Let’s talk about the narrators first.
Macie Miller as Maya and Gideon Frost as Steele absolutely CRUSHED their performances. This was an absolute joy to listen to. It’s duet style with a full cast, and my personal preference is always an immersive read. I was lucky enough to be granted access to that particular experience, and it was fantastic.
Now, onto the review!
Steele and Maya have a bit of a rift between them. Most of it comes down to the age factor and the fact that Maya told Steele she liked him when she was 18. Fast-forward two years, and guess who comes home for Christmas to that beautiful cabin in Vail? If you guessed both Maya and Steele, you’d be absolutely correct.
Cue the awkward interactions, and honestly, the hurt feelings start coming out at record pace.
But here’s the thing: those hurt and awkward feelings are mostly Maya’s. Steele knew a couple of years ago that she wasn’t ready, but now he thinks she might be. So he starts making an effort. Talking to her, watching movies with her, and simply finding ways to spend time together because he knows Maya isn’t a one-and-done kind of girl.
Did I mention they’re both Olympians? Yeah, there’s that, too!
When the spice starts, it really is fantastic. I will say that I personally enjoy the way Madi writes spice, so in my brain, it’s spectacular.
Yes, we get an overprotective dad scene and a little overprotective sister energy. But a lot of the group knows that Steele and Maya are going to work out and chooses not to offer unsolicited advice.
When they’re finally found out, it’s a spectacle. But Steele consistently makes it clear that he’s in this. He’s not wavering. Honestly, it’s Maya who’s afraid, especially because there are big feelings involved, and the Olympics are right there in the picture.
Let me just say, I specifically called a friend because I needed someone to talk to about how freaking FANTASTIC this book is.
There will absolutely be a full edit.
Madi, this was perfection.