I enjoy reading Dani Collins books. Since I am currently subbing in Elementary and Middle school a love story is not appropriate for this grade level. "From the Top" isn't too descriptive with romantic scenes but it is a really good story.

From The Top is the second instalment of the Blue Spruce Lodge series published by Tule Publishing. Written by Dani Collins, this book sees Ilke Lunquist, a professional skier, and Nate Hart have a brief fling. Ilke returns to Whisky Jack Ski Resort several months later, pregnant and in need of financial help as she has lost her ski sponsorships as she can no longer compete. Nate already has a little boy with his ex wife and doesn't anticipate having any more children whilst Ilke is struggling to come to terms the changes a new baby will bring to her life. Both characters have issues they have to overcome before they can build a future and family together.


From The Top isn't a light and fluffy romance but explores more serious themes such as Ilke's experience of sexual harassment when she was just a teenager, the expectation that Ilke would be expected to give up her skiing career to care for the baby and Nate's struggles as a single father juggling a demanding job.

I received this book via Netgalley and Tule publishing in exchange for an honest review.

OK. I’m just going to say it – I don’t think that the cover does justice to this book. It suggests light and fluffy. Neither of those are words I would use to describe this story.

Complicated? Tense? Unexpectedly emotional? Yes to all of those things.

For my money, there were a few too many characters to easily keep track of, and I expect that their stories either unfolded or had their foundations laid in book 1. And it isn’t just Ilke and Nathaniel’s story that is told in this book. But they are the focus.

I really enjoyed those two. Ilke was so socially awkward, and that was picked out in her narrative so well, and then her counterpoint with Nathaniel, and their simmering attraction as well as her insecurity? As characters, they worked well both individually, and in their interactions with each other.

I’m going to warn you, if you wear mascara, you might want to check if it is waterproof before reading this.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

It took me a bit to really focus on this story. It is the second book in this series and while it's a standalone, there is some history these characters have. The book starts off being told from different POVs, so I was slightly confused about who everyone was and what their part of the story would be. Once I had read a few parts about Ilke and Nate the story was easier to understand. Even though the lodge is still being fixed up, it sounds like the perfect place to spend a week away. Lots of snow, a cozy cottage and a great view. As the book went on I really liked reading about the different characters. It really felt like a fun community. This book was actually really beautiful. Ilke had her journey of life turning out other than planned and realizing she didn't have to be as alone as she expected. Love could be different than what she had with her parents. Just like Nate learning that life not may turn out as planned, but it can still be just as amazing. I think they figured out love can come from unexpected places and when you need it the most. This romance was also a lot different than most I have read. I loved the fact that the author took everything slow and let things develop slowly. After reading this one I think I'm going to put the first one on my wishlist and keep an eye on any further books. This story teaches us even when life turns things upside down, it happens with a reason and it's not always a bad thing.

While focusing on becoming the best skier she can, she has a one night stand at New Years to discover that she is now pregnant and can't ski. She shows up at the lodge to talk to Nate to see if he will take the baby after it is born and raise the child so she can return to skiing.

I really love books by Dani Collins and I must say on this one it took me a little longer to get into it than it usually does, but it was well worth continuing to read.

This book takes you back to Whiskey Jack Ski resort, where you catch up with Rolf, Glory and the gang. Nate will stop at nothing to get the Resort up and running but when Ilke shows up with a huge "surprise" it seems that everything is about to be flipped on its head. Ilke comes back to Montana after a failure in Korea with and unexpected pregnancy and she just need to feel like she belongs even if its just for a moment. It seems everything is working against these two can the come together and work towards a common goal?
It rings true in this book you never know what you had until you loose it, without giving much away there is love, loss, and heartache. You catch up with Glory and Rolf are planning their wedding and Marvin and Vivian are working together to keep the Lodge going, which was nice and super fun. As Nate and Ilke work through their struggles they are each faced with something that really gets to you and your heart. This book can have you laughing, crying and over all just sucked into the story. This story does have adult language and situations. This book was a fun love story and I did feel towards then end it did drag on a little but over all this book was so good and it was like catching up with friends. I really can't wait to read Trigg's story and catch up more from this fun bunch.

Wow. Nate and Ilke's story was so much more complex than the "average" romance. Nothing average about this at all. My heart was breaking so many times for both of them over so many things. Each of them has, for very different reasons, much from the past that they were holding onto making it difficult to commit to someone else. When Ilke, a World Cup skier, shows up pregnant after a one night stand a few months earlier with Nate, who needs to stay where he is to be near his son, both are not sure what to do or how to react. Ilke at first appears (as she did in book 1) as standoffish and cold but this is quickly seen through as a protective mechanism. Unexpected loss brings them closer together but the heartbreak is palpable. Loved this story on so many levels, including spending time with Rolf and Glory (their banter is priceless), Trigg (Rolf's brother/Vivien's son), Aiden (Nate's son), and the surprises in store with Marvin (Glory's father) and Vivien (Rolf's stepmother, Trigg's mother). All these folks in a small town and a remote ski resort leads to lots of fun, misunderstandings, and romance (and loads of cuteness from Aiden and Trigg's dog, Murphy!). Plus the air of mystery over who is trying to sabotage the resort. Kudos to Ms. Collins once again.

I really enjoyed this book. This book delivered in so many ways - it's a great romance yet it explores a number of themes (parenting, pregnancy, sexual harassment, and more) that you don't always see in a romance. The characters have outstanding chemistry and that helped endear me to them. This is a book in a series but I didn't find it to be difficult to 'catch on' to the story. I fell into the world easily and totally. I found the elements of grief to be really compelling and realistic. I thought the relationship development in this one was so well done. It wasn't an 'oh hi, I love you' sort of story. They actually got to know one another slowly and realistically. All in all, I really enjoyed this one and plan to go back and read more of the series.

This is book two in the Blue Spruce Lodge series and a nice series. This book has a lot more drama and feedback to the other book going on and I would recommend that you have read the other book "On the Edge", also by Dani Collins before reading this one.
It´s filled with a lot of information form book one that you otherwise don´t know about but it´s a good story and series and this one has more substance than a normal romance book. This has the feel of a novel. Love the characters and the families in this series.

From the Top released just after the Winter Olympics, and the timing was perfect. Why? Because it's set right after the Olympics. After a New Year's Eve fling, Ilke intended to continue with her dreams of gold medals, only to crash and burn thanks to an unexpected pregnancy. From the Top opens with Ilke returning to the site of her one-night-stand, and the man she had such an enjoyable night with. The problem? Neither had any intention of seeing each other, or of getting into any relationship in the first place.

I haven't read the first book, and I think this might be a case where reading the first book in a romance series is recommended. This was a new couple, but they'd had a previous sexual encounter, so I missed out on that. Plus, there were a lot of characters that weren't that likeable having not been endeared to them in the previous book. (Rolf, I'm looking at you.) So my first bit of advice is to treat this series as a connected one. This isn't like a lot of other romance series where you can easily drop in at any point.

It's fitting that I reviewed a book like this on International Women's Day. The expectations placed on men and women when it comes to sexuality and parenting featured big in this book. For example, Ilke questioned why she was expected to give up her career as a professional athlete when men could keep going after having a child. It wasn't just a case of the actual biology; it was also expected for her to take care of the child after birth.

"That was how she tried to approach the big decisions in her life. Men didn't worry about hurting feelings or how they were perceived. They did whatever advanced their own interests. Doing the same shouldn't make her a criminal, just because she had a uterus."

And honestly, that extract right there can apply to so much more than taking care of children. Women do need to be so much more careful about feelings and perceptions, especially at work.

There were some seriously tough subjects raised in this book, so I wouldn't class this as a light and fluffy read. Ilke shares past experiences with sexual harassment as a teenager, as well as her difficult upbringing, showing it's not all sunshine and rainbows when your genetics grants you curves and beauty at a young age. But even more difficult to read was something that affected Ilke during the course of the book. I appreciated how, as far as I could tell, it was sensitively handled, and I also really liked that Nate's own struggles were shown. It was a very complicated and very emotional section to read.

But to balance out the rather heavy topics addressed in this book was pure chemistry. Both Nate and Ilke had to work through their own internal battles, and it certainly helped that there was more than just physical attraction between them. And when things finally clicked into place, it was so endearing. (Nate is such a caring guy, it almost hurts.)

Overall, a bit iffy to get into since I hadn't read the first book, but ultimately a satisfying read!

I totally enjoyed reading From the Top by Dani Collins, book two in The Blue Spruce Lodge series. Imagine being an Olympic athlete out to win the gold but have everything go wrong when you compete in Korea, only to discover you are pregnant from celebrating New Year’s Eve with an amazing man. That is the roller coaster Ilke is on when she pulls out of future training and competition, ending up in Haven, Montana, ready to confront the man who got in this situation. Single dad Nate already has a failed marriage causing him to avoid serious relationships. He and Ilke might be strangers but he is determined to be part of this child’s life. When a tragedy occurs, heartbreak brings them closer together forcing them both to re-examine their feelings and life goals. As Nate discovers he’s ready for a bigger family, Ilke hopes to find love and a home that she has been looking for her entire life.

I really enjoyed reading this moving story. Ms. Collins is an outstanding storyteller and kept me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is the story of Ilke Lunquist, who returns to Whiskey Jack Ski Resort pregnant after a short fling with Nate Hart.
Nate has one son with his ex wife and didn’t expect to have anymore children so when Ilke turns up pregnant and that the baby is his they start to get to know each other again. Both having their issues, Ilke with her mothers indifference towards her and Nate with his wife leaving him for another woman.
We have the independent Ilke who has always put her career first so what will she do with a baby and even though she hardly knows Nate will he stand up and be the father.
This was a good story line of how the struggle to put her family before her career and Nates issues with trusting someone again after his wife leaving him.
Look forward to the next instalment by Dani Collins in the “Blue Spruce Lodge “ Series.

From the Top by Dani Collins
the second story in the “Blue Spruce Lodge” series
Their hot New Year’s Eve wasn’t supposed to have consequences…
Fiercely independent after a difficult childhood, Ilke Lunquist devotes herself to one thing: skiing. She’s on the cusp of gold when an unexpected pregnancy throws her future into chaos.
Nathaniel Hart takes on the daunting project of restoring Whiskey Jack Ski Resort to be close to his young son, but with one failed marriage behind him, he avoids serious relationships.
They might be virtual strangers with only a baby in common, but Nate is determined to be part of his child’s life. Ilke didn’t become a champion by ever backing down from a challenge, especially not one where her child’s happiness and her own heart are on the line. When tragedy strikes, heartbreak draws them closer together. Nate discovers he’s more than ready for a bigger family and maybe, just maybe, Ilke will find the home that has eluded her all her life.
this is Ilke Lunquist and Nathaniel Hart’s story.
Secretly, deep down, Ilke Lundquist was a romantic. Ilke a Swedish downhill skier arrives at the resort to tell their project manager, Nate, that their one-night stand over New Year’s has resulted in an unplanned pregnancy.Instead, she had to set all of that aside and talk to the father of her baby. That was the only decision she had been able to make.
Nathaniel’s moved to this remote Montana location to help build the luxury ski resort that the family wants.and also to be near his son and former wife. Nate is contractor.
I highly recommend reading.
From the Top by Dani Collins is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Dani Collins.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Dani's Books with Tule:
Hometown Hero
Homecoming
Love in Montana

Blame the Mistletoe
Love in Montana

The Bachelor’s Baby
Bachelor Auction
Love in Montana

His Blushing Bride
Love in Montana
Montana Born Brides

Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction

Taken by the Raider
Stand Alone Titles

Scorch
Firefighters of Montana



His Christmas Miracle
Love in Montana




On the Edge
Blue Spruce Lodge


From the Top
Blue Spruce Lodge

Ilke and Nate had one amazing New Year’s Eve, in a very private celebration. It was supposed to be a one time thing, but fate had something different in mind for these two. Ilke was working toward one goal, and that doesn’t include a family. Now faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Ilke has to face the man she can’t get out of her mind. Neither are prepared for a relationship let alone a baby but somehow they have to make this work – and not simply because of the baby but because of themselves.

From The Top takes us back to the Blue Spruce Lodge series with two people who don’t do relationships, each has emotional scaring that they have difficulty trusting in someone else again yet their feelings for each other won’t go away. Life can get complicated, but Ilke and Nate have to decide what is worth the complications they bring to each other. Their story has sadness and joy, fear and acceptance, and a love that is worth the risks they’ll have to take to trust each other.

Secondary characters can make or break a story for me. The glimpses we get of Rolf and Glory, a budding romance between another couple and hints at things to come was the just right blend of secondary characters being a part of Ilke and Nate’s life. ( it’s when secondary characters take over the story that it gets a bit rough – and that was not the case here) The lodge itself becomes a character as it is rebuilt with come complications. I enjoyed my time in this world once again and would not hesitate to recommend From The Top to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys a solid story, interesting characters and a beautiful setting.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

First all, I wasn’t sure if Dani Collins’ Blue Spruce Lodge books would be the series for me. From the Top proved that it is. The startling fact revealed in the first chapter was unexpected but made me keep reading. I had gotten the book without reading the synopsis which in this case I was glad that I did. I was expecting it to be a story of family relationships since the first has been. It is but also very different.

The characters are strong, want to do the right thing but face struggles in their professional and personal life. It is not a smooth journey for Ilke Lunquist and Nathaniel Hart, especially since other lives are involved. Realistic written that was sad at times, but also heartwarming too. I was just as interested in the subplot going on in the story between an older couple as well as the other supporting characters in this book.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I just finished watching the Winter Olympics. What a wonderful time to read Dani Collins latest book “From The Top”. This is her second book in The Blue Spruce Lodge Series. Although you can read it as a stand alone novel, I would suggest you read “On The Edge” first. There is so much detail there and it introduces you to some of the strong characters like Rolf the strong arrogant rich jock turned boss. You wouldn't want to miss any thing. From The Top gives us Ilke Lunquist, our heroine. She is going for the gold, and that's all she has on her agenda. But she's tripped up by a little blue positive pregnancy strip. You need to watch those One night stands. Nathaniel Hart is recovering from a failed marriage and doing it a second time is the last thing he wants. He has his hands full already, being a part of his young sons life and the daunting project of restoring Whiskey Jack Ski Resort. The chemistry between these two is very strong, no matter how they try to ignore it. If you enjoy hot steamy love stories, you will love “From The Top”. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tule Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from Netgalley.

This story is book 2 in the Blue Sprice Lodge series by Dani Collins and as always she has a well written and explosively sexy romance.

After a very hot and explosive New Years Eve hookup Ilke Lindquist continues with her quest to win the Gold in Alpine Skiing until and unplanned pregnancy throws her world into utter chaos. She needs to tell Nate Hart, her hot sexy NYE hookup who already has a a son from a previous marriage and who avoids serious relationships that he is going to be a father again.

Can these two who were only looking for a fling, find a way to make a workable relationship happen or when tragedy strikes will it just destroy the very fine edge of their budding relationship?

I think this book was more of a 3 1/2 than a 4, but I always score up if it's an author I like, and I do like Collin's books as a rule.

For the most part I did enjoy this book. However, it was a little bit of a downer in some ways. I felt sorry for Ilke for most of the book. Nate, while basically a stand up guy, let her down in a lot of ways and it was hard for me to watch.

I did not like the secondary romance in the book. I generally find secondary relationships annoying and distracting, though, so it's probably just me.

Also, I still don't really like a lot of the characters working at the hotel, in the characters' families and in the town. I felt like Collin's was trying to make the people seem less like jerks than in On the Edge, but the first book pretty much was enough to poison me against most of the characters. First impressions are really important in life and in books for me.

I will defiantly read the next book in the series, though, so I did enjoy the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, though I would warn them that this is not a "feel good" type of romance.

This is a truly enjoyable read. There are a lot of characters but once you get all of them straight this adds to the story. They are a big loving group that makes the story really fun.

Ilke Lundquist is a world class skier that suddenly finds her world imploding. Not only is she suddenly losing her races which of course means she's losing sponsors but she also finds herself alone and pregnant. A result of a one night stand. Now she finds herself on the way to Blue Spruce Lodge to let Nathanial Hart know he's going to be a father. Nate of course isn't happy but since Ilke really has no where else to go she decides to stay at Blue Spruce giving herself and Nate time to come up with a plan. And that's just the beginning of their funny, sexy, and emotional story.

I definitely recommend this one.

From The Top, the second book in the Blue Spruce Lodge series, is another great story from Dani Collins. The story is on the sexy side and can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series.
Inge, our heroine, comes across as an ice queen, having built walls to protect herself from being emotionally abandoned. Somehow Nate has found a crack in the armour and the story begins with Inge returning to the lodge from a disappointing Olympic skiing performance to tell Nate that she’s pregnant.
Nate and Ilke both seem in control from outward appearances yet each is damaged, Ilke through her mother’s indifference and Nate through his ex-wife’s decision to leave him for another woman. Together they complete each other though it takes a while for them to realise that.
I enjoyed watching the developing relationship between Nate and Ilke, but secondary characters like Marvin and Vivien also get their moments in the sun adding to the layers in this story. With sub-plots around the theft of equipment, the sheer hard work required to attain and remain at the peak of a sporting career, and of course the ongoing development of the lodge there was plenty to keep me interested in this story.