Rachel Spangler Livres

"Fencing prodigy Jess Kidman has always been ahead of her peers. At the age of thirteen she made the varsity team, won a state championship, came out, and fell head over heels in love with her team captain, Lauren Standish. After being gently rebuffed by the high school senior, young Jess vowed she would return for her some day when their age difference became irrelevant and her own accomplishments made her not merely an equal, but an Olympian. Eleven years later, Jess makes good on her promise, but when she arrives back in Buffalo a few months before the big games, she's intrigued to find that the woman she's always dreamed of could also be exactly the coach she needs to win gold. Lauren, however, isn't the bubbly team captain she'd been at eighteen. After a stellar collegiate career of her own, circumstances forced her to put her dreams on the shelf and return to Buffalo. She'd made peace with a quiet life spent running a rustbelt fencing club and coaching kids when Team USA's hottest young fencer waltzes back into her life. As much as Lauren finds Jess's confidence and athleticism alluring, she also sees the hot-headed superstar as a threat to the carefully controlled world rebuilt in the wake of the traumatic loss she is desperate to avoid reliving. Never one to turn her back on a friend in need, Lauren agrees to coach Jess on the condition that they focus only on the swordplay and not the sharp point of attraction threatening to sever the bonds of her professionalism. The two women set to work preparing for the biggest event of their lives, but as tension mounts in the lead-up to the Olympic games, the pressure and the passion building between them also grows, leaving both to wonder if Jess is trying to win the gold, or win the girl."--Back cover

Exploring the theme of regret and the desire for change, the narrative delves into the complexities of choices and their consequences. It poses thought-provoking questions about the impact of our past decisions and the potential for altering them. The story invites readers to reflect on the notion of fate versus free will, emphasizing how circumstances can shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Set in the picturesque seaside village of Amberwick, a heartbroken and reclusive author becomes the focus of a community plot orchestrated by the locals and their bartender. As they attempt to coax her out of isolation, both the author and the bartender confront their own fears and desires, leading to unexpected emotional connections and a journey of self-discovery. This full English romance explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the transformative power of community.

After a devastating ultimatum from her lover, Campbell Carson returns to her childhood home, Bear Run Ski Resort, seeking her family's unconditional solace and support.

Set against the backdrop of a gay and lesbian youth center, the story explores the unexpected connection between Ashton Clarke, a charming local Casanova, and Professor Carrie Fletcher, who is determined to remain single. As Ashton becomes involved in the center, her feelings for Carrie grow, challenging both women's views on love and relationships. This tale delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of romance in the face of personal barriers.

The story follows Mira Collins, whose orderly life is disrupted when she takes temporary custody of her nephew, Ben, after her sister's unexpected arrival. As she navigates the challenges of substitute parenting, she encounters Shelby Tanner, Ben's passionate young violin teacher, who is also struggling to find her footing in adulthood. Their growing attraction complicates their lives further, especially with the looming threat of Mira's sister's return. Together, they must confront their differences and the uncertainties of their evolving relationships.

The story explores the intersection of baseball and personal relationships through Sarah Duke, a passionate sports writer breaking into a male-dominated field. Her connection with Molly Grettano and her two sons at the ballpark sparks potential for deeper bonds, yet Molly's past experiences with abandonment make her hesitant. As both women navigate their feelings, they grapple with the challenges of trust and the possibility of love amidst their commitments to family and career.

Emery Pembroke's return home reveals her mother's unexpected rise to CEO of their green energy business, leaving Emery to prove her worth to the board. To enhance her standing, she seeks a socially suitable partner, leading her to Arden Gilderson, a shy heiress who has long admired her. As they navigate their growing attraction and the pressures from society and family, they must confront their identities and the expectations placed upon them. This heartwarming sapphic romance explores love, acceptance, and the journey to embrace one's true self.

Facing unexpected challenges, a once-celebrated snowboarder finds herself as an underdog due to injuries. Meanwhile, a determined skier, desperate to recover from her own setbacks, is reluctant to partner with her. As they navigate their competitive worlds, the tension between their contrasting personalities could either lead to a powerful alliance or become a significant distraction. Their journey explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams against the odds.