eXtreme Blindside

by Leslea Wahl

Life is good for Jake and Sophie. After the incident at Silver Springs mine last year, things are getting back to normal. Or as normal as things get when you’re a famous snowboarder or getting your first big break as a journalist! But when strange accidents start happening on the slopes at the premiere extreme winter sports competition, Jake becomes suspicious. And it’s only a matter of time before he and Sophie are tackling another mystery together - one that may prove more dangerous than the Mountain Madness Games themselves. Can this couple unravel the clues before Jake becomes the next victim?

Things are about to get EXTREME

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Sports, Young Adult, Contemporary

283 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

Leslea 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.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It’s no secret I enjoy contemporary YA the most out of all the genres of books. I don’t know what it is about it that makes my heart giddy. I decided to reread "The Perfect Blindside" before reading this sequel, and I’m glad I did because I think that helped my enjoyment of seeing these characters again. (Even if I do like Josie and Ryan a bit more. What can I say? I prefer baseball to snowboarding. Sorry, Jake. ;) ) This book was relationship based in many ways like the first book, but I think this one had more about the characters faiths, which I liked seeing. It felt a bit cleaner too in certain aspects—probably because it wasn’t set during a school semester. This was an enjoyable read and good for reading during winter time. :)

{{Official Content Review Coming Soon.}}

[Susan Peek · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read "The Perfect Blindside" (of which this book is the sequel) a couple years ago, I literally stayed up all night to finish it, making it one of my all-time favorite teen books ever. I honestly didn't think it could be surpassed in terms of excitement, suspense, and simply lovable characterization. I was wrong. "Extreme Blindside" delivers everything and more that I had hoped the sequel would. I am in awe of how the author comes up with such exciting plots and how she packs so much action in her pages!

Set against the backdrop of an extreme winter sports competition (which the author does a breathtaking job of making the reader feel like they are right there!) the hero and heroine, Jake and Sophie, are increasingly pulled into a dangerous conspiracy to topple the games. As accident after accident threatens not only the competition, but endangers actual lives, the pair turn once again into amateur sleuths to get to the bottom of it. What results is a novel full of suspense, humor, misunderstanding, and, of course, innocent teenage romance. (While the author keeps everything clean, parents should be aware that this story is geared towards slightly older teens than the first book.)

Let me end by saying I've never been much of a sports fan, but reading Wahl's books has gotten me hopelessly hooked on YouTube videos of snowboarding, skiing, and . . . now snowmobiling races, which I'd never bothered watching before! If I, a middle-aged mom, now enjoy these sports so much, I can only imagine how much teenage boys will devour this book! The author definitely knows how to get into the head of teenagers, and she pulls it off brilliantly. And the best thing is, she does it in a way that is Christian and God-honoring. What can top that?

I've now read all of Leslea Wahl's novels and short stories and none of them disappoint! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Leslea Wahl in the series featuring world-class snowboarder Jake and his girlfriend Sophie. This in a book written for teens but it was a page-turner for me, so I'd say people of just about any age will enjoy it. Wish more parents knew that quality clean books are available that will keep their teens' interest. Hoping The Perfect Blindside and Extreme Blindside are part of a trilogy. In the meantime I'll read Unlikely Witness which brings four characters from the first two books together again for a summer adventure.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to The Perfect Blindside. I enjoyed it very much! It was very exciting with all the mystery and drama. I love the characters so much, Jake and Sophie are such inspiring characters with their relationships with God and their friends and family. It is about a professional Olympic silver medalist, Jake Taylor and his girlfriend Sophie Metcalf and how they involve themslves in solving crime mysteries and battling the troubles of Jake's fame as it says on the back of the book. Jake and Sophie must overcome the hardships Jake's fame puts on their relationship. They meet in the first book The Perfect Blindside.
SO GOOD. So good in fact, I read it all in a day, (yesterday night and this morning) I was so excited to see what happened to my favorite characters and I am very pleased! I really liked the theme of putting God first before anything, like praying before acting (WWJD- What Would Jesus Do?) Jake is such a great guy. Snowboarding is awesome. Sophie is the best too. I love that she's a photographer and journalist, how cool is that?!
Leslea Wahl is such a talented author and I love all her mystery/action/romance teen novels so much. I also highly recommend reading other books by her. Where You Lead, An Unexpected Role, (and my favorite) The Perfect Blindside. Also a great short story is Unlikely Witnesses where the characters from An Unexpected Role and The Perfect Blindside (Sophie and Jake and Josie and Ryan) go on an adventure to solve another mystery. It is a very cheap eBook I highly recommend purchasing.
I hope many people read this book and all her books because they are so good and entertaining the whole time and send great messages to teens.
Thank you Leslea Wahl for all you do. I love how you glorify God through your writing :)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXtreme Blindside is the second book I have read written by Leslea Wahl and I am thoroughly impressed. This is the second book in the series, though I have not read the first book, and I do not feel like I am missing too much. Things that happen in the first book are mentioned, but there is enough mentioned that you are not left with holes. Though this book can be enjoyed by all ages, this is geared towards YA mystery, and it is perfect for that genre.

The character development was good. I loved watching Jake navigate being a famous snowboarder while having to navigate his new relationship and adoring stars who do not hold to his Christian values. Sophie is trying to figure out her relationship with Jake while also figuring out her own teen emotions. As she aspires to be a journalist and is given this great opportunity to write an article on her boyfriend and the other snowboarders, she is also trying to help figure out who is sabotaging the games.

The storyline and setting were great. Having lived in Colorado, I always enjoy a story that takes me back, especially to the mountains. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes aspect of the extreme games, while also trying to solve the mystery with Sophie and Jake.

The romance aspect is light and sweet, kisses-only between Jake and Sophie. There is a discussion about sleeping around when a fan tries to give Jake her hotel room card. But it is later discussed between Sophie and Jake and Jake talks about saving themself for marriage because that’s the way God intended it for. Which is the perfect message I want to give to my teens.

Leslea Wahl did a great job 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 received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Theresa Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslea Wahl is one of my favorite authors because of the way she brings characters, settings, and mysteries to life, all while telling an action-packed story weaved through with beautiful elements of faith.

From the very first scene in this story, readers embark on a thrilling journey with Jake Taylor, an Olympic snowboarding medalist, and his girlfriend, Sophie, a young journalist. As Jake prepares for the extreme winter sporting competition, he and Sophie soon discover that someone is trying to sabotage it. The suspense mounts as other athletes’ events are sabotaged and you just feel it getting closer and closer to Jake.

I love the story resolution too. This story shows strong Christian values lived out through the young adult characters, especially concerning their relationship with each other but in other choices and acts of generosity too.

I read an advanced copy of this book!

[Sandralena Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for another wild ride with extreme snowboarder Jake. The story pulls you right in with Jake jumping onto pristine snow from a helicopter.

We also get his girlfriend Sophie's POV as she has an offer to become a real reporter, doing a story on Jake's latest venture, raising money for a resort that caters to Special Olympians by competing in the Madness Games, an extreme sport event.

Throw in a mystery (who is trying to take out athletes?) snowboarder rivalry, fangirls stalking Jake, and you have a hard to put down teen novel.

Jake and Sophie are so cute together. I was excited to read their further adventures.

[Claudia Cangilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of thrills, chills—and a few spills, eXtreme Blindside is an engrossing read that delivers top-shelf excitement, an intriguing mystery, and a dose of romance set against the backdrop of Olympic-level extreme winter sports.

Leslea Wahl supplies an amped-up sequel to The Perfect Blindside in this entertaining tale of a teen romance that faces some unique challenges. Olympic snowboarding silver medalist Jake takes to the slopes in a competition that someone is trying to sabotage, while journalist girlfriend Sophie snags a dream assignment to cover the events.

When strange goings-on threaten the safety and careers of several competitors, Jake and Sophie join forces to outsmart, out-wit, and expose those responsible. But can their romance stand the pressures of Jake’s stardom and Sophie’s aspirations? Will the young couple cling to their faith and turn to God when their lives . . . and their love . . . are threatened?

Without sap and sentimentality, Wahl depicts modern-day teens dedicated to living out their values in a committed and virtuous relationship. It’s a breath of air as fresh as any found on a snow-covered mountaintop. Two mittened thumbs-up!

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While eXtreme Blindside is the second book in Leslea Wahl’s Jake and Sophie mystery series, I was not at all lost jumping right into it without reading the first one.

Wahl creates memorable and unique characters from snowboarder Jake Silver to his reporter-in-waiting girlfriend, their parents, friends, and the many other people who walk on and off the pages during a major winter extreme sports event. Jake and Sophie are genuine with ups, downs, doubts, and more about themselves as well as their relationship.

Most of the action in the front half of this story is in the events themselves, especially the snowboarding and the tricks the athletes perform. Later, as Jake and Sophie start to unravel the truth behind the sabotage, things pick up in the suspense department.

Wahl gives teenagers an clean, faith-focus, yet exciting story complete with life lessons, family, friends, and fun.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been on a snow-covered mountainside since 1989, but Extreme Blindside pulled me right into the snowy drifts for a fun, multi-layered mystery!

Jake and Sophie have a lot to wrangle with - being boyfriend/girlfriend, Jake’s fame, his snowboard competition, Sophie’s writing internship, and most of all, who’s sabotaging the winter games and why.

Extreme Blindside is a page-turning mystery, a clean teen romance, and a reminder that God is with us in the big stuff and the small stuff. We just have to keep turning to Him.

[Andrea Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Extreme Blindside: A Jake and Sophie Mystery by Leslea Wahl. I was eager to read the book because I thoroughly enjoyed first meeting Jake and Sophie in The Perfect Blindside. Jake and Sophie uncover mystery and intrigue in this exciting sequel. Together, they must solve clues and piece together information to try to figure out who is sabotaging the Mountain Madness games. This book contains adventure, intrigue, and romance. What more could you ask for in a novel? It is fast-paced and well written with believable characters that are good role models for teens. I received a free copy of Extreme Blindside in exchange for an honest review.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth volume written by or contributed to by Leslea Wahl that I have read. 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. And the story was well worth the wait. This book 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 is about young people figuring out what God really want’s for them.

As such the story revolves around mysterious events happening at an eXtreme games event in Colorado. But it also focuses on growing into who we want to be. Growth in maturity and responsibility. And about life in the limelight and under pressure and public scrutiny. The story also has some incredible scenery. From heliskiing in Europe to the events at the games in Colorado.

Jack is taking part in an eXtreme Madness Games. In part as training for his role on the US Snowboarding team. And in part to help raise support for a new training facility. A facility that will not only cater to elite athletes but be fully integrated for Special Olympics, and athletes with all kinds of abilities. But something is going on at the games. Top athletes keep having things go wrong. From broken equipment to missing gear. Someone seems to be interfering with the events and putting people at risk.

Jake Taylor is trying to walk a fine line between living his faith, and being a high profile name helping to raise funds for the new facility. His girlfriend, Sophie, is onside doing an internship for a magazine. And together they start looking into what is happening and why. But as with the last time, their investigations ends up putting both of them at grave danger. And They danger is not only from those trying to wreck the games, but from their own struggles with life in the media spotlight, and on both sides some jealousy.

The story moves at a brisk pace. One of the greatest strengths is the characters. Wahl writes great characters. Both our heroes and also the villains. Another excellent part of the book is the representation of internal struggles. Both for what to do and for understanding what they want. Jake and Sophie are excellent role models and examples. And I hope that we get another story with them.

This book was a great read. I could hardly put it down. I have already asked my oldest daughter to read the story so we can use the discussion guide at the end. And I plan on reading it with my son later in the year. And with the discussion guide at the end great for families or youth groups to work through together. It is an excellent read.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Leslea Wahl.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslea Wahl revisits the world of extreme winter sports in this exciting installment of the story of Jake and Sophie, who seek to protect other athletes from dangerous competitive sabotage even as the world-class athlete and aspiring reporter face threats to their relationship. Wahl shines in creating true-to-life characters with real flaws, yet who have faith and strong family example to guide them along the way. (ARC provided by author.)

[Wendy Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Leslea Wahl. I enjoyed it a great deal, and hope to read more of her books.

eXtreme Blindside drew me in from the beginning, and kept me reading, anxious to find out what comes next. It is well researched, with all the lingo of winter sports, and snowboarding in particular. There's a bit of sweet, older-teen romance, with a dose of faith thrown in.

It is a quick and easy read, and I am sure any teen or young adult in your life will enjoy it. I recommend you add it to your TBR list.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun young adult fiction book. I have a growing number of teenagers in my house and they have voracious appetites for not only food but books too. It is my privilege and responsibility to make sure that the books they are devouring are good for them and are going to not draw them away from Christ or fill their heads with garbage.

Because of this responsibility, I preread almost all of the books that they read. This is a book I decided that my children would enjoy so I read it first. I say first because before I had even put it back on the shelf after finishing it, the book had disappeared off into someone’s room. Since then it has made the rounds and they’re all had a chance to read it.

Within the pages of eXtreme Blindside, you’re going to find faith and forgiveness. You’ll also find perseverance and doing what’s right at all costs. But you also get a good dose of mystery and sleuthing. Because everyone needs a good mystery to solve and some danger thrown in!

This book does have a boyfriend/girlfriend vibe to it. So if you don’t appreciate that then you’ll know it’s not for you. I think the highest praise I can give this book is to say that I did allow my kids to read it.

The author has a wonderful way of making you feel like you’re actually there in the scenes of the book which really makes the book come alive. I loved how the characters also came alive. They are strong in their faith and that shines through as a wonderful example to the people reading the book. This is a great author that I’ve read her books before and I can highly recommend them.

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.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to The Perfect Blindside should satisfy readers who longed for more of the action and other details of the snowboarding sport. Totally unfamiliar with snow sports, I became a bit lost at times because I could not picture the action as well as other readers might. But conflicts between competitors, a sabotage mystery, romance, and a teen reporter were plenty enough to engage me and keep me turning the pages. Male and female readers should equally enjoy eXtreme Blindside.

I recommend reading the first novel before eXtreme Blindside to fully appreciate the characters. This novel ended in a way that was satisfying and opened up possibilities for another sequel, which I would surely read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Leslea Wahl understands teens. I know I said that before when I reviewed The Perfect Blindside, the first book in Leslea Wahl’s Jake and Sophie Mystery series. But this book had me thinking it again. She knows how to grab the reader's attention and keep the interest high throughout the whole story. In eXtreme Blindside, the reader will get to know Jake and Sophie a little better. Sophie learns more what it is like for Jake to live his celebrity life. The two come from strong Cathollic families and are learning to rely on their faith in God as they face temptations and difficulties. They are both in the process of learning to put God and others before their own wishes. Jake and Sophie are two teens I’d be happy to know, if they were not fictional characters. They serve as great examples for teens without being preachy.. Wahl has created them to be “real”. She did a great job with the mystery aspect of the story. I was surprised at the “who” behind the mysterious acts during the games. I look forward to reading more books in the Jake and Sophie Mystery series.
There is some drinking on the part of adults and one underage person, for the most part it is just an observation. In the case of Matt it serves a purpose in the healing process between him and Jake. There are also several scenes with light kissing between Jake and Sophie. These scenes serve to cement their relationship and do not lead to inappropriate behavior. I mention these items to let librarians/parents know more about the content, not because I think the book should not be included
I think this clean romance with a lot of mystery thrown in would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. I think it would be appropriate for older middle school students and older.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary e-copy of eXtreme Blindside. This is my honest review.

[niks bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

eXtreme Blindside is a fun YA mystery that is full of plenty of action and themes of faith! This is the second book in a series and I didn’t feel lost reading this, as I haven’t read book 1.

The setting being in Colorado made for it to be extra cozy in my opinion, and I admired the action when it came to the snowboarding and all of which that entails, plus the suspense aspect as well.
This was quite a unique read for me and I loved the themes that this book delivers to the audience of young adults (and anyone who reads it)!

[Kristyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues with Jake and Sophie...and so does the trouble! While Jake and his friends are competing in the Madness Games, someone else is out to cause problems. This is such a fun, clean YA book full of adventure and faith!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing to know: this book can be read as part of the series or a standalone. I read it as a standalone and had no trouble keeping up with the characters or plot.
It was really cool that Jake was a snowboarder. That is definitely something not seen often in YA and it gave this book a special something. However, I was lost a few times when the tricks were described. (Maybe I should watch some snowboarding sometime.)
I was kind of surprised how under-developed the mystery was. There were not really any red herrings and it just progressed without a list of suspects or real evidence.
Although there were aspects that weren't my favorite, I really enjoyed this book and was glad to have a chance to read another of Leslea Wahl's novels.

Rating: 4/5
Language: N/A
Romance: a kiss or two
Spiritual: yep, clean ya Christian
Violence: N/A

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

[Gerilyn Herold · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, Extreme Blindside gets readers’ blood pumping with an exhilarating scene of snowboarder, Jake Taylor, racing down the Alps. The adrenaline continues when Jake competes at the “Madness” games, an exhibition of perilous winter sports. Wahl is adept at taking her readers inside Jake’s mind as he performs gnarly aerial tricks on the Half Pipe. Readers will experience the rush of pulling off tricks while soaring 20 feet in the air.

The suspense begins when an injury takes down Jake’s gold medalist friend. Odd injuries begin to plague the best athletes at the Madness Games. Jake and his girlfriend, Sophie Metcalf, deduce that the accidents are more than co-incidence, and together work to figure out who is ambushing the games and why.

This fast- paced, thrilling, mystery is a page turner. It’s a hot romance too. Both Jake and Sophie are easy on the eyes, and these 17 year olds are highly attracted to each other. Wahl’s characters have all the passion and attraction found in other teen books – without the X rated content. Wahl proves teen books don’t have to be explicit to be awesome.

Extreme decision making winds through the story. Jake has to fend off girls who throw themselves at him, tabloids who twist the truth, a highly jealous competitor, and a sponsor with no scruples. Jake doesn’t always get it right, but He consistently turns to his faith for wisdom and guidance. Sophie too has her share of challenges, especially dealing with her boyfriend’s celebrity status. With faith, this teen couple successfully navigates the tricky twists of their relationship.

If that’s not enough, the novel also has extreme danger. First, thugs hold Sophie hostage. Later they kidnap Jake. In turn, Sophie and Jake each have to race against a ticking clock to save the other.

From start to finish, Extreme Blindside is an action packed thrill ride. Thank you Leslea Wahl for bringing readers a wholesome read that is a page turner. Teens, and adults too, will find it hard to put this novel down.

[Carol R Gehringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult author Leslea Wahl pens another mystery with teen sleuths Jake Taylor and Sophie Metcalf.

In eXtreme Blindside, snowboarder Jake Silver faces unexpected fame after his silver medal win. He tries to balance living his faith, funds for a state-of-art athletic facility, and a relationship with Sophie, his girlfriend and aspiring journalist. 

Jake competes in an extreme winter sports competition. When the games are plagued by equipment tampering, and athletic injuries, Jake and Sophie become amateur sleuths. Someone seems to be interfering with the events and putting people at risk.To reach the truth, they will risk being blindsided by those they trust. 

The novel is filled with suspense, mystery, and a clean teen romance.Jake’s faith causes him to want to use his fame to help others. Although it is published by a Catholic publisher, there are no references to Catholicism, and the book can be read by anyone, regardless of religious background. 

Wahl’s book keeps the reader engaged with her fast-moving plot, and authenticity in her sports narrative. One feels the crispness of the snow and the thrill of the sporting competition. Their investigation ends up putting both of them into grave danger. The danger is not only from those trying to wreck the games, but from their own struggles with life in the media spotlight.
Carol R. Gehringer

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging read about teenagers and some very real-life adult stuff they are going through. I don't often read YA, but this was well written with a romance that was just beginning and growing.

Jake is a silver-medalist snowboarder and has to travel a lot at times, he is very popular in his new stardom and many girls across the nation find him cute. All of this can be difficult to manage, and Sophie his girlfriend really understands that. I liked the description of the events. I am not a sports person, but the author gave great details that I could see it all unfolding in my head. I also liked that both Jake and Sophie had good heads on their shoulders, their faith was strong, and they respected their parents.

There were great lessons where the media and social media come into play, especially what is truth and what is not. Throw in a mystery and you have a great story that is hard to put down.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

eXtreme Blindside is the sequel to The Perfect Blindside. It is a teen mystery/romance. Although I haven't read the first book, eXtreme Blindside works well as a standalone. When he was only sixteen, Jake Taylor won an Olympic silver medal in snowboarding. Recently, Jake was approached by Mr. McKenzie who asked him to become the celebrity spokesperson for his new project, a state-of-the-art training facility for world class athletes. It will include Special Olympians and para-athletics so Jake feels it's a good opportunity for him to use his fame to be a positive role model. Jake is struggling with his fame. Jake and his girl friend, Sophie, rely on their faith in God to get them through temptations and difficulties. While Jake and Sophie are at the Mountain Madness Games, events are plagued with unusual incidents that prevent top athletes from competing. Jake and Sophie want to solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt! This is a book that can be enjoyed in one sitting. It is a story with a Christian component that I liked. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslea Wahl is a new author to me, and I am glad we were introduced in Extreme Blindside. She is an author for Christian YA mysteries, and this is perfect as I work as a teacher with homeschooling families who often want recommendations of clean, good books for their teens.
Extreme Blindside continues the story of snowboarder Jake and his journalist girlfriend Sophie from the first book in the series, The Perfect Blindside. They need to team up to solve another mystery when it looks like someone is out to sabotage the snowboarders.
What I liked about this book:
• I enjoy two POV with both main characters of Jake and Sophie.
• Wahl is a great writer and brings the reader along on a great story.
• As an Alaskan, I enjoy all books set in winter!
• The story shows readers that building a relationship is hard, especially when one member is star with lots of attention, but worth it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to JustRead Publicity, but all opinions are my own. I look forward to more books by Wahl, especially this summer’s A Summer’s Treasure.

[Janet Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXTREME BLINDSIDE by Leslea Wahl

This book combines mystery and suspense with sweet, innocent romance that will appeal to many teens.

There is more going on at the Mountain Madness Games than snowboarding. Someone is messing with the athletes, causing accidents and botched runs. Even Jake falls victim to their schemes. How can he concentrate on doing well when he's worried about the next attack?

Sophie has problems of her own. A taste of being a real reporter soon sours when she steps into Jake's crazy world. She can barely keep up with her writing assignments while concern for Jake's wellbeing is constantly hovering over her.

Eventually, the two have to team up once again to discover what is really going on at the Mountain Madness Games.

This entertaining novel has more to it than thrills and action. It has tough choices, and the world's wisdom doesn't help. Sometimes taking the high road isn't easy, but it's always the right way to go.

[Grace Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://gdonahue23.wixsite.com/books/...

So let me first say that I thought this was a good mystery, not like Nancy Drew level but pretty good. I was excited to find out that the Perfect Blindside had a sequel because I wanted to see how Jake and Sophie were together. I was also happy to see that there's also a little mystery to it. It was interesting to see that after finding the perfect guy, and then the book ends, Jake and Sophie had issues, but they prayed to God and did their best. Overall I thought Extreme Blindside was a must-read if you read the first book. I hope you all love it!

Things to mention: Some minor violence including a kidnapping, athletes getting injured, some punching, and kicking. One of Jakes fans tries to give him her card to her room so they can hook up but Jake refuses. Jake and Sophie talk about what they want their relationship to be like.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But through all of this I've learned to put my trust in God first, and he'll lead me to the people I can count on."

Chemistry, mystery, and the Faith that keeps us grounded: it's all back in 'eXtreme Blindside.' Leslea Wahl once again provides enticing insight into the life of a young professional athlete - the glory, the fame, and what comes with. During the Mountain Madness Games, Jake and Sophie face challenges that test not only their Faith and their relationship, but their perception of what is most important in life. However, these characters come to realizations that are woven into their experiences as in the reader's mind itself: that personal pursuits and emotions must always be grounded by one's commitment to what is most important in life - God, the truth, and the people around one.

[T.M. Gaouette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read by Leslea Wahl. eXtreme Blindside is the next installment in Wahl's The Perfect Blindside, and I'm hoping it's not the last. At least the ending is suggesting there will be more to this series, so that's great!
In this story, we find Jake taking part in an eXtreme sport competition, and Sophie's gets to tag along on a journalist assignment. This opportunity to spend time together is great until success puts Jake in danger. Jake's fame also leads Sophie to become jealous, which in turn causes her to question their relationship.
With awesome snowboarding imagery that takes the reader right into the action, incredible tension on and off the slopes, this mystery is sure to please teen readers.
I highly recommend this novel for teens. It sends a great message about remaining strong in the faith in the midst of temptation. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslea Wahl is a fantastic writer. Like literally her writing is really well done. There are stories that have a great plot that saves the bad writing, but this book is both gripping AND well written. The dialogue, imagery, and especially the snowboarding action scenes were superb! I kind of want to try heliboarding now, though I should probably start on the bunny slopes.

Sophie and Jake were very likeable lead characters. And the “who done it” aspect of the novel (no spoilers) kept me wanting to read. Doesn’t hurt that it take place in these beautiful powdery mountain landscapes. I read wayyy too late into the night, losing track of time.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mystery books, and though it’s not normally my genre of choice, this would be a teenage coming of age story I would definitely let my older kids read. 5 stars! Seriously, skip all those books in the Christian romance section and get Leslea’s book! You won’t regret it!