‘Full Send’ by Dakota Forest is her debut novel and the first in the ‘On the Slopes’ series, coming out on November 15, 2024!
If you love:
🏞️ Small-town vibes
💖 Friends to lovers
👀 Brother’s best friend
🥰 He falls first
⛷️ Skiers
🔥 Open-door spice
📝 Dual POV
🐾 Dog dad MMC
Then add this one to your TBR!
4.25 stars | 3 spice
📖 Synopsis: Veronica escapes her draining corporate job to her family’s ski condo in Jackson, Wyoming, where she reconnects with her brother’s best friend, Tanner. He’s no longer the lanky kid she remembered but a confident, adventurous man. As sparks fly, she wonders if a fling with him is exactly what she needs…
It took me a while to finish this book because I’m swimming in ARCs, but if you want to add a cute winter romance to your TBR, you need to include this one! Despite being Dakota’s first book, it’s exceptionally well executed, and I loved the plot.
Veronica, or ‘Ronni,’ has worked for the same company since graduating, but she’s tired of being passed over for the marketing director position. She is burned out and looks forward to her two-week vacation in Wyoming with her twin and her best friend. Tanner, her brother’s best friend, has known her since they were little, but it’s been a while since they last saw each other. Ronni has always viewed this place as magical and loves being there.
Tanner was born and raised in Jackson, where he still lives today. He manages vacation rentals, plows snow during the winter, loves making knives, and enjoys skiing. Although he has always been drawn to Ronni, his friendship with her twin makes him hesitant to confess his feelings for fear of losing them both. Tanner struggles with depression, often hiding behind humor to keep others at bay. Meanwhile, Veronica deals with anxiety, feeling the need to plan and obsess over details to find comfort. When she sees Tanner again, she discovers he has transformed into a confident, adventurous man.
Now, Veronica notices him in a new light. She enjoys being around him; he makes her feel at ease. One kiss changes their dynamic, leading to a fling during her stay. Veronica is mesmerized by how he remembers her pizza and coffee orders, and he takes charge of her schedule, helping her relax. Although I haven’t skied before (just some snow tubing), I would gladly trade places with Veronica—especially for a ride in the gondola! Tanner is on a mission, and they enjoy their time together.
I loved the way they made each other feel; they beautifully complemented and supported one another. Their relationship blossomed over those two weeks. The character development and their readiness to acknowledge their weaknesses and rely on each other added depth to the story. I admire Veronica's bond with her twin and best friend—they understand her in a way that no one else does. Tanner gets her too; he starts to open up about his feelings with Veronica, which is a significant step for him. His relationship with his grandparents is sweet as well. I also love the meaning behind "Full Send."
This book is perfect for winter, and I highly recommend it. Tanner is so sweet with his dog, Rex, often talking to him. Who doesn’t talk to their pets? I sure do! I loved how Veronica ultimately opens her eyes, becoming a badass by putting herself first and leaving behind the toxic elements in her life. This book is fantastic—the small-town vibes and their skiing adventures make it so enjoyable.
Thank you, Dakota, for reaching out and allowing me to be part of your ARC team. I appreciate it and can’t wait to see what’s next! This review is left voluntarily.