Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Power Plays & Straight A's

I absolutely love Foster and Zach, and the nerd/jock combined with the brother's best friend/best friend's brother dynamic is treated well, and Seth's reaction to them is both supportive and funny which makes it so lovely.

Apart from anything plot related (as I knew I liked this one already since this was a reread via audiobook) I really disliked the narrators on this and only got through it because of my love for these characters.

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levilore_'s review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I liked this book! The writing wasn't very complex and was a pretty straightforward romance book with not a lot of drama. I wish there had been more of a story honestlu because i liked the characters.

Just a cute, short book which had some good conversations about queerness.

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frantic_vampire's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

I have some mixed feelings for this one. I liked this one but it also felt like it didn’t keep my attention in some places. I think that was mostly down to me being wrapped up in the other book that I was reading at the same time.

I really liked that Foster was out as bisexual (at least at his college and to his hockey team) and was so completely smitten with nerdy, sweet Zach. I loved that they had a really great banter together and that they were both so determined to not mess around with each other for the sake of Seth (Zach’s bff and Fosters twin brother). I also loved that Seth was hesitant about them getting together at first but was onboard once he saw them together. This was sweet and steamy and I think I’m giving this four stars.

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cozycritiques's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

“Emotions. Who needs them? But when I check my phone later and find a sweet good night text from Foster, I melt a little inside. I need them. I need Foster. And for the first time ever, needing someone doesn’t feel like a weakness.”
- Power Plays & Straight A’s

Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Student/TA (No Age Gap), Virgin Hero
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Bisexual, Gay)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
CW: Bullying, Minor Sexual Assault, Minor Sports-Related Injury, Coming Out

I’ve been seeing these authors’ books all over my feed, so after doing a little bit of research to figure out where to start, I picked up Power Plays & Straight A’s. Do I have way too many books on my TBR already? Yes. But I do not regret pushing those aside to read this at all because I absolutely devoured this book.
Other than knowing this would be a college hockey romance, I mostly went in blind to this book. But sibling’s best friend has always been one of my favorite tropes, so once I realized that’s where the story would be going, I was hooked. I was a little nervous about the TA/student storyline because the power dynamics involved in that can be tricky to navigate, but the authors handle it beautifully, keeping the whole thing aboveboard.
I was charmed by Foster from page one. He’s the perfect level of cocky and confident without being the stereotypical hockey alpha hero. He’s also openly bisexual (mostly), which I really appreciated. I also adored Zach. I’m such a sucker for nerdy heroes, and the fact that he is also introverted and a little anti-social was just icing on the cake. Also, I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but he read a little neurodivergent-coded with his lack of understanding of social cues. Either way, I really identified with that, so I appreciated seeing that side of myself reflected on the page.
Power Plays & Straight A’s was a perfect low-stakes, soft, spicy hockey romance. The pacing of Foster and Zach’s friendship development was so well done. I loved how protective Foster was over Zach without being overbearing and how completely smitten he clearly was. I also loved how much they opened up to each other, especially Zach. The writing was full of humor and quick wit, and the side characters were absolutely delightful. I completely understand the hype surrounding these books now and can’t wait to read my way through the rest of them.

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20sidedbi's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

3.0

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ashlikes's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

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kjenae's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wanted to read this book because these characters made a brief appearance in the first book of the Puckboys Series and i was glad i did!

I absolutely enjoyed Foster and Zach’s story! I love how Foster adored Zach’s quirks and awkwardness (it being the reason he fell for him in the first place). Great quick read.

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hobbithopeful's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I think I'm in love with sports romances.
Foster is popular, a hockey star, and bisexual.
Zach is nerdy, shy, and gay. (And has NO IDEA that Foster is anything but straight!!)
When Foster's twin brother asks him to look out for Zach when he comes to study at the college Foster attends, Foster knows he's in trouble. He should be focused on securing an NHL contract before he graduates but instead he finds himself playing tour guide for Zach and making excuses to spend time with him. Zach for his part can not understand why Foster keeps spending time with him when they couldn't be more opposite, but who is he to complain about his devastatingly sexy new companion.
Their chemistry? *chefs kiss* This book was cheesy, light hearted, and oh so binge-able. I couldn't stop reading it the moment I read the first page! And the spicy scenes. Guys. The spicy scenes. *fans self* I have never had an urge in my life to go to a hockey game until now. I have such an urge to go watch men skate on ice now it's ridiculous.
But I didn't even mention the best part yet. This is a series! That's right! There's like 5 or 6 more books and I can't wait to read them! Eden Finley and Saxon James are my new favorite writing duo and if you like romance books, and great characters, you're going to love this one.
Now I have to go download the rest of this series and binge read them. (Sleep is for the weak!)

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