Member Reviews
Thank you for providing a copy of Seduction on the Slopes by Tamsen Parker. I initially took a break from it, intending to return later, as I couldn't get into it at the time. Unfortunately, I’ve since lost interest in revisiting it. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to exploring future titles that align more with my current reading preferences.
Unfortunately, I just never finished this book and I just need to set it aside. I requested this at the height of the Olympics fever, I guess? But the weird thing about this book is that it’s not actually set at the Olympics but a fictional equivalent instead and so I just never finished it.
Looking for a steamy romance story? Then pick up Seduction on the Slopes.
It's very steamy romance story but it's a slow-building one. It starts off slow since Miles and Crash do not like each other at all. And who can blame them? Yeah, they may be teammates but they are both competing for the gold.
Miles has worked so hard for his career that he is not going to let anything let him down. And he won't even though he is deeply attracted to Crash. Crash is something else and Miles does not mind which is both surprising and shocking. But who can say no to love?
Crash may be young but he knows he has it. And he is not going to let anything stop him. But that's simple say and done. He never expected to be deeply attract to Miles. Miles is everything that he is not but he does not care. And their attraction is going to be explosive!
Three Stars
This is the second book in the Snow & Ice Games. The first book I fell in love with from the beginning but this one was different.
Miles is a seasoned veteran of the slopes that was charged with helping Crash a new player on the team but Crash has stage fright with being interviewed.
Crash has had a huge crush on Miles for as long as he can remember. Instead of having pin up girls on his wall he had pictures of Miles.
This is a love story about Miles and Crash; miles apart in age but they have so much in common. The story is hot and funny and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. So far all books can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed, but was not blown away by, my first Tamsen Parker novel. Crash was an excellent character, and some of the puns were funny in a non-cringey way. Would have liked to see some more actual skiing though.
*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*
- Review to come
Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — This was one of those ones where I felt a bit conflicted. I was drawn right into this story, and after having been a bit burned out, I was so excited to be pulled into reading again. But our heroes, particularly Miles, were really volatile characters, and occasionally that made me uncomfortable.
I know this is going to sound silly, but I totally didn’t pay close enough attention to the cover to notice that Miles was black! So bonus diversity on this one! And while it didn’t play a huge role, it wasn’t just token either. I loved that he was from the wealthy family, and that he got into skiing because his parents wanted him to fit in in the neighbourhood where they lived. Intriguing.
Occasionally both Miles and Crash were a bit over the top, almost caricatures of themselves. Miles was an extreme stick in the mud…like, I’m a fan of a wide ranging vocabulary, and while the definitions of the words he used were always correct, occasionally they felt a bit forced…I kept meaning to run them by my hubby, b/c he would totes know if they were actually used correctly. It just didn’t feel natural if that makes sense. I was also really turned off by his volatile moods, his quickness to anger, and while he constantly acknowledged that he was being an asshole to Crash, it felt like lampshading. I never saw him grow in that aspect…like, uh, that’s great that you realize you’re being a jerk, but what are you doing to change that and be better? It made it hard to like him. And on Crash’s end, the constant use of stoner type language (the gagillion euphemisms for everything, from throwing up to sex) got old REALLY fast. When we started learning more about Crash, I wasn’t sure if he was putting on a persona, or if that’s really who he was.
Now, saying all of that, I really did come to feel a lot for these guys…though if I’m honest, moreso for Crash than Miles. I did feel for Miles’s fear and uncertainty over his future and the end of his career. But it was Crash’s childhood history, and his constant insecurity, that really got to my heart. I could feel his pain, feel his wounds. And yet he still put himself out there. I just wanted to hug him.
As for the romance…I enjoyed so many parts, and the steam factor was at “hoo boy!” But it also felt fast, and at the beginning I didn’t buy what was drawing them together. Once I let myself buy into it and ignored those misgivings, I was more invested. It’s hard to write romance in the timeframe of an “olympics” type games…it’s always going to feel fast. This one wasn’t bad, but I’ve read better…
The sports felt fairly well done. Made me wish I’d made time to read this during the Olympics, b/c now I’m feeling all winter sports-y.
So all in all, this was a fun addition to the series and is making me want to read more…and the emotions with Crash and the steam factor have me rounding up.
This book just wasn't for me. It was a struggle to get through. The story is a bit too instalove and unrealistic and the authors writing is in present tense and for me it just did not flow well.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars definitely sloping up to 4 stars
This is the second book in the series, but the first I have read, and it was fine as a standalone. I am a big sports romance fan, but there are not many which centre around winter sports, so I was delighted to get a chance to read this. As a skier myself, I loved the descriptions of the sport – and of Crash's improvised kit choices. It is so true that in this sport in particular, being seen in the right kit is almost more relevant that the skill displayed. So, Miles's recognition is an important element of the story.
I found the way in which the relationship between the two men started a little surprising, but clearly effective in chilling Crash to help him cope with the pressure. And as we get both their points of view, we soon get to accept that the activity is having far more of an impact on them than they are ready to admit. The juxtaposition of Miles spending the evening with his folks, and Crash with his, is both enlightening and a little heartbreaking.
Ms. Parker gives us hope and an ending which is all that any romance reader could possibly want. Thank you.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
Plausibility aside, this is a sexy story about two very loveable men. I loved the idea of sexy goings on between elite athletes in an Olympic village type setting and I enjoyed the skiing in the story.
Miles and Crash’s arrangement to ease Crash’s fear of public speaking isn’t terribly believable. But the chemistry between the affluent, uptight skiing star and his rough and slightly wild challenger is brilliant. There are some crazy hot scenes between these two.
Miles and Crash are both fascinating and well-developed characters. Both men really come alive and I really enjoyed them together. Unfortunately, the supporting characters remain types – Miles’ parents are never more than affluent and ambitious, and Crash’s parents are predictably messy.
This is a fun, sexy read and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book
I have read many Tamsen Parker books and have not failed to be impressed each time. I like that this book didn't focus on gender...it was just two people struggling to figure out how to balance work...dreams...family and romance.
Seduction on the Slopes is the second book in the Snow and Ice Games series from Tamsen Parker. I first heard about the series at the Fall in Love with New England conference when the author was talking about how she came up with the idea for the series and knew I had to read each book in the series.
Miles Parker and Crash Delaney are pretty much polar opposites when it comes to how they were raised and how they have trained in their sport. Miles came from a family where he had every advantage for training and equipment. Crash literally pieces his equipment together from the lost and found and even steals a few items at times. Miles has complete support from his family where as Crash has been on his own since he was 16. Even with all their differences, I found myself loving each of these guys so much.
I also love the banter between Miles and Crash. Miles is the veteran who is put in charge of keeping Crash in line. While initially I wondered how these two guys could ever be friends, yet alone lovers, I knew their mutual attraction would win out in the end. I had to laugh their physical relationship started to calm Crash down before interviews, yet they became much more intimate with each passing day. Seriously the heat factor between Miles and Crash was smoking hot! I totally fell for them as a couple and hated they had to compete against one another in the Snow and Ice Games. They became not only lovers but, real teammates and I knew only one could come out on top in the Games.
I've been hooked on the Snow and Ice Games series from the very first book. Tamsen Parker pulls me in from the very first page and makes me not only care about the competition of the athletes, but the couples that have developed in each book so far. I'm so glad I discovered Tamsen Parker and can't wait to start reading her back list as soon as I finish all of the Snow and Ice Games books.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
I picked this book up on a whim because I wanted to read something wintery and I always look for storylines set on the slopes. 🙂 Something about that just makes me happy around the beginning of the New Year. I have read this author before and I had some mixed feelings going in but I gave it a shot anyway. It was… very different than what I was expecting, with both good and bad things about it.
First of, our main characters here have a bit of an age difference. Crash is a young and is just now starting to make his mark on the sport, while Miles may be looking at his last chance at being on top. They have had completely different life experiences, not just because of age but because of their circumstances. There’s also the fact that Crash used to idolize Miles since he was a kid, then crushed big time on him when he was a teenager. So being on a team together is hitting all of Crash’s fanboy buttons. More than that, when Miles has to take a more hands-on approach to keep Crash from making a bad impression in front of the media, all of Crash’s fantasies may come to life.
While I’m not sure I bought into the relationship, other than the physical, on Miles end I think this story gave us some steam. The romance aspect was hard for me to get into because Crash is a bit too young and immature for my liking and I thought Miles was so far away in maturity level from him that any type of relationship between them wouldn’t work in my head at least for the future. But seeing Crash’s starry eyed adoration for Miles was endearing and probably the one thing about this book that kept me reading.
This was a fast read with the the setting I was looking for so I was glad I picked it up. I’m not sure I’ll be looking to read more from this series, though.
While I enjoyed the general premise of Seduction on the Slopes, I felt the execution was lacking. I really liked the idea of an older athlete mentoring and helping a younger one, but the reason behind the assistance was a little ... strange, to say the least. And that assistance was basically the plot of the novel too, which meant I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would.
The love interests' - Miles and Crash - relationship felt a little forced. I couldn't believe how quickly they were confessing their love for one another. Although I thought they each offered different and important qualities to the relationship, the speed with with they fall in love was frustrating and out-of-the-blue. Despite Crash's childhood crush on Miles, the relationship felt purely sexual and I didn't feel 'feelings' between them.
Despite these few issues, the writing was fantastic, and I did enjoy the characters' personalities seperate to the romance.
Seduction on the Slopes is a quick, bingeable read, and I did have fun with it, for the most part. If you're looking for a quick and steamy series to read over a weekend, definitely pick up the Snow & Ice Games series.
It’s the Snow and Ice Games!!
I should be excited, and I was! And then I wasn’t. This may be a case of “it’s me, not the book”. I’ll leave that for others to decide, but I had some problems with the story.
While Seduction on the Slopes could be pretty sweet, fun, and entertaining, I found myself looking for more. More, and an ending that didn’t piss me off.
So just some thoughts… I liked Crash a lot. He’s a really fun character with very understandable worries. I really did get him. And Miles, while someone I do not relate to, he grew on me quite a bit. What I had a hard time with was the two of them together. In the end I think I understood their attraction, but it really was hard to get while reading the build up. This is mostly because I didn’t feel it from Miles… only from Crash. And even then, at first it felt like pure hero worship and not love or true affection. So this took me a while, and I think I needed to feel the connection from Miles more than I did. Having his POV should have helped me, but it did not, and that was disappointing.
I also had a huge problem with a main point in the story, something that is a major spoiler so I won’t say what it was. But suffice it to say, a big thing happens and I found it to be really unacceptable. The need for Crash to make this decision didn’t sit right with me at all. Possibly, if it wasn’t for this one thing, I could have liked this more. Because I was getting them, finally, when things took this turn and I was really bummed by it. So, I’d finally gotten to the point where I was really feeling it. Totally on board. But alas, I was left not feeling it anymore.
Crash and Miles get their happy ending, and it was good. I enjoyed a lot of their interactions, and their individual stories and struggles. The setting was great, the visuals from the writing were amazing in my mind. I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this story of love and sport. I really do believe my earlier statement that it’s not the book, it has to be me. I’ve only read a couple other books by Parker, and I’ve very much enjoyed them. So give it a shot… it might be just the book for you.
Seduction on the Slopes
Tamsen Parker
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Started off a little slow so I wasn’t sure if this was gonna be a book for me. But after the first few chapters I really started to like the path the story was taking.
Crash had a rough childhood and became an incredible skier on his own. But he gets super nervous and has panic attacks when he has to go on TV or be interviewed. In the past he has turned to sex or drugs to help him with his anxiety. His team leader wants to help him in anyway he can so that the team can win. But drugs aren’t allowed for professional athletes so there’s only one other way for him to help Crash with his anxiety.
This is a very hot and heavy m/m romance with a happy ending.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this book was just okay. It was nice to have a diverse and lgbt related book romance but, everything was just really bland to me.
I think I liked this story? I mean, I liked parts of it and parts of it I was rolling my eyes hard.
Everything happens lightning quick. We meet the two MCs, one is a seasoned veteran of the sport (Miles) who has devoted his entire life to his sport and the other is a young, hotshot (Crash) who doesn't seem to take anything seriously. We find out that may not be the full story for the young'un so the seasoned vet takes the youngster under his wing to coach him. This is all fine and dandy, but they also will compete in the same event. It may be the last time for the old guy, but he is a good guy so he is going to help young'un meet his full potential even if it causes seasoned guy the gold.
That aside, they decide to engage in a sexual relationship which is awkward and perfunctory at best in the beginning. Things heat up quickly as the days go by and by day 5 everything is steaming. So I give the sex a passing grade.
The whole story happens in about a week and everything happens very fast. There is so much internal dialogue that I lost track of the actual conversation on multiple occasions and had to flip back pages to see what the actual question or statement was. That is annoying and takes me right out of the story. Oh, and don't get me started on all the euphemisms! So. Many. I give that a fail.
I liked Crash and I think he was a good guy with drive and potential. He never had anyone to lean on in the past and was struggling with the shame of his upbringing when everyone around him was afforded more. I completely understand his coping mechanisms and his inability to be open about the issues he was dealing with.
I also liked Miles. He is also just a good dude who was willing to put the team above his personal goals. He could see potential in Crash and was willing to help him regardless of what that meant in the long run for Miles himself. As an athlete and a teammate, Miles excelled. As a partner in a relationship, he was barely passing. This is also understandable due to his lack of experience in relationships.
That being said, these two guys who are so opposite in so many ways from upbringing to experience to age, fall in love very quickly. So much so that I am not sure how it happened. Outside of the sexual chemistry and one in-depth conversation, when did they get to know each other enough to be in love? I am not buying it. An HFN would have been more fitting for this book and probably would have made me more convinced of their long-term potential.
2.5-3 stars because I was engaged in the story though it took until about the midway point to get there. Rounded up to 3 for the steamy bits and Crash's growth as a person in just a few short days.
Miles Palmer is a seasoned Olympic athlete probably looking at his final Snow and Ice Games. He covets that final gold medal too. As a senior member of the team, he's also tasked with mentoring the younger athletes, in particular Crash Delaney.
Crash Delaney is the rising star on the team. At 21 years old, he is brash and cocky and likely to deal with his nerves with recreational marijuana. He's not too thrilled about all the press they are obligated to at the games, and he has a serious case of stage fright that has him literally vomiting on stage. (yuk)
Miles steps in to help with Crash's nerves and there's only one thing that seems to help and it brings them close enough for them to develop an attraction for each other. Miles has been a bit of a idol to Crash and Crash has Miles secretly pining for him, even though Miles knows it would be wrong to take their activities to the next level. Of course, that doesn't work, and things heat up nicely between these two.
This is an opposites attract story – as these two guys couldn’t be any more different, but it's those relationships that often work the best! I loved these two together! They complement each other well and there's some definite heat here. The age and socialization differences between them made for some conflict and made their story interesting.
I love this series. As a sports fan and with the Olympics starting in a few weeks, these stories are a great warm up for the real Olympic games!
An ARC was provided for review.
3 1/2 Stars for Seduction on the Slopes!! This story was intense with some sexiness, but did not hold my attention. I have loved Tamsen Parker's other books, so it is hard for me this time. I did not feel the attraction and chemistry bbetween Miles and Crash. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Crash was the classic rags to riches skier. Extreme talent and a cocky attitude have landed him in the hot seat with only one person to push him to achieve a dream. His idol was someone he looked up to as a child and he strived to achieve everything Miles had. When Miles takes him under his wing to tame the bad boy attitude that threatens to embarrass their team, Crash finally begins to change. Will Miles be able to stop the lingering anger that seems so close to the surface or will Crash cause an avalanche of trouble for them both?