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3.14 AVERAGE
3.14 AVERAGE
"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.
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.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a nice romance where he settles down for the girl. Pretty much "you and me against the world" vibes. First hockey romance I've read and it was cool. Also I was shocked with why it is "Meet me in the penalty box"
not that great of a read. felt too long and was kind of boring. only positive is that there was no third act breakup…but that was it.
nothing overly special but a good short and sweet hockey romcom
This book was every bit the cute, spicy hockey read you want.
Nico and Harper are both such dynamic and fun characters. Nico is absolutely obsessed with Harper and watching him fall for her is
Nico and Harper are both such dynamic and fun characters. Nico is absolutely obsessed with Harper and watching him fall for her is
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
That guy is full of red flags.
Got a new drinking game for ya!
Take a shot every time Harper says “he’s an addiction/I’m an addict/he’s in my veins like a drug” and every time Nico says “she’s mine/you’re mine/mine!” actually no don’t do that it won’t end well, unless you consider puking or having your stomach pumped a good ending?
I know that sounds harsh but it happened so often I genuinely started getting Deja vu. I feel like the whole book could have been 20% shorter and still adequately told the story the author wanted to tell.
Pros: no 3rd act breakup
Cons: repetitive, a lot of telling where showing would have been better, and the shoehorning in of what I can only assume is future story’s characters *cough Kai and Winter cough*.
Take a shot every time Harper says “he’s an addiction/I’m an addict/he’s in my veins like a drug” and every time Nico says “she’s mine/you’re mine/mine!” actually no don’t do that it won’t end well, unless you consider puking or having your stomach pumped a good ending?
I know that sounds harsh but it happened so often I genuinely started getting Deja vu. I feel like the whole book could have been 20% shorter and still adequately told the story the author wanted to tell.
Pros: no 3rd act breakup
Cons: repetitive, a lot of telling where showing would have been better, and the shoehorning in of what I can only assume is future story’s characters *cough Kai and Winter cough*.
This book was a cute quick read that I enjoyed quite a bit
I finished it in 1 day throughout my day and I realized how much I enjoyed fast paced books
They were so very cute and I love instant love because it is real, it does happen and it can feel more genuine that year long relationship
I finished it in 1 day throughout my day and I realized how much I enjoyed fast paced books
They were so very cute and I love instant love because it is real, it does happen and it can feel more genuine that year long relationship
Sometimes, you need a story that is low drama, spicy and ends in a HEA. This book checked all the boxes. It left me with all the warm fuzzies. I want to be friends with Nico and Harper they seemed so down to earth and relatable. Just a great book all around.
Would give 0 stars if I could lol. Absolutely terrible and waste of my time. Got it for free on stuff your kindle day so thank god I didn’t spend money on this one.