The first thing to know: this book can be read as part of the series or a standalone. I read it as a standalone and had no trouble keeping up with the characters or plot.
It was really cool that Jake was a snowboarder. That is definitely something not seen often in YA and it gave this book a special something. However, I was lost a few times when the tricks were described. (Maybe I should watch some snowboarding sometime.)
I was kind of surprised how under-developed the mystery was. There were not really any red herrings and it just progressed without a list of suspects or real evidence.
Although there were aspects that weren't my favorite, I really enjoyed this book and was glad to have a chance to read another of Leslea Wahl's novels.

Rating: 4/5
Language: N/A
Romance: a kiss or two
Spiritual: yep, clean ya Christian
Violence: N/A

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

While eXtreme Blindside is the second book in Leslea Wahl’s Jake and Sophie mystery series, I was not at all lost jumping right into it without reading the first one.

Wahl creates memorable and unique characters from snowboarder Jake Silver to his reporter-in-waiting girlfriend, their parents, friends, and the many other people who walk on and off the pages during a major winter extreme sports event. Jake and Sophie are genuine with ups, downs, doubts, and more about themselves as well as their relationship.

Most of the action in the front half of this story is in the events themselves, especially the snowboarding and the tricks the athletes perform. Later, as Jake and Sophie start to unravel the truth behind the sabotage, things pick up in the suspense department.

Wahl gives teenagers an clean, faith-focus, yet exciting story complete with life lessons, family, friends, and fun.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )