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demyajanayxo's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment
occasionalyarnie's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
This book was near-perfect for me, and I honestly can't even really say why it's not getting a full five stars. Maybe it's that I've read every other Briar book and it's hard to top some of the other titles? But I still really enjoyed it.
Firstly, I really appreciated that both leads were hockey players, and that it was something Gigi was serious about pursuing beyond college. It would have been easy to "feminize" her by making her less invested in the sport (or for her to only do it because her dad it), and I really loved that it wasn't taken that way. Overall, Gigi's character was really well-done; I liked that she was driven, introspective, and that she knew her value and stood up for herself when she needed to. Ryder's character was amazing, if frustrating at times. When his inability to communicate became an issue, it was pointed out as a problem and he actively worked on addressing it. I liked that he was quiet and secretly emotional. I liked them as a couple, too. It really made sense not only why they were into each other, by why they worked together.
The plot was pretty standard for a college sports romance. My biggest critique is that the write-up for the novel made it seem like the deal they make in the beginning of the book would play a larger role throughout, but it's largely forgotten after the first half (which is more a critique on the write-up than the book itself). At points, I also wished we actually saw more hockey. It's always there and they're often talking about it, but I would have liked to see more than the few games we got, especially for the women's team. But that's more of a personal preference thing and not something that I think detached from my overall enjoyment of the book. Major spoiler:I'm still not sure how I feel about them getting married. It happened really quickly and with very little lead-up, so to me it felt a bit rushed and impulsive, even if the characters didn't feel that way. We were also blindsided by the revelation, so it felt like it may have been done for shock value. I might have been okay if they got engaged, but marriage might be a bit much for me. But maybe it's just my old-fashioned coming through.
Lastly, I liked a lot of the Easter eggs and references to past characters and books in the Briar universe. They were incorporated well enough that they're fun for those of us who have read the books, but wouldn't leave new readers utterly confused by them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to adding it to my go-to rereads list. Fingers crossed that the next book in the series is just as good.
Firstly, I really appreciated that both leads were hockey players, and that it was something Gigi was serious about pursuing beyond college. It would have been easy to "feminize" her by making her less invested in the sport (or for her to only do it because her dad it), and I really loved that it wasn't taken that way. Overall, Gigi's character was really well-done; I liked that she was driven, introspective, and that she knew her value and stood up for herself when she needed to. Ryder's character was amazing, if frustrating at times. When his inability to communicate became an issue, it was pointed out as a problem and he actively worked on addressing it. I liked that he was quiet and secretly emotional. I liked them as a couple, too. It really made sense not only why they were into each other, by why they worked together.
The plot was pretty standard for a college sports romance. My biggest critique is that the write-up for the novel made it seem like the deal they make in the beginning of the book would play a larger role throughout, but it's largely forgotten after the first half (which is more a critique on the write-up than the book itself). At points, I also wished we actually saw more hockey. It's always there and they're often talking about it, but I would have liked to see more than the few games we got, especially for the women's team. But that's more of a personal preference thing and not something that I think detached from my overall enjoyment of the book. Major spoiler:
Lastly, I liked a lot of the Easter eggs and references to past characters and books in the Briar universe. They were incorporated well enough that they're fun for those of us who have read the books, but wouldn't leave new readers utterly confused by them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to adding it to my go-to rereads list. Fingers crossed that the next book in the series is just as good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Moderate: Grief and Sexual harassment
livruther's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
4.25
this was really sweet, but i found ryder to be a little bit sexist
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Gun violence, and Sexual content
halia97's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
bakergirlsbooks1999's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Cursing, Death, Child abuse, Abandonment, Death of parent, Alcohol, Drug use, and Sexual content
jevette15's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder and Gun violence
isabellaslittlelibrary's review
5.0
6/5
I’ve been laughing, crying, grinning and smiling since finishing this book. it was truly everything i wanted and so so so much more. the characters, the family, the bonds, laughs and jokes. the tender moments and the friendships, just made this all so perfect - i cant stop crying.
the off-campus series is engraved into my heart. those characters feel like my family, they bring me so much joy and happiness daily when I think about them and to be back with them and seeing them as parents, made me indescribably happy.
gigi was such a wonderful mfc. i loved that she inherited her passion for hockey from garrett and it was great seeing the challenges she faced with having such a famous dad. she was a perfect partner for ryder and she’s was just so cool.
ryder was so interesting, his backstory was devastating but my heart all but burst when hannah treated him as her own 🥹 he supported gigi and stood up for her, he grew a lot as a character and im really happy at the bonds he created and closure he got!
their relationship has the perfect blend of banter, chemistry, playfulness and tenderness. they were so well matched together and i am so happy with how their relationship played out!!
now garrett graham 😮💨 that man is the love of my life and seeing him in dilf mode did things to me 💐🫦😮💨🤭😩he’s so attractive, my word. i was so pleasantly surprised at how much he was in it. i was cackling at some of the scenes, he’s not lost his touch and i love him so much. ‘you can call me mr.graham’ ‘Do you realize I’m Garrett Graham?’ 😭🫶🏼 AND HE STILL CALLS HANNAH ‘WELLSY’ my heart exploded. i know people will probably be mad for how he reacted to the plot twist but i think it was so important to his character, to show that he’s still growing and learning to navigate life with his past but through parenthood. AND HIS TALK SHOW WITH JAKE. 1000000 stars for that alone.
seeing dean and logan was a treat 😩 and glimpses of their kids. cant wait to see more of them. and i was kicking and giggling when jake made appearances. garrett and Jake forever ✌️
this book make me feel everything. i laughed, cried, smiled, but i felt like i was home. im so excited for the next books to come and this was the perfect opening to the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Minor: Gun violence
brookiebooks's review against another edition
5.0
I missed these characters and this world so much. I loved Gigi and Ryder!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Physical abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Death of parent
oliviatheron's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence