Author Interview + Giveaway: Life on the Edge

Life on the Edge
By Jennifer Comeaux
January 3, 2012
Astraea Press
Author’s Website
Paperback | Kindle

Read Our Review of Life on the Edge

Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream – to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.

Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.

Making the Grade is pleased to welcome Jennifer Comeaux, author of Life on the Edge, for an exclusive interview here on the blog. In addition, she is allowing us to host a giveaway as part of the Kick-Butt Characters Giveaway Hop. Be sure to visit the giveaway page to win a Life on the Edge Prize pack and e-book!

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Jennifer! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in south Louisiana and stayed close to home for college, graduating from Tulane University with a Master of Accounting degree. Currently, I’m the corporate tax manager for a large company in the New Orleans area. I used to write a lot when I was a kid, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started writing again when a friend encouraged me to explore an idea I had for a story. That idea turned into Life on the Edge!

What do you do when you’re not writing? (For fun, that is!)
Travelling and sports-watching are my two big hobbies. As you can probably tell from the subject of my book, I’m a huge fan of figure skating. I’m also a big supporter of Tulane athletics. I have football and baseball season tickets, and during spring you’ll find me at the ballpark almost every weekend. Travelling is my other love, and I especially enjoy travelling to figure skating events. I usually attend two or three per year.

Life on the Edge is about ice skating professionals. Please tell us about your connection to the skating world. What exactly inspired you to write about the subject?
I’ve been a fan of figure skating since I was a little girl. I always watched every competition and show that came on TV, and I thought it would be so fun to attend a competition. In 2001 I attended my first national championship, and I was hooked! Being at the event was so much more exhilarating than watching on TV. Over the years of attending competitions, I’ve learned more about the behind-the-scenes world, and it only increased my fascination with the sport. I think figure skating is the perfect combination of sport and art–it’s so beautiful yet so physically demanding.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Growing up, I was addicted to the Sweet Valley High series. I think those books influenced me a lot. I loved all the drama and relationships of the Wakefield twins. I wanted to be Elizabeth!

Regarding Life on the Edge, what was your favorite chapter (or part of the book) to write and why?
The dinner party at Emily’s house was one of my favorite scenes because that’s where I first had the chance to explore the chemistry and the blossoming feelings between Emily and Sergei. I love writing those moments where the characters can feel something happening between them but can’t act on it/aren’t ready to act on it yet. The chapter at the Tokyo nightclub was also one of my favorites, but I don’t want to give any details about it that will spoil the story! You’ll have to read the book to find out why that chapter is near and dear to my heart.

Are your characters based on any one (or any ice skaters) you know?
They’re all products of my imagination, although there may be some characteristics that have been subconsciously inspired by skaters I’ve watched over the years. If you find a coach that fits Sergei’s description (young, hot, and romantic!), please let me know!

If there is ONE THING you would like readers to know about Life on the Edge, what would it be?
It’s a feel-good story. When I was working on the book, some people thought I should make the story grittier, but I had to stay true to my vision of the characters. There’s plenty of drama and intensity in the book, but in the end I wanted to leave the reader with warm feelings.

What are your plans for a sequel, if any? Do you have any other stories planned? *eye wink*
I’m currently writing the sequel to Life on the Edge! It’s in the early stages, but I’m very excited to share more of Emily and Sergei’s story with everyone.

What is the one thing you most wish to accomplish in 2012?
I want to finish the sequel and have it published or ready for publication by the end of the year.

Aside from the necessities, if you could take only one thing with you while traveling, what would it be?
My camera! I love taking photos, and I couldn’t imagine being without my camera on a trip. I had to stop developing my trip pictures because I can’t fit any more photo albums on my bookshelf!

Chocolate or vanilla?
Definitely chocolate (and lots of it!)

Pepsi or Coke?
Coke

Tom or Jerry? 😉
Jerry

Thank you for taking the time to talk to Making the Grade! I’m sure I speak for us all when I say we look forward to reading more from you!

Provide a Mad Libs entry for your chance to win
a Life on the Edge Prize Pack!

You must fill out this form to enter.

ONE entry per person.
Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
ONE winner will receive the Prize Pack and e-book.
Giveaway ends at midnight on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.

View the other blogs participating in this Hop (and enter to win even more giveaways!) by visiting the Kick-Butt Characters Giveaway Hop page over at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.

Book Review: Life on the Edge

Life on the Edge
By Jennifer Comeaux
January 3, 2012
Astraea Press
Author’s Website
Paperback | Kindle

Life on the Edge is about a young, talented figure skater named Emily. Up until the beginning of the book Emily has been a solo artist but has recently been convinced to take on a partner. With a partner comes a new routine and with a new routine comes a new coach. Emily’s dream is for her and her partner to be the first American skating duet to win a gold medal in the Olympics. Through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance Emily and her partner are well on their way to achieving that goal. However, there is one thing that is standing in their way – Emily’s heart. Emily’s and her partner’s new coach is Sergei, an attractive yet mysterious man from Russia. Formerly a world famous skater turned coach at a very young age. No matter how much they try to deny it, Sergei and Emily cannot deny their feelings for one another. A coach dating a student is highly frowned upon in the Federation. Will Sergei be suspended from coaching? Will Emily’s dream of going to the Olympics be ruined? Can Sergei and Emily bear to stay away from each other?

JEN’S REVIEW

I discovered this book through Goodreads and took a shot in the dark with purchasing it. I didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

Plot: 10

Although the concept of “forbidden love” is not uncommon, Comeaux’s interpretation is very unique. There are very few ice skating novels, and to have the forbidden relationship be between Emily and her coach was a real treat. Initially, I thought it would occur between Emily and her skating partner. The book is very emotional. The story is not just about this forbidden relationship. It’s about two people striving for greatness and the journey they embark upon to get there. This is something everyone can relate to. When Emily and Chris (her partner) set foot on the ice you feel their emotions with them. You’re nervous with them when they begin their routine. You cry with them when they fail and you smile with them when they succeed.

Characters: 10

The characters are very lovable and easy to relate to. I love Emily’s passion for skating and her love for Sergei. I consider myself an individual of many passions, but I’m not passionate enough about anything to strive for something like the Olympics. Emily’s character made me realize how much I wish I was. Emily is a very caring, sensitive person who has an enormous capacity to love life, skating, and the people around her. Sergei on the other hand is very mysterious. It was a lot of fun diving into the world of this Russian skater. The question of why he gave up his title as a world famous figure skater to coach in a small town in the U.S. is heavily weighed on your mind through most of the book. Sergei is also a very honorable, respectful, and loving man. He cares for Emily very much but he’s not about to jeopardize her career or his job to satisfy is selfishness of being with her. At first, Emily and Sergei try very hard to ignore their feelings for one another. But of course that can only last for so long.

Setting: 10

Although the setting of the story was simple, it was surprisingly fascinating. Life on the Edge is a contemporary romance. Therefore, it doesn’t take place in some enchanted castle or haunted forest. Majority of the story takes place at an apartment, a home or an ice skating rink. As previously stated, although the setting is simple, it is exciting because of what takes place in these various locations. For example, the reader experiences adrenaline, excitement, and nervousness while Emily and Chris are sitting in the hallway waiting for their turn to perform on the ice. The reader experiences butterflies and giggles while Emily and Sergei are on their dinner date. There are very few authors who can generate as much emotion from their readers as Comeaux has with this book.

Pacing: 8

The pacing of the book was executed very well, with the exception of the beginning. The beginning felt very rushed. So rushed in fact, that I was skeptical as to whether I was going to enjoy the book at all. I understand the author’s need to get along with the story because there were so many important things to get to. However, I felt I was missing out on one of the most important parts – the moment when Emily and Sergei’s relationship shifted from coach/student to something more. At the beginning, Sergei and Emily begin to spend a lot of time together as friends outside of the rink but every moment together was sped through so fast. I was having a difficult time feeling the connection between Sergei and Emily because their moments together were so brief. Thankfully, Comeaux redeemed herself ten-fold as the story continued. The fast pace of the book didn’t last long and it soon slowed down to a pace that was enjoyable. More importantly, believable. The tension that builds between the two love birds makes you want to crack. The moment they have their first kiss you want to scream, “Hallelujah!”

Style: 10

The writing of this book is very smooth and easy to follow. There are many elements, twists, turns and dramatic situations in this book that keep you awake reading all night long. One of the things I loved most about this book was Comeaux’s ability to keep me on my toes. Emily and Sergei go through so much to be together. There are many hurdles they must face and each one is unalike the other. Even though it was sad to see them struggling it was amazing to also see them grow stronger together. Comeaux does a fantastic job of letting experience and the events that take place tell the story. The author doesn’t treat her readers like kindergarten kids spells everything out. Give us some credit will ya? We do have the capability of figuring things out on our own.

This being her first novel, Comeaux has done a fabulous job. To the point where all I want to do is quit my job, pick up skating and date a ridiculously attractive Russian coach. I look forward to more of her books in the future.

Enjoy! And happy reading.

Grade: 98