Off the Ice (Juniper Falls) - Julie Cross

Julie Cross is victorious with OFF THE ICE, the first book in the Juniper Falls series.  Claire O’Connor comes home to help run the family business while her father is recovering.  The last thing she needs to do is get involved with her best friend’s younger brother, hockey goalie, Tate Tanley. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult audiences.  It takes pace in Juniper Falls, Minnesota.

 

Claire is a noble heroine.  She worked hard to go away to college, but comes home when her father becomes ill to help the family business.  She witnessed a dark secret about Tate that she keeps private.  I enjoyed her reaction to Tate maturing.  I like Tate. He has had a crush on Claire for a long time.  They were good friends always hanging out with one another.  He does not have a pleasurable relationship with his father.  He has secrets and a lot of stress in his life.  Tate and Claire make a cute couple with great chemistry.

 

I enjoyed the lot.  Julie Cross does a nice job depicting life in a small town and the different pressures it has, especially for its athletes.  I enjoyed the hockey scenes.  It was engaging hearing Tate’s perspective on going from a backup to starting goalie.   There were many engaging twists and drama.  The story held me captivated from start to finish.   This is the first book that I have read by Julie Cross.  I will continue to follow this series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.