What is your opinion?
Between the Blades
"Between the Blades is a very well written story that I definitely feel is worth the read. Esther Strong is well polished as a writer and you can see she has done massive research into Russian culture and professional ice skating. The female lead is strong and brave, has a good heart and a passion for life. While the male protagonist shows weaknesses and flaws that he focuses on fixing throughout the novella. You find yourself liking him more and more with each chapter. Between the Blades is a quick read that I would encourage anyone to pick up and read for a quick feel good story that also carries suspense and even a little action. Great work Esther Strong! "
Love!
"I was hooked from the beginning and loved the whole thing! Can’t wait to read the second one!"
A beautifully emotional story of love, redemption, and second chances
"Between the Blades pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. The chemistry between Lina and Alexei is undeniable — a powerful, emotional connection that makes you root for them as they find their way back to each other. I loved the figure skating backdrop, but what makes this story truly special is how it goes far beyond the ice. It delves into real life — love, loss, redemption — and adds a perfectly balanced thread of suspense that keeps you turning pages without giving too much away. 😁 The descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you’re right there beside the characters, experiencing every emotion and every breathtaking moment. A beautifully written, emotionally rich story about second chances and resilience. Highly recommend!"
Complex, Captivating and Utterly Human
"“Between the Blades” is a romance that marries passion, tension, and intrigue, delivering a love story that lingers long after the last page. What makes this novel stand out are its deeply drawn protagonists — flawed, magnetic, and entirely real — and the stakes that threaten to tear them apart. Characters & Chemistry Alexei is compelling in his complexity: protective, masculine, burdened by past hurts, and prone to mistakes. He’s not a flawless hero, and that makes him all the more believable. Lina balances him beautifully — soft, nurturing, sensual, but with spines of her own. Their relationship crackles with chemistry, and the push-and-pull of their emotional distance and longing makes their reunion all the more satisfying. Their dynamic feels earned — we see how they’ve hurt each other, how they hesitate, and how they fight (both internally and externally) to trust again. Plot & Pacing The story’s core — a second chance romance wrapped in danger — is a classic setup, but the author imbues it with urgency and layers. The hidden enemy looms, and the tension between the lovers escalates in parallel with external threats. The pacing keeps you invested: you’re eager to see how their fractured past can be mended, and whether they can survive the traps set against them. The stakes are high — not just for romance, but for survival. Villain & Conflict The antagonist is satisfactorily evil (in a good way): memorable, dangerous, and not a mere plot device. Because the villain’s motivations feel real and the threat feels tangible, you care about the outcome. That enhances the emotional resonance between Alexei and Lina, because their reunion isn’t just about overcoming misunderstandings — it’s a fight to stay alive. Strengths & Suggestions The emotional stakes are powerful: the author doesn’t shy away from heartbreak, doubt, or inner turmoil, which gives weight to every moment of connection or separation. The writing style is evocative: imagery of ice, skating, and cold environments serve not only as setting but as metaphors for emotional distance and thawing love. On occasion, transitions (especially between internal monologue and dialogue) feel a little abrupt, and a few scenes could benefit from more breathing room — letting the tension settle before the next twist. Verdict Between the Blades is a satisfying, immersive romance that ticks many of the boxes a reader hopes for: tension, chemistry, believable conflict, and a villain who dares to threaten the lovers’ chance at happiness. If you’re drawn to emotional second-chance tales with danger and depth, this one’s a strong recommendation."
Between the blades
"Enjoyed the story, thank you!!z"
Flawless presentation and a compelling story
"I really enjoyed reading the story. The characters are easy to relate to, their feelings are resonant and earned. Each character is unique and build to the plot and the writer makes it easy to understand exactly what is happening and where you are. This makes for easy reading and is perfectly presented. There is some real tension between the characters that feels as though it belongs. You can really get behind it. This is a great story, worth reading and thoroughly earns it stars! Thank you. "
Compelling!
"I would recommend this book to anyone who adores romances and anyone who has a passionate love of skating. I'm looking forward to the sequel because it is clear that their story is not over!"
Chapters
"The chapters are short but oddly I love that it is. It leaves you wondering every time so I think it does its job extremely well. Not all books work well with long chapters but the straight to the point works best for this!"
