There’s no comparison when it comes to witty, engaging banter. Hunter isn’t just the best; she manages to outdo herself with each release. The group chat conversations added a whole new level of banter to the story, bringing a much-needed smile to my face.
Delayed Penalty had me laughing out loud within the first few pages, and it only got better from there. Not only are there tons of laughs, but you get a front-row seat as Hayes, Quinn, and Flora become better versions of themselves.
Quinn was a bit of a mess, but in a way that made her character especially relatable. She was human; she made mistakes, changed her mind, and was still trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do with her life. She was sassy sunshine with a good heart that seemed to be overlooked by those who should have nourished her spirit. I loved that with Hayes she was fiery, and with Flora, she was soft and gentle.
Hayes was the perfect combination of cocky athlete, ovary-exploding uncle, and dirty-talking hottie. I adored seeing him embrace his role as Flora’s guardian. Watching the three of them find their way, not only as individuals but as a team, melted my heart. They were a bit lost until they found their way to one another; they fit together seamlessly in a way that allowed them not only to flourish but to thrive.
The connection between characters was a little different than “normal.” Not only did Quinn and Hayes share an undeniable connection, but Flora and Quinn instantly shared a special bond. Quinn and Hayes were steaming up the pages before they ever even touched one another. For as hard as they tried to keep their distance, it was only a matter of time before the rules they made went out the window along with their clothes.
Flora and Quinn’s connection stole my heart. They may not have recognized it at first, but it was undoubtedly love at first sight. They may not have been mother and daughter by blood, but their hearts knew the moment they met. The easy dynamic between them also allowed Flora and Hayes to find their stride. The more Flora came out of her shell, the more she melted my heart. She is the essence of the word “heartwarming”; this sweet girl could melt even the coldest hearts.
My emotions were completely tangled up in this fictional world from the start. The raw talent that Hunter possesses is nothing short of extraordinary. Her words have the power to make the world around you disappear; everything you see and feel is from the “power of the pen.” It’s a fictional world that feels like home, with a group of people who encompass you with the love of family they share. You aren’t a spectator; you’re a part of the story.
Delayed Penalty is an unputdownable, forced proximity, nanny, hockey romance that will no doubt become a new favorite. Hayes, Quinn, and Flora’s story was everything I didn’t know I needed. Monumentally epic banter, laughs that soothe the soul, a few tears to heal your hurt, and the unyielding love of this slightly insane found family will stay with you long after you reach the end. My heart is full and my head feels lighter; how can you possibly thank an author for giving you that level of peace?
I need an entire book with texting conversations between Hunter’s characters. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard at “your mom” jokes since the '90s.