Author: Shawn Johnson.

Series: Standalone.

Book Premise: To everyone at school, Charlotte Ryland is an average high school student. Secretly, she's the Olympic-bound gymnast Charlie Ryland, who's heading to the trials in just a few weeks. If she makes Team USA, her secret will be out. But until then, she's savoring the normalcy that school has to offer. Well, mostly normal. She can't go to prom, which she doesn't care about until she meets a handsome boy and starts hanging out with him. Charlie's two lives can't bleed into each other if she expects to have a chance at the Olympics. However, it's getting harder to keep them separate.

Reading Level/Genre: Sports, YA, romance. Ages 13+ for some mild romance.

Profanity: Use of "OMG." A use of "crap." "Oh my God" is said twice. "Sexy" is used but not to describe a person. Boys are occasionally called "hot."

Violence: Some gymnastic injuries, namely an ankle one that Charlie has trouble with. A mention of a classmate having emergency appendix surgery.

Spice Level: One of the coaches at Charlie's gym had her career ruined because of a topless photo that was spread. One kiss, not descriptive.

Additional Content: Charlie lies to her coach and her parents about prom. She also reads a few rude online comments.

My Take: I always enjoy an Olympic read, and The Flip Side was golden! Charlie's attempts at juggling two drastically different lives was intriguing and entertaining. I thought the romantic subplot was so fun. There were positive, uplifting, and relatable lessons on relationships, honesty, and handling pressure. A definite re-read!

Author: Natalie Blitt.

Series: Standalone.

Book Premise: After a hockey accident that gave her friend a serious concussion, Harper is terrified to get back on the ice. Instead, she works at the rink's hot chocolate stand. But when Jason, a cute figure skating champion moves to town and a mentorship program opens up, Harper wonders if she should stay off the ice forever. With the help of Bea, her best friend, and Jason, can she face her fears and lace up her skates again?

Reading Level/Genre: Sports, middle grade/YA, romance. Ages 13+ easily for light romance.

Profanity: "Oh my god," "Dear lord", and "thank god" are used with no capitals when referring to God. "Gosh" is used once or twice, "crap" is said once, and "shoot" is said once as well. Harper says that there's "no way in H-E-double-hockey-sticks" that she'll get back on the ice, but no swear words are said.

Violence: Mild hockey violence (i.e checking, not graphic). A few mentions of a concussion.

Spice Level: Hand-holding, one none-descriptive kiss. Harper has to sit on Jason's lap during a Zamboni ride due to limited seating space.

Faith Elements: A few mentions of "having faith."

Additional Content: None.

My Take: A clean, gender-swapped winter sports romance in which the girl is the hockey player and the boy is the figure skater! There are some great messages about not giving up and having confidence in yourself. I loved how Harper and Jason started out as friends, and then the relationship gradually became something more, instead of falling in love right away. It felt more realistic and relatable! And for my homeschool readers-there's a well-represented homeschooler in this book who you'll fall in love with!

Author: Donna Freitas.

Series: Gold Medal.

Book Premise: Esperanza Flores has spent years competing and perfecting her figure skating skills, and it has finally paid off. She's going to the Olympics! But she isn't prepared for what a wild ride it will be. Suddenly, the paparazzi is watching her every move, and even trying to fabricate a romance with her teammate, Hunter, when she thinks her heart may be pulling her towards Danny Morrison, the youngest member of the US men's hockey team. On top of that, one experienced skater is attempting to make Espi feel like she isn't ready to perform on Olympic ice. But there's something that might prove them wrong, and get her the gold. A secret, nearly impossible jump. Can Espi find her edge, shut out the drama, and live up to the nickname "America's Hope for Gold"?

Reading Level/Genre: Sports, romance. Ages 13+ for some light romance.

Profanity: No swearing.

Violence: No violent parts.

Spice Level: There are one or two kisses that aren't descriptive.

Faith Elements: Espi is a little superstitious, and sometimes worries about jinxing her performances in some way.

Additional Content: Espi comes across as a little feminist at the beginning of the book (she has never been interested in boys due to how committed she is to her skating), but it isn't anything concerning, and she moves past it. A few girls are mean to her, but it doesn't go beyond a few rude comments, and is found out and addressed by coaches.

My Take: Read this since the 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing! Very cute, lighthearted story. Esperanza is a strong, independent character who works hard to overcome adversity. Excellent writing style, though I wish Hunter had been a better character, he seemed so nice at first! Great read overall.