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Jenna and Susan #1
One Foot Onto the Ice
Do you ever wonder how your old classmates remember you? Especially those who weren't in your circle? Susan Quinn, a teacher at St Wilfred's All-Girls School, and Jenna James, a Club Ski instructor in the French Alps, are about to find out. As an invisible bond draws the two women closer, will they appreciate each other for who they are now, not who they once were? "One Foot Onto The Ice," is a fast-paced romance set in the sunny ski resort of Morzine, where the young cast of students and teachers search for excitement on the slopes, with some finding it a lot more easily than others.
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2013
35 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Archer
17 books282 followersLambda Literary Award finalist and Polari First Book Prize judge, Kiki Archer is the UK-based author of ten best-selling, award-winning novels.
Ranking highly on the Guardian newspaper’s Pride Power List and the Diva Pride Power List in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Kiki’s ‘chick-lit with a lady-loving twist’ has reached a mainstream audience now embracing stories with lesbian leads.
Kiki has won a SoSoGay Best Book Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, a Gold Global eBook Award, a Diva Literary Award and three Ultimate Planet Awards. She was a Distinguished Favourite in the New York Big Book Awards, a Distinguished Favourite in the Independent Press Awards, a Finalist in the NIEA Awards, a Finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards and has received two Honourable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.
In 2018 Kiki won Best Author at the Waldorf’s star-studded Diva Awards.
In 2019 The Independent newspaper ranked Kiki #43 in their Top 100 celebrated LGBT+ people.
Ranking highly on the Guardian newspaper’s Pride Power List and the Diva Pride Power List in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Kiki’s ‘chick-lit with a lady-loving twist’ has reached a mainstream audience now embracing stories with lesbian leads.
Kiki has won a SoSoGay Best Book Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, a Gold Global eBook Award, a Diva Literary Award and three Ultimate Planet Awards. She was a Distinguished Favourite in the New York Big Book Awards, a Distinguished Favourite in the Independent Press Awards, a Finalist in the NIEA Awards, a Finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards and has received two Honourable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.
In 2018 Kiki won Best Author at the Waldorf’s star-studded Diva Awards.
In 2019 The Independent newspaper ranked Kiki #43 in their Top 100 celebrated LGBT+ people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 17, 2013
Cute and lighthearted. A bit too YA and sophomoric for this old bird. When the twerking begins in earnest I began to skim the slapstick ending.
Ah to be a giggly 15 yr old again. Not.
Ah to be a giggly 15 yr old again. Not.
June 10, 2018
Honestly?
Absolutely brilliant. I was a skier and it's true you can't describe that feeling off total freedom unless you've experienced it. It's a great story and so very well written. Kiki has an incredible writing style that has you hanging in there. It reminded me of all those school skiing trips I went on. The characters are so easy to connect with. The storyline is great. I'm guessing the author also attended those trips as she got the details right even the dumping of sandwiches and getting chips. I can't recommend this book enough. It will make you laugh and cry. It's upbeat and her descriptions of the views are magnificent. Enjoy. I did.
I love this book.
Absolutely brilliant. I was a skier and it's true you can't describe that feeling off total freedom unless you've experienced it. It's a great story and so very well written. Kiki has an incredible writing style that has you hanging in there. It reminded me of all those school skiing trips I went on. The characters are so easy to connect with. The storyline is great. I'm guessing the author also attended those trips as she got the details right even the dumping of sandwiches and getting chips. I can't recommend this book enough. It will make you laugh and cry. It's upbeat and her descriptions of the views are magnificent. Enjoy. I did.
I love this book.
June 18, 2021
Don’t dwell on the plot too much. Jenna is too much of a player and Susan is just the opposite. Both MC irritates the hell out of me sometimes with their behaviour, more Jenna than Susan. That one scene which really had my eyes rolled all over was Jenna giving in to lust with Amber even when she knew she likes Susan. To aggravate me further, Susan caught Jenna & Amber in action and she had no qualms kissing Jenna right after. Oh don’t worry, Jenna cleaned up just before she ran after Susan…so no worries there! Nothing wrong with kissing another lady right after you had your big O with someone else. Sure…keep telling yourself that. And don’t get me started with Marcus. All that came from him was just oh so wrong and annoying.
A mixed read for me… hovering at 2.5 (5/10)
A mixed read for me… hovering at 2.5 (5/10)
October 1, 2013
Susan Quinn is a teacher at the exclusive, private all girls school, St Wilfred’s. The same school she had attended as a girl.
Jenna James is a Club Ski instructor in the French Alps. Jenna had also attended St Wilfred’s as a girl.
When the girls from St Wilfred’s arrive in Morzine, in the French Alps for their skiing trip, Susan, the lead teacher on the trip and Jenna, their guide, meet again for the first time in years. Although they were never friends at school, they find themselves drawn to one another. But, are their lives too different for them to pursue a romance? Especially when Susan isn’t even sure she’s a lesbian. Will the past come back to haunt the present?
Another well written page turning romance from Kiki Archer. Although this book could be perceived to be fluffy chick lit, it goes a little deeper than that. Kiki has taken the bull by the horns and written of a character that is one of the most obnoxious I’ve come across in a light romance book. I absolutely detested Professor Marcus Ramsbottom. I’m not putting in any spoilers in this review, so I’ll just say that Kiki has excelled herself and shown her excellent penmanship in the portrayal of this lower than life person. To evoke such off the chart emotions in me, she’s done her job exceedingly well.
As much as I hated Marcus, I loved the multidimensional characters of Jenna and Susan. Although Jenna comes across as a player and a ‘love them and leave them’ girl, there is a depth to her as yet to shine, if you look beneath the surface. One of the things I really like about Jenna is, she has many faults, but she readily owns up to them. Susan is a bit of a shy introvert, it comes as quite a revelation to her to actually think she’s worthy of someone’s love, this is a first for Susan. There appears to be a lot more about her that is ready to come to the surface. Jenna and Susan are bolstered by some wonderfully written secondary characters throughout the book. Characters that I’m hoping will show up in the sequel to One Foot Onto The Ice. Champagne and Priggy certainly livened up the trip. My favorite out of all the girls is little Daisy Button. She’s adorable.
The story and a simmering romance are entwined together in a beautifully described scenic setting in the French Alps. My best friend Google showed me just how well the description was written. Another plus for Kiki Archer.
One of the really great things about this book is the laugh out loud humor throughout. I’m only too pleased I read this book indoors. It’s hilarious in places. I would defy anyone to read the scene with Susan and Jenna in the bathroom without laughing. This is a brilliantly written scene as it shows Jenna in a really different light. So, there is a whole range of emotions across the board to be experienced between the pages.
One of the things I’ve taken away from this story is, once you’ve met your soul mate, you know it and the bond is there. You just have to put that one foot onto the ice, have faith and trust and take a chance.
I have been assured that there will definitely be a sequel sometime in 2014. Hopefully not too far away now. I’m looking forward to it already.
Jenna James is a Club Ski instructor in the French Alps. Jenna had also attended St Wilfred’s as a girl.
When the girls from St Wilfred’s arrive in Morzine, in the French Alps for their skiing trip, Susan, the lead teacher on the trip and Jenna, their guide, meet again for the first time in years. Although they were never friends at school, they find themselves drawn to one another. But, are their lives too different for them to pursue a romance? Especially when Susan isn’t even sure she’s a lesbian. Will the past come back to haunt the present?
Another well written page turning romance from Kiki Archer. Although this book could be perceived to be fluffy chick lit, it goes a little deeper than that. Kiki has taken the bull by the horns and written of a character that is one of the most obnoxious I’ve come across in a light romance book. I absolutely detested Professor Marcus Ramsbottom. I’m not putting in any spoilers in this review, so I’ll just say that Kiki has excelled herself and shown her excellent penmanship in the portrayal of this lower than life person. To evoke such off the chart emotions in me, she’s done her job exceedingly well.
As much as I hated Marcus, I loved the multidimensional characters of Jenna and Susan. Although Jenna comes across as a player and a ‘love them and leave them’ girl, there is a depth to her as yet to shine, if you look beneath the surface. One of the things I really like about Jenna is, she has many faults, but she readily owns up to them. Susan is a bit of a shy introvert, it comes as quite a revelation to her to actually think she’s worthy of someone’s love, this is a first for Susan. There appears to be a lot more about her that is ready to come to the surface. Jenna and Susan are bolstered by some wonderfully written secondary characters throughout the book. Characters that I’m hoping will show up in the sequel to One Foot Onto The Ice. Champagne and Priggy certainly livened up the trip. My favorite out of all the girls is little Daisy Button. She’s adorable.
The story and a simmering romance are entwined together in a beautifully described scenic setting in the French Alps. My best friend Google showed me just how well the description was written. Another plus for Kiki Archer.
One of the really great things about this book is the laugh out loud humor throughout. I’m only too pleased I read this book indoors. It’s hilarious in places. I would defy anyone to read the scene with Susan and Jenna in the bathroom without laughing. This is a brilliantly written scene as it shows Jenna in a really different light. So, there is a whole range of emotions across the board to be experienced between the pages.
One of the things I’ve taken away from this story is, once you’ve met your soul mate, you know it and the bond is there. You just have to put that one foot onto the ice, have faith and trust and take a chance.
I have been assured that there will definitely be a sequel sometime in 2014. Hopefully not too far away now. I’m looking forward to it already.
on-hold-or-abandoned
July 2, 2018Abandoned
I read this up to 40% i think. It made me frustrated, irritated so much.
Marcus was really annoying. But i can put up with him. But Jenna, i thought i was going to like her the way she interacted with the students. She is a player. Normally i can put up with that kind of characters. Because the books that i read so far only made that kind of characters as players in their past experienced (like before the story start or something) or as players before she interested with another main character (and i managed to put up with that as well). But this one, Jenna seem to me, already interested in Susan. She even feel the connection between them. But she cant hold herself back and gave in to the seduction of Amber and had sex with her. And right after that she went to Susan tried to explain things. And than Susan kissed her back!! Oh come on! I just want to knock myself dead here!! Urghhhhh!!
Also, i know i didnt finish so i’m not sure how the story gonna go. But if it is me, i cannot trust Jenna with my heart at all. And this is probably just me, but i couldn’t see the chemistry between them.
I’m really sorry but i can’t finish this. The thing that happened as I described above is going to stuck in my head the whole book that lead me to not going to Jenna and than i’m not going to enjoy the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2013
Wow, I don't know how to start. This was one of the best books I've read for a while, what a wonderful story. It was so entertaining, I laughed out loud not only once, but many times. The main characters and even most of the supporting characters were well-developed. Jenna, the carefree ski-instructor with a fear of commitment; Susan, the ugly duckling who turned out to be a moorhen, fearless teacher with a quirky self-perception; Ramsbottom, self-announced hero and irresistible womanizer (that's at least what he thinks); Champagne Willington, Priggy Bunton-Chatsworth, Daisy Bottom ... and all the other students (I really love their names) and the setting somewhere in the French Alps with a French Landlady Yoda, tooooooooooooo good. So, let's go! Buy the book and enjoy the show! This book is definitely a must read (and feels like a good romance film in my head)! Can't wait for the sequel!
November 15, 2020
This is the second series of books that I've read thats from Kiki Archer. To be honest, this book isn't too bad. But comparing it with the Kat & Freya series, it isn't as good. Perhaps its the complete opposite personalities between the two main characters or perhaps its that there are too many complications surrounding this book.
I've read a couple of books with similar themes - Ex-classmate / non-friends reconnect and an unlikely romance blooms. Most of those books work. In this case, I guess I can say that it works too. Except that it took me longer to be convinced that Jenna, a mega player, would settle for someone like Susan in a short period of time. Susan doesn't strike me as someone elegant, cool or sexy. She's more of an uptight prude and a bit of a klutz.
There are funny moments in the book that made me laugh out loud. Particularly Susan's klutz moments.
And there are really kinky moments. Like the very descriptive scene between Jenna and Amber.
One thing that really bothered me though was the role that Marcus played in this book. Was it really necessary to place a brazen guy in there to sexually harrass his female colleagues in there like that?
Despite everything, I'm still giving this book five-stars because it's still an entertaining read in many ways.
I've read a couple of books with similar themes - Ex-classmate / non-friends reconnect and an unlikely romance blooms. Most of those books work. In this case, I guess I can say that it works too. Except that it took me longer to be convinced that Jenna, a mega player, would settle for someone like Susan in a short period of time. Susan doesn't strike me as someone elegant, cool or sexy. She's more of an uptight prude and a bit of a klutz.
There are funny moments in the book that made me laugh out loud. Particularly Susan's klutz moments.
And there are really kinky moments. Like the very descriptive scene between Jenna and Amber.
One thing that really bothered me though was the role that Marcus played in this book. Was it really necessary to place a brazen guy in there to sexually harrass his female colleagues in there like that?
Despite everything, I'm still giving this book five-stars because it's still an entertaining read in many ways.
November 1, 2013
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down! I read it on my Kindle, from cover to cover, in around five hours.
It was an easy read with lots of humour throughout. The scene in the bathroom caused me to laugh out loud and wince at the same time. I challenge any reader not to! I would also guess that most readers will actively dislike Professor Marcus Ramsbottom - what a despicable little man! I quickly became aware of the sneer creeping across my face each time he made an appearance - yuk!
For me, this book was about about many things: love, trust, fear, friendship, self doubt. I was willing Susan Quinn to just loosen up and fall in to the arms of Jenna. Did she..? Well, you'll have to buy the book and find out for yourself...
It was an easy read with lots of humour throughout. The scene in the bathroom caused me to laugh out loud and wince at the same time. I challenge any reader not to! I would also guess that most readers will actively dislike Professor Marcus Ramsbottom - what a despicable little man! I quickly became aware of the sneer creeping across my face each time he made an appearance - yuk!
For me, this book was about about many things: love, trust, fear, friendship, self doubt. I was willing Susan Quinn to just loosen up and fall in to the arms of Jenna. Did she..? Well, you'll have to buy the book and find out for yourself...
June 9, 2014
Funny, mischievous and bursting with stereotypes.
I have been a long term fan of this author's books and while this particular work is not groundbreaking it is a fun and diverting read.
Rommended
I have been a long term fan of this author's books and while this particular work is not groundbreaking it is a fun and diverting read.
Rommended
February 14, 2017
Love Kiki's books, great characters esp Susan a lot of fun to read.
January 7, 2021
Really good rom-com..and actually was funny...
September 28, 2019
I think I just read books that are basically fanfic now ?
August 5, 2019
My favorite (...so far...)
For whatever reason, this particular book is by far my favorite one so far written by Kiki Archer. I've read them all, but this one is my favorite.
I love the characters, how they complement and balance each other. I love the story that puts them together and pulls them apart. The emotions and experiences feel so real and personal that I ached for Susan and Jenna. Some of it was crazy. But it was personable too.
The antagonists were slimy enough to dislike. I never once felt sorry for them. (I take that back, in the beginning before Amber was fleshed out, I had some sympathy for her.)
At the end of this book, though it felt completed, I felt there would be a sequel, so that might be its "weakest" point.
I'm not a skier, at all, so I can't say that's why I liked this book so much. Nor do I like the cold. It was mostly the writing, with a perfect balance of elements of surprise, angst, nicely timed humor and gag-worthy antagonists that made me very happy in the end.
For whatever reason, this particular book is by far my favorite one so far written by Kiki Archer. I've read them all, but this one is my favorite.
I love the characters, how they complement and balance each other. I love the story that puts them together and pulls them apart. The emotions and experiences feel so real and personal that I ached for Susan and Jenna. Some of it was crazy. But it was personable too.
The antagonists were slimy enough to dislike. I never once felt sorry for them. (I take that back, in the beginning before Amber was fleshed out, I had some sympathy for her.)
At the end of this book, though it felt completed, I felt there would be a sequel, so that might be its "weakest" point.
I'm not a skier, at all, so I can't say that's why I liked this book so much. Nor do I like the cold. It was mostly the writing, with a perfect balance of elements of surprise, angst, nicely timed humor and gag-worthy antagonists that made me very happy in the end.
June 22, 2014
Comical storytelling at its best. Very lively book! You'll be introduced to quirky characters, you will face hilarious situations and most importantly you will enjoy a romantic love story. This book feels as if you were actually watching a comedy on TV on a Saturday afternoon. Well, if it weren't for the sex scenes - with those it feels a bit more like a Saturday night and on pay TV ;-). Not complaining, though, not at all. It also might make you consider spending your next holidays on skies - or skates.
April 29, 2014
An entertaining, funny, and delightfully quirky romance. The characters are unique and have depth. It took me a few chapters to really get into the book but after that it was smooth sailing. Jenna is both hilarious and endearing and Susan's character development over time was lovely.
July 18, 2020
Funny delightful story
OMG, the epilator scene… I still haven't stopped laughing my a$$ off yet!!! I definitely won't forget the images that inspired!!
Its a funny, entertaining story.
OMG, the epilator scene… I still haven't stopped laughing my a$$ off yet!!! I definitely won't forget the images that inspired!!
Its a funny, entertaining story.
June 27, 2015
Take a chance on love, you just may be surprised by what you find.
December 26, 2013
Beautiful
I adored most of the characters in this book and because of this once I started I literally did not put it down. definitely going to be looking out for this author.
I adored most of the characters in this book and because of this once I started I literally did not put it down. definitely going to be looking out for this author.
September 3, 2014
An enjoyable easy read.
November 27, 2020
This book is nothing short of shocking. It reads like it's been written by a horny teenager and the situations and scenarios are so bad they're laughable, and not in a good way. Realism seems to have been all but forgotten about as many of the incidents that occur during the ski trip would be grounds for instant dismissal of the teachers and Ski Club staff.
Neither of the main characters are likeable, to the point where I found myself hoping the 2 baddies would win. As for them, Amber was predictable and annoying, and Marcus was possibly the most ridiculous character I have ever had the misfortune to read about. His behaviour is nothing short of illegal, to the point where he should be on a sex offenders register. Instead of recognising this, Susan just brushes it off as if it's harmless. Sexually lewd behaviour towards young teenage girls isn't something I find particularly entertaining.
Thankfully this book isn't very long but seriously, don't waste your money.
Neither of the main characters are likeable, to the point where I found myself hoping the 2 baddies would win. As for them, Amber was predictable and annoying, and Marcus was possibly the most ridiculous character I have ever had the misfortune to read about. His behaviour is nothing short of illegal, to the point where he should be on a sex offenders register. Instead of recognising this, Susan just brushes it off as if it's harmless. Sexually lewd behaviour towards young teenage girls isn't something I find particularly entertaining.
Thankfully this book isn't very long but seriously, don't waste your money.
January 15, 2019
One Foot Into Ice
Good story this about a teacher who is taking a group of school children on a week's holiday ski ing. Years ago she earned the name quiffy at school.She meets the ski guide and finds out it's an old school mate. Where she is very. stuff and does not let her hair down. The guide is opposite . It's a funny quirky story. It had me laughing .Kiki Archer did a great job writing this book.
Recommended .
Good story this about a teacher who is taking a group of school children on a week's holiday ski ing. Years ago she earned the name quiffy at school.She meets the ski guide and finds out it's an old school mate. Where she is very. stuff and does not let her hair down. The guide is opposite . It's a funny quirky story. It had me laughing .Kiki Archer did a great job writing this book.
Recommended .
August 28, 2023
Amusing romp in the snow.
Having been on many a school camp I found this relatable and the situations funny. The characters were interesting, however as this was written quite a while ago a lot of the comments from the male teacher were sexist and reportable offences, so I really hope happens, stamping out misogyny is a must I today's society. I'll read vol 2 and see what happens.
Having been on many a school camp I found this relatable and the situations funny. The characters were interesting, however as this was written quite a while ago a lot of the comments from the male teacher were sexist and reportable offences, so I really hope happens, stamping out misogyny is a must I today's society. I'll read vol 2 and see what happens.
January 22, 2024
2 stars. This was not good at all. The writing itself was fine (minus the humor) but everything else worked all of my nerves. The humor is extremely cringe worthy and corny. Like it was painful how unfunny everything was even though it was trying. None of the characters are likable. All of the adults talk and act like teenage boys and it was off putting as hell. It’s a quick read which is great because ooof it was bad.
July 14, 2019
🌈LIKED IT🌈
Mostly I liked it . Although I couldn't quite resolve myself to the way both of the leads Susan and Jenna were passive in there confrontations with Marcus and Amber . Especially when Jenna learned that Amber was aggressively interfering in her pursuit for a life with Susan . It felt too me like there should have been more angst vented by Jenna ! And Susan !
Mostly I liked it . Although I couldn't quite resolve myself to the way both of the leads Susan and Jenna were passive in there confrontations with Marcus and Amber . Especially when Jenna learned that Amber was aggressively interfering in her pursuit for a life with Susan . It felt too me like there should have been more angst vented by Jenna ! And Susan !
March 18, 2018
The mean characters are way too mean
The mean characters are way too mean, and they practically win. The last chapter is just not enough to make the bitter taste go away. It's not fun to watch as they ridicule an insecure person.
The mean characters are way too mean, and they practically win. The last chapter is just not enough to make the bitter taste go away. It's not fun to watch as they ridicule an insecure person.
September 15, 2023
LOL
At one point I was laughing so loudly that my wife came to check on me from the other side of the house. This is a lovely, honest, sometimes painful story that is blessed with Kiki Archer’s ever present humor. Great fun!
At one point I was laughing so loudly that my wife came to check on me from the other side of the house. This is a lovely, honest, sometimes painful story that is blessed with Kiki Archer’s ever present humor. Great fun!
September 2, 2017
So funny! So charming! An awesome chick lit, for when you just want to relax and feel good.
October 20, 2017
A fun read!
I laughed out loud, fun story, I would not have been as trusting as Susan and if I were Jenna I would have decked Amber.
I laughed out loud, fun story, I would not have been as trusting as Susan and if I were Jenna I would have decked Amber.
September 14, 2019
so many annoying and unnecessary side characters
June 2, 2020
Funny and great story. Looking forward to reading other books by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews