Life on the Edge [Kindle Edition]

Jennifer Comeaux (Author)

Book Description

Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream-to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.

Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily's dreams of gold.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"You don't have to be a fan of figure skating to love this book." - R. Millet

"Sergei and Emily's intense feelings for each other poured off the pages." - Mariann, Belle's Book Bag

"Jennifer Comeaux is an exciting new talent. Her debut novel, Life on the Edge, is a page turner that will keep you guessing to the finish." - aussieSKATES: Figure Skating Downunder

"Life on the Edge should definitely be put on your to be read pile no matter what your age." - Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

About the Author

Jennifer Comeaux earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane University and is a Certified Public Accountant in south Louisiana. While working in the corporate world, she sought a creative outlet and decided to put on paper a story that had played in her head for years. That story became Life On the Edge, her first published novel.

When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see a different side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Product Details

• File Size: 512 KB
• Print Length: 435 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1470101777
• Publisher: Astraea Press (January 3, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006T89A4Y
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,386 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #37 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Sports
  • #59 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Sports

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Life On The Edge A Compelling Novel January 4, 2012

By Reviewer"Lynn"

Format:Kindle Edition

Life on the Edge
Jennifer Comeaux
Astraea Press
January 3rd, 2012
Fictional Romance
5 Stars

Life on the Edge follows the lives and tours of the many skaters who dream of one day of bringing home the Gold Medal in the Olympics. Nineteen year old Emily has always skated alone and now she has to learn to skate with a partner. With Chris as her partner, they dream big and with Sergei a Russian coach, they are sure to win big in the Olympics. As a former champion Sergei is hiding something. Why did he suddenly leave his career and come to the United States to teach skating? One of the no-no's in any sporting event is for coaches and students to have any interaction with each other except for their training sessions. As sparks begin to fly between Sergei and Emily, they know full well that they cannot be seen together or have any romance between them. As they continue on being discreet will this affect Emily's skating performance? As things seem to heat up more between them, trouble lurks just around the corner. Can she confide in her parents that she is seeing Sergei? What about the Russian skaters, do they realize what is going on? How long can she keep this from her partner Chris? But most of all will there be a future for Emily and Sergei together both in the skating and romance department?

This was a very interesting novel and for anyone that follows the world of Ice Skating knows just how strenuous training can be to reach perfection. I feel the author did a great job of describing the twists and turns that goes along with a performance. If you are looking for a good contemporary romance to read then I would recommend "Life on the Edge" I feel like you will enjoy it very much.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Escape Book!!! February 4, 2012

By R. Millet

Format:Kindle Edition

You don't have to be a fan of figure skating to love this book. It's a great escape book with so many great things - romance, unexpected twists, etc. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The only things I knew about the ice skating world was from watching competitions from time to time on TV, but after reading this book I have a new understanding of the sport. I can't wait to see what Jennifer Comeaux comes up with next.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book! August 5, 2012

By Brittney

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have to admit, this book surprised me. It's the first contemporary romance I've ever read, and I was a bit worried about the MC only being nineteen and whether or not I'd be able to relate to her. However, the premise intrigued me, so I bought it.

I shouldn't have worried. I couldn't put this book down! I read it in two days and loved every minute of it.

While the main plot of the story is Emily and her pairs skating partner, Chris, trying to fight their way to the 2002 Olympics, the love story is a perfect blend of fiery chemistry, tender love, and incredible heartbreak. Emily and Sergei (Emily and Chris's skating coach) struggle against the attraction between them, knowing their relationship is forbidden and could ruin everything they've worked for.

This is a sweet romance that draw's the reader into Emily's world. I also really enjoyed the ice skating routines and performances, even though I don't know an awful lot about the sport. It was exciting to live the dream through Emily's eyes.

This one is headed to my re-read pile. I know I will enjoy it again in the future. I'll be on the lookout for more books from Jennifer Comeaux.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! January 5, 2012

By Marigold Blue

Format:Kindle Edition

Life On The Edge is a great read for anyone who loves romance. The story is woven around the life of a figure skater, and done so expertly. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the world of figure skating as much as I did the romance between the main character and her coach. The story is about an unlikely pair, and shows us the heart wants what the heart wants. This is a story of love, perseverance, and integrity; a story of a love that was meant to be. It's a fantastic book for young AND old readers! Loved it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Life on the Edge November 14, 2012

By Jersey Girl Book Reviews / Jersey Girl Sizzling Book Reviews

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Emily Butler is a nineteen year old figure skater with a dream to make it to the Olympics. Once a singles skater, she has made the transition into pairs skating. She and partner Chris Grayden dream of competing at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City and winning the Olympic gold medal. With their young Russian coach Sergei, a former junior world champion who left Russia after his career ended suddenly and mysteriously, they have a good chance of going all the way to achieving their dream.

The story opens in the summer of 2000, leading into the competitive season a year prior to the Olympics. Emily and Chris are practicing for the preliminary competitions leading up to the Olympics. In order for them to attain their Olympic dreams, Emily must not only master technique but conquer her performance anxiety. With the encouragement and support of both Chris and Sergei, Emily is able to control her anxiety and they start to win medals. But along the way the skater-coach relationship between Emily and Sergei grows into a friendship when they co-coach a younger pairs skating couple, that soon blossoms into a forbidden relationship. As a matter of ethics, coaches and skaters are discouraged from dating each other, and Emily and Sergei struggle to find a balance between skating and love, while not losing out on their Olympic dreams. As their love story starts to unfold, new obstacles cross their path and others take notice of their relationship, which threatens to end it all for them....

Life on the Edge is so much more than a romance story, it is an in depth look into the life of an Olympic contender: the dedication to practicing her craft; the unrelenting pressures and expectations from coaches, partners, family and friends; the loyalty of her fans; and ultimately the pursuit to follow her Olympic gold dream.

In her debut novel, author Jennifer Comeaux weaves a riveting tale told in the first person narrative through the eyes of Emily Butler. The story is full of drama, romance, and intense competition, that captivates the reader and transports them into the world of competitive figure skating. I have been a fan of figure skating since I was a child, and in Life on the Edge, the author does not disappoint me. Her research and intimate knowledge of figure skating is phenomenal, while her love for the sport is undeniable. She brings the world of figure skating alive for her readers, and makes it easy for them to follow along, and even feel like they are alongside Emily as she is living out her skating dreams.

I love a good love story, and a forbidden love story is even better! The character's are realistic and complex people who have flaws and strengths that balances them. Emily and Sergei's love story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, their chemistry is so palpable, it simply captivates your interest. You can't help but cheer for Emily as she fights her feelings while doubting Sergei's feelings for her, their struggles keep you turning the pages. Emily is a strong girl who struggles with her performance anxiety, while Chris is easy going, and his laid back nature helps to keep Emily calm and centered. The secondary cast of characters are realistic and engaging, they also play an integral part in the storyline.

Life on the Edge is an engaging story that has a mixture of romance, drama and intensity that easily draws the reader into the storyline. The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader into the world of figure skating. You can feel the intensity every time Chris and Emily steps out onto the ice together for each performance. I was able to easily visualize their performance, feeling the pressure and cheers from the crowd as they performed their program. I literally found myself holding my breath as they completed each element. This reminded me of my favorite skating movie, The Cutting Edge, I could easily see this story becoming a made for TV movie on Lifetime.

Life on the Edge is a wonderful story of love and following one's dream. It is a story that will easily draw you into the daily lives of competitive skaters, while providing the added bonus of a palpable forbidden romance between a coach and skater.

Life on the Edge is the first book in a series. The sequel, Edge of the Past, will be released in late November. The sequel will continue Emily and Sergei's story, but this time the reader will discover Sergei's mysterious past!

Emily Butler is a nineteen year old figure skater with a dream to make it to the Olympics. Once a singles skater, she has made the transition into pairs skating. She and partner Chris Grayden dream of competing at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City and winning the Olympic gold medal. With their young Russian coach Sergei, a former junior world champion who left Russia after his career ended suddenly and mysteriously, they have a good chance of going all the way to achieving their dream.

The story opens in the summer of 2000, leading into the competitive season a year prior to the Olympics. Emily and Chris are practicing for the preliminary competitions leading up to the Olympics. In order for them to attain their Olympic dreams, Emily must not only master technique but conquer her performance anxiety. With the encouragement and support of both Chris and Sergei, Emily is able to control her anxiety and they start to win medals. But along the way the skater-coach relationship between Emily and Sergei grows into a friendship when they co-coach a younger pairs skating couple, that soon blossoms into a forbidden relationship. As a matter of ethics, coaches and skaters are discouraged from dating each other, and Emily and Sergei struggle to find a balance between skating and love, while not losing out on their Olympic dreams. As their love story starts to unfold, new obstacles cross their path and others take notice of their relationship, which threatens to end it all for them.

Life on the Edge is so much more than a romance story, it is an in depth look into the life of an Olympic contender: the dedication to practicing her craft; the unrelenting pressures and expectations from coaches, partners, family and friends; the loyalty of her fans; and ultimately the pursuit to follow her Olympic gold dream.

In her debut novel, author Jennifer Comeaux weaves a riveting tale told in the first person narrative through the eyes of Emily Butler. The story is full of drama, romance, and intense competition, that captivates the reader and transports them into the world of competitive figure skating. I have been a fan of figure skating since I was a child, and in Life on the Edge, the author does not disappoint me. Her research and intimate knowledge of figure skating is phenomenal, while her love for the sport is undeniable. She brings the world of figure skating alive for her readers, and makes it easy for them to follow along, and even feel like they are alongside Emily as she is living out her skating dreams.

I love a good love story, and a forbidden love story is even better! The character's are realistic and complex people who have flaws and strengths that balances them. Emily and Sergei's love story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, their chemistry is so palpable, it simply captivates your interest. You can't help but cheer for Emily as she fights her feelings while doubting Sergei's feelings for her, their struggles keep you turning the pages. Emily is a strong girl who struggles with her performance anxiety, while Chris is easy going, and his laid back nature helps to keep Emily calm and centered. The secondary cast of characters are realistic and engaging, they also play an integral part in the storyline.

Life on the Edge is an engaging story that has a mixture of romance, drama and intensity that easily draws the reader into the storyline. The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader into the world of figure skating. You can feel the intensity every time Chris and Emily steps out onto the ice together for each performance. I was able to easily visualize their performance, feeling the pressure and cheers from the crowd as they performed their program. I literally found myself holding my breath as they completed each element. This reminded me of my favorite skating movie, The Cutting Edge, I could easily see this story becoming a made for TV movie on Lifetime.

Life on the Edge is a wonderful story of love and following one's dream. It is a story that will easily draw you into the daily lives of competitive skaters, while providing the added bonus of a palpable forbidden romance between a coach and skater.

Life on the Edge is the first book in a series. The sequel, Edge of the Past, will be released in late November. The sequel will continue Emily and Sergei's story, but this time the reader will discover Sergei's mysterious past! Read more ›

More About the Author

Jennifer Comeaux earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane University and is a Certified Public Accountant in south Louisiana. While working in the corporate world, she sought a creative outlet and decided to put on paper a story that had played in her head for years. That story became Life on the Edge, her first published novel.

When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see a different side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Visit Jennifer at her blog: http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com and on Facebook at Jennifer Comeaux Author