A review by laurenkohout
Power Play by Avon Gale

emotional hopeful medium-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

5.0

So good! Max's NHL career ended when a hit in a game led to a career-ending injury. He's just been signed as the new assistant coach to the Spitfires, the worst team in the ECHL. To make matters worse, the head coach is none other than Misha, the player responsible for the accident that cost him his career. Max doesn't hold a grudge because he knows it was an accident and he's a pretty carefree and laid back guy, despite losing not only his job but his female fiancée. She apparently was only with him for his pro athlete status. Gross. 

Misha holds so much internalized shame for ending Max's career, and a bit more for being attracted to him. He has a traumatic background with a Russian gangster for a father, so he isn't quite ready to accept how easily Max is ready for a relationship with him. No bi-awakening freakout for Max! They start a secret romance as they deal with their team and their sleazy team owner who wants to capitalize on their history. It sure makes things interesting!

🔥: So much spice! These two are pretty steamy and enthusiastic together. We get most of the details and scenes are medium paced. 
😆: There are some good funny moments, especially as Misha tries to understand American slang.
😭: At points, this book gets dark. Nothing happens on the page, but it turns out Misha and one of his players share a traumatic past. It's not a tearjerker, but it's scary to hear about. 

This series is so entertaining! It's so intense at times and the characters are all so lovable. The problem is it jumps between teams so I don't know who to root for anymore!😂

CW: homophobia with slurs, discussion of prostitution