After the Gold

A fast-paced, deeply emotional tale of two people who don't know what they want for the future — and yet, know they can't live without each other. I've never read a skating romance before, and sports romances normally aren't my thing. But McRae and Maltese have written an accessible, witty and highly engaging book that's a peek backstage into the world of high stakes, Olympic ice skating. Like most of the world, I've watched some skating, and I've admired the athletes' focus, grace and sensuality. That focus is captured in After the Gold — the authors don't gloss over the details, and provide full, well-rounded characters that are clearly in top form, both mentally and physically. It's a joy to read about such competent characters. No cardboard cutouts here. But the novel also goes deeper, asking the question: what happens when a two-person team of athletes in the public eye are at the pinnacle of their success, but can no longer continue in their sport? It's a fascinating and tender look at obsession and anxiety, of competition, and love — both for the sport, and for each other. I devoured this in a day.