Off the Ice (Juniper Falls) - Softcover

Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She's a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA. She's a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres. Outside of her reading and writing credibility's, Julie Cross is a committed--but not talented--long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.

"An engaging and spicy romance that targets sports fans but with a well-developed arc suitable for aficionados of YA love stories."  -Kirkus Reviews

5 stars: Everyone is in for a treat!  Loved." -Roni Loren, author of Crash into You

5 stars: "[It's] Friday Night Lights but with Hockey. [...] There's drama. There's the love of the game. And there's romance." -Elizabeth, Goodreads Reviewer

4.5 stars: "Wow, this book had so much depth and heart. [...] This book has two characters dealing with some pretty heavy stuff, and I really loved how the author took us through that and the reactions and actions all made sense to me. It was just really well done. It made me feel for both of them, and I was intrigued with how they were dealing with it and how their relationship with each other would either benefit or hinder them." -Lenore Kosinski, Celebrity Readers

5 stars: "I just loved everything about this novel. The characters, the setting, the romance, the stakes-it all worked for me. And I honestly am so excited to know that there will be more stories set in Juniper Falls, it seems to me like it's a town worth knowing." -Eva Scalzo, Definitely, Possibly, Maybe

5 stars: "Cross does a great job of capturing the sweet, raw emotions of young love and coming-of-age through natural dialogue and real-to-life character reactions. The secondary characters keep this story moving as well. I'm excited for the next book in this series." -Dawn Alexander, DawnAlexander.com

4 stars: "The absolute best thing about this book is that it is book one in the Juniper Falls series and that means there are going to be more books!!! Already I can see so many possibilities for secondary characters in this book to have a chance to tell their story and I can't wait."-Madison, Madison's Library

5 stars: "Readers will be drawn into the story and become invested in the character's lives. Definitely recommend!" -Kristen Cambensy, Victim of Books

5 stars: "I really enjoyed this story though it's a departure from the normal books I review and read." -Sharon Moritz, Librarian at Oxnard Public Library

4 stars: "There is so much to love about this book. Well-developed characters that jump off the page - check. Characters that don't act like spoiled twelve-year-olds all the time - check. Intriguing story - check. Swoony romance - check. Storyline and plot points that aren't overused - check. A good writing style - check." -Hristina Petrov, I'll Be Fine Alone Reads

5 stars: "Love love loved this! Julie has done it again!" -Serenity, Lovely Reads Publishing

5 stars: "Definitely recommended for hockey fans that are looking for romance based stories.It's a nice mix and I can't wait to see what Julie Cross has in store for the next installments." -Samantha Myers, Pink Earmuffs

4 stars: "Tate was such a great amazing book boyfriend. He was sweet, romantic, caring, everything that any girl would want." -Christina Somerville, Goodreads Reviewer

5 stars: Grab your coats and your snow-shoes! This is the best kind of cold! Curl up and enjoy a sweet romance to warm your heart! I love Tate and Claire." -Hadassah Harper, Haddie's Haven