Reviews with content warning for Bullying - 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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midnightsharkist's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

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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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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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