Synopsis:
Stefan has a routine that he can’t compromise on if he’s expected to perform at his best. That routine definitely doesn’t include a smiley roomate. But as he and Evan grow closer at Worlds, Stefan realizes that shaking up his routine can be incredible.❤️ M/M Sports Romance
🧡 Figure Skating
💛 Rivals to Lovers
💚 Queer Awakening
💙 Secret Relationship
💜 Long Distance
Highlights:
– Stefan is a cat dad
– Researching a partner’s kinks
– “I’m proud of you”
Recommend?
Yes! This is a wonderfully done debut novel from Baz. It’s romantic and heartfelt and real. Definitely worth a read!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
“Back Outside Edge” by Baz Navarre is an MM rivals to lovers romance between two figure skaters. It follows Stefan and Evan as they go from reluctant roommates at Worlds to friends and eventually something more. But a relationship isn’t easy, it means months apart, keeping secrets, and when disaster strikes, it threatens to tear them apart.
Ratings:
Overall: 4.5/5 – This book is so good. I struggled a bit to decide between 4 and 5. Because I really fell in love with this story but there were also some things I didn’t love. Neither option seemed fair to my gut so I’m going with 4.5.
Spice Quantity: 2/5 Peppers – I’m estimating about 20% of this book is spice based on vibes.
Spice Quality: 5/5 – The spice is super detailed and there were moments that had me blushing and feeling like I was right there with them.
Plot: 4/5 –
Storyline: I really loved the storyline. I loved that the characters struggle with not only the external antagonists, but internal ones as well. I loved the slow build of their relationship and I loved how amazing the pacing was. I felt like the plot just kept coming and it never felt too slow or like it was rushed.
Characters: They’re so great. I really liked that they felt like 24 year olds, which means they were figuring out what they wanted out of life, they were messing up (with consequences), and they were mature enough to grow from each mistake.
Writing Style: This is where the book lost some of its shine for me. The writing felt a bit choppy at the beginning and it wasn’t until about 1/5 of the way into it that it seemed to smooth out for me and I really got sucked in enough to start loving the storyline. But this is usually a me thing, not a book thing.
Conclusion: – It’s a well done story that doesn’t require a lot of skating knowledge to fall into. It has great characters, plenty of angst, but also some really heartfelt emotional moments too. It’s definitely a book I’d recommend to a friend and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
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*I did receive a free ARC of this book. However, this review is 100% voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.*