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Cross-Country Love
Not yet published
Expected 16 Feb 26Mara May is the princess of cross-country skiing. All she needs to finish her career on a high note is the gold medal she was denied four years before by firebrand, Kirby Bonham. And Kirby is still the only one standing in her way.
After upsetting the sport’s princess, Kirby milks her newfound fame for all it’s worth, becoming a reality-TV star. But now Kirby must prove her gold medal was more than a fluke.
Mara and Kirby have history. History of trash talk, upsets, and trading podiums. Their rivalry becomes the flashiest story in primetime when they can’t keep their contempt or chemistry to themselves. As Mara’s princess persona and Kirby’s carefree façade crumble under the pressure of the Games, rivalry warps into passion. But during the most important competition of their lives, there’s too much at stake to fall in love.
Cross-Country Love is part of the Love on the Podium shared queer romance series.
After upsetting the sport’s princess, Kirby milks her newfound fame for all it’s worth, becoming a reality-TV star. But now Kirby must prove her gold medal was more than a fluke.
Mara and Kirby have history. History of trash talk, upsets, and trading podiums. Their rivalry becomes the flashiest story in primetime when they can’t keep their contempt or chemistry to themselves. As Mara’s princess persona and Kirby’s carefree façade crumble under the pressure of the Games, rivalry warps into passion. But during the most important competition of their lives, there’s too much at stake to fall in love.
Cross-Country Love is part of the Love on the Podium shared queer romance series.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 16, 2026
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Erin McLellan
15 books207 followersErin McLellan writes contemporary romances that are sweet, super sexy, and emotional. She lives in Alaska with her family. She is a lover of chocolate, camping, hiking, antiquing, gardening, Dr Pepper, and reality TV.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️ 3🌶
Perfect book for the Olympics, who doesn't love a sports romance?
This book has a lot of well done sexual tension between the main characters Kirby and Mara. Their interactions are expertly laced with equal parts venom and then lust. Ice queen Mara is still smarting from her second place finish in the 2020 Olympics. Kirby had pulled off the surprise of a lifetime to everyone but herself. Now they're in Italy getting ready to race again, but the world is keyed into this one, since it may be Mara's last. All of the stories in the this series have each taken it to the next level. If you're looking for some books to fill the void until your favorite events show this winter, give these a go.
tropes and warnings: ice queen, princess, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family, mental health matters
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
Perfect book for the Olympics, who doesn't love a sports romance?
This book has a lot of well done sexual tension between the main characters Kirby and Mara. Their interactions are expertly laced with equal parts venom and then lust. Ice queen Mara is still smarting from her second place finish in the 2020 Olympics. Kirby had pulled off the surprise of a lifetime to everyone but herself. Now they're in Italy getting ready to race again, but the world is keyed into this one, since it may be Mara's last. All of the stories in the this series have each taken it to the next level. If you're looking for some books to fill the void until your favorite events show this winter, give these a go.
tropes and warnings: ice queen, princess, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family, mental health matters
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
January 22, 2026
I received an arc copy from Erin, and while I’m just starting to dabble in sapphic i read it in one go and enjoyed it.
The two main characters are rivals with very different personalities and clash often, i really enjoyed how worked up Kirby could get Mara.
They both have a journey that didn’t feel forced or rushed
The sexual tension between the two was ongoing and aggressive which I appreciate
All over a great read I would pick up again
The two main characters are rivals with very different personalities and clash often, i really enjoyed how worked up Kirby could get Mara.
They both have a journey that didn’t feel forced or rushed
The sexual tension between the two was ongoing and aggressive which I appreciate
All over a great read I would pick up again
Review of advance copy received from Author
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2026 🌈✨: Main Board - Sports Romance
5 stars. The rivalry between Mara and Kirby was addictive. I could not get enough of this book I swear! I loved every single thing about this. The writing is fantastic, I've read this author's other sapphic stories and I loved those as well but this is definitely my favorite.
I ate up every little thing between Mara and Kirby. Every time they were mean to each other or said things that were below the belt I wanted more. They both gave as good as they got. They couldn’t be more opposite from each other if they tried. Mara is very closed off and keeps her emotions close to her chest and comes across as an Ice Queen. Kirby is very much a what you see is what you get type of person and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She and Mara mix like water and oil but their chemistry is so on point. It works and is believable. They love exchanging barbs with one another it’s kinda their love language. They start a rivals with benefits relationship and it was hot but it was extremely satisfying watching these two navigate their feelings once they realize they’ve started to fall for each other. The third act blow up hurt but it made their HEA that much more gratifying. I adored their romance so much. I loved both characters so much but it was Kirby for me. I love a woman who is so unapologetically herself and doesn't give a fuck what others think. Doesn't hurt that she was also kinda toppy and calls Mara 'Princess' in bed. *SWOON*
We also get a lot of skiing as they are competing in the Olympics and I’m really big on sports romances that actually show the characters doing their sport so that was fun. I also liked some of the side characters that were on their team, especially Kirby’s best friend he was awesome. Overall, great read with a lot of passion and it’s one I would highly recommend.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 stars. The rivalry between Mara and Kirby was addictive. I could not get enough of this book I swear! I loved every single thing about this. The writing is fantastic, I've read this author's other sapphic stories and I loved those as well but this is definitely my favorite.
I ate up every little thing between Mara and Kirby. Every time they were mean to each other or said things that were below the belt I wanted more. They both gave as good as they got. They couldn’t be more opposite from each other if they tried. Mara is very closed off and keeps her emotions close to her chest and comes across as an Ice Queen. Kirby is very much a what you see is what you get type of person and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She and Mara mix like water and oil but their chemistry is so on point. It works and is believable. They love exchanging barbs with one another it’s kinda their love language. They start a rivals with benefits relationship and it was hot but it was extremely satisfying watching these two navigate their feelings once they realize they’ve started to fall for each other. The third act blow up hurt but it made their HEA that much more gratifying. I adored their romance so much. I loved both characters so much but it was Kirby for me. I love a woman who is so unapologetically herself and doesn't give a fuck what others think. Doesn't hurt that she was also kinda toppy and calls Mara 'Princess' in bed. *SWOON*
We also get a lot of skiing as they are competing in the Olympics and I’m really big on sports romances that actually show the characters doing their sport so that was fun. I also liked some of the side characters that were on their team, especially Kirby’s best friend he was awesome. Overall, great read with a lot of passion and it’s one I would highly recommend.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2026
Cross-Country Love follows Mara May, considered the princess of cross-country skiing, the one who everyone is expecting to get gold and the one who says the right things, and Kirby Bonham, smart-mouthed and outspoken, a cross-country skier who is an underdog, underrated but determined and hard working. They’ve never seen eye to eye but Mara keeps her public image polished… until one day she doesn’t.
Kirby is coming back to the Winter Olympics after taking her fame for all it’s worth. She’s entered reality shows since the last winter olympics and she loves it, the drama, the limelight, the money. Whereas Mara has spent the last four years focusing on cross-country skiing and cross-country skiing only. But their paths are crossing again and Kirby wants nothing more than to see the fire in Mara’s eyes and hear the biting words she knows can come from her.
Their trash talk is so fun to read, and I absolutely love how much Kirby loves to push Mara’s buttons. Mara struggles to keep her polished image around Kirby but at the same time, she can’t help but be pulled into Kirby’s orbit. They clash massively and yet somehow they also work together well, which never of them would ever have expected.
I absolutely fell in love with Mara and Kirby, I loved how their relationship grew and progressed over the course of the book, and how they both slowly started to understand the other one better.
The story revolves around second chances, proving one’s self and realising that the path you’ve been on might not be the only path you’re allowed to take. If you enjoy sports romance, rivals to lovers, a sprinkle of hurt/comfort and trash talk as foreplay, this one is for you.
Kirby is coming back to the Winter Olympics after taking her fame for all it’s worth. She’s entered reality shows since the last winter olympics and she loves it, the drama, the limelight, the money. Whereas Mara has spent the last four years focusing on cross-country skiing and cross-country skiing only. But their paths are crossing again and Kirby wants nothing more than to see the fire in Mara’s eyes and hear the biting words she knows can come from her.
Their trash talk is so fun to read, and I absolutely love how much Kirby loves to push Mara’s buttons. Mara struggles to keep her polished image around Kirby but at the same time, she can’t help but be pulled into Kirby’s orbit. They clash massively and yet somehow they also work together well, which never of them would ever have expected.
I absolutely fell in love with Mara and Kirby, I loved how their relationship grew and progressed over the course of the book, and how they both slowly started to understand the other one better.
The story revolves around second chances, proving one’s self and realising that the path you’ve been on might not be the only path you’re allowed to take. If you enjoy sports romance, rivals to lovers, a sprinkle of hurt/comfort and trash talk as foreplay, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mara and Kirby are veterans of the cross-country ski circuit, and team mates at the Olympics, where both are vying for Gold in the women's 50km mass start. Their personalities clash, and the media of course loves it!
I love a rivals to lovers romance, and this one was so good! This quote pretty much sums up the dynamic between Kirby and Mara:
"Did the thought of beating me in a race just make you come?"
Their chemistry is combustible and they finally collide while prepping for the Olympics. Rivals with benefits? Yes please. The rivalry doesn't go away because of a few kisses and and orgasm or two, and I loved that for all of us. These two get to know each other throughout their races and team events, and keep on battling the whole way through.
There is plenty of angst in this story, it does take place during the Olympics after all, between two competing athletes! But is balanced by all the sweet moments of care, and it also brings plenty of heat. While I would have loved some moments of them just living daily life outside of sports post-Olympics, the ending was great, and I would definitely recommend this sapphic romance!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
I love a rivals to lovers romance, and this one was so good! This quote pretty much sums up the dynamic between Kirby and Mara:
"Did the thought of beating me in a race just make you come?"
Their chemistry is combustible and they finally collide while prepping for the Olympics. Rivals with benefits? Yes please. The rivalry doesn't go away because of a few kisses and and orgasm or two, and I loved that for all of us. These two get to know each other throughout their races and team events, and keep on battling the whole way through.
There is plenty of angst in this story, it does take place during the Olympics after all, between two competing athletes! But is balanced by all the sweet moments of care, and it also brings plenty of heat. While I would have loved some moments of them just living daily life outside of sports post-Olympics, the ending was great, and I would definitely recommend this sapphic romance!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Gordon Ramsay voice* Finally some good freaking Rivals-to-Lovers!
It is so hard to find a true rivals-to-lovers book that actually feels like a rivalry. Mara and Kirby are constantly at each other's throats both in a competitive and sexy way. Even before they are intimate for the first time, their chemistry heats up the pages.
I love the way Kirby presses all of Mara's buttons. And I love the moments where Mara pushes right back. She's clearly having the most fun when she drops the princess persona.
Mara is so hyper focused on gold, gold, gold, but it isn't until she's a bit more focused on Kirby that she can actually be the best skier she can be. They push each other, and I absolutely loved reading their story as they fell hard and fast for each other.
*I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
It is so hard to find a true rivals-to-lovers book that actually feels like a rivalry. Mara and Kirby are constantly at each other's throats both in a competitive and sexy way. Even before they are intimate for the first time, their chemistry heats up the pages.
I love the way Kirby presses all of Mara's buttons. And I love the moments where Mara pushes right back. She's clearly having the most fun when she drops the princess persona.
Mara is so hyper focused on gold, gold, gold, but it isn't until she's a bit more focused on Kirby that she can actually be the best skier she can be. They push each other, and I absolutely loved reading their story as they fell hard and fast for each other.
*I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Erin for my ARC copy!!
Oh my god, it was actually incredible. From the second I started this book I literally paused it twice, to tell Erin I loved those two moments 🤣 Kirby and Mara were so fucking funny, and so perfect together. I loved how they wound each other up every given chance, it was so cute seeing them. And I mean, Mara being annoyed by Kirby but then seeking her out was so funny to me.
Watching them learn that they actually don't hate each other was so much fun, every second of this book was amazing. I've had the absolute best time reading this. I've loved this book, the story, the characters and her writing so much.
Oh my god, it was actually incredible. From the second I started this book I literally paused it twice, to tell Erin I loved those two moments 🤣 Kirby and Mara were so fucking funny, and so perfect together. I loved how they wound each other up every given chance, it was so cute seeing them. And I mean, Mara being annoyed by Kirby but then seeking her out was so funny to me.
Watching them learn that they actually don't hate each other was so much fun, every second of this book was amazing. I've had the absolute best time reading this. I've loved this book, the story, the characters and her writing so much.
January 19, 2026
Second book for me in the love on the podium series and I’m so invested!! Thankful to the author for the eARC.
I absolutely loved the tension and banter between Mara and Kirby. That chemistry had me eagerly flipping the pages to get to the next scene.
This sapphic, enemies/rivals-to-lovers romance was the perfect quick read with the right amount of smut. I don’t know anything about cross country skiing but I found myself cheering on these teammates and crying tears of joy at the end.
I absolutely loved the tension and banter between Mara and Kirby. That chemistry had me eagerly flipping the pages to get to the next scene.
This sapphic, enemies/rivals-to-lovers romance was the perfect quick read with the right amount of smut. I don’t know anything about cross country skiing but I found myself cheering on these teammates and crying tears of joy at the end.
January 20, 2026
I read this as part of an ARC and was not paid for this review.
I enjoyed the grumpy enemies to lovers. The two FMC were both lovable in their own ways. It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did, I enjoyed it! There was just enough extra spicy bits to keep me going but I really enjoyed the storyline the best. I felt like it wasn’t forced or rushed. I’d be interested to see where the characters go from here!
I enjoyed the grumpy enemies to lovers. The two FMC were both lovable in their own ways. It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did, I enjoyed it! There was just enough extra spicy bits to keep me going but I really enjoyed the storyline the best. I felt like it wasn’t forced or rushed. I’d be interested to see where the characters go from here!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aww what a great read. Enemies to lovers - specifically in this case rivals to lovers - it was such a joy to watch the two FMC's square off and eventually find out they didn't hate each other. I loved the setting of the Olympics, I loved that we got skiing in this story (hate when it's a sports story with little actual sport) and that it was well written! Thanks to the author for a chance to be an ARC reader!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy! A shining 4 stars and a gold medal to this book! I really enjoyed the tension and the chemistry between the characters. The touch of metal health discussion was perfect for the mood and length of the book and it wasn’t heavy handed. I love when a sapphic book doesn’t feel like the point of the book is to be sapphic - queer people just existing. The tension for the Olympic medal race was fun.
Review of advance copy
Wow phenomenal what a fast paced story I loved the main characters their chemistry shined throughout but their rivalry was embedded beautifully throughout. They were described with so much depth making you feel apart of their world a must-read congratulations
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super cute story! Love all the stories in Love on the Podium series so far.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews