Patricia McLinn The Games

The Games

Patricia McLinn

Delphi, Jan 2006, $15.00

ISBN: 0976518511

The Olympics! Sixteen days to become a household name. Others will go home without a medal, but forever remember participating. However, some leave with bitter memories.

Former figure skating great Tess Rutledge returns as coach of the surprising Amy Yost; Tess bitterly reflects back at her greatest triumph and worst heartbreak when she met Russian skater Andrei Chersakov eighteen years ago. She plans to insure her young prot g is not hurt like she was. Andrei, a coach also here, plans to win the only gold that matters, Tess' heart.

Biathlon competitor Rikki Lodge and ice hockey player Lanny Kaminski notice each other during the opening ceremonies when both check in their euphoria as the oldest members of their respective teams. When they meet they cannot resist the desire that erupts, but will passion survive the games?

Fifteen months ago, skier Kyle Armstrong and her coach Rob Zemlak shared the greatest night in their lives. However, he regrets breaking the coaching rule with one of his athletes though he still wants her. They both hide their feelings behind a wall of anger that threatens her performance. Another skier rooming with Kyle, Nan Monahan recognizes the maelstrom between the coach and her peer. Making things more difficult for Rob is he should make a team decision at the cost of his beloved Kyle.

THE GAMES is faster than downhill skiing yet character driven as the audience gets to know the ensemble cast up close and in person. The story line focuses on the potential agony of defeat in the personal lives as much as the victories and losses at the Games. Readers will enjoy this strong gold medal winning performance.

Harriet Klausner