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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault
Just not interested. Light Sun/Dom play.
Isaac & Julian
Isaac & Julian
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault
This was a nice read to console me after my team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. I was impressed with the accuracy of the hockey content and the French. I am not an expert on either, but I know enough to be picky about accuracy.
The romance was nicely constructed. The conflict had some elements of painful reality. The resolution was satisfy, and left some hints of the next story.
I enjoyed the story, and I will put future books from this author team on my TBR list.
The romance was nicely constructed. The conflict had some elements of painful reality. The resolution was satisfy, and left some hints of the next story.
I enjoyed the story, and I will put future books from this author team on my TBR list.
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Super sweet romance between a pan Quebecois hockey star and a gay 22 year old rookie set in Pennsylvania. I love how Anna Zabo cares for their characters, they are always super gentle with them in a way that feels really safe and caring. My only complaint is that I think this book could have been really snappy and tight and suspenseful, but it dragged quite a bit especially in the last third. I loved how the authors led up to the next book, I'm dying to know what happens with those characters.
CW: sexual assault, abusive relationship, see spoiler for specifics.
CW: sexual assault, abusive relationship, see spoiler for specifics.
Spoiler
Julien was in a toxic/abusive relationship with an older hockey player when he was a rookie. That player, Travis, was 30 to Julien's 19 and continues to send him abusive messages and intimidate him in person on the ice. Julien describes how Travis got him drunk and assaulted him then controlled him through verbal/psychological abuse.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Rookie Mistake by L.A. Witt and Anna Zabo. I went into this book as a big fan of L.A. Witt's books, so I know from the start I'd like it. Steamy romance, hockey - what's not to like?
Isaac and Julien are two young NHL hockey players. Julien has already been playing for several years and Isaac is a rookie - a rookie who's always admired and had a huge crush on Julien.
As the story goes on, Isaac is concerned about his playing during his rookie year and worries about being sent down to the minors. Julien, a solid player, deals with the worries he feels about becoming just like the man who messed him up and treated him poorly during his rookie year. He doesn't want to hurt someone he cares about the same way he was hurt.
Fortunately, they both have a fantastic support system with friends and family. I love Elias and Nikki and hope they get their own books. Several other characters I'd like to see again as well. That kind of support network is the only thing that collectively got them through each other - that and the neverending feels from Isaac.
Throughout the book, the relationship builds between Isaac and Julien, making me fall in love with them both. The writing pulled me into the story as if I were there at the locker room with them both or behind the glass at every game. The characters are so warm and complex and the story so heartfelt, I want them to be real life people I can get to know.
As for the steam... (pausing to fan myself) damn those two men are hot!
If I didn't already love it, I'd be an absolute hockey fan by the end of this book. It's #1, so I can only assume there will be more. (Thank goodness!) In the meantime, I'm off to watch my CBJ!
If this is not your first ever L.A. Witt/Anna Zabo novel, you're probably already rubbing your hands together in eager anticipation. If this is your first book by these talented authors, you're in for a real treat!
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Isaac and Julien are two young NHL hockey players. Julien has already been playing for several years and Isaac is a rookie - a rookie who's always admired and had a huge crush on Julien.
As the story goes on, Isaac is concerned about his playing during his rookie year and worries about being sent down to the minors. Julien, a solid player, deals with the worries he feels about becoming just like the man who messed him up and treated him poorly during his rookie year. He doesn't want to hurt someone he cares about the same way he was hurt.
Fortunately, they both have a fantastic support system with friends and family. I love Elias and Nikki and hope they get their own books. Several other characters I'd like to see again as well. That kind of support network is the only thing that collectively got them through each other - that and the neverending feels from Isaac.
Throughout the book, the relationship builds between Isaac and Julien, making me fall in love with them both. The writing pulled me into the story as if I were there at the locker room with them both or behind the glass at every game. The characters are so warm and complex and the story so heartfelt, I want them to be real life people I can get to know.
As for the steam... (pausing to fan myself) damn those two men are hot!
If I didn't already love it, I'd be an absolute hockey fan by the end of this book. It's #1, so I can only assume there will be more. (Thank goodness!) In the meantime, I'm off to watch my CBJ!
If this is not your first ever L.A. Witt/Anna Zabo novel, you're probably already rubbing your hands together in eager anticipation. If this is your first book by these talented authors, you're in for a real treat!
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think I'll ever get over the beautiful relationship that Isaac and Julien have.