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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were a few moments in this that annoyed me, mostly when I felt the book was focussing too much on their physical attraction and not enough on their emotional connection, but overall this was a brilliant book. I’m looking forward to listening to the spinoff.
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Good God that ending was absolutely everything! I can say for certain that the ending of this book will always be at the back of my mind for a very long time.
There is something so beautiful about a romance that isn't afraid to be unabashedly intimate yet still agonizingly angsty.
The pace at the beginning was unique in a way that it allowed the characters to come together without guilt or shame. It's quick but undeniably purposeful and I absolutely loved it.
Aspen and Cate have really well-written chemistry, that seeped through the story. They spoke to each other like adults allowing for the romance to be filled with clear communication and closeness and it allowed for their love for one another to feel genuine.
I usually despis stories where one character decides what's best for both of them. But the way Noyes writes this trope felt so unparalleled. It was done in a way that integrated a good balance between the characters personalities and the understanding of their trauma that made their conflict and break-up feel organic and not for dramatic purposes. I didn't feel anger or frustration towards either of them because Noyes made it apparent to allow for both sides to shine through.
Aspen's character development is done really well too. The pace felt realistic and balanced perfectly between her own individual growth and the growth within her romantic relationship with Cate, my only wish is that we saw Cate have some time to heal from her PTSD through therapy as well, as my poor girl has really been through it 🥺
Aspen's relationship with Gemma felt wonderfully done too, but I wish the pace slowed down during scenes between them so we could've seen Gemma's trust grow more clearly for Aspen, but the scenes we did get was so emotional and beautiful and I'm happy Noyes took the time show us the honest ups and downs of integrating someone new into a single parent household.
What a book truly! Overall 4.75 rounded up. 7
There is something so beautiful about a romance that isn't afraid to be unabashedly intimate yet still agonizingly angsty.
The pace at the beginning was unique in a way that it allowed the characters to come together without guilt or shame. It's quick but undeniably purposeful and I absolutely loved it.
Aspen and Cate have really well-written chemistry, that seeped through the story. They spoke to each other like adults allowing for the romance to be filled with clear communication and closeness and it allowed for their love for one another to feel genuine.
I usually despis stories where one character decides what's best for both of them. But the way Noyes writes this trope felt so unparalleled. It was done in a way that integrated a good balance between the characters personalities and the understanding of their trauma that made their conflict and break-up feel organic and not for dramatic purposes. I didn't feel anger or frustration towards either of them because Noyes made it apparent to allow for both sides to shine through.
Aspen's character development is done really well too. The pace felt realistic and balanced perfectly between her own individual growth and the growth within her romantic relationship with Cate, my only wish is that we saw Cate have some time to heal from her PTSD through therapy as well, as my poor girl has really been through it 🥺
Aspen's relationship with Gemma felt wonderfully done too, but I wish the pace slowed down during scenes between them so we could've seen Gemma's trust grow more clearly for Aspen, but the scenes we did get was so emotional and beautiful and I'm happy Noyes took the time show us the honest ups and downs of integrating someone new into a single parent household.
What a book truly! Overall 4.75 rounded up. 7
This was a really great and hot story about growth and endurance!! I need more!
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
What a beautiful story about surviving a rough time in your life, fighting to come back to a better/new place in life, to trust in yourself and others and to open up for true love ❤️
I cried, I laughed, I cried with laughter! Brilliant on so many levels.
3.5 stars rounded up. Interesting starting point but the book was too long with more than enough ups and downs. The book maybe would have benefitted from two POVs instead of only Aspen's. Cate's character felt distant mostly because of lack of her POV in the story. I would have liked to read more about the emotional side of their attraction/love story. It was built mostly on physical stuff (and past problems/trauma).
One of the turning points near the end reminded me a lot of Ask, Tell (I won't give out spoilers). I haven't read EJ Noyes's books beyond Gold and the Ask series so I don't know if it's a constant pattern/style in the books. I'm not sure if I liked to have it in Gold, too.
One of the turning points near the end reminded me a lot of Ask, Tell (I won't give out spoilers). I haven't read EJ Noyes's books beyond Gold and the Ask series so I don't know if it's a constant pattern/style in the books. I'm not sure if I liked to have it in Gold, too.
medium-paced
4.5 stars
This is the second book by Noyes I've read, and I think I am hooked. This was a great read. The story follows Aspen, a former Olympian, who is trying to get through each day after a terrible accident. Aspen runs into Cate, and the chemistry just flows. I really liked both Aspen and Cate. They had good chemistry and I liked their individual and relationship growth.
What I liked the most about this book was how Noyes handled Aspen's injury and recovery. As an athlete who has suffered sports injuries, I know how easy it is to focus on the physical problem while ignoring the emotional until it becomes the new reality. By that point it becomes easier to let the physical pain linger instead of dealing with the emotional. I think Noyes handled it very well and really captured how an injury can be made so much worse if it taps into an already existing fear or insecurity.
Shout out to the wonderful geekiness of Aspen!
The one thing that keeps this from being a 5 star for me is that several of the conversations were shortened or happened off screen. Some of the conversations that were shorten, in the way of Aspen stating what she said not actually saying it, worked well but some felt like it was a miss opportunity to get to know the characters and build them up. Maybe I missed it, but at some point there was a conversation that highlights the full extent of Cates previous shitty relationship, but I think it was off screen and it was revealed in a throw away line. Basically, I just wanted to sit with the characters more as they got to learn about each other.
All in all, this was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more of Noyes books. I would recommend for sport and romance fans.
This is the second book by Noyes I've read, and I think I am hooked. This was a great read. The story follows Aspen, a former Olympian, who is trying to get through each day after a terrible accident. Aspen runs into Cate, and the chemistry just flows. I really liked both Aspen and Cate. They had good chemistry and I liked their individual and relationship growth.
What I liked the most about this book was how Noyes handled Aspen's injury and recovery. As an athlete who has suffered sports injuries, I know how easy it is to focus on the physical problem while ignoring the emotional until it becomes the new reality. By that point it becomes easier to let the physical pain linger instead of dealing with the emotional. I think Noyes handled it very well and really captured how an injury can be made so much worse if it taps into an already existing fear or insecurity.
Shout out to the wonderful geekiness of Aspen!
The one thing that keeps this from being a 5 star for me is that several of the conversations were shortened or happened off screen. Some of the conversations that were shorten, in the way of Aspen stating what she said not actually saying it, worked well but some felt like it was a miss opportunity to get to know the characters and build them up. Maybe I missed it, but at some point there was a conversation that highlights the full extent of Cates previous shitty relationship, but I think it was off screen and it was revealed in a throw away line. Basically, I just wanted to sit with the characters more as they got to learn about each other.
All in all, this was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more of Noyes books. I would recommend for sport and romance fans.
I started my E.J. Noyes journey with "Ask, Tell" and I wish my libraries carried more of their books because they are always memorable. Cue the [passable?] winter Olympics related review:
This one should win a gold medal. It was a downhill race from the starting gate. With twists and turns, and a few emotional crashes, it follows two very believable characters as they navigate their own baggage and the inferno of attraction between them to finish their course in their own time.
I cannot wait to read more by E.J. Noyes.
This one should win a gold medal. It was a downhill race from the starting gate. With twists and turns, and a few emotional crashes, it follows two very believable characters as they navigate their own baggage and the inferno of attraction between them to finish their course in their own time.
I cannot wait to read more by E.J. Noyes.