♡ Thank you for the free audiobook, PRH Audio.
Synopsis
She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.
As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.
Thoughts
Loosely based on Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, which I had recently reread, this was a compelling romance. Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six may find the writing style familiar, with interviews and shuffling timelines delivering an impactful story. I enjoyed the ice dancing details, depth of character, and story arc. Although perhaps not the happiest story and a bit drawn out, it is one that I will surely be thinking about for some time.
★★★★☆
☊ Listening to this via audiobook with a full cast of characters was phenomenal. Christine Lakin, Louisa Zhu, Amy Landon, Elena Rey, Rose Lohman, Suzanne Toren, Graham Halstead, Julia Emelin, Layne Fargo, Eric Yang, and Johnny Weir did an outstanding job!
Edition
This beautiful edition is from Goldsboro, hence the spelling difference in the title.