Review: No Rep by Lani Lynn Vale (Madd CrossFit #1)


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Uplifting Author Services.

It's been quite a while since I last had a Lani Lynn Vale book on my reading app. I don't know if it was a case of the absence making my heart grow fonder or the Madd CrossFit series being something a bit different from motorcycle club or law enforcement (although there was a healthy dose of it here) romance type stories I was accustomed to from Vale, but this new series starter certainly grabbed and held my attention. No Rep introduces readers to the Madd Taos CrossFit crew, but it's main couple is Taos Brady and Francine Pope. He's thirty-six and a former police detective turned CrossFit gym co-owner and trainer; she's thirty and a former registered nurse turned errand runner. Joining CrossFit was a way for Fran to get fit and gain confidence. She never thought it would allow her to cross paths with the man who saved her life two and a half years ago.

I seriously enjoyed Taos and Fran's story, and the introduction to those who I suspect are part of the recurring cast of characters certainly has me interested in reading their stories going forward. While the whole CrossFit backdrop was new, Lani Lynn Vale still has that law enforcement element but she strikes a fine balance. I appreciated the mystery and suspense and how it was woven into the romance factor. Seeing Taos and Fran finding their footing in this new chapter in their respective lives was part of what made me so emotionally invested in them and their story. Compared to my past reading experiences with Vale's books, this felt like it had a more structured direction and the writing itself surpassed my expectations. If No Rep is the standard upon which the rest of the Madd CrossFit series is set, then I'm excited to see where Vale takes us next. 4.5 stars.

Release Date: 27 July 2021

Date Read: 27 July 2021

Learn more about Lani Lynn Vale.

Purchase No Rep on Amazon | Apple Books | B&N | Kobo.

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