Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
As with the first book, I liked a lot of aspects of this, but I guess I've graduated on to I would say more "progressive"ly written narratives? There are moments in this author's writing style where I really feel that it's more behind on some issues- for one, the description of Becca and how her ethnicity is mentioned in the story, and another more prominent issue, Calder's older brother Hart's coming out as a gay man and Calder's reaction to said news. I'd still read the rest of this series, and there are enjoyable moments, but there are always pockets of me internally rolling my eyes at some passages.
idk why i read this when i didn't even like the first book. plus, there was a gay-brother-storyline that was just...NOT handled properly
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a fan of this cover as even though the setting is perfect for this book I just don't see that guy as Calder. Yes that body is hot and definitely a Calder looking body but it's the models face that puts me of this being Calder as he seems far too old for Calder.
When I first started this book I really enjoyed it but there was a few dips in the story but the rest was a lot better than the first book as I felt a bit more invested in the story. The romance between Calder and Becca felt a bit one sided at times as it felt like Calder would do anything for Becca but Becca came across as a bit stand-offish with him. The chemistry did improve the more I got into the story to the point I thought they where cute together. I liked that this book wasn't all revolved around the romance but also family relationships which I thought was a great addition however, the relationship between Calder and his brother was a little too tedious for my liking. I kind of liked the ending as things felt wrapped up but I do think it all happened far too quickly.
There was moments when I loved and hated all of the characters in this book especially the two main characters. It took me a while to warm up to Becca as she was hard to get a read on and was very closed off which I understood why she was the way she was up to a point. I liked that she was a strong and independent woman but I think she took it too far to the point where I felt like she was taking it all out on Calder. For the most part I liked Calder but there was moments when he really annoyed me especially how he and his brother was.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but it didn't blow me away, I am still looking forward to continuing on with this series and hopefully it will get a little bit better.
I'm not a fan of this cover as even though the setting is perfect for this book I just don't see that guy as Calder. Yes that body is hot and definitely a Calder looking body but it's the models face that puts me of this being Calder as he seems far too old for Calder.
When I first started this book I really enjoyed it but there was a few dips in the story but the rest was a lot better than the first book as I felt a bit more invested in the story. The romance between Calder and Becca felt a bit one sided at times as it felt like Calder would do anything for Becca but Becca came across as a bit stand-offish with him. The chemistry did improve the more I got into the story to the point I thought they where cute together. I liked that this book wasn't all revolved around the romance but also family relationships which I thought was a great addition however, the relationship between Calder and his brother was a little too tedious for my liking. I kind of liked the ending as things felt wrapped up but I do think it all happened far too quickly.
There was moments when I loved and hated all of the characters in this book especially the two main characters. It took me a while to warm up to Becca as she was hard to get a read on and was very closed off which I understood why she was the way she was up to a point. I liked that she was a strong and independent woman but I think she took it too far to the point where I felt like she was taking it all out on Calder. For the most part I liked Calder but there was moments when he really annoyed me especially how he and his brother was.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but it didn't blow me away, I am still looking forward to continuing on with this series and hopefully it will get a little bit better.
As with the first book, I liked a lot of aspects of this, but I guess I've graduated on to I would say more "progressive"ly written narratives? There are moments in this author's writing style where I really feel that it's more behind on some issues- for one, the description of Becca and how her ethnicity is mentioned in the story, and another more prominent issue, Calder's older brother Hart's coming out as a gay man and Calder's reaction to said news. I'd still read the rest of this series, and there are enjoyable moments, but there are always pockets of me internally rolling my eyes at some passages.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 1/2 stars - a great second book in the "In The Zone" series
Calder's hockey season did not end the way he would have liked and now he is faced with an off season filled with rehab. On a trip home to see his parents he has a chance meeting with a girl from his past; one that may now be his future.
Calder's character was wrapped around my heart within the first few pages of the book; he acknowledges he is an emotional eater and one who is partial to sweets. A man after my own heart! Then on top of that connection he is a hunky hockey player who has emotional depth and a heart of gold. Becca is not your traditional heroine; going against cultural norms and her parents wishes she left medical school to follow her dream of opening her own restaurant. I liked her independence and her spunk, and I also liked her emotional growth. They found each other by chance and fought hard for an HEA. I truly enjoyed the progression of their relationship; it was not an instant romance and their conflicts were very plausible and something a lot of readers can relate to.
The plot was easy to follow and I found myself not wanting to put down the book. I read it in less than 24 hours (lately with two teenagers, husband and a house to keep on track that is an accomplishment for me). There is a subplot involving Calder's brother Hart; I can only describe it as courageous. It elevated this book to one that will stay with me. That subplot took this book from a good one to a great one! I don't want to say too much but there is a scene where Calder and his brother Hart clear the air - it was just sooo right.
The appearances of characters from On the Surface was expected but their involvement in the story line was integral and gave it depth. New readers to the series should not be discouraged there are no real plot points that are dependent on reading the first book. Honestly you should read it though - this series is about a lot more than hockey. I read a few hockey books before I started this series but it is this series that has peaked my interest in the sport.
Since this book just came out I know I have a wait until book 3 is released; but I really wish I could start it right now.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Calder's hockey season did not end the way he would have liked and now he is faced with an off season filled with rehab. On a trip home to see his parents he has a chance meeting with a girl from his past; one that may now be his future.
Calder's character was wrapped around my heart within the first few pages of the book; he acknowledges he is an emotional eater and one who is partial to sweets. A man after my own heart! Then on top of that connection he is a hunky hockey player who has emotional depth and a heart of gold. Becca is not your traditional heroine; going against cultural norms and her parents wishes she left medical school to follow her dream of opening her own restaurant. I liked her independence and her spunk, and I also liked her emotional growth. They found each other by chance and fought hard for an HEA. I truly enjoyed the progression of their relationship; it was not an instant romance and their conflicts were very plausible and something a lot of readers can relate to.
The plot was easy to follow and I found myself not wanting to put down the book. I read it in less than 24 hours (lately with two teenagers, husband and a house to keep on track that is an accomplishment for me). There is a subplot involving Calder's brother Hart; I can only describe it as courageous. It elevated this book to one that will stay with me. That subplot took this book from a good one to a great one! I don't want to say too much but there is a scene where Calder and his brother Hart clear the air - it was just sooo right.
The appearances of characters from On the Surface was expected but their involvement in the story line was integral and gave it depth. New readers to the series should not be discouraged there are no real plot points that are dependent on reading the first book. Honestly you should read it though - this series is about a lot more than hockey. I read a few hockey books before I started this series but it is this series that has peaked my interest in the sport.
Since this book just came out I know I have a wait until book 3 is released; but I really wish I could start it right now.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
This book was beyond offensive.
Legit every Asian stereotype you've ever imagined was on full display. Sexual fetishization of an Asian female? Check. Asian female with small breasts (there were like three or four scenes where the size of her breasts were discussed)? Check. Tiger mom Asian mother who was mentally and emotionally abusive to her children? Check. Meek and soft spoken Asian male who did nothing while his wife terrorized his children? Check. Parents disown daughter for dropping out of med school to pursue her dreams of being a restauranteur? Check. Every freaking member of her nuclear family is in the medical field (all mofoing doctors)? Check.
There was a scene where the Asian parents showed up at her restaurant. It was a hipster joint with food truck style food. The mom demanded to know, "Why is there no rice?"
I can't make this shit up even if I tried.
I'm Asian. My mom is Asian. Never in my life have I ever heard her ask, "where is the rice?" In a non Asian restaurant. This shit is so casually racist it's crazy.
White authors, if you're going to include poc characters in your books how about you not stereotype us or villify our cultures that you obviously know fuck all about? There is such a thing as negative representation and, in the case of this book, having such terribly stereotypical characters do more harm than good. Kindly keep your characters white if you can't be bothered to portray us accurately. I know diversity in literature is the thing these days, but don't jump on the bandwagon if you don't give a fuck about us minorities and just want to make a quick buck.
That is all.
Legit every Asian stereotype you've ever imagined was on full display. Sexual fetishization of an Asian female? Check. Asian female with small breasts (there were like three or four scenes where the size of her breasts were discussed)? Check. Tiger mom Asian mother who was mentally and emotionally abusive to her children? Check. Meek and soft spoken Asian male who did nothing while his wife terrorized his children? Check. Parents disown daughter for dropping out of med school to pursue her dreams of being a restauranteur? Check. Every freaking member of her nuclear family is in the medical field (all mofoing doctors)? Check.
There was a scene where the Asian parents showed up at her restaurant. It was a hipster joint with food truck style food. The mom demanded to know, "Why is there no rice?"
I can't make this shit up even if I tried.
I'm Asian. My mom is Asian. Never in my life have I ever heard her ask, "where is the rice?" In a non Asian restaurant. This shit is so casually racist it's crazy.
White authors, if you're going to include poc characters in your books how about you not stereotype us or villify our cultures that you obviously know fuck all about? There is such a thing as negative representation and, in the case of this book, having such terribly stereotypical characters do more harm than good. Kindly keep your characters white if you can't be bothered to portray us accurately. I know diversity in literature is the thing these days, but don't jump on the bandwagon if you don't give a fuck about us minorities and just want to make a quick buck.
That is all.