emmascc's review
3.0
a little too instalove for my liking but overall was really cute and who doesnt love fake dating
iggyebab's review
3.0
I sought out this book because I have never read a romance with a Luger in it.
Looking at a staged relationship and how it could benefit both parties but also could turn it into a connection.
I really liked that Rowan was so sex positive and was not afraid to ask for what she wanted. It’s awesome to find female characters that are complex. Rowan is dedicated to her sport and confident in her skills. But she is also a fan girl and blushes. She is not a flat character.
Zane is a big rockstar but he also has a sweet side. He loves his band mates but at 26 being in a boy band is wearing thin.
I really liked these two together and hope that they are in other books.
Looking at a staged relationship and how it could benefit both parties but also could turn it into a connection.
I really liked that Rowan was so sex positive and was not afraid to ask for what she wanted. It’s awesome to find female characters that are complex. Rowan is dedicated to her sport and confident in her skills. But she is also a fan girl and blushes. She is not a flat character.
Zane is a big rockstar but he also has a sweet side. He loves his band mates but at 26 being in a boy band is wearing thin.
I really liked these two together and hope that they are in other books.
greylandreviews's review
2.0
2.25 stars
Umm... well hopefully the other four books are better because I got them as ARC's. This was just okay nothing really special. Not funny or super dramatic. Just boring.
Umm... well hopefully the other four books are better because I got them as ARC's. This was just okay nothing really special. Not funny or super dramatic. Just boring.
mags_louise's review
3.0
3.75☆
I thought this was an enjoyable read. It just didn't really grab me. But I liked the idea of it, and as a fan of sports romance. It's not often you get to read a story based around winter sports. So this made a nice change, and I did like the actual story. Which was easy to read, sweet and lighthearted, and there was minimal angst too. Plus the characters were likable. They just really didn't stand out or share much of a connection. But I did think it was good, and if you're looking for a sports romance thats different and on the sweeter side. Then I would definitely suggest giving Love on the Tracks a go.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I thought this was an enjoyable read. It just didn't really grab me. But I liked the idea of it, and as a fan of sports romance. It's not often you get to read a story based around winter sports. So this made a nice change, and I did like the actual story. Which was easy to read, sweet and lighthearted, and there was minimal angst too. Plus the characters were likable. They just really didn't stand out or share much of a connection. But I did think it was good, and if you're looking for a sports romance thats different and on the sweeter side. Then I would definitely suggest giving Love on the Tracks a go.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
critterbee's review
3.0
Contemporary sports romance that is an odd mix of immaturity and strength - Rowan is a world class luger who is starstruck over Zane, a dude in a boy band. At first her feelings are straight teenage fangirling, even though she is a strong, disciplined, successful athlete. Zane is a big fan of winter sports (really), and thinks Rowan is very attractive. Amidst all the crazy media surrounding the world class competition, the idea for a fake romance seems like a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The romance is told from both characters' points of view, alternating, and labeled with the name of the character when the pov switches. That is helpful because for all their differences, the writing does not really change from hero to heroine. Also, there are decidedly spicy bits, which seems out of balance with the overall YA feeling of the book.
Rowan's father is a bit of a controlling jerk, focusing mainly on her athletic success. Zane is thinking about life after the boy band, and planning his exit. Rowan finds that she enjoys exploring playing music, and Zane agrees to teach her how to play the guitar. They are both really likable, and I really enjoyed how supportive and respectful Zane is towards Rowan. When they realize that they both have feelings, it is discussed honestly and without misunderstanding.
The description of the luge run is so descriptive, I found it a little terrifying.
Overall, a bit sappy, but great characters, a great premise, and good writing.
*eARC Netgalley*
The romance is told from both characters' points of view, alternating, and labeled with the name of the character when the pov switches. That is helpful because for all their differences, the writing does not really change from hero to heroine. Also, there are decidedly spicy bits,
Spoiler
during which Rowan is refreshingly confident and straightforwardRowan's father is a bit of a controlling jerk, focusing mainly on her athletic success. Zane is thinking about life after the boy band, and planning his exit. Rowan finds that she enjoys exploring playing music, and Zane agrees to teach her how to play the guitar. They are both really likable, and I really enjoyed how supportive and respectful Zane is towards Rowan. When they realize that they both have feelings, it is discussed honestly and without misunderstanding.
The description of the luge run is so descriptive, I found it a little terrifying.
Spoiler
I am really glad her crash was described from his povOverall, a bit sappy, but great characters, a great premise, and good writing.
*eARC Netgalley*
sapphicsolace's review
4.0
Review also on my blog • Twitter • Bookstagram
I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love On the Tracks follows Rowan and Zane. Rowan is at the Denver Snow and Ice Games to compete in Lunge, which has captured the public's attention and has pushed her into the public eye. Zane is the lead singer of a band called Licence to Game, which has become the most popular band in America. Both know of the other and are attracted to each other, and when they meet this leads to chemistry between them. When they do meet, there's a moment where Zane kisses Rowan's cheek which get's caught on camera and goes viral. This leads to a plan where they will fake date to garner more attention for the other. As the two are already attracted to each other, they're both on board but it soon leads to something else.
If you know me at all, you know I don't ever read none diverse adult m/f romances (and m/f in general). This one however sounded interesting as did other books in the series so I decided to give it a shot, and I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed both of the main characters. I loved how driven Rowan was. Zane was also a good character, he really respected and supported Rowan in her career. I also really liked how he was shown to be really attracted to Rowan's athletic body, which is something I haven't seen shown in m/f romance before. His type seemed to be athletic women which is kind of rare to see in media.
I did like their relationship a lot too. When they first had sex, there was a good degree of communication. I also like how two forms of birth control were used, that being the pill and a condom. Maybe it's because I rarely read adult m/f, but I haven't seen this before and I really loved seeing it.
I would say my only complaint about this book was that they said 'I love you' a little too quickly for my taste. I think they needed a little more time to say it but that's more of a me thing, they did have good chemistry. It was overall, a pretty good m/f romance.
I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love On the Tracks follows Rowan and Zane. Rowan is at the Denver Snow and Ice Games to compete in Lunge, which has captured the public's attention and has pushed her into the public eye. Zane is the lead singer of a band called Licence to Game, which has become the most popular band in America. Both know of the other and are attracted to each other, and when they meet this leads to chemistry between them. When they do meet, there's a moment where Zane kisses Rowan's cheek which get's caught on camera and goes viral. This leads to a plan where they will fake date to garner more attention for the other. As the two are already attracted to each other, they're both on board but it soon leads to something else.
If you know me at all, you know I don't ever read none diverse adult m/f romances (and m/f in general). This one however sounded interesting as did other books in the series so I decided to give it a shot, and I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed both of the main characters. I loved how driven Rowan was. Zane was also a good character, he really respected and supported Rowan in her career. I also really liked how he was shown to be really attracted to Rowan's athletic body, which is something I haven't seen shown in m/f romance before. His type seemed to be athletic women which is kind of rare to see in media.
I did like their relationship a lot too. When they first had sex, there was a good degree of communication. I also like how two forms of birth control were used, that being the pill and a condom. Maybe it's because I rarely read adult m/f, but I haven't seen this before and I really loved seeing it.
I would say my only complaint about this book was that they said 'I love you' a little too quickly for my taste. I think they needed a little more time to say it but that's more of a me thing, they did have good chemistry. It was overall, a pretty good m/f romance.
lenoreo's review
4.0
http://celebrityreaders.com/2017/12/04/love-on-the-tracks-by-tamsen-parker/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — Well this was a whole bowl full of awesome! It was kind of tailor made for me. I mean, I’m not sure how many people know this about me, but I am an Olympic FIEND. It’s my favourite sport (and I realize it’s not a sport, just like rainbow isn’t a colour, but I do what I want). So a sports book that meshes a fictional Olympic type competition (the Snow & Ice Games) with a celebrity romance, this time in the form of a famous pop star from a boy band? SIGN ME UP!!! And it was even cool that the athlete in this case was the heroine, AND she was a luger of all things! Have you watched luge? Those people are certifiable!!
I actually loved both characters. They occasionally felt a bit young, but that can make for a more realistic NA in my opinion. I know I still feel young and immature at 38. 😛 And given their professions as it were, it made sense that they would feel young in certain aspects.
I LOVED Rowan. She was nothing like I am. NOTHING. But I appreciated how unique she was, and how the author really showcased the dedication and hard work and sacrifices that is synonymous with amateur athletes. I LOVED how she was so blunt and forthright in what she wanted with sex…it was very sex positive in that way. I also appreciated that she didn’t go from fangirl to cool immediately, b/c it felt more realistic then. Sometimes I wanted her to more obviously see him as more than just a pop star…or rather, more quickly. But it was subtle, and it didn’t make the fangirl stuff immediately go away. It frustrated me, but again, felt more realistic.
And more than what I loved about her, I LOVED how Zane saw her, and how he appreciated the things about her that she’s often been told are lacking. Like her athletic body was seen as less feminine by some (stupid) men, her strength was intimidating to others, not to mention her dedication to her sport.
Which brings us to Zane. Zane was almost too good to be true. I’m not kidding. He’s this pop star, but he was so very down to earth, and just so freaking kind and thoughtful. He was like ultimate book boyfriend material for me. There was no bad boy to him. He felt very practical. I enjoyed seeing him struggle with being tired of the boy band, but still loyal to his boys. I liked reading about his exit strategy, and how he was thinking ahead to the future. And how he seemed truly torn up about wanting to move on. And I appreciated that he knew the importance of his fans and saw how they were truly responsible for all his success, so he wanted to appreciate them (even if it got exhausting). Occasionally the commentary about boy bands felt a bit…snarky, and was surprising. It almost felt as though the author looked down on boy bands and it bled through…but at other times it just felt normal. It was odd…and could all be in my head.
And as I said above, I LOVED how he appreciated Rowan. He was so turned on by her aggression. Made me feel very tummy tingly. So needless to say I LOVED the chemistry between them. It was so freaking hot. Like the steamy parts were awesome, and different. And I felt the romance too…I felt the development of their relationship into more. I felt their caring for each other.
I will admit the climax and conflict felt a bit tropey, but I appreciated that it didn’t last long and it wasn’t drawn out.
And if you couldn’t tell from the beginning of the review, I LOVED all the “SIG” (*cough* Olympics *cough*) descriptions, and seeing different sports showcased, and learning so much about luge (which has always scared the crap out of me). And I ADORED that they talked a bit about curling, though as a Canadian, I was a bit bummed that they didn’t mention us at all in relation to curling…it’s kind of our adopted sport. Like, we may not have invented it, but it’s basically ours…it’s more Canadian than even hockey in some ways. Woah, blew your mind right?
So yeah. This took two of my favourite tropes (sports romance and celebrity romance) and blended them seamlessly and made this reader one very happy girl. Obscure sports for the win!!
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — Well this was a whole bowl full of awesome! It was kind of tailor made for me. I mean, I’m not sure how many people know this about me, but I am an Olympic FIEND. It’s my favourite sport (and I realize it’s not a sport, just like rainbow isn’t a colour, but I do what I want). So a sports book that meshes a fictional Olympic type competition (the Snow & Ice Games) with a celebrity romance, this time in the form of a famous pop star from a boy band? SIGN ME UP!!! And it was even cool that the athlete in this case was the heroine, AND she was a luger of all things! Have you watched luge? Those people are certifiable!!
I actually loved both characters. They occasionally felt a bit young, but that can make for a more realistic NA in my opinion. I know I still feel young and immature at 38. 😛 And given their professions as it were, it made sense that they would feel young in certain aspects.
I LOVED Rowan. She was nothing like I am. NOTHING. But I appreciated how unique she was, and how the author really showcased the dedication and hard work and sacrifices that is synonymous with amateur athletes. I LOVED how she was so blunt and forthright in what she wanted with sex…it was very sex positive in that way. I also appreciated that she didn’t go from fangirl to cool immediately, b/c it felt more realistic then. Sometimes I wanted her to more obviously see him as more than just a pop star…or rather, more quickly. But it was subtle, and it didn’t make the fangirl stuff immediately go away. It frustrated me, but again, felt more realistic.
And more than what I loved about her, I LOVED how Zane saw her, and how he appreciated the things about her that she’s often been told are lacking. Like her athletic body was seen as less feminine by some (stupid) men, her strength was intimidating to others, not to mention her dedication to her sport.
Which brings us to Zane. Zane was almost too good to be true. I’m not kidding. He’s this pop star, but he was so very down to earth, and just so freaking kind and thoughtful. He was like ultimate book boyfriend material for me. There was no bad boy to him. He felt very practical. I enjoyed seeing him struggle with being tired of the boy band, but still loyal to his boys. I liked reading about his exit strategy, and how he was thinking ahead to the future. And how he seemed truly torn up about wanting to move on. And I appreciated that he knew the importance of his fans and saw how they were truly responsible for all his success, so he wanted to appreciate them (even if it got exhausting). Occasionally the commentary about boy bands felt a bit…snarky, and was surprising. It almost felt as though the author looked down on boy bands and it bled through…but at other times it just felt normal. It was odd…and could all be in my head.
And as I said above, I LOVED how he appreciated Rowan. He was so turned on by her aggression. Made me feel very tummy tingly. So needless to say I LOVED the chemistry between them. It was so freaking hot. Like the steamy parts were awesome, and different. And I felt the romance too…I felt the development of their relationship into more. I felt their caring for each other.
I will admit the climax and conflict felt a bit tropey, but I appreciated that it didn’t last long and it wasn’t drawn out.
And if you couldn’t tell from the beginning of the review, I LOVED all the “SIG” (*cough* Olympics *cough*) descriptions, and seeing different sports showcased, and learning so much about luge (which has always scared the crap out of me). And I ADORED that they talked a bit about curling, though as a Canadian, I was a bit bummed that they didn’t mention us at all in relation to curling…it’s kind of our adopted sport. Like, we may not have invented it, but it’s basically ours…it’s more Canadian than even hockey in some ways. Woah, blew your mind right?
So yeah. This took two of my favourite tropes (sports romance and celebrity romance) and blended them seamlessly and made this reader one very happy girl. Obscure sports for the win!!
briarsreviews's review
5.0
Love on the Tracks is another top tier romance by Tamsen Parker that should not be missed!
Side Note: I am thoroughly disappointed in myself that it took me SOOOO long to get to this book - but hey, that's college life. But this was the most excellent treat after two weeks of heavy testing!!!
I'd hate to say it, but I love this book WAY more than The Compass series (and I was overly obsessed with that book). I didn't think Tamsen could make me love a book or series more than her original, but she did!
This novel is a contemporary romance that follows a female sports star and a male pop star - something that makes so much sense, but I haven't seen much in the books I've read. Our leads, Rowan and Zane, are a perfect duo that I definitely want to see more of in the future. Our setting, The Snow and Ice Games, introduces us to a unique setting - competition, sports stadiums, Olympic tones, etc. Our antagonists are not bad guys, and are merely trying to do their best under what they think is the right thing. Every inch of this story feels more realistic than most romances I've torn through in the past few years.
Positives:
1. Luge/Sports - I really liked the introduction of a sport that most people don't really think about on a day to day basis.
2. Strong Female Lead - Yes, India was an excellent character written by Tamsen but she had her faults (which is what made her so good, FYI) but Rowan is stronger, knows what she wants and has her head on straight (for now, anyways).
3. Lighthearted, Engaging Story - I enjoy a sweet novel that doesn't make you cringe at every turn. This book is so sweet, so simple, and an overall lovely story to make you feel good.
4. Respect - Also, if you haven't noticed many novels don't have the level of respect between the two leads like this book does. A+ for effort Tamsen!!
Negatives:
1. Speed - I found some portions of this book was a little fast (no spoilers), but there are more books in the series to explore different issues among characters, competitions, etc.
Overall, this book is a fantastic, romance read for all you romance enthusiasts! This book does not disappoint!!!
Five out of five stars!
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for an honest review.
Side Note: I am thoroughly disappointed in myself that it took me SOOOO long to get to this book - but hey, that's college life. But this was the most excellent treat after two weeks of heavy testing!!!
I'd hate to say it, but I love this book WAY more than The Compass series (and I was overly obsessed with that book). I didn't think Tamsen could make me love a book or series more than her original, but she did!
This novel is a contemporary romance that follows a female sports star and a male pop star - something that makes so much sense, but I haven't seen much in the books I've read. Our leads, Rowan and Zane, are a perfect duo that I definitely want to see more of in the future. Our setting, The Snow and Ice Games, introduces us to a unique setting - competition, sports stadiums, Olympic tones, etc. Our antagonists are not bad guys, and are merely trying to do their best under what they think is the right thing. Every inch of this story feels more realistic than most romances I've torn through in the past few years.
Positives:
1. Luge/Sports - I really liked the introduction of a sport that most people don't really think about on a day to day basis.
2. Strong Female Lead - Yes, India was an excellent character written by Tamsen but she had her faults (which is what made her so good, FYI) but Rowan is stronger, knows what she wants and has her head on straight (for now, anyways).
3. Lighthearted, Engaging Story - I enjoy a sweet novel that doesn't make you cringe at every turn. This book is so sweet, so simple, and an overall lovely story to make you feel good.
4. Respect - Also, if you haven't noticed many novels don't have the level of respect between the two leads like this book does. A+ for effort Tamsen!!
Negatives:
1. Speed - I found some portions of this book was a little fast (no spoilers), but there are more books in the series to explore different issues among characters, competitions, etc.
Overall, this book is a fantastic, romance read for all you romance enthusiasts! This book does not disappoint!!!
Five out of five stars!
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for an honest review.
prgchrqltma's review
3.0
This seemed more New Adult and, therefore, too young for me. I did like all the parts about training for luge, though.
nday's review
2.0
The first book in the Snow and Ice Games and my first foray into this author. This was an alright read, it lacked depth and it was character arc light, but I thought there was a lot of potential for the series, and this is an author that could really grow.