Off Edge by Addison Brae-Review & Guest Post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2024

Do you know what it’s like to win an Olympic gold, then have it stripped away? I do.

Gold is every figure skater’s life dream. At fifteen, I experience the thrill of wearing the medal for a few minutes until judges accused me of being too young to be eligible. That’s when I realized my father’s ultimate lie could cost more than my title.

During our daring escape from Russia, I pressured my coach to tell the truth about my adoption. But the quad combination and two world titles aren’t enough to keep the scandal from erasing my career and identity. Disgraced, disqualified, and devastated, I can’t face a rink, fans, or daily life. My controlling dad’s betrayal lights a fire to break free from his bad decisions. My best friend and a journalist who will tell my story step in to stop the downward spiral and help me uncover my past.

The story of Docia’s fierce determination to discover her true identity, unerase her career, and find the passion to skate again will engage teen readers, figure skating fans, and anyone who’s ever experienced betrayal from someone close.

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REVIEW:I love watching figure skating ⛸️ it’s so graceful and full of passion.

This is a story that captures all that passion and beauty.

YA/NA read that just transports you into the mind of a fifteen year old skater. Her joy at skating her best, winning a medal. Then her confusion at the cryptic conversation with a fellow skater. Then horror/fear and absolute sorrow/pain at being stripped of the medal.

Docia was such an amazing character, you feel her joy and her pain in this book. Her father was a total a$$! How he could do that to his daughter just floored me! Her friend was just a rock.

We also get a little romance 🥰 a daring escape and a twist that was a little unexpected, but a nice surprise. Watching Docia come into her own, breaking away from her overbearing father. To discover family doesn’t have to be blood related.

Told from Docia’s point of view. Her emotions are put on display. Her resilience, her determination and her willingness to fight for what was done to her.

So, if you like skating/mystery or even just a new book/author to read, then grab this book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

 

Who are your favorite literary villains?

By Addison Brae, author of Off Edge

Who are the characters that creep you out most in books or movies? Laurent, James, and Victoria in Twilight, Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid’s Tale, and Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games are major villains. What do you like and not like about these antagonist characters?

Some villains are real people and others are supernatural or giant human/societal forces. Each affect and challenge the main character in different ways. All require the protagonist to stay on their guard. They also keep us reading to see what will happen next. For example, how will Frodo make it past Boromir and Sauron with the ring to Mount Doom and back home safely to the Shire in Lord of the Rings? Is it possible for Harry Potter to fight off human foes like Draco Malfoy to defeat Lord Voldemort? Will Percy Jackson prevail in each of his battles against Luke Castellan, Kronos, King of the Titans, and his other enemies?

Has someone or something in your life creeped you out? Maybe the neighbor or a coworker who’s just always there? Or maybe you’ve had a period in your life when nothing went your way. Your family, people at school or work, or some unknown force wreaks havoc on everything you try to do. Some characters’ creepiness is more overt and for others, it may be hard to put your finger on exactly what makes you squirm. They’re just disturbing.

This type of creepy character inspired some colorful antagonists in Off Edge. One is Docia’s former friend, Stacy, a vicious competitor who’s in on the scheme to bring her down. A mashup of a couple of former bosses who started out friendly then turned mean inspired her into a character who says things like this:

She prances up, arms open for a big hug. “Congratulations, Docia. Enjoy your fourth place….” She leans in close, “…until everyone finds out….”

Another is Docia’s father who has characteristics of people in past relationships in my life. This character’s control and emotional abuse whittles away at Docia’s self-confidence with reactions such as this:

“I did it!”

 “You did, and I’m so proud of you, sweetie. You looked beautiful out there.”

 Dad’s embrace isn’t so warm. “Nice job, Docia. I’ve told you a million times not to rush your elements. You know better.”

I stiffen and pull away. “But I’m in fourth place,” I whisper out of the media’s view.

The best part of an intriguing rival is how the main character reacts to them. Do they face off in a direct battle? What’s wickedly satisfying in fiction is when the main character brings the bad guy down and walks away in complete victory.

Next time someone creeps you out, say hello. Talk to them. Maybe they just need a kind word. Now is a perfect time to change a potentially bad outcome to something fantastic.

Happy reading!

 

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Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters, and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts, and other content as an independent marketing consultant.

Addison writes adult and new adult romantic suspense and contemporary young adult fiction. When she’s not writing, Addison travels, collects interesting cocktail recipes, and hosts parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing, and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.

Watch for Off Edge, a new young adult contemporary scheduled to release in September 2024. The story of this young Olympic champion’s fierce determination to discover her true identity, unerase her career, and find the passion to skate again will engage teen readers, figure skating fans, and anyone who’s ever experienced betrayal from someone close.

Nothing brings a book to life better than film. Watch the book trailers for the romantic suspense Becker Circle and Dark Energy on YouTube. Also stream or download the songs, DARK ENERGY (Brian Miller) and DARK ENERGY .germans REMIX (Bobby Hoke/Brian Miller), from your favorite music source. BECKER CIRCLE and DARK ENERGY are huge tributes to bartenders, bar managers, and servers – all superheroes!