back to Stella, Bear and Hank's childhood in this book. Hank had it easiest coming from a family of wealth. Bear struggled the most but Stella too had her own struggles and not just those that came from the competitiveness of having an older brother. I finished this book with a much better understanding of Stella.
After Stella and Bear spend the night together they both have different reactions to it the next morning. Before they have time to discuss what happens next they receive the news that Hank's competition has changed his life in ways none of them could of imaged.
Back in Vermont, Stella and Bear dedicate their time to being there for Hank in anyway he needs them to be and trying to avoid each other in the process but inevitably cross paths at work, the local bar and at Hank's home. All three of them have reached a point in their life that they are struggling to move forward from. Bear in a burst of inspiration decides it's up to him to help all of them out of their slump.
I absolutely adored these characters and the fact they both so clearly have feelings for each other and have done for the longest time would have been realised if only they'd communicate. I loved the coming and going between them so much I pulled an all nighter to finish this book in one sitting. I just couldn't rest until I knew whether they overcame their insecurities and found their way to each other.
Two of the things I love most in books are different points of view and revisiting previous characters and this book delivered! While all the Gravity books are standalone some of the same characters make an appearance and I just love checking in with them again. In Falling from the Sky there were some dark months for Hank which are recalled in Shooting for the Stars from Stella and Bear's POV.
This book gets an easy five 5 stars from me and I know I'll continue to think about not only Stella and Bear but all the characters I've come to know and love across the Gravity books and who's lives are all interwoven.
Visit Sarina's website
www.sarinabowen.com for more information.
August 14, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book more than the first. I really wish the second one had a different female narrator because now I want to know Hank’s story.
Being as this is a story of Hank’s sister and his best friend.
I went in blind as usual and I was so happy it wasn’t the omg if your brother finds out kind of book it was really well thought out and made me think and root for these two.
I loved that they were there for Hank when he needed someone. They both thought about their actions before anything really happened. This felt more like a Sarina Bowen book than the 2 books I read before it.
Loved the narration they were right for the characters 100%
Being as this is a story of Hank’s sister and his best friend.
I went in blind as usual and I was so happy it wasn’t the omg if your brother finds out kind of book it was really well thought out and made me think and root for these two.
I loved that they were there for Hank when he needed someone. They both thought about their actions before anything really happened. This felt more like a Sarina Bowen book than the 2 books I read before it.
Loved the narration they were right for the characters 100%
November 21, 2018
Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
.
" Anche Stella lo aveva pensato all’epoca, ma c’era stato qualcosa nel rifiuto di Bear che non era suonato vero. Ma forse era solo il suo sciocco ottimismo a parlare. L’inverno precedente era stato terribile e Stella avrebbe voluto dimenticare in fretta tutto ciò che era successo. Ricordava di essersi sentita vuota per tre settimane intere, come se qualcuno l’avesse ribaltata sottosopra. Prima della sua deprimente conversazione con Bear, sulla panchina, loro due avevano passato molto tempo insieme in ospedale e lui aveva avuto un’aria del tutto distrutta, seduto sotto l’orribile e fredda luce del reparto dove era stato ricoverato Hank. Ogni volta che si avvicinava a lui, Bear sembrava chiudersi un po’ di più. Certo, l’aveva abbracciata e si era accertato che mangiasse ogni paio d’ore, ma quando la guardava, i suoi occhi erano colpevoli e quello l’aveva spaventata quasi quanto le terrificanti condizioni mediche di suo fratello.
Per tutta la vita, quando le cose diventavano difficili, loro due c’erano stati l’uno per l’altra. Alla fine, avevano smesso di preoccuparsi circa la sopravvivenza di Hank e avevano iniziato a pensare alle questioni a lungo termine, tipo in quale struttura riabilitativa sarebbe andato, di quale sedia a rotelle avrebbe avuto bisogno.
Ed era stato in quel momento che Stella aveva deciso di affrontare l’argomento. «Noi dobbiamo parlare,» aveva detto. Dall’espressione che era apparsa sul viso di Bear, aveva capito che la conversazione non sarebbe andata bene e non si era sbagliata."
.
Bryan “Bear” Barry ha vissuto tutta la sua vita nella scia di Hank, suo migliore amico sin dall’infanzia. Con lui ha fatto le discese più ripide e ha vissuto tutta la sua giovinezza tentando di emularlo. Ma, anche se ha avuto una buona carriera come sportivo, non è mai arrivato ai livelli del suo amico, che è stato campione del mondo e olimpico. Quando la madre di Bear se n’è andata senza voltarsi indietro, e suo padre per qualche tempo è stato allo sbando, la famiglia di Hank è stata l’unica àncora di salvezza in un mare agitato.
Hank e la sorella Stella sono sempre stati i migliori amici che un ragazzino possa sperare di avere, per questo da anni sta tentando di cancellare dalla mente quel bacio che la ragazza gli ha dato il giorno del suo diploma. Lui e Stella, negli anni successivi, sono tornati al cameratismo di sempre, pronti a prendersi in giro e competere per qualsiasi piccola sciocchezza, fino a una fatale serata di qualche mese prima.
Il giorno in cui Bear ha scoperto che la sua carriera sportiva stava arrivando alla fine, il controllo che ha sempre esercitato su se stesso cede e l’attrazione che scorre fra loro divampa in una notte di passione. Il mattino dopo, preda di rimorsi per quello che crede un tradimento nei confronti dell’amico, vorrebbe riportare indietro le lancette dell’orologio, e ancora una volta non può fare a meno di ferire Stella, che avrebbe voluto un risveglio ben diverso. Fra loro, ancora una volta, ci sono cose non dette, sentimenti tenuti nascosti da molto tempo, e la convinzione di Bear di non essere abbastanza per una ragazza come Stella. A complicare la situazione, la notizia che Hank è gravemente ferito.
Ora che l’amico ha la vita stravolta, e sembra incapace di riprendersi, Bear sente di avere finalmente la possibilità di ricambiare tutto l’aiuto che lui e la sua famiglia gli hanno dato. E per farlo è intenzionato a dimenticare ancora una volta i sentimenti che Stella gli fa provare, aiutato dal fatto che la ragazza fa di tutto per evitarlo e questa volta non sembra intenzionata a perdonarlo.
Quella di Sarina Bowen è una serie molto piacevole, dove amore e amicizia la fanno da padrona. Ne è un esempio l’amore che Stella da anni prova per il migliore amico del fratello che, a parte pochissimi attimi, l’ha sempre guardata come una sorellina da proteggere e che è stato l’unico a non trattarla diversamente nel momento più buio della sua vita. Lei, come Bear, ha sempre vissuto sentendosi al secondo posto: bravissima atleta, si è sempre vista oscurare dalla fama del fratello, che ha reso le sue vittorie meno importanti. Persino i suoi genitori sembrano ritenere la sua carriera sportiva niente più che un hobby, ma questo non ha fatto che renderla più determinata. Quando si è resa conto di essersi innamorata di Bear ha tentato di farglielo capire, ma si è vista respinta, e non è stata in grado di intuire quanto sia costato al ragazzo farlo. Eppure, nonostante le storie avute, nessuno ha mai preso il posto di Bear, e quando ne ha visto la possibilità non ha esitato un attimo a rimettersi in gioco sperando che, finalmente, si rendesse conto della verità, finendo per vivere una notte magica. Il mattino dopo però non ha portato che imbarazzo e una notizia che ha devastato entrambi.
Ora sono passati mesi e Bear si è assunto il compito di riportare il suo amico Hank alla normalità, ha messo la sua intera vita in stan-by, ha rifiutato un buon lavoro, e sta tentando in ogni modo di trovare una soluzione che riporti vita negli occhi spenti dell’amico. È un personaggio bellissimo e forte, che ha di sé una visione sbagliata, pensa di non essere abbastanza e si sta sobbarcando di problemi enormi. Quando tutti gli altri hanno abbandonato Hank, lui è rimasto, lo ha spronato, gli è stato vicino nei momenti bui. Non si è mai permesso di analizzare a fondo i suoi sentimenti per Stella, perché è sempre stato convinto di non avere niente da offrirle e che suo fratello, e la sua famiglia, pur tollerandolo come amico, non lo avrebbero mai visto bene insieme a lei. Il loro è un sentimento tenace, profondo, ma sembra rimanere sempre un po’ in secondo piano rispetto all’amicizia fra i due uomini, e dovremo davvero penare per vederlo realizzato.
I POV alternati ci permettono di avere una comprensione della storia davvero totale, anche perché questo libro si riaggancia in modo fortissimo al precedente. Vediamo infatti la vicenda di Hank con gli occhi della sorella e dell’amico, e aver letto “Caduto dal cielo” ci permette di conoscere anche la parte di storia che qui intravediamo solo a sprazzi fra Hank e Callie. Questa però è forse anche l’unica pecca di un libro davvero carino e ben scritto: il fatto che ogni tanto vi troverete a rivivere le stesse situazioni, guardandole solo da un diverso punto di vista, non permettendo alla trama di regalare troppe sorprese. Ma Sarina ci ricompensa con un finale davvero bello, che ci permette di dare un’occhiata al futuro di tutte le coppie e chiudendo in questo modo una trilogia piena di dolcezza. La scrittura dell’autrice è fluida e molto piacevole, la parte passionale è intensa e piena di sentimento, la traduzione davvero ben fatta, e ci regala ore di gradevole romanticismo in compagnia di personaggi ben caratterizzati e positivi.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
.
" Anche Stella lo aveva pensato all’epoca, ma c’era stato qualcosa nel rifiuto di Bear che non era suonato vero. Ma forse era solo il suo sciocco ottimismo a parlare. L’inverno precedente era stato terribile e Stella avrebbe voluto dimenticare in fretta tutto ciò che era successo. Ricordava di essersi sentita vuota per tre settimane intere, come se qualcuno l’avesse ribaltata sottosopra. Prima della sua deprimente conversazione con Bear, sulla panchina, loro due avevano passato molto tempo insieme in ospedale e lui aveva avuto un’aria del tutto distrutta, seduto sotto l’orribile e fredda luce del reparto dove era stato ricoverato Hank. Ogni volta che si avvicinava a lui, Bear sembrava chiudersi un po’ di più. Certo, l’aveva abbracciata e si era accertato che mangiasse ogni paio d’ore, ma quando la guardava, i suoi occhi erano colpevoli e quello l’aveva spaventata quasi quanto le terrificanti condizioni mediche di suo fratello.
Per tutta la vita, quando le cose diventavano difficili, loro due c’erano stati l’uno per l’altra. Alla fine, avevano smesso di preoccuparsi circa la sopravvivenza di Hank e avevano iniziato a pensare alle questioni a lungo termine, tipo in quale struttura riabilitativa sarebbe andato, di quale sedia a rotelle avrebbe avuto bisogno.
Ed era stato in quel momento che Stella aveva deciso di affrontare l’argomento. «Noi dobbiamo parlare,» aveva detto. Dall’espressione che era apparsa sul viso di Bear, aveva capito che la conversazione non sarebbe andata bene e non si era sbagliata."
.
Bryan “Bear” Barry ha vissuto tutta la sua vita nella scia di Hank, suo migliore amico sin dall’infanzia. Con lui ha fatto le discese più ripide e ha vissuto tutta la sua giovinezza tentando di emularlo. Ma, anche se ha avuto una buona carriera come sportivo, non è mai arrivato ai livelli del suo amico, che è stato campione del mondo e olimpico. Quando la madre di Bear se n’è andata senza voltarsi indietro, e suo padre per qualche tempo è stato allo sbando, la famiglia di Hank è stata l’unica àncora di salvezza in un mare agitato.
Hank e la sorella Stella sono sempre stati i migliori amici che un ragazzino possa sperare di avere, per questo da anni sta tentando di cancellare dalla mente quel bacio che la ragazza gli ha dato il giorno del suo diploma. Lui e Stella, negli anni successivi, sono tornati al cameratismo di sempre, pronti a prendersi in giro e competere per qualsiasi piccola sciocchezza, fino a una fatale serata di qualche mese prima.
Il giorno in cui Bear ha scoperto che la sua carriera sportiva stava arrivando alla fine, il controllo che ha sempre esercitato su se stesso cede e l’attrazione che scorre fra loro divampa in una notte di passione. Il mattino dopo, preda di rimorsi per quello che crede un tradimento nei confronti dell’amico, vorrebbe riportare indietro le lancette dell’orologio, e ancora una volta non può fare a meno di ferire Stella, che avrebbe voluto un risveglio ben diverso. Fra loro, ancora una volta, ci sono cose non dette, sentimenti tenuti nascosti da molto tempo, e la convinzione di Bear di non essere abbastanza per una ragazza come Stella. A complicare la situazione, la notizia che Hank è gravemente ferito.
Ora che l’amico ha la vita stravolta, e sembra incapace di riprendersi, Bear sente di avere finalmente la possibilità di ricambiare tutto l’aiuto che lui e la sua famiglia gli hanno dato. E per farlo è intenzionato a dimenticare ancora una volta i sentimenti che Stella gli fa provare, aiutato dal fatto che la ragazza fa di tutto per evitarlo e questa volta non sembra intenzionata a perdonarlo.
Quella di Sarina Bowen è una serie molto piacevole, dove amore e amicizia la fanno da padrona. Ne è un esempio l’amore che Stella da anni prova per il migliore amico del fratello che, a parte pochissimi attimi, l’ha sempre guardata come una sorellina da proteggere e che è stato l’unico a non trattarla diversamente nel momento più buio della sua vita. Lei, come Bear, ha sempre vissuto sentendosi al secondo posto: bravissima atleta, si è sempre vista oscurare dalla fama del fratello, che ha reso le sue vittorie meno importanti. Persino i suoi genitori sembrano ritenere la sua carriera sportiva niente più che un hobby, ma questo non ha fatto che renderla più determinata. Quando si è resa conto di essersi innamorata di Bear ha tentato di farglielo capire, ma si è vista respinta, e non è stata in grado di intuire quanto sia costato al ragazzo farlo. Eppure, nonostante le storie avute, nessuno ha mai preso il posto di Bear, e quando ne ha visto la possibilità non ha esitato un attimo a rimettersi in gioco sperando che, finalmente, si rendesse conto della verità, finendo per vivere una notte magica. Il mattino dopo però non ha portato che imbarazzo e una notizia che ha devastato entrambi.
Ora sono passati mesi e Bear si è assunto il compito di riportare il suo amico Hank alla normalità, ha messo la sua intera vita in stan-by, ha rifiutato un buon lavoro, e sta tentando in ogni modo di trovare una soluzione che riporti vita negli occhi spenti dell’amico. È un personaggio bellissimo e forte, che ha di sé una visione sbagliata, pensa di non essere abbastanza e si sta sobbarcando di problemi enormi. Quando tutti gli altri hanno abbandonato Hank, lui è rimasto, lo ha spronato, gli è stato vicino nei momenti bui. Non si è mai permesso di analizzare a fondo i suoi sentimenti per Stella, perché è sempre stato convinto di non avere niente da offrirle e che suo fratello, e la sua famiglia, pur tollerandolo come amico, non lo avrebbero mai visto bene insieme a lei. Il loro è un sentimento tenace, profondo, ma sembra rimanere sempre un po’ in secondo piano rispetto all’amicizia fra i due uomini, e dovremo davvero penare per vederlo realizzato.
I POV alternati ci permettono di avere una comprensione della storia davvero totale, anche perché questo libro si riaggancia in modo fortissimo al precedente. Vediamo infatti la vicenda di Hank con gli occhi della sorella e dell’amico, e aver letto “Caduto dal cielo” ci permette di conoscere anche la parte di storia che qui intravediamo solo a sprazzi fra Hank e Callie. Questa però è forse anche l’unica pecca di un libro davvero carino e ben scritto: il fatto che ogni tanto vi troverete a rivivere le stesse situazioni, guardandole solo da un diverso punto di vista, non permettendo alla trama di regalare troppe sorprese. Ma Sarina ci ricompensa con un finale davvero bello, che ci permette di dare un’occhiata al futuro di tutte le coppie e chiudendo in questo modo una trilogia piena di dolcezza. La scrittura dell’autrice è fluida e molto piacevole, la parte passionale è intensa e piena di sentimento, la traduzione davvero ben fatta, e ci regala ore di gradevole romanticismo in compagnia di personaggi ben caratterizzati e positivi.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
September 19, 2019
3.5 stars.
December 13, 2019
Ed eccomi arrivata anche all'ultimo volume di questa serie che mi ha portato sulle montagne fredde e innevate del Vermont, facendomi sognare a occhi aperti con le sue storie e i suoi protagonisti.
«Non sto perdendo il controllo,» aveva ribattuto Bear.
«Davvero? Allora perché mi eviti? Ogni volta che arrivo in ospedale, hai sempre qualcosa da fare,» aveva detto lei.
«Penso…» Stella aveva esitato. «Penso che tu non voglia sentirti dire che insieme staremmo bene; lo vedo scritto ovunque, sulla tua faccia.» I suoi occhi erano diventati un po’ lucidi. «Ma dovevo dirlo, perché me ne sarei pentita, se non lo avessi fatto.»
Puntando alle stelle parla di Stella Lazarus, sorella di Hank, e Bear Barry, migliore amico dei Lazarus da tutta la vita. Ed è esattamente da tutta la sua esistenza che Stella ne è innamorata ma per lui, la piccola Lazarus - più giovane di soli due anni - ha sempre rappresentato una sorella minore da proteggere. Stella è off-limits, ma Bear continua a desiderarla e, in una notte dove entrambi alzeranno un po' il gomito dopo un festeggiamento, finiranno per dare sfogo alle loro più cocenti passioni. La notte più bella della loro vita o un errore da non ripetere? Avremo presto la risposta perché i due amanti cominceranno a ignorarsi, soprattutto in seguito all'incidente che vedrà coinvolto Hank. Ma il destino giocherà bene le sue carte e grazie al tempo che passeranno insieme per il film che Bear sta creando, i sentimenti si riaccenderanno. Fuoco di paglia o amore vero? Non vi resta che leggere per scoprirlo.
«E' stato solo sesso, Stella.» Ed era stato esattamente così: sesso che non sarebbe mai dovuto accadere.
«Capisco,» aveva sussurrato e, di colpo, si era alzata in piedi. «Grazie per aver messo in chiaro le cose.»
Da questa storia mi aspettavo un pochino di più, devo essere sincera. Pensavo che la componente emozionale sarebbe stata così forte che mi sarei ritrovata a versare fiumi di lacrime, forse perché speravo che l'autrice, che ha uno stile molto fluido e coinvolgente, facesse leva sulla situazione delicata di Stella. L'ho amata come personaggio. È una donna forte che sa come farsi rispettare e che conosce cosa vuol dire rialzarsi dopo uno scivolone. La vita non è stata molto generosa con lei, infatti, Stella è sempre stata la più coccolata della famiglia perché considerata il fiore da proteggere a causa della sua leucemia infantile, scoperta quando aveva solo dieci anni. La sua infanzia l'ha forgiata ma ora Stella, ben dodici anni dopo, ha una tempra d'acciaio che mi ha fatto innamorare di lei di più a ogni capitolo. Bear, non potrebbe essere più giusto per Stella. Attento, premuroso, un amico leale e che la ama segretamente da tutta la vita. Una storia semplice che forse non brillerà per l'originalità della trama ma che, a distanza di tempo ripensandoci, mi farà sicuramente spuntare un sorriso sulle labbra e mi riporterà alla mente la neve bianca e magica del Vermont.
February 2, 2018
Buonasera lettrici, eccomi con il terzo volume della “Gravity Series” di Sarina Bowen, "Shooting for the stars".
Stella Lazarous ha sempre amato il migliore amico di suo fratello, ma lui non ha mai ricambiato i suoi sentimenti… fino ad una notte a Tahoe.
Ma le cose non vanno come previsto, quello che c’è tra di loro non può avere futuro, o almeno così pensano entrambi.
Adesso, però, non hanno tempo di pensare a loro stessi, dovendo tornare in Vermont per il brutto incidente di Hank, ma ciò che hanno provato quella notte è difficile da scordare.
I sentimenti si faranno sentire, ma i nostri due protagonisti dovranno superare le loro paure e le loro insicurezze per affrontarli e, forse, trovare finalmente la felicità assieme.
Eccomi con la storia di Stella e Bear!
Questi due protagonisti li abbiamo già incontrati nel libro precedente ed avevamo già intuito che tra i due c’era qualcosa, ma la situazione in cui si trovavano non era a loro favore.
Bear e Stella si conoscono da quando erano bambini, lei è sempre stata innamorata di lui, ma Bear non aveva mai ricambiato i suoi sentimenti.
Quella notte di passione che hanno passato ha solo confuso di più entrambi visto che nessuno dei due ha ancora trovato il coraggio di farsi avanti, pensando che l’altro non voglia la stessa cosa.
Stella è una snowboarder professionista, o almeno lo era fino a quando il terribile incidente del fratello le fa lasciare tutto per potergli stare vicino.
Stargli vicino, però, vuol dire ritrovarsi faccia a faccia con Bear e con i sentimenti che prova per lui.
Stella è una protagonista forte e di carattere, non si fa mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno, ma la sua debolezza è proprio la persona che ama. Ha paura di essere rifiutata un’altra volta e così non fa altro che cercare di andare avanti con la sua vita ed amare Bear da lontano.
“Normalmente, quando Stella sapeva di doversi trovare davanti a Bear, si preparava. Non c’era motivo di fargli leggere in faccia quanto a lei importasse. Solo una volta aveva provato a farglielo sapere ed era stata scansata così velocemente da girarle la testa. Ma quello è stato anni fa.”
Bear non ha avuto una vita agiata come il suo migliore amico Hank, ma non poteva desiderare di avere accanto un’altra persona.
E per questo ha sempre cercato di troncare sul nascere ciò che provava per Stella, rivelandosi particolarmente difficile.
Non si sente all’altezza di lei, pensa che meriti di meglio, così l’ha allontanata, trattandola come una sorella anche se i suoi pensieri per lei sono altro che fraterni. Ma durante quella notte di passione non ha potuto che non lasciarsi andare.
“Da quando la Stella teenager aveva iniziato ad indossare bikini, si era sempre tormentato domandandosi su come sarebbe stato toccarla. E adesso aveva la risposta. Una droga. Ecco com’era.”
Dolce e gentile e per quanto sembri un donnaiolo, Bear è leale e mette le persone a cui tiene sempre al primo posto, dopotutto Stella ed Hank sono un elemento importante della sua vita.
Questa coppia è molto dolce e la protagonista è una delle mie preferite. Ma una cosa che non mi è andata giù è che entrambi non hanno dato una possibilità a ciò che c’era tra di loro solo perché sapevano che non era ciò che l’altro voleva.
Dopotutto, però, nella vita bisogna rischiare.
Nel complesso posso dire che il romanzo mi è piaciuto molto, e poi abbiamo anche incontrato le coppie dei libri precedenti!
Rispetto agli altri libri, qui i protagonisti hanno bisogno di crescere ancora, di farsi coraggio e buttarsi…
Un elemento che adoro in questa serie è che l’autrice ci sorprende sempre e ci fa leggere storie completamente diverse dalla precedente, ci fa conoscere tanti protagonisti nei loro momenti migliori e peggiori.
Io non voglio raccontarvi altro, quindi vi lascio alla lettura.
A presto,
Stella Lazarous ha sempre amato il migliore amico di suo fratello, ma lui non ha mai ricambiato i suoi sentimenti… fino ad una notte a Tahoe.
Ma le cose non vanno come previsto, quello che c’è tra di loro non può avere futuro, o almeno così pensano entrambi.
Adesso, però, non hanno tempo di pensare a loro stessi, dovendo tornare in Vermont per il brutto incidente di Hank, ma ciò che hanno provato quella notte è difficile da scordare.
I sentimenti si faranno sentire, ma i nostri due protagonisti dovranno superare le loro paure e le loro insicurezze per affrontarli e, forse, trovare finalmente la felicità assieme.
Eccomi con la storia di Stella e Bear!
Questi due protagonisti li abbiamo già incontrati nel libro precedente ed avevamo già intuito che tra i due c’era qualcosa, ma la situazione in cui si trovavano non era a loro favore.
Bear e Stella si conoscono da quando erano bambini, lei è sempre stata innamorata di lui, ma Bear non aveva mai ricambiato i suoi sentimenti.
Quella notte di passione che hanno passato ha solo confuso di più entrambi visto che nessuno dei due ha ancora trovato il coraggio di farsi avanti, pensando che l’altro non voglia la stessa cosa.
Stella è una snowboarder professionista, o almeno lo era fino a quando il terribile incidente del fratello le fa lasciare tutto per potergli stare vicino.
Stargli vicino, però, vuol dire ritrovarsi faccia a faccia con Bear e con i sentimenti che prova per lui.
Stella è una protagonista forte e di carattere, non si fa mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno, ma la sua debolezza è proprio la persona che ama. Ha paura di essere rifiutata un’altra volta e così non fa altro che cercare di andare avanti con la sua vita ed amare Bear da lontano.
“Normalmente, quando Stella sapeva di doversi trovare davanti a Bear, si preparava. Non c’era motivo di fargli leggere in faccia quanto a lei importasse. Solo una volta aveva provato a farglielo sapere ed era stata scansata così velocemente da girarle la testa. Ma quello è stato anni fa.”
Bear non ha avuto una vita agiata come il suo migliore amico Hank, ma non poteva desiderare di avere accanto un’altra persona.
E per questo ha sempre cercato di troncare sul nascere ciò che provava per Stella, rivelandosi particolarmente difficile.
Non si sente all’altezza di lei, pensa che meriti di meglio, così l’ha allontanata, trattandola come una sorella anche se i suoi pensieri per lei sono altro che fraterni. Ma durante quella notte di passione non ha potuto che non lasciarsi andare.
“Da quando la Stella teenager aveva iniziato ad indossare bikini, si era sempre tormentato domandandosi su come sarebbe stato toccarla. E adesso aveva la risposta. Una droga. Ecco com’era.”
Dolce e gentile e per quanto sembri un donnaiolo, Bear è leale e mette le persone a cui tiene sempre al primo posto, dopotutto Stella ed Hank sono un elemento importante della sua vita.
Questa coppia è molto dolce e la protagonista è una delle mie preferite. Ma una cosa che non mi è andata giù è che entrambi non hanno dato una possibilità a ciò che c’era tra di loro solo perché sapevano che non era ciò che l’altro voleva.
Dopotutto, però, nella vita bisogna rischiare.
Nel complesso posso dire che il romanzo mi è piaciuto molto, e poi abbiamo anche incontrato le coppie dei libri precedenti!
Rispetto agli altri libri, qui i protagonisti hanno bisogno di crescere ancora, di farsi coraggio e buttarsi…
Un elemento che adoro in questa serie è che l’autrice ci sorprende sempre e ci fa leggere storie completamente diverse dalla precedente, ci fa conoscere tanti protagonisti nei loro momenti migliori e peggiori.
Io non voglio raccontarvi altro, quindi vi lascio alla lettura.
A presto,
December 6, 2018
Siamo qui per dare del filo da torcere al mondo.
Ecco un romanzo contemporaneo che mi è piaciuto molto e mi ha davvero lasciata piena di tenerezza.
Prima di tutto, ho trovo originale l'ambientazione sportiva, incentrata su uno sport non proprio femminile: lo snowboard. Ora, io di questa disciplina non sapevo praticamente nulla, ma l'autrice è riuscita subito a farmi entrare in un mondo di velocità pazzesche, adrenalina pura e acrobazie da urlo. Stella, la protagonista della storia, è sorella di un noto campione (proprio Hank, al centro del volume precedente) e non ha esattamente l'appoggio dei genitori in questa sua passione.
Dopo essere cresciuta sempre all'ombra del fratello, stenta ad affermarsi.
Accanto a lei c'è sempre stato, fin dall'asilo, il terzo aggiunto, ovvero l'amico del cuore di entrambi, il meno ricco (ma non meno affezionato) Bear, che è sempre stato spalla, sostegno, aiuto e conforto.
Inutile girarci intorno: Stella ha perso la testa per Bear da anni, e per altrettanti anni ci ha provato.
Soltanto quando un po' tutti nel gruppo arrivano a raschiare il fondo e il pessimismo cala su di loro, arriva la svolta che permetterà di risalire e ripartire...
Ho amato entrambi: Stella, risoluta e dinamica, che ha un carattere "cazzuto" di quelli che piacciono a me, mentre Bear è un'anima buona, un orsacchiotto cresciuto che cerca di muoversi senza far danni alle persone che ama.
Una storia d'amore che mi ha, appunto, fatto star bene e che consiglio a chi sia in cerca di una lettura avvincente e romantica, per nulla mielosa.
A me è persino venuta voglia di leggere tutta la serie!
Ecco un romanzo contemporaneo che mi è piaciuto molto e mi ha davvero lasciata piena di tenerezza.
Prima di tutto, ho trovo originale l'ambientazione sportiva, incentrata su uno sport non proprio femminile: lo snowboard. Ora, io di questa disciplina non sapevo praticamente nulla, ma l'autrice è riuscita subito a farmi entrare in un mondo di velocità pazzesche, adrenalina pura e acrobazie da urlo. Stella, la protagonista della storia, è sorella di un noto campione (proprio Hank, al centro del volume precedente) e non ha esattamente l'appoggio dei genitori in questa sua passione.
Dopo essere cresciuta sempre all'ombra del fratello, stenta ad affermarsi.
Accanto a lei c'è sempre stato, fin dall'asilo, il terzo aggiunto, ovvero l'amico del cuore di entrambi, il meno ricco (ma non meno affezionato) Bear, che è sempre stato spalla, sostegno, aiuto e conforto.
Inutile girarci intorno: Stella ha perso la testa per Bear da anni, e per altrettanti anni ci ha provato.
Soltanto quando un po' tutti nel gruppo arrivano a raschiare il fondo e il pessimismo cala su di loro, arriva la svolta che permetterà di risalire e ripartire...
Ho amato entrambi: Stella, risoluta e dinamica, che ha un carattere "cazzuto" di quelli che piacciono a me, mentre Bear è un'anima buona, un orsacchiotto cresciuto che cerca di muoversi senza far danni alle persone che ama.
Una storia d'amore che mi ha, appunto, fatto star bene e che consiglio a chi sia in cerca di una lettura avvincente e romantica, per nulla mielosa.
A me è persino venuta voglia di leggere tutta la serie!
July 24, 2017
Stella has had a crush on Bear for most of their childhood. However after he turned her down in high school, Stella has to content herself with just being his friend. Until one night when he has a crappy day and Stella is the one who comforts him (and somehow they end up in bed together). But any chance of a happy ever after is ruined when Stella finds out that her brother- and Bear's best friend- has been badly injured in an accident.
I've read most of the Ivy Years series and I really enjoyed it. I love Sarina Bowen's writing style and her characters. However this book seemed really filled with angst which kinda spoiled it for me. I did still enjoy it but I miss the lightness of the Ivy Years (maybe I should just go and finish the last few books in the series).
I loved the romance between Bear and Stella. I also loved the characters of Hank and Callie and will definitely be tracking down their story. This is a great read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance novels.
I've read most of the Ivy Years series and I really enjoyed it. I love Sarina Bowen's writing style and her characters. However this book seemed really filled with angst which kinda spoiled it for me. I did still enjoy it but I miss the lightness of the Ivy Years (maybe I should just go and finish the last few books in the series).
I loved the romance between Bear and Stella. I also loved the characters of Hank and Callie and will definitely be tracking down their story. This is a great read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance novels.
June 1, 2022
My least favorite of this series - and not just because I'm not a fan of the "best friend's younger sister" trope. No, my problem with this one is that pretty much the WHOLE book is them pining for each other and lamenting that they will never/can never be together. Some of that is to be expected from this trope, but it was overwhelming here. I wanted/needed more of the hero and heroine actually together than what we got.
not-interested
February 18, 2018If the mcs spend most of time apart, then there’s no romance imo.
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November 29, 2018
Recensione qui --->
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
November 6, 2017
Stella Lazarus has loved her big brother’s best friend ever since she can remember. Stella tried to show Bear how she felt years ago, but he brushed her off. So she has to be satisfied with just being good friends. Bear thinks Stella is the sexiest woman alive, but she’s his best friend’s little sister, which means she’s off limits, and it has taken every ounce of will power to keep her at arms length. But when the pair find themselves alone in an upscale hotel room after a few drinks and good food, neither Stella nor Bear can say no to the years of denied attraction. Stella and Bear share an amazing, fantasy-fulfilling night together, but it all comes to a quick end when Bear freaks out about breaking the bro-code and not being good enough for Stella, coupled with Stella’s brother’s career-ending accident.
Shooting for the Stars opens just before the start of the second Gravity book, Falling From the Sky and Hank’s horrific accident. The book then jumps ten months, keeping it on pace with the timing of Falling from the Sky. Although there is a lot of overlap in the timing of books #2 and #3, the story is completely different, with Hank playing a minor roll in this title.
Stella and Bear are best friends who are perfect for one another, but something always prevents it from happening. Mostly it’s on Bear - he’s afraid to open up and face his feelings head on. When they are together - whether as friends, potential lovers, or awkward and unsure companions - they capture my attention. Both carry around so much baggage and pain, love and hope; their interactions are emotionally fulfilling. However, much of the first half of the book is spent in lengthy flashbacks, and the dynamic of the budding romance stumbles during these interludes. I appreciate knowing more of their history, but at the same time, the author established their deep connection early (starting some in the second book), so jumping to the past pulled me out of the present. Additionally, during much of the middle of the book, the pair avoids each another.
But then, Bear starts making his movie and the couple are forced to spend time together. Unlike most romances where we see characters working to come together, Bear and Stella spend time trying to stay apart. So, the story must rely on inner monologues to help readers understand that the feelings are still ever present, even if they both are trying hard to forget them. I really enjoyed listening as both Bear and Stella mature and come to terms with their feelings and needs. Toss in a close brush with death, and everything gets laid out on the table. And Hank’s reaction to his best friend and sister being together is priceless.
Shooting for the Stars brings listeners the third set of narrators for the Gravity series. While I can appreciate having different narrators because each book has a different set of main characters, it is also a bit discombobulating having different voices for characters I’ve known for two or three books. Right from the start I feel Ms. Wilder has a strong performance. With an almost breathless quality, she captures Stella’s desire and hopes. As the book goes on, I feel the female narrator does an excellent job of growing with her character. On the other hand, I had trouble with Mr. Harrison as soon as I heard him. At my usual 1.25x speed, his performance is riddled with dramatic pauses and unnecessary rests. It reminded me of the young Captain Kirk. Well, not that bad, but it’s start, stop, pause, start, stop, pause. I sped the playback up to 1.5x, and that helped, and overtime, I was able to get past the cadence issues. I did like the quality of his voice, which was deep and sexy, but the start/stop nature ruined much of that for me.
Overall, I liked Shooting for the Stars and getting Bear and Stella’s story. The early middle was a little slow, with a lot of flashbacks, followed by so much avoidance, that the story dragged at times. However, it all feels very genuine. The fear of losing a friend, the guilt, the longing, etc., and in the end, I liked how it all played out.
My Rating: B
Female narrator: B+
Male narrator: C+
Audiobook review copy provided by Blunder Woman Productions
Shooting for the Stars opens just before the start of the second Gravity book, Falling From the Sky and Hank’s horrific accident. The book then jumps ten months, keeping it on pace with the timing of Falling from the Sky. Although there is a lot of overlap in the timing of books #2 and #3, the story is completely different, with Hank playing a minor roll in this title.
Stella and Bear are best friends who are perfect for one another, but something always prevents it from happening. Mostly it’s on Bear - he’s afraid to open up and face his feelings head on. When they are together - whether as friends, potential lovers, or awkward and unsure companions - they capture my attention. Both carry around so much baggage and pain, love and hope; their interactions are emotionally fulfilling. However, much of the first half of the book is spent in lengthy flashbacks, and the dynamic of the budding romance stumbles during these interludes. I appreciate knowing more of their history, but at the same time, the author established their deep connection early (starting some in the second book), so jumping to the past pulled me out of the present. Additionally, during much of the middle of the book, the pair avoids each another.
But then, Bear starts making his movie and the couple are forced to spend time together. Unlike most romances where we see characters working to come together, Bear and Stella spend time trying to stay apart. So, the story must rely on inner monologues to help readers understand that the feelings are still ever present, even if they both are trying hard to forget them. I really enjoyed listening as both Bear and Stella mature and come to terms with their feelings and needs. Toss in a close brush with death, and everything gets laid out on the table. And Hank’s reaction to his best friend and sister being together is priceless.
Shooting for the Stars brings listeners the third set of narrators for the Gravity series. While I can appreciate having different narrators because each book has a different set of main characters, it is also a bit discombobulating having different voices for characters I’ve known for two or three books. Right from the start I feel Ms. Wilder has a strong performance. With an almost breathless quality, she captures Stella’s desire and hopes. As the book goes on, I feel the female narrator does an excellent job of growing with her character. On the other hand, I had trouble with Mr. Harrison as soon as I heard him. At my usual 1.25x speed, his performance is riddled with dramatic pauses and unnecessary rests. It reminded me of the young Captain Kirk. Well, not that bad, but it’s start, stop, pause, start, stop, pause. I sped the playback up to 1.5x, and that helped, and overtime, I was able to get past the cadence issues. I did like the quality of his voice, which was deep and sexy, but the start/stop nature ruined much of that for me.
Overall, I liked Shooting for the Stars and getting Bear and Stella’s story. The early middle was a little slow, with a lot of flashbacks, followed by so much avoidance, that the story dragged at times. However, it all feels very genuine. The fear of losing a friend, the guilt, the longing, etc., and in the end, I liked how it all played out.
My Rating: B
Female narrator: B+
Male narrator: C+
Audiobook review copy provided by Blunder Woman Productions
March 13, 2015
4.5-5 stars
Ah! I'm so excited to talk about this book. This is the newest addition to a great series by one of my favorite authors so without further ado...
Shooting For The Stars is a Contemporary Romance standalone read with no cliffhangers so if you haven't read either of the previous stories, no worries. However if you are like me and have read the other two, when you read this one you feel a bit like you are reuniting with old friends. If I'm being honest I kind of felt bad for any guy who had to follow in Hank's shadow (my love for him runs strong) but I was so so (pleasantly) surprised to have Bear steal another piece of my heart in such a special way.
What happens when the one person you need the most is the one person you can't have?
After an epic day (for Stella) and a horrendously bad day (for Bear) both of them drop all pretenses of an uncomplicated friendship and give in to a night full of each other. When the new day comes, it brings along with it the guilt and fear that Bear has betrayed his very best friend and Stella tries to prepare her heart for another break. But then they get a phone call that changes everything for them... and yet it changes nothing.
While Dane and Willow's story was all about the heat...
And Hank and Callie's story was all about the steam...
Bear and Stella give us a story full of simmer.
I loved the surprise dynamics to Stella's character that I didn't see coming. It definitely gave more explanation to her character and even to the behaviors of those around her. While Stella is typically overprotected and treated delicately she tries her hardest to be seen as an athlete in her own right and not just as Hank's little sister.
The one other person who knows what its like in the shadow of Hank Lazarus is Bear. Best friends since children they have been inseparable. But now as their careers shift on to two very different paths, he feels the hits to his confidence. Bear is on a journey to find his own self worth again... to reclaim his life's passions. But he's still unsure of how to do that when his best friend's little sister is one of those passions.
Like I mentioned before I felt like this was a reunion with old friends. Along with the old came so fresh new faces that gave this story all the right stuff. I swear Sarina Bowen has an amazing ability to write characters that I wish I could hang out with, seriously she never lets me down. I found myself smiling from beginning to end (cringing only slightly as Bear "buddy- ied" Stella into the friendzone repeatedly) and I'll be the first to admit the epilogue got me a little bit teary... in the happiest way of course.
I am giving this book 4.5 Stars and a big recommendation!
Ah! I'm so excited to talk about this book. This is the newest addition to a great series by one of my favorite authors so without further ado...
Shooting For The Stars is a Contemporary Romance standalone read with no cliffhangers so if you haven't read either of the previous stories, no worries. However if you are like me and have read the other two, when you read this one you feel a bit like you are reuniting with old friends. If I'm being honest I kind of felt bad for any guy who had to follow in Hank's shadow (my love for him runs strong) but I was so so (pleasantly) surprised to have Bear steal another piece of my heart in such a special way.
What happens when the one person you need the most is the one person you can't have?
After an epic day (for Stella) and a horrendously bad day (for Bear) both of them drop all pretenses of an uncomplicated friendship and give in to a night full of each other. When the new day comes, it brings along with it the guilt and fear that Bear has betrayed his very best friend and Stella tries to prepare her heart for another break. But then they get a phone call that changes everything for them... and yet it changes nothing.
While Dane and Willow's story was all about the heat...
And Hank and Callie's story was all about the steam...
Bear and Stella give us a story full of simmer.
I loved the surprise dynamics to Stella's character that I didn't see coming. It definitely gave more explanation to her character and even to the behaviors of those around her. While Stella is typically overprotected and treated delicately she tries her hardest to be seen as an athlete in her own right and not just as Hank's little sister.
The one other person who knows what its like in the shadow of Hank Lazarus is Bear. Best friends since children they have been inseparable. But now as their careers shift on to two very different paths, he feels the hits to his confidence. Bear is on a journey to find his own self worth again... to reclaim his life's passions. But he's still unsure of how to do that when his best friend's little sister is one of those passions.
Like I mentioned before I felt like this was a reunion with old friends. Along with the old came so fresh new faces that gave this story all the right stuff. I swear Sarina Bowen has an amazing ability to write characters that I wish I could hang out with, seriously she never lets me down. I found myself smiling from beginning to end (cringing only slightly as Bear "buddy- ied" Stella into the friendzone repeatedly) and I'll be the first to admit the epilogue got me a little bit teary... in the happiest way of course.
I am giving this book 4.5 Stars and a big recommendation!
November 29, 2018
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Puntando alle Stelle è il terzo e ultimo romanzo della serie contemporary romance Gravity di Sarina Bowen.
Mi piace molto lo stile di questa autrice e i temi delicati che ogni volta riesce ad inserire nelle sue storie, per cui sono contenta che questa serie sia stata tradotta in maniera indipendente in Italia. Spero però che qualche editore italiano consideri la pubblicazione di altri volumi di questa autrice, perché ci sono tante belle trame in lingua originale che vorrei tanto leggere. Incrocio le dita!
Questa volta i personaggi principali sono Stella e Bear, rispettivamente la sorella e il migliore amico di Hank Lazarus (il protagonista del secondo libro della serie), conosciuti durante la lettura di Caduto dalle Stelle, dove già si intuiva che tra questi due c'era qualcosa in sospeso.
Puntando alle Stelle scorre in parte in maniera parallela al precedente; la notte galeotta tra Stella e Bear corrisponde proprio alla notte prima del terribile incidente che ha cambiato la vita di Hank. A seguire la narrazione ci catapulta dieci mesi dopo l'incidente, quando è ormai giunto il momento per questi due protagonisti di affrontare quanto successo tra loro e dare anche una svolta alle loro vite professionali.
Stella Lazarus è una di quelle protagoniste femminili di cui leggo sempre con piacere, è una persona molto schietta, divertente, audace e un po' spericolata.
Bear è un ragazzo di umili origini, ha un vissuto molto diverso da quello dei Lazarus, ma è sempre stato molto legato alla loro famiglia. Si dimostra un buon amico e una persona molto gentile e disponibile in più occasioni.
I due ragazzi hanno dei vissuti diversi, preoccupazioni diverse, ma anche alcuni aspetti in comune: sono entrambi amanti della neve e dello snowboard e soprattutto sono molto competitivi sin dall'infanzia. Grazie anche a questa peculiarità, ci regalano spesso dei dialoghi molto frizzanti e irriverenti. Io amo i battibecchi!
In questo romanzo, Stella e Bear sono chiamati a prendere delle decisioni importanti per il loro futuro, personale e professionale.
La Bowen ci regala delle scene molto dolci e romantiche ed anche qualcuna più sensuale, senza mai azzardare eccessivamente.
Giunta ormai al termine della serie, ritengo che tutti e tre i volumi della serie Gravity siano all'incirca sullo stesso livello, ogni storia che l'autrice ci ha raccontato è riuscita ad emozionarmi, è stata in grado di trasmettermi i sentimenti, le paure e le incertezze di questi personaggi e allo stesso modo mi ha fatto venire una gran voglia di partire per il Vermont o qualsiasi altra location immersa nella neve!
Sicuramente questo è il periodo perfetto per leggere questi romanzi, io ve li consiglio!
Punto di vista: terza persona
Sensualità: scene hot presenti, senza esagerazione
Caratteristiche: invernale, sportivo, emozionante, romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: conclusivo
Puntando alle Stelle è il terzo e ultimo romanzo della serie contemporary romance Gravity di Sarina Bowen.
Mi piace molto lo stile di questa autrice e i temi delicati che ogni volta riesce ad inserire nelle sue storie, per cui sono contenta che questa serie sia stata tradotta in maniera indipendente in Italia. Spero però che qualche editore italiano consideri la pubblicazione di altri volumi di questa autrice, perché ci sono tante belle trame in lingua originale che vorrei tanto leggere. Incrocio le dita!
Questa volta i personaggi principali sono Stella e Bear, rispettivamente la sorella e il migliore amico di Hank Lazarus (il protagonista del secondo libro della serie), conosciuti durante la lettura di Caduto dalle Stelle, dove già si intuiva che tra questi due c'era qualcosa in sospeso.
Puntando alle Stelle scorre in parte in maniera parallela al precedente; la notte galeotta tra Stella e Bear corrisponde proprio alla notte prima del terribile incidente che ha cambiato la vita di Hank. A seguire la narrazione ci catapulta dieci mesi dopo l'incidente, quando è ormai giunto il momento per questi due protagonisti di affrontare quanto successo tra loro e dare anche una svolta alle loro vite professionali.
Stella Lazarus è una di quelle protagoniste femminili di cui leggo sempre con piacere, è una persona molto schietta, divertente, audace e un po' spericolata.
Bear è un ragazzo di umili origini, ha un vissuto molto diverso da quello dei Lazarus, ma è sempre stato molto legato alla loro famiglia. Si dimostra un buon amico e una persona molto gentile e disponibile in più occasioni.
I due ragazzi hanno dei vissuti diversi, preoccupazioni diverse, ma anche alcuni aspetti in comune: sono entrambi amanti della neve e dello snowboard e soprattutto sono molto competitivi sin dall'infanzia. Grazie anche a questa peculiarità, ci regalano spesso dei dialoghi molto frizzanti e irriverenti. Io amo i battibecchi!
In questo romanzo, Stella e Bear sono chiamati a prendere delle decisioni importanti per il loro futuro, personale e professionale.
La Bowen ci regala delle scene molto dolci e romantiche ed anche qualcuna più sensuale, senza mai azzardare eccessivamente.
Giunta ormai al termine della serie, ritengo che tutti e tre i volumi della serie Gravity siano all'incirca sullo stesso livello, ogni storia che l'autrice ci ha raccontato è riuscita ad emozionarmi, è stata in grado di trasmettermi i sentimenti, le paure e le incertezze di questi personaggi e allo stesso modo mi ha fatto venire una gran voglia di partire per il Vermont o qualsiasi altra location immersa nella neve!
Sicuramente questo è il periodo perfetto per leggere questi romanzi, io ve li consiglio!
Punto di vista: terza persona
Sensualità: scene hot presenti, senza esagerazione
Caratteristiche: invernale, sportivo, emozionante, romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: conclusivo
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