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profpetitfours's review against another edition
4.0
The Beyond the Play series wraps up with Izzy's story, and it might be the best of the series. Reilly ends on a high note and I'm excited to see where her writing takes us next.
We've met Izzy before, the youngest of the supremely gifted Callahan family, and an athlete in her own right (she's a setter in volleyball). We've also met Nikolai in passing, he's the captain of McKee rival, U-Mass Amherst's hockey team.
After a summer of casual fun in NYC, Nikolai and Izzy part ways, expecting to never cross paths again. But that plan implodes when Nikolai is expelled from Amherst and his wealthy grandfather pulls strings to get him a spot at McKee. Nikolai is ecstatic that he can be back in Izzy's orbit, but neither are ready to let her older brother know they are dating.
This is an interesting book from a pacing perspective. A bit of a spoiler,
Because of the (spoilerly) decision discussed above, the tension in the story really isn't from within the couple, but rather external to the relationship. Both have to deal with family issues, Nikolai's more traumatic than Izzy's, but both of which affect the way the two interact with each other and craft their futures. I appreciate that approach to a third act, it feels more natural than a contrived break-up.
* Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *
We've met Izzy before, the youngest of the supremely gifted Callahan family, and an athlete in her own right (she's a setter in volleyball). We've also met Nikolai in passing, he's the captain of McKee rival, U-Mass Amherst's hockey team.
After a summer of casual fun in NYC, Nikolai and Izzy part ways, expecting to never cross paths again. But that plan implodes when Nikolai is expelled from Amherst and his wealthy grandfather pulls strings to get him a spot at McKee. Nikolai is ecstatic that he can be back in Izzy's orbit, but neither are ready to let her older brother know they are dating.
This is an interesting book from a pacing perspective. A bit of a spoiler,
Spoiler
but the hidden relationship aspect of the book doesn't last past the mid-point, and the Callahan's welcome Nikolai into the fold easily. Because of that decision, the book drags a bit in the second half. I'm all for healthy relationships, but there's probably room to cull some of the extraneous pieces of the story.Because of the (spoilerly) decision discussed above, the tension in the story really isn't from within the couple, but rather external to the relationship. Both have to deal with family issues, Nikolai's more traumatic than Izzy's, but both of which affect the way the two interact with each other and craft their futures. I appreciate that approach to a third act, it feels more natural than a contrived break-up.
* Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *
karaannerod's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley & Avon publishing for the ARC!
Grace has such an interesting way of pacing a romance story compared to other authors. Iv noticed it with a few of her books. This couple has a pre-page fling, so the trope aside from brothers enemy is hard to nail down. It’s almost as if instead of the typical pace of chase/banter, getting together, 3rd act break up then HEA, she does the getting together very early and then the couples go through some sort of issue or tragedy together to test their relationship. It’s interesting and I really enjoy it. You get to see the couple handle life together for a large part of the book instead of the book just being about them getting together. It’s almost like an extended prologue the second half of the book.
Really no negatives here!! I loved Izzy & her being the youngest child of successful brothers was written extremely well.
Nik was amazing. I wish he could have been a bit more selfish in taking what he needed from the relationship, but he just cared too much to do that. I’m glad he got around to it somewhat.
The relationship with his father could have been touched on more, outside of what was in the past. I loved the ending with his mom.
All in all a great way to wrap up (I’m assuming) the series!
Grace has such an interesting way of pacing a romance story compared to other authors. Iv noticed it with a few of her books. This couple has a pre-page fling, so the trope aside from brothers enemy is hard to nail down. It’s almost as if instead of the typical pace of chase/banter, getting together, 3rd act break up then HEA, she does the getting together very early and then the couples go through some sort of issue or tragedy together to test their relationship. It’s interesting and I really enjoy it. You get to see the couple handle life together for a large part of the book instead of the book just being about them getting together. It’s almost like an extended prologue the second half of the book.
Really no negatives here!! I loved Izzy & her being the youngest child of successful brothers was written extremely well.
Nik was amazing. I wish he could have been a bit more selfish in taking what he needed from the relationship, but he just cared too much to do that. I’m glad he got around to it somewhat.
The relationship with his father could have been touched on more, outside of what was in the past. I loved the ending with his mom.
All in all a great way to wrap up (I’m assuming) the series!
steen19's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
After a summer fling, Nik and Izzy return to their respective colleges. After covering for one of his teammates, Nik gets expelled and ends up at Izzy’s school. The problem? His longtime rival and new hockey captain is her brother.
It’s a cheesy, dual pov, spicy, hockey romance. Probably will resonate most with those in their early twenties.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
anovelglimpse's review
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
It's finally the sister's time to shine! I loved Izzy and Nik. Their romance was adorable, and I loved how they worked through their own issues together. There were a lot of emotions throughout this book. I only have one complaint. I enjoy Grace Reilly's writing, but I do wish that she would edit down her books by 50-100 pages. When I got to around 50% in this book, there was a conflict that felt like it could have ended after the resolution, but the book went on again building to another conflict before resolving and ending. Both situations were good and made the book great, but maybe something in between could have been cut a bit. That's my only criticism. Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the series and a great way to end it.
It's finally the sister's time to shine! I loved Izzy and Nik. Their romance was adorable, and I loved how they worked through their own issues together. There were a lot of emotions throughout this book. I only have one complaint. I enjoy Grace Reilly's writing, but I do wish that she would edit down her books by 50-100 pages. When I got to around 50% in this book, there was a conflict that felt like it could have ended after the resolution, but the book went on again building to another conflict before resolving and ending. Both situations were good and made the book great, but maybe something in between could have been cut a bit. That's my only criticism. Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the series and a great way to end it.
beththrolson's review against another edition
5.0
This book served! I adore Izzy and Nik! The plot was great and the spice was steamy! This is a great sports romance. I laughed, giggled and kicked my feet, and might have shed a tear or two. Beyond the play is a great series, but Wicked Serve may be my favorite.
Thank you to Netgally for providing this ARC.
Thank you to Netgally for providing this ARC.
bellas__book_nook's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
5.0
i loved this book so much it's easily my favorite of the whole series. I loved seeing Izzy & Nik's relationship develop past just casual. I honestly thought the book was gonna end around 200 pages because they'd solved most of their issues and then the second plot started becoming more important.
tysm to harper collins/avon for the arc of this book
tysm to harper collins/avon for the arc of this book
thereadingfits's review
dark
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
4.25
amari_patel's review against another edition
4.25
4.25⭐️
I loved this book! This series is absolutely amazing and just like the other books, I absolutely ate it up. Nikolai and Izzy are literally both so adorable. The book follows two characters as they navigate their mental health challenges and find solace in each other's arms. Nikolai, a Russian hockey player, is a charming and supportive love interest who steals the show. Izzy is a volleyball player who wants to show her potential regardless of her last name. The relationship between the characters is heartwarming as they find strength in their shared passion for sports. I also love the nickname sunshine it was adorable. The book is a journey of love and self-discovery that will stay with readers long after they finish it. I loved it!
Favorite Quote:
"If she's sunshine, I'm the guy who hopes it never starts raining."
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I loved this book! This series is absolutely amazing and just like the other books, I absolutely ate it up. Nikolai and Izzy are literally both so adorable. The book follows two characters as they navigate their mental health challenges and find solace in each other's arms. Nikolai, a Russian hockey player, is a charming and supportive love interest who steals the show. Izzy is a volleyball player who wants to show her potential regardless of her last name. The relationship between the characters is heartwarming as they find strength in their shared passion for sports. I also love the nickname sunshine it was adorable. The book is a journey of love and self-discovery that will stay with readers long after they finish it. I loved it!
Favorite Quote:
"If she's sunshine, I'm the guy who hopes it never starts raining."
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
ecbrookshire's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
briannalee011's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
This has been one of the easiest 5 star reads this year. I loved Nikolai and Izzy's relationship and the growth that came from the both of them through it all. His and Coopers friendship made me teary eyed & i loved all the feels these characters gave me.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books and Harper Voyager for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review <3
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books and Harper Voyager for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review <3