Thrust

I don’t generally care much for sports themed romances but I’ll always pick one up if it’s written by Rachel Spangler. I always come away from their books with a new appreciation for whatever sport is featured. I definitely enjoyed the fencing aspects of this novel, but I admittedly came here for the romance, and this book definitely delivered. Lauren and Jess were very well written and interesting characters and their chemistry together was off the charts. The drama/angst was well done and believable as well. This was a really enjoyable romance and I highly recommend it.

Jess is a 13 yr old 8th grader on the high school varsity fencing team, and they just won the state championship . Lauren is the 18 yr old team captain. And Jess is seriously crushing/in love with her. But there's an age gap and Lauren won't cross it. But she tells Jess, that she'll become an Olympian and to look her up then. Ten years later, Jess does! I learned so much about fencing, I didn't realize how much training they did. I'm impressed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the give and take between the 2 MCs. Kristie, Lauren's bestfriend is hysterical. Haley, Jess's bestfriend is a really good friend. You'll see why. I give this 5 stars!

Good: The storyline was very intriguing. I love the prologue. It was gentle and very well written giving their ages. It didn’t feel creepy, it felt like a school girl crush. The first chapter, I like the character build and the display of their personalities. I loved how the book was focused on the mental health of the characters. The ending was beautiful. I look forward to a possible 2nd book- maybe the ending hinted to the two best friends of the main characters hooking up?? I would love that. Not going to say bad, per se, but just improvements maybe: The first chapter, even though it did build the foundation of the characters it felt as if the past and present was rushed. You’re telling me she literally waited 10 years to reach out to a girl that she loved from the first moment?? I felt as if she had more mental problems than just fencing and what was said in the book. It was totally illogical. Like you were 13, maybe it was the cockiness and true love factor that kept being mentioned, that explained why this was logical. Also, how she asked her to be her coach, going to the owner and low key ganging up on her. That was very telling of entitlement issues, in my opinion lol . Yes, it was hinted at that she always gets what she wants but not flat out said was the privilege of the main character. I feel as if that was an underhand theme throughout the book. You have one character full of privilege and the other who through family hardship had their privilege ripped…

Good bit of sport in there, lots of competition between the MCs, lots of playfulness leading to good chemistry and spiciness.

This book is filled with wonderful and authentic characters, especially the main characters. Despite knowing nothing about fencing, I throughly enjoyed this book and learned a little about the sport in the process.