Review: Very vividly written. I felt like I was there alongside the characters.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 6, 2014
I really looked forward to reading this book and wow, the author delivered big time. Being a sports fan and fairly athletic myself, I was drawn in not only by the compelling characters, but by the obviously well researched details and depth pertaining to the cycling world and events. I really appreciated how the author immersed Christopher and Luca (and thus, the reader) in this world - it is what they lived and breathed after all - and didn't merely use it as a backdrop. I must say the settings of Colorado and Italy became characters themselves - very vividly written. I felt like I was there alongside the guys on many of their rides.The romance between Christopher and Luca developed at a nice pace, and in a fully plausible way. I love how Christopher's writing became a key plot element. The fact that Luca strongly felt he had to remain closeted was completely reasonable (like it or not) given his status in the sport of cycling and that he believed he would lose everything (respect in the sport, family, endorsements) should it be revealed that he was gay. Christopher knew all this going into the relationship and never made demands. Watching the two of them navigate some extremely rough times in the spotlight of the cycling tour without being able to be emotionally open with each other in public was heart wrenching. I really, really cared about these two guys making it to a happy ending. The journey that takes them there is a completely remarkable read.Highly recommended and.. I would love to read more about Christopher and Luca ;-)