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Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Leslea Wahl's The Ultimate Blindside introduces Olympic snowboarding medalist Jake Taylor and aspiring journalist Sophie Metcalf as they watch actors recreate their lives on a Colorado movie set. When Jake dives into a pond to rescue Abby Milford and her toddler, Lila, the footage from the incident puts Jake in the spotlight, creating the fame he does not want. It also puts Abby's and Lila’s lives in danger. They are running away from a dangerous, powerful man. Jake and Sophie give shelter to the pair while unraveling Abby's story. A lot happens in the meantime, with the hacking of Sophie’s computer, which sabotages her article and scholarship, a reunion with Jake’s teammates, and actor Dante Foxx. But what connection does Abby have with Amanda Bowers and a criminal that was once put behind bars, thanks to Jake and Sophie?
Leslea Wahl's use of the first-person narrative voice, alternating between Jake and Sophie, creates intimacy while doubling the angles of mystery in the story. The chapters ending on cliffhangers keep the pacing brisk. The author skillfully weaves plotlines with the movie production, the computer hacking, the blackmail, and a fugitive wife, each blindside earning the title. The setting is well-drawn, with details of abandoned gold mines and the eerie ghost town of Sagebrush Hollow. The Ultimate Blindside examines how forgiveness anchors everything: Jake's painful reconciliation with Jon and Rick, Sophie's advice that transforms Amanda, and Sophie's own grace toward Mallory. This book can be read as a story of faith, exemplified through prayers and chapel visits. The dialogue sparkles on every page, the characters are well-developed, and the storytelling is interesting, making this book perfect for fans of YA mystery.
