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Aviators Hockey #2
Power Play
Past experience taught me to keep my distance from muscle-bound, eye-candy like Landon Taylor. While my family’s market is abuzz with excitement every time the minor league hockey player graces us with a visit, I keep a respectful distance from his alluring presence. Or, I did, until he rushes to my side during a moment of crisis without hesitation.
Who knew he was more than hard muscles and a cocky demeanor?
Landon claims he has feelings for me. I’m convinced that’s a line he’s used countless times before. His reputation is as a cool-headed athlete who he hates to lose. As tempted as I am to give in to our magnetic attraction, I can’t help but fear he only wants me because I’m one prize he can’t easily win.
With roaring crowds and an unmatched talent launching his career into the stratosphere, how can I trust what we have will be enough for him? Can I give myself over to the bliss of his strong arms pulling me close, when I know the moment could be fleeting?
Who knew he was more than hard muscles and a cocky demeanor?
Landon claims he has feelings for me. I’m convinced that’s a line he’s used countless times before. His reputation is as a cool-headed athlete who he hates to lose. As tempted as I am to give in to our magnetic attraction, I can’t help but fear he only wants me because I’m one prize he can’t easily win.
With roaring crowds and an unmatched talent launching his career into the stratosphere, how can I trust what we have will be enough for him? Can I give myself over to the bliss of his strong arms pulling me close, when I know the moment could be fleeting?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
About the author
Sophia Henry
22 books666 followersSophia Henry is a proud Detroit native who fell in love with reading, writing, and hockey all before she became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with a Creative Writing degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to warm and sunny North Carolina to live out the remainder of her winters.
She spends her days writing steamy, heartfelt contemporary romance and tweeting personal stories which she hopes resonate with and encourage others. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing her two high-energy sons and an equally high-energy Plott Hound, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings, or rocking out at as many concerts as she can possibly attend.
For all the latest releases and updates exclusively for readers, subscribe to Sophia’s newsletter today! http://bit.ly/SophiaHenryNewsletter
She spends her days writing steamy, heartfelt contemporary romance and tweeting personal stories which she hopes resonate with and encourage others. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing her two high-energy sons and an equally high-energy Plott Hound, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings, or rocking out at as many concerts as she can possibly attend.
For all the latest releases and updates exclusively for readers, subscribe to Sophia’s newsletter today! http://bit.ly/SophiaHenryNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
February 16, 2016
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! What a fantastic read, I simply couldn't stop reading it! It kept my attention from start to finish and there was not one moment of boredom or annoyance, and that's saying something, right? Power Play is my first book by this author and despite not reading the previous story in this series, I still felt like I wasn't missing out on anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the first book in this series is fantastic and worth your time. I quite enjoyed reading Gabriella and Landon's journey and hope we'll get to see more of them in the next book.
I guess, what I loved most about their story is that they knew each other since they were kinds, so their relationship started to evolve faster, and also that there wasn't wasted time on unnnecessary drama. Yes, both made mistakes but what matters most is that they both learned from them and therefore became even more mature and closer as friends and . Their story is beautiful and unique and we all know that it's always a good thing when you have some funny moments, that allow you to forget the angsty ones.
“Come on, Gaby. You’ve gotta really wiggle that ass when you shimmy down.”
“A rough, buff hockey player is telling me how to get down? For the Chicken Dance?”
The only thing that I missed was the epilogue. I'd love to know what happens in the next few years or even months. But since this is a series, I do hope we'll get to see how their journey continues in the next books that will follow.
Power Play is a wonderful read, with characters that you'll enjoy reading about. So, if you like the blurb, then you should definitely give it a chance.
Like countless figures in literature and history, we all have our tragic flaws. But it’s the way we handle those flaws that make up our character. And for the lucky ones, life gives us a second chance.
Safety-gang: Safe.
Wow! What a fantastic read, I simply couldn't stop reading it! It kept my attention from start to finish and there was not one moment of boredom or annoyance, and that's saying something, right? Power Play is my first book by this author and despite not reading the previous story in this series, I still felt like I wasn't missing out on anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the first book in this series is fantastic and worth your time. I quite enjoyed reading Gabriella and Landon's journey and hope we'll get to see more of them in the next book.
I guess, what I loved most about their story is that they knew each other since they were kinds, so their relationship started to evolve faster, and also that there wasn't wasted time on unnnecessary drama. Yes, both made mistakes but what matters most is that they both learned from them and therefore became even more mature and closer as friends and . Their story is beautiful and unique and we all know that it's always a good thing when you have some funny moments, that allow you to forget the angsty ones.
“Come on, Gaby. You’ve gotta really wiggle that ass when you shimmy down.”
“A rough, buff hockey player is telling me how to get down? For the Chicken Dance?”
The only thing that I missed was the epilogue. I'd love to know what happens in the next few years or even months. But since this is a series, I do hope we'll get to see how their journey continues in the next books that will follow.
Power Play is a wonderful read, with characters that you'll enjoy reading about. So, if you like the blurb, then you should definitely give it a chance.
Like countless figures in literature and history, we all have our tragic flaws. But it’s the way we handle those flaws that make up our character. And for the lucky ones, life gives us a second chance.
Safety-gang: Safe.
February 27, 2016
Ok so let me start by saying that there's nothing technically wrong with this book. Landon and Gabriella are a sweet couple. Brandon is SO the really nice guy you bring home to mama and despite the whole hockey thing he just seems like a regular dude. The whole book just felt so... bland to me. Nothing really invited emotion, provoked thought or sparked much of anything. I just kind of went through the motions. The moment I enjoyed the most was innocuous: when Gabriella was surprised at the concert. The dialogue felt overly formal and stunted in a way. A few times I asked myself "Is this real life?" Obviously I know it's not supposed to be real life but I think books are intended to emulate it lol For my safety gang friends, there aren't instances of OW, OM or sharing however there is mention of a rape that occurred years before. It is not described in graphic detail or anything like that. It's not a bad story at all, I just wasn't really moved by it either.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2016
***Actually 2,75 "You get it!" stars***
"Tragedy bringing two hearts together."
(A little bit too dramatic, but i liked this quote...)
Hmm... I honestly don't know from where to start...
This book was the second book of the Pilots Hockey series and i have to say that i had similar problems with the first book, but unfortunately, this one was less better than Delayed Penalty...
The thing is that because of some nice reviews, i had the illusion that this book will work better for me...
But no, it didn't and i'm so damn sorry about that!!!
The story wasn't bad... It had good potentials but the writing style didn't appeal to me...
The romance between the two main heroes wasn't a romance...
It was abrupt and it started from nowhere... I wasn't feeling the connection...
The heroine was a little bit... old-faschioned i think, a little bit prude and damn, she had so many issues that made her seem like an unfair judgemental bitch in many occassions...
The main hero was cute i will say, but still... something was off...
But to be honest, the final 30% of the book was better and it kept my interest, but it wasn't enough to change my opinion for the previous 70% and i'm so sorry about that!!!
Well, Gabriella Bertucci was working in the family business and she wanted to become the right hand of her father... But he wasn't sharing the same opinion with her!!!
She had an eternal crush for Landon Taylor, a hockey player of the Detroit Pilots that she used to know from when she was very young...
The Taylors were good client of the Bertuccis, but Landon didn't know that she was exist...
But one day, everything are changing...
Gaby's father is having a heart attack while they are on their store and Landon who happened to be there, he is the only one to help them...
From that moment, Landon and Gaby came more close... and Landon started to show an interest toward her... An interest that as he is claiming was always there....
But Gaby is having lots of other issues to deal at the same time...
Family problems, business problems, awful things that happened in the past that're still affecting her and in the middle of all that, is standing Landon and he is distarcting her... Or not???
"I guess I never really had a reason to. Not until I stood there as your dad had a heart attack. It gave me a reason to talk to you. And reason to stay. A really horrible reason. But a reason."
Well, as i told you before, the story wasn't bad, but the way that it was given wasn't very good...
I was feeling all the time that something was missing...
The romance between Gaby and Landon was abrupt and not at all persuassive...
In their first encounters, they were awkard as hell...
Fortunately, near to the end the things got better for those two...
What i didn't like at all was the lack of emotion when Gabriela was talking about something bad that happened to her before some years... For once again, i wasn't persuaded!!!
I also didn't like at all, her father's attitude toward her and their store... His ways of life were so archaic for my taste and i was 100% opposite of his actions...
Finally, for a related with hockey book, didn't have too much hockey inside...
Just one phase and i was missing to see the connection between the players since the series is about their hockey team...
For once again, i missed the male's voice since the book is written from the girl's POV, both times...
Like i told you above, it wasn't a bad book, but it didn't get into me and i'm so sorry about that...
Usually, i'm a very easy person and now, i feel very bad about that!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
"Tragedy bringing two hearts together."
(A little bit too dramatic, but i liked this quote...)
Hmm... I honestly don't know from where to start...
This book was the second book of the Pilots Hockey series and i have to say that i had similar problems with the first book, but unfortunately, this one was less better than Delayed Penalty...
The thing is that because of some nice reviews, i had the illusion that this book will work better for me...
But no, it didn't and i'm so damn sorry about that!!!
The story wasn't bad... It had good potentials but the writing style didn't appeal to me...
The romance between the two main heroes wasn't a romance...
It was abrupt and it started from nowhere... I wasn't feeling the connection...
The heroine was a little bit... old-faschioned i think, a little bit prude and damn, she had so many issues that made her seem like an unfair judgemental bitch in many occassions...
The main hero was cute i will say, but still... something was off...
But to be honest, the final 30% of the book was better and it kept my interest, but it wasn't enough to change my opinion for the previous 70% and i'm so sorry about that!!!
Well, Gabriella Bertucci was working in the family business and she wanted to become the right hand of her father... But he wasn't sharing the same opinion with her!!!
She had an eternal crush for Landon Taylor, a hockey player of the Detroit Pilots that she used to know from when she was very young...
The Taylors were good client of the Bertuccis, but Landon didn't know that she was exist...
But one day, everything are changing...
Gaby's father is having a heart attack while they are on their store and Landon who happened to be there, he is the only one to help them...
From that moment, Landon and Gaby came more close... and Landon started to show an interest toward her... An interest that as he is claiming was always there....
But Gaby is having lots of other issues to deal at the same time...
Family problems, business problems, awful things that happened in the past that're still affecting her and in the middle of all that, is standing Landon and he is distarcting her... Or not???
"I guess I never really had a reason to. Not until I stood there as your dad had a heart attack. It gave me a reason to talk to you. And reason to stay. A really horrible reason. But a reason."
Well, as i told you before, the story wasn't bad, but the way that it was given wasn't very good...
I was feeling all the time that something was missing...
The romance between Gaby and Landon was abrupt and not at all persuassive...
In their first encounters, they were awkard as hell...
Fortunately, near to the end the things got better for those two...
What i didn't like at all was the lack of emotion when Gabriela was talking about something bad that happened to her before some years... For once again, i wasn't persuaded!!!
I also didn't like at all, her father's attitude toward her and their store... His ways of life were so archaic for my taste and i was 100% opposite of his actions...
Finally, for a related with hockey book, didn't have too much hockey inside...
Just one phase and i was missing to see the connection between the players since the series is about their hockey team...
For once again, i missed the male's voice since the book is written from the girl's POV, both times...
Like i told you above, it wasn't a bad book, but it didn't get into me and i'm so sorry about that...
Usually, i'm a very easy person and now, i feel very bad about that!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
February 8, 2016
I was given this book via Netgalley for my honest review.
2.5
I liked the premise of the story. Sweet, young girl "secretly" in love with the hometown minor hockey league star. It was cute. Both have been, "secretly" in love with each other for years. I just found the story didn't really, "take off" and I didn't find myself particularly attached to the characters.
The writing was good and easy to follow. The setting of old downtown Detroit and its community interesting.
There was a bit more depth to the story as the heroine had some issues but I felt they were never really properly dealt with. The ending seemed a bit rushed with tying up loose ends.
2.5
I liked the premise of the story. Sweet, young girl "secretly" in love with the hometown minor hockey league star. It was cute. Both have been, "secretly" in love with each other for years. I just found the story didn't really, "take off" and I didn't find myself particularly attached to the characters.
The writing was good and easy to follow. The setting of old downtown Detroit and its community interesting.
There was a bit more depth to the story as the heroine had some issues but I felt they were never really properly dealt with. The ending seemed a bit rushed with tying up loose ends.
February 18, 2016
Power Play is the second book in Sophia Henry's Pilots Hockey series. Each book can be considered a stand alone since each focuses on a different couple. That being said, this was my first book by Sophia Henry and I'm not sure I'll read anymore from her.
This is going to be somewhat of a rant-y review... (just FYI if I say some "spoilers")
I don't think I've disliked a WHOLE book of characters as much in Power Play. I mean, usually there are one or two that I find uber annoying, but this was a WHOLE BOOK OF THEM!!! I didn't like ANYONE. ANYONE!!!! I thought Gaby's parent's were cruel in an unusual way and blamed her for being raped three years ago. They were condescending/patronizing towards her with her meds and acted like she was going to go on a killing spree without them. It was obnoxious how they treated her, and as a reader, I didn't appreciate it.
You can definitely tell these main characters are young... They were immature, selfish, whiny, and very, very (IMO) annoying. Landon is an ADULT man-child jealous of the fact that his parents adopted two orphan twins... This twenty-something is jealous that his parents don't pay enough attention to him... REALLY?!?!?!?!? I would understand being jealous if he was a) an only child AND b) A CHILD!! As for Gaby, I am sympathetic about what she has gone through, but I found her to be an incredibly WEAK person. It takes a lot of strength to make it through what she did and come out of it, but she had no faith/confidence in herself. She NEVER stood up to her parents for treating her like an invalid.
It was just overall a hard to read. I'm actually surprised I bothered finishing it.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
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This is going to be somewhat of a rant-y review... (just FYI if I say some "spoilers")
I don't think I've disliked a WHOLE book of characters as much in Power Play. I mean, usually there are one or two that I find uber annoying, but this was a WHOLE BOOK OF THEM!!! I didn't like ANYONE. ANYONE!!!! I thought Gaby's parent's were cruel in an unusual way and blamed her for being raped three years ago. They were condescending/patronizing towards her with her meds and acted like she was going to go on a killing spree without them. It was obnoxious how they treated her, and as a reader, I didn't appreciate it.
You can definitely tell these main characters are young... They were immature, selfish, whiny, and very, very (IMO) annoying. Landon is an ADULT man-child jealous of the fact that his parents adopted two orphan twins... This twenty-something is jealous that his parents don't pay enough attention to him... REALLY?!?!?!?!? I would understand being jealous if he was a) an only child AND b) A CHILD!! As for Gaby, I am sympathetic about what she has gone through, but I found her to be an incredibly WEAK person. It takes a lot of strength to make it through what she did and come out of it, but she had no faith/confidence in herself. She NEVER stood up to her parents for treating her like an invalid.
It was just overall a hard to read. I'm actually surprised I bothered finishing it.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
January 9, 2016
This was a tough book to rate because there are things I really l liked about it but the things I didn't like ended up overwhelming the good stuff.
I love the setting in post recession/current recession Detroit. I love the urban setting and the work in a multi generational family business. I like the fact the hero is in the minors instead of already a big Hockey star. The details of running a business are good. The hero and heroine actually work. They like each other and not some idea of each other. The hero's internal conflict is interesting as is the heroine's family's struggle to completely walk away from connection with the heroine's attacker's family because of economic connections.
However, the leads are very, very young. The heroine ends up being less interesting the the hero. The plot pacing drags and there is false drama and less character growth than I would like. The secondary characters are flat. And in the end I just didn't engage with the romance.
I will try this writer again because of the good stuff.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
I love the setting in post recession/current recession Detroit. I love the urban setting and the work in a multi generational family business. I like the fact the hero is in the minors instead of already a big Hockey star. The details of running a business are good. The hero and heroine actually work. They like each other and not some idea of each other. The hero's internal conflict is interesting as is the heroine's family's struggle to completely walk away from connection with the heroine's attacker's family because of economic connections.
However, the leads are very, very young. The heroine ends up being less interesting the the hero. The plot pacing drags and there is false drama and less character growth than I would like. The secondary characters are flat. And in the end I just didn't engage with the romance.
I will try this writer again because of the good stuff.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
November 27, 2015
I didn't enjoy this book very much. The book is very angsty and although some of the drama was addressed in the end, the issues felt a bit glossed over and not really resolved.
Gaby is a sheltered 19 year old working in her family's business. Landon is a minor league hockey player that Gaby has know as a customer from her family's stores for her entire life.
They fall into a relationship after a family emergency. While the relationship didn't feel forced exactly, it never really felt natural or very believable to me.
Both of the characters are supposed to have been secretly in love with the other for years. However, I didn't feel much of a connection between Gabby and Landon and all of the drama from Gaby's family drove me a bit nuts. Gabby was a doormat for most of the book and when she actually stood up for herself it seemed kind of hollow.
I really disliked the way Gabby was continually victimized over what had happened to her and really hated the way she took it as her due for being unfortunate enough to be targeted. While blaming yourself is not an uncommon reaction to being victimized, her unwillingness to rock the boat when she should have was troubling. Even more troubling was her actively accepting blame for things that were not even close to being her fault. I get that she was 19, and a young 19 at that, but I hated the way she took responsibly for things she didn't do.
Honestly, my biggest issue with this book is that I craved justice or at least a satisfying resolution to the drama in the story. This book had no justice and without justice, resolution is very difficult for me to find. You can be a victim or you can be a survivor and as hard as Gabby wanted to be a survivor, I am afraid she just came across as a victim. I really wish that she would have found her voice a little more by the end of the story.
Also, although this book is supposed to be a hockey themed romance, hockey had very little to do with the book. It felt like Landon was a hockey player so that the book could be categorized as a hockey themed romance.
Gaby is a sheltered 19 year old working in her family's business. Landon is a minor league hockey player that Gaby has know as a customer from her family's stores for her entire life.
They fall into a relationship after a family emergency. While the relationship didn't feel forced exactly, it never really felt natural or very believable to me.
Both of the characters are supposed to have been secretly in love with the other for years. However, I didn't feel much of a connection between Gabby and Landon and all of the drama from Gaby's family drove me a bit nuts. Gabby was a doormat for most of the book and when she actually stood up for herself it seemed kind of hollow.
I really disliked the way Gabby was continually victimized over what had happened to her and really hated the way she took it as her due for being unfortunate enough to be targeted. While blaming yourself is not an uncommon reaction to being victimized, her unwillingness to rock the boat when she should have was troubling. Even more troubling was her actively accepting blame for things that were not even close to being her fault. I get that she was 19, and a young 19 at that, but I hated the way she took responsibly for things she didn't do.
Honestly, my biggest issue with this book is that I craved justice or at least a satisfying resolution to the drama in the story. This book had no justice and without justice, resolution is very difficult for me to find. You can be a victim or you can be a survivor and as hard as Gabby wanted to be a survivor, I am afraid she just came across as a victim. I really wish that she would have found her voice a little more by the end of the story.
Also, although this book is supposed to be a hockey themed romance, hockey had very little to do with the book. It felt like Landon was a hockey player so that the book could be categorized as a hockey themed romance.
February 16, 2016
I read the first Pilots Hockey novel, Delayed Penalty, when it first released last year. I gave it a 3.5 and knew I wanted to read the next book. While it had some continuity issues for me I still enjoyed the men of the Pilots Hockey team and wanted to know more. Power Play, the second book in the series, took me by surprise. I went into this book thinking it would be fairly similar to Delayed Penalty, and boy was I wrong. Not only is it a cute love story, but the story line flows perfectly and I found myself liking the characters quite a bit. While readers of Delayed Penalty may have enjoyed the constant go-go-go feel and drama, Power Play is similar to a friends to lovers story. Tensions are high among the family, similar to the last book, but this time the hockey player is a little less chauvinistic, definitely more boy next door.
Gabriella, Gabi as she's known by, is a character I related to in more ways than one. I understand having siblings, being treated differently as a girl, and having hard life lessons learned in terrifying ways. She's a strong characters, she's bright, and I liked reading her POV. She was fun and I really liked her spunk, especially her flirty banter with her hockey crush, Landon. Speaking of Landon, he can be my book boyfriend if he wants to. Described as hot and family oriented, Gabi sees a different side of Landon he never shares, on or off the ice. He's got some self esteem issues and he and Gabi work them out on eachother. Did I say on? I meant with. They had known each other since childhood, but only found friendship in the midst of a traumatic event. I liked the speed of the relationship, though I would normally complain about it. In this length of novel it just worked, moving from family friends and acquaintances, to dating, to finally lovers. Their relationship was fun, unique, and proved to be really positive for both of them as individuals. While there is less hockey in this book, it's still mentioned often. I definitely liked the introduction of the world of characters in Detroit that the hockey players interact with, because it brought a lot of depth to the Pilots Hockey team. This book is true to reality, written very well, and was an enjoyable fast read. I absolutely recommend the Pilots Hockey series to fellow readers and if you pick up Power Play first, don't worry about it, because it's a standalone!
Gabriella, Gabi as she's known by, is a character I related to in more ways than one. I understand having siblings, being treated differently as a girl, and having hard life lessons learned in terrifying ways. She's a strong characters, she's bright, and I liked reading her POV. She was fun and I really liked her spunk, especially her flirty banter with her hockey crush, Landon. Speaking of Landon, he can be my book boyfriend if he wants to. Described as hot and family oriented, Gabi sees a different side of Landon he never shares, on or off the ice. He's got some self esteem issues and he and Gabi work them out on eachother. Did I say on? I meant with. They had known each other since childhood, but only found friendship in the midst of a traumatic event. I liked the speed of the relationship, though I would normally complain about it. In this length of novel it just worked, moving from family friends and acquaintances, to dating, to finally lovers. Their relationship was fun, unique, and proved to be really positive for both of them as individuals. While there is less hockey in this book, it's still mentioned often. I definitely liked the introduction of the world of characters in Detroit that the hockey players interact with, because it brought a lot of depth to the Pilots Hockey team. This book is true to reality, written very well, and was an enjoyable fast read. I absolutely recommend the Pilots Hockey series to fellow readers and if you pick up Power Play first, don't worry about it, because it's a standalone!
February 20, 2016
2.5 stars
Power Play was an OK read.
While the storyline kept me interested to keep reading, I failed to connect with both Gaby and Landon.
This made it hard for me enjoy it as much as I hoped :(
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the advance copy.
Power Play was an OK read.
While the storyline kept me interested to keep reading, I failed to connect with both Gaby and Landon.
This made it hard for me enjoy it as much as I hoped :(
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the advance copy.
December 24, 2015
I'm counting this book for the 2015 Popsugar reading challenge under cateogry: book set in my hometown. It actually isn't set in my hometown, but nothing is, and nothing ever will be, as far as I'm aware. Most books set in Michigan are set in fake towns, so props to this one for being set in an actual Michigan city (Detroit).
The hockey aspects of this seem to be more or less correct (more than less, I suppose, although I admit I don't know as much about minor league hockey as major. And while I highly doubt that the town would turn out for a minor league player autograph signing (let alone 18,000 fans for a minor league game), I suppose your average non-hockey-fan reader wouldn't even notice these errors. When I say more than less, I am referring to the game-specific technical aspects of hockey and the team interactions that Ms. Henry describes).
Where the book fell short for me was the characters. Landon is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too good to be true. I mean WAY too good, despite Ms. Henry's best efforts to (repeatedly) portray him as a whiny, priveleged rich kid who resents the attention his parents lavish on his adopted younger brothers. What on earth would have drawn him - and stuck him - to Gaby? She came across as rude, insecure, judgmental, sanctimonious, immature, and hypocritical. Landon constantly had to prove himself, apologize, grovel, stroke her ego, and flatter her, just to keep hertemporarily appeasedhappy. I am sure the (many) references to Gaby as an Italian American Princess were meant to be joke-y and tongue-in-cheek but, um, they weren't. She may not have been an actual girly frilly princess but she sure had to have her hand held like one. A more emotionally unstable and insecure girl could not have been written. She also had baggage piled on her higher than an airport luggage truck: Also, her brother BEATS UP Landon (which, um, did Landon just sit there and allow it!?) and Gaby has no complaints? Nothing to say to her brother? Wow, what a great girlfriend. I'm sure that family situation will work out great in the future, if there even is one.
I do not like books where the heroineis a mary sue can do no wrong and the hero is constantly groveling/atoning/apologizing/making up to her. And so, despite wanting to like it (Detroit! hockey! hot hockey players!) I didn't. I also didn't care for the ubiquitous new adult genre cliche of 'skanky hoes' (literally used as a descriptor in this novel) trying to make inroads on the heroine's man rearing its ugly head. Nor for Gaby's 'takedown' of the 'hockey hags' (really?!), nor for the ever-present one and only non-jealous, non-competitive girl (conveniently, the already attached girlfriend of a different player) teaming up with Gaby to cackle over the disposal of the 'skinny bitches'. SERIOUSLY NEW ADULT AUTHORS PLS STOP USING THIS CLICHE PLOT DEVICE THANK YOU IT IS OVERDONE AND ANNOYING.
I can't honestly say I'd recommend this particular book, unfortunately.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest (maybe you can tell?) review.
The hockey aspects of this seem to be more or less correct (more than less, I suppose, although I admit I don't know as much about minor league hockey as major. And while I highly doubt that the town would turn out for a minor league player autograph signing (let alone 18,000 fans for a minor league game), I suppose your average non-hockey-fan reader wouldn't even notice these errors. When I say more than less, I am referring to the game-specific technical aspects of hockey and the team interactions that Ms. Henry describes).
Where the book fell short for me was the characters. Landon is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too good to be true. I mean WAY too good, despite Ms. Henry's best efforts to (repeatedly) portray him as a whiny, priveleged rich kid who resents the attention his parents lavish on his adopted younger brothers. What on earth would have drawn him - and stuck him - to Gaby? She came across as rude, insecure, judgmental, sanctimonious, immature, and hypocritical. Landon constantly had to prove himself, apologize, grovel, stroke her ego, and flatter her, just to keep her
I do not like books where the heroine
I can't honestly say I'd recommend this particular book, unfortunately.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest (maybe you can tell?) review.
March 30, 2016
"Power Play" , four stars for this cute romance. I really liked the main characters Gabreilla and Landon and thought it wonderful that the author had the. Growing up with each other and crushing on one another , both unawares of each other's feeling all along.
Landon gets his chance to reveal his interest I. Gabrielle when her father has a heart attack in the family stores Artisan 313. Landon steppes up,and takes control, calling for emergency services and even offering to cover at the store while she follows her father to the hospital.
Gabrielle 's family is an older fashioned Italian family and to spite Gabrielle spending all her time at the family stores running them with her father she feels her family does not look to her as an asset all because of one judgement mistake three years ago. Gabriella attended a college frat party with her brothers , but having drank to much and seeking some place to rest she foolishly followed a long time family freind to a room, need I say more , the family freind was not a freind that night when he forced himself on her. To add insult to injury though her family purchases fresh goods from his family and has for two generations so they would not allow her to press charges and continued to do business with them . Well that was my long way to tell you that Gabreilla is Leary about relationships , as much as she wants one with Landon fear plays a role in the intimacy between the two and Landon once he finds out her story is beyond supportive. Landon has his own problems , he suffers from middle child syndrome at an older age , feeling like he has something to prove to his parents , that he will never be good enough to spite the fact that he is an up and coming pro hockey player.
Landon support of her goes above and beyond, he supports her desire to try and help make her families new store 313 a success, getting even his hockey teammates to come out and sign autographs to drive business through the doors, unfortunately given her stubborn father and family her marketing plan is frowned upon to spite proving that it works.
The stress causes her to lash out at Landon driving a wedge between them ,one that fortunately is not allowed to remain for long. We wind up,with an ahead, so I was happy.
What I was not thrilled about , her families treatment of her like she knew nothing and even though her father made amens I. The end for me too little too late!
Arc was graciously supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
Landon gets his chance to reveal his interest I. Gabrielle when her father has a heart attack in the family stores Artisan 313. Landon steppes up,and takes control, calling for emergency services and even offering to cover at the store while she follows her father to the hospital.
Gabrielle 's family is an older fashioned Italian family and to spite Gabrielle spending all her time at the family stores running them with her father she feels her family does not look to her as an asset all because of one judgement mistake three years ago. Gabriella attended a college frat party with her brothers , but having drank to much and seeking some place to rest she foolishly followed a long time family freind to a room, need I say more , the family freind was not a freind that night when he forced himself on her. To add insult to injury though her family purchases fresh goods from his family and has for two generations so they would not allow her to press charges and continued to do business with them . Well that was my long way to tell you that Gabreilla is Leary about relationships , as much as she wants one with Landon fear plays a role in the intimacy between the two and Landon once he finds out her story is beyond supportive. Landon has his own problems , he suffers from middle child syndrome at an older age , feeling like he has something to prove to his parents , that he will never be good enough to spite the fact that he is an up and coming pro hockey player.
Landon support of her goes above and beyond, he supports her desire to try and help make her families new store 313 a success, getting even his hockey teammates to come out and sign autographs to drive business through the doors, unfortunately given her stubborn father and family her marketing plan is frowned upon to spite proving that it works.
The stress causes her to lash out at Landon driving a wedge between them ,one that fortunately is not allowed to remain for long. We wind up,with an ahead, so I was happy.
What I was not thrilled about , her families treatment of her like she knew nothing and even though her father made amens I. The end for me too little too late!
Arc was graciously supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
2.5
Netgalley for an honest review.
Gaby and Landon have known each other most of their lives. Gaby works at the family owned store and often sees Landon, minor league hockey player, there when he's shopping. Each has had a small infatuation with the other but never acted on it. One day when Landon is shopping at the store Gaby's Father suffers a heart attack while working and Landon steps in to support and help Gaby.
The book opens with the above scene and takes off from there. Gaby while in college was raped by a family friend. She's been trying to heal and go on with her life. Her Italian family is protective, which is understandable. Landon and Gaby start to form a deeper relationship from the crisis that happened with her Father. It was a slow process and at times seemed forced. There wasn't much character development or depth to either MC. We have Landon striving to be patient and kind with Gaby. Gaby seemed stagnant and without much depth.
I found the dialogue and scene descriptions monotonous at times (the opening chapter went on and on about the store and the surroundings). There was no real connection with the characters and almost seemed robotic and without emotion. Was a very "dry" read.
Netgalley for an honest review.
Gaby and Landon have known each other most of their lives. Gaby works at the family owned store and often sees Landon, minor league hockey player, there when he's shopping. Each has had a small infatuation with the other but never acted on it. One day when Landon is shopping at the store Gaby's Father suffers a heart attack while working and Landon steps in to support and help Gaby.
The book opens with the above scene and takes off from there. Gaby while in college was raped by a family friend. She's been trying to heal and go on with her life. Her Italian family is protective, which is understandable. Landon and Gaby start to form a deeper relationship from the crisis that happened with her Father. It was a slow process and at times seemed forced. There wasn't much character development or depth to either MC. We have Landon striving to be patient and kind with Gaby. Gaby seemed stagnant and without much depth.
I found the dialogue and scene descriptions monotonous at times (the opening chapter went on and on about the store and the surroundings). There was no real connection with the characters and almost seemed robotic and without emotion. Was a very "dry" read.
June 24, 2016
Minor league hockey player Landon Taylor has had a crush on Gabriella Bertucci since the day he met her. Gabriella has secretly been crushing on Landon, but she doesn't realize Landon is ready to make his move and Gabriella is the target. Gabriella works in her families produce business, she is often overlooked by all that she does though and as Landon becomes a bigger part in her life she begins to believe in her ideas more. Landon though is struggling with wanting to be called up and taking the next step in his Hockey career, Gabriella offers him an insight he needs. Although they are new, Landon doesn't know everything about Gabriella and will he accept everything about her once he finds out?
This is a fantastic series. I liked Landon, he knows who he wants in his life and I thought his courtship of Gabriella was really sweet. Gabriella is a wonderful character, she is dealing with a hard issue and I was overwhelmed by how courageous she was. Excellent series, one to pick up if you have not already.
This is a fantastic series. I liked Landon, he knows who he wants in his life and I thought his courtship of Gabriella was really sweet. Gabriella is a wonderful character, she is dealing with a hard issue and I was overwhelmed by how courageous she was. Excellent series, one to pick up if you have not already.
February 15, 2016
Power Play (Pilots Hockey #2) by Sophia Henry Sophia Henry scores another win with Power Play the second book in the Pilots Hockey Series. AHL star defenseman for the Detroit Pilots, Landon Taylor, has had a crush on Gabriella since they were children. After a near tragedy, he gains the confidence to pursue her. However, there is a reason Gabriella Bertucci is skittish around boys, she won’t let him in easily.
I really enjoyed Power Play. I love that the two main characters have known each other since they were kids, both had crushes on the other, but never did anything about it until they are older. I love their first kiss when they were kids and found it humorous that Gabriella did not remember it. I like that the family is loyal to Detroit and wants to keep their business located there. The plot had a couple of interesting conflicts that were realistic and heartfelt. I sympathized with Gabriella but understand why her family was so protective of her. There are definitely some assumptions and lack of communication going on throughout this story. Power Play felt well resolved and had a great ending.
On a side note, it was fate that I read this book. The Pilots are a fictitious AHL hockey team that plays real AHL hockey teams in this book. So I found it amusing that on Saturday night while I was waiting for my husband and son to get ready, and I decided to get a few pages of Power Play in. I was about twenty percent into the book. The Pilots were in Chicago and going to play the Chicago Wolves. It so happens that we were about to go to a Wolves game that night. But wait, there is more…the next team the Pilots play in the book is the Iowa Wild. Guess who the Wolves played that night. Yup fate.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Power Play. I love that the two main characters have known each other since they were kids, both had crushes on the other, but never did anything about it until they are older. I love their first kiss when they were kids and found it humorous that Gabriella did not remember it. I like that the family is loyal to Detroit and wants to keep their business located there. The plot had a couple of interesting conflicts that were realistic and heartfelt. I sympathized with Gabriella but understand why her family was so protective of her. There are definitely some assumptions and lack of communication going on throughout this story. Power Play felt well resolved and had a great ending.
On a side note, it was fate that I read this book. The Pilots are a fictitious AHL hockey team that plays real AHL hockey teams in this book. So I found it amusing that on Saturday night while I was waiting for my husband and son to get ready, and I decided to get a few pages of Power Play in. I was about twenty percent into the book. The Pilots were in Chicago and going to play the Chicago Wolves. It so happens that we were about to go to a Wolves game that night. But wait, there is more…the next team the Pilots play in the book is the Iowa Wild. Guess who the Wolves played that night. Yup fate.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2015
This is the second book in the Pilots hockey novel series and while I liked this book better then the first I still had some issues liking and understanding the characters.
Landon and Gabriella have had crushes on each other for most their lives until Gabriella's father has a heart attack and Landon is there to help out. Landon finally tells Gabriella how he feels and they start dating.
Gabriella was raped 3 years ago and hasn't gotten over it. So when Landon finds out he wants to take things slow. Meanwhile these two are both fighting demons that only the other can understand which brings them closer but can this young love last through it all?
These characters seemed young at times when they were in there early 20s. When I started reading I took a break at 50% in hoping when I got back to them I would understand them better but I still couldn't totally connect with them.
I liked how they did have a connection with each other and understood what the other was going through. They did a lot of talking to get to know one another even though they have known each other there whole lives.
There were some slow parts in this book but towards the end it picked up speed. Was I happy how it ended? Yes, these two characters come to terms with their relationship and families which was well worth the wait.
We did get to see the characters from the first book which was nice. Now there are other players who look like they will be getting a book and I have to say the more about them the more they interest me. Hopefully the next book will capture me completely.
Landon and Gabriella have had crushes on each other for most their lives until Gabriella's father has a heart attack and Landon is there to help out. Landon finally tells Gabriella how he feels and they start dating.
Gabriella was raped 3 years ago and hasn't gotten over it. So when Landon finds out he wants to take things slow. Meanwhile these two are both fighting demons that only the other can understand which brings them closer but can this young love last through it all?
These characters seemed young at times when they were in there early 20s. When I started reading I took a break at 50% in hoping when I got back to them I would understand them better but I still couldn't totally connect with them.
I liked how they did have a connection with each other and understood what the other was going through. They did a lot of talking to get to know one another even though they have known each other there whole lives.
There were some slow parts in this book but towards the end it picked up speed. Was I happy how it ended? Yes, these two characters come to terms with their relationship and families which was well worth the wait.
We did get to see the characters from the first book which was nice. Now there are other players who look like they will be getting a book and I have to say the more about them the more they interest me. Hopefully the next book will capture me completely.
January 19, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Having enjoyed Sophia Henry's debut novel, DELAYED PENALTY, I was excited to read the second book in the series, POWER PLAY.
Gabriella Bertucci spends her days working for the family produce business, putting all her effort into seeing that their new location succeeds. It doesn't hurt that her longtime crush, AHL hockey player and NHL hopeful Landon Taylor, regularly comes into the store. But when her father has a heart attack and can no longer manage all the duties of the business himself, Gaby is horrified when he appoints her pothead and distant older brother in charge instead of her. When Landon, confesses his feelings for her, they start a relationship. Gaby sets out to prove she has what it takes to save the family business, while working through her PTSD to have a happy relationship with Landon.
This was a great story. I loved reading Gaby's relationship with her traditional Italian family. I was also happy to see the author address some of the realities for victims of sexual assault and their barriers to reporting their abusers.
This story had more heat than DELAYED PENALTY, and I think it will appeal to fans of NA romance. I hope Drew gets his own book!
Trigger warnings: No graphic abuse scenes, but discussions of rape and sexual assault. The main character was raped by a family friend with whom she is still forced to interact due to their families' businesses.
Having enjoyed Sophia Henry's debut novel, DELAYED PENALTY, I was excited to read the second book in the series, POWER PLAY.
Gabriella Bertucci spends her days working for the family produce business, putting all her effort into seeing that their new location succeeds. It doesn't hurt that her longtime crush, AHL hockey player and NHL hopeful Landon Taylor, regularly comes into the store. But when her father has a heart attack and can no longer manage all the duties of the business himself, Gaby is horrified when he appoints her pothead and distant older brother in charge instead of her. When Landon, confesses his feelings for her, they start a relationship. Gaby sets out to prove she has what it takes to save the family business, while working through her PTSD to have a happy relationship with Landon.
This was a great story. I loved reading Gaby's relationship with her traditional Italian family. I was also happy to see the author address some of the realities for victims of sexual assault and their barriers to reporting their abusers.
This story had more heat than DELAYED PENALTY, and I think it will appeal to fans of NA romance. I hope Drew gets his own book!
Trigger warnings: No graphic abuse scenes, but discussions of rape and sexual assault. The main character was raped by a family friend with whom she is still forced to interact due to their families' businesses.
March 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I'll be honest. I hated Power Play which is so disappointing because I loved Delayed Penalty, the first book in the series. Power Play is contrived, misogynistic and our heroine Gaby is in dire need of a strong female role model. Her mother who should be guiding her appears in the story only to berate her or do her hair.
The romance with minor league hockey play Landon didn't work for me because Landon felt too fake. And for a romance with a hockey player, there is very little hockey in the book.
Gaby was raped in her younger years and I was furious with the way rape was treated in Power Play. The one scene that did discuss the aftermath of the rape and gave Gaby some support just felt like it was paying lip service to the issue.
Even though I didn't like Power Play I'm still going to read book 3 in the series, Interference, which comes out in June.
I'll be honest. I hated Power Play which is so disappointing because I loved Delayed Penalty, the first book in the series. Power Play is contrived, misogynistic and our heroine Gaby is in dire need of a strong female role model. Her mother who should be guiding her appears in the story only to berate her or do her hair.
The romance with minor league hockey play Landon didn't work for me because Landon felt too fake. And for a romance with a hockey player, there is very little hockey in the book.
Gaby was raped in her younger years and I was furious with the way rape was treated in Power Play. The one scene that did discuss the aftermath of the rape and gave Gaby some support just felt like it was paying lip service to the issue.
Even though I didn't like Power Play I'm still going to read book 3 in the series, Interference, which comes out in June.
March 11, 2019
This romance that wasn’t really. It came out of nowhere. All the sudden this guy who says he loved her his whole life pushes his way into her every day life. It’s fine they become good friends but I just didn’t feel the connection. No romance. Meh
The dad is ridiculous and not in an endearing way
The dad is ridiculous and not in an endearing way
April 2, 2016
Title: Power Play
Author: Sophia Henry
Series: A Pilots Hockey Novel
Publisher: Random House LLC
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Genre(s): Sports Romance, Coming of age
Page Count: 234 pages
Heat Level: # 3 flames out of 5
Rating: # 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family’s market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.
Landon isn’t afraid of telling Gaby that he’s got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It’s his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.
One minute Gaby’s tempted to give in; the next, she’s getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who’s destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.
Review:
Another sweet coming of age love story. I love sport stories and this one did not disappoint at all. The second book in this series is a stand alone book about a young couple and how their relationship grows from acquaintance to friendship to something more.
The plot of this story takes us to Detroit, Michigan. I am not familiar with the area, but it was interesting to read a book set in a place that wasn’t New York, California, or Texas. Gaby is, for lack of better words, the Italian Princess of her family. She feels that she constantly has to prove herself as an important member of the family retail business. Trying to help her father make a go of a new store, he puts down every one of her suggestions. Worst of all when her dad has a heart attack, he puts her older brother in charge of the store. The brother that left home to follow his dream. A pot smoking, video gamer, with absolutely no ambition in life. Then there is Landon, the guy that has known Gaby for most of his life. His family always shopped at the Bertucci store. Now he is on his way to become a NHL player, but he also wants to be part of Gaby’s life. The chemistry of the couple in the story is warm and fuzzy. Which grow throughout the story. The story moves along at a steady pace, keeping you interested until the finish. The ending is exactly what I wanted. We see the characters develop from kids to lovers and we get to see how these two young individuals learn to help each other tackle their insecurities.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY 4 Stars
PACING 4 Stars
ENDING 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 5 Stars
Find this book on Goodreads
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
February 12, 2016
Having mostly enjoyed Book 1, Delayed Penalty, this NetGalley reviewer was very curious to see what was next in this series by debut author, Sophia Henry. First of all, she should be congratulated for choosing class over skin for her book cover. I honestly think if I see one more shirtless, headless, overly ab endowed romance book cover I’m going to scream.
***Possible spoilers****
By far, the highlight of this romantic tale is the hero. He seemed, well, perfect. From his good looks, thoughtful gestures, patient/caring ways with the heroine, you really couldn’t ask for more. Well, except for his middle school behavior at being jealous/whiny over his parent’s devotion to his younger, adopted siblings. Really, was that necessary? He’s a grown man, for goodness sake! His man card definitely took a hit over those comments.
The heroine came across as beautiful and sweet in the beginning, but definitely annoyingly weak/erratic at times, as she didn’t speak up for herself when it came to her family. The same family, mainly her father, that put business before her in letting her incompetent older brother, Joey, run the shop she should be managing. The same one who also didn’t cut business ties with the family whose relative raped her at age 16, even after the abuser’s family accused her of lying and being a whore. Honestly, I don’t understand why the father got away with talking disrespectfully to everyone, especially Gabby. Yet, he was considered a pillar of the community. I definitely have more descriptive words to describe him but can’t or this review will be censored.
And this is where another big fault with this book stands out clear as day. When characters actions do not match how they are portrayed. Gabby was so back and forth from being weak/whiny to loud feisty outbursts it’s no wonder her father accused her of being off her meds. She was furious when Landon tried to help her with the store one moment, then weeping with joy over a Harry Potter book he gave her the next. In both cases, her behavior came across as immature.
Then there was that “Oh, no you didn’t just say that” moment when Gabby’s supposedly loving, devoted mother accused her of messing up a delivery to make worthless Joey look bad. A delivery that didn’t happen because Joey didn’t fill out the necessary paperwork. Yeah, Mommy Dearest tore her a new one. Gabby’s response? She sat in the truck and cried. Btw, everyone knew Joey’s past employment qualifications included being a pot smoking vagabond sleeping on the floors of friends’ apartments, because he didn’t have a job. Yeah, let’s put him in charge of the precious family business! Way to go, Pops! They’ll all be in the poor house soon.
My romance book-loving friends, this train wreck is not over. Next, there is a confrontation in a garden when Gabby accuses Landon of stealing her produce? Yeah, I’m still scratching my head over that bizarre plot twist. I can only guess the author wanted to interject a temporary breakup so they could reconcile later but was completely out of lucid ideas. Yes, things got resolved with a HEA and even an apology from her father. But, honestly, I didn’t even freaking care by then. I’m just glad to see the end of this dysfunctional family/crazy heroine. Rating: 1 star.
Title: Power Play, Series: Pilots Hockey (Book 2), Author: Sophia Henry, Pages: 233, stand-alone, HEA.
Book 1 – Delayed Penalty, Pages: 266, 9/1/15 (Auden & Aleksandr)
Book 2 – Power Play, Pages: 233, 2/16/16 (Gabby & Landon)
Book 3 – Interference, Pages: 216, 6/7/16, (Jason & Linden)
Book 4 – Unsportsman Like Conduct, Pages: 266, 10/18/16
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
***Possible spoilers****
By far, the highlight of this romantic tale is the hero. He seemed, well, perfect. From his good looks, thoughtful gestures, patient/caring ways with the heroine, you really couldn’t ask for more. Well, except for his middle school behavior at being jealous/whiny over his parent’s devotion to his younger, adopted siblings. Really, was that necessary? He’s a grown man, for goodness sake! His man card definitely took a hit over those comments.
The heroine came across as beautiful and sweet in the beginning, but definitely annoyingly weak/erratic at times, as she didn’t speak up for herself when it came to her family. The same family, mainly her father, that put business before her in letting her incompetent older brother, Joey, run the shop she should be managing. The same one who also didn’t cut business ties with the family whose relative raped her at age 16, even after the abuser’s family accused her of lying and being a whore. Honestly, I don’t understand why the father got away with talking disrespectfully to everyone, especially Gabby. Yet, he was considered a pillar of the community. I definitely have more descriptive words to describe him but can’t or this review will be censored.
And this is where another big fault with this book stands out clear as day. When characters actions do not match how they are portrayed. Gabby was so back and forth from being weak/whiny to loud feisty outbursts it’s no wonder her father accused her of being off her meds. She was furious when Landon tried to help her with the store one moment, then weeping with joy over a Harry Potter book he gave her the next. In both cases, her behavior came across as immature.
Then there was that “Oh, no you didn’t just say that” moment when Gabby’s supposedly loving, devoted mother accused her of messing up a delivery to make worthless Joey look bad. A delivery that didn’t happen because Joey didn’t fill out the necessary paperwork. Yeah, Mommy Dearest tore her a new one. Gabby’s response? She sat in the truck and cried. Btw, everyone knew Joey’s past employment qualifications included being a pot smoking vagabond sleeping on the floors of friends’ apartments, because he didn’t have a job. Yeah, let’s put him in charge of the precious family business! Way to go, Pops! They’ll all be in the poor house soon.
My romance book-loving friends, this train wreck is not over. Next, there is a confrontation in a garden when Gabby accuses Landon of stealing her produce? Yeah, I’m still scratching my head over that bizarre plot twist. I can only guess the author wanted to interject a temporary breakup so they could reconcile later but was completely out of lucid ideas. Yes, things got resolved with a HEA and even an apology from her father. But, honestly, I didn’t even freaking care by then. I’m just glad to see the end of this dysfunctional family/crazy heroine. Rating: 1 star.
Title: Power Play, Series: Pilots Hockey (Book 2), Author: Sophia Henry, Pages: 233, stand-alone, HEA.
Book 1 – Delayed Penalty, Pages: 266, 9/1/15 (Auden & Aleksandr)
Book 2 – Power Play, Pages: 233, 2/16/16 (Gabby & Landon)
Book 3 – Interference, Pages: 216, 6/7/16, (Jason & Linden)
Book 4 – Unsportsman Like Conduct, Pages: 266, 10/18/16
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2016
This is such a tough one for me to review. I re-read the first book, Delayed Penalty, and found I liked it A LOT better than I did the first time. Although this one didn't work for me, I am anxious to read the next story about Landon's adopted brother, Jason (who is not in this book at all). Unfortunately with Gaby and Landon, I never really clicked with their characters.
This was much more of a new adult (age 18-20s) book than the first. I understand the theme of the story about selfishness and you can't help the way you feel about something even though you know logically it's not or shouldn't be about you. It didn't pull through for me with this story by the ending. I didn't quite feel their characters matured along with their story or there was any growth with them at all.
In fact, the ending was abrupt just when we might be getting somewhere. That's when I realized the characters kept going in circles and not a lot happened. I enjoyed the first 20%. Then she couldn't get out of her own way, even that he liked her. I was going to punch her in the boob if she said one more time to him they were basically strangers. I also never felt satisfaction at the end about her and her parents. The things they said and accused her of were really hurtful and unnecessary, but I didn't feel like there was a real resolution.
There's a lot of narrative with pages of descriptions and explanations. Often the explanations were already covered in an earlier chapter. There were several, but the one that stands out was her rape when she was a teen and how he became the delivery man; she told the story to Landon and then it was told again to us in a narrative as if we didn't know about it a chapter or two later. These narratives were passionate explanations of something like Detroit and its hard times or how to use the different doohickeys on your camera. Interesting information, but they went on for so long and in so many places it felt more like an "info dump" and less of about the characters.
I am looking forward to Jason's story. We saw a lot of him in book 1 with Auden. You don't need to read the first book to follow this one, but I suspect it will help a lot with Jason's story. I hope with his story we'll get more of a resolution for Landon and his feelings about his family as well. Also, Jason is older and I might be able to connect a little better with his story?
I REALLY hope we get a book for Pavlov now. Did. Not. Like. Him in book 1. This one he's still a jerk, but I felt a sense he needed to be brought down a peg and redeemed by the right heroine. Especially since in book 1 we know he's dealing with the loss of his parents when they died in the car accident with Aleksandr's parents. I also REALLY liked Gaby's friend Michelle. The scenes between them were fantastic.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House/Loveswept for an honest review.
This was much more of a new adult (age 18-20s) book than the first. I understand the theme of the story about selfishness and you can't help the way you feel about something even though you know logically it's not or shouldn't be about you. It didn't pull through for me with this story by the ending. I didn't quite feel their characters matured along with their story or there was any growth with them at all.
In fact, the ending was abrupt just when we might be getting somewhere. That's when I realized the characters kept going in circles and not a lot happened. I enjoyed the first 20%. Then she couldn't get out of her own way, even that he liked her. I was going to punch her in the boob if she said one more time to him they were basically strangers. I also never felt satisfaction at the end about her and her parents. The things they said and accused her of were really hurtful and unnecessary, but I didn't feel like there was a real resolution.
There's a lot of narrative with pages of descriptions and explanations. Often the explanations were already covered in an earlier chapter. There were several, but the one that stands out was her rape when she was a teen and how he became the delivery man; she told the story to Landon and then it was told again to us in a narrative as if we didn't know about it a chapter or two later. These narratives were passionate explanations of something like Detroit and its hard times or how to use the different doohickeys on your camera. Interesting information, but they went on for so long and in so many places it felt more like an "info dump" and less of about the characters.
I am looking forward to Jason's story. We saw a lot of him in book 1 with Auden. You don't need to read the first book to follow this one, but I suspect it will help a lot with Jason's story. I hope with his story we'll get more of a resolution for Landon and his feelings about his family as well. Also, Jason is older and I might be able to connect a little better with his story?
I REALLY hope we get a book for Pavlov now. Did. Not. Like. Him in book 1. This one he's still a jerk, but I felt a sense he needed to be brought down a peg and redeemed by the right heroine. Especially since in book 1 we know he's dealing with the loss of his parents when they died in the car accident with Aleksandr's parents. I also REALLY liked Gaby's friend Michelle. The scenes between them were fantastic.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House/Loveswept for an honest review.
February 14, 2016
Give me a hockey hottie anytime and Landon fits the bill! Not only is he a hockey player, he is also a sweetheart.
“I want you to notice me, Gaby. The way I’ve noticed you my whole life.”
Gaby is the third child, and only daughter, of a Detroit family. Born and bred there, they are raised in generations of produce sales. They also recently opened an art store. When her father falls ill, right in the store, Landon is there and steps in to help Gaby.
The two have had a crush on one another for years, but were both afraid to say anything. However, they bond through Papa’s illness and when Gaby is passed over in favor of the long lost, doesn’t have his act together brother to run the store, tensions rise. Landon becomes her only outlet.
“Every time you look at me with those wide, innocent eyes, I want to corrupt you even more. You’re killing me, Gaby.”
The two enter a sweet, steamy relationship. At times, their communication lacks and it drove me crazy. If they would just talk a lot of miscommunications and arguments wouldn’t occur.
I loved the family dynamic, though!
“My mom sends her daughter on dates with condoms and a good luck two-dollar bill. I didn’t know if I should feel grateful or horrified.”
I really enjoyed Landon and his sweetness. Gaby did get on my nerves at times; she was never able to stand up for herself when it really counted until the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to another Pilots player to read about ~ Tiffany, 3.5 stars
~~~
There's something to be said about a book that's not just set in Detriot—a city not particularly known for its glamour—but also in the hockey MINOR league. It's different. It's real. And it's interesting...
This is the second Pilots Hockey book I've read, and much like the first, I quite enjoyed reading it. It's a barely-friends to lovers romance and it was adorable to see Gaby, who'd had a lifelong crush on Landon, get together with him. And I loved that Landon—cool, popular, successful Landon—wanted her just as much, for just as long. It was sweet. It was cute. It made me happy.
In fact, I was pretty happy through most of this book. This couple had a pretty good connection. They were sexy together. Landon was gentle and caring, Gaby was tentative but receptive. It was a slow burn, and it worked for them.
However, while I never once felt like I wanted to stop reading, I also never felt compelled to keep going either. I enjoyed this book as I read it, but it don't know that it's going to stick with me. Certainly, elements of it will... Like the sensitive way Sophia Henry handled Gaby's past, and the fact that she spotlighted a city that's in the midst of a struggle, a fight for survival.
But beyond that? I likely will need a refresher when I picked up the next book in this series—which I will almost certainly do, because I like these players—because I think the details will slip away from me like so much dust. And that's okay. Power Play is a good book to pick up and enjoy for a few hours without risking your heart or your sanity too much... And there's something to be said about that, too. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
“I want you to notice me, Gaby. The way I’ve noticed you my whole life.”
Gaby is the third child, and only daughter, of a Detroit family. Born and bred there, they are raised in generations of produce sales. They also recently opened an art store. When her father falls ill, right in the store, Landon is there and steps in to help Gaby.
The two have had a crush on one another for years, but were both afraid to say anything. However, they bond through Papa’s illness and when Gaby is passed over in favor of the long lost, doesn’t have his act together brother to run the store, tensions rise. Landon becomes her only outlet.
“Every time you look at me with those wide, innocent eyes, I want to corrupt you even more. You’re killing me, Gaby.”
The two enter a sweet, steamy relationship. At times, their communication lacks and it drove me crazy. If they would just talk a lot of miscommunications and arguments wouldn’t occur.
I loved the family dynamic, though!
“My mom sends her daughter on dates with condoms and a good luck two-dollar bill. I didn’t know if I should feel grateful or horrified.”
I really enjoyed Landon and his sweetness. Gaby did get on my nerves at times; she was never able to stand up for herself when it really counted until the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to another Pilots player to read about ~ Tiffany, 3.5 stars
~~~
There's something to be said about a book that's not just set in Detriot—a city not particularly known for its glamour—but also in the hockey MINOR league. It's different. It's real. And it's interesting...
This is the second Pilots Hockey book I've read, and much like the first, I quite enjoyed reading it. It's a barely-friends to lovers romance and it was adorable to see Gaby, who'd had a lifelong crush on Landon, get together with him. And I loved that Landon—cool, popular, successful Landon—wanted her just as much, for just as long. It was sweet. It was cute. It made me happy.
In fact, I was pretty happy through most of this book. This couple had a pretty good connection. They were sexy together. Landon was gentle and caring, Gaby was tentative but receptive. It was a slow burn, and it worked for them.
However, while I never once felt like I wanted to stop reading, I also never felt compelled to keep going either. I enjoyed this book as I read it, but it don't know that it's going to stick with me. Certainly, elements of it will... Like the sensitive way Sophia Henry handled Gaby's past, and the fact that she spotlighted a city that's in the midst of a struggle, a fight for survival.
But beyond that? I likely will need a refresher when I picked up the next book in this series—which I will almost certainly do, because I like these players—because I think the details will slip away from me like so much dust. And that's okay. Power Play is a good book to pick up and enjoy for a few hours without risking your heart or your sanity too much... And there's something to be said about that, too. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
February 27, 2016
Gabriella Bertucci and Landon Taylor have know one another for years from school and from Gaby's family store where Landon shops. Gaby has always had a crush on Landon and never did anything about it....you see Gabriella was raped at the age of 16 by a family friend and since that happened she changed everything about herself. She no longer goes to parties or even interacts with men outside of her family store. Then one day while Landon is shopping in her store Gaby's father has a heart attack and he helps her by calling 911 and staying with her to make sure everything is taken care of so she can go be with her dad at the hospital. I have to say that Gaby's parents weren't great people at all, they sort of blamed her for her rape three years prior and now with her dad in the hospital instead of turning the business over to her care they called her eldest brother to come home and run the business, the business that Gaby has been working at her entire life, the same business that her brother wanted no part of at all. Gaby says that it's a man thing and that women in the family don't have a say on what happens. Total crap! Gabriella really needs to voice her opinion on that matter instead of letting everyone walk all over her.
Landon is a mixed bag for me, while there were times that I liked his character there were also times that I didn't. I would say the biggest character flaw he had was being jealous of the two children his parents adopted. Seriously how could you be jealous of that...just because you are no longer the one receiving all of the attention? You should be happy that your parents have enough love that they chose to adopt more kids even after having their own.
Landon and Gaby grow closer over time and he mentions more then once on how Gaby was his first kiss and he never forgot, unfortunately Gaby doesn't remember the kiss at all. I think when he finally tells her about their kiss it was one of the sweetest moments in the book.
I have enjoyed this series and I look forward to Interference which is Jason Taylor's story.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through net galley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Landon is a mixed bag for me, while there were times that I liked his character there were also times that I didn't. I would say the biggest character flaw he had was being jealous of the two children his parents adopted. Seriously how could you be jealous of that...just because you are no longer the one receiving all of the attention? You should be happy that your parents have enough love that they chose to adopt more kids even after having their own.
Landon and Gaby grow closer over time and he mentions more then once on how Gaby was his first kiss and he never forgot, unfortunately Gaby doesn't remember the kiss at all. I think when he finally tells her about their kiss it was one of the sweetest moments in the book.
I have enjoyed this series and I look forward to Interference which is Jason Taylor's story.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through net galley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
February 9, 2016
Book: Power Play (Pilots Hockey, #2) by Sophia Henry
Published: February 16th, 2016
Pages: 194
Genres: Romance, Hockey/Sports, Athlete
Format: PDF
Date Read: February 5-9, 2016
Rating: 2 Stars
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I tried so hard to like this book more than I did. I really tried. But, the glaringly obvious spelling/grammar errors and storyline inconsistencies made that difficult.
Gaby and Landon have both had crushes on each other since they were kids and finally admit it after a tragedy happens within Gaby's family. Okay, that type of storyline I can get on board with. And I was excited about the fact that Landon was a hockey player (LOVE THEM!). But, the Gaby/Landon storyline barely develops, they go on one date (maybe two) and they are just in love and happy (with each other, anyway), blah, blah, blah. The hockey storyline is rarely referenced, except for the great elephant in the room that the oh so great Landon hasn't been called up to the NHL yet. I did like Landon (what I knew about him anyway), he seemed to really like Gaby but I needed more - more information about him, more moments between Gaby/Landon.
Gaby's family really made me mad - they were terrible to Gaby (especially her dad) and her brother Joey was just straight up annoying. And the pesky little detail of Gaby's rape? That whole situation alone was enough to make me give this book a 2 star rating. First of all, the whole arc of her rape came out of left field - there was nothing given away that would make you think it happened to her in the first place. And, if you are going to put something like that in a book, you need to expand a lot more on what happened - the reasons for peoples decisions in how its delt with and just provide more information in general.
And then, after all of the drama and horrible things that were done to Gaby, the end wraps up like a nice little bow. Where the heck did that happy ending come from?
I get that this was a novella, due to size, but I felt like the story could have been fleshed out so much more. It had so much potential from the summary and it seemed to be wasted. With proper editing and a more in-depth storyline this really could be a good book.
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
Published: February 16th, 2016
Pages: 194
Genres: Romance, Hockey/Sports, Athlete
Format: PDF
Date Read: February 5-9, 2016
Rating: 2 Stars
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I tried so hard to like this book more than I did. I really tried. But, the glaringly obvious spelling/grammar errors and storyline inconsistencies made that difficult.
Gaby and Landon have both had crushes on each other since they were kids and finally admit it after a tragedy happens within Gaby's family. Okay, that type of storyline I can get on board with. And I was excited about the fact that Landon was a hockey player (LOVE THEM!). But, the Gaby/Landon storyline barely develops, they go on one date (maybe two) and they are just in love and happy (with each other, anyway), blah, blah, blah. The hockey storyline is rarely referenced, except for the great elephant in the room that the oh so great Landon hasn't been called up to the NHL yet. I did like Landon (what I knew about him anyway), he seemed to really like Gaby but I needed more - more information about him, more moments between Gaby/Landon.
Gaby's family really made me mad - they were terrible to Gaby (especially her dad) and her brother Joey was just straight up annoying. And the pesky little detail of Gaby's rape? That whole situation alone was enough to make me give this book a 2 star rating. First of all, the whole arc of her rape came out of left field - there was nothing given away that would make you think it happened to her in the first place. And, if you are going to put something like that in a book, you need to expand a lot more on what happened - the reasons for peoples decisions in how its delt with and just provide more information in general.
And then, after all of the drama and horrible things that were done to Gaby, the end wraps up like a nice little bow. Where the heck did that happy ending come from?
I get that this was a novella, due to size, but I felt like the story could have been fleshed out so much more. It had so much potential from the summary and it seemed to be wasted. With proper editing and a more in-depth storyline this really could be a good book.
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
Shelved as 'dnf-set-aside-for-later'
May 25, 2016DNF at 20% Chapter 6
I loved the first book in this series so I was eager to snag this one. Minor league hockey player, Italian store clerk, know each other since childhood, family, and romance so of course I was ready to dig right in.
This is book two, but it can standalone.
Gabby works for her dad and helps run the family store in Detroit's Eastern Market. She is waiting for him to notice how good she is at managing the store. But he never does. Her Italian family is boisterous and close in ways though her oldest brother took off to drift through life. They are protective of her and smother her after she was raped by a family friend. She just wants to be treated normal and appreciated for her contribution to the family business.
Gabby has a secret crush on Landon Taylor who with his family has come to the market for years. Now he's a minor league pro hockey player and still comes each Saturday to visit the market and their store. His latest visit coincides with her dad collapsing from a heart attack. With the heart attack come changes that affect Gabby. Her oldest brother is given responsibility of the store even if he hates it and has no clue while Gabby is told to assist him. And surprisingly, she learns that while she was crushing on Landon, he was crushing on her. Only she doesn't believe him though they play some cat and mouse as they catch up with each other around hockey, the store, and family.
Alright, so I really connected with the first book right away and was ready for it to happen again. But I read six chapters and nothing happened. I met the characters, got some back story, and the meet point happened. I read some more and still felt nothing. I couldn't engage with this story. It wasn't a matter of hating anything though I did want to smack her family around for being mean and shake Gabby for not taking Landon at his word. I'm honestly not sure what happened. I stopped when I realized I was skimming, losing track, setting it down several times, and not vested in the story.
So, this is a New Adult Sports Romance about every day types that might work for someone else. Not for me, I guess.
I got the story from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first book in this series so I was eager to snag this one. Minor league hockey player, Italian store clerk, know each other since childhood, family, and romance so of course I was ready to dig right in.
This is book two, but it can standalone.
Gabby works for her dad and helps run the family store in Detroit's Eastern Market. She is waiting for him to notice how good she is at managing the store. But he never does. Her Italian family is boisterous and close in ways though her oldest brother took off to drift through life. They are protective of her and smother her after she was raped by a family friend. She just wants to be treated normal and appreciated for her contribution to the family business.
Gabby has a secret crush on Landon Taylor who with his family has come to the market for years. Now he's a minor league pro hockey player and still comes each Saturday to visit the market and their store. His latest visit coincides with her dad collapsing from a heart attack. With the heart attack come changes that affect Gabby. Her oldest brother is given responsibility of the store even if he hates it and has no clue while Gabby is told to assist him. And surprisingly, she learns that while she was crushing on Landon, he was crushing on her. Only she doesn't believe him though they play some cat and mouse as they catch up with each other around hockey, the store, and family.
Alright, so I really connected with the first book right away and was ready for it to happen again. But I read six chapters and nothing happened. I met the characters, got some back story, and the meet point happened. I read some more and still felt nothing. I couldn't engage with this story. It wasn't a matter of hating anything though I did want to smack her family around for being mean and shake Gabby for not taking Landon at his word. I'm honestly not sure what happened. I stopped when I realized I was skimming, losing track, setting it down several times, and not vested in the story.
So, this is a New Adult Sports Romance about every day types that might work for someone else. Not for me, I guess.
I got the story from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2016
What Is It About:
Gaby works at her father's grocery store. For years she has had a crush on Landon and she arranges her work times for the times he is more likely to go into the shop. Landon is a hockey player and comes from a family that adopts and fosters a large crowd of people. Landon is there for her moment of need when her father has a heart attack in the middle of the store. While it was mild, it brings Gaby and Landon closer together and they both admit that they have crushes on each other.
What I Liked and Didn't:
Plot-wise, it's pretty non-existent. While it's a very character-driven book, not much happens. The majority of this book was like a soap opera where every little thing is exaggerated to ridiculous proportions. As is a common occurrence in romance books there's an argument that breaks up Gaby and Landon and it's the most stupid thing. I was tempted to give up as soon as it happened. The issue with her brother was so dramatic and the decisions she makes don't make sense as she isn't in control of a lot of it. I was sat there confused about how she's supposed to be my age but was acting like a thirteen year old. The issue surrounding her distrust of guys wasn't as big a thing as I wanted. It's a life changing event that didn't effect her life as much as I would have expected, they just focused on the business side of it, which I get is important, but they hardly mention how her parents reacted. I wasn't too impressed with the characters either, Landon was sweet but he was so sweet that he came off as a bit wimpy and whiny. I disliked Gaby more, there were multiple times when I was reading and was sat here thinking "What are you even talking about?!". I wanted to slap the stupid selfishness right out of her.
Final Thoughts:
This was a fairly negative review but I didn't hate it enough to give it a one star review. I think that the basis was still a decent thing but it just wasn't executed very well. There were moments that is was a struggle to read.
Would I recommend it? Not really, the first book was better than this one.
Will I be carrying on the series? I attempted to read it but gave up pretty soon. I probably would have given it a better shop if it wasn't Drew as the main character.
Gaby works at her father's grocery store. For years she has had a crush on Landon and she arranges her work times for the times he is more likely to go into the shop. Landon is a hockey player and comes from a family that adopts and fosters a large crowd of people. Landon is there for her moment of need when her father has a heart attack in the middle of the store. While it was mild, it brings Gaby and Landon closer together and they both admit that they have crushes on each other.
What I Liked and Didn't:
Plot-wise, it's pretty non-existent. While it's a very character-driven book, not much happens. The majority of this book was like a soap opera where every little thing is exaggerated to ridiculous proportions. As is a common occurrence in romance books there's an argument that breaks up Gaby and Landon and it's the most stupid thing. I was tempted to give up as soon as it happened. The issue with her brother was so dramatic and the decisions she makes don't make sense as she isn't in control of a lot of it. I was sat there confused about how she's supposed to be my age but was acting like a thirteen year old. The issue surrounding her distrust of guys wasn't as big a thing as I wanted. It's a life changing event that didn't effect her life as much as I would have expected, they just focused on the business side of it, which I get is important, but they hardly mention how her parents reacted. I wasn't too impressed with the characters either, Landon was sweet but he was so sweet that he came off as a bit wimpy and whiny. I disliked Gaby more, there were multiple times when I was reading and was sat here thinking "What are you even talking about?!". I wanted to slap the stupid selfishness right out of her.
Final Thoughts:
This was a fairly negative review but I didn't hate it enough to give it a one star review. I think that the basis was still a decent thing but it just wasn't executed very well. There were moments that is was a struggle to read.
Would I recommend it? Not really, the first book was better than this one.
Will I be carrying on the series? I attempted to read it but gave up pretty soon. I probably would have given it a better shop if it wasn't Drew as the main character.
February 27, 2016
Love this series from Sophia Henry -
Gabi Bertucci has known Landon Taylor since they were little kids. His family always visiting her family's produce stand in downtown Detroit every Saturday. She's kinda been stalking the gorgeous hockey player - knowing all his stats and making sure to say hi to him when he stops by for his weekly family outing through the market.
When Gabi's father has a heart attack just as Landon is leaving one Saturday - it propels Gabi and Landon into talking about more than the usual pleasantries and small talk they are use to. Gabi has always seen stars in her eyes when it comes to Landon but she's taken back when she learns that Landon feels the same way about her. As the two start to hang out more and start to explore their feelings for each other, some of Gabi's past comes to the forefront - making her doubt her decisions and why someone as popular as Landon would want someone like her.
I loved Gabi and Landon together. They each had their own insecurities and issues with family, and worked as a perfect team together. Landon's sexy sweetness and the way he handles Gabi's past made him even more swoon worthy the more you get into the book. The only downfall, was that I wanted a little more.
Great series and can't wait for more from Sophia Henry.
Gabi Bertucci has known Landon Taylor since they were little kids. His family always visiting her family's produce stand in downtown Detroit every Saturday. She's kinda been stalking the gorgeous hockey player - knowing all his stats and making sure to say hi to him when he stops by for his weekly family outing through the market.
When Gabi's father has a heart attack just as Landon is leaving one Saturday - it propels Gabi and Landon into talking about more than the usual pleasantries and small talk they are use to. Gabi has always seen stars in her eyes when it comes to Landon but she's taken back when she learns that Landon feels the same way about her. As the two start to hang out more and start to explore their feelings for each other, some of Gabi's past comes to the forefront - making her doubt her decisions and why someone as popular as Landon would want someone like her.
I loved Gabi and Landon together. They each had their own insecurities and issues with family, and worked as a perfect team together. Landon's sexy sweetness and the way he handles Gabi's past made him even more swoon worthy the more you get into the book. The only downfall, was that I wanted a little more.
Great series and can't wait for more from Sophia Henry.
February 18, 2016
This is the second book in the Pilots series. Gabriella Bertucci works at her family’s stores and mainly at a new that they opened. She sees Landon Taylor when he comes in when he is in town and he makes a point to stop by. He is there on the one day when her father has a heart attack and is rushed away to the hospital. During this time worrying about her father she is noticing that Landon is spending more time around her. He also knows things about her that she did not think he knew. Then one weekend he showed up at a concert that her and her friend were at and she started thinking that maybe he liked her. After a week or so they start dating and when their relationship turns to the bedroom she then must tell him of being raped. He does not freak out but helps her and from there they start spending more time together. She is still trying to find her voice in her family especially with her father who she feels does not listen to her because she is a women, and not a male. I liked this story because you get to see her work through her frustration and working towards a voice that will heal her as well. At the end she and the father have a good talk and it brings the story together. A good book. I got this book from net galley. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
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February 23, 2016Good story but I think if the reader had both POVs it might have been a great story. The sport aspect was also a bit lacking so that was a little disappointing but since this is a romance novel, you can't really fault the book on that lol Because romance it had, in spades. And it was soooo sweet! Gaby and Landon have had eyes for each other for years, but they were both afraid to move on that attraction so they kept quiet. Until they couldn't any more .... And when the opportunity arises for Landon to be Gaby's shoulder, the two take full advantage.
I have to say, the story itself didn't really have a wow factor for me, but at the same time, i read it in one sitting. This is really hard to explain in a review. It's just this feeling you get from a book. It didn't make me stay up until 2 am, but it didn't bore me either...It was just one of those stories that was just there...
So overall, it is a good story just as it is, but it could have been great with some tweaking here and there ...
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for review
I have to say, the story itself didn't really have a wow factor for me, but at the same time, i read it in one sitting. This is really hard to explain in a review. It's just this feeling you get from a book. It didn't make me stay up until 2 am, but it didn't bore me either...It was just one of those stories that was just there...
So overall, it is a good story just as it is, but it could have been great with some tweaking here and there ...
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for review
March 2, 2016
www.bookworm221.tumblr.com
I’m loving this series!
I really liked how the characters felt really real, the feelings that they had and the one that professed about their lives and hurts and aspirations felt real to me, it is strange to find in a book such honest characters, because sometimes honesty can make them a bit ugly or if you really take the time it can make them better.
In this book both Landon and Gaby have issues that they would like to resolve and when the friendship/relationship starts it is very apparent that they are perfect for each other because they can confide in one another and neither is afraid to tell it like it is.
There were some really swoony parts, specially at the begging, it had been a long time since I felt this butterflies in my belly while reading a book.
I can’t wait for whatever comes next in the series.
Keep Calm and Read On
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