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The Old Pair
At twelve, Anastasia Leighton has one dream: Olympic gold in partner ice dance. There’s just one problem: she doesn’t have a partner. That is, until James Scott comes crashing into her world. Scrawny, inexperienced, but full of determination, Jamie changes everything for Ana. Against all odds, they soar from underdogs to national darlings.
Their connection is undeniable—both on and off the ice.
But the spotlight has a cruel way of uncovering what was meant to stay hidden. And no bond, no matter how strong, is immune to the strain of fame.
It's been six years since Jamie walked out of her life, taking her heart with him. Now, at twenty-three, Ana returns to the Olympics with a new partner and one last shot at the gold.
So when Jamie arrives at the Games, Ana is forced to face everything she’s buried: the love they lost, the grief of her father’s death, and the mother who still blames her for the ruin of her own skating career.
Jamie has seven days to win Ana back.
Ana’s not sure she can make it through seven minutes with him.
The Old Pair is a sweeping second-chance romance about ambition, heartbreak, and the hardest move of all—forgiveness.
Their connection is undeniable—both on and off the ice.
But the spotlight has a cruel way of uncovering what was meant to stay hidden. And no bond, no matter how strong, is immune to the strain of fame.
It's been six years since Jamie walked out of her life, taking her heart with him. Now, at twenty-three, Ana returns to the Olympics with a new partner and one last shot at the gold.
So when Jamie arrives at the Games, Ana is forced to face everything she’s buried: the love they lost, the grief of her father’s death, and the mother who still blames her for the ruin of her own skating career.
Jamie has seven days to win Ana back.
Ana’s not sure she can make it through seven minutes with him.
The Old Pair is a sweeping second-chance romance about ambition, heartbreak, and the hardest move of all—forgiveness.
379 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
13 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 21, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy! This was my first ARC read, and I truly loved it so much!
The Old Pair by Rachel M. Banks
5⭐️
429 pages
Spice level: closed-door
Language: some
⚠️Content warnings from the author: “This book contains mentions of OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, death of a family member, depression, excoriation disorder, also known as skin picking, which can be seen as a form of self-harm, and eating disorder behaviors. Reader’s discretion is advised.”
Tropes:
❄️Second chance
❄️Childhood best friends-to-lovers
❄️Ice skating partners
❄️He falls first and harder
❄️Found family
❄️“It was always you”
❄️Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
❄️Mental health rep
❄️Healing and forgiveness
Wow, what a love story!!🫶🏻 I was gripped right from the start! The pacing was really cool; switching back and forth with chapters from the past and present. As a reader, it made me very invested in the characters! The author did a good job of giving you just enough information to keep you engaged without completely spoiling how the main characters got to where there are in the present timeline. I also LOVED that the chapter titles were song titles that corresponded with each chapter! I’m a sucker for tying music to literature😍 (you can find the list on Spotify or at the very back of the book!)
Friends-to-lovers and second chance romances can be hit or miss for me, but Ana and Jamie’s story was definitely a hit!💕 I loved these two star-crossed lovers; their story felt inevitable, and yet I was still nervous about the ending!! Because of the flashback timeline, we got to watch Ana and Jamie grow up together. There were moments where you could see the youth and immaturity in the characters and how they acted out of hurt, and then moments in the present timeline where growth and forgiveness sets them free. Seeing that character progression was satisfying and so sweet to watch!
The ending was just 🥹😭🩷 I loved it SO much! All the angst and struggle paid off and I was left smiling and oh so happy reading the epilogue!🥰 Seeing Ana and Jamie love each other so unconditionally despite the flaws and ugliest parts of themselves was so heartwarming and healing to read❤️🩹
“The Old Pair” is a great blend of romance, yearning, and angst - dealing with some heavier topics, while not feeling completely overwhelmed by them. It felt more like the book was truly about Ana and Jamie who happened to be flawed and have their own unique struggles, as opposed to the story revolving too much on their traumas. You could really feel the love the author had for these characters shine through in her writing🥹! If you love romance with the star-crossed feel, unapologetic yearning, sprinkled with some competitive drama; you’ll LOVE this story!🩵❄️
The Old Pair by Rachel M. Banks
5⭐️
429 pages
Spice level: closed-door
Language: some
⚠️Content warnings from the author: “This book contains mentions of OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, death of a family member, depression, excoriation disorder, also known as skin picking, which can be seen as a form of self-harm, and eating disorder behaviors. Reader’s discretion is advised.”
Tropes:
❄️Second chance
❄️Childhood best friends-to-lovers
❄️Ice skating partners
❄️He falls first and harder
❄️Found family
❄️“It was always you”
❄️Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
❄️Mental health rep
❄️Healing and forgiveness
Wow, what a love story!!🫶🏻 I was gripped right from the start! The pacing was really cool; switching back and forth with chapters from the past and present. As a reader, it made me very invested in the characters! The author did a good job of giving you just enough information to keep you engaged without completely spoiling how the main characters got to where there are in the present timeline. I also LOVED that the chapter titles were song titles that corresponded with each chapter! I’m a sucker for tying music to literature😍 (you can find the list on Spotify or at the very back of the book!)
Friends-to-lovers and second chance romances can be hit or miss for me, but Ana and Jamie’s story was definitely a hit!💕 I loved these two star-crossed lovers; their story felt inevitable, and yet I was still nervous about the ending!! Because of the flashback timeline, we got to watch Ana and Jamie grow up together. There were moments where you could see the youth and immaturity in the characters and how they acted out of hurt, and then moments in the present timeline where growth and forgiveness sets them free. Seeing that character progression was satisfying and so sweet to watch!
The ending was just 🥹😭🩷 I loved it SO much! All the angst and struggle paid off and I was left smiling and oh so happy reading the epilogue!🥰 Seeing Ana and Jamie love each other so unconditionally despite the flaws and ugliest parts of themselves was so heartwarming and healing to read❤️🩹
“The Old Pair” is a great blend of romance, yearning, and angst - dealing with some heavier topics, while not feeling completely overwhelmed by them. It felt more like the book was truly about Ana and Jamie who happened to be flawed and have their own unique struggles, as opposed to the story revolving too much on their traumas. You could really feel the love the author had for these characters shine through in her writing🥹! If you love romance with the star-crossed feel, unapologetic yearning, sprinkled with some competitive drama; you’ll LOVE this story!🩵❄️
January 25, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
This was a beautiful second-chance love story that completely captured my heart. I read it in one day because I truly could not put it down. The Old Pair is a stunning ice skating romance filled with emotion, depth, and so much heart.
The character development is incredible, and the story is layered with longing, growth, and the quiet ache of “what could have been.” It explores heartbreak, loss, betrayal, and the kind of friendship that lingers even when everything changes, as well as that deep, haunting yearning for the life you thought you were going to have.
📖 The Old Pair releases February 20th — and if you love second-chance romances, emotional storytelling, and stories that stay with you long after you finish, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. 💙⛸️
This was a beautiful second-chance love story that completely captured my heart. I read it in one day because I truly could not put it down. The Old Pair is a stunning ice skating romance filled with emotion, depth, and so much heart.
The character development is incredible, and the story is layered with longing, growth, and the quiet ache of “what could have been.” It explores heartbreak, loss, betrayal, and the kind of friendship that lingers even when everything changes, as well as that deep, haunting yearning for the life you thought you were going to have.
📖 The Old Pair releases February 20th — and if you love second-chance romances, emotional storytelling, and stories that stay with you long after you finish, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. 💙⛸️
February 11, 2026
The Old Pair completely stole my heart! this sports romance had the perfect balance of emotional depth, character growth, and swoony moments that kept me fully invested from beginning to end. I went in expecting a fun romance and walked away with a story that felt real, raw, and meaningful.
One of the things that resonated with me the most was the FMC. As someone who grew up with OCD and excoriation disorder, I felt deeply seen in the way her mental health was portrayed. The author handled these topics with care and honesty, showing both the internal struggles and the strength it takes to keep going. I also found the complicated relationship between the FMC and her controlling mother painfully relatable and it added so much emotional weight and realism to the story.
Beyond the heavy themes, the romance itself was heartfelt and engaging, and I loved watching the characters grow both individually and together. There’s such a fun detail that each chapter title is connected to a song, with a full playlist included in the back of the book. It added an extra immersive layer that made the reading experience feel even more personal.
⚠️Please check the warnings and read with care if these topics are sensitive for you.
Overall, this was a beautiful, emotional sports romance that blended vulnerability, healing, and love in such a thoughtful way. I’m so grateful for the chance to read this ARC and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy romances that aren’t afraid to explore the harder parts of life while still delivering hope and heart.
One of the things that resonated with me the most was the FMC. As someone who grew up with OCD and excoriation disorder, I felt deeply seen in the way her mental health was portrayed. The author handled these topics with care and honesty, showing both the internal struggles and the strength it takes to keep going. I also found the complicated relationship between the FMC and her controlling mother painfully relatable and it added so much emotional weight and realism to the story.
Beyond the heavy themes, the romance itself was heartfelt and engaging, and I loved watching the characters grow both individually and together. There’s such a fun detail that each chapter title is connected to a song, with a full playlist included in the back of the book. It added an extra immersive layer that made the reading experience feel even more personal.
⚠️Please check the warnings and read with care if these topics are sensitive for you.
Overall, this was a beautiful, emotional sports romance that blended vulnerability, healing, and love in such a thoughtful way. I’m so grateful for the chance to read this ARC and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy romances that aren’t afraid to explore the harder parts of life while still delivering hope and heart.
January 19, 2026
•°. ❝ My life didn't begin until I met you, and it ended when I lost you. ❞ *࿐
✎ᝰ. ★★★★★ ∞ stars
✎ᝰ. 0/5 spice level (closed-door)
✎ᝰ. tropes:
𝜗𝜚 childhood best friends to lovers
𝜗𝜚 second chance romance
𝜗𝜚 he falls first and harder
𝜗𝜚 fake dating
𝜗𝜚 dual timeline
𝜗𝜚 black cat x golden retriever
𝜗𝜚 slow burn
𝜗𝜚 mental health rep
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
First of all, I would like to thank the author, Rachel M. Banks, for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read this ARC. This is one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it was truly an honor to receive an early copy.
I am in absolute shock that this is a debut novel, as this was one of those six-star reads where every single aspect of the book feels absolutely perfect. I am completely in awe of the writing, the plot, and the character development, as well as the storyline and how beautifully the dual timeline was constructed. It allows us to fully connect with the main characters and their inner conflicts, making the slow burn a hundred times more impactful.
I think anyone who enjoys sports romances, especially ice skating ones, will be obsessed with Ana and Jamie’s story. I loved seeing their connection grow stronger over time, showcasing how real and raw their love is, as well as how it is affected by outside forces such as fear, childhood psychological abuse, and media pressure. Most of all, I loved how the story shows that when two people are meant to be together, they can overcome any obstacle as long as they continue to choose one another.
When it comes to side characters, Alex was my absolute favorite. He is so charismatic, funny, loyal, and truly the best friend anyone could ask for. I sincerely hope we get to see his happy ending in a future book, along with more of Ana and Jamie, because there is never such a thing as too much of them.
The Old Pair is a beautiful story about finding your soulmate when everything seems lost, healing from your past, and becoming the person you were always meant to be. It is a story of pain, loss, grief, trauma, healing, love, friendship, and forgiveness, reminding us that no matter how dark life becomes, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
•°. ❝ Then you came along, and suddenly, it was like the color began to come back. The lights turned back on, and I felt like there was hope again. I wasn't dying anymore. Someone could finally see me. They could see the blood and the mess, and they didn't turn away ❞ *࿐
✎ᝰ. trigger warnings (possible spoilers): OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, death of a family member, depression, self-harm (excoriation disorder/skin picking), and eating disorder
January 26, 2026
this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and for the most part it did not disappoint!!
i absolutely DEVOURED this, i had to know what was gonna happen!!! i thought the pacing was great, with the dual timeline (which i always love in a book), switching at the perfect times!
i looooved ana and jamie, both were such complex characters each with their own flaws and struggles which is truly what we need in books, especially with fictional sports people! great representation of mental health too i thought
i loved alex as a character and i always love when side characters are fully fleshed which i thought was done really well in this book!
for the most part it was a really really good balance of ana and jamie’s life and love with the figure skating, however towards the end i wish we could’ve seen more of the skating and especially more of the competing and the medal ceremony at the olympics!! we were following ana’s career and i feel like we were missing a major part of it
on a similar note, i wish the six missing years of ana and alex skating together was accounted for, again felt like a whole chunk of her career was missing and after following her whole journey it’s a shame to miss out on that. would’ve loved to see how their partnership started out with them training together and then also see them competing to see how they got to where they were at the olympics.
THE LETTERS!!!!!! one of my fave parts, tears were shed
i can tell a lot of research went into this however there were a couple of mistakes/discrepancies with the research with things that i think could be found out and fixed quite easily. for example, they were ice dancers but there were mentions of jumps and spins that are only done by pairs skaters (axels, death spirals etc). similarly there were mentions of the medal being given after the rhythm dance, or it being their first performance but it was their free dance - rhythm is always first and free always second. these could’ve been fixed very easily, and this was the main thing that bothered me!!
while i liked the ending, it did fall a little flat for me and wasn’t as satisfying as it could’ve been. the whole religious bit in the epilogue felt like it came from nowhere??? felt really out of place
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and while i think there’s a lot of fine tuning that could’ve been done i do think this was a great figure skating romance, and the closest thing i’ve found to the favourites, which is what i’ve wanted to find after loving that book so much. definitely wanted a bit more from this though which is why it couldn’t be 5 stars for me. gorgeous book though!!
thank you so much to the author for the arc!! so happy to have been able to read this early (and ahead of winter olympics!!)
i absolutely DEVOURED this, i had to know what was gonna happen!!! i thought the pacing was great, with the dual timeline (which i always love in a book), switching at the perfect times!
i looooved ana and jamie, both were such complex characters each with their own flaws and struggles which is truly what we need in books, especially with fictional sports people! great representation of mental health too i thought
i loved alex as a character and i always love when side characters are fully fleshed which i thought was done really well in this book!
for the most part it was a really really good balance of ana and jamie’s life and love with the figure skating, however towards the end i wish we could’ve seen more of the skating and especially more of the competing and the medal ceremony at the olympics!! we were following ana’s career and i feel like we were missing a major part of it
on a similar note, i wish the six missing years of ana and alex skating together was accounted for, again felt like a whole chunk of her career was missing and after following her whole journey it’s a shame to miss out on that. would’ve loved to see how their partnership started out with them training together and then also see them competing to see how they got to where they were at the olympics.
THE LETTERS!!!!!! one of my fave parts, tears were shed
i can tell a lot of research went into this however there were a couple of mistakes/discrepancies with the research with things that i think could be found out and fixed quite easily. for example, they were ice dancers but there were mentions of jumps and spins that are only done by pairs skaters (axels, death spirals etc). similarly there were mentions of the medal being given after the rhythm dance, or it being their first performance but it was their free dance - rhythm is always first and free always second. these could’ve been fixed very easily, and this was the main thing that bothered me!!
while i liked the ending, it did fall a little flat for me and wasn’t as satisfying as it could’ve been. the whole religious bit in the epilogue felt like it came from nowhere??? felt really out of place
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and while i think there’s a lot of fine tuning that could’ve been done i do think this was a great figure skating romance, and the closest thing i’ve found to the favourites, which is what i’ve wanted to find after loving that book so much. definitely wanted a bit more from this though which is why it couldn’t be 5 stars for me. gorgeous book though!!
thank you so much to the author for the arc!! so happy to have been able to read this early (and ahead of winter olympics!!)
January 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW⭐️
🙌AMAZING WONDERFUL HEARTFELT ROMANCE WHERE U WILL BAWL UR EYES OUT ONE SECOND AND WISH SO BADLY FOR TWO PEOPLE TO BE TOGETHER❤️
Just finished the book and wow... I was so excited and thankful to have received the ARC of this book but tbh I had no expectations of what to expect. This book was anything but linear it was heartfelt in ways I didnt expect, touched on subjects that hit so close to home, and ended with a love that was always meant to be. Gonna start by saying that as a person with a narcissistic parent reading about it was more difficult than I imagined and all the things Ana experienced I resonated so deeply with. The way her anxiety and panic attacks were depicted were so relatable and honestly im glad they were included in the storyline. I loved the time jumps from the past to the present they helped the story feel so rounded like there was never a moment that felt like it was never covered. I really loved how as children Ana and Jamie had so much love and understanding for each other genuinely felt like i was alex at times and being a fan on the sidelines rooting for their relationship. I CRIED SO MANY TIMES IN THIS BOOK!!!! The amount of times I said "this book is actually really sad" so many times and not to mean it as a bad thing! ITS GOOD TO FEEL... But man when Ana would talk about her dad and Jamie would comfort her bro when Ana was in the locker and she said "hi dad" I BAWLED MY EYES OUT😭 there were so many emotional scenes in this book so again this book is anything but linear it has so many raw moments that as a reader u cant help but feel for the characters. So to anyone that wants to read it it READ IT! As an avid romantasy reader its nice to switch it up and this book was such a good breath of fresh air🥺 expect to cry, to feel frustrated by the characters *remember they are teenagers and think about the decisions and ur decision making skills at that age* and be prepared to hope and want for two people to be together so BADLY!!! Its gonna hurt in the beginning but just power through and u will be so happy u stuck around for the end ❤️
🙌AMAZING WONDERFUL HEARTFELT ROMANCE WHERE U WILL BAWL UR EYES OUT ONE SECOND AND WISH SO BADLY FOR TWO PEOPLE TO BE TOGETHER❤️
Just finished the book and wow... I was so excited and thankful to have received the ARC of this book but tbh I had no expectations of what to expect. This book was anything but linear it was heartfelt in ways I didnt expect, touched on subjects that hit so close to home, and ended with a love that was always meant to be. Gonna start by saying that as a person with a narcissistic parent reading about it was more difficult than I imagined and all the things Ana experienced I resonated so deeply with. The way her anxiety and panic attacks were depicted were so relatable and honestly im glad they were included in the storyline. I loved the time jumps from the past to the present they helped the story feel so rounded like there was never a moment that felt like it was never covered. I really loved how as children Ana and Jamie had so much love and understanding for each other genuinely felt like i was alex at times and being a fan on the sidelines rooting for their relationship. I CRIED SO MANY TIMES IN THIS BOOK!!!! The amount of times I said "this book is actually really sad" so many times and not to mean it as a bad thing! ITS GOOD TO FEEL... But man when Ana would talk about her dad and Jamie would comfort her bro when Ana was in the locker and she said "hi dad" I BAWLED MY EYES OUT😭 there were so many emotional scenes in this book so again this book is anything but linear it has so many raw moments that as a reader u cant help but feel for the characters. So to anyone that wants to read it it READ IT! As an avid romantasy reader its nice to switch it up and this book was such a good breath of fresh air🥺 expect to cry, to feel frustrated by the characters *remember they are teenagers and think about the decisions and ur decision making skills at that age* and be prepared to hope and want for two people to be together so BADLY!!! Its gonna hurt in the beginning but just power through and u will be so happy u stuck around for the end ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2026
Yet another book that has brought me to tears 🥹💜
This book is equal parts sweet, raw, devastating, and beautiful.
And the timing is just perfect with the Olympics going on right now! I have always loved figure skating. 🫶🏻
⛸️Synopsis:
The Old Pair follows Anastasia Leighton, who is following a dream of figure skating. (Her dream or her mother’s?) When Ana makes up her mind to be a pair figure skater, the perfect partner shows up. James Scott is a hockey player and has never figure-skated in his life. But with Ana’s help, he could not be a better partner.
Through the years of their partnership, they face struggles. Fame isn’t easy and Ana faces old demons and new feelings. When one lie, grown thorns, tears her from Jamie, it seems like the two of them are no more than a teenage love gone wrong. ⛸️
Ana’s life is far from easy, and the emotion that Rachel weaves in her story brought me to tears more than once. 💔 Written in flashbacks, it’s heart-wrenching, charming, swoon-worthy, and beautifully painful. 🥹
Content warnings:
No spice, but some passionate kisses. Some things suggested, mention of explicit fanfics, creepy fans, etc.
No swearing.
One LGBTQ character, but it’s not overly mentioned.
Trauma, self harm, panic attacks, injuries.
This book is equal parts sweet, raw, devastating, and beautiful.
And the timing is just perfect with the Olympics going on right now! I have always loved figure skating. 🫶🏻
⛸️Synopsis:
The Old Pair follows Anastasia Leighton, who is following a dream of figure skating. (Her dream or her mother’s?) When Ana makes up her mind to be a pair figure skater, the perfect partner shows up. James Scott is a hockey player and has never figure-skated in his life. But with Ana’s help, he could not be a better partner.
Through the years of their partnership, they face struggles. Fame isn’t easy and Ana faces old demons and new feelings. When one lie, grown thorns, tears her from Jamie, it seems like the two of them are no more than a teenage love gone wrong. ⛸️
Ana’s life is far from easy, and the emotion that Rachel weaves in her story brought me to tears more than once. 💔 Written in flashbacks, it’s heart-wrenching, charming, swoon-worthy, and beautifully painful. 🥹
Content warnings:
No spice, but some passionate kisses. Some things suggested, mention of explicit fanfics, creepy fans, etc.
No swearing.
One LGBTQ character, but it’s not overly mentioned.
Trauma, self harm, panic attacks, injuries.
January 26, 2026
I received an ARC of The Old Pair, and this book honestly surprised me in the best way! going in, the premise felt familiar, but the author adds so much emotional depth that it never follows a predictable cadence. the balance between the sport and romance is really well done, and from the start you’re rooting for these characters - you want them to find their way back to each other.
this story is so full of delicious emotional crumbs that kept my heart in my throat. everyone is written with such relatable characteristics that they’re impossible not to love. the dual timeline is especially strong, we move seamlessly between past and present, building the story in a way that makes every chapter feel important. even the miscommunication trope was handled thoughtfully, shaped by timing, pressure, and circumstances.
I was emotionally invested the entire time, piecing together what went wrong, while desperately hoping the characters could finally have the conversations they needed. for a debut, this writing is confident, thoughtful, and immersive. this is absolutely a book I’ll be recommending!
this story is so full of delicious emotional crumbs that kept my heart in my throat. everyone is written with such relatable characteristics that they’re impossible not to love. the dual timeline is especially strong, we move seamlessly between past and present, building the story in a way that makes every chapter feel important. even the miscommunication trope was handled thoughtfully, shaped by timing, pressure, and circumstances.
I was emotionally invested the entire time, piecing together what went wrong, while desperately hoping the characters could finally have the conversations they needed. for a debut, this writing is confident, thoughtful, and immersive. this is absolutely a book I’ll be recommending!
January 28, 2026
Special thanks to Rachel Banks for the ARC! I absolutely devoured this book. I read it in one day because that’s how bad I wanted to know the outcome of Jamie and Ana’s story. If the LOML doesn’t yearn for me for six years with zero contact, then I don’t want him.
Things I loved:
-Jamie and his ability to just GET Ana. He understands her. That’s his person. I do wish we got more depth and time with him and Ana as adults though.
-Ana’s character was different in the best way. I love that she’s so broken and has so many issues, yet she still knows she’s THAT girl. I’ve found myself exasperated recently with FMCs and I’m so happy to say that Ana ended up being one of my fav FMCs.
-I loved that Ana gave her mom an ultimatum, therapy and heal or leave forever. That’s so amazing.
-Ana’s mom. Hear me out: she’s not a one dimensional villain. She has layers and reasons and I think that it’s SO important to see Helene as more than Ana’s evil mom. What she did was awful and of course she feels justified but I found myself understanding her on a deeper level that I just wasn’t expecting.
Things I didn’t love:
-How forgiving Ana is/how much she put on her shoulders. I definitely get that she had a role in what happened between her and Jamie and her growth was amazing, but maybe I’m too petty because I would’ve had Jamie and my mom GROVELING.
-The fact that Ana and Jamie didn’t get to skate at the Olympics together. I get it, they resolved their issues and peace was achieved but the reason this story had me in such a chokehold was because of the ice skating and there’s something incredibly romantic about them being skating partners.
-I’m mad at the Scotts. There, I said it. They should’ve tried way harder to get Ana back. It’s nice they acknowledged it but absolutely not. I was so mad at them.
Literally 100000 stars. The fact that this is Rachel Banks’ debut novel is crazy. She put SO MUCH work into this book and you can just tell when you read it. Also the fact that she does her own artwork too, so you can see exactly how the author envisioned her characters. One of my favorite ARCs. I can’t wait for my copy to come in February.
Things I loved:
-Jamie and his ability to just GET Ana. He understands her. That’s his person. I do wish we got more depth and time with him and Ana as adults though.
-Ana’s character was different in the best way. I love that she’s so broken and has so many issues, yet she still knows she’s THAT girl. I’ve found myself exasperated recently with FMCs and I’m so happy to say that Ana ended up being one of my fav FMCs.
-I loved that Ana gave her mom an ultimatum, therapy and heal or leave forever. That’s so amazing.
-Ana’s mom. Hear me out: she’s not a one dimensional villain. She has layers and reasons and I think that it’s SO important to see Helene as more than Ana’s evil mom. What she did was awful and of course she feels justified but I found myself understanding her on a deeper level that I just wasn’t expecting.
Things I didn’t love:
-How forgiving Ana is/how much she put on her shoulders. I definitely get that she had a role in what happened between her and Jamie and her growth was amazing, but maybe I’m too petty because I would’ve had Jamie and my mom GROVELING.
-The fact that Ana and Jamie didn’t get to skate at the Olympics together. I get it, they resolved their issues and peace was achieved but the reason this story had me in such a chokehold was because of the ice skating and there’s something incredibly romantic about them being skating partners.
-I’m mad at the Scotts. There, I said it. They should’ve tried way harder to get Ana back. It’s nice they acknowledged it but absolutely not. I was so mad at them.
Literally 100000 stars. The fact that this is Rachel Banks’ debut novel is crazy. She put SO MUCH work into this book and you can just tell when you read it. Also the fact that she does her own artwork too, so you can see exactly how the author envisioned her characters. One of my favorite ARCs. I can’t wait for my copy to come in February.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
PHENOMENAL! I need time to gather my thoughts
Thank you to Rachel for providing me with this arc!
There were times that Ana and Jamie felt quite real and I had to sit back and remember they aren’t. You could feel their love seeping off the page. Jamie Scott is everything. I wanna say so much and can’t. I might even need more time to come back to this.
Truly amazed by this book.
Thank you to Rachel for providing me with this arc!
There were times that Ana and Jamie felt quite real and I had to sit back and remember they aren’t. You could feel their love seeping off the page. Jamie Scott is everything. I wanna say so much and can’t. I might even need more time to come back to this.
Truly amazed by this book.
January 24, 2026
.ೃ࿔*:･ ARC REVIEW .ೃ࿔*:･
4/5 🌟
In this book, we follow the story of James and Anastasia from when they meet at age 12, how their friendship evolves, the figure skating tournaments, and most importantly, their relationship. But there's a problem: they haven't seen each other for six years, and Anastasia isn't ready to forgive James so quickly. First, she has to deal with her own issues and know that James regrets what he did. Will they be able to talk things through and forgive each other?
——————————————————————————
En este libro vamos a ir viendo la historia de James y Anastasia desde que se conocen a los 12 años, como evoluciona su amistad, los torneos de patinaje artistico y lo que es mas importante, su relación. Pero hay un problema, llevan 6 años sin verse y Anastasia no está dispuesta a perdonar a James tan rapido, primero tiene que lidiar con sus problemas y saber que James se arrepiente de lo que hizo, conseguirán hablar las cosas y perdonarse?
4/5 🌟
In this book, we follow the story of James and Anastasia from when they meet at age 12, how their friendship evolves, the figure skating tournaments, and most importantly, their relationship. But there's a problem: they haven't seen each other for six years, and Anastasia isn't ready to forgive James so quickly. First, she has to deal with her own issues and know that James regrets what he did. Will they be able to talk things through and forgive each other?
——————————————————————————
En este libro vamos a ir viendo la historia de James y Anastasia desde que se conocen a los 12 años, como evoluciona su amistad, los torneos de patinaje artistico y lo que es mas importante, su relación. Pero hay un problema, llevan 6 años sin verse y Anastasia no está dispuesta a perdonar a James tan rapido, primero tiene que lidiar con sus problemas y saber que James se arrepiente de lo que hizo, conseguirán hablar las cosas y perdonarse?
February 7, 2026
ARC read!! finished just in time for the opening ceremony
February 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It was everything I hoped for in a figure skating romance! The emotional part at the end had me in tears. Loved it!!
February 21, 2026
I don’t have words for how much I love this book! It’s just what I needed! The perfect iceskating romance with dual timelines. I honestly have read a better written dual timeline trope. It’s so fresh and engaging. It kept me hooked through the whole book and wasn’t predictable! I am obsessed with Jamie and Ana! I lost count of how much I highlighted! Also Alex was one of my fav characters! Everything was perfection!
January 29, 2026
Crikey, I think I need a minute to gather my thoughts after absolutely inhaling this book. I’ve sobbed my entire way through it. I’m gobsmacked.
—
It’s been two days since I finished reading The Old Pair and I still can’t get Jamie and Ana’s story out of my head. For all the best reasons.
I’ll admit when I received the arc I was nervous to actually pick it up and read it. Figure skating, like any sport, is such a delicate subject to write because small inconsistencies can make or break a story. Plus, having read a lot of Skating books such as Icebreaker, I worried it was going to have the same kind of prose which I liked but didn’t completely enjoy.
I’m so glad I finally picked this up. The single POV, dual timeline, past tense writing style felt so fresh to read after months of reading dual POV’s and present tense books. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of those styles, but it felt like a crisp fresh page reading this.
The plot isn’t cliche at all. It’s raw and unique, and while it does follow a trajectory that is predictable, it’s still wildly unpredictable at the same time. There’s nothing thrown in there for a shock factor, or a major plot twist just to add to the suspense. Every detail added felt intentional and carried weight.
I could talk about this book until I’m blue in the face, but I think if you’re considering reading it, it’s likely best to go in with as little knowledge about the plot and the character arcs as possible.
What you do need to know is the writing is GOOD. It’s brilliant. It’s descriptive and easy to follow, and has a lot of elements of allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions about things.
It’s closed door, but there’s actually no mention at all of anything happening with any character. Which again, was quite refreshing, especially after reading Heated Rivalry.
The ending is absolutely stunning and I was so sad to see their story be wrapped up in such a perfect little bow. The only thing that stood out for me was I wanted to know more about a situation that happened with Ana’s mum 3 years prior to them going to the Olympics, however I don’t even actually think it’s necessary to know all the details. Given how much you find out about her mother’s character and the dynamic between Ana and Helene, you can make your own conclusions about what went down, which is a rare but special thing to find with books these days.
It does tackle very difficult matters relating to mental health, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in if that’s something you need to consider. I’ll list them briefly below.
About the tropes:
▫️single POV (there is a Jamie’s POV as a bonus chapter)
▫️past tense, dual timeline
▫️ice skating partnership
▫️fake dating
▫️skating academy
▫️Olympic Games
Things to consider:
▪️depression and anxiety
▪️self-harm
▪️control around diet and food (not necessarily an eating disorder)
▪️grief and bereavement
▪️toxic parenting
—
It’s been two days since I finished reading The Old Pair and I still can’t get Jamie and Ana’s story out of my head. For all the best reasons.
I’ll admit when I received the arc I was nervous to actually pick it up and read it. Figure skating, like any sport, is such a delicate subject to write because small inconsistencies can make or break a story. Plus, having read a lot of Skating books such as Icebreaker, I worried it was going to have the same kind of prose which I liked but didn’t completely enjoy.
I’m so glad I finally picked this up. The single POV, dual timeline, past tense writing style felt so fresh to read after months of reading dual POV’s and present tense books. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of those styles, but it felt like a crisp fresh page reading this.
The plot isn’t cliche at all. It’s raw and unique, and while it does follow a trajectory that is predictable, it’s still wildly unpredictable at the same time. There’s nothing thrown in there for a shock factor, or a major plot twist just to add to the suspense. Every detail added felt intentional and carried weight.
I could talk about this book until I’m blue in the face, but I think if you’re considering reading it, it’s likely best to go in with as little knowledge about the plot and the character arcs as possible.
What you do need to know is the writing is GOOD. It’s brilliant. It’s descriptive and easy to follow, and has a lot of elements of allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions about things.
It’s closed door, but there’s actually no mention at all of anything happening with any character. Which again, was quite refreshing, especially after reading Heated Rivalry.
The ending is absolutely stunning and I was so sad to see their story be wrapped up in such a perfect little bow. The only thing that stood out for me was I wanted to know more about a situation that happened with Ana’s mum 3 years prior to them going to the Olympics, however I don’t even actually think it’s necessary to know all the details. Given how much you find out about her mother’s character and the dynamic between Ana and Helene, you can make your own conclusions about what went down, which is a rare but special thing to find with books these days.
It does tackle very difficult matters relating to mental health, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in if that’s something you need to consider. I’ll list them briefly below.
About the tropes:
▫️single POV (there is a Jamie’s POV as a bonus chapter)
▫️past tense, dual timeline
▫️ice skating partnership
▫️fake dating
▫️skating academy
▫️Olympic Games
Things to consider:
▪️depression and anxiety
▪️self-harm
▪️control around diet and food (not necessarily an eating disorder)
▪️grief and bereavement
▪️toxic parenting
February 20, 2026
First of all, thank you so much to the author of this book for sending me an ARC!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I’ve only had 3 books in my life bring me to tears and this is one of them. The first 75% is a really fun story and the last 25% absolutely wrecked me in the best way. The Old Pair is a contemporary character-driven sports romance. It’s a second chance, and slow burn that absolutely has me in a choke-hold now. Reading it felt like when you find a really really great fanfiction story and you stay up till 3am trying to finish it. I dunno what the author put in this but the chemistry and yearning between the two main leads is off the charts.
Characters
The heart of this book is the interpersonal relationships. Particularly those between Ana and Jamie, our two main characters. But there is also a well fleshed out cast of side characters (the Scott family, Ana’s mother, Alex, etc…) that add heart, charm, and depth to the story.
Jamie is just the sweetest golden retriever love interest. I absolutely adore him!!! He makes mistakes but tries his best to correct them and is 100% so freaking dedicated to Ana (even after their falling out).
Ana, by contrast, is prickly, worn down by her overbearing mother, to the point where she has panic attacks and picks her skin to cope. I just love how Ana is so complex. She pushes away the people she cares about most as a result of her own suffering. She’s so flawed and painfully realistic that it makes it easy to sympathize with her.
In the hands of a lesser author Ana’s mother would be relegated to the villain archetype (and to be fair she is quite horrible to her daughter) but as we learn more about her later in the book we get to see how she got to that point and it’s heartbreaking.
Romance
As for Ana and Jamie’s relationship… 😍. I feel like I always have so little to say when I deeply enjoy things but I just *need* to gush about them. They’re soooo cute (the epilogue 😭♥). You really root for them to get together and there are scenes when the mutual pinning, the YEARNING, is just *chef’s kiss* amazing! The letters from Jamie at the latter part of the book contained some of the swooniest lines I have ever read. Don’t get me wrong, the characters go through major challenges, especially at a young age, but they learn and grow as people in a way that feels incredibly earned and satisfying.
Writing
My only critique is that sometimes the writing felt a bit clunky at points. Just phrases and dialogue that felt unnatural. I would completely understand if this was the author’s way of distinguishing Ana’s specific voice, since I think she is neurodivergent, but it wasn’t just her character who spoke like this. Things are often overexplained or told to the reader multiple times in different chapters. Scenes were prolonged when they shouldn’t have been. I think there are portions of this book that could have been edited or cut and it would have made for a much more streamlined reading experience. That being said I couldn’t have cared less by the end. The chemistry and romance offset most of it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I’ve only had 3 books in my life bring me to tears and this is one of them. The first 75% is a really fun story and the last 25% absolutely wrecked me in the best way. The Old Pair is a contemporary character-driven sports romance. It’s a second chance, and slow burn that absolutely has me in a choke-hold now. Reading it felt like when you find a really really great fanfiction story and you stay up till 3am trying to finish it. I dunno what the author put in this but the chemistry and yearning between the two main leads is off the charts.
Characters
The heart of this book is the interpersonal relationships. Particularly those between Ana and Jamie, our two main characters. But there is also a well fleshed out cast of side characters (the Scott family, Ana’s mother, Alex, etc…) that add heart, charm, and depth to the story.
Jamie is just the sweetest golden retriever love interest. I absolutely adore him!!! He makes mistakes but tries his best to correct them and is 100% so freaking dedicated to Ana (even after their falling out).
Ana, by contrast, is prickly, worn down by her overbearing mother, to the point where she has panic attacks and picks her skin to cope. I just love how Ana is so complex. She pushes away the people she cares about most as a result of her own suffering. She’s so flawed and painfully realistic that it makes it easy to sympathize with her.
In the hands of a lesser author Ana’s mother would be relegated to the villain archetype (and to be fair she is quite horrible to her daughter) but as we learn more about her later in the book we get to see how she got to that point and it’s heartbreaking.
Romance
As for Ana and Jamie’s relationship… 😍. I feel like I always have so little to say when I deeply enjoy things but I just *need* to gush about them. They’re soooo cute (the epilogue 😭♥). You really root for them to get together and there are scenes when the mutual pinning, the YEARNING, is just *chef’s kiss* amazing! The letters from Jamie at the latter part of the book contained some of the swooniest lines I have ever read. Don’t get me wrong, the characters go through major challenges, especially at a young age, but they learn and grow as people in a way that feels incredibly earned and satisfying.
Writing
My only critique is that sometimes the writing felt a bit clunky at points. Just phrases and dialogue that felt unnatural. I would completely understand if this was the author’s way of distinguishing Ana’s specific voice, since I think she is neurodivergent, but it wasn’t just her character who spoke like this. Things are often overexplained or told to the reader multiple times in different chapters. Scenes were prolonged when they shouldn’t have been. I think there are portions of this book that could have been edited or cut and it would have made for a much more streamlined reading experience. That being said I couldn’t have cared less by the end. The chemistry and romance offset most of it.
February 20, 2026
3.5/5 rounded up to 4/5
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
THE OLD PAIR follows a pair of figure skaters, Ana and Jamie, in a dual timeline story. We meet them at the Olympic Games, six years after they parted ways heartbroken, but we don't know what happened. We are transported back to when they first met; we watch their friendship develop as they begin skating together, and follow along as they fall for each other in silence and are privy to them falling apart. And when is all said and done, we are left hoping for a happy ending.
I have to say, I have a lot of "feelings" about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed it - the friendship and the love story was sweet and I liked both main characters. I enjoyed the ice skating storyline and watching these characters grow throughout the years. On the other hand, I was very much on edge and quite frustrated at times, because I felt like I was watching a train without breaks moving head-first into a wall. I had to remind myself that these characters were teenagers and so their communication skills weren't the best and especially Ana, who was plagued by fear that her mother would drive away her best, and only friend (not to mention, the love of her life). They buried their feelings for the sake of their Olympic dream.
The mental heath rep was done with care. Ana struggled grief, anxiety, dietary restrictions and anger issues. Jamie was such a wonderful boy. He was caring and thoughtful and helped ease Ana's emotional pain. He was the only safe place she had, which was all the more heartbreaking when everything fell apart.
The fake dating here wasn't cute. It was a means for both of them to survive the growing pressure from the reality show they were dragged into and from the pressures of the competitive sport they practiced.
This was Banks' debut and she did a good job. As I said, I liked the characters and their bond. She definitely kept me engaged because I didn't want to leave the book even when I was frustrated and dreading what I knew was to come. It took me a few days to reach the middle of the book and then only one day to finish the rest - I NEEDED to see them through and into their HEA - there was no other option! And what a HEA! It was everything I wanted and more. I was so glad I stuck around until the end.
If you like figure skating romance, mental health rep and friends to lovers, check this book out!
[No spice]
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
THE OLD PAIR follows a pair of figure skaters, Ana and Jamie, in a dual timeline story. We meet them at the Olympic Games, six years after they parted ways heartbroken, but we don't know what happened. We are transported back to when they first met; we watch their friendship develop as they begin skating together, and follow along as they fall for each other in silence and are privy to them falling apart. And when is all said and done, we are left hoping for a happy ending.
I have to say, I have a lot of "feelings" about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed it - the friendship and the love story was sweet and I liked both main characters. I enjoyed the ice skating storyline and watching these characters grow throughout the years. On the other hand, I was very much on edge and quite frustrated at times, because I felt like I was watching a train without breaks moving head-first into a wall. I had to remind myself that these characters were teenagers and so their communication skills weren't the best and especially Ana, who was plagued by fear that her mother would drive away her best, and only friend (not to mention, the love of her life). They buried their feelings for the sake of their Olympic dream.
The mental heath rep was done with care. Ana struggled grief, anxiety, dietary restrictions and anger issues. Jamie was such a wonderful boy. He was caring and thoughtful and helped ease Ana's emotional pain. He was the only safe place she had, which was all the more heartbreaking when everything fell apart.
The fake dating here wasn't cute. It was a means for both of them to survive the growing pressure from the reality show they were dragged into and from the pressures of the competitive sport they practiced.
This was Banks' debut and she did a good job. As I said, I liked the characters and their bond. She definitely kept me engaged because I didn't want to leave the book even when I was frustrated and dreading what I knew was to come. It took me a few days to reach the middle of the book and then only one day to finish the rest - I NEEDED to see them through and into their HEA - there was no other option! And what a HEA! It was everything I wanted and more. I was so glad I stuck around until the end.
If you like figure skating romance, mental health rep and friends to lovers, check this book out!
[No spice]
February 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Emotional, powerful, and beautifully written
This is an incredible story that blends the intensity of competitive figure skating with deep emotional storytelling.
Ana (Anastasia) has been on the ice since she was three. After losing her father at ten, the only person who brought warmth and balance into her life, she’s left alone with a cold, manipulative mother obsessed with control. Determined to live out her own Olympic dreams through Ana, she pushes her relentlessly, creating a childhood shaped by pressure instead of love.
The damage runs deep. Ana struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm tendencies, and an unhealthy relationship with food, all rooted in the suffocating control of her mother.
Jamie enters her life in the most unexpected way. A hockey player on the neighbouring rink, he becomes captivated watching her skate and secretly teaches himself figure skating just to be near her. Jamie is beautifully written , a gentle, artistic soul with a stutter and a love for sketching that makes school life difficult, but his kindness never wavers.
When they partner up at twelve, something special is born. Jamie sees Ana completely, her strength and her brokenness, and loves her without judgment. Through his warm, chaotic family, she finally experiences what unconditional love feels like.
The story spans 11 years of their lives, and the emotional depth is stunning. Their bond is powerful but complicated. Ana’s walls are sky-high, built from trauma and the relentless pursuit of Olympic gold, while Jamie stands beside her through every panic attack, every setback, every victory.
Then everything falls apart.
They separate, build new lives, and find new skating partners , only to meet again 6 years later on the biggest stage of all: the Olympics. With just days to go, Jamie is faced with one last chance to fight for the girl he never stopped loving.
This book is raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully layered. It explores trauma, ambition, mental health, and first love with honesty and care. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with long timelines, complex characters, and second-chance romance, this one is absolutely worth the read.
This is an incredible story that blends the intensity of competitive figure skating with deep emotional storytelling.
Ana (Anastasia) has been on the ice since she was three. After losing her father at ten, the only person who brought warmth and balance into her life, she’s left alone with a cold, manipulative mother obsessed with control. Determined to live out her own Olympic dreams through Ana, she pushes her relentlessly, creating a childhood shaped by pressure instead of love.
The damage runs deep. Ana struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm tendencies, and an unhealthy relationship with food, all rooted in the suffocating control of her mother.
Jamie enters her life in the most unexpected way. A hockey player on the neighbouring rink, he becomes captivated watching her skate and secretly teaches himself figure skating just to be near her. Jamie is beautifully written , a gentle, artistic soul with a stutter and a love for sketching that makes school life difficult, but his kindness never wavers.
When they partner up at twelve, something special is born. Jamie sees Ana completely, her strength and her brokenness, and loves her without judgment. Through his warm, chaotic family, she finally experiences what unconditional love feels like.
The story spans 11 years of their lives, and the emotional depth is stunning. Their bond is powerful but complicated. Ana’s walls are sky-high, built from trauma and the relentless pursuit of Olympic gold, while Jamie stands beside her through every panic attack, every setback, every victory.
Then everything falls apart.
They separate, build new lives, and find new skating partners , only to meet again 6 years later on the biggest stage of all: the Olympics. With just days to go, Jamie is faced with one last chance to fight for the girl he never stopped loving.
This book is raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully layered. It explores trauma, ambition, mental health, and first love with honesty and care. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with long timelines, complex characters, and second-chance romance, this one is absolutely worth the read.
January 26, 2026
Oh. My. God. The moment I heard this was inspired by (or based on) Valeriy and Vasilisa, I knew I HAD to read it. I honestly never expected to actually get the ARC, so I didn’t even realize I had it until yesterday... (yes I’m not a very optimistic person…) Butt I’m incredibly thankful to the author for giving me the chance to read this, because this book is literally golden.
But to be honest despite how eager I was to start, I was also kind of scared because of the plot and the angst, especially since it kind of reminded me of The Favorites (which, to this day, I still haven’t finished… yes, I’m a coward, I really need to get back to it). But thank God I pushed myself to start, because wow, this was so much different from what I expected.
Yes, it has TONS of angst (which is really not my best moment), along with misunderstandings and all that, but THE YEARNINGG OMFG, Jamie and Ana are exactly the kind of couple I’ve been looking for (minus the separation 💔). Banks did such an amazing job with the “soulmate” trope, it doesn’t feel forced, rushed, or doomed (like The Favorites.. 😔). You can truly feel the genuineness, the care, and the love that emanate from Jamie and Ana, there’s no pride or ego, it’s just them wanting and needing each other so much, because really they’re not just lovers, they’re something more. They’re best friends. They’re soulmates.
And don’t even get me started on Ana’s relationship with her mom. It’s so painfully realistic that if I were in Ana’s place, I wouldn’t know whether to hate her or give her another chance either. And the Scotts, I really need to see more of them with Ana 😭🤧💗 And I would love to read idk some bonus chapters about Ana and Jamie after the Olympics maybeee, because really I am HUNGRY for their moments 😭😭 like I need moreee of them just them.
But to be honest despite how eager I was to start, I was also kind of scared because of the plot and the angst, especially since it kind of reminded me of The Favorites (which, to this day, I still haven’t finished… yes, I’m a coward, I really need to get back to it). But thank God I pushed myself to start, because wow, this was so much different from what I expected.
Yes, it has TONS of angst (which is really not my best moment), along with misunderstandings and all that, but THE YEARNINGG OMFG, Jamie and Ana are exactly the kind of couple I’ve been looking for (minus the separation 💔). Banks did such an amazing job with the “soulmate” trope, it doesn’t feel forced, rushed, or doomed (like The Favorites.. 😔). You can truly feel the genuineness, the care, and the love that emanate from Jamie and Ana, there’s no pride or ego, it’s just them wanting and needing each other so much, because really they’re not just lovers, they’re something more. They’re best friends. They’re soulmates.
And don’t even get me started on Ana’s relationship with her mom. It’s so painfully realistic that if I were in Ana’s place, I wouldn’t know whether to hate her or give her another chance either. And the Scotts, I really need to see more of them with Ana 😭🤧💗 And I would love to read idk some bonus chapters about Ana and Jamie after the Olympics maybeee, because really I am HUNGRY for their moments 😭😭 like I need moreee of them just them.
January 30, 2026
The Old Pair
Rachel M Banks
4.5 stars (rounded up to five for goodreads rating system)
!!Minor Spoilers Ahead!!
I really enjoyed this book! The main character Ana can be abrasive and rude but also has a soft spot for those she cares about. She is a flawed character and knows that she is not perfect and is still loved anyways. She grows up with the heavy weight of expectation imposed by her mother and the loss of her dad leaves a lasting impact. She doesn't have many friends as a result of being homeschooled and yet with Jamie she finds a second home. It is truly heartwarming the amount of love Jamie’s family shows for Ana and the relationship that they all build, even more so when it picks back up after six years.
The story alternated between the past and the present to build the narrative of the split. Neither part felt like it was valued over the other and with the constant illusion to this big falling out, it was heartbreaking to watch the leadup and then eventual downfall. I will say that towards the end it was getting repetitive and when the “reveal” happened I was disappointed because after all that was built up it couldn’t have been only that (it was and wasn’t which leaves me with mixed feelings). I was annoyed that they waited six years to reconnect when what happened seemed so little, and even more so with how they both know Ana’s mother to be. I LOVED Jamie's letters and so was the running through the airport, but I wish the story ended there. Don’t get me wrong, I was rooting for Ana and Jamie the whole time! I didn’t particularly love the epilogue and it almost tanked the book for me.
I wish that there was more on the Olympics and how each of them skated since that was what Ana was working for. It’s a love story and it's a pretty good one, but with the winter Olympics so close, I selfishly wanted more of the actual figure skating (a twizzle anyone?)
The Old Pair is an easy and enjoyable read - a classic romance! Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this book!
Rachel M Banks
4.5 stars (rounded up to five for goodreads rating system)
!!Minor Spoilers Ahead!!
I really enjoyed this book! The main character Ana can be abrasive and rude but also has a soft spot for those she cares about. She is a flawed character and knows that she is not perfect and is still loved anyways. She grows up with the heavy weight of expectation imposed by her mother and the loss of her dad leaves a lasting impact. She doesn't have many friends as a result of being homeschooled and yet with Jamie she finds a second home. It is truly heartwarming the amount of love Jamie’s family shows for Ana and the relationship that they all build, even more so when it picks back up after six years.
The story alternated between the past and the present to build the narrative of the split. Neither part felt like it was valued over the other and with the constant illusion to this big falling out, it was heartbreaking to watch the leadup and then eventual downfall. I will say that towards the end it was getting repetitive and when the “reveal” happened I was disappointed because after all that was built up it couldn’t have been only that (it was and wasn’t which leaves me with mixed feelings). I was annoyed that they waited six years to reconnect when what happened seemed so little, and even more so with how they both know Ana’s mother to be. I LOVED Jamie's letters and so was the running through the airport, but I wish the story ended there. Don’t get me wrong, I was rooting for Ana and Jamie the whole time! I didn’t particularly love the epilogue and it almost tanked the book for me.
I wish that there was more on the Olympics and how each of them skated since that was what Ana was working for. It’s a love story and it's a pretty good one, but with the winter Olympics so close, I selfishly wanted more of the actual figure skating (a twizzle anyone?)
The Old Pair is an easy and enjoyable read - a classic romance! Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this book!
February 5, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
My review... I wouldn’t know where to begin. I had been following Rachel on her long journey with this story and I honestly couldn’t have been more excited for the announcement of this book. Rachel’s debut. What a DEBUT is it. I have always loved watching this competitive sport, I found it beautiful and so poetic in a silent graceful kind of way. Being able to see people bring a story to life in the form of body movement and tricks, involving so much trust in your partner when blades are involved lol it truly encaptures me attention and I honestly do not think any movie adaptation could capture the beauty that Rachel put into this story herself. She wrote it from the depths of her heart and that’s incredible diffcult to do on any level. I cried reading this. I won’t lie, even though there’s no witnesses, I was at one point shouting at my kindle... nearing the end - all I can say is, without spoiling, I LOVE Alex with all of my heart. Despite Ana & Jamie being the main characters, he’s something special and I honestly felt like he reminded me of someone from my own personal life and it made me happy reading his dialouge. If you eveer want to read something so spectacular and possibly put you in a book slump from it’s amazingness... because I don’t know how I can continue onwards after this book. I am so glad I purchase her hardback special edition now, it’s totally worth it and I can’t wait to own more of her art. Rachel is truly talented and needs to be recongised more for her heart in her art. Honestly... go and read it, you won’t be disappointed, at all.
My review... I wouldn’t know where to begin. I had been following Rachel on her long journey with this story and I honestly couldn’t have been more excited for the announcement of this book. Rachel’s debut. What a DEBUT is it. I have always loved watching this competitive sport, I found it beautiful and so poetic in a silent graceful kind of way. Being able to see people bring a story to life in the form of body movement and tricks, involving so much trust in your partner when blades are involved lol it truly encaptures me attention and I honestly do not think any movie adaptation could capture the beauty that Rachel put into this story herself. She wrote it from the depths of her heart and that’s incredible diffcult to do on any level. I cried reading this. I won’t lie, even though there’s no witnesses, I was at one point shouting at my kindle... nearing the end - all I can say is, without spoiling, I LOVE Alex with all of my heart. Despite Ana & Jamie being the main characters, he’s something special and I honestly felt like he reminded me of someone from my own personal life and it made me happy reading his dialouge. If you eveer want to read something so spectacular and possibly put you in a book slump from it’s amazingness... because I don’t know how I can continue onwards after this book. I am so glad I purchase her hardback special edition now, it’s totally worth it and I can’t wait to own more of her art. Rachel is truly talented and needs to be recongised more for her heart in her art. Honestly... go and read it, you won’t be disappointed, at all.
February 10, 2026
Well my favorite quote is 3 pages long 😂 but look up Chapter 15: Sparks, pages 137-140 (I read on my kindle so exact page numbers might be different in print). Here's a little excerpt from it:
"Don't hurt yourself, Ana." His voice was quiet. We were sitting very close, my hands captured tightly in his. "It hurts me when you hurt yourself."
I wanted to run away and never look back because it was so shameful. What was wrong with me? Normal people didn't feel like they would vomit if they couldn't pick the scab of the latest cut they had given themselves. Normal people didn't make themselves bleed.
...
"You're perfect, Ana," Jamie swore. "You're not her mistake or her project. You are your own person, not who she wants you to be or who you feel you need to be for her. You are you, and I think you know that. I think you know exactly who you are; you just have to be brave enough to be that version of Ana... You're the best skater I know, but you're a lot more than that. Don't forget it."
...
"What are you doing?"
"Just trust me."
[Jamie proceeds to clean her cuts, bandage them, tuck her in, and she had the most peaceful sleep she's ever had. 🥲😭]
What every woman wants to hear from a man to be honest. Being truly seen and understood and loved, flaws and all, is the highest form of intimacy in my opinion.
This book isn't perfect; it's something better. Its REAL.
It's a fictional story about two authentic, flawed human beings making their way through the world, their own minds and difficulties, and back to each other 6 years apart.
The most beautiful and relatable love story, admittedly made more beautiful by adding the mesmerizing, chemistry-rich sport of ice dancing. I think love, music, art and dance are the real magic in life, and this book had all four.
The love story was so human and so relatable. Love in real life is messy. Its complicated. There are so many influences and factors and moving parts. We say things we dont mean when mad and we struggle to learn how to forgive those we love most (who often are the ones that hurt us the most deeply).
And of course I am a sucker for a happily ever after; it was messy but it was real and that made the ending all the more victorious and sweet.
Can't wait to read what Rachel writes next!
"Don't hurt yourself, Ana." His voice was quiet. We were sitting very close, my hands captured tightly in his. "It hurts me when you hurt yourself."
I wanted to run away and never look back because it was so shameful. What was wrong with me? Normal people didn't feel like they would vomit if they couldn't pick the scab of the latest cut they had given themselves. Normal people didn't make themselves bleed.
...
"You're perfect, Ana," Jamie swore. "You're not her mistake or her project. You are your own person, not who she wants you to be or who you feel you need to be for her. You are you, and I think you know that. I think you know exactly who you are; you just have to be brave enough to be that version of Ana... You're the best skater I know, but you're a lot more than that. Don't forget it."
...
"What are you doing?"
"Just trust me."
[Jamie proceeds to clean her cuts, bandage them, tuck her in, and she had the most peaceful sleep she's ever had. 🥲😭]
What every woman wants to hear from a man to be honest. Being truly seen and understood and loved, flaws and all, is the highest form of intimacy in my opinion.
This book isn't perfect; it's something better. Its REAL.
It's a fictional story about two authentic, flawed human beings making their way through the world, their own minds and difficulties, and back to each other 6 years apart.
The most beautiful and relatable love story, admittedly made more beautiful by adding the mesmerizing, chemistry-rich sport of ice dancing. I think love, music, art and dance are the real magic in life, and this book had all four.
The love story was so human and so relatable. Love in real life is messy. Its complicated. There are so many influences and factors and moving parts. We say things we dont mean when mad and we struggle to learn how to forgive those we love most (who often are the ones that hurt us the most deeply).
And of course I am a sucker for a happily ever after; it was messy but it was real and that made the ending all the more victorious and sweet.
Can't wait to read what Rachel writes next!
January 30, 2026
Thanks to the author for honoring me with her trust and allowing me to be one of the first readers of The Old Pair. It was one of my favorite reads this year and has become one of my all-time favorites. ♥️
I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy. Congratulations, baby, now I'm not only in love with your drawings, but also your writing (so don't stop!)🫣
The Old Pair is an amazing debut novel that is more than just a simple romantic story. There was a certain scene where I just sat there, unable to believe it. I can't believe that such a young woman could write THIS, especially in her first book. It's not just the talent, but the research behind it that allows Ana and Jamie's story to stay with us forever. It's hard to find the words to describe how Rachel conveys the emotions. What makes it even more so is the authentic portrayal of harder themes (grief, eating disorder, narcissistic parent). This book is not just a world-shaking love story, but a work of writing that shows real character development, with lovable and human characters, deep emotional connections (Alex was my favorite, his friendship carries everything, but we experience everything just like Ana and fall in love with Jamie), and alongside the happy ending, there is the importance of forgiveness and everything that makes a story memorable in a reader's life.
I cried, laughed, melted, raged,
panicked, hated, loved.🖤🩶🤍
I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy. Congratulations, baby, now I'm not only in love with your drawings, but also your writing (so don't stop!)🫣
The Old Pair is an amazing debut novel that is more than just a simple romantic story. There was a certain scene where I just sat there, unable to believe it. I can't believe that such a young woman could write THIS, especially in her first book. It's not just the talent, but the research behind it that allows Ana and Jamie's story to stay with us forever. It's hard to find the words to describe how Rachel conveys the emotions. What makes it even more so is the authentic portrayal of harder themes (grief, eating disorder, narcissistic parent). This book is not just a world-shaking love story, but a work of writing that shows real character development, with lovable and human characters, deep emotional connections (Alex was my favorite, his friendship carries everything, but we experience everything just like Ana and fall in love with Jamie), and alongside the happy ending, there is the importance of forgiveness and everything that makes a story memorable in a reader's life.
I cried, laughed, melted, raged,
panicked, hated, loved.🖤🩶🤍
February 2, 2026
Review for The Old Pair!!
🏒Overall⛸️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
Thank you so much Ms. Banks for the ARC! I loved your book and I would be rambling about it for days if I could…
Banks’ writing really keeps you reading her work!!
BUT WATCH YOUR DAYS, YOU LEFT ME BALLING MY EYES OUT AT THE END WITH JAMIE’S WORDS
But anyways! I loved the characters, they were sculpted SO BEAUTIFULLY. The contrast between 23 y.o Anastasia and her teenage self were two VERY different people. I definitely liked her older mature self rather than her teenage self, yet despite all that, Anastasia can officially be called the best ARC FMC of 2026! I don’t know if she can be topped 🥹
Next, I want to talk about Jamie’s character. Jamie was great too! He is what you expect a first love to feel and act like, especially as a confused teenager. Jamie is a character who you can really connect to and someone who is truly lovable despite the hardships FMC and him go through.
In addition, I want to talk about the plot. The plot was GREAT! I thought the plot was perfectly executed with the present and past chapters alining pretty well!
Lastly, I want to talk about the ending…THE ENDING AND EVERY NEAR THE END HAD ME BALLING MY EYES OUT.
I truly don’t know why but I was crying my soul out when reading Jamie’s words.
P.S: Banks did a great job with the second chance romance…I loved that
Let’s just move onto tropes…
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💙•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
❄️Tropes!✍️
⌇ ⋆Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
⌇ ⋆ Second Chance Romance
⌇ ⋆He fell first and fell harder
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💙•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
Thank you for reading this version of my review! I had to do this type of format so I could rant about my strong feelings about this ARC…
See you for the next one!
🏒Overall⛸️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
Thank you so much Ms. Banks for the ARC! I loved your book and I would be rambling about it for days if I could…
Banks’ writing really keeps you reading her work!!
BUT WATCH YOUR DAYS, YOU LEFT ME BALLING MY EYES OUT AT THE END WITH JAMIE’S WORDS
But anyways! I loved the characters, they were sculpted SO BEAUTIFULLY. The contrast between 23 y.o Anastasia and her teenage self were two VERY different people. I definitely liked her older mature self rather than her teenage self, yet despite all that, Anastasia can officially be called the best ARC FMC of 2026! I don’t know if she can be topped 🥹
Next, I want to talk about Jamie’s character. Jamie was great too! He is what you expect a first love to feel and act like, especially as a confused teenager. Jamie is a character who you can really connect to and someone who is truly lovable despite the hardships FMC and him go through.
In addition, I want to talk about the plot. The plot was GREAT! I thought the plot was perfectly executed with the present and past chapters alining pretty well!
Lastly, I want to talk about the ending…THE ENDING AND EVERY NEAR THE END HAD ME BALLING MY EYES OUT.
I truly don’t know why but I was crying my soul out when reading Jamie’s words.
P.S: Banks did a great job with the second chance romance…I loved that
Let’s just move onto tropes…
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💙•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
❄️Tropes!✍️
⌇ ⋆Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
⌇ ⋆ Second Chance Romance
⌇ ⋆He fell first and fell harder
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💙•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
Thank you for reading this version of my review! I had to do this type of format so I could rant about my strong feelings about this ARC…
See you for the next one!
February 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Oh, I loved little Jamie. With his speech issues, he reminds me of my son and I can't help but love him.
In the author’s note at the beginning of the book, she mentions that Ana isn’t meant to always be likeable, and yeah, by Chapter 3, I was really disliking her and hoping to watch her grow as a person because she wasn't unlikeable in the sense of not wanting to keep reading, but unlikeable in the sense of being young, so she's still got maturing to do and life to experience. I feel like Ana was too stubborn for her own good and hurt her best friend Jamie and hurt herself with her grudge holding.
Coach Lydia’s initial meeting with Jamie had me cracking up because of the “blink twice if you need saving” feel to it.
Ana’s mother is a piece of work and while reading at the beginning, I was hoping to read at some point that Ana had chosen to go no contact with her and was glad to see that she had little contact with her mother as an adult. Reading the scenes of 12-year-old Ana being spoken to like that by her mother was heartbreaking.
I was a little worried that there wasn't going to be a happily ever after for Ana and Jamie, and this was going to be a romantic tragedy instead.
I love Alex. He's an amazing best friend and found family for Ana.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
Oh, I loved little Jamie. With his speech issues, he reminds me of my son and I can't help but love him.
In the author’s note at the beginning of the book, she mentions that Ana isn’t meant to always be likeable, and yeah, by Chapter 3, I was really disliking her and hoping to watch her grow as a person because she wasn't unlikeable in the sense of not wanting to keep reading, but unlikeable in the sense of being young, so she's still got maturing to do and life to experience. I feel like Ana was too stubborn for her own good and hurt her best friend Jamie and hurt herself with her grudge holding.
Coach Lydia’s initial meeting with Jamie had me cracking up because of the “blink twice if you need saving” feel to it.
Ana’s mother is a piece of work and while reading at the beginning, I was hoping to read at some point that Ana had chosen to go no contact with her and was glad to see that she had little contact with her mother as an adult. Reading the scenes of 12-year-old Ana being spoken to like that by her mother was heartbreaking.
I was a little worried that there wasn't going to be a happily ever after for Ana and Jamie, and this was going to be a romantic tragedy instead.
I love Alex. He's an amazing best friend and found family for Ana.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
March 10, 2026
This book is an encouraging reminder that all of us can benefit from learning to recognize and disconnect from the behaviors and traits that promote relational dysfunction. For some people, it is difficult to learn to love others, love yourself, receive love, and trust people when you are brought up in an unloving home. This book is a love story about how despite our upbringing, a loving, fulfilling life is capable, especially when the right person comes alongside us to show us how it is done.
Anastasia has to work for approval from her mother to earn her self-worth. She struggles with fear of abandonment since her father died and her mother always threatens to take her coaches out of her life. She resists closeness and fails to express her true feelings b/c she was raised by an emotionally unavailable mother. She lives in fear because she has no control over her life. She is self-centered, prioritizing her own needs over the wellbeing of others, because she is told her whole life she was the best and needed to do whatever it took to win the Olympic Gold. All this leads to severe anxiety, unhealthy relationships and priorities that rob her of joy and her true purpose in life.
Jamie turns out to be the Gold Ana has wanted her whole life, not an Olympic Gold.
Every girl will want to find their "Jamie" after reading this book and every girl will want a best friend like Alex. Ana ends up a changed person as she learns to set healthy boundaries with her mother, who still from time to time tests her limits. This book will make you cry and give you hope that you too can learn from your mistakes and receive the gift of true unconditional love. I loved this book!
Anastasia has to work for approval from her mother to earn her self-worth. She struggles with fear of abandonment since her father died and her mother always threatens to take her coaches out of her life. She resists closeness and fails to express her true feelings b/c she was raised by an emotionally unavailable mother. She lives in fear because she has no control over her life. She is self-centered, prioritizing her own needs over the wellbeing of others, because she is told her whole life she was the best and needed to do whatever it took to win the Olympic Gold. All this leads to severe anxiety, unhealthy relationships and priorities that rob her of joy and her true purpose in life.
Jamie turns out to be the Gold Ana has wanted her whole life, not an Olympic Gold.
Every girl will want to find their "Jamie" after reading this book and every girl will want a best friend like Alex. Ana ends up a changed person as she learns to set healthy boundaries with her mother, who still from time to time tests her limits. This book will make you cry and give you hope that you too can learn from your mistakes and receive the gift of true unconditional love. I loved this book!
January 22, 2026
Thank you so much to the author who selected me for an ARC. I literally finished this story within hours. I stayed up way past my bedtime and finished it earlier in the (daytime) morning.
I ate this story up. This debut novel was really great. I loved Banks’s writing style. She made it very easy to follow. I sometimes struggle with the back and forth of a duel timeline, but this was written well. The characters are super relatable and are actually flawed. You empathize/sympathize with these characters and sometimes dislike their choices, but that’s what makes them so enjoyable and relatable. I also love how Banks wrote about true forgiveness. Sometimes truly forgiving somebody can the hardest thing to do, and I struggle with that. So, you can imagine how I felt reading about a character who struggles with forgiveness.
I have never read an ice skating novel before, so this was a super fun change in my reading tastes.
I highly recommend the novel. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, the banter, the diverse representation, and the ending.
Phenomenal debut novel! 💕
I ate this story up. This debut novel was really great. I loved Banks’s writing style. She made it very easy to follow. I sometimes struggle with the back and forth of a duel timeline, but this was written well. The characters are super relatable and are actually flawed. You empathize/sympathize with these characters and sometimes dislike their choices, but that’s what makes them so enjoyable and relatable. I also love how Banks wrote about true forgiveness. Sometimes truly forgiving somebody can the hardest thing to do, and I struggle with that. So, you can imagine how I felt reading about a character who struggles with forgiveness.
I have never read an ice skating novel before, so this was a super fun change in my reading tastes.
I highly recommend the novel. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, the banter, the diverse representation, and the ending.
Phenomenal debut novel! 💕
February 19, 2026
ARC review:
The Old Pair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh. My. Gosh. What a privilege it has been to read an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this wonderful book. The Old Pair is a dual timeline, second chance romance following the story of figure skaters, Anastasia (Ana) Leighton and James (Jamie Scott), told from Ana’s point of view. This story beautifully enraptures grief, mental illness, anger and the walk of human life.
In all honesty, I was a bit scared to request an ARC because what if I didn’t like it? But all fears disappeared very quickly. Rachel’s writing is raw and poignant, yet to stunning. This book had me ugly crying in the best way possible. I’m not even sure how to begin to explain this book because I fear I can’t do it justice. But I adored it. Thank you Rachel for letting me read the ARC. Release day is tomorrow!! Please, please check this book out for yourself! 🙂↕️🫶🏻
P.S. I really loved the aspects of faith towards the end and the quiet hum throughout. (That being said this book is for everyone and is not specifically religious in nature. It just shows faith and the role it can play in the walk of life)
The Old Pair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh. My. Gosh. What a privilege it has been to read an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this wonderful book. The Old Pair is a dual timeline, second chance romance following the story of figure skaters, Anastasia (Ana) Leighton and James (Jamie Scott), told from Ana’s point of view. This story beautifully enraptures grief, mental illness, anger and the walk of human life.
In all honesty, I was a bit scared to request an ARC because what if I didn’t like it? But all fears disappeared very quickly. Rachel’s writing is raw and poignant, yet to stunning. This book had me ugly crying in the best way possible. I’m not even sure how to begin to explain this book because I fear I can’t do it justice. But I adored it. Thank you Rachel for letting me read the ARC. Release day is tomorrow!! Please, please check this book out for yourself! 🙂↕️🫶🏻
P.S. I really loved the aspects of faith towards the end and the quiet hum throughout. (That being said this book is for everyone and is not specifically religious in nature. It just shows faith and the role it can play in the walk of life)
February 23, 2026
It was really good. I loved Ana and Jamie.
(And for some reason it made me rly happy that a figure skater's name is Anastasia.) Even though they were both flawed, their growth was super satisfying and they both learned really important lessons. I loved the moral of forgiveness. I was rooting for them the whole time.
I was really emotionally invested. I teared up and cried a few times near the end. The mom, Helene, made me really mad several times haha. I really loved some of the side characters. I also surprised myself by greatly enjoying the skating. It seems like a beautiful sport.
I think the dual timeline was so well-done and really helped me love Ana, especially when she was at her most bitter. It also added a lot of suspense, since you kind of half know what was going to happen in the past and you didn't want it to happen. It was sort of predictable, but you kind of want that with a romance.
It also did a great job of representing mental health problems imo, but for that reason it was darker than what I usually read. Romance isn't my favorite genre, but I really enjoyed The Old Pair.
(And for some reason it made me rly happy that a figure skater's name is Anastasia.) Even though they were both flawed, their growth was super satisfying and they both learned really important lessons. I loved the moral of forgiveness. I was rooting for them the whole time.
I was really emotionally invested. I teared up and cried a few times near the end. The mom, Helene, made me really mad several times haha. I really loved some of the side characters. I also surprised myself by greatly enjoying the skating. It seems like a beautiful sport.
I think the dual timeline was so well-done and really helped me love Ana, especially when she was at her most bitter. It also added a lot of suspense, since you kind of half know what was going to happen in the past and you didn't want it to happen. It was sort of predictable, but you kind of want that with a romance.
It also did a great job of representing mental health problems imo, but for that reason it was darker than what I usually read. Romance isn't my favorite genre, but I really enjoyed The Old Pair.
January 19, 2026
I have been seeing this book all over TikTok and have to say I was more than excited to read it. When I saw that there were applications to get an ARC I had to instantly sign up. When I was actually chosen to be an ARC reader I was thrilled.
Rachel has given me the chance to be an early reader for my honest opinion so here we go.
The old pair is based on her love for a pair of skaters TikTok obsessed over. Having seen their shorts before I even heard of this book I personally thought wow, what a great romance that would make! And lo and behold here came Rachel, granting our wishes with Ana and Jamie.
Fans of The Favorites book will love this book as well. The dual storyline keeps readers engaged. I found myself with tears in my eyes, grumbling angrily at some of the choices, hating certain characters, rooting for certain situations and more.
Can we get a book about Alex? He will definitely be a fan favorite! Amazing supporting character here. I know that this ARC is not enough for me and I will be getting the special edition book.
Fans of romance, skating and the what could have happened will love this book. DO read the trigger warnings though. Rachel did well covering them.
I highly recommend The Old Pair and look forward to the next book Rachel decides to write!
Rachel has given me the chance to be an early reader for my honest opinion so here we go.
The old pair is based on her love for a pair of skaters TikTok obsessed over. Having seen their shorts before I even heard of this book I personally thought wow, what a great romance that would make! And lo and behold here came Rachel, granting our wishes with Ana and Jamie.
Fans of The Favorites book will love this book as well. The dual storyline keeps readers engaged. I found myself with tears in my eyes, grumbling angrily at some of the choices, hating certain characters, rooting for certain situations and more.
Can we get a book about Alex? He will definitely be a fan favorite! Amazing supporting character here. I know that this ARC is not enough for me and I will be getting the special edition book.
Fans of romance, skating and the what could have happened will love this book. DO read the trigger warnings though. Rachel did well covering them.
I highly recommend The Old Pair and look forward to the next book Rachel decides to write!
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