On the Power Play

Canadian Played #4

by Cynthia Gunderson

Not everything you see on the internet is true. Including my relationship with Canada's golden boy, Jack Harrison. 

It's very public. Very steamy. And very, very fake. 

Jack and I both needed something. Me, to earn out my contract and start earning royalties on my music. Jack, to keep his hardship-claimed spot on the Calgary Blizzard NHL team. 

It turns out my publicist was love sells tickets. Now all we have to do to make our dreams come true is put on a good show for the general public until our agreed-upon breakup date. 

The only problem? 

Jack isn't the arrogant jock I assumed he was, and my walls are slipping like an ice cube through my fingers. Especially when he stays the night after unsavoury content leaks online. And cooks me breakfast. 

Now those public kisses? They send my heart racing. His hands on my waist? Yeah, I'm struggling to breathe. 

But Jack and I can't be a thing. I live on the other side of the country, and our careers are headed in opposite directions. 

Thankfully, our breakup is only a month away. I can hold out until then, can't I?

For fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jiminez, "On the Power Play" is a heart-pounding hockey romance that will leave you desperate for more.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Contemporary, Hockey Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Pau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantó💕 este tipo de lecturas son súper adictivas para mi, la mala noticia es que no hay más libros😭 el personaje de Jack me encantó y me gustó mucho cómo dejaban ver las ansiedades de la protagonista sin que fuera necesariamente algo malo. Los miedos, las inseguridades y salir de eso triunfante mientras tratas de no romperte el corazón en el proceso. Eso es este libro. También me gustó mucho que la química que hay entre Jack y Delia es tremenda aunque no hay escenas explícitas ni nada de eso. Extra points por las referencias a Taylor Swift ✨

Cindy if you read this, this is my formal petition for a book on every Snowballs player please 💕

[Alexa Mintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a good time listening to this book. I didn't want it to end. For the longest time I didn't think swoony non-spicey romance books existed, but Cynthia Gunderson has proved to me with this series that it definitely is.
I loved the main characters, both were absolute sweethearts. They were so well written, each coming to terms with their inner battles as the story progressed.

Jack gets a second shot at playing in the NHL so that makes for some choices to be made when he meets Delia. Speaking of Delia, she's a popstar on a skyrocketing path to fame, but she doesn't seem to be happy with some of the things she had to do to achieve that.
Jack and Delia's story begins when Delia's agent calls up Jack to suggest that he and Delia should fake date to help with both of their social status. Jack thinks the idea is too far fetched to work. And he isn't ready to date again. Not even if it's fake.
But when he meets Delia in person things change.

Again, this book absolutely stole my heart, it made me laugh and smile. It made me feel joy and sadness for the characters. An absolute must read if you like contemporary sports romance!

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In relief and regret. I have not forgotten you.”

Delia & Jack 💗
Oh gosh this was my favourite of the series so far! Each book gets better and better, I am so excited there are still 2 more to come!
Cynthia writes such amazing banter. And freaking hilarious and nostalgic references.. Borden Bella’s, Jennifer Anistons 90s hair, Avril Lavigne, Taylor and Travis, Celine Dion, and even a Portage la Prairie joke!? Genius.
But, I digress.
Jack gets called up to the NHL when a player is injured, and isn’t about to let this second chance at a hockey career go to waste. Delia is a rising star in the singing/songwriting world. Both need a little boost in their following to level up their careers. Why not pull a Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce style relationship, but fake of course - despite their immediate connection. Love is hard for both of them with years of baggage and trauma. Overcoming fear and opening up their hearts to love again 💗

[LuluLobbesReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!!! It was sooooo good!

If you want a hunky, caring, yet troubled hockey player MMC and a sweet chaotic celebrity FMC that are thrust into fake dating for the sake of their careers, then...look no further!


Spice: 3- Innuendos throughout the book and one fade to black scene with some below the belt action described (not crass or explicit, but you know what she means). (Chap 28 , near end).


Language: 1- Not frequent/rare, and when it does happen, it is distracting to plot. Not vulgar / crass.

Content: grief, death, dealing with ADHD and anxiety.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This couple was just so cute. Loves them both. I love a good fake relationship trope, so this was perfect. Add in some quirks and trauma and it was a good little read!

[Samantha Simspon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite book in the series so far. I loved Delia's and Jack's characters, which were very relatable, both having gone through real-world issues and traumas in the past that helped define their current personalities and behaviours, which were very plausible. It did seem a little far-fetched that Jack's trauma meant he was totally OK with kissing Delia as part of their arrangement but not holding her hand, but I guess it made for a slightly different storyline than your typical cookie-cutter romance. If you are a fan of fade-to-black spice in your romance novels, I highly recommend this. This book would make for a great Hallmark movie. I'm really hoping the next book in series focuses on Liam, although he didn't play a major part in this book (the series is interlinked but can all be read as standalone), his story piqued my interest, and I'd love to know more. 5 stars.

[Dana Reinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 💕 it was awesome! It’s Taylor and Travis. This whole series reminds me of early 2000s rom coms. There is drama and entertainment. Definitely worth the read! Can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can read that one too.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super cute story in the series. Perhaps my favorite so far!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my third? audiobook? and by far the most enjoyable! the right level of being able to tune out occasionally and still get whats happening! also good story! except the french canadian part but i digress

[ElfQueen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kinda hated this book for so many reasons and they all centered around the FMC. She was way to dramatic and too much of a stereotype of a white female. Look I'm Canadian but not white and I have to say, this book was just too white-centric for me. The whole "you aren't a true Canadian if you don't follow hockey" was just a stupid stereotype and Delia constantly worrying about her teeth or being in her own head "therapizing herself" took away from the book. Jack had more character development than her and that's what kept me going was him.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. It was very sweet. So the first 3 in the series was about a hockey team with found family and although they were there to support Jack (he was called up to the NHL) I still didn't feel the comradery from the other books. But I like Jack, and I like how he tried taking a younger player under his wing. It was funny how they referenced Taylor and Travis, and kind of paralleled that in Jack and Delia's fake relationship that turned real.

[Yvanna Hammen-Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I'm not super into spice but I'm so appreciative of closed-door romances! BUT as someone with ADHD I absolutely love and relate to the main character. The way things develop, the way she expresses herself... ahh so realistic for someone with this type of neurodivergence. Probably my favorite of Cynthia's hockey series ! <3

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars- this book gave me all the feels and was a hockey romance to boot. Total win in my book- pun intended. This was my first book written by Cynthia and it will not be my last.

I loved how this book mimicked very broadly Taylor Swift’s romance but took a whole new play on it. The banter was lovely and having grown up right outside of Canada I really appreciated the impeccable voice acting in the audiobook. The happily ever after was perfect and did not feel forced or rushed which I appreciated and I was introduced and loved so many of the side characters that I plan on jumping into the next book in the series this month!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

i'm not really into fake dating trope because i find some of them very awkward to read, but this one? ooh chef's kiss!!

tho, i'm not denying the fact that i got a bit bored with its first few chapters 🥲 however TO YOU, WHO HAVEN'T READ THIS YET, please bear with the author, hang in there because you will surely love delia & (my baby) jack's story ♡

also, i would like to leave this line because it won't leave my mind lol: "𝗘𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲." 😆🩷

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Delia

Do publicists really create relationships for the purpose of creating Fandom that ultimately lead to more money for the couple? Regardless, Jack and Delia's story is uber romantic and super sweet. I enjoyed reading their story so very much! :)

[Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! Celebrity romances usually aren't my go-to, but this one was exceptionally well done. The tension between the characters great, and I loved the supportive energy they had for each other. It made the story truly enjoyable!

[sam :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Db · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh hate the swift name dropping and I love her. Seems like a cheap ploy to try and see books. It’s bad enough the premise is a copy of her relationship, but to actually name drop yawn.

[Ilia Savelev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M OBSESSED.
On the Power Play is everything: fake dating, NHL hockey, a pop star with a heart, and so much chemistry I had to put the book down just to breathe.

Jack Harrison is getting one last shot at the big leagues. Delia Melise is Canada’s sweetheart pop star who’s tired of being a brand instead of a person. Their publicists think a fake relationship will help both of their careers. Spoiler: it gets real. Fast.

If you’re into the “fake dating that gets way too real” trope — run, don’t walk. Jack isn’t just a hot hockey player, he’s soft, grounded, and emotionally available in a way that completely wrecked me. And Delia? She’s a literal icon trying to remember what it feels like to just be. Every look, every almost-touch between them is electric.

What I love most? It’s not just about the romance. It’s about fame, identity, emotional burnout, and learning how to want something real. There’s a Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce undertone that adds this perfect pop-culture sparkle — and honestly? I ate it up.

This book feels like a hug. It’s closed-door, but full of longing, heart, and those quiet little moments that make you melt. It’s the second in the Canadian Played series but works perfectly as a standalone. And now I need to read everything Cynthia Gunderson has ever written.

10/10. Screaming, crying, throwing snow.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Delia - at the beginning it seems they wouldn't get along. He is NHL new golden boy whos heart is still broken over his lost love and doesn't believe he deserves to enter into new relationship.
She is talented pop star /songwriter on the rise, insecure and sometimes panicking "over nothing".
Her agent wants to secure her more publicity and what is better than fake relationship with NHL new golden boy?
Few months of public showing, few kisses and interviews and then break up. Win-win situation for both of them and their careers. Or is it that simple?

This is book no.4 in Canadian play series by Cynthia Gunderson.
I have listen to audiobook (twice!!) and LOVED every single minute of it!!!!
Cynthia narrates her books so good that you have feeling like you are watching tv show and not "only" listen to audiobook.
I highly recommend all books from these series.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

Meeting Jack earlier in this series, I felt so bad for him for his lost chance in the NHL. And learning more about it through his POV in this book, made it even more so. Especially with his recent loss... Which is what makes his second chance on the NHL, and the subsequent opportunities for him all the better and more joyful!

Delia is a character that is dealing with a lot. She has taken on a lot of responsibility, awhile dealing with imposter syndrome, etc. I can believe that many celebrities today may have similar feelings to Delia, and it makes her more relatable to the reader.

I loved how organically their relationship grew, even through the "fake dating" aspect. I loved how they respected each other, and had a legitimate interest in each other, and grew their friendship before pushing anything truly emotional onto it. And I appreciated how their growing relationship helped each of them to grow as individuals, and then do even better in their individual lives and careers.

Jack certainly had more character growth than Delia, but I feel that he came from a "lower" start...

Brilliant book overall, and a great addition to this series!

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. I picked this book up when I found it in a search for Canadian romance.
It ould have been a solid 4 stars, based on the story and character development, combined with a bit of a behind-the-scenes view of big league hockey and the music industry.
Lost a half star because:
- Wrong words scattered through the text - some are homophone errors (e.g., hoard vs. horde), and some inaccurate quotes (e.g., from the US and Canadian national anthems).
- The writing invites you to believe that it presents a Canadian viewpoint, but gets enough wrong that it feels forced. This is probably explained by the author, in spite of being raised in Canada, having lived most of her working life in the US.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This goes on the shelf with the other celebrity romantic comedies that I enjoy, like Susannah Nix's Starstruck series, Pru Warren's Cupid's Quest series or Aftermath series and Sarah Deeham's Falling for Famous series. This seems so realistic to me - performance pressure, paparazzi, family sickness, imposter syndrome and online trolling - yet so sweetly hopeful and funny. Not that this is for children - too much steam and unseemly joking - but as an adult rom-com, this is downright straight-laced in an everyday, earthy kind of way. I am hunting down the rest of this series now.

[Aj Aj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this book. If feels like a play off the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship, which is fine. But it's a extremely slow low temp burn. It's such a slow burn I turned my oven on at the beginning and my chicken is still raw. Then when it gets to the "climax" it's a fade to black. Very disappointed. The story is cute, but definitely feels lacking.

[Janice Louie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun close proximity hockey read

I loved the fake relationship story between a popular and a hockey player. Dalia and Jack need each other for professional reasons, but they need each other for emotional reasons more. They fight the chemistry they have. But love does sometimes concur all. Take the time to read this book and the rest of the series you won't regret it.

[Idi Bidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loved the premise of the story and that’s what made me even finish the book, because the writing was just horrendous.. 13 year olds on wattpad write better than that.
I think everyone who reads this book knows it‘s inspired by Taylor and Travis' lovestory but to actually name drop them in the story was so unnecessary and cringe

[Dello · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺
I was so giddy listening to it!
maximal butterflies!!!
😫😫😫
ich glaub so büecher sind echt nöd gsund für mich…

it got me daydreaming for hours… ich bin eif so grinsend umegloffe like a lunatic
🫠

muss abr sage de Schlussteil isch biz mid ksi… aber für die butterflies over the weekend gits 5 :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to on YouTube (via Authors YouTube)
Loved, loved, loved! I loved how awkward and funny Delia was. Jack was so swoony! I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, and character development.
Highly recommend.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSS FAKE DATING !!! WOOOOOO YESSSSS!!!!! The car crash was crazy, like I get it, it was good, the whole thing was good, but I can’t believe they did him like that . A car crash guys come one be nice to him

[Anshu Nath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved both of them and i loved how there was no unnecessary break-up in the last chapters.