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The Ultimate Blindside
Jake’s silver-medal life is movie-worthy.
Sophie’s role is about to be sabotaged.
Their sleepy Colorado town is overrun by a Hollywood film crew as the two teens, now high school seniors, find their private lives laid open for the world to see. Meanwhile, a mysterious woman and her daughter seek the couple’s help running from a powerful, dangerous man. In this tale of twists, whom can Sophie and Jake truly trust?
Sophie’s role is about to be sabotaged.
Their sleepy Colorado town is overrun by a Hollywood film crew as the two teens, now high school seniors, find their private lives laid open for the world to see. Meanwhile, a mysterious woman and her daughter seek the couple’s help running from a powerful, dangerous man. In this tale of twists, whom can Sophie and Jake truly trust?
326 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Leslea Wahl
27 books154 followersLeslea lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and three children. Their own life of adventure includes traveling, skiing, and scuba diving. Leslea strives to write fiction that will inspire readers to use their own talents and gifts to glorify God.
The Perfect Blindside has received a 2016 First Place Catholic Press Association Book Award and a 2016 Illumination Book Awards silver medal.
An Unexpected Role has was awarded a 2017 Moonbeam Children's book Gold Medal.
The Perfect Blindside has received a 2016 First Place Catholic Press Association Book Award and a 2016 Illumination Book Awards silver medal.
An Unexpected Role has was awarded a 2017 Moonbeam Children's book Gold Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 1, 2026
The Ultimate Blindside is the third book in this series, written by Leslea Wahl. Though it can be read as a standalone and still understand what is going on, you would miss out on some of the friend dynamics and Sophie and Jake’s story. This is a YA mystery, so if you love this genre, this will be the perfect read for you. I am currently on the hunt for some great Christian YA for my kids, and this story checks all the boxes for me.
Jake is an Olympic medalist snowboarder. Sophie is Jake’s girlfriend. She is an aspiring journalist and photographer. She started working with a journalist on the previous story to help show the inside aspects of Jake’s story. Wherever these two go, adventure is right behind them. That is where this story begins. There is a movie being made about Jake. In the middle of filming, a car careens off the road and soars into the water. Jake instantly jumps into action and swims out to save the mother and daughter who were in the car. When the story is picked up by the news stations, the mother and daughter find themselves hiding as they are on the run from a domestic abuse situation. Jake and Sophie jump right in to try and help them. Well, there is always more to the story. This story had me trying to figure out what was going on and what might happen.
The romance aspect is light and sweet, with kisses only between Jake and Sophie. Jake and Sophie have started talking with the different church youths in the area about maintaining purity within relationships. I love that it includes the dating rules in the back of the book.
Leslea Wahl did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. It was encouraging to see how the character's faith was an integral aspect of their life. Though written from a catholic aspect, it can be enjoyed by all.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Jake is an Olympic medalist snowboarder. Sophie is Jake’s girlfriend. She is an aspiring journalist and photographer. She started working with a journalist on the previous story to help show the inside aspects of Jake’s story. Wherever these two go, adventure is right behind them. That is where this story begins. There is a movie being made about Jake. In the middle of filming, a car careens off the road and soars into the water. Jake instantly jumps into action and swims out to save the mother and daughter who were in the car. When the story is picked up by the news stations, the mother and daughter find themselves hiding as they are on the run from a domestic abuse situation. Jake and Sophie jump right in to try and help them. Well, there is always more to the story. This story had me trying to figure out what was going on and what might happen.
The romance aspect is light and sweet, with kisses only between Jake and Sophie. Jake and Sophie have started talking with the different church youths in the area about maintaining purity within relationships. I love that it includes the dating rules in the back of the book.
Leslea Wahl did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. It was encouraging to see how the character's faith was an integral aspect of their life. Though written from a catholic aspect, it can be enjoyed by all.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 28, 2026
An intense story set in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, this plot features a wide assortment of characters that either work together or work against each other . . .
This teen fiction novel is tagged as a Mystery/Adventure/Romance written for ages 13 and up. The author has created a multi-dimensional plot filled with tense personal relationships, mystery, and sweet romance.
A high school senior, snowboarder Jake Taylor was thrown into the limelight when he won an Olympic medal last winter. While he's thrilled that he won a silver medal, he concedes he's had difficulty adjusting to the 'new normal' his life has become.
His girlfriend, Sophie Metcalf, is a budding journalist who is experiencing her own difficulties when unexplained things begin happening in her personal life. She initially blames her younger brother for messing around with her computer, but soon realizes someone more sinister is trying to sabotage her college plans and career goals.
When a horrific car accident causes a young mother and her toddler to be left without anywhere else to turn, Jake and Sophie immediately step in to assist them in whatever ways they can. They offer their generosity without placing any judgment on the young mother, exemplifying the true meaning of the Golden Rule.
This story is filled with many age-appropriate lessons about the true meaning of friendship and how to follow God's path for a faith-based romance. I especially appreciated the author's well-thought-out rules for dating shared by Jake and Sophie's through a program at their church.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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This teen fiction novel is tagged as a Mystery/Adventure/Romance written for ages 13 and up. The author has created a multi-dimensional plot filled with tense personal relationships, mystery, and sweet romance.
A high school senior, snowboarder Jake Taylor was thrown into the limelight when he won an Olympic medal last winter. While he's thrilled that he won a silver medal, he concedes he's had difficulty adjusting to the 'new normal' his life has become.
His girlfriend, Sophie Metcalf, is a budding journalist who is experiencing her own difficulties when unexplained things begin happening in her personal life. She initially blames her younger brother for messing around with her computer, but soon realizes someone more sinister is trying to sabotage her college plans and career goals.
When a horrific car accident causes a young mother and her toddler to be left without anywhere else to turn, Jake and Sophie immediately step in to assist them in whatever ways they can. They offer their generosity without placing any judgment on the young mother, exemplifying the true meaning of the Golden Rule.
This story is filled with many age-appropriate lessons about the true meaning of friendship and how to follow God's path for a faith-based romance. I especially appreciated the author's well-thought-out rules for dating shared by Jake and Sophie's through a program at their church.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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Did Not Finish
April 1, 2026The Ultimate Blindside is the third book in the Blindside series, but seems to work fairly well as a stand alone. In this one, we follow more adventures of Jake and Sophie, the teen main characters.
I was hooked from the beginning, and remained so throughout the whole story, as Jake and Sophie set out to help a mother and her daughter. It is full of mystery, danger, and intrigue...and even some sweet teen romance.
If you are looking for faith based suspense, mystery, and sweet romance for your teen, I recommend all of the Blindside series. I will also say that even young adults, and those of us not so young anymore, will enjoy the series, too.
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
I was hooked from the beginning, and remained so throughout the whole story, as Jake and Sophie set out to help a mother and her daughter. It is full of mystery, danger, and intrigue...and even some sweet teen romance.
If you are looking for faith based suspense, mystery, and sweet romance for your teen, I recommend all of the Blindside series. I will also say that even young adults, and those of us not so young anymore, will enjoy the series, too.
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
February 9, 2026
This book marks the fourteenth time I have read a book by Leslea Wahl, and that does not count her contributions to anthologies or the collaborative stories she has written with other Catholic Teen Books Authors. It took a long time for this third story in this series to be available. But it was well worth the wait! The description of this volume is:
“Jake’s silver-medal life is movie-worthy.
Sophie’s role is about to be sabotaged.
Their sleepy Colorado town is overrun by a Hollywood film crew as the two teens, now high school seniors, find their private lives laid open for the world to see.
Meanwhile, a mysterious woman and her daughter seek the couple’s help running from a powerful, dangerous man. In this tale of twists, whom can Sophie and Jake truly trust?”
The Perfect Blindside, was the first book I read by Wahl and after reading it I picked up all the others that were then available. And I eagerly awaited this novel that continues the story. This book, series, and everything from Wahl is a good clean Christian young adult novel. But the story is so well written that even older readers should really enjoy it. It is part mystery and part romance. But the romance much less in this volume, and the two have grown in their relationship. This story reminds me a lot of Madeleine L’Engle’s Chronos books.
As such the story revolves around mysterious events happening in Colorado during the fiming of events from the previous volume to turn those into a movie Both the main characters have a lot on their plate, with growing fame, finishing highschool, preparing for university. And The mysteries they just seem to find themselves wrapped up in.
Both Jake and Sophie are facing things from their past. But also dealing with a lot in the present. During the first day of shooting a car goes into water and Jake jumps in to save a mother and young child. Because the cameras were rolling and media was onsite it made a big splash in the news. But the mother ants to hid and is fearful of even the police. They also discover someone is tampering with Sophie’s electronic communications, and Jake feels like he is being followed. Sometimes the best intentions so sideways, sometimes even in epic fashion. To find out read this excellent story.
Both Jake and Sophie have grown a lot over the course of this trilogy and the other stories they appear in. But in this one they face their biggest challenges yet. And they truly do face an Ultimate Blindside.
The story moves at a great pace. One of the greatest strengths is the characters. Wahl writes amazing characters. She also does excellent part of the book is the representation of internal struggles, of Jake and Sophie as they try and live out their faith, and as they are growing into adultsJake and Sophie are excellent role models and examples. And I hope that we get another story with them.
This is the type of stories I encourage my own teens and young adult children to read. It is clean, but shows real struggles and trial. This book was a great read. I could hardly put it down. The discussion guide at the end is great for families or youth groups to work through together. It is an excellent read. I can easily recommend it.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Jake’s silver-medal life is movie-worthy.
Sophie’s role is about to be sabotaged.
Their sleepy Colorado town is overrun by a Hollywood film crew as the two teens, now high school seniors, find their private lives laid open for the world to see.
Meanwhile, a mysterious woman and her daughter seek the couple’s help running from a powerful, dangerous man. In this tale of twists, whom can Sophie and Jake truly trust?”
The Perfect Blindside, was the first book I read by Wahl and after reading it I picked up all the others that were then available. And I eagerly awaited this novel that continues the story. This book, series, and everything from Wahl is a good clean Christian young adult novel. But the story is so well written that even older readers should really enjoy it. It is part mystery and part romance. But the romance much less in this volume, and the two have grown in their relationship. This story reminds me a lot of Madeleine L’Engle’s Chronos books.
As such the story revolves around mysterious events happening in Colorado during the fiming of events from the previous volume to turn those into a movie Both the main characters have a lot on their plate, with growing fame, finishing highschool, preparing for university. And The mysteries they just seem to find themselves wrapped up in.
Both Jake and Sophie are facing things from their past. But also dealing with a lot in the present. During the first day of shooting a car goes into water and Jake jumps in to save a mother and young child. Because the cameras were rolling and media was onsite it made a big splash in the news. But the mother ants to hid and is fearful of even the police. They also discover someone is tampering with Sophie’s electronic communications, and Jake feels like he is being followed. Sometimes the best intentions so sideways, sometimes even in epic fashion. To find out read this excellent story.
Both Jake and Sophie have grown a lot over the course of this trilogy and the other stories they appear in. But in this one they face their biggest challenges yet. And they truly do face an Ultimate Blindside.
The story moves at a great pace. One of the greatest strengths is the characters. Wahl writes amazing characters. She also does excellent part of the book is the representation of internal struggles, of Jake and Sophie as they try and live out their faith, and as they are growing into adultsJake and Sophie are excellent role models and examples. And I hope that we get another story with them.
This is the type of stories I encourage my own teens and young adult children to read. It is clean, but shows real struggles and trial. This book was a great read. I could hardly put it down. The discussion guide at the end is great for families or youth groups to work through together. It is an excellent read. I can easily recommend it.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
March 21, 2026
There was a lot that I loved about this book--the setting, the filming elements, the healthy dating relationship between Sophie and Jake. I also liked the parental involvement (and disappointment and consequences) because I feel YA fiction sometimes likes to ignore that parents exist. The opening hooked me pretty quickly, and the end was WILD. But a few aspects made this book harder to enjoy.
I liked Sophie and Jake and the naturalness of their relationship... the way that they're mostly friends doing life together with an occasional kiss that honestly didn't feel sensual at all. I liked the discussion throughout the book about setting boundaries and following them, and the care that Sophie and Jake put into ensuring their relationship remains pure. I also liked how they both had their own interesting pursuits going on.
I think the delicate balance of realistic teen angst vs. annoying teen angst can be difficult to navigate, and while most of Sophie and Jake's decisions felt reasonable (despite being foolish at times), there was a lot of relational drama in their friendships. Jon and Rick showing up during filming just to anger Jake felt weird, and I didn't like Jake's responses to them for much of the book. For him being such a chill and kind guy, there seemed like such a lack of understanding. And then there was a blowup between best friends about keeping secrets, with your typical "I ALWAYS tell you EVERYTHING. Are we even friends?", which felt very overly dramatic.
Without having read the prior books in the series, I definitely missed out on some of the buildup and couldn't fully appreciate the villain reveal, but I did enjoy the mystery elements and the intense scenes at the end. The final reveal, however, felt completely out of left field and honestly disappointing. I feel the author could have either planted clues or picked someone more reasonable.
I did enjoy this book--three stars on Goodreads means I liked it. I just didn't appreciate some of the elements included.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I liked Sophie and Jake and the naturalness of their relationship... the way that they're mostly friends doing life together with an occasional kiss that honestly didn't feel sensual at all. I liked the discussion throughout the book about setting boundaries and following them, and the care that Sophie and Jake put into ensuring their relationship remains pure. I also liked how they both had their own interesting pursuits going on.
I think the delicate balance of realistic teen angst vs. annoying teen angst can be difficult to navigate, and while most of Sophie and Jake's decisions felt reasonable (despite being foolish at times), there was a lot of relational drama in their friendships. Jon and Rick showing up during filming just to anger Jake felt weird, and I didn't like Jake's responses to them for much of the book. For him being such a chill and kind guy, there seemed like such a lack of understanding. And then there was a blowup between best friends about keeping secrets, with your typical "I ALWAYS tell you EVERYTHING. Are we even friends?", which felt very overly dramatic.
Without having read the prior books in the series, I definitely missed out on some of the buildup and couldn't fully appreciate the villain reveal, but I did enjoy the mystery elements and the intense scenes at the end. The final reveal, however, felt completely out of left field and honestly disappointing. I feel the author could have either planted clues or picked someone more reasonable.
I did enjoy this book--three stars on Goodreads means I liked it. I just didn't appreciate some of the elements included.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
April 5, 2026
The Ultimate Blindside
Blindside series #3
By Leslea Wahl
I have not read the first two books in this series, but the way this book was written meant I had no problem following the story. The book opens with Jack and Sophie standing, watching the first day of filming about an incident from their lives. Jack is not overly thrilled to have his private life made public, but his life as a champion snowboarder makes him a person of interest.
But quickly the story shifts into high gear as Jack performs another daring feat of heroism when he rescues a mother and daughter from certain death following an accident. But this opens a whole batch of adventure and mystery as Jack and Sophie try to uncover what drove a mother to their rural Colorado town.
Jack and Sophie are soon caught up in a whole mess of trouble, and it's not their fault. No, really, trouble has a way of finding them, and then things sort of get crazy. And to top it all off, someone seems to be targeting Sophie, trying her whole life out of whack, by ruining her plans for the future. But through it all, these teens hold steady in their beliefs and their faith.
I think fans of M. Liz Boyle's book might enjoy this one: action, danger, and faith. This is a book for teens, and even preteens, that features teens of character who, while facing situations most won't in their day-to-day, are relatable.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
P.S. For teens who are Catholic, this is a book featuring teens who are likewise, which is scarce in today's market.
Blindside series #3
By Leslea Wahl
I have not read the first two books in this series, but the way this book was written meant I had no problem following the story. The book opens with Jack and Sophie standing, watching the first day of filming about an incident from their lives. Jack is not overly thrilled to have his private life made public, but his life as a champion snowboarder makes him a person of interest.
But quickly the story shifts into high gear as Jack performs another daring feat of heroism when he rescues a mother and daughter from certain death following an accident. But this opens a whole batch of adventure and mystery as Jack and Sophie try to uncover what drove a mother to their rural Colorado town.
Jack and Sophie are soon caught up in a whole mess of trouble, and it's not their fault. No, really, trouble has a way of finding them, and then things sort of get crazy. And to top it all off, someone seems to be targeting Sophie, trying her whole life out of whack, by ruining her plans for the future. But through it all, these teens hold steady in their beliefs and their faith.
I think fans of M. Liz Boyle's book might enjoy this one: action, danger, and faith. This is a book for teens, and even preteens, that features teens of character who, while facing situations most won't in their day-to-day, are relatable.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
P.S. For teens who are Catholic, this is a book featuring teens who are likewise, which is scarce in today's market.
April 5, 2026
Jake is adjusting to his new normal after winning an Olympic medal in snowboarding. Sophie, his girlfriend, is working toward her journalistic ambitions and dealing with her own problems when it seems like someone is working to derail her future plans. They are both thrown into a mystery when a car crashes into a lake on the set of a movie being made about Jake’s story. Jake jumps in to rescue the car’s occupants, a mother and her young daughter, and saves their lives but puts them in potential danger from an abusive husband and father.
I didn’t realize this was part of a series. While it read well enough as a standalone, I think it would have been helpful had I read the first two. It took me a minute to get into the book because I had no idea why Jake drew the attention that he did.
The action and tension here are nicely done. Jake and Sophie are good and kind, and they want to help the mother and daughter. Even when it’s clear their choices are drawing trouble to them, they do their best to help.
The romance aspect is sweet and clean, just kisses, and even those are mild. Jake and Sophie are very mindful of keeping their relationship a virtuous one, and it’s nice to see that in a YA novel. If I had a teenage daughter, this is the kind of book I’d encourage her to read.
I’m not sure I’m the target demographic as a middle-aged woman, but it was a fun read for me. Highly recommended for teens and young adults!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
I didn’t realize this was part of a series. While it read well enough as a standalone, I think it would have been helpful had I read the first two. It took me a minute to get into the book because I had no idea why Jake drew the attention that he did.
The action and tension here are nicely done. Jake and Sophie are good and kind, and they want to help the mother and daughter. Even when it’s clear their choices are drawing trouble to them, they do their best to help.
The romance aspect is sweet and clean, just kisses, and even those are mild. Jake and Sophie are very mindful of keeping their relationship a virtuous one, and it’s nice to see that in a YA novel. If I had a teenage daughter, this is the kind of book I’d encourage her to read.
I’m not sure I’m the target demographic as a middle-aged woman, but it was a fun read for me. Highly recommended for teens and young adults!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
April 9, 2026
The Ultimate Blindside is a fun continuation of a series. Yes, it’s a series, so please read them in order so you don’t miss anything! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series. It follows four teenagers as they explore the world together. There are extreme sports, plus some romance and fun sibling/friend interactions.
This is a young adult series. Adults can read and enjoy them as well. It’s a mystery, but over the top suspense. It’s also a romance, but very clean and not overly mushy at all.
Another factor to know is that it is a Christian novel. And that the parents in the book are smart and capable and fully involved in their children’s lives! Bonus points for that!
The book has a filming happening where Sophie and Jake live. On the first day of filming, a car goes into the water, and Jake dives in to save the woman and child who are inside. However, the mother is scared of everyone (including the police) and is trying to hide. Jake feels watched, and someone is messing with Sophie’s communications.
You’re going to love this series and this book. It’s such a good one and we highly recommend both the book and the series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is a young adult series. Adults can read and enjoy them as well. It’s a mystery, but over the top suspense. It’s also a romance, but very clean and not overly mushy at all.
Another factor to know is that it is a Christian novel. And that the parents in the book are smart and capable and fully involved in their children’s lives! Bonus points for that!
The book has a filming happening where Sophie and Jake live. On the first day of filming, a car goes into the water, and Jake dives in to save the woman and child who are inside. However, the mother is scared of everyone (including the police) and is trying to hide. Jake feels watched, and someone is messing with Sophie’s communications.
You’re going to love this series and this book. It’s such a good one and we highly recommend both the book and the series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 31, 2026
Christian Young Adult Fiction is a genre that I have grown to love. I also enjoy books with a Mystery twist. The Ultimate Blindside by Leslea Wahl is Book 3 in the Blindside series. I have not read the first 2 books in the series, although this book flowed well as a Stand-Alone. \
The storyline hooked me from the beginning. The setting is in a small town in Colorado. The 2 main characters are Jake who is a Medal winning Snowboarder and Sophie, an inspiring Journalist. Sophie and Jake are a young couple who are living out their dreams. Jake is being filmed about his Snowboarding when a Mom and her daughter ask him for his help. They are running away from an Abusive relationship. Sophie and Jake immediately agree to help the Mom and Daughter, even in the midst of filming about their lives and especially Jake's rise to fame. The storyline takes some MAJOR twists and turns and their helping the pair isn't what is seems to be. Sophie is the target of Computer Hacking and Jake finds that his friends are quite jealous of the life he has achieved. I was amazed at how much Mystery and Faith were incorporated into the story. I could not stop reading and it only took me 2 hours to finish the book! I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Young Adult Mystery and Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!
The storyline hooked me from the beginning. The setting is in a small town in Colorado. The 2 main characters are Jake who is a Medal winning Snowboarder and Sophie, an inspiring Journalist. Sophie and Jake are a young couple who are living out their dreams. Jake is being filmed about his Snowboarding when a Mom and her daughter ask him for his help. They are running away from an Abusive relationship. Sophie and Jake immediately agree to help the Mom and Daughter, even in the midst of filming about their lives and especially Jake's rise to fame. The storyline takes some MAJOR twists and turns and their helping the pair isn't what is seems to be. Sophie is the target of Computer Hacking and Jake finds that his friends are quite jealous of the life he has achieved. I was amazed at how much Mystery and Faith were incorporated into the story. I could not stop reading and it only took me 2 hours to finish the book! I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Young Adult Mystery and Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!
February 19, 2026
ULTIMATE BLINDSIDE by Leslea Wahl
Whatever you do, do not miss this novel. I absolutely loved it.
Just as the Hollywood studio begins filming the movie about Jake Taylor's life, a terrible accident shifts both his and Sophie Metcalf's attention from the movie. Then strange things start happening to Sophie, while Jake is certain that he's being followed. Finally, a traumatic event from their past comes back to haunt them, pushing all other concerns out of their heads. When your life is being threatened, does anything else matter?
This story was never predictable. I could never guess what would happen next. And I thought Jake and Sophie made choices that were consistent with their age group. Their decisions seemed logical to them, and I understood why they chose to head in that direction. Both of these main characters were likable. I was definitely rooting for them, and I cared about what happened to them.
The very first scene hooked me and made me eager to keep reading. The middle never dragged. I was engaged from start to finish. The climax scene was suspenseful and not what I expected.
To sum it up, I highly recommend this novel. It's one of the best books I've read in a while (excluding Leslea's other novels!).
Whatever you do, do not miss this novel. I absolutely loved it.
Just as the Hollywood studio begins filming the movie about Jake Taylor's life, a terrible accident shifts both his and Sophie Metcalf's attention from the movie. Then strange things start happening to Sophie, while Jake is certain that he's being followed. Finally, a traumatic event from their past comes back to haunt them, pushing all other concerns out of their heads. When your life is being threatened, does anything else matter?
This story was never predictable. I could never guess what would happen next. And I thought Jake and Sophie made choices that were consistent with their age group. Their decisions seemed logical to them, and I understood why they chose to head in that direction. Both of these main characters were likable. I was definitely rooting for them, and I cared about what happened to them.
The very first scene hooked me and made me eager to keep reading. The middle never dragged. I was engaged from start to finish. The climax scene was suspenseful and not what I expected.
To sum it up, I highly recommend this novel. It's one of the best books I've read in a while (excluding Leslea's other novels!).
April 7, 2026
Talk about a story that was worth the wait! You would think that your story being a major motion picture would be exciting enough, but Jake saves a woman and her child from a crazy accident on the first day of filming, and suddenly mysterious things begin to happen. This gives the narrative an ominous feel and really added interest.
Though this can be read as a standalone, I will say that I regret not reading the previous installments in the series, as I feel like the story would’ve been more impactful, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I admired Jake and Sophie for trying to live out their faith, and I really enjoyed seeing their development throughout the story. Their struggles were real and easy to identify with, and I could see this being encouraging to young adults as it shows setting healthy boundaries and having relationships that are innocent and based on friendship.
Leslea Wahl has quickly become one of my favorite YA authors. She has a wonderful talent for creating stories with real issues, characters that are well fleshed out and likable, and adventures that are unforgettable.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Though this can be read as a standalone, I will say that I regret not reading the previous installments in the series, as I feel like the story would’ve been more impactful, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I admired Jake and Sophie for trying to live out their faith, and I really enjoyed seeing their development throughout the story. Their struggles were real and easy to identify with, and I could see this being encouraging to young adults as it shows setting healthy boundaries and having relationships that are innocent and based on friendship.
Leslea Wahl has quickly become one of my favorite YA authors. She has a wonderful talent for creating stories with real issues, characters that are well fleshed out and likable, and adventures that are unforgettable.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
February 6, 2026
The Ultimate Blindside is another must-read from Leslea Wahl! Readers are immediately thrust into the action when Olympic snowboarder Jake and aspiring journalist Sophie save a stranger and her young daughter. The woman claims to be on the run from her abusive husband, so Sophie and Jake try to help, putting themselves in more danger than they can ever imagine. As an author myself, I’m in awe of how the plot leaves me guessing, then blindsides me with a twist. But it’s not just one plot, Wahl is a master at entangling several intriguing plotlines such as a movie production, computer hacking, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness. I love trying to predict how everything will unravel, but a telltale sign of a good book is when my jaw drops and I gasp… common reactions when I read Wahl’s books!
Wahl is a master at writing about teens. She creates characters we love and puts them in emotionally compelling situations with dialogue that’s very natural. Jake and Sophie are characters we admire, so when they subtly talk about chastity and forgiveness, it’s inspiring. Highly recommend for ages 12-112.
Wahl is a master at writing about teens. She creates characters we love and puts them in emotionally compelling situations with dialogue that’s very natural. Jake and Sophie are characters we admire, so when they subtly talk about chastity and forgiveness, it’s inspiring. Highly recommend for ages 12-112.
August 18, 2026
4.5 stars. I would give it 5 but I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. I would like to have known more about the bad person's motives, etc.
There was a lot of good messages about forgiveness, dating boundaries, and more. I highly recommend this book for ages teen and up. I wonder if this is going to be the last adventure with Sophie and Jake.
The fact that some of the story took part at an abandoned town makes me wonder if this really is something that happens/happened in that state (Colorado).
There was a lot of good messages about forgiveness, dating boundaries, and more. I highly recommend this book for ages teen and up. I wonder if this is going to be the last adventure with Sophie and Jake.
The fact that some of the story took part at an abandoned town makes me wonder if this really is something that happens/happened in that state (Colorado).
February 10, 2026
This new episode in Jake and Sophie's story grabs you right from the start. It leads off with Jake rescuing a mom and daughter while attending the filming of his rise to fame.
Nothing goes smoothly, from jealous ex-friends showing up, to clingy fans, and someone out to ruin his girlfriend Sophie's reputation.
Good mystery and sweet romance for teens. Another winner from Wahl.
I received an ARC copy. All opinions are solely my own.
Nothing goes smoothly, from jealous ex-friends showing up, to clingy fans, and someone out to ruin his girlfriend Sophie's reputation.
Good mystery and sweet romance for teens. Another winner from Wahl.
I received an ARC copy. All opinions are solely my own.
April 5, 2026
Leslea Wahl has done it again for her fans! Olympic snowboarder Jake Taylor and amateur journalist Sophie uncover another mystery in Colorado, taking readers on an exciting adventure. Suspense, friendship struggles, and senior year worries like scholarships work together to make this story a page-turning YA mystery. My teenagers (a daughter and son) LOVE this series and were thrilled when Wahl released this. Another great addition to the Blindside series!
March 13, 2026
Where were books like these when I was a teenager? They didn't exist, but I'm so glad they are here now that I have teenagers of my own.
This third book in the Blindside series picks right up with Olympic snowboarder Jake and aspiring journalist Sophie as they witness the surreal movie-adaption of their adventures being filmed.
Neither can seem to stay away from mystery, intrigue, and danger, so there are several challenges that crop up during filming, including a mother and child fleeing a presumably abusive man, someone hacking Sophie's laptop, and former friends of Jake's making trouble.
As always, the reader also sees how Jake and Sophie turn to faith in times of trouble and seek to live wholesome lives that respect others and honor God, and that's was makes this series really special.
4.5 stars
This third book in the Blindside series picks right up with Olympic snowboarder Jake and aspiring journalist Sophie as they witness the surreal movie-adaption of their adventures being filmed.
Neither can seem to stay away from mystery, intrigue, and danger, so there are several challenges that crop up during filming, including a mother and child fleeing a presumably abusive man, someone hacking Sophie's laptop, and former friends of Jake's making trouble.
As always, the reader also sees how Jake and Sophie turn to faith in times of trouble and seek to live wholesome lives that respect others and honor God, and that's was makes this series really special.
4.5 stars
July 6, 2026
The Ultimate Blindside is the perfect title for this book, because the main characters are being blindsided over and over. The two high-school seniors are becoming even more famous, as a new movie about them was being produced in front of their eyes.
Sweethearts Jake and Sophie should be busy enough just watching the movie production. So much more adventure was coming their way. Jake had lived an inspirational life. As an avid snowboarder, he worked hard on his snowboarding skills and tricks. He was exceptional and even tried out for the Olympic team.
When the top boarder was injured, Jake took his place. He actually won the silver medal, which brought a lot of attention for a sixteen year-old. While filming in front of an old mine, a car swerved to avoid a wreck and landed in the pond. Jake rescued the woman and her young daughter. More unwanted attention came to the two.
One twist after another, with anger, jealousy, and even danger came their way. They weren't always making the best decisions, but they were just kids who were trying to live out their faith. The book was very exciting and I hope that you'll enjoy this one.
Sweethearts Jake and Sophie should be busy enough just watching the movie production. So much more adventure was coming their way. Jake had lived an inspirational life. As an avid snowboarder, he worked hard on his snowboarding skills and tricks. He was exceptional and even tried out for the Olympic team.
When the top boarder was injured, Jake took his place. He actually won the silver medal, which brought a lot of attention for a sixteen year-old. While filming in front of an old mine, a car swerved to avoid a wreck and landed in the pond. Jake rescued the woman and her young daughter. More unwanted attention came to the two.
One twist after another, with anger, jealousy, and even danger came their way. They weren't always making the best decisions, but they were just kids who were trying to live out their faith. The book was very exciting and I hope that you'll enjoy this one.
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