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Stark Springs Academy #3
Black Ice
(This is the third book in the Stark Springs Academy series, which should be read in order).
When your enemy dies under strange circumstances? Don’t stop looking over your shoulder.
When secrets of a past scandal are plopped into your lap? Solve a mystery.
And when you’re a member of the National ski team? Don’t get distracted.
Roxie’s senior year at Stark Springs Academy is not what she envisioned. She never intended to be privy to Stark’s biggest secrets, but she’s thrown right into the middle of it, whether she wants to carry that burden or not. As Ryker Black’s girlfriend, nothing is simple or straightforward. A ski racer first and foremost, Roxie can’t let the ghosts of Stark Springs Academy distract her from the race course. Will she be able to pull it off?
When your enemy dies under strange circumstances? Don’t stop looking over your shoulder.
When secrets of a past scandal are plopped into your lap? Solve a mystery.
And when you’re a member of the National ski team? Don’t get distracted.
Roxie’s senior year at Stark Springs Academy is not what she envisioned. She never intended to be privy to Stark’s biggest secrets, but she’s thrown right into the middle of it, whether she wants to carry that burden or not. As Ryker Black’s girlfriend, nothing is simple or straightforward. A ski racer first and foremost, Roxie can’t let the ghosts of Stark Springs Academy distract her from the race course. Will she be able to pull it off?
270 pages, ebook
Published August 31, 2016
287 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Ali Dean
47 books1,023 followersAli is a USA Today Bestselling author of sports romance. She has always loved to read, especially when there's a happily ever after, but found that there weren't enough books out there featuring girl athletes. So, she decided to work on that. Like the heroines in her books, Ali is an athlete, with running and skiing her favorite sports these days. Ali hails from Vermont and now lives in her own happily-ever-after in Colorado with her husband, two sets of twins, and golden retriever Pancake. When she's not pursuing an outdoor adventure, Ali's less healthy passions include ice cream, coffee, and beer.
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Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.
www.alideanfiction.com
www.facebook.com/alideanfiction
www.twitter.com/alideanfiction
www.instagram.com/alideanfiction
www.bookbub.com/profile/ali-dean
www.pinterest.com/alidean750
Sign up for Ali's newsletter and receive free short stories as a welcome gift! https://www.subscribepage.com/alidean...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 26, 2017
3.75 stars
This was both, overabundant with suspense and action and thrill of vividly descriptive sportive moves in skiing, and on the other hand, I felt "left out" from romantic exploration...
It was kinda watered down, and the final bonding, that physical bond they were finaly making was such an emotional and descriptive let down, I am aware that this is in fact a purely YA read (so NO, i wasn't expecting explicit sex scene, either) BUT there was NO substantial impact from that, in my opinion, very important segment in characterisation development as well as the storyline...
It was abrupt and almost clinicaly empty, which honestly surprised me in a bad way!
The suspensful, thrillery part of resoving the crime was decently done, even though, some segments of the plot were vaguely explained and therefore, they diminished the full impact of this action/suspense sport drama, thus the 3.75 stars rating.
Nevertheless, I pretty much enjoyed all three books.
September 12, 2016
3.5 Stars. Ali Dean wraps up Roxie's story, tying up all loose ends in a satisfying conclusion, but it still lacks that angsty romance angle that she is so famous for. With Roxie and Ryker on solid ground, there wasn't much in the way of romance. No, "will they or won't they," so instead we're given a nice little mystery that only becomes more mysterious as the story unfolds. There's a lot more skiing this time around, which makes me happy.
Plot
TRoxie and Ryker are busy trying to solve a mystery surrounding the death of a major character at the end of book 2, and someone is placing Ryker's mother's journals in Roxie's possession for unknown reasons, although she begins to wonder if all of the crazy behavior is somehow linked. In addition, she has some big career choices to make as graduation looms and her skiing is only getting better.. A lot of information introduced in the first two books finally plays out to conclusion. Ali Dean does a great job with plotting her books, dangling information that seems unimportant at first glance, but never is.
Because Ryker and Roxie's relationship is pretty well wrapped up in the first two books, this one focuses little on that aspect, but they do finally seal the deal in a romantic scene that is only the beginning to many more that take place off-page.
Characters
Both Ryker and Roxie experienced serious character growth, as do several secondary characters. The one thing that really bothered me throughout the book was the way Roxie spoke for both Ryker and herself when it came to thoughts and feelings, as if she was inside his head as well as her own.
What Didn't Work for Me
1. Lack of angst. Yeah, it's my favorite teen romantic trope, and one of the things I usually love best about Ali Dean's books, but was completely missing this time around.
2. The Roxie/Ryker dynamic. Throughout the book, Roxie talks about "we" when it comes to feeling confused or wondering something, as if she and Ryker are a single entity. Because she knew what he was thinking all the time, there wouldn't have been any angst anyway.
What I Enjoyed About Black Ice
1. The skiing. So excited for this aspect of the series to be front and center in the final book. Ali Dean delivers scene after scene that are intense and realistic.
2. The mystery. There are actually several mysterious elements threaded throughout the book and all were well done with a couple of real surprises.
3. The ending. A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the series.
4. Ryker and Roxie. They are super cute and sweet and I'm thrilled to see them get their HEA.
5. Redemption. A couple of characters we'd come to love to hate have their own transformation, turning them into people I could actually like.
Bottom Line
Double Ice is a satisfying conclusion of the Stark Springs Academy series, although it lacks some of that famous Ali Dean angst I've come to love.
August 8, 2025
Review posted March 4, 2022
It is crucial to read Books 1 & 2 in this series before reading this novel
A year has passed since the beginning of this series in Book 1. Roxie is now 18 years old and a senior in high school. Her relationship with Ryker Black, who is now 19 years old, has deepened greatly over the past year, and so have the dangers and mysteries associated with being in his immediate sphere, as a rich and powerful individual. Roxie is now a member of the prestigious U.S. Ski Team and, as much as she loves Ryker and he loves her, she has to stay strongly focused on her ski racing, and it is equally important for him to be strongly focused on his career as a champion snow boarder.
In this final book in the Stark Springs Academy trilogy, the stakes rise for Roxie’s skiing career, the depth of her mutual, loving commitment to Ryker increases, and the danger from the mysterious villain, who has already taken the life of one victim, threatens the safety of both Roxie and Ryker.
This novel is the final book of this highly entertaining series. As is typical for YA novels, and for this series as a whole, it is written entirely in the first-person point of view of Roxie. In order to enjoy the complete arc of her adventures, it is crucial to read all three books, in order.
As is the case in all three books, the main plot of this novel continues to center on Roxie as a champion ski racer. There is also strong focus on her romance with Ryker. And there is a thrilling climax to the overarching suspense plot, which is fully resolved in this book.
Reread 8/7/25: I own this book and the entire trilogy in Kindle and audiobook format. I enjoyed the series just as much the second time as the first. Please see my review of the box set for my overall impression of this series.
It is crucial to read Books 1 & 2 in this series before reading this novel
A year has passed since the beginning of this series in Book 1. Roxie is now 18 years old and a senior in high school. Her relationship with Ryker Black, who is now 19 years old, has deepened greatly over the past year, and so have the dangers and mysteries associated with being in his immediate sphere, as a rich and powerful individual. Roxie is now a member of the prestigious U.S. Ski Team and, as much as she loves Ryker and he loves her, she has to stay strongly focused on her ski racing, and it is equally important for him to be strongly focused on his career as a champion snow boarder.
In this final book in the Stark Springs Academy trilogy, the stakes rise for Roxie’s skiing career, the depth of her mutual, loving commitment to Ryker increases, and the danger from the mysterious villain, who has already taken the life of one victim, threatens the safety of both Roxie and Ryker.
This novel is the final book of this highly entertaining series. As is typical for YA novels, and for this series as a whole, it is written entirely in the first-person point of view of Roxie. In order to enjoy the complete arc of her adventures, it is crucial to read all three books, in order.
As is the case in all three books, the main plot of this novel continues to center on Roxie as a champion ski racer. There is also strong focus on her romance with Ryker. And there is a thrilling climax to the overarching suspense plot, which is fully resolved in this book.
Reread 8/7/25: I own this book and the entire trilogy in Kindle and audiobook format. I enjoyed the series just as much the second time as the first. Please see my review of the box set for my overall impression of this series.
July 22, 2016
I was given a arc for a honest review of this book.
I have to say I enjoyed this book. It had a little bit of everything it had romance, suspense, and some sports. Ali gave us a little bit of everything. She developed the relationship of Roxanne and Ryker very well. She tied up all the lose ends and I have to tell you I didn't see it coming. But I still want to beg for a short story to see if Roxanne and Ryker go the distance lol. I recommend this book. It's a great finish to the series
I have to say I enjoyed this book. It had a little bit of everything it had romance, suspense, and some sports. Ali gave us a little bit of everything. She developed the relationship of Roxanne and Ryker very well. She tied up all the lose ends and I have to tell you I didn't see it coming. But I still want to beg for a short story to see if Roxanne and Ryker go the distance lol. I recommend this book. It's a great finish to the series
December 20, 2018
"Ryker saw the truth about me years ago but it's only starting to really sink in for me: I was made to ski race. Today, tomorrow, and years from now."
In the last book of the series, Ali Dean tied up all the loose ends of the previous books. Every doubt and question was answered and that ending was great. The perfect ending for this incredible series. So, in this last book, we have the closure for a lot of little pieces of information that were put in the story throughout the books. And everything falls beautifully into place.
I loved reading this series. They are stories filled with suspense, drama, and all those investigations, secrets, suspicious behavior and everything kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much mixed in the middle of this high school romance, it was incredible.
I loved every part of it. I'm so glad I found this series. And I really liked that she kind of gave a glimpse of Pepper and Jace and now I can't wait to read that series either.
February 17, 2017
Everything neatly tied up. I enjoyed the end of this series.
January 6, 2023
Good series but damn was that girl annoying! I finally understand what a crappy fmc looks like. Ryker was a good boyfriend but I’m sorry he had to be with her 😕
November 9, 2017
Ever since I stumbled across the first Pepper Jones book I have been a big fan of Ali Dean’s writing. The first two books in the Starks Spring Academy Series even made it into my favorites list, and for someone who rereads books rarely, both books have already been read more than once. So when I got the chance through Ali Deans mailing list to get an ARC of Black Ice, I just had to put my name in.
Black Ice is set some weeks after the events in Double Black. While Ryker hast to deal with the aftermath of his announcement that he was stepping down as CEO of Stark Inc., Roxie is concerned about her future. Will she go pro in skiing? Should she go to college? How will Ryker fit into her plans?
And then she learns that Petra’s death wasn’t an accident, it was murder, and there’s a tiny part of Roxie who thinks that Ryker might have had something to do with it.
The mystery of who killed Petra is a big part of this books but of course it wouldn’t be an Ali Dean book without a lot of training and skiing competitions for Roxie.
I have actually no clue about skiing, so I wouldn’t know how true Roxie’s experiences really are but Ali’s writing sucked me into Roxie’s world of winter sports from Book 1.
Black Ice was a great ending to a really great series. I am way out of my teenage years and I still love these types of stories. Lots of drama, a little bit of teen angst, sometimes even slightly over the top, but such great entertainment. I am actually kind of sad that this series ended, I loved Roxie and Ryker but maybe they will make an appearance in future books. After all we got to meet Pepper and Jace in Black Ice again.
So if you haven't read any of Ali Dean's books yet go and get book one! Everyone who has read and loved Black Diamond and Double Black will also love Black Ice.
Black Ice is set some weeks after the events in Double Black. While Ryker hast to deal with the aftermath of his announcement that he was stepping down as CEO of Stark Inc., Roxie is concerned about her future. Will she go pro in skiing? Should she go to college? How will Ryker fit into her plans?
And then she learns that Petra’s death wasn’t an accident, it was murder, and there’s a tiny part of Roxie who thinks that Ryker might have had something to do with it.
The mystery of who killed Petra is a big part of this books but of course it wouldn’t be an Ali Dean book without a lot of training and skiing competitions for Roxie.
I have actually no clue about skiing, so I wouldn’t know how true Roxie’s experiences really are but Ali’s writing sucked me into Roxie’s world of winter sports from Book 1.
Black Ice was a great ending to a really great series. I am way out of my teenage years and I still love these types of stories. Lots of drama, a little bit of teen angst, sometimes even slightly over the top, but such great entertainment. I am actually kind of sad that this series ended, I loved Roxie and Ryker but maybe they will make an appearance in future books. After all we got to meet Pepper and Jace in Black Ice again.
So if you haven't read any of Ali Dean's books yet go and get book one! Everyone who has read and loved Black Diamond and Double Black will also love Black Ice.
August 30, 2016
I am a big fan of this series. I love the high intensity of the in both this series (Stark Springs Academy) and the Pepper Jones series. Some of my favorite sports parts in the first two books were when Roxie was skiing. It was just intense and exciting and it made me wish I was still competing in my own sport.
The romance between Roxie and Ryker was steady but not overly exciting in this book. I was happy with how the series ended for them.
My main issue though with the book was that the plot was a little boring and the book felt short. How everything was tied up felt contrived and random. I felt that adding the new character was pointless and she really didn’t add enough to the plot to be worth adding a new character in the last book of a series. She was probably added to add more to the plot but she really didn't add much at all, in my opinion. Overall, I don't think the book is bad. I never hated anything about it but it was definitely not as good as the first two books.
If you’ve read the first two books in this series, I definitely still recommend this book to complete the series off. I still feel satisfied enough about the characters with this conclusion.
I received an ARC of Black Ice in exchange for an honest review.
The romance between Roxie and Ryker was steady but not overly exciting in this book. I was happy with how the series ended for them.
My main issue though with the book was that the plot was a little boring and the book felt short. How everything was tied up felt contrived and random. I felt that adding the new character was pointless and she really didn’t add enough to the plot to be worth adding a new character in the last book of a series. She was probably added to add more to the plot but she really didn't add much at all, in my opinion. Overall, I don't think the book is bad. I never hated anything about it but it was definitely not as good as the first two books.
If you’ve read the first two books in this series, I definitely still recommend this book to complete the series off. I still feel satisfied enough about the characters with this conclusion.
I received an ARC of Black Ice in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
WOW! What a way to end the series.
I fell in love with Ali Dean's writing after I came across Pepper Jones! So when SSA came out I knew I'd be reading them and I wasn't disappointed. Ali's writing style makes you feel like you are right there with the characters, doing what they're doing, feeling what they're feeling. I know nothing about skiing or snowboarding, but Ali made it interesting and exciting. I was easily pulled into that community and Roxie's group of friends.
What's next for Roxie and Ryker?
Roxie has just come off this huge racing season and been invited to race on the National Team, Ryker has decided to step down as CEO. But their happiness doesn't last long when they find out Petra has been killed. The majority of the book is trying to figure out who did it? While they are both training and competing they are trying to not only solve her murder but also the mystery of Elizabeth Black's diaries that have started showing up. Between the two we get a lot of questions answered, loose ends are tied up. This does have a perfect HEA but I would love to see more of Roxie and Ryker and where they are now. Maybe a spin off...
I fell in love with Ali Dean's writing after I came across Pepper Jones! So when SSA came out I knew I'd be reading them and I wasn't disappointed. Ali's writing style makes you feel like you are right there with the characters, doing what they're doing, feeling what they're feeling. I know nothing about skiing or snowboarding, but Ali made it interesting and exciting. I was easily pulled into that community and Roxie's group of friends.
What's next for Roxie and Ryker?
Roxie has just come off this huge racing season and been invited to race on the National Team, Ryker has decided to step down as CEO. But their happiness doesn't last long when they find out Petra has been killed. The majority of the book is trying to figure out who did it? While they are both training and competing they are trying to not only solve her murder but also the mystery of Elizabeth Black's diaries that have started showing up. Between the two we get a lot of questions answered, loose ends are tied up. This does have a perfect HEA but I would love to see more of Roxie and Ryker and where they are now. Maybe a spin off...
September 1, 2016
Review by Shon
2.75 stars
I'm not really liking how this book start off. Roxanne think Ryker had Petra killed. Now our two main characters think they're Colombo. So, because your girlfriend think that you are a murderer, you and her are going to find the real murderer. What the heck am I reading?
Oh look she's whining again. I made it a whole hour into the book before she started whining and complaining. Make it stop!
I made it two hours before I see a technical terms. You would think after two books of the same thing. This would not be necessary. There's a bright side to all of this if I ever decide to watch the Winter Olympic ski racing on TV at least I'll know what they're talking about. LOL
Okay I decided that they're not Columbo they remind me more of Fred and Daphne from Scooby Doo. I love how everything came magically together and they find out who the killer is. I was witting for some one to say "And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids"
2.75 stars
I'm not really liking how this book start off. Roxanne think Ryker had Petra killed. Now our two main characters think they're Colombo. So, because your girlfriend think that you are a murderer, you and her are going to find the real murderer. What the heck am I reading?
Oh look she's whining again. I made it a whole hour into the book before she started whining and complaining. Make it stop!
I made it two hours before I see a technical terms. You would think after two books of the same thing. This would not be necessary. There's a bright side to all of this if I ever decide to watch the Winter Olympic ski racing on TV at least I'll know what they're talking about. LOL
Okay I decided that they're not Columbo they remind me more of Fred and Daphne from Scooby Doo. I love how everything came magically together and they find out who the killer is. I was witting for some one to say "And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids"
July 23, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I am a fan of Ali Dean and she did not disappoint in the final book of the series. The book and plot were extremely well written and thought out as always!
I love how confident and secure Roxie was in this book, developing into a strong young woman. It's nice to have young female represented this way. It was very interesting how all the pieces of the puzzle came together at the end, totally kept me engaged the whole time. Ryker and Roxie go through a lot in the series and this book and it's good to see how their relationship gives them the strength they need as individuals. As always, Ali takes you up on the mountain with Roxie and you can feel the passion she has for the sport. What a great conclusion to the book! Also love the special appearance from Pepper and Jace, made my heart happy!
I am a fan of Ali Dean and she did not disappoint in the final book of the series. The book and plot were extremely well written and thought out as always!
I love how confident and secure Roxie was in this book, developing into a strong young woman. It's nice to have young female represented this way. It was very interesting how all the pieces of the puzzle came together at the end, totally kept me engaged the whole time. Ryker and Roxie go through a lot in the series and this book and it's good to see how their relationship gives them the strength they need as individuals. As always, Ali takes you up on the mountain with Roxie and you can feel the passion she has for the sport. What a great conclusion to the book! Also love the special appearance from Pepper and Jace, made my heart happy!
September 1, 2016
I was given an ARC for an honest review, and I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I was anticipating and dying waiting for this book to come out since the last book in the series Double Black came out. I think the main character is very relatable for a young adult like who is undergoing a lot of stress. She overcomes her difficult situation and handles it with grace. But, the couple plot twists and hints of murder mystery keep you on your toes and keep this book from becoming a boring contemporary novel. Also, the incorporation of sports makes Ali Dean's different. I felt like I could feel the rush Roxanne gets when she skis. couldn't stop reading this book and highly recommend any of Ali Dean's books, she is an excellent writer!
August 8, 2016
I received this book early for an honest review.
I truly enjoyed the Stark Springs Academy series. I'm a huge fan of Winter Olympics and these stories brought that all back to me.
I thought it was a pretty good mystery and a very sweet love story. I like how in this book the relationship between our main characters was stronger then ever and there was no angst between them. All the drama was surrounding the mystery that slowly unfolded through the three books.
My only real complaint is that it's over. I absolutely love Tijan's Falling Crest series and this one has a real similar vibe so I recommend this series to anyone who likes y/a.
I truly enjoyed the Stark Springs Academy series. I'm a huge fan of Winter Olympics and these stories brought that all back to me.
I thought it was a pretty good mystery and a very sweet love story. I like how in this book the relationship between our main characters was stronger then ever and there was no angst between them. All the drama was surrounding the mystery that slowly unfolded through the three books.
My only real complaint is that it's over. I absolutely love Tijan's Falling Crest series and this one has a real similar vibe so I recommend this series to anyone who likes y/a.
July 28, 2016
I received an arc for an honest review.
This book. has me in the mood for the winter Olympics. Just my luck it's a summer Olympic year:(
I have really enjoyed getting to know Roxanne and Ryker and I'm sad to see the series ending (or is it?) Maybe we can get a spin off with Sven and Ingrid? And what about Player?? Winter?
I felt that the story was complete without any loose ends. I loved the main characters and possibly have a girl crush on Roxanne;p I want to see where Ryker goes with his career. Snowboarding? Stark Inc? Olympic committee chairman??
This book. has me in the mood for the winter Olympics. Just my luck it's a summer Olympic year:(
I have really enjoyed getting to know Roxanne and Ryker and I'm sad to see the series ending (or is it?) Maybe we can get a spin off with Sven and Ingrid? And what about Player?? Winter?
I felt that the story was complete without any loose ends. I loved the main characters and possibly have a girl crush on Roxanne;p I want to see where Ryker goes with his career. Snowboarding? Stark Inc? Olympic committee chairman??
August 7, 2020
This is the third and last book from the Stark Spring Academy series that continues the story of Roxie and Ryker.
A mystery death surrounds Roxie and Ryker's life. And they are trying to figure it out what happened.
However, this is not the only mystery. Someone is giving Roxie some journals. And this journals used to belong to Ryker's mother.
This series was amazing. It had everything. Sports. Mystery. Suspense. Love. And this book was the best way to end it. All of our questions and doubts were answered in this book. But there was space to some revelations.
A mystery death surrounds Roxie and Ryker's life. And they are trying to figure it out what happened.
However, this is not the only mystery. Someone is giving Roxie some journals. And this journals used to belong to Ryker's mother.
This series was amazing. It had everything. Sports. Mystery. Suspense. Love. And this book was the best way to end it. All of our questions and doubts were answered in this book. But there was space to some revelations.
September 1, 2016
I was given an ARC in trade for an honest review.
Black Ice was the perfect ending to this trilogy. The story just sucks you in and refuses to let you put the book down. It was full of unexpected events but also filled with the growing relationship between Roxie and Ryker. Stark Springs academy is never normal where these two are involved.
Thank you Ali Dean for finishing the series strong. I loved every second of it. Can't wait for more of your books!!
Black Ice was the perfect ending to this trilogy. The story just sucks you in and refuses to let you put the book down. It was full of unexpected events but also filled with the growing relationship between Roxie and Ryker. Stark Springs academy is never normal where these two are involved.
Thank you Ali Dean for finishing the series strong. I loved every second of it. Can't wait for more of your books!!
July 29, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I really enjoyed reading the last book in the Start Springs Academy series! It did not disappoint. Ali did a good job of providing the mix of sports, romance, and drama that I have come to expect from her writing. I personally wish there was an epilogue that went even father into the future, but other than that, it really was a good book!
I really enjoyed reading the last book in the Start Springs Academy series! It did not disappoint. Ali did a good job of providing the mix of sports, romance, and drama that I have come to expect from her writing. I personally wish there was an epilogue that went even father into the future, but other than that, it really was a good book!
July 31, 2016
I received an ARC of its book in exchange for a review. It was good, but it had some errors that distracted from the story. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and their ability to communicate and trust one another this time around. I really liked when the author introduced Pepper and Jace into this book and wished it would have been a bigger plot line in the book. All in all, if you enjoyed the first book, you will p probably enjoy this one.
July 25, 2016
I received Black Ice and read the book in one night. I have enjoyed this series and this book did not disappoint me. Black Ice concludes the series and solves puzzles regarding the death of a skier, and ties the series to a nice conclusion.
I would recommend this book to sport and non sport lovers.
I would recommend this book to sport and non sport lovers.
July 31, 2016
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed the final book in the stark springs series. The plot was well thought out and the book was well written. I would definitely recommend this book/series!
November 20, 2016
The characters in this annoyed me at times.
This was another okay read in the series, but again, it struggled to keep my interest at times. It didn't drag all that much, but there were quite a few moments where I felt bored.
Overall, An okay read.
This was another okay read in the series, but again, it struggled to keep my interest at times. It didn't drag all that much, but there were quite a few moments where I felt bored.
Overall, An okay read.
July 27, 2016
This book has something for everyone: sports, suspense, and romance. I have really enjoyed this series and would happily read any future books.
September 29, 2016
4 Stars
January 10, 2022
I love this series maybe even more then Peper Jones one🤗🖤
November 23, 2016
sweet and so good
September 1, 2022
dangggggg that was an awesome finish 🤩🤩
i’m shocked but i love it. the ending is so satisfying and i’m completely proud with how it ended 😁. there’s nothing better than a happy ever after 😙.
ryker = everything. he truly stepped up in this book. you can just tell that he’s gonna be good husband material and maybe even a father one day. he’s got his own struggles and he can handle adults like he’s one of them (which technically he is but cmon there should always be a barrier between the generations) so that’s great for him. we love a controlled king 🥰. and what happened to him towards the end is hella shocking but i’m glad the mystery is solved and it wasn’t super guessable or anything. in the end, it was a good wrap-up to that sub-plot.
roxie stayed pretty much the same for me. besides mentioning like every five seconds that she knows exactly what ryker’s thinking all the time, she’s fine. i feel like she started to be SOOOO dependent on him it’s shocking. not that i know how relationships work or anything, but it went from toxicity to like ‘eat breathe live sleep’. i know so many couples make declarations like that but it was borderline uncanny in the head of roxie for some reason.
i looked up a youtube vid of the quad cork 1800 and DUDE THAT THING LOOKS HELLA SCARY AND DANGEROUS- like i’m shocked roxie wasn’t on her knees and sending a prayer his way. the whole entire flipping through the air thing is mind blowing and insanely ‘woah’ that i had to take my jaw off the floor.
they’re crazy people i’m telling ya 🤯.
anyway, this series wasn’t so bad. i’m happy with how it ended and that’s all. it was great. kinda mid, but an awesome distraction nonetheless 😛✌️.
i’m shocked but i love it. the ending is so satisfying and i’m completely proud with how it ended 😁. there’s nothing better than a happy ever after 😙.
ryker = everything. he truly stepped up in this book. you can just tell that he’s gonna be good husband material and maybe even a father one day. he’s got his own struggles and he can handle adults like he’s one of them (which technically he is but cmon there should always be a barrier between the generations) so that’s great for him. we love a controlled king 🥰. and what happened to him towards the end is hella shocking but i’m glad the mystery is solved and it wasn’t super guessable or anything. in the end, it was a good wrap-up to that sub-plot.
roxie stayed pretty much the same for me. besides mentioning like every five seconds that she knows exactly what ryker’s thinking all the time, she’s fine. i feel like she started to be SOOOO dependent on him it’s shocking. not that i know how relationships work or anything, but it went from toxicity to like ‘eat breathe live sleep’. i know so many couples make declarations like that but it was borderline uncanny in the head of roxie for some reason.
i looked up a youtube vid of the quad cork 1800 and DUDE THAT THING LOOKS HELLA SCARY AND DANGEROUS- like i’m shocked roxie wasn’t on her knees and sending a prayer his way. the whole entire flipping through the air thing is mind blowing and insanely ‘woah’ that i had to take my jaw off the floor.
they’re crazy people i’m telling ya 🤯.
anyway, this series wasn’t so bad. i’m happy with how it ended and that’s all. it was great. kinda mid, but an awesome distraction nonetheless 😛✌️.
December 17, 2018
I love Ali Dean’s sports romances. It’s been that way since I read the first in her Pepper Jones series and walked away totally addicted both to the romance and the feeling of really being an insider on the sport (cross country in that case). That’s probably why I glommed on Black Diamond when I saw it. If anything this book was even better than the Pepper Jones books (a very high bar as those books are so superb that I’ve re-read that series several times). So much so that I’ve addictively binge read through Double Black and Black Ice too. Why? Because not only do we once again get so far into the head of a top athlete as to really feel like an insider in the sport itself, in this case skiing, but we also get high business intrigue and a real thriller of a suspense. Roxie and Ryker’s romance in Stark Springs Academy series is also simply beautifully done. The series has reached a logical stopping point at book 3, but I’m not going to call it a trilogy as I’m hoping for more (hey, there’s precedent here: the Pepper Jones stories reached logical stopping points at times but the author still found ways to continue the series with new novels that worked beautifully). But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - each of the books in this series definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that this series is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend each book.
February 24, 2022
Black Ice
Stark Springs Academy, Book 3
By: Ali Dean
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
Ali Dean knows how to give me a story I can fall in love with and at the same time sink my teeth into. This book picks up 6 months after the last book ended, and we are now in Roxie's senior year. There is a lot going on as Ryker begins to pull away from Stark and find a new CEO to take his place. There are questions coming up regarding work, and some even leading to murder! But who could be instigating it all? As Roxie and Ryker nurture their relationship, things heat up both in passion and in the boardroom! Dean gives it all to us! The new adult romance of Roxie and Ryker is refreshing, as these young adults are older than their years. They are focused and finding their way all at the same time. Then we have the legal issues, the history of Ryker and his mom's death and others. Suspense driven with twists and turns from completely unexpected suspects! Love d this conclusion to the series!
Leanne Woodward finishes out her narration with a strong and emotional performance! Roxie is a strong woman, and Woodward has built her with spunk and tenacity. She has passion for her sport and her man, and Woodward pulls it all out. Ryker is full of layers and many secrets and Woodward peels the layers and lets us into his secrets as her matures and trusts. It's a fabulous listen, with a cast of supporting characters, each their own personality and voice. Great narration!
Stark Springs Academy, Book 3
By: Ali Dean
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
Ali Dean knows how to give me a story I can fall in love with and at the same time sink my teeth into. This book picks up 6 months after the last book ended, and we are now in Roxie's senior year. There is a lot going on as Ryker begins to pull away from Stark and find a new CEO to take his place. There are questions coming up regarding work, and some even leading to murder! But who could be instigating it all? As Roxie and Ryker nurture their relationship, things heat up both in passion and in the boardroom! Dean gives it all to us! The new adult romance of Roxie and Ryker is refreshing, as these young adults are older than their years. They are focused and finding their way all at the same time. Then we have the legal issues, the history of Ryker and his mom's death and others. Suspense driven with twists and turns from completely unexpected suspects! Love d this conclusion to the series!
Leanne Woodward finishes out her narration with a strong and emotional performance! Roxie is a strong woman, and Woodward has built her with spunk and tenacity. She has passion for her sport and her man, and Woodward pulls it all out. Ryker is full of layers and many secrets and Woodward peels the layers and lets us into his secrets as her matures and trusts. It's a fabulous listen, with a cast of supporting characters, each their own personality and voice. Great narration!
December 3, 2018
I absolutely loved this story!!! I was happy to see Roxie and Ryker again and see them together. While they still have issues that they are dealing with in this one between them, they are at a much stronger place. I loved seeing them deal with what they had and the way that they continued to come back together with everything going on around them. They refused to be pulled apart. I loved the byplay and interaction between all the characters. Every character was very well written and complex. Everyone that Ryker and Roxie interacted with on a continual basis was well developed. I would love to see some of their books and get back to the Stark Springs Academy world. This is the 3rd and final book in this series. They do need to be read in order as they build off of each other. I loved the world and the characters that were created. We get to see them grow and it isn't a predictable story. There is plenty to draw you in and keep your attention from book one through book three. Absolutely loved them!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
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