In Deep

Emerald Mountain #2

by Stacy Gold

Sophie Tremore is trying to build a career in the male-dominated world of Ski Patrol. Hard to do when her new boss is her smokin’ hot ex-lover. She hasn’t forgotten how he made her body tingle and her heart pound, although he’s making it a lot easier by treating her like she’s incompetent—when he’s not ignoring her existence altogether.

Emerald Mountain Ski Patrol Director Max Demford has been doing his best to avoid working with his feisty former flame, given his judgment is clouded by those eight mind-blowing weeks two years ago. Ski patrol is dangerous enough, and no way could he handle another person he cares about getting hurt on the mountain.

Forced to work together, their simmering attraction becomes difficult to ignore. When Sophie gets caught in a slide, an adrenaline-filled day could turn into a spectacular night they will never forget—one that could risk both their careers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2018

About the author

Compulsive tea drinker. Outdoor sports junkie. Lover of good (and bad) puns.

Stacy Gold gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels. Her stories are packed with strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors (Think Sarina Bowen or Elle Kennedy, but with skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc. instead of hockey/team sports).

When Stacy’s not busy reading or writing, you can find her dancing, laughing or playing hard in the mountains with her wonderful hubby and happy dogs.

Reviews

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to like characters, fast paced story, relatively simple plot, a light-hearted tone and a limited level of angst. All the elements were there for a great read, but something didn't click between Max & Sophie on an emotional level. The ending was also a tad abrupt. Yes everything is resolved and we get a HEA with the "I love yous", but I needed a bit more closure. This overall was a good story and well worth the read.

In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 2/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pace Steady | Action 3/5


ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of sexual tension, Stacy Gold, is back with a smokin’ hot ski romance novella perfect to warm you up this winter!



Sophie’s worked harder than anyone else at Emerald Mountain but her boss doesn’t give her the work she’s qualified to do, just fluff jobs. When she confronts her boss, she tries to remain professional, but her body betrays her. Sure, they had a red-hot fling two years ago and she fell in love with him. He left one day, without a word, and she hadn’t seen him since. Now he’s her boss. Does she give into her feelings and bury her career on the slopes or shove her attraction and prove herself worthy of being the best ski patroller at Emerald Mountain?



I was so excited when I heard about this book. After swooning over Just Friends, I knew I was in for a treat. First, a note about the timeline. While each of these books are standalones, In Deep technically happens before Just Friends. You’ll run into a few characters from Just Friends but remember this story happens before what takes place in book one.



In Deep is a scorching ski romance novella and I absolutely loved it. Both Sophie and Max are strong characters with interesting backgrounds. Their time together two years ago just adds to the sexual tension. It’s fun to read both POVs and see them stumble through trying to work together while each of them wants more. The ending was surprising and totally worth it.



What made this so memorable for me, though, was the descriptive narration of life on the ski slopes. I’ve always wanted to learn how to ski but never did. Stacy Gold takes the reader inside the chalet and the real dangers of being on ski patrol. From clearing the slopes to rescuing an injured skier, In Deep reveals the ins and outs of a ski patroller. Her passion for skiing makes this a must read!



Favorite Character/Quote: “At least if she thought I was a misogynist, she wouldn’t figure out I still had feelings for her. That I’d been keeping my distance because I was afraid those feelings would cloud my judgment. And that I’d been keeping her on easy jobs because an irrational, selfish voice deep inside me screamed, Protect her. Keep her safe.”



My Rating: 5 ++ stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't surprising anymore that I enjoy Stacy Gold short novellas,I like her writing so much I always hope her books to never end.

I've enjoyed Max and Sophie story and I've appreciated their spirit of sacrifice, on a working level, challenging arduous peacks to guarantee the safety of every skiiers and snowboarder, and in a personal way resisting their chemistry and attraction.

If you want to spend some pleasant hours reading about snowy mountains,hot ski patrollers and a strong heroine who fight to prove herself in a male dominated environment I recommend to get In Deep right away.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well detailed ski patrol action. I know nothing about skiing but I found it all interesting and you could tell the author put a lot of effort into those details.

The romance is second-chance at love. I liked the H/H but the romance ends up being super rushed. I would have liked a little more time for the rekindle to burn. C+

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saying "it's an uphill battle" should be the slogan for In Deep. The odds are stacked against Max and Sophie from the start, but the thrill is too exciting to pass up. Sophie is willing to force her way into an adrenaline filled career. Dominated by men and a treacherous ride to the top, she encounters obstacles of the heart, sexism and even life threatening occurrences. Max is forced to face his fears while protecting lives and rekindling a flame that never fully extinguished. Ms. Gold takes risk with this battle of the sexes as she tackles hot button topics and attention grabbing scenes with heart-stopping romance.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

At eighty-two pages, In Deep, was a very quick read. This is the second book in the Emerald Mountain series which returned us to the mountain with the ski patrol, instructors and other staff as well as the skiers and snowboarders. Max and Sophie are front and center and we are swept up with the chemistry between them, learn of their past as well as their families and also why they don’t seem to be getting along. A relationship would be taboo since they work together but will that stop them or will they try to reconnect?

There were a few twists and turns considering it’s a novella, but the characters don’t have the depth to them that I would have loved to see. There are a few steamy scenes but little communication between them since Max has his reasons for the job assignments he’s giving Sophie versus others on staff but doesn’t make her aware of the reasons. Going out on patrol with them gave me chills at some of the duties they had to perform. There is a happily ever after in the offing and some closure but I for one hope we’ll be returning to Emerald Mountain again and again.

Gold is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books. I hope that they are a little longer in length with additional details that would just make the stories sweeter.

[Heather 123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGH this book just pissed me off.

First off it's incredibly short; it might as well be considered a novella. According to my kindle by the time you hit the first page of the first chapter, you're already 4% of the way through the book. So that's issue number one.

The second issue is that the book felt rushed; every aspect of it. The couple supposedly spent 8 weeks together in training but we don't get to see any of that. I would have loved to read about each of them reminiscing about their time together during those 8 weeks and how much it meant to them. Instead we're left with a vague idea of those 8 weeks.

Third, the constant changing of POV was annoying since the author failed to identify whose point of view we were reading. At one point I got through three paragraphs of a chapter without knowing who was speaking. How does that happen?

Fourth, the end was a joke. We get no closure from the couple at all. We get those three little words which apparently is all the author feels is necessary to finish a book.

[Maranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emerald Mountain Sky patrol use explosives to dislodge snow to safely control avalanche dangers. Romance is not allowed because of the responsibility of the job. Max and Sophie have a past and fight their connection. Story can be read as a stand-alone but it was so short in length that true character connection to myself was lacking. "A copy of this book was provided by The Wild Rose Press, Inc via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love can be hot when it’s cold

Sophie doesn’t know that her ex-lover was going to be her boss when she took the job. Max didn’t know Sophie was going to be the newest member of his ski patrol crew. Tensions between them are high. Throw in a secret and miscommunication is the least of their troubles. The author delivers a nice tale in this novella with enough heat to keep a romance reader nice and toasty.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful second chance for two Ski Patrol rescue workers

This story is an emotional rollercoaster ride.Sophie is part of a ski parole and her boss is the man she spent eight weeks with Max Denford ,she never forgot him an was mad because he never returned her emails or calls.Now he treats her like she isn't capable of doing her job.She's mad but she still wants this man as much as her next breathe.does max feel the same way?Will they be able to work things out between them without putting their jobs at risk?There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an will be begging for more. I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain.

[Virginia Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has the capacity to melt the ice from any mountain. Which is exactly where this book takes place, Emerald Mountain. Max is the Ski Patrol Director and is in charge of the avalanche (avy) and in his crew that he is drooling over Sophie Tremore. Sure, they had a past 2yrs ago for 8 weeks, but that was all in the past.

Sophie is strictly "off limits" from upper management and Sophie is still fuming that he never called her back. She went on with her life and gained all the knowledge she would need. Emerald Mountain has Powder Basin, Emerald Basin, Ruby Chutes, and they are not the Bunny Slope level. They are double Black Diamond terrain. The best way to control the slopes was with some explosions.

There is plenty of danger that can happen on those hills and Max knows that he cannot keep Sophie on the easy-low risk assignments. He decides to take her out on a run to assess the 19 inches of snow that fell the night before. When Max sees Sophie caught in an avy he can only see Anne's battered body. It was 2yrs ago yet the fear still consumed him. How can he keep his mind clear, Sophie safe, and his thoughts pure? When these two collide again more than just their hearts are at stake. Which is more important: keeping your job, or finding true love?

The language is coarse and VERY explicit. The details can melt a lot of ice! I love this story for its clever situation of danger, lust, compassion, and adventure without leaving your warm home. I would recommend this book with 10 cold chills out of 10! I received this book for free and I give an unbiased opinion in return.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely short romance thank you very much. Only took a few hours to read. This was a second chance romance which is always nice.

This author caused a lot of pent-up sexual pressure for this couple. Who hadn’t seen each other in two years? They had met at a rescue training Chili. Spent six weeks on the same team training and the same amount of nights in each other’s beds. They fell hard for one another.

When they were done with training he was moving on to another country to work and Sophie Tremore was going back home to the U.S. to continue training. Just out of an abusive marriage she was in, now moving with a sexually rewarding friendship/relationship with Max Demford. But at the end of the six weeks, they were both rethinking their no-strings relationship. So, they exchanged email addresses and phone numbers so they could keep in touch and see where they could go with their feelings for one another.

After three months she contacted him with four emails and a couple of voicemails with no response from him. So, let’s just say when she sees he is her new boss at her new job she is not happy and neither is he. He acts like he doesn’t know her, like her, or think that she is trained well enough to do her job. She acts hostile toward him. Both trying to hide their true feelings. See how it all comes out. I give this: 3 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.

Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

[T. Rosado · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

FYI: In Deep is the length between a short story and novella. Maybe, to be defined as a novelette? Personally, I think that it should be designated as such in the book blurb so that unsuspecting readers are well-informed. That being said, I knew the length going and adjusted my expectations to that of a short story/novella.

In Deep is a second chance romance that begins two years after an 8 week romance between Max and Sophie. Max has been incommunicado since their time together with reasons unknown to Sophie. Sophie longs to prove herself on the mountain, while Max yearns to keep her protected while also avoiding close proximity. The conflict and frustrations felt authentic along with the author's educated knowledge of ski patrol work. Although swiftly told, I connected with both Max and Sophie, but especially to Max. His characterization was that of a gentleman who loved fiercely, but tenderly. I would love to read a full-length story by this author given what she accomplished in this shorter story. Overall, entertaining with wonderful characters in a novelette. (This is my voluntary and unbiased review of a complimentary copy of In Deep via Reading Alley.)

[Paul Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ski patrol boss and his new employee have a past, in which he acted like a jerk to her—though more out of neglect than active malice—and now is taking it out on her in passive-aggressive ways. When she calls him on it, the fire is rekindled, which of course leads to trouble.
I used to ski, but there’s a lot of terms here I don’t recognize. Maybe it’s stuff inherent to the rescue business, but I was definitely puzzled by “bombs” for a while, until it became obvious. This author has either done the research or grew up in this sector.
But despite the unique setting, it’s basically one of the usual stories: two people with a shared past are forced to spend time together. Everything is awkward, they try to avoid each other for what turns out to be wrong reasons, and everything would have been okay if they’d just bothered to talk it out. And yet everything turns out peachy in the end, though this one feels even more forced than most. I’m not bagging on this particular book, just that it’s an overused, by-the-numbers plot that many authors are guilty of using and abusing.
Maybe it was a simple formatting error, but headers to identify who’s doing the first person narration are missing. It gets confusing, especially when there’s a protagonist switch within a chapter.

[C.L. Ogilvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and steamy novella from Gold that expands on the exciting would of Emerald Mountain. While I loved the dynamic between Sophie and Max, it felt a little thinner than her first installment in the series. I would have loved for there to have been more detail concerning their prior relationship, or the tragedy Max experienced before his former lover's return. The ending felt a little rushed for me. But these are mere quibbles.

One of the things I found most impressive was Gold's skill at heightening the romantic tension between her characters while still showcasing the fascinating world of Ski Patrol. And I will never stop praising her skill for mirroring the heightened tensions in the landscape around them. (This woman OWNS symbolism.)

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a story penned by Stacy Gold and I enjoyed In Deep so much that I did request to review another read from Stacy Gold. In Deep was a quick, yet engaging read. While it was a bit shorter than what one would consider a novella length read, I thought the author packed enough details about the characters, so the reader is hooked into finding out where the steamy relationship may lead. It you are looking for an entertaining and mildly steamy afternoon read, look no further, read In Deep by Stacy Gold.
I did receive an review copy via Reading Alley but am voluntarily leaving my voluntary opinion with my review.

[Emabubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy Gold is a very talented writer. The scenes in Ms. Gold's story are so realistic that you actually feel like you are there on the ski slopes with Max and Sophie. Having them each giving their own POV is an added plus. The chemistry between the main characters was explosive. These two really care for each and needed a way to work together without all conflict. This is a great book, one you will certainly enjoy reading.

I received this advanced copy and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie and Max have a past. They thought they would never see each other but when Sophie gets a job she just can't refuse, who would have ever guessed that the man she burned up the sheets with years ago and never heard from again would be her boss. Max does everything he can to stay away thanks to some past mistakes and accidents that happen. However his attraction to her can't be helped and things ignite when they are alone together.

When their secret comes out and they are found out, can they survive or will they be torn apart again? It's a quick read but very enjoyable to read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Tremore and Emerald Mountain Ski Patrol Director Max Demford have a history together, but they went their separate ways. Sophie is now working for Max, he knows the job is dangerous and has feelings for her still and is trying to keep her safe, but Sophie wants to do what she has trained for. What happens when Max lets her with him by her side made for an interesting story, which I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this series after reading the first book I immediately added this one to my tbr list. This was a really good sweet yet sexy read. This is a good sports romance and while I have not read many about ski-ing I had no problems following and understanding the subject. The character were really great and had lots of chemistry.I enjoyed getting to know Max and Sophie and can't wait to read the next one

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is trying to build her career in a male dominated field. Ski patrol is dangerous but her boss only seems to give her easy jobs so she decides to go confront her boss, who happens to be her ex. Max and Sophie’s chemistry is still off the charts hot will they find a way to be together? Fast-paced read with good characters, suspense and steam. I liked it.

[Coffee Chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has skillfully written a story that captivated me from beginning. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The characters are fun, sexy, and lovable. Their hot chemistry keeps you turning the pages. The setting and makes for a sizzling read. I really enjoyed Max and Sophie's story. I highly recommend.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. Great ski romance and story line. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong and intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and review an Advance Reader copy of this book.

[Jennifer Cone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but Sweet

Stacy Gold is a new author to me. I will definitely be reading more of her books!! I love this short story about Max and Sophie!! It is both heartbroken and full of love! I want to know more about how their life is together. Still working as ski patrols, still in love, get married, and so on. I want to read their next story!!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Passion and scolding heat melt the snow of this novel.

Read full review in the 2018 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Lisa Pichner]

A must read

This was my first read from Stacy Gold and I really enjoyed it. This was a easy read that kept me wanting more.
The chemistry is sizzling and the story line is great.
I highly recommend this book.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun crazy romance!!

This is a quick novella that grabs you from the start!! The passion between Max and Sophie is fire hot!! Add to the equation ski patrol and you have a fast moving avalanche of love. New author to me, and I will continue to get book by her!!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although short, this story is packed with emotion. The ski patrol scenes and the sexual tension between Sophie and Max create an action packed. hot and heavy romance. I highly recommend this if you're in the mood for a quickie.

[Maria G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Max have a history and when they went their separate ways there was miscommunication. When they start working together they try to stay apart but their feelings haven't changed. Sophie and Max were good together.

[Pamela Karacostas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weekend Getaway

Love the characters, the setting, the story and the exotic romance! Find a quiet place and plan on a few hours of enjoyable reading.