greylandreviews's review
2.0
1.5 stars
ARC received for an hones review from NetGalley
I basically skimmed the last half of this one because I really couldn't stand the characters in this one. Jubilee is probably going to go on my list of "most disliked characters of all time". Like all the other books in this series, this was just bland and boring.
ARC received for an hones review from NetGalley
I basically skimmed the last half of this one because I really couldn't stand the characters in this one. Jubilee is probably going to go on my list of "most disliked characters of all time". Like all the other books in this series, this was just bland and boring.
mags_louise's review
3.0
3.25⭐
I was looking forward to reading On the Brink of Passion. As not only did the synopsis sound great, but I've also enjoyed the books I've read so far in this series.
However, this story, although engaging, easy to read and good. Didn't grab me and I did find it hard to connect with. Especially with the way Jubilee and Becketts relationship begins, and I did struggle to warm to Jubilee. Even though I did feel sorry for her and everything she had suffered. But I liked Beckett and by the end, I thought he and Jubilee made a nice couple.
And I did like the way this author took a risk on how Jubilee and Becketts relationship began, and that this story featured another winter sport, that I've not seen many other stories about. And so I would recommend giving this story a go, particularly if you're a fan of the author or the series itself.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I was looking forward to reading On the Brink of Passion. As not only did the synopsis sound great, but I've also enjoyed the books I've read so far in this series.
However, this story, although engaging, easy to read and good. Didn't grab me and I did find it hard to connect with. Especially with the way Jubilee and Becketts relationship begins, and I did struggle to warm to Jubilee. Even though I did feel sorry for her and everything she had suffered. But I liked Beckett and by the end, I thought he and Jubilee made a nice couple.
And I did like the way this author took a risk on how Jubilee and Becketts relationship began, and that this story featured another winter sport, that I've not seen many other stories about. And so I would recommend giving this story a go, particularly if you're a fan of the author or the series itself.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4pawsandabook's review
4.0
On the Brink of Passion is a great story about an ice skating pairs team who are a perfect match on the ice, but off the ice, they couldn't be more opposite. At the SIG competition, a housing snafu puts them in the same room and things begin to heat up. Sure, they're both attractive people. Nothing could go wrong with a no strings attached deal during their stay at the SIG's. Right?
I loved the POV's going back and forth between Jubilee and Beckett. You get to see what each person is thinking during the scenes and you can really tell how they feel about each other, which makes you want to slap the characters and just say "sit down, and tell each other what you've been thinking and are too afraid to say" although, the book would be much shorter if that happened, and far less drama!
The steamy scenes, while definitely passionate and well written, are not erotic to the point of cringe worthiness. Tamsen Parker has done an excellent job toeing the line of erotic romance, without being too graphically explicit. Not once did I get transported out of the story because of the way that she was explaining the scenes. Those are not easy scenes to write, and I commend her on it!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book.
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I loved the POV's going back and forth between Jubilee and Beckett. You get to see what each person is thinking during the scenes and you can really tell how they feel about each other, which makes you want to slap the characters and just say "sit down, and tell each other what you've been thinking and are too afraid to say" although, the book would be much shorter if that happened, and far less drama!
The steamy scenes, while definitely passionate and well written, are not erotic to the point of cringe worthiness. Tamsen Parker has done an excellent job toeing the line of erotic romance, without being too graphically explicit. Not once did I get transported out of the story because of the way that she was explaining the scenes. Those are not easy scenes to write, and I commend her on it!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book.
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
verityw's review
3.0
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
I think this is my favourite of the three Snow and Ice Games books that I've read, and the actual skating detail was among the best that I've read of the Winter Sports themed romances I've read. i thought the set up was interesting, I liked the hero and although I didn't like the heroine as much, I understood why she was the way that she was. I thought the resolution was a bit rushed, and didn't quite answer all the questions that had been posed, but all in all it was a good read.
I think this is my favourite of the three Snow and Ice Games books that I've read, and the actual skating detail was among the best that I've read of the Winter Sports themed romances I've read. i thought the set up was interesting, I liked the hero and although I didn't like the heroine as much, I understood why she was the way that she was. I thought the resolution was a bit rushed, and didn't quite answer all the questions that had been posed, but all in all it was a good read.
snarkypalmtree's review
3.0
It's odd to read a book with a really bad opening, but around 35% it takes a turn for the better all of the sudden. It was almost like reading two different books. I give it 3 stars because the first 30% or so reads like a bad porno, but after you make it past that stuff the characters start to get fleshed out more. I wish it had more ice skating stuff in it, especially in the beginning so we could see why these two were so good together on ice, but that's for the last part of the book.
lenoreo's review
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/11/13/on-the-brink-of-passion-by-tamsen-parker/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — Quite a few of the books in this series start off in such a strange manner wrt the romance…and this one was not an exception. I was initially super uncomfortable with the arrangement between Beckett and Jubilee. It was awkward, and not hot, and just…fucked up. But here’s what’s funny. It was awkward and fucked up to them too…and it really sort of opened up a completely different way of falling in love. I loved that they were both so stubborn that they got themselves into that situation. In the end I loved that it started off all awkward and wrong, because that made the transition that much more believable. I loved that Beckett tried to put a stop to it, and kind of forced Jubilee to make some confessions to herself. It was SO WEIRD, but it felt realistic in a weird way too. I just…can’t go into it further without spoilers.
I had a HELLA hard time connecting with Jubilee. Which is not to say that I didn’t feel for her situation, and that I didn’t actually understand how her past had shaped her into who she was. But it was SO HARD to see her willingly hurting Beckett, and being willfully blind to him at the same time. I can get her and still not really like her. But the thing is, that I did like parts of her. I liked her vulnerable side, and how she tried to hide her squishiness from the world as protection. I loved her drive and determination, and her respect for Beck as her partner. I just don’t think I could be her friend…then again, I’m not sure I could be any professional athletes friend, b/c that requires a certain personality that’s probably not super compatible with my own.
Beckett was much easier to love. He reminded me a bit of Blake Riley in his general personality and demeanor. He’s someone who is not shy about his own accomplishments, who’s super confident in his sexual capabilities (and rightfully so), but who has just this odd sunny demeanor that is hard not to love. I found it interesting that the author made him less book smart, but showed that that didn’t impact how successful he could be. I hurt for him and the kinds of discrimination he faced as a man in figure skating…I thought that was super interesting. But he didn’t let it beat him down, he just became more determined and driven. And that goofy personality was just so endearing…the pajamas…and the pillow. *swoon*
As I said, their romance was odd…but I still fell in love with them together. They fit somehow. He didn’t take her shit personally, and she didn’t take his goofiness as lack of talent/drive. And I loved how his effervescence kind of rubbed off on her. I truly felt their caring for one another, despite the obstacles in their way.
As I’ve said with every other book in this series, the sport aspect is just BAR NONE the best. I love all the different sports explored, and I loved that you could tell the author respects athletes, and enjoys the sports themselves. I love that we actually get to read about them performing, and that I learn something new about them. It just makes me really want to watch the Olympics right now.
So yeah. These stories are all complicated and unusual, but I’m always invested in the end. It helps that I love sports romance, and am humbled by athletes, so I’m fascinated by their lives (that I would never ever want for myself).
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — Quite a few of the books in this series start off in such a strange manner wrt the romance…and this one was not an exception. I was initially super uncomfortable with the arrangement between Beckett and Jubilee. It was awkward, and not hot, and just…fucked up. But here’s what’s funny. It was awkward and fucked up to them too…and it really sort of opened up a completely different way of falling in love. I loved that they were both so stubborn that they got themselves into that situation. In the end I loved that it started off all awkward and wrong, because that made the transition that much more believable. I loved that Beckett tried to put a stop to it, and kind of forced Jubilee to make some confessions to herself. It was SO WEIRD, but it felt realistic in a weird way too. I just…can’t go into it further without spoilers.
I had a HELLA hard time connecting with Jubilee. Which is not to say that I didn’t feel for her situation, and that I didn’t actually understand how her past had shaped her into who she was. But it was SO HARD to see her willingly hurting Beckett, and being willfully blind to him at the same time. I can get her and still not really like her. But the thing is, that I did like parts of her. I liked her vulnerable side, and how she tried to hide her squishiness from the world as protection. I loved her drive and determination, and her respect for Beck as her partner. I just don’t think I could be her friend…then again, I’m not sure I could be any professional athletes friend, b/c that requires a certain personality that’s probably not super compatible with my own.
Beckett was much easier to love. He reminded me a bit of Blake Riley in his general personality and demeanor. He’s someone who is not shy about his own accomplishments, who’s super confident in his sexual capabilities (and rightfully so), but who has just this odd sunny demeanor that is hard not to love. I found it interesting that the author made him less book smart, but showed that that didn’t impact how successful he could be. I hurt for him and the kinds of discrimination he faced as a man in figure skating…I thought that was super interesting. But he didn’t let it beat him down, he just became more determined and driven. And that goofy personality was just so endearing…the pajamas…and the pillow. *swoon*
As I said, their romance was odd…but I still fell in love with them together. They fit somehow. He didn’t take her shit personally, and she didn’t take his goofiness as lack of talent/drive. And I loved how his effervescence kind of rubbed off on her. I truly felt their caring for one another, despite the obstacles in their way.
As I’ve said with every other book in this series, the sport aspect is just BAR NONE the best. I love all the different sports explored, and I loved that you could tell the author respects athletes, and enjoys the sports themselves. I love that we actually get to read about them performing, and that I learn something new about them. It just makes me really want to watch the Olympics right now.
So yeah. These stories are all complicated and unusual, but I’m always invested in the end. It helps that I love sports romance, and am humbled by athletes, so I’m fascinated by their lives (that I would never ever want for myself).
briarsreviews's review
5.0
Round Five of the Snow and Ice Games! I'm sad to see this series go, because I never knew how much I needed a sports romance book! But, this series is worth the ride! Maybe if we're lucky, Tamsen will make a summer Olympics version of this series for Tokyo 2020... Hey, a girl can hope!
So let's get into the meat of this story:
This time around we are graced with Jubilee and Beckett, and they are world class figure skaters. They weren't initially paired with each other: Jubilee was originally with her husband (who has since passed away), and Beckett had been playing around with who his perfect partner would be. Finally, they settle on each other and seem to be the perfect fit. And of course, what's figure skating without some competition? Sabrina and Todd, two of the people Jubilee and Beckett had been paired with, are their rival competitors.
Not even 24 pages into this sexy story, and I already love the dynamic between Jubilee and Beckett. They are sassy, competitive and keep each other on their toes. I absolutely love the fact that yet again Tamsen changes the dynamic of her main characters's relationship. And if you think that this dynamic wavers at all, it doesn't. The snarky and sarcastic comments keep coming and have perfect comedic timing. Honestly, this pair is my favourite out of all five of the books Tamsen has written in this series.
I liked the fact that Tamsen slowly revealed what happened to Jubilee's husband Stephen. The way she slowly weaved it into the slowly really hit me emotionally. If she would have given away what happened earlier, I don't think the story would have worked as well.
This story is sweet, sometimes heartbreaking, and fulfills everything I wanted in the final novel of this series. It felt like a roller coaster of emotions and it hit every note it needed too.
One thing about Tamsen Parker is she knows how to keep her fan base happy - she isn't afraid of change. I can't say enough how proud I am to watch her grow as an author because SHE'S SO GOOD. Ugh. Her books are so frustratingly good!
So, brief summary of this book for those wondering what type of topics this novel includes - minor spoilers of the plot without spoiling specifics...be warned:
1. Sexy figure skating pair get some sexy time on (Jubilee - female lead, Beckett - male lead).
2. Jubilee's past partner (on and off the ice) has died, and both Beck and Jubilee have had other skating partners since.
3. Jubilee and Beck start having a sexual relationship, Jubilee is but isn't into it (but consents)
4. Jubilee and Beck's pasts are slowly revealed, which includes some harassment
5. Past partners Todd and Sabrina should not be trusted...
6. Lots of detailed sexy time
Overall, this book is super steamy and is worth the read. If you were only going to pick one book out of this series, I'd pick this one. It's my favourite, I love it! All the books are good, but this one just inched by the competition (I'm not sure if it's technical points or performance points where it surpassed, if we're using figure skating as a reference).
Five out of five stars!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley & the author Tamsen Parker in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by other sources.
So let's get into the meat of this story:
This time around we are graced with Jubilee and Beckett, and they are world class figure skaters. They weren't initially paired with each other: Jubilee was originally with her husband (who has since passed away), and Beckett had been playing around with who his perfect partner would be. Finally, they settle on each other and seem to be the perfect fit. And of course, what's figure skating without some competition? Sabrina and Todd, two of the people Jubilee and Beckett had been paired with, are their rival competitors.
Not even 24 pages into this sexy story, and I already love the dynamic between Jubilee and Beckett. They are sassy, competitive and keep each other on their toes. I absolutely love the fact that yet again Tamsen changes the dynamic of her main characters's relationship. And if you think that this dynamic wavers at all, it doesn't. The snarky and sarcastic comments keep coming and have perfect comedic timing. Honestly, this pair is my favourite out of all five of the books Tamsen has written in this series.
I liked the fact that Tamsen slowly revealed what happened to Jubilee's husband Stephen. The way she slowly weaved it into the slowly really hit me emotionally. If she would have given away what happened earlier, I don't think the story would have worked as well.
This story is sweet, sometimes heartbreaking, and fulfills everything I wanted in the final novel of this series. It felt like a roller coaster of emotions and it hit every note it needed too.
One thing about Tamsen Parker is she knows how to keep her fan base happy - she isn't afraid of change. I can't say enough how proud I am to watch her grow as an author because SHE'S SO GOOD. Ugh. Her books are so frustratingly good!
So, brief summary of this book for those wondering what type of topics this novel includes - minor spoilers of the plot without spoiling specifics...be warned:
1. Sexy figure skating pair get some sexy time on (Jubilee - female lead, Beckett - male lead).
2. Jubilee's past partner (on and off the ice) has died, and both Beck and Jubilee have had other skating partners since.
3. Jubilee and Beck start having a sexual relationship, Jubilee is but isn't into it (but consents)
4. Jubilee and Beck's pasts are slowly revealed, which includes some harassment
5. Past partners Todd and Sabrina should not be trusted...
6. Lots of detailed sexy time
Overall, this book is super steamy and is worth the read. If you were only going to pick one book out of this series, I'd pick this one. It's my favourite, I love it! All the books are good, but this one just inched by the competition (I'm not sure if it's technical points or performance points where it surpassed, if we're using figure skating as a reference).
Five out of five stars!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley & the author Tamsen Parker in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by other sources.
nen96's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I really liked the two characters. I just feel like their relationship would be stronger if they just talked . Beverly never shared her fears with Beck and often left him feeling confused and rejected. I feel like Beck also didn't have much empathy for her grief concerning her husband's death (at least until the final chapters). A lot of heartache may have been avoided if they communicated better.
However, that initial scene where they were playing chicken was hilarious. It was such a great start to the book. The rest of the novel wasn't even half as interesting.
I really liked the two characters. I just feel like their relationship would be stronger if they just talked . Beverly never shared her fears with Beck and often left him feeling confused and rejected. I feel like Beck also didn't have much empathy for her grief concerning her husband's death (at least until the final chapters). A lot of heartache may have been avoided if they communicated better.
However, that initial scene where they were playing chicken was hilarious. It was such a great start to the book. The rest of the novel wasn't even half as interesting.
jenreadsromance's review
5.0
The Snow and Ice games has been a pretty solid series for me, and I’m a little sad to see this come to an end with On the Brink of Passion, the final book. Even when I had quibbles with some of the plotting, I enjoyed all of these characters and relationships. Each book is linked together by this fictional Winter Olympics-type event, but each book is different. This isn’t a series where I feel like I’m seeing the same characters meet over and over again---each one feels unique! It’s not an exaggeration to say that there’s something for everyone in this series.
On the Brink of Passion stars two figure skating partners, Jubilee and Beckett. Due to a mix-up in housing in the SIG village, they are accidentally placed in the same room. I truly love a good forced proximity plot! Jubilee and Beckett have been partners for two years, and know each other’s bodies intimately in the context of the skating rink, but living in close quarters makes them see each other as individuals.
As a content warning, the primary internal conflict for Jubliee is about grief and loss. Four years earlier, her husband and partner died, and she is devastated at having lost everything. She’s reclaimed her career, but she’s determined never to mix a relationship and a partnership again. It was just too hard to move on and she wants to protect her fragile heart. Beckett on the other hand, is hard-working and serious about his skating, but is looking forward to the revelry of the SIGs. As soon as Jubilee learns they’re roommates, she’s willing to do just about anything to keep him from disrupting her peaceful oasis of a suite with a bunch of random hook-ups.
I’ll be honest, the whole pretext for them getting together as sexual partners is at best a dare, and at worst two people determined to out-stubborn each other. I’m not entirely sure it worked for me, but their relationship changes and it forces them to examine what they mean to each other. This is a book with some uncomfortably awkward sex scenes, where Jubilee and Beckett figuring out what they need, want, and are willing to accept from each other. I often talk about how well authors use sex scenes to show growth in emotional intimacy; and this relationship between Jubilee and Beckett is almost a perfect example of how this can be developed. Tamsen Parker’s work in this series--her ability to show the relationship between body and mind and heart and partner---it is simply extraordinary.
I was incredibly moved by Jubilee’s struggles to move past her grief and fear, and with Beckett’s determination to respect her boundaries while still proving his love and loyalty. A lovely, perfect end to a satisfying series.
On the Brink of Passion stars two figure skating partners, Jubilee and Beckett. Due to a mix-up in housing in the SIG village, they are accidentally placed in the same room. I truly love a good forced proximity plot! Jubilee and Beckett have been partners for two years, and know each other’s bodies intimately in the context of the skating rink, but living in close quarters makes them see each other as individuals.
As a content warning, the primary internal conflict for Jubliee is about grief and loss. Four years earlier, her husband and partner died, and she is devastated at having lost everything. She’s reclaimed her career, but she’s determined never to mix a relationship and a partnership again. It was just too hard to move on and she wants to protect her fragile heart. Beckett on the other hand, is hard-working and serious about his skating, but is looking forward to the revelry of the SIGs. As soon as Jubilee learns they’re roommates, she’s willing to do just about anything to keep him from disrupting her peaceful oasis of a suite with a bunch of random hook-ups.
I’ll be honest, the whole pretext for them getting together as sexual partners is at best a dare, and at worst two people determined to out-stubborn each other. I’m not entirely sure it worked for me, but their relationship changes and it forces them to examine what they mean to each other. This is a book with some uncomfortably awkward sex scenes, where Jubilee and Beckett figuring out what they need, want, and are willing to accept from each other. I often talk about how well authors use sex scenes to show growth in emotional intimacy; and this relationship between Jubilee and Beckett is almost a perfect example of how this can be developed. Tamsen Parker’s work in this series--her ability to show the relationship between body and mind and heart and partner---it is simply extraordinary.
I was incredibly moved by Jubilee’s struggles to move past her grief and fear, and with Beckett’s determination to respect her boundaries while still proving his love and loyalty. A lovely, perfect end to a satisfying series.