Power Play

Empire State Hockey #1

by Lexi James

Sawyer Daniels had a plan.

She’d teach at the daycare and go to class until she finished her degree. Once a week, she would bartend at the strip club, Atlantis, to earn the money she needed to break free.
She just had to make it until graduation, and then, with any luck she’d be out of this mess.
But one night, she meets Rex Lockwood. The hot and broody man she’d been eyeing one night at work. When one thing leads to another, she ends the night in his lap where lines between work and pleasure begin to blur.

To make matters worse, he’s the new university hockey coach for her brother’s team. The brother she’s currently refusing to speak to.

Rex Lockwood never thought he’d be back in New York City, but here he is, back in the hockey world as the men’s hockey coach for his old university. Now that he’s back, he’s promised himself that he will only do what’s best for him and his daughter, not letting anyone close enough to affect her happiness.

But when he meets a girl with bright blue eyes and a body made for him, he begins questioning his reasons for keeping everyone at a distance.

Can they overcome these obstacles, or will they be driven further apart?

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Romance, College, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2023

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This did not slay for me

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Rex!!! Omg the mouth on this man 🥵🔥 I was not expecting this book to be as spicy as it was! Rex is that broody/grumpy single dad that is just a teddy bear for his daughter. It’s so sweet.

Sawyer was really inspiring. She worked so hard for everything she wanted. Definitely a very strong FMC. I loved the chemistry between her & Rex, it was off the charts…

Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Ex NHL Player
- Age Gap
- Forbidden Romance
- Hockey Romance (He Coaches)
- Player’s Sister

Thank you to Lexi for sending me the ARC & allowing me to review!

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Sami · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5 (explicit, infrequent)


🩰 First person dual POV
🩰 Age gap
🩰 Hockey coach / Aspiring dance studio owner
🩰 MCs bond over past sporting injuries & finding new dreams
🩰 Single dad; the father-daughter relationship is beautiful
🩰 Meddling friends
🩰 Her brother is on his team
🩰 Tension 🥵 (‘good girl’)
🩰 Possessive MMC
🩰 Epilogue

Reasoning for rating:
⚫️ No hockey…
⚫️ FMC family tensions; a missed opportunity for growth & a more authentic reconciliation.
⚫️ Typos, grammatical errors, and repetitive phrases and sequences interrupt flow. e.g. FMC having the same conversation with multiple characters.
⚫️ The Insta-love came out of nowhere; we don’t read any scenes where they are talking about anything genuine (beyond their injuries) or getting to know each other.
⚫️ There are timeline & continuity errors throughout. e.g. Two events occur on the same day, then are referred to as happening a week apart. Character descriptions change: Max is controlling, then not.
⚫️ MCs have no personal growth. Suddenly they are over their fears and happy to be in a relationship; how did we get here?
🚩Multiple characters name FMC’s job as beneath her and “doing what she has to do” to reach her dreams; why is her work presented as shameful? The club promotes pride in female sexuality, the safety of its workers, consent culture, and the exclusion of patrons who do not follow its values. It is not a shameful job to work in a club like this, especially one where the owner takes safety and consent so seriously. The characters shaming her are patrons on the club! Irony!
🚩 Male characters do not apologise or admit fault in their behaviour or words. MMC briefly mentions that he had apologised to the FMC once (for calling her job shameful, among other things), but that this apology was in the form of sexual favours.
🚩 MMC constantly refers to FMC as ‘practically a kid’ when convincing himself not to date her (age gap). It’s demeaning towards an accomplished woman like her, and it’s unsettling not seeing him think differently before they start dating.

⚠️ Mild degradation in sexual content (consensual), parental abandonment, toxic family relationships, sexism, misogyny.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Why You Will Love This Book!!
Single Dad
Brother’s Hockey Coach
Age Gap
Life After Injury
Hockey Romance
Forbidden
Hockey Coach
Daughter’s Dance Teacher

I loved Rex and Sawyer story and how it all unfolded lol both getting dances in the end the BDE had me laughing.. Sawyer and Rex are both putting back their life’s after injuries take them from the careers they loved each having to find their own path back to what they loved in the way they can have it.. Sawyer is so amazing to me working two jobs and going to school .. I totally dislike what her mother did to her .. I was so glad she found a man like Rex he is a dream man if you can get around his grumpiness..

[Bre ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Daddy Rex!!!!

The mouth on that man y’all 🥵

Rex is an ex hockey player and a cautious single dad whose intentions are to keep his daughter’s happiness first. And Sawyer is an ex dancer who works two jobs and is still in school with a dream to open her who dance studio. They both have similarities when it comes to their athletic injuries.

Rex and Sawyer were so good together and the chemistry was perfect.

They were so fun to read and the supporting character were great throughout the entire story!

[rache osmokrache · Rating 1 out of 5]

поредното разочарование

[Sophie Hircock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆


No because this was SO good. Rex man, can have me. The mouth on that man🥵

I cannot wait for Max and Cassie

[Emmy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi just stole my whole heart with these two!!!! Rex is the ultimate book hottie and Sawyer is a definite baddie. Rex is just straight daddy vibes and the dirty mouth on him just makes you melt. These two are so steamy when they are together but even the banter is on another level with the playful and flirtyness. I mean the ice cream shop scene is my absolutely favorite. I also loved those caveman moments he had that kicked the tension up a notch but I also loved the more tender moments like him finding her in the ballet studio where they just showed up for each other.

Sawyer I think had the best character development out of the both of them. She came off tough as nails but really let herself be vulnerable with Rex and open up to him. I mean she really got the short end of the stick when it comes to family members. Max is awful but redeemable (but am I into it? Yep sure am LOL) and her mother is literally THE WORST. Even with tons of baggage, she still doesn’t carry around all these massive crazy walls and that’s inspiring and downright awesome.

The way Lexi writes both of them is just incredible that there were so many moments between these two that had me with heart emoji eyes one minute and then wanted to scream at these two the next. I was so invested in them!

The world Lexi James is building in this books is also epic. We got glimpses of Max, Cassie, Stella and Trevor the most but also some other intriguing characters like Harris too. I’m sure everyone will agree though that Rory stole the whole show at times. Rex is an amazing dad and these two are the cutest daddy-daughter duo to date.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC copy given,
Rex and Swayer story was a fantastic read, Rex the single dad after a one night stand and ex hocker player due to injury and Swayer a trained dancer who had give up due to a injury and losing her dance dream.
Swayer is a head strong female character with Rex only looking out for his daughter these two meet at Swayers job but these two feel the chemistry between them but it's just one night, he comes the best part no spoilers as you get to enjoy this story for yourself.

all i will say is a HEA never runs smoothly but keep that heart protected girls as Daddy reax and his daughter are going to try and take it
5 *

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will never ever get this time back from reading this

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

‘Following my heart leads me directly to her.
Every. Single. Time.’

I was very lucky to get to beta read this book a few weeks ago, and having just reread it I can confirm I still love Rex and Sawyer!

Rex is a single dad who had to retire from playing professional hockey after a career ending injury. He moves to New York to coach a college team.
Sawyer is a dancer whose dreams of dancing professionally were crushed by an injury. She is working 2 jobs whilst getting a business degree so she can one day open her own dance studio.

Rex is 37 and Sawyer is 24, so this is an age gap romance, but she is very mature for her age.

These 2 meet at a strip club where Sawyer bartends and have instant chemistry. Rex is broody and grumpy, but Sawyer brings out a much softer side that he usually only shares with his young daughter.
Sawyer is a strong, hard working, independent woman who you can’t help but instantly warm to. I loved her! She stands up for herself and protects those she loves.

I enjoyed seeing Rex’s growth through the story and how he goes from being completely closed off to bringing anyone into his and Rory’s lives to falling head over heels for Sawyer.
He frustrated me a couple of times and though Sawyer held her own and stood up to him, I did think she should have made him grovel a bit harder once or twice!

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the next in this series (see if you can guess whilst reading who it’s going to be!)

Thank you Lexi for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[AlliOxenfree]

dnf 61%

I was excited for this one because it has everything I love like age gap, single dad, hockey, and brothers coach. Maybe I'm in a slump but this was a frustrating insta-lust mess.

One of my pet-peeves is pushy/meddling friends and family and unfortunately that's the plot of this book. Sawyers little brother, Max, thinks she is going to waste her life getting a business degree so she can open her own dance studio so he tells their mom who then decides not to pay for Sawyers college. For some reason her roommate and friend, Cassie, sees Sawyer working two jobs and going to classes and thinks she should talk to her brother and mom like they didn't try to mess up her life? It's obvious Cassie has a thing for Max and I don't get how because he's so controlling of his older sister just because their dad left. Once Rex and Sawyer finally hook-up they realize their connection and Rex gets really rude with her, especially about her second job at the strip club. All of Chapter 14 is people pushing Sawyer to talk to Rex. Cassie pushes her to talk to Rex or go out the next weekend to find someone else. Then Rexs sister, Stella, pops by and is like "my brother and his daughter really like you, he has abandonment issues and he's slow but don't give up on him". She goes to work and gets a text from Rex that made my blood boil.

Rex: Oh...Why are you still working there?
Sawyer: becasue someone has to pay for my schooling, and my brother made sure my mother won't.
Rex: quit

Where do you get off telling this girl that she should quit her job that she needs for school? You don't get to do the possessive thing. Then her friend at the club (who is always pushing her to dance on stage) is like "you're both so stupid, you're coming up with every excuse to avoid it. You obviously like each other cause you're texting him. He's possessive over you and it's hot." Like okay so we just ignore that he was a dick to her and hasn't apologized? You would think if he wanted to be with her he would do something about it. Chapter 15 is Trevor, Rexs friend, telling Rex he needs to take care of himself and date. That he has been talking to Sawyers friends who want to see her happy so they arrange to show up at her job.

[FANCHON · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I started the series on book three

I started the series on book three and loved it enough to go back to the beginning. TBH I’m glad I started with the third book because I’m not sure I’d have read it if I hadn’t started there 🤦‍♀️

I have to say that since I started further in the series, I already had impressions of the characters whose stories are told in the first two books. I was quite surprised to discover that Sawyer’s brother Max was such an overwhelming DBag in this book. I’m going to admit, even though I liked him in the third book, I can’t bring myself to jump into the second book because it’s about him, and the first book ruined him for me ::sigh::

This was Sawyer and Rex’s book. Sawyer was on track to becoming a professional dancer before an injury stopped that when she was only 16. She is in her last year to completing her Masters degree (that she is funding because Max convinced their mom to cut her off financially), she’s working TWO jobs, and has aspirations and plans in progress of opening a dance studio. Rex was an NHL hockey player until an injury took him out. He then had a downward spiral, and mid spiral was handed a three day old baby. That ultimately led to him straightening up and he moved to coach college hockey. His path crosses with Sawyer’s on multiple levels, and there’s a lot of push and pull, back and forth.

Things I loved:

-Their steamy scenes are definitely 🔥🔥. I will say that is a constant throughout the series. So prepare to sweat!
-The relationships were great. Having read the third book already, I know how close the guys are, and the girls will be, so I appreciate it.
-Hot Daddy. Nuff said.

Things I didn’t love:

-I hate that there seems to be a trend in this series of third act break ups where the women dump the men with the idea of being a martyr instead of facing the situation together as a team. I loathe it on principle and I hate that it’s apparently repeated throughout the series. It makes me leery to read the next book since it’s the exact same scenario in the first and third books.

-There’s a lot of sudden emotional whiplash. One minute it’s Rex saying horrible things to Sawyer and that they can’t see each other, but then suddenly he sees her again and changes his mind instantly, without explanation . And she just forgives him immediately. Just done. Sawyer gets nothing but cruel and demeaning texts and comments from Max the entire book. He’s a pr!ck. At their big showdown that causes the third act breakup, he pulls the world’s biggest Dbag card even. Threatens her and Rex. Evil cartoon villain style. But with the attitude that HE has somehow been wronged. But all it takes is him coming to her house and looking sad and saying “oh wow. Mom lied to me” and she instantly cries and says it’s ok and she forgives him. And suddenly he is just this warm and d welcomed part of their circle. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ No. Just no.

-I’m glad I read the third book first- I can say without question that I would never ever **ever** consider reading Max’s book based on how he is written in the first book. I’m Petty Betty, and I hold a grudge like nobody’s business. There is zero redemption as far as I’m concerned. I would not have given him the chance. That “awww shucks” apology would not cut it. Fortunately for him I started with book three, so I might be able to bring myself to read his book. Maybe. Just not likely right away. Unlike Sawyer, I can’t do emotional whiplash and just pretend I’m not angry or hurt anymore ::sigh:: Although knowing his book’s storyline involves him hooking up with Sawyers’s BFF behind her back for years (starting before their falling out), with her knowing how horrible he has been to Sawyer, that makes me question the bff loyalty. I’ll need to think about it.

- The editing needs some clean up. Rory is listed as both 3 years and 4 years. Definitely some continuity issues. There are random punctuation marks, etc.

Overall- this is an enjoyable series. I admit that if I had read this one first I likely would not have gone further though. But I’m very glad that is not the case. My issues are really more of a personal preference though, for sure, so ymmv. It’s a great series overall and the 🔥🔥 is on point.

[Erika Maki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this romance. It's the first novel I've read from Lexi James, and I can already tell I'll be reading more by her in the future. Rex is a former NHL player who had to retire from his career due to an injury. He's also a single dad to a beautiful little girl named Rory. He's been living in Austin, Texas for a few years trying to get his back together, and be the best father he can be for Rory. He's recently received an opportunity to return to New York City and be the head coach for his old college hockey team. He accepts, so him and his daughter are getting a fresh start in New York City.

Sawyer is a former dancer who dreams of dancing professionally were also crushed by an injury. She's working two jobs, and getting a master's degree in business and hopes to one day open her own dance studio where she can teach kids to dance. Rex is 37, but Sawyer is 24, but she's mature for her age. She's ambitious and focused on achieving her dreams. Rex and Sawyer meet at a high end strip club where Sawyer bartends, and they instantly hit it off. Rex is a broody and grumpy guy, but Sawyer brings out a softer side of him that he only shows to his daughter. Sawyer is a strong and independent person, and you can't help but love her. She's had to deal with a lot in her life, and she comes from a very unsupportive family. Her brother Max is a jerk, and her mother is incredibly mean and manipulative. She barely talks to them. Throughout the story she learns her worth, and finally stands up for herself and the people she loves.

I love how the relationship develops between her and Rex. They have great chemistry together from the time they first meet. It's an intense attraction, but Rex becomes closed off when initialy he doesn't want to bring anyone into the life he shares with his daughter. I love how Sawyer defends herself against him, but is also open to giving him a second chance later. I love the chemistry, but I also liked the emotional connection that develops the more time they spend together. Rex is great when it comes to dirty talk, but he's also thoughtful and sweet towards her. It was a little too much dirty talk for me personally, but I liked the relationship overall. There are outside forces that interfere in the relationship, and this causes misunderstandings and confusion for the both of them. I love the character development for both Sawyer and Rex individually as well as a couple. They both have had tough experiences in the past that have caused them not to trust easily. I loved when they recognized their true feelings and were finally open to love. The struggles leading up to this moment were worth it, and I just loved how selfless Rex was a person. He loved Sawyer and wanted the best for her despite what happened between them.

Besides the romance, I loved the friendships we got in this novel between Sawyer and Cassie and Rex and his hockey friends. I also loved that Max was redeemable and showed that it is possible to reconcile after years of not speaking to a family member. I loved the epilogues from both characters and I see the potential for future romantic pairings in the group of characters. I loved the close connections between the characters as a group. It was genuine and inviting. I could be friends with any one of them. However, the character that had equal pieces of my heart with the main characters was Rex's adorable little daughter Rory. He's a great father, and the daddy/daughter dates between them were too cute for words. Lastly, I loved Sawyer's genuine connection with Rory. She definitely fit right into Rex and Rory's lives, and was the piece they were both missing. This was a great start to a series, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Lexi James in the future.

[Natalyastyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Power play”
The first installment in the
(Empire State Hockey book series) ❄️🏒
Starring two main characters
✨♥️Sawyer Daniel’s & Rex Lockwood♥️✨
5⭐️ read!! This book is a delightful tale filled with laughter, warmth, and very cute moments,
Rex and Sawyer's relationship brought humor and heartfelt moments with a bond that shines brightly. Defying their age gap. Their support for each other during tough times makes this tale truly special along side with Rex’s daughter Rory, she gives their twisted unexpected love story more flare engaging you into the story more and Lexi James writes it so well🥹
Lexi James begins to write a story where Sawyer Daniels an ex- professional ballerina
had a go getting plan that she’d teach at a daycare and attend her classes for school until she was stable enough till she finished her degree. Every once a week sawyer would bartend at the strip club, Atlantis, to find income earning the money she needed to finally break away from background affairs she has lived with. Sawyer just had to make it until graduation with any profound help she would be out her mess. Until one night she encounters with the engrossing Rex Lockwood, the attractive eye catching man, she has heavy lidded eyes for👀✨and that’s when the lovely Lexi James cash their story together bringing them together in endless possibilities and ways of love but things start to cash down even harder after truths of background family’s relationship start to conflict with their develop of a strong relationship. Rex Lockwood is the university hockey coach for sawyers brother's team. The brother, Sawyer is currently refusing to speak to, all while Rex, never thought he'd be back in New York City, he is!!! And in the hockey world again after an awful couple of years do to serious injuries.
Rex promised himself that he will only do what's best for him and his lovely daughter Rory, not for a second letting anyone have a chance or becoming so close enough to affect Rory happiness. But those promises start to reveal different truths when all Rex can think about 24/7 is beautiful bright blue eyes and wicked body made just for him. His beautiful Sawyer Daniel’s🩵✨

It’s permanent. She’s mine.
Daddy Rex-🩵💫

[Cassies.EndlessReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex is the hot and broody single dad and the new head coach. Sawyer is working two jobs to make her dreams of opening a dance studio come true. One of those jobs is at a daycare, the other a high end strip club. After Sawyer gives Rex a lap dance, they can’t stay away from each other.

“I bet Rex is the kind of man who could lift you up, slam you against the wall, and have his way with you. He’s probably the kind of guy who takes control. The kind of guy that does more showing than telling, and I fucking love the image that makes in my head. It’s so fucking hot imagining him manhandling me. Tossing me around with ease.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book started off so strong and hot, the banter and tension between Rex and Sawyer was 🥵🥵, you understand why he doesn’t want a relationship when he has a young daughter at home to think about, but at one point he’s harsher than needed with Sawyer which gave me a bit of an ick, but we were able to get past it and move on in their relationship.
At about 75% in to the book is where I got a bit annoyed at the storyline. There have been mentions of Sawyers brother Max being a controlling asshole and at first I thought Max was also manipulating the mother, but in a twist of events it appears the mother is actually the asshole? I wish that storyline had been fleshed out a little better to be honest.
Overall I still really liked the characters and the story and will continue on with the series.

“I have fantasies of my own, you know,” she whispers, nipping my bottom lip hard before gently soothing it with her tongue. “But they include you on your knees, worshiping me, Mr. Lockwood.”

[C.L. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had the pleasure of watching this book grow from a few chapters to what it is now. I have been an alpha reader for Lexi for 3 books (well, book 3 is in the works, but I’ve seen it and it’s fire already!!) When she came at me awhile back talking about this hockey series, I about melted out of my seat. Nobody simps for fictional hockey players like I do…that’s a fact.

Rex Lockwood is a former NHL star turned college coach. He is just starting with the Brooklyn University hockey team when he meets Sawyer on a guy’s night out. She works at the club and Rex is immediately smitten with her. He keeps women at arms length because it’s not just him…he recently became the sole guardian of his daughter, Rory. But the draw he has to Sawyer is too strong to fight. What Rex doesn’t know is that she is his daughter’s new daycare teacher, his player’s sister…and a student at the school. This makes things even more complicated for the couple as they continue to run into one another and find themselves getting very relationshippy. Even though they try to fight the pull, it’s gets harder the longer they stay away from one another.

Let me tell you something about Rex Lockwood. He goes from daddy to DADDY in like .2 seconds flat. He’s absolutely filthy in the best way and guys…he has…JEWELRY. Mmmkayyy?!

It was an absolute blast watching this book come to life as Lexi wrote it and I’m just beyond proud of her. Also, you guys can put your proverbial paws all over Daddy Rex, but when Sawyer’s brother Max’s book gets released this summer, I have no problem fighting any one of you. *points to eyes, then to you* I am already FERAL for him. Got it? GOOD.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙜, 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙜𝙪𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖.”

Lexi James is proof that men written by women are just superior. Hot damn the mouth on Rex. I may have had to fan myself a few times. This man exudes BDE!

I really enjoyed this one! Two people who have had their dreams crushed but find peace and home within each other.

Rex is a single dad who finds himself coaching in New York. On a night out with his friends, he meets Sawyer at the club she is working at and things get hot fast.

Rex is such a grump and can be a huge dick to everyone but he is the biggest softie when it comes to his daughter. I just find it to be the absolute cutest when a man will do anything for his baby girl.

I loved how hard Sawyer works to achieve her new dream of opening her own studio after an injury ends her dream of becoming a ballerina. She won’t let anything stand in her way.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
-𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙
-𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚍
-𝙴𝚡-𝙽𝙷𝙻 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚛/𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚊𝚌𝚑
-𝙳𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘

[Meenal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cool cover. Although the shoes and the objects indicate it's a book about a hockey player and a ballerina, there's more hockey than dance in it. 

In the first chapter, Rex is very believable. He is the first fictional male I can relate to. Then he gets cocky! Usually, I dislike the single dad trope, but I know someone who has been in a similar situation as Rex, and I find the writing to be quite convincing and not triggering. So I do not dislike the use of the single dad trope in this book. That goes to show that a trope only needs to be written well for it to be liked or disliked.

Trevor is a good bestie. Max and Cassie reminded me of Twisted Hate. I'm hoping the author writes a spin-off about these characters. 

This is not the best book, but I enjoyed it and it got me out of a reading slump. It has healing powers! The writing is engaging. Kudos to the author for a job well done. Do try it out.

I obtained an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[sharna · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a fun and quick read, about two of my favourite things: ice hockey and single dad romances! It kept my hooked the whole way through, two people, both haunted by their injuries finding solstice in each other after a crappy few years of holding themselves back from their dreams, it was such a journey of self discovery, love story with so many intricate details and following your dreams! as for sawyer, I liked her character a lot, she was so driven and refused to let anyone deter her from her dreams which was so admirable, I loved her ethics and her relatability role how untrustworthy she was to begin with, it was so easy to connect to her character with her flaws and the way her mind works! as for rex, I loved him, he really pulled himself through such a dark patch and found his happiness, despite his obliviousness to his own feelings, I loved how much he opened up to her form the beginning, they were destined for more, he was such an interesting and well written character! overall, a really good book, great characters (even side), a beautiful love story with so many rocky paths and a hooking story!

[candyreadsdark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and quick dirty romance! I enjoyed how dirty, and good this was. It would’ve been better and I would’ve rated it higher if we (the readers) didn’t miss out on their whole relationship??? I mean, this was past insta-love, it was lightning. We go from nothing, to tension, to them figuring their relationship, then missing the whole thing or maybe I read an incomplete book hahah… And you discover this towards the end when there’s a third act break up and they’re missing each other and all the time they’ve spent together as a couple and a starting family. Rue… when was this? Literally they’ve just met like 8 times through the whole book. It all ends with a HEA, so that’s great. Won’t write about other incongruences so I don’t spoil the whole book.
I’ll admit 2 stars are for the spice and Rex’s dirty talk. The other star is for what this story could’ve been if there was just more plot and building.

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 🤩

I absolutely LOVED this book! The characters are wonderful! I love me some Daddy Rex 🥵😍

Rex is an ex-hockey player due to an injury and finds out that he is a dad (one night stand). He is the Coach of a college Hockey team, and Sawyer’s brother is a captain on that team.

Saetera is a college student who used to dance but lost her dream also due to an injury. She also happens to be Rex’s daughter’s daycare teacher.

When they met, they had an instant connection.
Rex has a mouth🥵 that will make anyone melt!

[Rachel Iuliucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨not writing a full review until release day because i gotta hit ya with some spoilers, ok✨

This has SO. MANY. of my favorite tropes in it, it’s unreal.

🏒 hockey (coach) romance
👩‍❤️‍👨 age gap
👨‍👧 single dad
🚫 forbidden romance

And not to mention the damn spice, hello Daddy Rex😮‍💨🌶️

There were a lot of fun elements and side characters that kept me turning the page long past when I should’ve been in bed🫣 The friend group in this book has my heart - they make me wanna be right there with them where ever they are! And Rex’s relationship with Rory….whew. Makes me wanna give my husband a daughter🥺

Power Play releases on Kindle Unlimited on April 5th! Thank you so much to Lexi for sending me an ARC🫶🏼

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rexy may be a sexy, dirty talking, single dad and a former hockey player, but he was the one who held this book together. Sawyer was not like other girls and that's okay.

Read for a book club.

[elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It feels like it’s supposed to feel when you’ve found your person. That’s what Sawyer is to me. She’s my person.”

[Emma Catchpole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐

[rachel dulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75-3⭐️

[Caroline ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it felt a bit rushed, but it was a cute palette cleanser. rory’s the cutest and rex’s filthy mouth is chefs kiss.