Carly Lawson loves working winters as a ski patrol and summers as a rafting guide. The work is hard, but satisfying, and the soaring beauty of the Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana helps her forget the terrible mistake she made ten years ago—a secret she’s vowed to carry alone. Each winter brings a new lover, and each spring the end of that relationship—and that’s the way she likes it. But the new guy on the slopes is different.
A crash he can’t forget…
Downhill ski racer Chris Markham almost had it all—until his race for a spot on the Olympic team ended in a spectacular crash and life as a paraplegic. He’s not about to let that end his dreams; two years later, he’s got his sights set on the Paralympics. He’s come to Montana to concentrate on training, not get involved with a woman. But Carly makes him feel things he hasn’t felt in a long time—things he wasn’t sure he could feel.
In it for the long run…
Chris is conquering the slopes, but do his heart and body still have what it takes to satisfy a woman like Carly? Carly’s falling for Chris, but if she finds the courage to share her secret with him, can he forgive her past even when she can’t forgive herself? Will their relationship end before they make it out of the starting gate, or will they commit to making the longest run of their lives—together?
Tracey’s writing has been described as “vivid” and “gut-wrenchingly beautiful” and has been accused of making readers cry. All of which makes her heart feel ten times bigger because (despite having the appearance of a got-it-together business owner) she’s a hopeless romantic who believes that love—in all its many forms—truly makes the world go round.
Get swept away by wounded, flawed and vulnerable heroes (and the women who love them).
Join strong heroines on their riveting journeys through loss, forgiveness and self-realization.
Hang onto the edge of your seat through action-packed adventure and drama.
And most of all, escape into the combustible combination of ‘slow burn’ sensual pleasure and true love!
Want to know more? Sign up for Tracey’s Teasers at www.TKRomance.com
Tracey is a former Army combat medic and EMT. When not writing (or working part-time to support her writing habit), Tracey enjoys riding her motorcycle (which she affectionately calls ‘Black Widow’); spending time at the lake with family; and watching her favorite soccer teams (which include her kids’).
She lives on a 3-acre oasis in small-town Minnesota with a small menagerie of critters, an infinitesimally understanding hubby, and two almost-grown children who put up with the ‘embarrassment’ of a motorcycle-riding, romance writing mom!
Content warning: this book contains a subplot about a character who regrets having an abortion 10 years ago and continues to beat herself up about it. This isn’t an inspirational romance, but about 75% of the way through, some of the characters start talking about “giving your problems to God,” etc., which seemed a bit off given the tone of the rest of the book.
Given that, the abortion subplot made me uncomfortable. It leaned a bit too far into pro-life territory by harping on the regret that STILL rules her life, instead of the combination of factors that led her to make the choice in the first place (and how her life changed after that). It took a lot of agency away from the character and made her seem more passive, when she really, really isn’t.
This is technically the 4th in the series following the family as they each find love. I haven't read the first three, but the plot line of this intrigued me enough that I pre-ordered it. It came out yesterday and I read it in one day.
I really did enjoy this book. It reminded me a bit of a favorite guilty pleasure movie from high school- "Out Cold". The characters are solid... I really appreciated how frank and straightforward Carly was. It was refreshing to see a female lead in a romance novel who didn't mince words or beat around the bush. Chris, the love interest, was also well developed and surprisingly vulnerable at times. Again, this subverted some of my expectation around make leads in romance!
The plot line was relatively straight forward and had a satisfying conclusion.
A couple of general comments...
1- Chemistry between the two characters initially was weak. Chris and Carly have a lot of chemistry after they start seeing each other, but the initial draw that I enjoy seemed a bit rushed.
2- Chris's disability. I am a sucker for novels that highlight any sort of character with a disability where the disability isn't the main plot driver... I think ability is an area of diversity that doesn't get nearly enough attention since ableism is such a standard. This novel doesn't do that, but there are points where the paraplegia seems to be built in as a story element for a sense of conflict and other points where certain elements are brushed over. It felt inconsistent. There are definitely some areas where some more depth could have helped here, but I did really appreciate how this novel didn't turn into a "girl helps guy in wheelchair feel like life is worth living again."
3- This novel has a large cast of characters. I think if I had read the first three in the series, maybe it wouldn't have been as much of an issue, but it did take me a bit to feel like I understood who was who.
Overall, a solid read and definitely a cozy romance to make you want to cuddle up on the ski slopes...Or at least the hot tub!
I loved this book! There, I've said it. Now, in VERY late middle age, I've rekindled a passion for romance novels I first experienced as a teenager. I've also discovered a true affinity for "disabled hero/heroine" stories. Regrettably, most of the independently - published novels of this type that I have read recently have been mediocre in style and story and God-awful in the quality of their writing.
Happily, The Longest Run is none of these things.The story is truly moving, the characters-both main and secondary-are genuinely engaging as well as attractive, and the conclusion deeply satisfying. The icing on the cake, as it were: the writing is literate without being stuffy, graceful wiltiout being frilly and, best of all shows a mastery English grammar and syntax, a sine qua non of a good book for me.
The MC, a paraplegic former professional male skier and a professional ski rescue patrol woman, meet cute at a ski resort somewhere out west. (It was never clear to this reader if it was in Colorado on Montana.) He is training for the Parolympics and she works for the resort. Various adventures, boch romantic and ski related, ensue, all appropriate and believable. Against their better judgment and, indeed out or their consciousness, the two MCs fall in love, become pregnant, are separated for psychologically persuasive reasons, and reconnect cute at the Denver airport.
The author handles the hero's disability and psychic uncertainty with a combination of delicacy, forthrightness, honesty and sympathy.The several scenes of Iovemaking are beautiful in both their eroticism and their initial tentaliveness and embarrassment over the hero's possible sexual "inadequacy."
Tracey Cramer-Kelly has written a marvellous, grown-up romance that should grab and hold the interest of all readers, whether in the core demographic of romance consumers or not.
The Longest Run: A Ski Patrol Rescue Romance is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. It is a sweet and emotive sports romance that covers guilt, disability, drama, secrets, forgiveness, skiing, family, hope, and Love. I have loved reading the Lawson Family series and meeting the family. Each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted- but there is a lot to be had by reading all four books. This is Carly’s turn, and she has been carrying the burden of guilt for so long now- it is holding her back in many ways. On the surface she seems to have an enviable life, working as a rafting guide in the Summer months, and on the ski patrol during winter. She has no plans on settling down, enjoying her bachelorhood- or so she thought. Chris has been through so much, but he hasn’t let it beat him- working harder than ever to achieve his Olympic dreams. He is focused and determined, nothing can distract him- until Carly comes along. Being drawn to someone was the last thing he expected. But will they come to terms with the past, open up, and take a chance on love? You’ll have to read the story to find out. This was such a well written story, with fully developed and endearing characters. I am looking forward to the next book, Connor’s story.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is a contemporary sports romance story. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and I was not disappointed. The story is one that will stir up your emotions and make your heart ache. Tracey’s wonderful narrative brings the characters to life and this lovable coupling brings two characters together who have endured pain and suffering, loss and guilt in their lives that it will break your heart right along with them. But there is also love and hope, wonder and joy to be had that you are not able to walk away until you have finished the book in one sitting. I have loved the Lawson’s right from the start, and I am glad we got to catch up, they feel like my own family.
The Longest Run is the fourth book in Tracey Cramer-Kelly’s Lawson Family series. I have enjoyed each of the books up to this one so it was a no brainer to one click and see what this would bring us. I have to say though this was a difficult read for me. I wanted too much to love these characters and really I found myself irritated with Carly. I get secrets and how this would impact your life but the way the whole scenario played out it made me a bit angry at times. I wanted to yell at her that she didn’t have to let this ruin her life or future and that she needed to seek women who had been in her situation with a more open and even ground of advice. This got religious and I struggle with that in general. I did enjoy this as a concept and could see where it would have been a smashing success to pull people in and make them feel as if they are not alone. It didn't and I even left feeling guilty at times. So I will be back for more but I must say this one just hit the mark for me and made me a tad sad. I also feel as if this book needed a trigger warning and that is a rare thing for me because I find them becoming a bit overplayed lately.
An EMOTIONAL page-turner you won’t want to end! The beginning of THE LONGEST RUN grabbed my full attention, and the rest of its pages NEVER let go!! THE LONGEST RUN is one of those stories in which a reader gets lost until reality blows a loud horn or someone shakes the reader out of this amazing world created by author Tracey Cramer-Kelly. Her grammar and word choice allow the reader to focus on the action of the story, and beyond it, as THE LONGEST RUN has some wild secondary plotlines! I sincerely hope the author will write their stories as well! Perfect for this time of year, THE LONGEST RUN is a ski story with some twists I do NOT want to spoil. Most of it is about the act of forgiving which provides the base of healing for both Carly and Chris, our main characters. There is some angst; however, letting the reader understand more clearly what each character is feeling or thinking goes a long way towards understanding some of the crazy choices each makes. However, is their electric chemistry and perfect STEAM enough to keep them working towards the same goal? While I voluntarily read an early copy of THE LONGEST RUN, I am purchasing my own copy to both support Author Cramer-Kelly and place it in the FAVORITES file on my Kindle. THE LONGEST RUN has earned a Five + STAR recommendation as well. So, get your copy of TITLE today! Happy Pages! 😉
5 Stars The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
The Longest Run is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. I absolutely love the Lawson Family and this one is no different other than whew what a roller-coaster ride of emotions. I was sad,mad,angry at some parts. This is a grab your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end kind of read. I literally read in 9ne sitting. This is Carly and Chris's story. She does ski patrol in the winter and works as rafting guide in the summer. Shes been carrying around a secret that her dealing with the burden of guilt.Chris once was real close to having his dream until something happened and now he’s got a chance at that dream again so he’s working harder than ever to get trained. Then he meets Carly and he starts having feelings he didn’t think he could. Can these two have a future together or will it be over before it starts? Find out what happens next in this must read. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
This is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by this author. I enjoyed it just as much as the previous three books. This is a romance story that is fast paced and engaging. This is a well developed story that has characters that bring the story to life. They are connectable and made the story feel realistic. They made the story fun to read and warmed up my afternoon. This is a story about Carly who has been working for ski patrol in the winter and a rafting guide during the summer. She enjoys what she does and it allows her to have a seasonal relationship with no strings. She has a past that she keeps hidden. When she meets Chris she runs into a problem, she is falling for him but what will happen if he finds out about her past? What will fate have in store for these two? I really liked this couple. They have great chemistry and I found myself hoping that they would get their HEA they deserved. They truly made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. I was definitely looking forward to this one because the others have all been so good. And I liked this one a lot also. This one got me a little more emotional invested than I was expecting, I definitely felt a need to have a talking to with the characters but sometimes that’s when you know it’s a good read. I do suggest reading these in order just for an all over better enjoyment. The characters are complex and I found myself drawn in from the get go. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. This author definitely has a way with words. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers next. Four stars and highly recommended!
The Longest Run is the 4th book in the Lawson Family Series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. Each book concentrates on the story of one of the Lawson siblings and can be read as a standalone but as I’ve read and loved all 4 books, I recommend that you read them all. I’m sure you won’t regret it. In this book we finally get the story of the 1 female Lawson sibling. Poor Carly has been overshadowed by her brothers and any prospective boyfriend is treated to the over protective brothers routine. I love Carly as a character. She’s loving her job, loving life and definitely not looking for a long term romance. Just someone to keep her bed warm during the winter ski season and then move on. Until she met Chris Markham. Chris Markham was an Olympic potential skier until he suffered a serious accident that left him a paraplegic. Being a strong and resilient man, Chris is still determined to continue skiing and join the Paralympic team. Chris is probably one of my favourite male characters that I’ve read in a long time. I applaud Tracey Carmer-Kelly for having the leading man in her book as a wheelchair user. It’s very rare to read a romance novel with one of the main characters in a wheelchair. In fact I think this is only the 2nd book I have read like this and I’ve read a LOT of books. Chris is an amazing character and I loved reading his and Carly’s story. I’d definitely categorise this book as a MUST read!
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
4 Stars
First …. What a beautiful cover on this book!
I have read the previous three in this series and have loved every one of them, with the 1st still being my favorite. First I will say that in my opinion these must be read in order, just because of the depth of all of these characters and the previous stories were simply awesome. That's not saying you couldn't read this as a standalone but I'm glad I didn't.
This was not my favorite of the 4, I was still completely invested in the story but there were just some things that did not work for me. The writing style was still completely on point and I still read this in one sitting. The unexpected twists were placed perfectly. There were more than a few times I wanted to crawl through my kindle and scream at people. It's safe to say this was an up and down ride for me. I am glad I read Carly’s story, I was looking forward to it as I love love love the Lawson Family. The family aspect is my favorite part of all of these books. I highly recommend reading all of this series..It is that good and this author is definitely a for sure one click for me.
Carly is happy skiing during the winter season but she has a secret from years ago which intersects her life and her relationships. Carly enjoys the one a season lover who can vanish at the end of the season with no strings attached. Until she sees Chris and something stirs inside that she has not felt in a long-time but will the feelings reciprocated or will she be left wanting again.
Chris was a Olympic Skier until that fateful day which changed his life forever. Although he is now determined to make the Paralympic team and is dedicated to the task he can't stop thinking about the woman on the slope.
I loved this story and we the chemistry between these two characters was brilliant and that jumped off the page. The story delves into the both characters ups and down, plus the sheer determination that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.
The story is well constructed and draws you into the story and bring the characters into your heart, especially when you are urging them forward into their relationship and feeling you are living the story with them. I can wait to read the next book in this wonderful series.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. This short romance was an absolute page turner. I couldn’t get enough of Carly and Chris. Carly is set in her ways, she loves her job and is able to find a companion each season to keep her company. But once the season is over, so is that relationship but that’s the way Carly likes it. She has been burned in the past and keeping guys at a distance is her way of protecting herself. Chris is fighting on the slopes to make it to the Paralympics team after his life changing crash two years ago, which is where he meets Carly. The way that Carly and Chris bring out the best in each other but also challenge each other is what makes them so special. Is Carly willing to open up fully to Chris and share her dark secret? Is Chris willing to satisfy Carly in ways he wasn’t sure he was still able to? I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading others in the series.
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly was a good 4 star read. I was pulled right in and really enjoyed this story.
Carly is very active, it helps her deal with something she did 10 years ago, a mistake that she can’t take back. She does a great job of hiding her pain and she has no intentions of ever finding the one. That is until she meets Chris.
Chris is working on his olympic dream and gets blindsided by the beautiful Carly. Chris also has some demons from the past that he is dealing with.
Can these two connect and help heal each other? Can they get HEA?
Overall it was a good read, I really liked each of the characters. My heart went out to Carly and the choices that she had made in her past. I will warn you that it is a sensitive issue. I enjoy skiing so I was pulled in by the storyline as well. The author does a good job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
What a great addition to the series! The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series written by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. Carly Lawson is a rafting guide during the winter months and loves what she does. However, she is plagued by an enormous guilt that she can never forgive herself for. Chris Markham is a Downhill skier that was in a crash that left him a paraplegic. Now with the Paralympics in sight he is more focused than ever. That is until he meets Carly. Carly only wanted a winter fling but instead is falling head over heels for Chris. Will they be able to continue their relationship after the winter? Their chemistry is amazing and is very steamy. There are so many twists and turns throughout the book. It was a definite page turner and I didn’t want to put the book down! I love this series and this is one of the best books yet. I cannot wait to read more!
An enjoyable and engaging read which although part of a series can be read as a standalone story. Carly Lawson works during the winters as a ski patrol and the summers as a rafting guide. She loves her job and has a new relationship each winter that ends in the spring. Carly also has a secret that she has been keeping for some time. Meanwhile, Chris Markham a downhill ski racer had hopes of making the Olympic team but then he had an accident that left him a paraplegic. However, he is determined to now make it to the Paralympics. When Carly and Chris meet on the slopes at ‘Big Sky Ski Resort’ in Montana they both feel the chemistry between them but are both unsure of starting a relationship. The author took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this heartwarming story, and once I had picked this book up I could not put it down. The narrative flows well and the plot has plenty going on to keep the readers interest.
This is an unusual story about two unique people who see the world differently than most of the rest of us. Their love story is truly fascinating.
Chris was a champion skier until approximately two years ago he fell. Since then he has been paralyzed waist down, and must spend his life in a wheelchair.
After much physical therapy and training, Chris decides that he will race at the Triple-H Adaptive Alpine ski race at Big Sky. When he falls off of his monoski, he meets Carly a member of the Big Sky ski patrol.
Carly has had her own problems. Years ago she thought her boyfriend was serious. Instead, he broke up with her. Since then, she has chosen not to get close to anyone. Therefore, she only has affairs and refuses to become serious. Her choice this year: Chris.
Their love story is truly fascinating.I highly recommend this book!
This is a beautiful love story about taking risk, learning to forgive and find love again.
Carly is works on the mountains as a medical person assisting people who have accidents or are injured while skiing. She loves her job and since her heart was broken she hasn't let anyone get close to her. That is until Chris comes into her life.
Chris Markum was a professional skier until an accident left him paralysed. Now he's back in training to join the paralymics team. When he meets Carly the attraction is real and quick but he has several issues. Will his disability stop him finding love? Will he be able to satisfy her like a normal man.
They both have to leave to adapt their lives and open themselves up and risk being hurt in order to let their love grow. Will fear tear them apart? Or are they strong enough to fight all the obstacles and be together?
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly.
This story had me hooked from the get go! Set in Montana in a beautiful sounding ski resort, Carly works as a part of the ski patrol team. Carrying a secret, she is happy to rely on short-term romances, and then along comes Chris. Chris has his own past to deal with, but he’s got his sights set high and he’s ready to train hard. Romance is not on his agenda
I loved this story, it was jam-packed full of emotion and draws you in from the first page. The twist and turns along the way keep you hooked right until the end. The characters were fantastic, and I love it when an author takes the time to ensure you really get to know them, for me it makes a story so much better.
The Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is book four of the Lawson Family Series. This book, as with the other books in the series, can be read as a standalone. Honestly though, the whole series is too good to resist!
Carly has been carrying a burden for many years and she’s adapted so that she doesn’t have to get too close to people. Chris is focused on training. He doesn’t have time for women or relationships. Will these two find the courage to overcome their obstacles or will they get in their own way?
This book was packed with emotion. I couldn’t put it down. It felt like such a rollercoaster. It was so well written you could feel everything these characters were dealing with. I was really rooting for them to work out all their issues. This book was a perfect addition to the series!
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly - Review by Gail Guerrero
Five Stars
This story will have you sad and happy at the same time. Chris has been through a lot. He had the Olympics in his future until a skiing accident took that dream away. He is a very strong character because he picked himself back up and two years later he was skiing again as a paraplegic. During training he found something he didn’t know he was looking for. Carly is a very special woman. She didn’t look at Chris any less because he was in a wheelchair. She saw a man and what the possibilities could be. The scenes were definitely interesting and different. I couldn’t imagine the pain and fear these characters felt. The author did an amazing job writing these characters
The Longest Run is the fourth novel in the Lawson Family series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly.
Carly Lawson spends her winters working at ski resorts. She finds a lover for the winter and once the season is over so is the relationship. This works well for her.
Chris Markham sees his dream destroyed after an accident. Now he is training for a new goal and doesn’t have times for distractions but things change when he meets Carly.
Can the women with a secret finally open up and have more than just a season relationship? Will Chris be able to handle what she tells him?
Words can’t describe how amazing this was. The plot kinda reminds me of another book series I’ve read years ago which made it even better for me. I loved Carly and the whole time reading was curious what her secret was and how Chris would respond if she ever told him.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. I loved this book in fact I have loved all of the Lawson Family books. This is the story of Carly Lawson who works for the families ski resort in the winter and is a White Water Raft guide in the summer. She loves her job but a horrific accident 10 years ago that haunts her still to this day so Carly focuses on her job and winter flings. Chris Markham was an avid downhill skier and had dreams to seek it professionally until the tragic accident that left him a paraplegic. When Carly's family ski resort hosts the Paralympics she meets Chris again and this time falls for him. She only wanted a winter fling not a full blown relationship. Will Carly be able to forgive herself so that she can have a relationship with Chris or will she let it ruin her future. Read The Longest Run to find out.
The beginning of this book starts out with a BANG! It literally gave me chills! I loved reading this! Reading about a ski patrol job is as interesting as it probably is exhausting. I enjoyed all the little details and joy that came with Carly’s job.
I was excited to get Carly’s story. And Chris? He is a total surprise and shock. I enjoyed his tenacity and strength. He was a winner in my book already even before getting together with Carly.
It is nice to see her brothers, wives and kids. Catching up is alway fun with them. I want to give a shout out to Taylor. He is a friend of Chris’ but he goes above and beyond his duties. He is the Best kind of friend there is.
Overall this is a wonderful story. I don’t feel Carly’s issue was as big as her brothers stories. But still a problem for her. Chris really stole the show for me.
I really like this author so I was looking forward to reading this story by her and I wasn’t disappointed. The story definitely had lots of emotion and the author did an amazing job with Chris’ character, I could genuinely feel how he was feeling at times. There were a few parts of the story that I did skip over just because I find them difficult to read about but I don’t think it really affecting my overall view of this story which was a nice romance with two nice characters. I loved Chris for his determination and his mind-set considering what has happened to him in his life. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and I especially loved Chris!! I’m looking forward to more to come from this author in the future.
The Longest Run: A Ski Patrol Rescue Romance is the fourth book in the Lawson Family series by Tracy Cramer-Kelly. This is a sweet romance, but it also packs a punch with some significant issues discussed. This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read the whole series as they are all really good reads. In this book, Carly and Chris take center stage. Right from the beginning there is hot, hot, hot chemistry between the to of them. The banter is witty and they have some scorching intimate times. This book kept me reading long into the night, but it was definitely well worth the loss of sleep. I highly recommend this book, series and author.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly 4 Stars!!!!
I once again journeyed into the Lawson Family Books and I was not disappointed. The author has such a refreshing style and ideas that I just cannot put the book down. I really like how the story line isn't predictable and how there is just the right amount of drama mixed in along with past parts of the story.
I really like the chemistry between Chris and Carly. The unease at their first meeting and then to watch the relationship blossom was a nice change. I like how the characters always seem to have to overcome some crisis as that is a mirror to life. I like the way that they come together and move on. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
The lone Lawson female sibling finally gets to tell her story. I didn't realize how excited I was until I opened it up and started reading.
Carly has been present in the other books, but only as the sister who worked out of State and they she appeared to be running. She was.
Carly is an amazing independent woman and sees people in a different perspective than most people and that seemed to help her with her relationship with Chris, especially in the beginning and made me respect her character that much more.
I throughly enjoyed this book and was happy and sad when I finished it.
Looking forward to the next book. Have a feeling it's going to be full of surprises.