Review: Full Send – Love, Life, & Learning to Let Go in the Snow

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about this book

In Full Send, Ronni is desperate for a break from her draining corporate life, so she heads to her family’s ski condo in Wyoming, for some much-needed clarity. But her plans for a peaceful trip are quickly disrupted by Tanner Chapman—her brother’s best friend and now a confident, rugged, diehard skier who’s grown from a lanky sidekick into something far more intriguing. As their undeniable chemistry intensifies, Ronni finds herself caught between the safety of her old life and the thrill of letting go. Against the icy backdrop of Jackson’s slopes, Full Send explores how taking a risk might lead to the love—and life—Ronni’s been waiting for.

I received this eARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Dakota Forest for free for an honest review. Full Send is available on November 15th, 2024 on Kindle Unlimited and paperback.

my thoughts

Sometimes, you come across a book that just gets you, and for me, Full Send is that book. It’s rare to find a character who mirrors so much of my own life and challenges—Ronni’s journey through anxiety, juggling relationships, and keeping it all together felt so true to life. This debut novel by Dakota Forest takes readers through the ups and downs of love, friendship, and self-discovery, all set against the wintry backdrop of Jackson Hole, WY. Let me take you through why I love this book, why I’ll be first in line for Dakota’s next release, and where I thought Full Send could have turned up the heat just a little more…

meet ronni & tanner

Ronni is the type of character you don’t just read about—you relate to her. As someone who also deals with anxiety daily, I saw so much of myself in her. She’s a planner, always trying to prepare for the next thing while balancing everyone else’s needs. If you’re a busy mom, someone juggling the constant demands of life, or just trying to find that elusive “balance,” Ronni’s journey will hit home. Her struggles with anxiety aren’t just a backdrop; they’re woven into her story, giving her an authenticity that’s so rare in romance novels. And the way Dakota Forest shows Ronni’s journey of learning to let go—even just a little bit—felt incredibly rewarding.

Then there’s Tanner—aka the tall, tatted, and emotionally complex hero of Full Send. Tanner is mysterious, with a backstory that explains why he’s guarded and careful with his heart. His POV is hands-down my favorite in the book. Tanner’s not just a swoon-worthy, athletic lead; he’s the kind of guy who owns his feelings and isn’t afraid to process what’s going on inside, even if he can’t speak it out loud. That rare combination of vulnerability and strength makes him the perfect balance to Ronni’s character. From his quiet moments to his big declarations, he had me hooked—this is a guy who goes from a childhood friend to something so much more, and watching him open up was pure magic.

Setting the Scene: Jackson Hole

One of the things that sets Full Send apart from other romances is the setting. Jackson Hole’s snow-covered mountains and ski culture bring a unique twist to the story. I’ll be honest, I don’t know a thing about skiing, but Dakota Forest’s writing made me feel like I was right there on the slopes, hearing the crunch of snow and breathing in the crisp winter air. The small-town vibes and ski lingo create an atmosphere that’s both cozy and exhilarating—a fresh escape from the usual sports settings like football or hockey. Even if you’re not into sports, the way this setting shapes the story and the characters makes it easy to fall in love with the world of Full Send. Kinda makes me want to head out west and hit the slopes; it would be a nice change from Florida’s sweltering “winter”.

The Spice Level: Could Use a Little More Heat

Let’s talk about the spice. If you’re into medium spice levels—enough to bring some heat without stealing the story—then this book is probably right up your alley. Personally, I found myself wishing for just a bit more. Don’t get me wrong—the intimate scenes were good, but they felt like they ended too quickly sometimes. I wanted a little more buildup, a bit more tension before things wrapped up. For me, there’s something about lingering in those moments that deepens the emotional payoff, and I would have loved to see a few of those scenes drawn out just a touch. But that’s just me! I know other readers will appreciate how the romance keeps the focus on Ronni and Tanner’s emotional connection.

The Tear-Jerking HEA

If you’re like me, then you live for a good HEA (happily-ever-after). Full Send gives us that, and then some. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say that the ending was perfect for these two. Ronni and Tanner’s relationship isn’t rushed or oversimplified, and seeing them grow together and learn to lean on each other was so satisfying. I might have teared up once or twice, and I know I’m not alone on this one! If you’re looking for a love story that takes its time to build and feels completely earned, this book’s ending will be a hit for you too. I’m thinking that I might just know who the next book will be about too; but time will tell.

Dakota Forest’s Debut: A New Favorite Author

For a debut novel, Full Send is seriously impressive. Dakota Forest has such a natural voice that makes you feel like you’re right there in the characters’ heads, living out their struggles and victories. Her attention to character development and her willingness to tackle real-life themes, like anxiety and emotional vulnerability, give this book an edge. And the setting—a ski sport romance!—is such a welcome change from the typical sports romance tropes.

final thoughts

Full Send is the kind of book that lingers with you long after you turn the last page. With its deeply relatable characters, breathtaking mountain setting, and heartfelt romance, Dakota Forest delivers an emotionally rich debut that stands out in the contemporary romance genre. Ronni’s journey of self-discovery, anxiety, and learning to let go feels refreshingly real, while Tanner’s quiet strength and depth make him an unforgettable hero. While I wished for just a bit more heat in the romance, the emotional payoff more than makes up for it—especially with an HEA that feels truly earned. If you love character-driven stories with a strong sense of place and authentic emotional depth, Full Send is a must-read. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on Dakota Forest, and If she has another book in the works, I’ll be waiting with my Kindle in hand, and the first to request the ARC!