Review: Finding Her Edge

Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli

Summary

As part of the legendary Russo family, Adriana is used to her family getting attention in the figure skating world. The pressure is on even more now that her family owned ice rink is hosting the Junior World team, while her sister is being filmed by a TV crew as she trains for the Olympics. On top of that Adriana is worried about her family's finances and the arrival of her ex-partner and crush, Freddie. Then social media explodes with speculation of a romance between her and her new partner, Brayden. Fearing the fate of the rink and knowing how increased fame and success could help, Adriana agrees to fake a relationship with Brayden and grow their star power. As their feelings become more real, Adriana has to make some life altering decisions that will decide not only her love life but what will come of her family and their future.

My Thoughts

Finding Her Edge is a fun YA romance that I particularly was excited to read given the figure skating aspect. I’m a former figure skater (though as a hobby and not competitive) and my first job was working at an ice rink, complete with teaching little kids how to skate! Would a non-skater be as enamored of this book as me? Maybe not, but it was a satisfying romance regardless of how much you’re invested in the skating world.

There were aspects of the book that were a little weak. The financial issues of the family are a driving force of the plot, which should add some depth to Adriana's struggles but doesn't quite resonate as it's an abstract issue with no real impact on her life in the book. Some of the characters were one dimensional, notably Adriana's sister Elisa and her dad. Both did not seem to develop beyond being self-absorbed, mkaing it difficult to understand why Adriana would care or have empathy for them.

Luckily both the sister and dad spend most of the book away at the Olympics and do not have a lot of direct interaction to read through.

As a whole the book is enjoyable and any issues I had were nit-picking as the book is a light, romantic read that offers a unique backdrop to a classic love triangle.

Book Information

Title: Finding Her Edge

Author: Jennifer Iacopelli

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill

Publish Date: February 8, 2022

Genre(s): romance Themes: love, family Protagonist Description: Teenage girl, straight, white Trigger Warnings: not much beyond kissing

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book for free from NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own..

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