3.14 AVERAGE


This was a cute smutty, feel good read. I loved the story and their chemistry. Definitely got a decent amount of spice in there too. I only wish that the conflict was bigger, and that there was a little more angst, but if you’re looking for a good feel good read this is definitely for you!
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Cute book, a little fast in the beginning but cute. 

This was a Stuff Your Kindle Day gamble. I was excited for a little hockey romance story.

Nope, wasn't for me.

While there were a few good moments, I found this book overall be extremely cheesy. I wanted to like the characters, but he was obsessive, verging on creepy. This book focuses on how instantly they fall in love and spicy scenes where they divulge how 'addicted' they are to each other.
Personally thought the author overused words/phrases - he called her 'love' every other sentence, they were so 'addicted', could feel him in her 'veins'. It became distracting. I considered putting this book down several times, but wanted to give it a chance to change my mind. Sadly, it didn't.

The story was uninteresting , character development was poor , the make character was unlikable and his words were hard to believe as well as the sex scenes were stale.

he tried to be aaron warner and failed

Got this during a stuff your kindle day and lemme tell you…not good. Characters fell for each other way too fast, no development and the pet names was just waaaaay too much

3.5

Plot line had potential, but it kept slipping between past and present tense. Nico gave me the ick with "I always get what I want" and that did it for me.

4.5 Stars

I fell for Cali's storytelling with the Wyncote Wolves series. So when she announced the Orchid City series, I was all in.

This first book in the series was SO GOOD! From the meet-cute, to the romance, to the steam, to the banter, I just loved it all. Nico is simply amazing. He will not be deterred from getting what he wants that is for certain. Harper was also an enjoyable character. She was healing from her previous relationship, and just focusing on this new job. Yet here she is meeting Nico and falling hard for him.

Loved these two together. I look forward to continuing with the series, and I am hoping that Nico's sister is the main female character in book 3. I want to see her get her happily ever after.

"Meet Me in the Penalty Box" by Cali Melle was my first look into this author's work, and I must say, I'm hooked! Before even finishing this steamy romance, I joined her Patreon, ready to dive into more of her stories.

One of the standout features of this book for me was how quickly it reads. The pacing is just right, with something always happening between the characters, keeping you engaged and turning the pages. The story revolves around Harper Jensen and Nico Cirone, and while I personally thought Harper might have given in to Nico's charm a tad too easily, the connection between them was undeniable. Sometimes, when you know, you just know (especially in books)!

Nico's character was a real treat for me. His demanding nature added a layer of intensity to the story. He had a knack for extracting the truth from Harper, and what's remarkable is that his authoritative demeanor never came across as creepy. Instead, it exuded a confident alpha energy that added depth to his character and their relationship. Typically for me, that demanding "look at me" and "tell me what's wrong" bothers me, as the MMC thinks he knows best but here it's portrayed as Nico trying to help Harper communicate when she begins to tense up.

Harper's apprehensions about diving headfirst into a new relationship after a previous one ended in a messy break were portrayed very authentically. As a reader, I appreciated the realism in her character and her emotional journey throughout the book.

Now, Kai's story is next and I am thrilled! His grumpy attitude hinted at LAYERS of complexity waiting to be unraveled, by a woman named Winter, and I can't wait to dive into his book to discover more about him!!

Overall, "Meet Me in the Penalty Box" is a light, sexy read that delivers on both passion and character development. Cali Melle's writing style is engaging, and the chemistry between the characters sizzles off the pages. If you're a fan of steamy romance with well-developed characters and a touch of hockey drama, this book is definitely worth adding to your reading list.