Overall Grade: A-
Tropes: bad boy/good girl; opposites attract; grump/sunshine; sports romance; alpha-hero; band of brothers
Who knew how refreshing an Olympic gymnast FMC and a motocross MMC could be as romantic characters? Let’s face it; there’s a run on hockey romance right now in romancelandia. Rebecca Jenshak has inhabited the world of college basketball, college hockey, and professional hockey at great length. Bringing us into the worlds of motocross and gymnastics was refreshing, and it raised the level of her storytelling.
I couldn’t put down Jenshak’s Burnout for the first time in a bit. Knox and Avery’s banter, their compelling attraction, and the complication of their friends-with-benefits/situationship are enticing. I hated to leave them because Jenshak has created a chemistry between the two that is undeniable and engaging. Highlighting the tension of Knox’s need to care for his family is the emotional foundation of this story, and it draws the reader in. The way that Jenshak takes her reader to almost the end for Knox’s revelation about his feelings for Avery keeps you glued to the book. My one criticism is the ease at which Knox realizes this. He moves from failing to communicate with Avery to being all in which created a bit of a continuity issue for me. However, his profession of love is magnetic and romantic. Even more, the ending of Burnout and its bonus epilogue are adorable.
Rebecca Jenshak earned a gold medal with Burnout. She should stand proudly on the podium and accept all the accolades for a compelling new story.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 