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Ski-Crossed Lovers
Winners don't always come first.
Canadian ski cross phenom Cedric Bérard has spent his life chasing speed, glory, and his best friend Austin down every mountain they could find. They’ve always pushed each other harder, faster, closer to the edge—until one night, Cedric falls in a different way.
One kiss. One touch. A tumble into something neither of them planned for. Suddenly Cedric’s dream isn’t just about Olympic medals—it’s about Austin. The way he makes Cedric feel weightless, the way desire hits harder than any crash on the snow, the way one night leaves Cedric craving more.
But every fall has consequences. One mistake on the mountain leaves Cedric’s future in pieces—his shot at the Games, his friendship with Austin, and the love he never expected to find. Because some falls don’t just end a race—they change the course of a life.
Ski-Crossed Lovers is part of the Love On The Podium shared queer romance series.
Canadian ski cross phenom Cedric Bérard has spent his life chasing speed, glory, and his best friend Austin down every mountain they could find. They’ve always pushed each other harder, faster, closer to the edge—until one night, Cedric falls in a different way.
One kiss. One touch. A tumble into something neither of them planned for. Suddenly Cedric’s dream isn’t just about Olympic medals—it’s about Austin. The way he makes Cedric feel weightless, the way desire hits harder than any crash on the snow, the way one night leaves Cedric craving more.
But every fall has consequences. One mistake on the mountain leaves Cedric’s future in pieces—his shot at the Games, his friendship with Austin, and the love he never expected to find. Because some falls don’t just end a race—they change the course of a life.
Ski-Crossed Lovers is part of the Love On The Podium shared queer romance series.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
8 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 19, 2026
Follow young Canadian ski cross phenoms Austin and Cedric as they go for gold!
This best friends-to-lovers, amnesia-esque romance will have you laughing through your tears and swept away by the pace, intensity, and emotion of their connection through triumph and tragedy. I wasn’t prepared for how this story would consume me; everything about it just works from its pace to its intensity and emotional depth. Even the darkness, devastation, and all that follow are 100% worth the emotional damage to reach the other side.
I love a good Olympic romance, because there’s always a heightened level of intensity and competitiveness, both of which Allison Temple absolutely masters. It’s easy to feel the excitement and thrill of competition along with the agony of defeat. And I’m talking both on and off the slopes as Austin and Cedric acknowledge and navigate their feelings for each other.
When Austin suffers a tragic setback, these best friends are forced to figure out how to pick up the pieces. It’s the ultimate test of perseverance and resilience as they continue their quest for gold, rebuild their friendship, and fight for love.
If you’re a fan of sports romance and are swept up by the Olympic spirit, definitely give this one a try! I can’t recommend it enough - it's amazing!!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
This best friends-to-lovers, amnesia-esque romance will have you laughing through your tears and swept away by the pace, intensity, and emotion of their connection through triumph and tragedy. I wasn’t prepared for how this story would consume me; everything about it just works from its pace to its intensity and emotional depth. Even the darkness, devastation, and all that follow are 100% worth the emotional damage to reach the other side.
I love a good Olympic romance, because there’s always a heightened level of intensity and competitiveness, both of which Allison Temple absolutely masters. It’s easy to feel the excitement and thrill of competition along with the agony of defeat. And I’m talking both on and off the slopes as Austin and Cedric acknowledge and navigate their feelings for each other.
When Austin suffers a tragic setback, these best friends are forced to figure out how to pick up the pieces. It’s the ultimate test of perseverance and resilience as they continue their quest for gold, rebuild their friendship, and fight for love.
If you’re a fan of sports romance and are swept up by the Olympic spirit, definitely give this one a try! I can’t recommend it enough - it's amazing!!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
January 19, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Ski-Crossed Lovers by Allison Temple kicks off the multi-author Love on the Podium collection and I really loved this story. The book has great balance, making this feel very much rooted as a sports story, while still giving ample time to developing the romance between Cedric and Austin. Ski cross is a sport that may be less familiar to readers and Temple gives a solid foundation without overloading the story with too much minutia. Ski cross is essentially racing with four skiers at a time in a series of heats, and it is a high-adrenaline, intense sport where the athletes are racing alongside one another, careening around corners, etc. Temple really captures that adrenaline rush, that sense of athletes just going for it.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Ski-Crossed Lovers by Allison Temple kicks off the multi-author Love on the Podium collection and I really loved this story. The book has great balance, making this feel very much rooted as a sports story, while still giving ample time to developing the romance between Cedric and Austin. Ski cross is a sport that may be less familiar to readers and Temple gives a solid foundation without overloading the story with too much minutia. Ski cross is essentially racing with four skiers at a time in a series of heats, and it is a high-adrenaline, intense sport where the athletes are racing alongside one another, careening around corners, etc. Temple really captures that adrenaline rush, that sense of athletes just going for it.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
January 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the first book in the series Love On the Podium, a new LGBT+ Olympic Sports Romance series where each book is written by a different author. Ski-Crossed Lovers follows two Canadian best friends, Cedric and Austin, who are fighting to get to the olympics and be the best skier. They want to do it together and whilst they believe nothing can stop that… that is put to the test.
This book may only be 203 pages long but it packs a punch. It has a beautiful love story embedded into some really good scenes of the Canadian ski team. The yearning and longing in this book is subtle and beautiful, and I honestly shed a tear a couple of times. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Cedric and Austin and loved their friendship, as much as their romantic relationship.
Not only are Cedric and Austin great, the side characters are pretty damn great as well. I love Allison’s writing, and I love how in such a short book she had me falling in love with several characters, and I think she really makes you root for them. And side note if I could hug Cedric, I would!!
The book is written from Cedric’s POV throughout and I must admit I do always prefer when a story is told from one character’s POV over it being dual so that really made me happy. That being said, I would definitely get on board with seeing Austin’s POV through this journey!
If you like a little bit of angst, some spicy scenes, hurt/comfort and sports romance in general, this book is definitely for you.
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the first book in the series Love On the Podium, a new LGBT+ Olympic Sports Romance series where each book is written by a different author. Ski-Crossed Lovers follows two Canadian best friends, Cedric and Austin, who are fighting to get to the olympics and be the best skier. They want to do it together and whilst they believe nothing can stop that… that is put to the test.
This book may only be 203 pages long but it packs a punch. It has a beautiful love story embedded into some really good scenes of the Canadian ski team. The yearning and longing in this book is subtle and beautiful, and I honestly shed a tear a couple of times. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Cedric and Austin and loved their friendship, as much as their romantic relationship.
Not only are Cedric and Austin great, the side characters are pretty damn great as well. I love Allison’s writing, and I love how in such a short book she had me falling in love with several characters, and I think she really makes you root for them. And side note if I could hug Cedric, I would!!
The book is written from Cedric’s POV throughout and I must admit I do always prefer when a story is told from one character’s POV over it being dual so that really made me happy. That being said, I would definitely get on board with seeing Austin’s POV through this journey!
If you like a little bit of angst, some spicy scenes, hurt/comfort and sports romance in general, this book is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was totally captivated with a story that gave an insider view of what sacrifices an athlete has to make to get to the Olympics. You can be perfect almost consistently, and one small slip-up can cost you everything. I felt as if I was experiencing being in the Olympic village along with the athletes, which was an interesting perspective.
Zed and Austin are best buds who share the intense love of skiing and extreme competing. Austin has cinched a spot on the Olympic team, and Zed still has a chance to qualify. Austin finally has the courage to confess to Zed his true feelings towards him. I loved how scared yet bold Austin was.
Once Zed gets over the shock, the two share the best night of his life. However, life can be fickle because, in a fraction of a second, Zed may lose the most important person in the world to him. Even though there are light and fluffy moments, Ms. Temple created a horrifying event that made an enormous impact on Zed. The two men are separated until they both end up at the Olympics. The problem is there is so much distance between them.
I adored Austin, who had a gigantic heart, and triumphed over a horrible situation that would have destroyed most people. Zed suffers from trauma since that surreal day on the mountain, but plain old determination, and finally, the much needed talking things out was the balm they needed to heal.
This is a sweet and tender love story that had moments as challenging as their races. I highly recommend this enthralling book, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. My special thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. A review was not a requirement.
Zed and Austin are best buds who share the intense love of skiing and extreme competing. Austin has cinched a spot on the Olympic team, and Zed still has a chance to qualify. Austin finally has the courage to confess to Zed his true feelings towards him. I loved how scared yet bold Austin was.
Once Zed gets over the shock, the two share the best night of his life. However, life can be fickle because, in a fraction of a second, Zed may lose the most important person in the world to him. Even though there are light and fluffy moments, Ms. Temple created a horrifying event that made an enormous impact on Zed. The two men are separated until they both end up at the Olympics. The problem is there is so much distance between them.
I adored Austin, who had a gigantic heart, and triumphed over a horrible situation that would have destroyed most people. Zed suffers from trauma since that surreal day on the mountain, but plain old determination, and finally, the much needed talking things out was the balm they needed to heal.
This is a sweet and tender love story that had moments as challenging as their races. I highly recommend this enthralling book, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. My special thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. A review was not a requirement.
December 30, 2025
SKI-CROSSED LOVERS - ALLISON TEMPLE
This is the first story I have read by Allison Temple and while it’s part of the Love On The Podium series, it can be read as a standalone.
Cedric (Zed) and Austin have been friends for years and push each other to do better as they both compete for a place on the Canadian Olympic team.
Austin finally wins a competition that insures his place on the team, and it gives him the courage to finally confess to Zed how he feels. While Zed is disappointed he hasn’t made the team (but still has a chance at it over the next 8 months), he is surprised at Austin’s confession and realizes he feels the same way about him. After an amazing night of sharing love and exploring the many ways to show their feelings, unexpected tragedy happens when Austin has an accident on the slopes that almost takes his life.
Zed sits at the hospital waiting impatiently while Austin goes through surgery, only to discover when he wakes up he has no memory after the competition the day before. Knowing Austin has a long road ahead of him Austin leaves him with his family and continues his path to get on the Olympic Team.
Fast forward 8 months later and they are both in Italy for the Olympics after another teammate is disqualified and Zed is asked to replace him at the last minute. Austin is initially hurt and upset because Zed didn’t stay in touch while he was going through his rehabilitation, but when he eventually finds out what his missing memories included, they were able to work through the drama and find their way back together.
There were a lot of great side characters and the ski cross action is described so even a person that has never watched the sport before will understand it. Allison writes a very engaging book and the reader will not be able to put it down. I look forward to future stories by this author.
This is the first story I have read by Allison Temple and while it’s part of the Love On The Podium series, it can be read as a standalone.
Cedric (Zed) and Austin have been friends for years and push each other to do better as they both compete for a place on the Canadian Olympic team.
Austin finally wins a competition that insures his place on the team, and it gives him the courage to finally confess to Zed how he feels. While Zed is disappointed he hasn’t made the team (but still has a chance at it over the next 8 months), he is surprised at Austin’s confession and realizes he feels the same way about him. After an amazing night of sharing love and exploring the many ways to show their feelings, unexpected tragedy happens when Austin has an accident on the slopes that almost takes his life.
Zed sits at the hospital waiting impatiently while Austin goes through surgery, only to discover when he wakes up he has no memory after the competition the day before. Knowing Austin has a long road ahead of him Austin leaves him with his family and continues his path to get on the Olympic Team.
Fast forward 8 months later and they are both in Italy for the Olympics after another teammate is disqualified and Zed is asked to replace him at the last minute. Austin is initially hurt and upset because Zed didn’t stay in touch while he was going through his rehabilitation, but when he eventually finds out what his missing memories included, they were able to work through the drama and find their way back together.
There were a lot of great side characters and the ski cross action is described so even a person that has never watched the sport before will understand it. Allison writes a very engaging book and the reader will not be able to put it down. I look forward to future stories by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did find myself rooting for fictional characters in a sport I never heard about before.
This book was just greatly written. The sports part had me holding my breath at every race to the point I was rooting for every single side character in their team, but the romance omg the love I can feel through the pages to my soul.
(ps: that german racer is my enemy now)
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the first book in the Love On The Podium shared queer romance series, a series that's also written by queer writers inspired by different Olympic sports and I cannot recommend it enough!
~Blurb~
Canadian ski cross phenom Cedric Bérard has spent his life chasing speed, glory, and his best friend Austin down every mountain they could find. They’ve always pushed each other harder, faster, closer to the edge—until one night, Cedric falls in a different way.
One kiss. One touch. A tumble into something neither of them planned for. Suddenly Cedric’s dream isn’t just about Olympic medals—it’s about Austin. The way he makes Cedric feel weightless, the way desire hits harder than any crash on the snow, the way one night leaves Cedric craving more.
But every fall has consequences. One mistake on the mountain leaves Cedric’s future in pieces—his shot at the Games, his friendship with Austin, and the love he never expected to find. Because some falls don’t just end a race—they change the course of a life.
Tropes:
💙 Teammates to Lovers
🥇 Fast Start
💙 Slow Burn
🥇 Amnesia
💙 Olympic Romance
🥇 MM Romance
Ski-Crossed Lovers comes out on Jan 19th, make sure to check it out!
Thanks Allison Temple and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#SkiCrossedLovers #AllisonTemple #MMRomance #OlympicRomance #QueerRomance
This book was just greatly written. The sports part had me holding my breath at every race to the point I was rooting for every single side character in their team, but the romance omg the love I can feel through the pages to my soul.
(ps: that german racer is my enemy now)
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the first book in the Love On The Podium shared queer romance series, a series that's also written by queer writers inspired by different Olympic sports and I cannot recommend it enough!
~Blurb~
Canadian ski cross phenom Cedric Bérard has spent his life chasing speed, glory, and his best friend Austin down every mountain they could find. They’ve always pushed each other harder, faster, closer to the edge—until one night, Cedric falls in a different way.
One kiss. One touch. A tumble into something neither of them planned for. Suddenly Cedric’s dream isn’t just about Olympic medals—it’s about Austin. The way he makes Cedric feel weightless, the way desire hits harder than any crash on the snow, the way one night leaves Cedric craving more.
But every fall has consequences. One mistake on the mountain leaves Cedric’s future in pieces—his shot at the Games, his friendship with Austin, and the love he never expected to find. Because some falls don’t just end a race—they change the course of a life.
Tropes:
💙 Teammates to Lovers
🥇 Fast Start
💙 Slow Burn
🥇 Amnesia
💙 Olympic Romance
🥇 MM Romance
Ski-Crossed Lovers comes out on Jan 19th, make sure to check it out!
Thanks Allison Temple and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#SkiCrossedLovers #AllisonTemple #MMRomance #OlympicRomance #QueerRomance
Review of advance copy
This is a romance between 2 skiers who have been friends a very long time. Both are training for the Olympics.
Austin admits he loves Cedric, they spend an entire night together. Cedric and Austin are skiing together the next day when Austin slips and takes an extremely serious fall. Austin ends up in the hospital, in numerous surgeries and in months or rehab. When Cedric goes to see Austin at the hospital immediately afterwards, Austin remembers nothing of the night before. Despite them being friends, Cedric really doesn't get to see him much in those months due to training schedules and rehab schedules. Things are strained between them due to Austin's amnesia about the night they spent together. They meet again in the Olympics. Forced proximity makes sparks fly again.
Lots of action, interesting side characters, drama over the relationship. This is written entirely from Cedric's point of view - in fact, I spent the first couple of chapters trying to figure out who "I" was (because the author doesn't tell us Cedric's name for several chapters). I had to go back to the summary to find out who the main character was supposed to be. If I had any complaints about this book, that would be it - it would have been nice to know who the main character was immediately instead of making it a guessing game. Honestly, I was a bit confused during chapter 1 because of this. Other than that, though - really good read.
Austin admits he loves Cedric, they spend an entire night together. Cedric and Austin are skiing together the next day when Austin slips and takes an extremely serious fall. Austin ends up in the hospital, in numerous surgeries and in months or rehab. When Cedric goes to see Austin at the hospital immediately afterwards, Austin remembers nothing of the night before. Despite them being friends, Cedric really doesn't get to see him much in those months due to training schedules and rehab schedules. Things are strained between them due to Austin's amnesia about the night they spent together. They meet again in the Olympics. Forced proximity makes sparks fly again.
Lots of action, interesting side characters, drama over the relationship. This is written entirely from Cedric's point of view - in fact, I spent the first couple of chapters trying to figure out who "I" was (because the author doesn't tell us Cedric's name for several chapters). I had to go back to the summary to find out who the main character was supposed to be. If I had any complaints about this book, that would be it - it would have been nice to know who the main character was immediately instead of making it a guessing game. Honestly, I was a bit confused during chapter 1 because of this. Other than that, though - really good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE LOVE LOVE friends-lovers and I fell in LOVE with Austin and Cedric. They have been best friends since they were 9 and are teammates competing against each other to become part of the ski cross Team Canada Olympic Team. Uugh I don't know who Allison did it, but she packed so much into this short 200 page read - and I felt all the emotions and maybe even shed a few tears. These two finally get their moment and then it was all taken away. As a HUGE fan of the Olympics - Allison did a great job showing how much it takes to get to this phase in an athletes career, how one single wrong move can cost the athlete almost everything and showing life on the "inside" as they prepare for the shot during the Olympics. This also has some very fun side characters that one can hope might get their own stories sometime - again it was a short read, but there was alot packed into it. This is written in first person - single POV which I really liked but know it's not a style for everyone. This is the first book in a multi author queer romance series set at the Olympics called Love on the Podium and I can't wait to see the other stories! (also I LOVE the Olympics so very much!)
January 20, 2026
Intense hurt/comfort ski romance x
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the new Love on the Podium series, and it’s exactly my kind of read. I’m a sucker for sports romances about pro athletes, especially when there's plenty of "hurt/comfort" involved.
Cedric and Austin are Canadian ski cross racers who have been best friends forever. They finally try to become something more, but a bad accident on the mountain changes everything. Throw in some amnesia, and their relationship really gets put through the wringer.
The slow burn in this book is so good. The tension builds up perfectly until things finally get steamy. My only gripe is that I wish we got both perspectives, I would’ve loved to know what was going on in Austin’s head while they were apart for a year.
The writing is amazing, the mountain scenery and the racing scenes are so vivid it feels like you’re actually there. Everything felt so real and raw. I loved their hard earned happy ending and I'm already excited for the next one!
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the new Love on the Podium series, and it’s exactly my kind of read. I’m a sucker for sports romances about pro athletes, especially when there's plenty of "hurt/comfort" involved.
Cedric and Austin are Canadian ski cross racers who have been best friends forever. They finally try to become something more, but a bad accident on the mountain changes everything. Throw in some amnesia, and their relationship really gets put through the wringer.
The slow burn in this book is so good. The tension builds up perfectly until things finally get steamy. My only gripe is that I wish we got both perspectives, I would’ve loved to know what was going on in Austin’s head while they were apart for a year.
The writing is amazing, the mountain scenery and the racing scenes are so vivid it feels like you’re actually there. Everything felt so real and raw. I loved their hard earned happy ending and I'm already excited for the next one!
January 19, 2026
This story took me by surprise with how emotional it became. What starts as a fast-paced sports romance quickly deepens into something far more heartfelt, blending adrenaline, friendship and unexpected love. The chemistry between Cedric and Austin feels effortless, shaped by years of shared ambition and trust, which makes their shift from friends to something more both believable and affecting.
The ski cross setting is brilliantly done, capturing the rush of competition as well as the crushing lows that come with it (even though i know nothing about skiing)!. When things take a devastating turn, the story doesn’t shy away from the fallout, allowing both characters the space to struggle, heal and grow. It’s intense, tender and ultimately hopeful, making it a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys emotionally driven sports romances.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
The ski cross setting is brilliantly done, capturing the rush of competition as well as the crushing lows that come with it (even though i know nothing about skiing)!. When things take a devastating turn, the story doesn’t shy away from the fallout, allowing both characters the space to struggle, heal and grow. It’s intense, tender and ultimately hopeful, making it a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys emotionally driven sports romances.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was very hard to put down and I read the entire thing in less than 24 hours. Cedric and Austin are the very best of friends and have been skiing together since they were children so there's serious chemistry between them right from the start. The entire story is told from Cedric's point of view except for a sort of "time lapse" chapter that's all news excerpts and does an excellent job of moving the story along. The pacing was solid throughout and there's a hefty does of hurt/comfort in this one (I'm pretty sure both of them had some trauma/PTSD they needed to work through). I frequently wanted to reach into the pages and give them both a hug so I was really pleased when they got their well earned happy ending. Definitely worth a read if you're looking for friends to lover with a good dose of hurt/comfort mixed in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Allison Temple continues to be a must-read author for me!
The spice comes fast and gets you absolutely hooked on the relationship between Cedric and Austin. By the time Austin's accident happens, my heart was racing! The fallout, after Austin has amnesia is so heartbreaking. You can absolutely feel how devastated Cedric is, and the effect it has on him in the aftermath.
I couldn't wait for them to come back together, and I think it happened at the perfect moment. Being patient pays off.
Do I know anything about ski cross? Nope. But the action scenes are so well-written that I feel like I'm going down the slopes with Cedric and Austin! I rooted for both of them to wind up on the podium with O, Canada blaring.
This book is a quick read and is perfect for fans of the hurt/comfort trope.
**I received this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily**
The spice comes fast and gets you absolutely hooked on the relationship between Cedric and Austin. By the time Austin's accident happens, my heart was racing! The fallout, after Austin has amnesia is so heartbreaking. You can absolutely feel how devastated Cedric is, and the effect it has on him in the aftermath.
I couldn't wait for them to come back together, and I think it happened at the perfect moment. Being patient pays off.
Do I know anything about ski cross? Nope. But the action scenes are so well-written that I feel like I'm going down the slopes with Cedric and Austin! I rooted for both of them to wind up on the podium with O, Canada blaring.
This book is a quick read and is perfect for fans of the hurt/comfort trope.
**I received this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily**
January 19, 2026
It’s not often you get friends to lovers times two with the same couple in the same book but we do in Ski-Crossed lovers and I absolutely love that for us. It features two best friends who honestly have no idea what to do with each other but also are absolutely in love with each other and practically made for each other. After an epic night where they finally figured it out, a ski accident leads to amnesia and a world of confusion about what exactly is the right thing to do regarding their friendship and what was thought to be the beginning of a romantic relationship. Add in the Olympics as the dramatic background for them to figure out what’s going on and it’s a romance story for the ages. I loved watching them figure out their relationship again while also batting for gold against each other. An awesome sports romance worth a read!
December 12, 2025
I inhaled this book in record time. And you will too. Come closer, let me tell you how it went.
I went in expecting a fluffy sports romance, left gobsmacked. Not only did I learn so much about ski-cross… Too much, might one say? Just kidding; I have ski trauma, and SPEAKING of trauma, THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF IT. I think I spent most of the book crying, and I say this WITH THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. There was so much gd yearning, which is crack, but then there was also the friends-to-lovers-did-we-ruin-it, the I’m-so-fucked-up-I-can’t-breathe-without-him-and-I-don’t-realize-it, and we can’t forget the fact that we only had one POV just to make our agony complete.
First Allison Temple book. Will not be my last.
I went in expecting a fluffy sports romance, left gobsmacked. Not only did I learn so much about ski-cross… Too much, might one say? Just kidding; I have ski trauma, and SPEAKING of trauma, THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF IT. I think I spent most of the book crying, and I say this WITH THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. There was so much gd yearning, which is crack, but then there was also the friends-to-lovers-did-we-ruin-it, the I’m-so-fucked-up-I-can’t-breathe-without-him-and-I-don’t-realize-it, and we can’t forget the fact that we only had one POV just to make our agony complete.
First Allison Temple book. Will not be my last.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've never practiced any winter sport, but I love the Winter Olympics, and when I found out this series is set during them this year, I got really excited.
Regarding the story, I really liked it. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and here, combined with the fact that they're teammates and have always been pining for each other, ugh, it worked, and I liked it.
The tension created by Austin's recovery, Cedric's reaction to it and then the Olympics, gave it the perfect amount of angst. The fact that everyone seemed to sense the tension from the beginning and weren't surprised at all was both funny and comforting.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Thanks to the author for the free Arc.
Regarding the story, I really liked it. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and here, combined with the fact that they're teammates and have always been pining for each other, ugh, it worked, and I liked it.
The tension created by Austin's recovery, Cedric's reaction to it and then the Olympics, gave it the perfect amount of angst. The fact that everyone seemed to sense the tension from the beginning and weren't surprised at all was both funny and comforting.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Thanks to the author for the free Arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cedric and Austin are teammates on the Canada mens ski crossed team with high olympic hopes. They've been inseparable since they were nine but never crossed the line into something more until the worst possible time and then everything changes.
I did not see this coming but I so loved it. I was ready for some teammate angst and friends to lovers but this was so much more, heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I won't ruin the story but make sure to check the TW. This story covers the craziest year of both of their lives and you really feel it the whole time all through the drama and training and ups and downs of competition and being on the world stage. Great spice and amazing storytelling!
I did not see this coming but I so loved it. I was ready for some teammate angst and friends to lovers but this was so much more, heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I won't ruin the story but make sure to check the TW. This story covers the craziest year of both of their lives and you really feel it the whole time all through the drama and training and ups and downs of competition and being on the world stage. Great spice and amazing storytelling!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Welcome to the "Love on the Podium" series, a collection of queer romances.
The first installment, "Ski Crossed Lovers," features Canadian ski cross athlete Cedric Bérard and his best friend Austin, both Olympic competitors. An unexpected encounter between Cedric and Austin leads them into unfamiliar emotional territory, challenging the boundaries of their relationship. When an accident occurs on the slopes, Cedric's future—as well as his relationship with Austin and their enduring friendship—faces significant uncertainty.
This story was exceptionally well written and truly captivating—definitely worth a chance. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am providing my honest review.
The first installment, "Ski Crossed Lovers," features Canadian ski cross athlete Cedric Bérard and his best friend Austin, both Olympic competitors. An unexpected encounter between Cedric and Austin leads them into unfamiliar emotional territory, challenging the boundaries of their relationship. When an accident occurs on the slopes, Cedric's future—as well as his relationship with Austin and their enduring friendship—faces significant uncertainty.
This story was exceptionally well written and truly captivating—definitely worth a chance. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am providing my honest review.
January 10, 2026
if you want a sweet little friends to lovers to friends(???) to lovers sports romance, then this is for you!! as someone who is not the biggest fan of this trope, there is a trope in here that is done very well and made me incredibly invested in the story and these characters. i enjoyed the different medias that was used during the time jump, but i realllllyyyy wanted cedric and austin’s pov during this year and it would have been the perfect opportunity to make them the mayors of yearning in the province of longing. i also think with the trope used, i really wish it was dual pov, but i really did enjoy cedric as a narrator
overall, this is such a good start to the love on the podium series and i can’t wait to continue!!! thank you so much to the author for allowing me to have an arc
overall, this is such a good start to the love on the podium series and i can’t wait to continue!!! thank you so much to the author for allowing me to have an arc
Review of advance copy received from Author
Four and a half stars
SKI-CROSSED LOVERS by Allison Temple is part of the multi-author Love On The Podium series. Canadian ski cross racers Cedric Bérard and Austin Grimm are fierce competitors and best friends. One night, one true confession changes their relationship from friendship to so much more. And one moment changes their futures.
Allison Temple brings Cedric and Austin alive not only as elite athletes but also as friends trying to find themselves and affirm their feelings and what is truly important and vital. Ski-Crossed Lovers is a page-turning read that grips readers' emotions and brings the excitement of competition and romance to life. A terrific read.
SKI-CROSSED LOVERS by Allison Temple is part of the multi-author Love On The Podium series. Canadian ski cross racers Cedric Bérard and Austin Grimm are fierce competitors and best friends. One night, one true confession changes their relationship from friendship to so much more. And one moment changes their futures.
Allison Temple brings Cedric and Austin alive not only as elite athletes but also as friends trying to find themselves and affirm their feelings and what is truly important and vital. Ski-Crossed Lovers is a page-turning read that grips readers' emotions and brings the excitement of competition and romance to life. A terrific read.
January 19, 2026
Ski-crossed Lovers by Alison Temple is about Cedric & Austin who are best friends and rivals in Ski Cross. They have a plan to make it to the Olympics and be in the podium 1st and 2nd. Right after the World Cup Austin tells Cedric he loves him and has been in love with him for a long time but was afraid to let him know before the Olympics. I really loved this story. Allison really captured the love they had for one another and also the essence of the sport that made the reader feel like they were on the mountain skiing right next to them and felt the cold wind on your face. As a reader who has never skied it was awesome.
January 21, 2026
Come on besties, it’s time for the Olympics ! 🌈
Ski-Crossed Lovers is an MM romance between two best friends at the Olympics.
Honestly this book and this series is the perfect read to get out of the Heated Rivalry slump haha, you got athletes, you got romance, you got the Olympics, and the best part ? They’re all queer 🌈
I’m absolutely obsessed with these books already and I’m so thankful for all the authors for the opportunity to read these ARCs, I’m having so much fun !!
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the perfect start to this series, it’s fast paced, it’s heartbreaking, it’s fun, it’s everything we want !!
Ski-Crossed Lovers is an MM romance between two best friends at the Olympics.
Honestly this book and this series is the perfect read to get out of the Heated Rivalry slump haha, you got athletes, you got romance, you got the Olympics, and the best part ? They’re all queer 🌈
I’m absolutely obsessed with these books already and I’m so thankful for all the authors for the opportunity to read these ARCs, I’m having so much fun !!
Ski-Crossed Lovers is the perfect start to this series, it’s fast paced, it’s heartbreaking, it’s fun, it’s everything we want !!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay this book hits a perfect spot.
I found Allison Temple through Heated Rivalry content. Stayed for her books.
This was SUCH a tense and fun book about two Olympic-level skiers who have a night of their lives, only for one to get amnesia after a big crash the next day.
DEVASTATING. I loved Cedric’s POV, and just really loved how everything went and came back together. Honestly my heart was racing along with the characters going through their Olympics. Also the spice? Dang. It’s GOOD.
Thank you Allison for the early review copy!
I found Allison Temple through Heated Rivalry content. Stayed for her books.
This was SUCH a tense and fun book about two Olympic-level skiers who have a night of their lives, only for one to get amnesia after a big crash the next day.
DEVASTATING. I loved Cedric’s POV, and just really loved how everything went and came back together. Honestly my heart was racing along with the characters going through their Olympics. Also the spice? Dang. It’s GOOD.
Thank you Allison for the early review copy!
Read
January 20, 2026I am loving the concept of the Love on the Podium series - queer athletes at the top of their sports finding love and acceptance in an Olympic year! Ski-Crossed Lovers is first out of the gate and it crashes into your heart almost immediately. Exploring their connection, dealing with the medical and psychological issues of a failed event and crash, and balancing friendship and yearning... this book is an emotional roller coaster and a chance to watch love blossom on the Podium!
I'm reading the whole series and next we'll turn to hockey with a sapphic romance - A Good Puck!
I'm reading the whole series and next we'll turn to hockey with a sapphic romance - A Good Puck!
Review of advance copy received from Author
more like a 3.5? but i'm rounding up because i did really enjoy it.
unfortunately i think the length of this meant i didn't get as much foundational set up for the friends to lovers aspect - i felt like i barely knew austin and i would have loved more time spent in their friendship before we evolved into more. i also wanted more time spent in the tension of not knowing how things would resolve?
still though, the yearning was palpable and it was a very enjoyable read.
unfortunately i think the length of this meant i didn't get as much foundational set up for the friends to lovers aspect - i felt like i barely knew austin and i would have loved more time spent in their friendship before we evolved into more. i also wanted more time spent in the tension of not knowing how things would resolve?
still though, the yearning was palpable and it was a very enjoyable read.
December 26, 2025
I was selected as an ARC reader and I’m so glad I was! I loved this book. I do feel like everything was slightly rushed but I did like how there was enough backstory that I wasn’t confused. I would have liked more interactions with other characters but feel like the story shone through easily enough! I just wanted more that would have made it a 5 star. I 100% can’t wait to read more of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really cute story, but not a standout read for me. The romance was cute, and the best friends to lovers worked really well here. The writing just fell short for me. At some points in the book, there were skiing metaphors used for no reason, and that made the characters feel like caricatures of the athletes they are. I did enjoy this book, but I don't think it's a must read romance. A huge thank you to the author Allison Temple for this ARC!
January 19, 2026
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️This was cute, I especially loved that the author decided to make Austin and Cedric’s story friends to lovers and not the more expected rivals to lovers. I also thought the setting was well done, I’ve not read other sports romances around ski cross. The racing moments are super fun, very intense and descriptive. I enjoyed it, a simple and cute take on friends to lovers with a side of sports romance.
3.5⭐️This was cute, I especially loved that the author decided to make Austin and Cedric’s story friends to lovers and not the more expected rivals to lovers. I also thought the setting was well done, I’ve not read other sports romances around ski cross. The racing moments are super fun, very intense and descriptive. I enjoyed it, a simple and cute take on friends to lovers with a side of sports romance.
January 19, 2026
This was an excellent story, combining Olympic ski cross and a best friendship turned love story. Cedric and Austin were both so easy to care about as they went through the agony and ecstasy of both their sport and their relationship. There were moments I wanted to cry for them. I couldn't put this down until I reached the happy (but not necessarily easy to guess) conclusion. What a wonderful ride, and what a perfect couple. I absolutely loved this!
January 20, 2026
Completely unexpected/Olympian athletes
Austin and Cedric are best friends and competitive skiing opponents.
A drunken confession leads to an explosive encounter.
A next day skiing celebration leads to Austin being seriously injured and a case of amnesia.
It was heartbreaking to see Cedric struggle through this tough time along with Austin who didn't remember him.
Thankfully everything is resolved for their hard earned HEA.
Austin and Cedric are best friends and competitive skiing opponents.
A drunken confession leads to an explosive encounter.
A next day skiing celebration leads to Austin being seriously injured and a case of amnesia.
It was heartbreaking to see Cedric struggle through this tough time along with Austin who didn't remember him.
Thankfully everything is resolved for their hard earned HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This started out as a very sweet, easy read. But since I went into this without rereading the blurb, so I definitely had some heart pounding worried moments where I was caught completely off guard (in a good way). It took it from being almost too light and easy, to adding the perfect amount of tension to give make it impossible to put down!
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