Reviews

Calling the Shots by Kelly Farmer

carrieemoran's review against another edition

3.0

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Queer romance is my current favorite genre, and as a casual sports fan I was excited for this one. I wanted to love it, but it was just middling for me. The protagonists had somewhat complicated lives, but still lacked depth. And I felt like it dragged a bit in the middle. That said, it was still a solid effort and I enjoyed it.

rainbowbookworm's review

3.75

Calling the Shots wraps up Kelly Farmer’s Out on the Ice trilogy with a satisfying conclusion. Regan and Tierney definitely had some history (both on and off the ice), and you could feel the chemistry between them from the start. Their reunion felt inevitable, especially with all those unresolved feelings hanging around from their past.

The story kept me hooked, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they faced off as rivals and started to deal with their past. It’s a solid read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. 

neandering's review

2.0

Not for me, more of a low stakes minimal plot vibe than i was looking for

saloniporwal's review

2.0

Unfortunately, I didn't lke this book much and DNFed it after some chapters. I really liked Tierney, her personality, and her part of the story, but Regan hit me as brash, overconfident, and a too flirty. I appreciated the open side of her which made Tier confide in her, but it feels illogical considering how hurt Tier was by Regan's departure. Also, I was unable to process their ages, especially Regan's, looking at her abnormal behavior.

I received a complimentary e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

cakt1991's review

4.0

 Calling the Shots is the third book in Kelly Farmer’s Out on the Ice series. It can be read as a standalone, but the series as a whole has been enjoyable, so I’d recommend them all, especially if you like Farmer’s slower-paced style. Having taken a break from the series, I appreciated the gradual welcoming back into the world, although I did also sometimes chafe at how it slowed down the pacing at times, particularly in the middle of the book. 

Regan and Tierney are both solid, sympathetic characters with great motivations. Their professional rivalry comes from a believable place, and develops organically over the course of the book into respect and love once they each let their guards down. And with Farmer’s tendency to write stories set over several months rather than weeks or days, like is standard, it gave them time to really get to know and trust one another. And while both are very work-focused, I liked getting insight into Regan’s family life, especially her relationships with her siblings. And with Tierney being a single mother, I loved how Regan bonded with Tierney’s daughter Hope. 

This was a fun romance closing out a fun series, and I’d recommend it to readers interested in a sapphic take on the popular hockey romance subgenre. 

 

jackiehorne's review

3.0

2.5. Great concept, not as compelling execution. Overly long, not much plot, lots of telling rather than showing, which made for less than engaging reading. Skimmed a great part of the last half.

aldarakamey's review

4.0

This is the third and last book, so i read it and sort of lacked context of some minor details of the characters but nothing that stop me from enjoying the story so...
it was funny and interesting and romantic.

skyblue44's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

booklovingmom_'s review

3.0

As soon as I saw this cover and saw the book was about hockey, I was interested. When two women hockey coaches, Regan and Tierney, with a past, come face to face again sparks start to fly. Overall this was a good book and a cute romance. I’ve read many hockey romances and am always looking for new ones, I really enjoyed how this hockey romance was handled. The characters were fun and complex and I really liked how Regan was handled and how much she advocated for womens hockey.

Don’t get me wrong, I really did enjoy this book, but I really wish it would have been in the first person. I feel like it would have read so much better that way. I’m some ways I found the writing hard to get into, but looking past that, I did love the story. I think hockey romance fans looking for something a little different would enjoy this book, just like I did.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!

jeannethinks's review

4.0

I really enjoyed the differences in the two main characters. Regan Lane is all about living and enjoying life. She's not going to sit back, she's going to speak her mind. Then you have Tierney McGovern, she's private and focused on getting things done. She's also very protective of her daughter, who is her number one priority. They both have complicated childhoods When the meet again as rival coaches more than the hockey team on the ice is hot, their attraction is enough to melt the ice they both love. Navigating their jobs and dealing with a child in the mix while trying to figure out if the attraction will run its course or become the new goal for them both.
Enjoy the story which reminds us we're all damaged somehow, it's find the people that fit our broken pieces that's worth the risk.