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The Calway Family #1
Power Play
Lo
He’s my brother’s best friend. He was my first real crush. He’s the NHL MVP and local sweetheart.
And he’s back in town.
I won’t lie and say that I’m not happy to see Levi Buck back around Crooked Creek. Despite the frenzy that follows him around town, it’s good to see his face. The gentle, painfully sexy man I once knew.
I was just a teen when he left, and he took a part of me—and my biggest secret—with him.
But now he’s back, and so is the reminder of the night that changed everything.
I lied to him once, and when he realizes that what he saw was real, he’ll stop at nothing to bring me justice.
But justice comes at a price.
A price I’m not willing to pay.
Levi
I replay that night in my head over and over again. Not even playing in the NHL could erase the guilt I felt. I couldn’t stay in town and relive it. So when I got drafted to play across the country, I ran as fast as I could.
But I left Lo behind.
When I took off, she was still a teenager. But now, with my professional career coming to an end, I’m back in town. And Lo is all grown up. From the looks of her life, she grew up faster than she should have had to.
And I’m the only one who knows why.
When I realize what I always suspected to be true all those years before, I lose my mind. I see red. I’m willing to risk it all. I’m ready to kill for it.
But revenge might cost her everything.
And it might cost me the one thing I suddenly can’t live without: her.
Trigger warning: This book contains some graphic scenes and sensitive subject matter.
He’s my brother’s best friend. He was my first real crush. He’s the NHL MVP and local sweetheart.
And he’s back in town.
I won’t lie and say that I’m not happy to see Levi Buck back around Crooked Creek. Despite the frenzy that follows him around town, it’s good to see his face. The gentle, painfully sexy man I once knew.
I was just a teen when he left, and he took a part of me—and my biggest secret—with him.
But now he’s back, and so is the reminder of the night that changed everything.
I lied to him once, and when he realizes that what he saw was real, he’ll stop at nothing to bring me justice.
But justice comes at a price.
A price I’m not willing to pay.
Levi
I replay that night in my head over and over again. Not even playing in the NHL could erase the guilt I felt. I couldn’t stay in town and relive it. So when I got drafted to play across the country, I ran as fast as I could.
But I left Lo behind.
When I took off, she was still a teenager. But now, with my professional career coming to an end, I’m back in town. And Lo is all grown up. From the looks of her life, she grew up faster than she should have had to.
And I’m the only one who knows why.
When I realize what I always suspected to be true all those years before, I lose my mind. I see red. I’m willing to risk it all. I’m ready to kill for it.
But revenge might cost her everything.
And it might cost me the one thing I suddenly can’t live without: her.
Trigger warning: This book contains some graphic scenes and sensitive subject matter.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
841 people are currently reading
2224 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Colbert
25 books173 followersT.D. Colbert is a romance & women's fiction author. When she's not chasing her family, she's probably under her favorite blanket, reading a book, or writing one. Taylor lives in Maryland, where she was born and raised. For more information, visit www.tdcolbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 25, 2025
What ...was this? 😂😂😂 DNFed at 37% because I just couldn't with that nonsense for one more minute. Severally concerned for the 4-5 star rating people on this one. So let me lay the scene for you. H who is h's brother's best friend, goes with the brother to break up a party and in doing so, finds a dude buckling his pants and running out the door of a bedroom and then sees the 17 year old h pulling down her skirt and crying. He takes her home and lets her cry on his shoulder all while she's denying anything happened....She then begs him not to tell anyone...that nothing happened...🤦🏼♀️ okay, I can see that being a trauma response I guess, but I we all know what happened, him included. This is where I started to have a huge problem and then it only grew from there. H who is 28 decides to just let it go that his best friend's 17 year old sister was raped and then JUST LEAVES, doesn't call her, doesn't email or text her, doesn't ask his friend about her, and worst of all doesn't tell ANYONE that a minor was raped so she has no support, no medical treatment, no plan b! I don't care what she asked him to do, she was too young and too traumatized to make a rational decision. He at the very least needed to tell his best friend his suspicions. But instead, his full grown adult ass leaves a minor to deal with it by herself for 2 YEARS. Meanwhile, the h is pregnant with her rapists baby and for some reason refuses to acknowledge that she was raped, makes up a story about a random dude and goes so far as begging her brother to not tell his best friend, and NOBODY finds the whole thing bizarre or weird or completely against her character. Anyways, back to he H we fast forward 2 years, he's back home for some random reason, runs into the h in private at a party and immediately was like "Hey, about that night..." like it was 2 days ago and not 2 FUCKING YEARS! and so this now 20 year old says "don't!" and dudes like "Okay! Let me randomly start making out with you right now, my best friend's little siste, for the first time, with no discussion about it, immediately after talking about your rape" and h is all "take me daddy!" But then they hear the brother calling them and H is like "hey I gotta go, but meet me back here in an hour?" and she's like "yeah sure!" Then she dips out of the house and leaves him and he...
a)calls her
b) texts her
c) goes to her house to figure out what happened d) does nothing for another fucking 2 years!!
Yup! You guessed! He went with option D, which does fit since he's totally a d-bag.
So 2 years later he comes back again and it's like deja vu, he immediately asks about her rape, like he actually gives a fuck, she deflects, they make out, she runs away...but THIS time he thinks to call her. So he calls her and a̶s̶k̶s̶ ̶h̶o̶w̶ ̶s̶h̶e̶ ̶i̶s̶... ̶a̶s̶k̶s̶ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶l̶i̶f̶e̶ ̶...g̶i̶v̶e̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶s̶u̶p̶p̶o̶r̶t̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶e̶n̶c̶o̶u̶r̶a̶g̶e̶m̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶...initiates phone sex with her. 🤦🏼♀️😩🤦🏼♀️ The next day, the h is still working on her totally rational master plan to hide a whole human from this dude and then she runs into him at the local elementary while picking up her daughter and he's like "You had a whole ass human being?!" and she's like "heeeeeeeeeeeeey, so byyyyyyyyye!" and say it with me now! runs off yet again. H just now does a little research, remembers the dude's name who he saw leaving the room, sees that dude looks like the daughter and NOW he's enraged. He goes to confront the h about it and finally does what he should have done 4 FUCKING YEARS before and refuses to let it go until the h admits what happened and then, after reliving all this trauma, after only having had 2 conversations in 4 years, with the H knowing that the h is a traumatized 22 year old who's only sexual experience has been rape and is also the little sister of someone he not only considers his friend, but his best friend, They fuck. On a counter, in her dad's house. I just couldn't take any more at this point, couldn't even hate read. 😮💨 So many layers of bullshit and pure insanity. Who let this author publish this? Who thought any of this was a good idea? Uggggh, I need alcohol or ice cream or something to get over that shit!
a)calls her
b) texts her
c) goes to her house to figure out what happened d) does nothing for another fucking 2 years!!
Yup! You guessed! He went with option D, which does fit since he's totally a d-bag.
So 2 years later he comes back again and it's like deja vu, he immediately asks about her rape, like he actually gives a fuck, she deflects, they make out, she runs away...but THIS time he thinks to call her. So he calls her and a̶s̶k̶s̶ ̶h̶o̶w̶ ̶s̶h̶e̶ ̶i̶s̶... ̶a̶s̶k̶s̶ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶l̶i̶f̶e̶ ̶...g̶i̶v̶e̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶s̶u̶p̶p̶o̶r̶t̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶e̶n̶c̶o̶u̶r̶a̶g̶e̶m̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶...initiates phone sex with her. 🤦🏼♀️😩🤦🏼♀️ The next day, the h is still working on her totally rational master plan to hide a whole human from this dude and then she runs into him at the local elementary while picking up her daughter and he's like "You had a whole ass human being?!" and she's like "heeeeeeeeeeeeey, so byyyyyyyyye!" and say it with me now! runs off yet again. H just now does a little research, remembers the dude's name who he saw leaving the room, sees that dude looks like the daughter and NOW he's enraged. He goes to confront the h about it and finally does what he should have done 4 FUCKING YEARS before and refuses to let it go until the h admits what happened and then, after reliving all this trauma, after only having had 2 conversations in 4 years, with the H knowing that the h is a traumatized 22 year old who's only sexual experience has been rape and is also the little sister of someone he not only considers his friend, but his best friend, They fuck. On a counter, in her dad's house. I just couldn't take any more at this point, couldn't even hate read. 😮💨 So many layers of bullshit and pure insanity. Who let this author publish this? Who thought any of this was a good idea? Uggggh, I need alcohol or ice cream or something to get over that shit!
June 7, 2025
Bro this book is exactly what you think it’s going to be. Could’ve been an email. Caitlin forced me against my will to read it. Honestly, I don’t like how the love interest and brother were so affected of her trauma and like making it feel like their own like bro it didn’t happen to u
June 12, 2025
This gave me the ick way too many times… rushed plot, characters had no personality… overall not good 😬
June 24, 2025
Like, what...
Thank you tiktok for wasting my time. This wasn't worth it despite it being a short book.
Spoiler rant:
There were so many errors, but let me start with why try to put like every trope in one book.
First we start with a prologue two years ago they kiss random at her brothers party, they hinted that she had a teencrush but they never mentioned if he also liked her in her teenage years (probably because that would be weird because of the agegap and he knows what happened two years before)... she decides to leave without saying goodbye, he never calls/text her for two years.
During the book there were errors like; Harper (the babygirl) looks like her bio dad with auburn hair, later in the book they said her bio dad has blonde hair. How can you not remember what you wrote, it's like a 211 page long book....
Like 2 years after the kiss and 4 years after he found her in a delicate situation, he decides to phone sex her? Why.... It was so out of the blue and that also goes for the first smut scene.
The mmc and fmc were also suddenly in love, I still don't know whether the mmc liked her before or suddenly fell in love with her and her daughter within 8 weeks and planned an entire future around them.
I can go on and on but to summary: this book gave me the ick, sorry for my rant.
Thank you tiktok for wasting my time. This wasn't worth it despite it being a short book.
Spoiler rant:
There were so many errors, but let me start with why try to put like every trope in one book.
First we start with a prologue two years ago they kiss random at her brothers party, they hinted that she had a teencrush but they never mentioned if he also liked her in her teenage years (probably because that would be weird because of the agegap and he knows what happened two years before)... she decides to leave without saying goodbye, he never calls/text her for two years.
During the book there were errors like; Harper (the babygirl) looks like her bio dad with auburn hair, later in the book they said her bio dad has blonde hair. How can you not remember what you wrote, it's like a 211 page long book....
Like 2 years after the kiss and 4 years after he found her in a delicate situation, he decides to phone sex her? Why.... It was so out of the blue and that also goes for the first smut scene.
The mmc and fmc were also suddenly in love, I still don't know whether the mmc liked her before or suddenly fell in love with her and her daughter within 8 weeks and planned an entire future around them.
I can go on and on but to summary: this book gave me the ick, sorry for my rant.
January 3, 2025
i regret reading it. tiktok did me dirty.
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars - I really loved this author's Meade Lake series, so I was hoping for something similar in this small-town romance.
"We have a heavy history. I don't want to become part of that heavy history. I want to be part of her future."
Overall, I thought it was a good read. I enjoyed the close-knit family background of the Calways, and the way they all rallied around each other. There was so much heat between Lola Calway and Levi Buck, even if it felt like they went from zero to sixty after four years of not seeing each other. I loved the way Levi made Lola feel sexy, beautiful and desired. I didn't love the 'Daddy' thing though...I loved the way Levi adored little Harper and the way he wanted to protect them both.
"I'm gonna make you mine, Lola Calway. And you're gonna stay that way."
While this story was about Lola and Levi's lifelong connection turning into a forever love, I felt it lacked a little something. The thing in Lola's past was dealt with very easily, all things considered. However, I enjoyed how easily the Calways accepted Levi as Lola's guy. He'd always been part of their family, now he was part of it in a different way. This was an easy, sexy, and sweet read, but the Meade Lake books are still my favourites.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"We have a heavy history. I don't want to become part of that heavy history. I want to be part of her future."
Overall, I thought it was a good read. I enjoyed the close-knit family background of the Calways, and the way they all rallied around each other. There was so much heat between Lola Calway and Levi Buck, even if it felt like they went from zero to sixty after four years of not seeing each other. I loved the way Levi made Lola feel sexy, beautiful and desired. I didn't love the 'Daddy' thing though...I loved the way Levi adored little Harper and the way he wanted to protect them both.
"I'm gonna make you mine, Lola Calway. And you're gonna stay that way."
While this story was about Lola and Levi's lifelong connection turning into a forever love, I felt it lacked a little something. The thing in Lola's past was dealt with very easily, all things considered. However, I enjoyed how easily the Calways accepted Levi as Lola's guy. He'd always been part of their family, now he was part of it in a different way. This was an easy, sexy, and sweet read, but the Meade Lake books are still my favourites.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
June 30, 2023
Lo and Levi
Check for trigger warning
Assault
Hockey player
Age gap
Single mom
Trauma
Best friend little sister
Lo and Levi know each other since childhood but one night change everything for Lo at 17 years old and pregnant and she keeping the father of her child a secret because she has a secret of her own and she doesn’t want anyone to know what happen that night. She rather want to ignore it but secret always come out.she is strong and courageous and a caring mother.
Levi is a hockey player and after an injury he come back home to recover, he realizes that everyone has been keeping a secret from him and that when he remember what he witness that night and everything is not okay he feel guilty he didn’t do anything.
Levi and Lo have this connection even before but he couldn’t do anything because she the little sister of his best friend. The chemistry between each other is so 🔥🔥🔥.
The cuties things is Harper and Levi. Levi will do anything to protect Lo and Harper and finding justice for both of them finally getting the woman he loves. The family banter
I really enjoyed this book and hopefully reading more about them.I can’t wait for Tyson’s book.
Check for trigger warning
Assault
Hockey player
Age gap
Single mom
Trauma
Best friend little sister
Lo and Levi know each other since childhood but one night change everything for Lo at 17 years old and pregnant and she keeping the father of her child a secret because she has a secret of her own and she doesn’t want anyone to know what happen that night. She rather want to ignore it but secret always come out.she is strong and courageous and a caring mother.
Levi is a hockey player and after an injury he come back home to recover, he realizes that everyone has been keeping a secret from him and that when he remember what he witness that night and everything is not okay he feel guilty he didn’t do anything.
Levi and Lo have this connection even before but he couldn’t do anything because she the little sister of his best friend. The chemistry between each other is so 🔥🔥🔥.
The cuties things is Harper and Levi. Levi will do anything to protect Lo and Harper and finding justice for both of them finally getting the woman he loves. The family banter
I really enjoyed this book and hopefully reading more about them.I can’t wait for Tyson’s book.
July 9, 2023
Power Play is the start of a brand new series from T.D. Colbert. She definitely hit it out of the park. Levi and Lo story was absolutely incredible. So much pain, love, happiness and laughter (thanks to her little girl Harper).
Lo is a young single mom to an incredible little girl. She has all the love and support from her family. Everything she does is for her little girl. She has to face the demons from her past. And with the help from Levi she slowly but surely confronts them.
Levi plays for the NHL, he comes back home to rehab from an injury. He reconnect with the one girl he shouldn’t. His best friends little sister. And he has a secret that he has kept about four years ago. Once everything comes out in the open about what happened that night he does everything in his power to be there for Lo.
I enjoyed this story so much, and I’m definitely will be reading more of this author.
Thanks once again to this incredible author for an ARC.
Lo is a young single mom to an incredible little girl. She has all the love and support from her family. Everything she does is for her little girl. She has to face the demons from her past. And with the help from Levi she slowly but surely confronts them.
Levi plays for the NHL, he comes back home to rehab from an injury. He reconnect with the one girl he shouldn’t. His best friends little sister. And he has a secret that he has kept about four years ago. Once everything comes out in the open about what happened that night he does everything in his power to be there for Lo.
I enjoyed this story so much, and I’m definitely will be reading more of this author.
Thanks once again to this incredible author for an ARC.
March 30, 2024
❤️
This was such a sweet book! It checked so many boxes!
❤️ Single mom
❤️ Hockey romance
❤️ Age Gap
❤️ Brothers best friend
Lo was such a strong female MC. She fought to give her daughter the best life, even as a teen mom, and the trauma she went through. She still viewed her daughter as a beautiful gift! And Harper was adorable!
Levi was so sweet! He knew exactly what he wanted! And he knew he wanted Lo. All he needed to do was stay persistent and convince her that they were meant to be together! And he definitely did!!! Beautifully done!
Him skating his last lap with Harper on his shoulders!!!!!!! 😍😍😍
“Lo, I don’t know who told you that once you become a mom, you don’t get to dream. But it’s just not true. You’re just dreaming for more. And now, that’s what I’m doing. Every dream I have now includes the two of you."
😍😍
This was such a sweet book! It checked so many boxes!
❤️ Single mom
❤️ Hockey romance
❤️ Age Gap
❤️ Brothers best friend
Lo was such a strong female MC. She fought to give her daughter the best life, even as a teen mom, and the trauma she went through. She still viewed her daughter as a beautiful gift! And Harper was adorable!
Levi was so sweet! He knew exactly what he wanted! And he knew he wanted Lo. All he needed to do was stay persistent and convince her that they were meant to be together! And he definitely did!!! Beautifully done!
Him skating his last lap with Harper on his shoulders!!!!!!! 😍😍😍
“Lo, I don’t know who told you that once you become a mom, you don’t get to dream. But it’s just not true. You’re just dreaming for more. And now, that’s what I’m doing. Every dream I have now includes the two of you."
😍😍
July 11, 2023
A good quick read. Lo and Lexi have a past that know one knows about (TW). Lo has returned to his home town after making it big in the hockey world and a lot has changed in regard to Lexi that he was unaware of. This is them navigating and Lexi finally getting her 1st crush.
Age-gap
Single mum
Small town
Brothers best friend
It was just fast paced when they finally saw each other no build up to them getting together or really seeing each other after all this time.
Read as an ARC
3.75⭐️
Age-gap
Single mum
Small town
Brothers best friend
It was just fast paced when they finally saw each other no build up to them getting together or really seeing each other after all this time.
Read as an ARC
3.75⭐️
July 11, 2023
• ARC REVIEW •
What an emotional read this one was. This is the first book i have read by this author and i had such a great time. This was a fast paced, sweet, emotional and really fun book to read.
Lola is a young single mom to an incredible little girl. She has been through a lot in such a short time of her life but she handles it fantastically. She overcame her past with such grace and did not make her a bitter person. She is so strong and was written in such a way that she reflects the true feelings only deep rooted trauma can bring.
Levi was such an amazing mmc to read about. He is kind, caring and has a heart of gold for "his girls". I loved how he was so understanding and patient with Lola. He is so enamored with her and only wants the best for her and that she is taken care of.
Levi and Lola was so good together, they have a healthy relationship.
The natural banter between all the characters made the story flow.
Tropes :
- Hockey Romance
- Small Town
- Single mom
- Brother's Best Friend
- Age Gap
- He fell first and harder
3.5 stars
What an emotional read this one was. This is the first book i have read by this author and i had such a great time. This was a fast paced, sweet, emotional and really fun book to read.
Lola is a young single mom to an incredible little girl. She has been through a lot in such a short time of her life but she handles it fantastically. She overcame her past with such grace and did not make her a bitter person. She is so strong and was written in such a way that she reflects the true feelings only deep rooted trauma can bring.
Levi was such an amazing mmc to read about. He is kind, caring and has a heart of gold for "his girls". I loved how he was so understanding and patient with Lola. He is so enamored with her and only wants the best for her and that she is taken care of.
Levi and Lola was so good together, they have a healthy relationship.
The natural banter between all the characters made the story flow.
Tropes :
- Hockey Romance
- Small Town
- Single mom
- Brother's Best Friend
- Age Gap
- He fell first and harder
3.5 stars
September 10, 2023
My first hockey romance, didn’t even know I was a hockey romance kinda girl but I guess I am now 😂
No but really, Taylor’s books keep getting better & better. Her writing is easy to read & makes her books so enjoyable. I recommend her to everyone, & now I have another book to recommend!!
No but really, Taylor’s books keep getting better & better. Her writing is easy to read & makes her books so enjoyable. I recommend her to everyone, & now I have another book to recommend!!
November 29, 2025
it was ok, nothing special
December 1, 2025
just a feel good read
While this book has a tough topic, this was the perfect for me to read to give me a break from all the hard stuff I’ve read. Lo and Levi are goals and their relationship is adorable! Who doesn’t want a man who’s main goal is your happiness 🩷
While this book has a tough topic, this was the perfect for me to read to give me a break from all the hard stuff I’ve read. Lo and Levi are goals and their relationship is adorable! Who doesn’t want a man who’s main goal is your happiness 🩷
August 8, 2023
4 swoon worthy stars
•
Single parent
Hockey romance
Age gap/forbidden
Brothers best friend
Small town
•
If you’re looking for a book that will turn your heart into a puddle, this is it (the ending = 😭🤍)! The small town vibes were so on point, and Lo’s family dynamic just added to it. Not only did I absolutely adore the main characters, but I also loved the side characters as well (can’t wait for Tyson’s book!).
•
A good chunk of this book revolves around a SA incident that happened in the FMCs past, so please be advised before jumping in!
•
Thank you so much to the Author, T. D. Colbert, and Grey’s Promotions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
•
Single parent
Hockey romance
Age gap/forbidden
Brothers best friend
Small town
•
If you’re looking for a book that will turn your heart into a puddle, this is it (the ending = 😭🤍)! The small town vibes were so on point, and Lo’s family dynamic just added to it. Not only did I absolutely adore the main characters, but I also loved the side characters as well (can’t wait for Tyson’s book!).
•
A good chunk of this book revolves around a SA incident that happened in the FMCs past, so please be advised before jumping in!
•
Thank you so much to the Author, T. D. Colbert, and Grey’s Promotions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2025
DNF at 48%
Usually I don't leave reviews on DNFs but I had so many things to say I had to for this one, primarily: what the fuck?
TW: SA
Also lots of spoilers ahead
TLDR: Story does a really bad job of taking the topic of SA seriously and just brushes it off for sex scenes.
So I did that dumb thing where I fall for those cute little TikTok video snippets - oh he watches her kid for her so she can take a nap because she's tired and aww it's so cute 🥰 yeah didn't even get to that point happening so who knows if the video even matched the way the book actually plays out.
The synopsis of the book hints that something bad happened to Lo, and Levi - her older brothers 28 year old best friend - is the only one who knows, but he bounced out of town almost immediately afterwards. Turns out she was raped at a party when she was 17, and he sees the guy leave the room and her crying in it, so pretty obvious what happened. She just wants to forget it ever happened which valid trauma response. And he just agrees, never tells anyone and moves on with his life.
The book starts with our MCs at a party and Lo goes to hide in a closet because she's overwhelmed, when Levi follows to check on her. Aww sweet, he attempts to ask her about the rape from two years prior, and then oh wait nevermind they're suddenly making out. This was like three pages in. But okay cool whatever moving on.
Time skip to present day, Levi is back in town after a bad hockey injury. They run into each other at a bar, he attempts to ask about the rape again, and once again they're making out. Like this is a recurring theme. She runs off, he calls to check up on her, aww sweet, wait nevermind it's apparently phone sex time.
That should have been where I called it quits but no, I figured it was only 200 pages I'll stick it out. So skip forward some more pages, he learns she has a kid and does some math, realizes oh shit dude from the party. So of course he shows up at her house to confront her (as if it's truly any of his business at this point but the dudes apparently a fucking caveman and keeps "seeing red" over the incident) she cries naturally, and oh they're fucking not even two seconds after she reveals that the rape was her first time.
And that's where I checked out because ??????
Usually I don't leave reviews on DNFs but I had so many things to say I had to for this one, primarily: what the fuck?
TW: SA
Also lots of spoilers ahead
TLDR: Story does a really bad job of taking the topic of SA seriously and just brushes it off for sex scenes.
So I did that dumb thing where I fall for those cute little TikTok video snippets - oh he watches her kid for her so she can take a nap because she's tired and aww it's so cute 🥰 yeah didn't even get to that point happening so who knows if the video even matched the way the book actually plays out.
The synopsis of the book hints that something bad happened to Lo, and Levi - her older brothers 28 year old best friend - is the only one who knows, but he bounced out of town almost immediately afterwards. Turns out she was raped at a party when she was 17, and he sees the guy leave the room and her crying in it, so pretty obvious what happened. She just wants to forget it ever happened which valid trauma response. And he just agrees, never tells anyone and moves on with his life.
The book starts with our MCs at a party and Lo goes to hide in a closet because she's overwhelmed, when Levi follows to check on her. Aww sweet, he attempts to ask her about the rape from two years prior, and then oh wait nevermind they're suddenly making out. This was like three pages in. But okay cool whatever moving on.
Time skip to present day, Levi is back in town after a bad hockey injury. They run into each other at a bar, he attempts to ask about the rape again, and once again they're making out. Like this is a recurring theme. She runs off, he calls to check up on her, aww sweet, wait nevermind it's apparently phone sex time.
That should have been where I called it quits but no, I figured it was only 200 pages I'll stick it out. So skip forward some more pages, he learns she has a kid and does some math, realizes oh shit dude from the party. So of course he shows up at her house to confront her (as if it's truly any of his business at this point but the dudes apparently a fucking caveman and keeps "seeing red" over the incident) she cries naturally, and oh they're fucking not even two seconds after she reveals that the rape was her first time.
And that's where I checked out because ??????
October 17, 2023
It had the makings of a good, maybe even great, book, but it was too rushed. It was a novella attempting to be a novel. Disappointing
July 13, 2023
Amazon
Levi's come home to recuperate from what is most likely a career ending injury. He knew his best friend's little sister would be here, and should have expected the feelings to come surging back, but he didn't. Now he's face to face with the girl he left behind who's now a beautiful grown woman, and he's realizing he wants everything with her.
Since that night, Lo has moved on and is parenting a beautiful little girl with 100% support from her family and friends. She's keeping a secret from that night and now her brother's best friend is back and he seems intent on not only being in her life, but getting to the bottom of the question of what happened that fateful night. Can Lo let Levi into her life, into her heart?
What an emotional story! I felt so for Lo, wanted to give her a big hug, but also so many props for how strong she was, how she had survived and thrived and had raised her adorable daughter. Levi is such a wonderful hero - ends up being Lo's rock all while working through his own issues. I can't wait for more Calway Family now.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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July 4, 2023
5⭐️
Read if you like:
- age gap
- brother's best friend
- single mom
- hockey romance
- small town
Synopsis: Lo, who is the youngest of the Calway siblings, is a single mom and has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Levi, for pretty much forever. Levi is about 11 year older than Lo and is a professional hockey player. He is back home for a few weeks trying to figure out his next steps and to recover after an injury that could end his career. As Lo has gotten older, he has noticed her more -- so a bonus of being back in town is seeing the woman he hasn't been able to stop thinking about in the last two years. Except Lo is hiding a secret from him, and when Levi finds out, he will do everything to protect her.
As soon as I saw these tropes, I knew I was going to love this book! The author does such a good job incorporating these tropes and they all make sense with the story. I was hooked immediately and could not put this down. I thought this was also such a good start to the series and I can’t wait for the other books.
There’s some sensitive topics in this book (check trigger warnings!) that are essential to the plot and the heroine’s back story. I thought the author handled these topics so well. Also, this is quite possibly one of my favorite brother’s best friend books because of how this trope was done! Lo’s family is of course protective of her but they love Levi and trust Lo to make her own decisions. Sometimes this trope has the brother be too overly protective but here it was done so well.
You will fall in love with Levi — he is such a swoony hero and the way he acts with Lo and her daughter is everything. And you will also love Lo, who is such a strong heroine and is finding herself and who she is in addition to being a mom.
I already love the Calway family already and can’t wait to see where this series goes! Tyson’s book is next and I can’t wait.
Thank you so much to the author and Grey’s Promo for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read if you like:
- age gap
- brother's best friend
- single mom
- hockey romance
- small town
Synopsis: Lo, who is the youngest of the Calway siblings, is a single mom and has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Levi, for pretty much forever. Levi is about 11 year older than Lo and is a professional hockey player. He is back home for a few weeks trying to figure out his next steps and to recover after an injury that could end his career. As Lo has gotten older, he has noticed her more -- so a bonus of being back in town is seeing the woman he hasn't been able to stop thinking about in the last two years. Except Lo is hiding a secret from him, and when Levi finds out, he will do everything to protect her.
As soon as I saw these tropes, I knew I was going to love this book! The author does such a good job incorporating these tropes and they all make sense with the story. I was hooked immediately and could not put this down. I thought this was also such a good start to the series and I can’t wait for the other books.
There’s some sensitive topics in this book (check trigger warnings!) that are essential to the plot and the heroine’s back story. I thought the author handled these topics so well. Also, this is quite possibly one of my favorite brother’s best friend books because of how this trope was done! Lo’s family is of course protective of her but they love Levi and trust Lo to make her own decisions. Sometimes this trope has the brother be too overly protective but here it was done so well.
You will fall in love with Levi — he is such a swoony hero and the way he acts with Lo and her daughter is everything. And you will also love Lo, who is such a strong heroine and is finding herself and who she is in addition to being a mom.
I already love the Calway family already and can’t wait to see where this series goes! Tyson’s book is next and I can’t wait.
Thank you so much to the author and Grey’s Promo for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2023
Power Play by T.D. Colbert is an age gap, single mom, best friends sister sports romance between Lo (FMC) and Levi (MMC). This also has a secret pregnancy and there are heavy themes of SA and emotional trauma throughout this book so know that going in. I love a traumance so this was all good for me.
As a character, Lo is very strong, hard-working, independent and a great mom to her daughter, Harper. I loved her relationship with her family, especially big brother Tyson. Levi seems like the stuff boyfriend dreams are made of. He is smitten with Lo, 10 years his junior, and feels very protective of her. Levi is on the brink of retirement from the NHL and also Tyson's best friend.
Together, Lo & Levi are a good couple. Their connection is clear from the start. I love that Levi can be an emotional support to Lo. She is able to be honest with him and lets him take care of her. It is interesting to note that although Lo and Levi have known each other for years, it feels like instalove to the reader. The book starts and they are instantly together. I wish we were treated to some of their past; maybe a prologue with Lo pining for Levi. It would have been nice to see them in a fun scene together in that capacity. Their union felt a little anticlimactic since it happens so early in the story.
This story is very fast-paced, but because of that some parts felt a little rushed. For example, I would have liked to see more relationship building between Levi & Harper.
I'm glad that Levi and Lo disclosed their relationship to the family rather quickly and that was not a source of over-the-top drama in the book. Tyson and their dad reacted perfectly to finding out that Lo & Levi were together and were happy for them.
I do have issue with the secret pregnancy trope, but this is a *me* thing. It's always hard for me to believe, no matter how much I try to stretch my imagination, that a group of people as close as Tyson & Levi claim to be, can really withhold such a big secret from each other. The author did a good job of explaining why Tyson kept the pregnancy from Levi which I appreciate, but it still just feels very inauthentic; however, understanding the motivation behind the secret made the secret pregnancy a little more palatable.
The spice between Lo & Levi was just okay. During their sex scenes, Levi often referred to himself as Daddy which I felt did not match his character or the vibe of their relationship at all. I understand that he is 10 years older than Lo, but there was no exploration into why the daddy kink was there so it just felt very out of place in this book
If you like emotional stories, insta love fast paced stories, I think you will like this. Power Play is categorized as a hockey romance, but honestly the hockey takes a backseat to other tropes in the book. If you removed the hockey aspect, the story still stands just fine.
Thank you Grey's Promotion for the advanced reader copy.
As a character, Lo is very strong, hard-working, independent and a great mom to her daughter, Harper. I loved her relationship with her family, especially big brother Tyson. Levi seems like the stuff boyfriend dreams are made of. He is smitten with Lo, 10 years his junior, and feels very protective of her. Levi is on the brink of retirement from the NHL and also Tyson's best friend.
Together, Lo & Levi are a good couple. Their connection is clear from the start. I love that Levi can be an emotional support to Lo. She is able to be honest with him and lets him take care of her. It is interesting to note that although Lo and Levi have known each other for years, it feels like instalove to the reader. The book starts and they are instantly together. I wish we were treated to some of their past; maybe a prologue with Lo pining for Levi. It would have been nice to see them in a fun scene together in that capacity. Their union felt a little anticlimactic since it happens so early in the story.
This story is very fast-paced, but because of that some parts felt a little rushed. For example, I would have liked to see more relationship building between Levi & Harper.
I'm glad that Levi and Lo disclosed their relationship to the family rather quickly and that was not a source of over-the-top drama in the book. Tyson and their dad reacted perfectly to finding out that Lo & Levi were together and were happy for them.
I do have issue with the secret pregnancy trope, but this is a *me* thing. It's always hard for me to believe, no matter how much I try to stretch my imagination, that a group of people as close as Tyson & Levi claim to be, can really withhold such a big secret from each other. The author did a good job of explaining why Tyson kept the pregnancy from Levi which I appreciate, but it still just feels very inauthentic; however, understanding the motivation behind the secret made the secret pregnancy a little more palatable.
The spice between Lo & Levi was just okay. During their sex scenes, Levi often referred to himself as Daddy which I felt did not match his character or the vibe of their relationship at all. I understand that he is 10 years older than Lo, but there was no exploration into why the daddy kink was there so it just felt very out of place in this book
If you like emotional stories, insta love fast paced stories, I think you will like this. Power Play is categorized as a hockey romance, but honestly the hockey takes a backseat to other tropes in the book. If you removed the hockey aspect, the story still stands just fine.
Thank you Grey's Promotion for the advanced reader copy.
July 24, 2023
✩‧₊˚ 𝟐.𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
★¸.•☆•.¸★ 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲.•☆•.★
𝐋𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 (h) has a secret that has weighed her down for years, but she never tells anyone because she fears it's too late to tell her story and bring up old events. However, when 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤 (H) who witnessed what happened that night, comes back to town, it becomes impossible to avoid what happened since he's putting everything together. As they reconnect, the two find it difficult to avoid the lingering feelings from a shared moment they had that was quickly forgotten because the heroine wasn't ready for more, but maybe now that he's back, it can be different this time.
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
⋆◦•●♡ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ♡●•◦⋆
My main issue was the lack of development between h and H because within the first chapter, they shared a moment, and within the fourth chapter, it was more intimate. The smut wasn’t the issue. Instead, the instant connection demonstrated there would be no buildup because the feelings were already present. I love watching characters slowly fall in love and have flirty interactions, which this book lacked. If you don’t mind instant connections, this might be a quick read to get you into hockey romance, but don’t expect a relationship filled with swoon-worthy moments; it’s straight to the point. Even if this book wasn’t for ME, it might be great for someone else. I would have preferred to understand why the h fell for the H and if he was in her mind all those years he was away. Similarly, if the h is the one for the H, why didn’t he reach out to her and ask for a chance? It took returning to town even to remember that he wanted her in the first place. It’s not conveying soulmate energy or characters that are wholeheartedly in love that they couldn’t fathom being with anyone else. I expected more, and what I read was okay.
The book was just named Power Play to be marketed as a hockey romance, but the hockey elements were not a major role. There was one scene, in the beginning, to explain why he's going back to town, and in the end (but there is no central theme of hockey that alludes to the title). I didn't get the teammates' side characters, found family, or banter that I love in hockey romances. He could have had any occupation implemented with the same plot, which wouldn't have made a difference.
The book incorporated heavy elements, so the book either should have been longer or explored her story in greater detail. It was addressed far too quickly, making it seem trivial and more romance based when it shouldn’t have happened. There are ways to explore topics like that in a manner that is well-rounded and captures the h’s story, but this wasn’t executed as expected. Either way, it was good to see her portrayal of life and how she holds an immense love for her daughter.
*•.¸♡ 𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢ ♡¸.•*
If you’re looking for a fast-paced romance, this is a great read for that. It has the single parent, age gap, and brother’s best friend trope, so pick this up if that’s one of your favorites. Don’t take my word for it; form your own opinion; these were just my thoughts.
★¸.•☆•.¸★ 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲.•☆•.★
𝐋𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 (h) has a secret that has weighed her down for years, but she never tells anyone because she fears it's too late to tell her story and bring up old events. However, when 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤 (H) who witnessed what happened that night, comes back to town, it becomes impossible to avoid what happened since he's putting everything together. As they reconnect, the two find it difficult to avoid the lingering feelings from a shared moment they had that was quickly forgotten because the heroine wasn't ready for more, but maybe now that he's back, it can be different this time.
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
⋆◦•●♡ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ♡●•◦⋆
My main issue was the lack of development between h and H because within the first chapter, they shared a moment, and within the fourth chapter, it was more intimate. The smut wasn’t the issue. Instead, the instant connection demonstrated there would be no buildup because the feelings were already present. I love watching characters slowly fall in love and have flirty interactions, which this book lacked. If you don’t mind instant connections, this might be a quick read to get you into hockey romance, but don’t expect a relationship filled with swoon-worthy moments; it’s straight to the point. Even if this book wasn’t for ME, it might be great for someone else. I would have preferred to understand why the h fell for the H and if he was in her mind all those years he was away. Similarly, if the h is the one for the H, why didn’t he reach out to her and ask for a chance? It took returning to town even to remember that he wanted her in the first place. It’s not conveying soulmate energy or characters that are wholeheartedly in love that they couldn’t fathom being with anyone else. I expected more, and what I read was okay.
The book was just named Power Play to be marketed as a hockey romance, but the hockey elements were not a major role. There was one scene, in the beginning, to explain why he's going back to town, and in the end (but there is no central theme of hockey that alludes to the title). I didn't get the teammates' side characters, found family, or banter that I love in hockey romances. He could have had any occupation implemented with the same plot, which wouldn't have made a difference.
The book incorporated heavy elements, so the book either should have been longer or explored her story in greater detail. It was addressed far too quickly, making it seem trivial and more romance based when it shouldn’t have happened. There are ways to explore topics like that in a manner that is well-rounded and captures the h’s story, but this wasn’t executed as expected. Either way, it was good to see her portrayal of life and how she holds an immense love for her daughter.
*•.¸♡ 𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢ ♡¸.•*
If you’re looking for a fast-paced romance, this is a great read for that. It has the single parent, age gap, and brother’s best friend trope, so pick this up if that’s one of your favorites. Don’t take my word for it; form your own opinion; these were just my thoughts.
August 19, 2025
2.5/5 (rounded up)
There's a good book here somewhere, but its not what's published on the page. Power Play is in desperate need of both developmental and line editing. I'm not sure if it's because present tense is being used, but there are too many sentences starting with "I" and we are quiet literally given play-by-plays for the mundane things. "I walk into the room and sit on the couch." This gives us nothing. We are always being told and not shown. There are glaring inconsistencies, i.e. a named character is described early on in the book as having long auburn hair and then later that same character is described as having short blonde hair "like a Ken doll." Characters appearances are allowed to change, but neither MC described it as such. Also, while the brother's best friend x single mom trope works fine, the age gap aspect (for me) doesn't. The MMC talks about meeting the FMC when she was 7 and he was 18 and knows that she always had a crush on him.
TW
There's a good book here somewhere, but its not what's published on the page. Power Play is in desperate need of both developmental and line editing. I'm not sure if it's because present tense is being used, but there are too many sentences starting with "I" and we are quiet literally given play-by-plays for the mundane things. "I walk into the room and sit on the couch." This gives us nothing. We are always being told and not shown. There are glaring inconsistencies, i.e. a named character is described early on in the book as having long auburn hair and then later that same character is described as having short blonde hair "like a Ken doll." Characters appearances are allowed to change, but neither MC described it as such. Also, while the brother's best friend x single mom trope works fine, the age gap aspect (for me) doesn't. The MMC talks about meeting the FMC when she was 7 and he was 18 and knows that she always had a crush on him.
TW
July 7, 2025
2.5⭐ I did enjoy elements of this book.
This entire book felt rushed and there where gaps in the story and little errors that could of been avoided with attention to detail.
The first romantic encounter between the main couple came out of nowhere, its said she had a crush on him previously but his attraction came out of nowhere, they didn't even speak and all of a sudden he's getting hot and heavy with her in a laundry room. She then leaves and they have no contact for 2 years. The fact she had a baby and kept it a secret from him for 4 years seems unrealistic to me, surely someone they know mutually would of said something given how close he is to her family, and what he never visited them in that 4 year period?
In regards to the sexual assault, this woman was within her rights to keep it to herself, no one can judge until their in the situation personally and have to make the choice themselves and Levi respecting her wishes to keep it secret seemed right to me, it wasn't his secret to share even if he knew what happened was wrong, hence all his guilt. He shouldn't have forced her to face her attacker and out him either, while he deserved all he had coming it wasn't Levi's decision to make and he let his guilt and emotions take over. There wasn't any follow up on what happened to Thad after it was all revealed which seemed like an oversight.
They fell in love so fast and it all just felt rushed.
This story would of been a lot better if parts of it had been fleshed out more and the love story was slowed down.
This entire book felt rushed and there where gaps in the story and little errors that could of been avoided with attention to detail.
The first romantic encounter between the main couple came out of nowhere, its said she had a crush on him previously but his attraction came out of nowhere, they didn't even speak and all of a sudden he's getting hot and heavy with her in a laundry room. She then leaves and they have no contact for 2 years. The fact she had a baby and kept it a secret from him for 4 years seems unrealistic to me, surely someone they know mutually would of said something given how close he is to her family, and what he never visited them in that 4 year period?
In regards to the sexual assault, this woman was within her rights to keep it to herself, no one can judge until their in the situation personally and have to make the choice themselves and Levi respecting her wishes to keep it secret seemed right to me, it wasn't his secret to share even if he knew what happened was wrong, hence all his guilt. He shouldn't have forced her to face her attacker and out him either, while he deserved all he had coming it wasn't Levi's decision to make and he let his guilt and emotions take over. There wasn't any follow up on what happened to Thad after it was all revealed which seemed like an oversight.
They fell in love so fast and it all just felt rushed.
This story would of been a lot better if parts of it had been fleshed out more and the love story was slowed down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
4 ½ Stars for this heart wrenching story!
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I loved it! I felt so sorry for Lo with all the loss and heartbreak she had to deal with in her young life. I loved Levi ... he is a natural protector with a heart of gold and it doesn't hurt that he's a hockey hunk. I loved the Calway family dynamic. Even though Lo was a step-sibling to the three older Calways, they treated like a precious gift. The natural banter between all the characters made the story flow and gave me all the feel goods. This is a great beginning to a new series.
Levi was best friends with Lo's older brother and more than ten years older than her. She was only seven when he left for college. Even though Levi ended up in the NHL, he still thought of the Calway house as home. When Lo was seventeen, she went to a party that when disastrously wrong. Levi and Tyson (Lo's brother) are called in to break up a party and Levi finds Lo in an upstairs bedroom with tears running down her face. Four years later, Levi is facing a forced retirement from playing hockey, so he decides to move home. Lo is working at the local restaurant and has become a single mother. When Levi sees Lo, he can't take his eyes off her as she's all grown up and absolutely beautiful. Lo has always had a crush on Levi ... but he would never be interested in younger, single mother ... right?
I received an early copy courtesy of Grey's Promotion.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I loved it! I felt so sorry for Lo with all the loss and heartbreak she had to deal with in her young life. I loved Levi ... he is a natural protector with a heart of gold and it doesn't hurt that he's a hockey hunk. I loved the Calway family dynamic. Even though Lo was a step-sibling to the three older Calways, they treated like a precious gift. The natural banter between all the characters made the story flow and gave me all the feel goods. This is a great beginning to a new series.
Levi was best friends with Lo's older brother and more than ten years older than her. She was only seven when he left for college. Even though Levi ended up in the NHL, he still thought of the Calway house as home. When Lo was seventeen, she went to a party that when disastrously wrong. Levi and Tyson (Lo's brother) are called in to break up a party and Levi finds Lo in an upstairs bedroom with tears running down her face. Four years later, Levi is facing a forced retirement from playing hockey, so he decides to move home. Lo is working at the local restaurant and has become a single mother. When Levi sees Lo, he can't take his eyes off her as she's all grown up and absolutely beautiful. Lo has always had a crush on Levi ... but he would never be interested in younger, single mother ... right?
I received an early copy courtesy of Grey's Promotion.
July 10, 2023
Lo has had a massive crush on her much old brother’s best friend since she was young. But since she was 18 she’s been keeping a massive secret from him- she has a daughter. She’s also been keeping a secret from everyone she knows of who the father is, and how it happened.
After a brutal concussion, Levi decides to head home to do his rehab and physical therapy. He knows he’s retiring from the NHL but needs to figure out what comes next. He realizes very quickly the secret that was kept from him. And guilt takes over, because he was there the night it happened.
I loved the way that Levi accepted and loved both Lo and Harper whole heartedly and without question. They were his girls. He would do whatever it takes to protect them.
I will say, the “daddy” talk in bed felt a little random and didn’t really fit with the character. Yeah, Levi was 11 years older and he said that he really liked the age gap they had, but the times he said it just felt weird. (And I’m a HUGE “daddy” fan, it just has to be done right.)
Since Lo’s siblings were so much older than her, they had a very different relationship. But I loved the family banter. The first pizza night after they all found out about Lo and Levi was just great to read. They razzed Levi, obviously, but none of the siblings were TOO overprotective and they all knew Lo and Levi were a perfect fit. And the siblings also took on that protection role for Lo and Harper! The two of them truly had a village surrounding them.
Can’t wait for the rest of the sibling’s books!
After a brutal concussion, Levi decides to head home to do his rehab and physical therapy. He knows he’s retiring from the NHL but needs to figure out what comes next. He realizes very quickly the secret that was kept from him. And guilt takes over, because he was there the night it happened.
I loved the way that Levi accepted and loved both Lo and Harper whole heartedly and without question. They were his girls. He would do whatever it takes to protect them.
I will say, the “daddy” talk in bed felt a little random and didn’t really fit with the character. Yeah, Levi was 11 years older and he said that he really liked the age gap they had, but the times he said it just felt weird. (And I’m a HUGE “daddy” fan, it just has to be done right.)
Since Lo’s siblings were so much older than her, they had a very different relationship. But I loved the family banter. The first pizza night after they all found out about Lo and Levi was just great to read. They razzed Levi, obviously, but none of the siblings were TOO overprotective and they all knew Lo and Levi were a perfect fit. And the siblings also took on that protection role for Lo and Harper! The two of them truly had a village surrounding them.
Can’t wait for the rest of the sibling’s books!
July 13, 2023
Power Play is the first book in a new series and this one is a “goal”. Levi and Lo have been friends since she was a teenager, and he is about ten years older. They have been in love with each other for years but never made any moves.
Now Levi a hockey player with the NHL comes home to recover from an injury and he decides to connect with the one woman he could never get out of his head. He kept a secret for Lo all these years and he vowed to protect her. The problem is that Levi is her brother’s best friend and will he accept their relationship. Once the secret comes out in the open Levi does everything in his power to protect Lo from that night. He realizes she is all grown up and now wants more …
Lo is a young single mom to a beautiful little girl who everyone absolutely adores. Everything she does is for her little girl, and she has to face the demons from the past. Lo confronts those demons with the help of Levi and her brother. Lo is a very strong woman, and she is a great mom. The relationship that we seen Levi and Lo build in their story is strong and beautiful. It can make you envious.
I loved this story it was heartwarming and heartbreaking and an emotional journey. Levi is a man that all of us wish we could have. He is so caring, loving, and protective. I loved all the characters in this book and cannot wait to see more of the Calway family.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.
Now Levi a hockey player with the NHL comes home to recover from an injury and he decides to connect with the one woman he could never get out of his head. He kept a secret for Lo all these years and he vowed to protect her. The problem is that Levi is her brother’s best friend and will he accept their relationship. Once the secret comes out in the open Levi does everything in his power to protect Lo from that night. He realizes she is all grown up and now wants more …
Lo is a young single mom to a beautiful little girl who everyone absolutely adores. Everything she does is for her little girl, and she has to face the demons from the past. Lo confronts those demons with the help of Levi and her brother. Lo is a very strong woman, and she is a great mom. The relationship that we seen Levi and Lo build in their story is strong and beautiful. It can make you envious.
I loved this story it was heartwarming and heartbreaking and an emotional journey. Levi is a man that all of us wish we could have. He is so caring, loving, and protective. I loved all the characters in this book and cannot wait to see more of the Calway family.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.
July 5, 2023
4.5 Stars for Power Play ( The Calway Family #1)
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last because after reading Levi and Lo’s story I’m struggling to understand why T.D. Colbert hasn’t crossed my radar before now. If you love small town family romances look no further than Power Play in fact every romance lover needs to read this one.
Levi is a NHL star but yet another concussion has him back home planning for his retirement at the end of the season. He is best friends with Lo’s older brother and the Calway house is like a second home to him so that’s means she should be off limits.
Lo is single mum from a party that went terribly wrong, Levi is the only person who knows what happened that night but even he never knew she ended up pregnant so when he returns home his protective nature kicks in and once he sets sight on the girl who is now all grown up, he realises he wants more…..
What follows is a heartwarming, entertaining and at times emotional journey that will appeal to a very wide range of audiences. I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Levi, I adored Lo and I’m excited for what’s to come from the Calway family. If Levi and Lo’s story is anything to go by, Ms Colbert will certainly have a hit series on her hands.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last because after reading Levi and Lo’s story I’m struggling to understand why T.D. Colbert hasn’t crossed my radar before now. If you love small town family romances look no further than Power Play in fact every romance lover needs to read this one.
Levi is a NHL star but yet another concussion has him back home planning for his retirement at the end of the season. He is best friends with Lo’s older brother and the Calway house is like a second home to him so that’s means she should be off limits.
Lo is single mum from a party that went terribly wrong, Levi is the only person who knows what happened that night but even he never knew she ended up pregnant so when he returns home his protective nature kicks in and once he sets sight on the girl who is now all grown up, he realises he wants more…..
What follows is a heartwarming, entertaining and at times emotional journey that will appeal to a very wide range of audiences. I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Levi, I adored Lo and I’m excited for what’s to come from the Calway family. If Levi and Lo’s story is anything to go by, Ms Colbert will certainly have a hit series on her hands.
July 11, 2023
3.5 Stars-A Quick Romance
In Power Play, T.D. Colbert introduces readers to Levi and Lo. Levi is Lo’s brothers’ best friend and a guy she’s been crushing on for years.
Lo is twenty-two and living life the best she can. She’s a young mother that put her plans on hold for her daughter. For now, she’s a server at a restaurant in her small town, taking care of her daughter and going out when friends drag her along with them. Levi has probably played his last professional hockey game and now must figure out what his next step is going to be. He heads back to the small town of Crooked Creek to form a plan.
I liked Lo, but wasn’t sure Levi was the guy for her. I wasn’t a fan, and he didn’t grow on me as I read. It didn’t seem like these two, although they’ve known each other for years, had much chemistry. It was kind of an insta-thing and he was borderline a jerk. Plus, he used the term daddy in the steamy scenes and that is a big-time deal breaker for me. Grosses me out. So, I skimmed the rest of the sex scenes.
The book is well written, however felt like it needed a bit more substance to be the first book of a series. I was glad that Lo’s secret wasn’t what I originally thought it would be and the Calway family seem interesting. For now, I’m on the fence about continuing this series.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
In Power Play, T.D. Colbert introduces readers to Levi and Lo. Levi is Lo’s brothers’ best friend and a guy she’s been crushing on for years.
Lo is twenty-two and living life the best she can. She’s a young mother that put her plans on hold for her daughter. For now, she’s a server at a restaurant in her small town, taking care of her daughter and going out when friends drag her along with them. Levi has probably played his last professional hockey game and now must figure out what his next step is going to be. He heads back to the small town of Crooked Creek to form a plan.
I liked Lo, but wasn’t sure Levi was the guy for her. I wasn’t a fan, and he didn’t grow on me as I read. It didn’t seem like these two, although they’ve known each other for years, had much chemistry. It was kind of an insta-thing and he was borderline a jerk. Plus, he used the term daddy in the steamy scenes and that is a big-time deal breaker for me. Grosses me out. So, I skimmed the rest of the sex scenes.
The book is well written, however felt like it needed a bit more substance to be the first book of a series. I was glad that Lo’s secret wasn’t what I originally thought it would be and the Calway family seem interesting. For now, I’m on the fence about continuing this series.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
July 5, 2023
Lola (Lo) is a young single mum with no time for men or fun. She works to provide for her daughter, and any free time she has is spent with her. That is until her brothers best friend and her teenage crush returns to town. Levi is a big NHL star when his life turns upside down he returns back home to the one family that has always been there for him while he recovers. Only his best friends little sister is not the teenager he left behind.
I really enjoyed this book it was a nice cute read, I loved the characters, the storyline, and the level of spice was just right. You can not go wrong with a dual POV throughout, plus the little snippets into the past so that you get the full picture of what is and has happened was done fabulously.
As much as I liked this book, enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down, I had the feeling sometimes that I wanted more, I don't know what that more was, as you are told about past incidents, relationships between the characters, family history, it doesnt even make huge jumps in time, but I just wanted something more. However, don't let that put you off as it was such a great read, and it is a book that I defiantly recommend, especially if you are in your ice hockey era and love a good brothers best friend, age gap trope.
I really enjoyed this book it was a nice cute read, I loved the characters, the storyline, and the level of spice was just right. You can not go wrong with a dual POV throughout, plus the little snippets into the past so that you get the full picture of what is and has happened was done fabulously.
As much as I liked this book, enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down, I had the feeling sometimes that I wanted more, I don't know what that more was, as you are told about past incidents, relationships between the characters, family history, it doesnt even make huge jumps in time, but I just wanted something more. However, don't let that put you off as it was such a great read, and it is a book that I defiantly recommend, especially if you are in your ice hockey era and love a good brothers best friend, age gap trope.
July 13, 2023
Lo & Levi have known each other a long time since he's the best friend of her brother, but one night really did some damage, and he took off for the NHL leaving her behind. She, on the other hand, has had to live with that night, and even keep much of it a secret but she's a strong woman who has kept going & being the best mother to her tiny human. Things get complicated when Levi comes home after his hockey career is over, as he knows some things about that terrible night, but he's also going to learn more which will set things in motion that she has no interest in. This is so hard to to keep vague because this story has secrets, and secrets always come out to try & destroy people. Plus, there's that whole best friend's sister thing going on, and yet, they're still very drawn to one another so that's another complication. I have to say, complications definitely keep me turning the pages quickly because I get all anxious waiting on things to come. I will say that there was an issue or two that kept me from completely loving Levi, but it's because of my own personal preferences, however, it kept it from being the perfect book in my eyes. Anyway, I'm excited for more of this new series, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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