cozycritiques's review against another edition
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.
- 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.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Sexual assault
ashlikes's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Bullying
Minor: Blood, Biphobia, Sexual assault, Violence, and Homophobia
kjenae's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Sexual assault
hobbithopeful's review
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!)
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!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Homophobia
lady_moon's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rep: bi male MC, gay MC with glasses, aroace female side character
YO, THERE IS AN AROACE CHARACTER WITH RESTING BITCH FACE
Ok, surprisingly I don't have particularly strong feelings about the book?? Probably because right before this I read another jock/nerd romance. But this one has more things I like. I don't know, I probably should read romance only once in a while or else I get indifferent towards the books. This feels like 3 stars but I added extra star for Ray, not gonna lie.
And to be honest there's another book that is "my best friend's sibling/my sibling's best friend" trope that has the exact same plot but written better and I couldn't stop compare the two? Plus, the whole deal of the romance genre is the pattern, so. There is only so much my aroace ass can take.
YO, THERE IS AN AROACE CHARACTER WITH RESTING BITCH FACE
Ok, surprisingly I don't have particularly strong feelings about the book?? Probably because right before this I read another jock/nerd romance. But this one has more things I like. I don't know, I probably should read romance only once in a while or else I get indifferent towards the books. This feels like 3 stars but I added extra star for Ray, not gonna lie.
And to be honest there's another book that is "my best friend's sibling/my sibling's best friend" trope that has the exact same plot but written better and I couldn't stop compare the two? Plus, the whole deal of the romance genre is the pattern, so. There is only so much my aroace ass can take.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment
micam's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
They put a lot of weight into enthusiastic, sober consent. It's nice.
It also has a lot of "fuck stereotypes" and somewhat diverse sexualities (there are gay, bi, and aroace characters).
It also has a lot of "fuck stereotypes" and somewhat diverse sexualities (there are gay, bi, and aroace characters).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Bullying and Injury/Injury detail
_isabel_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
Beyond cute.
This was wholly adorable and such an easy-to-read book, entertaining as heck, low-angst and so romantic it made me sigh and swoon.
I haven't read a book about college-aged protagonists in ages, especially something that's set on a university campus, and I must admit I thought I wasn't going to like a story like this as much as I used to: I was very much mistaken.
I absolutely loved "Power Plays & Straight A's". I adored both of its MCs: Zach was beyond adorable, quirky and nervous and easily-embarassed, but also so capable and sure of his needs and wants, and I admired him so much, seeing him step out of his comfort zone and embracing his feelings. Foster was equally lovely: cocky and sure of himself, but also fun and responsible and respectful. Together, they were perfect and also so damn hot: gah, some of those scenes will live rent free in my mind forever. I've always had a soft spot for opposites-attract, nerd-and-jock pairings, so I think this series is going to one I'll adore very much. I can't wait to read the next installment.
This was wholly adorable and such an easy-to-read book, entertaining as heck, low-angst and so romantic it made me sigh and swoon.
I haven't read a book about college-aged protagonists in ages, especially something that's set on a university campus, and I must admit I thought I wasn't going to like a story like this as much as I used to: I was very much mistaken.
I absolutely loved "Power Plays & Straight A's". I adored both of its MCs: Zach was beyond adorable, quirky and nervous and easily-embarassed, but also so capable and sure of his needs and wants, and I admired him so much, seeing him step out of his comfort zone and embracing his feelings. Foster was equally lovely: cocky and sure of himself, but also fun and responsible and respectful. Together, they were perfect and also so damn hot: gah, some of those scenes will live rent free in my mind forever. I've always had a soft spot for opposites-attract, nerd-and-jock pairings, so I think this series is going to one I'll adore very much. I can't wait to read the next installment.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
tankytoon's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Average read. The premise was interesting but I don't connect with the main characters. Some side characters were even more fascinating. There are some fluff moments. Only finished to find out what happens.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
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