Dream Job Lost

Brooke Larson, a passionate adventure sports photographer, is devastated when her long-awaited staff position at Wild magazine is canceled due to budget cuts. The news leaves her adrift, questioning her worth and future. She returns to her mother and Pop-pop's home in Mammoth, feeling like a failure. Despite her efforts and sacrifices—living out of her car, working unpaid internships, and chasing freelance gigs—her dreams seem out of reach. The loss is compounded by a recent breakup, making her feel doubly rejected. Yet, the warmth of her family and the unwavering support of her best friend Alex offer a fragile lifeline. Brooke's resilience is tested, but a new opportunity soon beckons, hinting that her journey is far from over.

Family and Friendship Refuge

Back in Mammoth, Brooke is enveloped by her family's love and Alex's fierce loyalty. Her mother and Pop-pop provide grounding, humor, and gentle encouragement, reminding her that setbacks are not the end. Alex, ever the instigator, refuses to let Brooke wallow, urging her to seize new adventures. The family's quirky dynamics—Pop-pop's protective threats, Mom's overfeeding, and Alex's relentless texting—create a cocoon of safety. Brooke's pain is acknowledged but not allowed to define her. The chapter is a testament to the healing power of chosen and blood family, and the way they anchor us when life's plans unravel.

Switzerland's New Beginnings

Alex persuades Brooke to join her in Laax, Switzerland, promising world-class snowboarding, a change of scenery, and a chance to heal. Despite financial worries and pride about using her estranged father's money, Brooke is convinced by the prospect of photographing elite athletes and possibly capturing a winning shot for the prestigious Illuminations competition. The journey to Europe is both literal and symbolic—a leap into the unknown, away from old disappointments. Brooke's arrival in Switzerland is marked by awe at the landscape and a sense of possibility, even as she remains guarded and uncertain about what lies ahead.

Meeting a Legend

At Zurich airport, Brooke's path crosses with Chase Austin, a snowboarding icon and her teenage crush. The encounter is awkward and charged—Chase is charismatic, cocky, and immediately surrounded by admirers. Brooke is starstruck but quickly disillusioned by his playboy persona. Their interaction is laced with misunderstanding and mutual misreading; Chase mistakes her for another fan, while Brooke is determined to be seen for her talent, not her looks. The moment is a collision of fantasy and reality, setting the stage for a complex dynamic between two driven, wounded people.

Chasing the Perfect Shot

In Laax, Brooke immerses herself in the snowboarding world, reconnecting with Alex and meeting the vibrant, competitive community. She is determined to make the most of her time, seeking out opportunities to photograph the best riders. The slopes become both her sanctuary and her proving ground. When she finally gets to shoot Chase and his crew in action, the experience is electrifying—his power and grace on the mountain are undeniable. Brooke's passion for her craft is reignited, and she glimpses the possibility of achieving her dreams, even as personal complications loom.

Tension on the Slopes

As Brooke integrates with the False Kings crew—Chase, JJ, Hanne, and Hunter—she navigates a minefield of egos, flirtations, and unspoken histories. Chase is alternately magnetic and distant, his approval both coveted and withheld. The crew's camaraderie is genuine but laced with rivalry and old wounds. Brooke's talent earns her respect, but her outsider status and gender add layers of complexity. The tension between her and Chase simmers, fueled by mutual attraction and professional ambition. The mountains become a stage for both creative collaboration and emotional conflict.

The False Kings Crew

Through persistence and skill, Brooke is invited to shoot with the False Kings for their annual edit—a dream come true. She bonds with Hanne, the world's top female snowboarder, and finds allies in JJ and Hunter. The crew's dynamic is a mix of support, banter, and underlying pain. Brooke's presence challenges old patterns, especially for Chase, who is used to keeping women at arm's length. The opportunity is a turning point for Brooke's career, but also a test of her boundaries and desires. The lines between work, friendship, and something more begin to blur.

Attraction and Resistance

The attraction between Brooke and Chase becomes undeniable, manifesting in charged glances, subtle touches, and moments of vulnerability. Yet both are haunted by past hurts—Brooke by abandonment and Chase by guilt and loss. Their flirtation is a dance of approach and retreat, each afraid to risk more than they can bear to lose. The crew notices the tension, offering advice and warnings. Brooke's resolve to focus on work is tested by her growing feelings, while Chase's emotional armor begins to crack. The mountains mirror their internal landscapes—beautiful, dangerous, and full of hidden crevasses.

First Ride Together

Brooke and Chase finally ride together, their synergy on the slopes mirroring a deeper connection. The experience is exhilarating and intimate, breaking down barriers between them. For a moment, the world narrows to just the two of them, moving in perfect harmony. The ride is both a metaphor and a catalyst—showing what's possible when they trust and let go. Yet, as soon as the run ends, reality intrudes. Old fears resurface, and the promise of closeness is threatened by Chase's retreat and Brooke's self-protection. The cycle of hope and disappointment continues.

Barriers and Boundaries

After their shared ride, Chase pulls away, citing professional boundaries and loyalty to his crew's photographer. Brooke is hurt and frustrated, feeling used and dismissed. The tension escalates as both struggle with their feelings and the risks of intimacy. Friends offer perspective—Hanne warns Brooke about Chase's emotional unavailability, while JJ hints at deeper wounds. The crew's edit project becomes a crucible, forcing everyone to confront what they want and what they fear. The question of whether to risk vulnerability for something real hangs over every interaction.

The Edit Opportunity

When the crew's photographer is injured, Brooke is asked to step in and film the edit. The opportunity is both a professional triumph and a personal challenge—she must work closely with Chase, navigating unresolved feelings and the pressure to deliver. The project is grueling but exhilarating, pushing Brooke to her limits. As she captures the crew's daring feats, she also documents the unspoken stories beneath the surface. The edit becomes a metaphor for her own journey—piecing together moments of beauty, pain, and truth into something meaningful.

Avalanche and Aftermath

A catastrophic avalanche during a shoot leaves Brooke and JJ injured, shattering the crew's sense of invincibility. The event is a crucible—forcing everyone to confront mortality, regret, and the limits of control. Chase's reaction is telling; paralyzed by guilt and old trauma, he withdraws, unable to face the hospital or his friends. Brooke, grappling with her own pain and anger, is forced to reckon with the reality of risk and the cost of loving someone who runs from hurt. The aftermath is a reckoning for all, exposing the cracks in their armor.

Unspoken Pain

In the wake of the avalanche, the crew's hidden wounds surface. JJ's prognosis is uncertain, Hanne struggles to hold everyone together, and Brooke is left alone with her questions. Through conversations with Hanne and JJ, Brooke learns about Chase's past—his sister Felicity's death, the guilt he carries, and the way trauma has shaped his life. The knowledge brings empathy but also frustration; understanding Chase's pain doesn't make his absence hurt less. The chapter is a meditation on grief, forgiveness, and the ways we sabotage our own happiness.

Not Serious, Not Safe

Brooke and Chase's mantra of "not serious" is revealed as a shield against vulnerability. When confronted with real loss and the possibility of love, both realize that safety is an illusion. Their attempts to keep things casual have only deepened their wounds. Brooke's anger at Chase's absence gives way to sorrow and self-reflection. She sees the parallels between her own defenses and his, and begins to question what she truly wants. The chapter is a turning point—a recognition that real connection requires risk, and that love cannot thrive behind walls.

The Breaking Point

Brooke and Chase finally confront each other, their pain and longing erupting in a raw, honest fight. Accusations fly—about abandonment, guilt, and the ways they've hurt each other. The argument is cathartic, stripping away pretense and forcing both to face their deepest fears. In the aftermath, both are left shattered but changed. The old patterns are broken, and the possibility of something new—something real—emerges from the wreckage. The chapter is a crucible, burning away everything false and leaving only what matters.

Truths and Reconciliation

With the help of friends and family, Brooke and Chase begin to rebuild. They share their stories, their scars, and their hopes. Brooke lets down her emotional armor, trusting Chase with her vulnerability. Chase, in turn, faces his guilt and allows himself to be loved. The process is messy and imperfect, but transformative. Together, they learn that love is not about perfection or safety, but about showing up—especially when it's hard. The chapter is a celebration of second chances and the courage to begin again.

Love Without Armor

Free from old fears, Brooke and Chase commit to a future together. Their love is grounded in honesty, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the mountains. They support each other's dreams—Brooke's freelance career, Chase's continued riding—and find ways to stay connected despite the demands of their work. Family and friends become part of their chosen tribe, offering support and laughter. The couple's intimacy deepens, both physically and emotionally, as they learn to trust and care for each other without reservation.

New Dreams, New Rides

Brooke and Chase's story comes full circle as they build a life together—traveling, working, and loving with open hearts. The lessons of the past inform their choices, but no longer hold them back. They embrace risk, knowing that the greatest rewards come from daring to be vulnerable. The mountains remain their sanctuary, a place where they are most themselves. Surrounded by family, friends, and the wild beauty they both cherish, Brooke and Chase ride into a future defined not by fear, but by hope, courage, and love.

Characters

Brooke Larson

Brooke is a talented adventure sports photographer whose life is defined by ambition, independence, and a deep love for the mountains. Scarred by her father's abandonment and a string of disappointments, she has built emotional armor to protect herself from further hurt. Her relationships—with her family, best friend Alex, and eventually the False Kings crew—reveal her capacity for loyalty, humor, and vulnerability. Brooke's journey is one of learning to trust, to risk her heart, and to accept love without conditions. Her growth is marked by a shift from self-reliance to interdependence, and from fear to courage.

Chase Austin

Chase is a legendary snowboarder whose public persona—confident, charismatic, and unattainable—masks deep wounds. The death of his sister Felicity and the resulting family trauma have left him emotionally scarred, convinced he is destined to hurt those he loves. Chase's relationships are marked by avoidance and self-sabotage, but beneath his armor lies a longing for connection and redemption. His attraction to Brooke challenges his defenses, forcing him to confront his past and risk vulnerability. Chase's arc is one of healing, as he learns to accept love, forgive himself, and show up for others.

Alex

Alex is Brooke's lifelong confidante and emotional anchor. Outspoken, supportive, and unafraid to challenge Brooke's self-pity, Alex is the catalyst for many of Brooke's pivotal decisions. Her humor and warmth provide a counterbalance to Brooke's seriousness, and her unwavering belief in Brooke's talent and worth is a source of strength. Alex's own privilege and confidence highlight Brooke's insecurities, but their friendship is a model of unconditional love and chosen family.

Hanne Lund

Hanne is the world's top female snowboarder and a core member of the False Kings crew. Outgoing and fiercely independent, she becomes both a mentor and a friend to Brooke. Hanne's own struggles—with injury, gender bias, and the pressures of fame—mirror Brooke's, creating a bond of mutual respect. She is the emotional glue of the crew, offering wisdom, tough love, and a safe space for vulnerability. Hanne's loyalty and insight are instrumental in helping both Brooke and Chase confront their demons.

JJ Schneider

JJ is Chase's best friend and a foundational member of the crew. His easygoing nature and humor mask deeper regrets, particularly around lost love and the risks of their lifestyle. JJ's injury in the avalanche is a turning point, exposing the fragility of their dreams and the importance of community. His journey is one of resilience and acceptance, as he learns to redefine his identity beyond snowboarding. JJ's friendship with Brooke is marked by honesty, support, and a shared understanding of loss.

Hunter

Hunter is the crew's resident playboy, known for his charm, bravado, and endless pursuit of pleasure. Beneath the surface, he is loyal and caring, providing levity in tense moments and support when it matters. Hunter's antics highlight the dangers and temptations of their world, but his friendship is genuine. He serves as a foil to Chase's intensity and Brooke's seriousness, reminding everyone to find joy amid the struggle.

Brooke's Mom (Heather)

Heather is Brooke's mother, a source of unconditional love and stability. Her own history of heartbreak informs her protectiveness and wisdom. Heather's home is a sanctuary for Brooke, and her acceptance of Chase is a testament to her open heart. She models resilience and the ability to find happiness despite disappointment, encouraging Brooke to pursue her dreams and trust in love.

Pop-pop (Brendan)

Pop-pop is Brooke's grandfather, a pillar of support and humor. His life experience and gentle guidance help Brooke navigate her fears and doubts. Pop-pop's relationship with Brooke is marked by affection, honesty, and a shared love of the outdoors. He embodies the values of loyalty, courage, and the importance of taking risks for what matters.

Trent Hadley

Trent is Brooke's estranged father, a legendary snowboarder whose abandonment has left deep scars. His charm and success are contrasted by his emotional unavailability and selfishness. Trent's presence in the story is more psychological than physical, representing the wounds of neglect and the challenge of breaking generational patterns. His eventual attempt at reconnection is rejected, affirming Brooke's growth and self-worth.

Felicity

Felicity is Chase's younger sister, whose death in a snowboarding accident is the central trauma of his life. Though absent, her memory shapes Chase's actions, guilt, and fear of intimacy. Felicity's presence is felt through Chase's tattoo, his stories, and the way her loss haunts his relationships. Her legacy is both a source of pain and, ultimately, a catalyst for healing.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative of Risk and Safety

The novel uses the high-stakes world of extreme sports as a metaphor for emotional vulnerability. The mountains, snow, and avalanches are not just settings but symbols of the dangers and rewards of opening oneself to love. The narrative structure mirrors this duality—alternating between moments of professional triumph and personal collapse. Foreshadowing is used through repeated references to risk, injury, and the illusion of control, preparing the reader for both literal and emotional avalanches. The edit project and the Illuminations competition serve as plot engines, driving the characters together and forcing them to confront what they truly value.

Emotional Armor and Its Dismantling

Both Brooke and Chase are defined by their emotional armor—Brooke's self-reliance and Chase's avoidance. The story's central device is the gradual dismantling of these defenses, achieved through crisis, confrontation, and the persistent love of friends and family. Dialogue, internal monologue, and physical metaphors (e.g., the avalanche, the act of riding together) are used to externalize internal struggles. The motif of "not serious" is repeated as both a shield and a lie, ultimately revealed as the greatest risk of all.

Found Family and Chosen Tribe

The crew, Alex, and Brooke's family function as a chosen tribe, providing the support and challenge necessary for growth. The narrative uses ensemble scenes—meals, parties, shared rides—to explore the dynamics of belonging and exclusion. The contrast between biological and chosen family is a recurring theme, with the latter ultimately offering the acceptance and love the characters crave. The plot device of injury and recovery is used to test and strengthen these bonds.

The Power of the Image

Brooke's camera is both a literal and symbolic device—her way of seeing, controlling, and making sense of the world. The act of capturing the perfect shot becomes a metaphor for seeking authenticity and meaning. The Illuminations competition is not just a career goal but a quest for self-acceptance and recognition. The climactic photograph of Chase, bloody and defiant, encapsulates the novel's themes: beauty in imperfection, the necessity of risk, and the courage to be seen.

Analysis

Ride is a contemporary romance that transcends genre conventions by using the world of extreme sports as a lens for exploring vulnerability, trauma, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel is about the tension between safety and risk—both on the mountain and in the heart. Harper Dallas crafts a narrative where professional ambition and personal healing are inextricably linked, showing that true fulfillment requires both daring and surrender. The story interrogates the myths of self-reliance and emotional invulnerability, arguing that real strength lies in the willingness to be seen, to ask for help, and to risk being hurt. Through Brooke and Chase's journey, the novel offers a modern meditation on the importance of chosen family, the necessity of confronting the past, and the redemptive potential

Last updated: January 16, 2026