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Power Play #1
Game Play
Meet the men of the Minnesota Glaciers! In this scorching-hot spin-off of Lynda Aicher's bestselling Wicked Play series, a one-night stand turns into weeks of erotic experimentation…and eventually so much more.
One night, one time, nothing more. That's all it was supposed to be. They'd agreed their first night together would be their only night together—and Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie was fine with that. Giant hickeys and claw marks on his ass had never been his style, even if the very memory of Samantha Yates's merciless sexual energy gets him hard within seconds. He needs to focus on getting a better contract, not mind-blowing orgasms.
One night, one time, nothing more. Fresh off representing the US at the Games and with nowhere else to play, Samantha gave in to one night of frantic passion with the Glaciers' brawny hotshot. She couldn't get hurt—not if she controlled the outcome. And she planned to leave Minnesota soon, anyway. She didn't expect to be recruited to coach Dylan after they'd gotten down and dirty.
When brutal on-ice workouts lead to kinky locker room sessions and "one night" falls by the wayside, Samantha insists on keeping things casual, despite Dylan's quiet hope for more. But when Dylan goes down—hard—and his career is in jeopardy, Samantha is the first one by his side. What will it take to keep her there after he's healed?
Book one of Power Play
95,000 words
One night, one time, nothing more. That's all it was supposed to be. They'd agreed their first night together would be their only night together—and Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie was fine with that. Giant hickeys and claw marks on his ass had never been his style, even if the very memory of Samantha Yates's merciless sexual energy gets him hard within seconds. He needs to focus on getting a better contract, not mind-blowing orgasms.
One night, one time, nothing more. Fresh off representing the US at the Games and with nowhere else to play, Samantha gave in to one night of frantic passion with the Glaciers' brawny hotshot. She couldn't get hurt—not if she controlled the outcome. And she planned to leave Minnesota soon, anyway. She didn't expect to be recruited to coach Dylan after they'd gotten down and dirty.
When brutal on-ice workouts lead to kinky locker room sessions and "one night" falls by the wayside, Samantha insists on keeping things casual, despite Dylan's quiet hope for more. But when Dylan goes down—hard—and his career is in jeopardy, Samantha is the first one by his side. What will it take to keep her there after he's healed?
Book one of Power Play
95,000 words
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2015
76 people are currently reading
1646 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Aicher
44 books567 followersI love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffeur, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.
If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.
If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 15, 2015
3 Stars
This was my first book by Lynda Aicher, and I can definitely tell you that it won't be my last. I really clicked with her style of story telling and of course the fact that I'm a huge hockey fan didn't hurt either. It's clear from Lynda's writing that she's either a fan of the sport herself or she's definitely done her share of research, so even if you're not a fan of the sport, you will have no problems understanding it after you read this book.
What first intrigued me about this synopsis was the fact that Samantha, the heroine, is a hockey player herself and a damn good one. Unfortunately the female professional team just isn't as lucrative or promising as the male one. So no matter how much love Samantha has for the sport and her career in it, she knows that she has no future with it. Forced to give up on her dream, especially after as much success as she's had in it has certainly left her with her share of bitterness.
So when she sees Dylan Rylie, a Glacier's defenseman, practicing on the same rink as her one night, she issues a challenge and proceeds to wipe the floor with him, much to the shock of everyone around them...including Dylan. There is a good amount of pent up sexual tension surrounding them, and when a drink at the bar after turns into one fiery encounter on a desk, sparks definitely fly. But while they decide on this being one night only, especially since Samantha plans on leaving in 6 months, Dylan isn't as convinced to let it go at that. Convincing his coach to hire Sam as his trainer after she more than proved her skills on the ice, Dylan and Samantha's relationship turns into one giant complication.
So why only 3 stars? Two reasons really. The biggest one being Samantha. She drove me a little crazy with her constant back and forth and bitter mentality. Her treatment of Dylan was almost callous at times and Dylan was an absolute sweetheart, which made it all the worse. I couldn't connect to her "hangups". Her belief that her father always wanted a boy and her constantly trying to live up to it just didn't really seem solid enough reasoning. Especially since there wasn't enough backstory on that end to really support her thoughts, or at least not to the extent that it was made to be. I understood her drive to succeed and be independent in her own right, but it also didn't excuse her lack of support (or at least I found it to be) towards Dylan. At times I found myself thinking that Dylan was just too good for her.
The second reason was Dylan. Now here's the thing, he was a total sweetheart and that would probably really work for many reasons. I like my heroes to be total alphas, and he just didn't give off that vibe to me. Maybe a gamma at best? I found Samantha to be the more intense and in control of the two as far as their interactions went. I suppose I just wanted a little more 'presence' from Dylan, if that even makes sense. Sure he was sexy and funny, but he just lacked a certain intensity that I've come to like in my heroes. I didn't really connect with his party boy "image" either. Yes, we're given reasons for this particular facade, but it just never made sense to me. Could be I missed something? For whatever reason, those two things combined did wane my enjoyment of this book quite a bit. While the story is original, sexy, and entertaining, I often found the characters to me lacking for me. I will happily read the next installment in the series and definitely look forward to getting to know more of the Glaciers players.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
There was nothing like battling a strong opponent. Nothing she'd found at least. And nothing had tested her like Dylan Rylie since she'd left the game- off the ice or on.
This was my first book by Lynda Aicher, and I can definitely tell you that it won't be my last. I really clicked with her style of story telling and of course the fact that I'm a huge hockey fan didn't hurt either. It's clear from Lynda's writing that she's either a fan of the sport herself or she's definitely done her share of research, so even if you're not a fan of the sport, you will have no problems understanding it after you read this book.
What first intrigued me about this synopsis was the fact that Samantha, the heroine, is a hockey player herself and a damn good one. Unfortunately the female professional team just isn't as lucrative or promising as the male one. So no matter how much love Samantha has for the sport and her career in it, she knows that she has no future with it. Forced to give up on her dream, especially after as much success as she's had in it has certainly left her with her share of bitterness.
So when she sees Dylan Rylie, a Glacier's defenseman, practicing on the same rink as her one night, she issues a challenge and proceeds to wipe the floor with him, much to the shock of everyone around them...including Dylan. There is a good amount of pent up sexual tension surrounding them, and when a drink at the bar after turns into one fiery encounter on a desk, sparks definitely fly. But while they decide on this being one night only, especially since Samantha plans on leaving in 6 months, Dylan isn't as convinced to let it go at that. Convincing his coach to hire Sam as his trainer after she more than proved her skills on the ice, Dylan and Samantha's relationship turns into one giant complication.
So why only 3 stars? Two reasons really. The biggest one being Samantha. She drove me a little crazy with her constant back and forth and bitter mentality. Her treatment of Dylan was almost callous at times and Dylan was an absolute sweetheart, which made it all the worse. I couldn't connect to her "hangups". Her belief that her father always wanted a boy and her constantly trying to live up to it just didn't really seem solid enough reasoning. Especially since there wasn't enough backstory on that end to really support her thoughts, or at least not to the extent that it was made to be. I understood her drive to succeed and be independent in her own right, but it also didn't excuse her lack of support (or at least I found it to be) towards Dylan. At times I found myself thinking that Dylan was just too good for her.
The second reason was Dylan. Now here's the thing, he was a total sweetheart and that would probably really work for many reasons. I like my heroes to be total alphas, and he just didn't give off that vibe to me. Maybe a gamma at best? I found Samantha to be the more intense and in control of the two as far as their interactions went. I suppose I just wanted a little more 'presence' from Dylan, if that even makes sense. Sure he was sexy and funny, but he just lacked a certain intensity that I've come to like in my heroes. I didn't really connect with his party boy "image" either. Yes, we're given reasons for this particular facade, but it just never made sense to me. Could be I missed something? For whatever reason, those two things combined did wane my enjoyment of this book quite a bit. While the story is original, sexy, and entertaining, I often found the characters to me lacking for me. I will happily read the next installment in the series and definitely look forward to getting to know more of the Glaciers players.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
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February 28, 2015
02/24/2015 --
This was a surprisingly good read for me. I pulled down the ARC and then forgot about it until I was looking for something sportsy to read. This was there and I thought .. why not? Very good.
The GOOD:
1 -- So many times when you read a romance that has a sports theme, you get little sports or you get a fem version of a sports romance. Very little real sports detail or grit. I thought this book had a great mix of romance AND sports. It came across to me, as if the author really either 1) did her research, or 2) is a real hockey fan. Why? Because she told the story like a fan would. She used the lingo and the terminology in the "right" way. Came off as authoritative, but woven so well into the story as to not be distracting. Just very nice story telling.
2) The characters. I liked the depth she gave to each, even the secondaries. She tells their story and weaves the details in a very articulate way. She grabbed me. I remember thinking as I was reading it that she really has a nice way with words. She kept it tight and didn't dummy it down like we see so much now. Very nice.
3) The strong heroine. Sam [Samantha] is an excellent hockey player in her own right. She is tough and can show men players a thing or two. She focuses on the game and is well respected. The interaction between her and Dylan on the ice adds so much to this story. There were aspects I didn't like about her. I thought she was way too hung up on her own goals. Even though the author tells us why this is the case, it just became a sore point when brought up time and time again. However, I liked that she was strong and kept her focus. More on this in a minute.
The BAD:
1) The first 3/4ths of the book were tight. I thought the last quarter of the book a bit looser. Up to this point I think I could have given a 5 Star rating pretty easily. Not sure what happened, but there were some story components I felt a bit rushed or contrived that up to this point weren't. We have Sam so focused on her goal and when she makes the life changing move, she seems to not really give it much of a chance. This part seemed a bit contrived to me. I'll stop now, because I don't want you to think I didn't like it. I did, but Sam was so strong through the majority of the book that this just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I got over it.
2) I suppose the title gives you the feeling this could be a sports themed story, but we know that isn't always the case with a title like this. Then, there is the cover. You see a naked chest and the top of some sport pads -- but you have to look. Neither would pull me. I read the blurb, but it really doesn't do this book justice. So, think I may be a bit more obvious in my marketing. There are so many naked chests anymore, just not sure it has the same pull it did a year or so ago.
Overall, a very nice read. I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the series. I feel like I've found a new author I liked Ms. Aicher's style so much. I did check out some in her BDSM series and pulled down #6. It is about one of the hockey players mentioned in this book. I may read it next.
Note: This book/author ranks up there with Sawyer Bennett's sports series and is a bit better than Jill Shalvis and Rachel Gibson's sports themed series. I love these books. There are on my read and read again shelves. So, this tells you just how much I enjoyed this book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 4.3 Stars [B+]
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3.5 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4.5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4.5 Stars
Ending = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.49 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
248 pages
First sentence: "And the puck goes wide. Brancheck picks it up , passes to Neuburger, who sends it up the boards to be picked off by Craig."
Many thanks to the author and Carina Press Publishing for providing this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a surprisingly good read for me. I pulled down the ARC and then forgot about it until I was looking for something sportsy to read. This was there and I thought .. why not? Very good.
The GOOD:
1 -- So many times when you read a romance that has a sports theme, you get little sports or you get a fem version of a sports romance. Very little real sports detail or grit. I thought this book had a great mix of romance AND sports. It came across to me, as if the author really either 1) did her research, or 2) is a real hockey fan. Why? Because she told the story like a fan would. She used the lingo and the terminology in the "right" way. Came off as authoritative, but woven so well into the story as to not be distracting. Just very nice story telling.
2) The characters. I liked the depth she gave to each, even the secondaries. She tells their story and weaves the details in a very articulate way. She grabbed me. I remember thinking as I was reading it that she really has a nice way with words. She kept it tight and didn't dummy it down like we see so much now. Very nice.
3) The strong heroine. Sam [Samantha] is an excellent hockey player in her own right. She is tough and can show men players a thing or two. She focuses on the game and is well respected. The interaction between her and Dylan on the ice adds so much to this story. There were aspects I didn't like about her. I thought she was way too hung up on her own goals. Even though the author tells us why this is the case, it just became a sore point when brought up time and time again. However, I liked that she was strong and kept her focus. More on this in a minute.
The BAD:
1) The first 3/4ths of the book were tight. I thought the last quarter of the book a bit looser. Up to this point I think I could have given a 5 Star rating pretty easily. Not sure what happened, but there were some story components I felt a bit rushed or contrived that up to this point weren't. We have Sam so focused on her goal and when she makes the life changing move, she seems to not really give it much of a chance. This part seemed a bit contrived to me. I'll stop now, because I don't want you to think I didn't like it. I did, but Sam was so strong through the majority of the book that this just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I got over it.
2) I suppose the title gives you the feeling this could be a sports themed story, but we know that isn't always the case with a title like this. Then, there is the cover. You see a naked chest and the top of some sport pads -- but you have to look. Neither would pull me. I read the blurb, but it really doesn't do this book justice. So, think I may be a bit more obvious in my marketing. There are so many naked chests anymore, just not sure it has the same pull it did a year or so ago.
Overall, a very nice read. I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the series. I feel like I've found a new author I liked Ms. Aicher's style so much. I did check out some in her BDSM series and pulled down #6. It is about one of the hockey players mentioned in this book. I may read it next.
Note: This book/author ranks up there with Sawyer Bennett's sports series and is a bit better than Jill Shalvis and Rachel Gibson's sports themed series. I love these books. There are on my read and read again shelves. So, this tells you just how much I enjoyed this book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 4.3 Stars [B+]
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3.5 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4.5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4.5 Stars
Ending = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.49 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
248 pages
First sentence: "And the puck goes wide. Brancheck picks it up , passes to Neuburger, who sends it up the boards to be picked off by Craig."
Many thanks to the author and Carina Press Publishing for providing this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2015
Samantha, or Sam, was an elite hockey player who played for USA in the Olympics, but is no longer eligible to play college hockey, and she’s determined to move on and put hockey behind her. Dylan Rylie, a player for the Colorado Glaciers, is in a crucial year in his career as a restricted free agent. A challenge on a public rink leads to a crazy passionate encounter, which leads to what? Romance, of course.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-A hockey romance where the hero AND heroine are players: I’ve never read anything by Ms. Aicher, and I have to say, It’s been a revelation to read a hockey romance where the hockey is so front and center and done so well. I’d venture to say it’s one of the best hockey romances I’ve ever read. It’s such a vital part of their characters, that I really had no problem immersing myself in their story. There were little things that were a bit off like reading “affiliate leagues” instead of minor leagues, or the national title instead of the Cup or Lord Stanley, but Dylan’s status with the team, the workouts, the contract concerns, it was all pretty spot on. Even when Sam is recruited to help Dylan’s game on the down low, I could buy into it because it’s such a male-dominated sport. Speaking of...
-Sam’s got a chip on her shoulder the size of a Glacier: Sam is an intriguing heroine. To read about a heroine that is so immersed in hockey was new for me, and I really liked it. She’s won an Olympic medal, performed at the highest level and yet she now, because of her gender, cannot make a living doing what she loves most. The fact is women hockey players only have limited opportunities to play professionally, and even then they have to keep working other jobs because they can’t make a living doing it. That’s just the cold, hard truth. Sam’s anger and resentment is so believable and her competitive drive is absolutely necessary in a professional athlete.
As a romance heroine, it makes her harder to love and I can easily see her harder edges making her unsympathetic to some. I loved that she had that drive, and I really felt her frustration with the limitations she faces. What I struggled with was her complete resistance to opening herself emotionally to a relationship. I appreciated her focus on her career, but her willingness to hurt Dylan to protect herself wasn’t as easy to deal with. Wasting precious time because she can’t live in the now, made sense, but didn’t make it less frustrating. What helped ultimately, is her final grand gesture. It went a long way towards making me believe in her feelings for him.
-Dylan’s a beta kind of guy, and there’s nothing wrong with that: Dylan’s intrigued by Sam and he’s absolutely attracted to her strength, and when she agrees to train him, he is the one to suggest it. Part of it is definitely because of his attraction to her, but moreover, he really does respect her talent and skills. Seeing their relationship unfold, and Dylan supporting her as opposed to letting his ego take a beating because he’s being helped by her, was a nice change of pace from all the alpha heroes dominating the romance landscape these days.
-Sexy times still had by all: The chemistry is apparent between Sam and Dylan from the start, and their first sexual encounter was so well done. It makes you sit up and take notice. Sam is the aggressor for alot of their encounters, for one reason or another. and there’s no kinky fuckery, just really hot sex.
-More Glacier players, please: The setup for future story was intriguing enough that I’d like to see more of these players. Soon would be nice.
-It’s a specific kind of story: The only drawback I foresee is, if you’re not as interested in hockey, it may be a bit more difficult to enjoy all the facets of this story. While it’s realistic that these two be so focused when it comes to their careers, the romance takes a bit of hit because of it. Also, you may or may not get past Sam’s harder edges. I do think it was very well written and it’s worth a shot.
The Bottom Line
One of the best hockey romance novels I’ve ever read. If you’re a fan of the sport, I encourage you to give it a chance. I really enjoyed it and I’m bumping Ms. Aicher’s backlist up on my TBR list.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-A hockey romance where the hero AND heroine are players: I’ve never read anything by Ms. Aicher, and I have to say, It’s been a revelation to read a hockey romance where the hockey is so front and center and done so well. I’d venture to say it’s one of the best hockey romances I’ve ever read. It’s such a vital part of their characters, that I really had no problem immersing myself in their story. There were little things that were a bit off like reading “affiliate leagues” instead of minor leagues, or the national title instead of the Cup or Lord Stanley, but Dylan’s status with the team, the workouts, the contract concerns, it was all pretty spot on. Even when Sam is recruited to help Dylan’s game on the down low, I could buy into it because it’s such a male-dominated sport. Speaking of...
-Sam’s got a chip on her shoulder the size of a Glacier: Sam is an intriguing heroine. To read about a heroine that is so immersed in hockey was new for me, and I really liked it. She’s won an Olympic medal, performed at the highest level and yet she now, because of her gender, cannot make a living doing what she loves most. The fact is women hockey players only have limited opportunities to play professionally, and even then they have to keep working other jobs because they can’t make a living doing it. That’s just the cold, hard truth. Sam’s anger and resentment is so believable and her competitive drive is absolutely necessary in a professional athlete.
As a romance heroine, it makes her harder to love and I can easily see her harder edges making her unsympathetic to some. I loved that she had that drive, and I really felt her frustration with the limitations she faces. What I struggled with was her complete resistance to opening herself emotionally to a relationship. I appreciated her focus on her career, but her willingness to hurt Dylan to protect herself wasn’t as easy to deal with. Wasting precious time because she can’t live in the now, made sense, but didn’t make it less frustrating. What helped ultimately, is her final grand gesture. It went a long way towards making me believe in her feelings for him.
-Dylan’s a beta kind of guy, and there’s nothing wrong with that: Dylan’s intrigued by Sam and he’s absolutely attracted to her strength, and when she agrees to train him, he is the one to suggest it. Part of it is definitely because of his attraction to her, but moreover, he really does respect her talent and skills. Seeing their relationship unfold, and Dylan supporting her as opposed to letting his ego take a beating because he’s being helped by her, was a nice change of pace from all the alpha heroes dominating the romance landscape these days.
-Sexy times still had by all: The chemistry is apparent between Sam and Dylan from the start, and their first sexual encounter was so well done. It makes you sit up and take notice. Sam is the aggressor for alot of their encounters, for one reason or another. and there’s no kinky fuckery, just really hot sex.
-More Glacier players, please: The setup for future story was intriguing enough that I’d like to see more of these players. Soon would be nice.
-It’s a specific kind of story: The only drawback I foresee is, if you’re not as interested in hockey, it may be a bit more difficult to enjoy all the facets of this story. While it’s realistic that these two be so focused when it comes to their careers, the romance takes a bit of hit because of it. Also, you may or may not get past Sam’s harder edges. I do think it was very well written and it’s worth a shot.
The Bottom Line
One of the best hockey romance novels I’ve ever read. If you’re a fan of the sport, I encourage you to give it a chance. I really enjoyed it and I’m bumping Ms. Aicher’s backlist up on my TBR list.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 15, 2015
The start of an all new series from Ms. Aicher is hot even if it revolves around an ice hockey rink. Romance lovers who like athletes, this book is for you. Dylan Rylie is a great defenseman for hockey. He's on the top of his game and he's ready to "switch" his image as his agent has carefully laid out and planned for him. Apparently going from perceived party boy to mature responsible serious player provides more credibility as well as possible advertising deals. Dylan is following all of this until his path crosses Samantha Yate's. Samantha's career hit her pinnacle and it's all downhill from there. Her love of hockey can only go so far because she's a woman. There are no professional hockey teams and it's not as if she can play in the NHL. At the young age in her mid-twenties, she's already a has been.
For a woman whose drive to make it to the top and take it to the Olympics, this sudden lack of direction is hard for her to swallow. If she can't have a career playing hockey, then she wants to be away from hockey all together. When a side bet between Dylan and Samantha is caught on video and goes viral on Youtube, her careful plans to extract herself from hockey comes crashing down around her.
The plot of this story is great. I really enjoyed how Ms. Aicher poses the conflict of female professional athletes. It's not fair but it is business driven through dollars. Ms. Aicher's presentation of how the hockey world exists shows how she either loves the sport or she's done a ton of research. I'm not a huge hockey fan or knowledgeable about the subject, yet after reading this book, I feel as though I've had a hockey 101 and 102 immersion course. I love when authors can teach and expose me to something new.
The character building in this story is fabulous. Dylan is a very likeable guy and it's easy to see his point of view. His frustrations and how he wants to be better so he can secure the next level of his career is all understandable. His world shifts when he finds a person he respects does not have the same opportunities. Rather than feel guilt, he wants to make a difference. This is what makes Dylan so loveable. Samantha is a strong female who loses her way. In some ways, she's experiencing a mid-life crisis because for her, it is the end of the road for her. How she responds, even with a huge chip on her shoulder is great to see. She doesn't lash out at everyone, but it's clear how depressed and unhappy she is with the choices she believes are available. What really kills me in this story is Samantha's perception of what she thinks her father wants and his disappointments. This hits home and feels like a dagger stabbing unexpected into my stomach. This kind of pain she's experiencing is a slow loss of blood which after years of quiet bleeding can really kill her as far as motivation and moving on. Fortunately, Ms. Aicher is able to resolve this conflict in a manner which is the most sought after outcome, even if it isn't always reality.
Is this story really about Dylan or Samantha? Whose journey is it that makes it a game play? It's hard to say. Both journeys of self-discovery and growth bring a balanced story, when blended it becomes a complete picture of how two lovers can make a relationship work. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy sports.
*provided by NetGalley
For a woman whose drive to make it to the top and take it to the Olympics, this sudden lack of direction is hard for her to swallow. If she can't have a career playing hockey, then she wants to be away from hockey all together. When a side bet between Dylan and Samantha is caught on video and goes viral on Youtube, her careful plans to extract herself from hockey comes crashing down around her.
The plot of this story is great. I really enjoyed how Ms. Aicher poses the conflict of female professional athletes. It's not fair but it is business driven through dollars. Ms. Aicher's presentation of how the hockey world exists shows how she either loves the sport or she's done a ton of research. I'm not a huge hockey fan or knowledgeable about the subject, yet after reading this book, I feel as though I've had a hockey 101 and 102 immersion course. I love when authors can teach and expose me to something new.
The character building in this story is fabulous. Dylan is a very likeable guy and it's easy to see his point of view. His frustrations and how he wants to be better so he can secure the next level of his career is all understandable. His world shifts when he finds a person he respects does not have the same opportunities. Rather than feel guilt, he wants to make a difference. This is what makes Dylan so loveable. Samantha is a strong female who loses her way. In some ways, she's experiencing a mid-life crisis because for her, it is the end of the road for her. How she responds, even with a huge chip on her shoulder is great to see. She doesn't lash out at everyone, but it's clear how depressed and unhappy she is with the choices she believes are available. What really kills me in this story is Samantha's perception of what she thinks her father wants and his disappointments. This hits home and feels like a dagger stabbing unexpected into my stomach. This kind of pain she's experiencing is a slow loss of blood which after years of quiet bleeding can really kill her as far as motivation and moving on. Fortunately, Ms. Aicher is able to resolve this conflict in a manner which is the most sought after outcome, even if it isn't always reality.
Is this story really about Dylan or Samantha? Whose journey is it that makes it a game play? It's hard to say. Both journeys of self-discovery and growth bring a balanced story, when blended it becomes a complete picture of how two lovers can make a relationship work. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy sports.
*provided by NetGalley
March 11, 2016
Dylan Rylie
Samantha Yates
3.75 stars
Read January 2016
Pretty enjoyable book. I like sport romances and I liked that in this book both the hero and heroine have sport background with hockey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One night, one time, nothing more. That's all it was supposed to be. They'd agreed their first night together would be their only night together—and Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie was fine with that. Giant hickeys and claw marks on his ass had never been his style, even if the very memory of Samantha Yates's merciless sexual energy gets him hard within seconds. He needs to focus on getting a better contract, not mind-blowing orgasms.
One night, one time, nothing more. Fresh off representing the US at the Games and with nowhere else to play, Samantha gave in to one night of frantic passion with the Glaciers' brawny hotshot. She couldn't get hurt—not if she controlled the outcome. And she planned to leave Minnesota soon, anyway. She didn't expect to be recruited to coach Dylan after they'd gotten down and dirty.
When brutal on-ice workouts lead to kinky locker room sessions and "one night" falls by the wayside, Samantha insists on keeping things casual, despite Dylan's quiet hope for more. But when Dylan goes down—hard—and his career is in jeopardy, Samantha is the first one by his side. What will it take to keep her there after he's healed?
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Samantha Yates
3.75 stars
Read January 2016
Pretty enjoyable book. I like sport romances and I liked that in this book both the hero and heroine have sport background with hockey.
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One night, one time, nothing more. That's all it was supposed to be. They'd agreed their first night together would be their only night together—and Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie was fine with that. Giant hickeys and claw marks on his ass had never been his style, even if the very memory of Samantha Yates's merciless sexual energy gets him hard within seconds. He needs to focus on getting a better contract, not mind-blowing orgasms.
One night, one time, nothing more. Fresh off representing the US at the Games and with nowhere else to play, Samantha gave in to one night of frantic passion with the Glaciers' brawny hotshot. She couldn't get hurt—not if she controlled the outcome. And she planned to leave Minnesota soon, anyway. She didn't expect to be recruited to coach Dylan after they'd gotten down and dirty.
When brutal on-ice workouts lead to kinky locker room sessions and "one night" falls by the wayside, Samantha insists on keeping things casual, despite Dylan's quiet hope for more. But when Dylan goes down—hard—and his career is in jeopardy, Samantha is the first one by his side. What will it take to keep her there after he's healed?
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April 4, 2016
This erotic romance is the story of Samantha and Dylan. Both are hockey pros - Dylan is an up and coming player in the NHL while Samantha's career as a college and olympic hockey player has come to an end, leaving her at loose ends and bitter about her career choices. A one night stand leads to a working relationship as Samantha is hired to help improve Dylan's game - and more bedroom (and locker room) action ensues. But Samantha is guarding her heart from Dylan as she tries to decide how to move forward with her life - will he be able to break through and convince her that she can have a future with him?
I loved this story! I always enjoy well written sports romances and this one captures the world of hockey perfectly, both on and off the ice. And what a treat to have both main characters as sports professionals, instead of just the male figure. Samantha is an engaging, friendly, yet cautious woman. She freely acknowledges her bitterness in being unable to pursue a hockey career further, the end of the line for women without a professional organization like the NHL for men. She tries hard to put the envy and jealousy out of her head and focus on what she can do with her hockey knowledge, thinking a career in sports psychology is her only real option. Dylan is a smart, talented hockey player with one goal in mind - to get a contract finalized that will secure his career. When his coach hires Samantha to help him work on his skills he is at first skeptical but soon realizes that she understands him and his play better than he does himself. It doesn't hurt that there is a mutual attraction between them, though he senses that while she is there with him physically, her emotional side may be tougher to crack. When he makes that breakthrough and sees the softer, tender side of Samantha he wants that for himself and he's willing to put his heart on the line for her. The love scenes between them are steamy and emotional as they progress from hot sex to more intimate encounters.
Secondary characters add to the dynamics of the story and round out the plot, with Dylan and Samantha's family, friends, coaches and hockey buddies all having a part to play. Overall, I found this to be a really entertaining and well written sports romance with lots of great sex, tension, and humour. 5 stars!
I loved this story! I always enjoy well written sports romances and this one captures the world of hockey perfectly, both on and off the ice. And what a treat to have both main characters as sports professionals, instead of just the male figure. Samantha is an engaging, friendly, yet cautious woman. She freely acknowledges her bitterness in being unable to pursue a hockey career further, the end of the line for women without a professional organization like the NHL for men. She tries hard to put the envy and jealousy out of her head and focus on what she can do with her hockey knowledge, thinking a career in sports psychology is her only real option. Dylan is a smart, talented hockey player with one goal in mind - to get a contract finalized that will secure his career. When his coach hires Samantha to help him work on his skills he is at first skeptical but soon realizes that she understands him and his play better than he does himself. It doesn't hurt that there is a mutual attraction between them, though he senses that while she is there with him physically, her emotional side may be tougher to crack. When he makes that breakthrough and sees the softer, tender side of Samantha he wants that for himself and he's willing to put his heart on the line for her. The love scenes between them are steamy and emotional as they progress from hot sex to more intimate encounters.
Secondary characters add to the dynamics of the story and round out the plot, with Dylan and Samantha's family, friends, coaches and hockey buddies all having a part to play. Overall, I found this to be a really entertaining and well written sports romance with lots of great sex, tension, and humour. 5 stars!
March 19, 2015
Game Play was a nice introduction into this new series by Lynda Aicher. I've never been much of a hockey fan, but I am a huge fan of Lynda's writing so I knew she could get me to enjoy this one. She didn't disappoint, because this was packed with humor and sweetness making it an overall enjoyable read. I will say that the one aspect that drove this to a 3 star rating was the heroine. Samantha was great at first and I loved her spunk, but I think her bitterness ruined her for me. I just didn't like the way she treated Dylan at times, and she kept going back and fourth far too much for me. Dylan, on the other hand, was a total sweetheart and I really loved him. I think if Samantha had given up that bitterness a bit faster, I would have definitely liked her far more because she and Dylan were great when she would let him in. The secondary cast of characters were a hoot, so I'm looking forward to where this series goes. I can't wait for Dylan's teammates to find their someone special as well.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
For this and more of my reviews, check out my blog
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
For this and more of my reviews, check out my blog
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
June 4, 2017
Cute read; I liked the hockey theme. I had not realized it was NA until I started reading, with the all the angst and drama of that genre. Once I got past that, I was okay.
Wasn't too crazy about the ending, though. The story wrapped up incredibly quickly and unconvincingly to get to the requisite HEA.
Wasn't too crazy about the ending, though. The story wrapped up incredibly quickly and unconvincingly to get to the requisite HEA.
February 16, 2015
My Review:
I discovered Lynda Aicher last year when I picked up her Wicked Play series mid-way through. I fell in love with her writing, so I expected to enjoy this series. Because let's face it...one of my favorite authors writing one of my favorite sub-genres...sports, especially hockey. This book was already set up to be a winner in my book.
And I will tell you right now this book turned out to be so much deeper and more meaningful than I ever expected it to be. It was just an excellent read.
The story is about Samantha and Dylan, but it's really about Samantha. Samantha is at a crossroads in her life. Hockey has been her life, but as a female she has done all she can with the sport. Regardless that she is as good as any NHL player and definitely at the top of her game, there's no where else for her to go as a hockey player. She hates that. She resents that. She doesn't know how to deal with that.
And then Dylan enters her life. He's 23 and also at the top of his game. He has everything Samantha wants. He's on the cusp of getting a massive contract and having his future set. Plus he gets to play the game he loves day in and day out. While Samantha is happy for Dylan and all that he's earned, she's also jealous that he can focus on the game and do what he loves. She realizes her feelings are wrong, but that doesn't change the reality of them.
This book follows Samantha as she learns to live and accept her new reality. As well as try to love someone who has what she wants so badly. It's not an easy road and I honestly was sitting reading the book at 92-93% thinking that Lynda Aicher was going to lose her spot as beloved author if she didn't figure out a way out of the mess she had written for these two characters, as I cried with every turn of the page. No spoilers, but L. Aicher is still beloved in my book...so all is good.
Obviously I fell in love with these characters. I love how pure Dylan is with his feelings for Samantha. Did he want to fall in love at this point in his life? No. But he's willing to accept that and wants Samantha in his life. He just has to convince her. But he also realizes that he can't really be the one to do that. Samantha has to come to that realization herself. And I loved him for it. And Samantha...wow, this girl is awesome. I love how tough and accomplished she is on the ice. I loved how she stood Dylan up when they met. I love that she has so much to offer the hockey world even if she doesn't see it.
Everything about this book is good. Um...hockey! Hell yeah. But there is also some seriously hot and heavy sex that was so incredibly sexy especially with the marks left afterward. The locker room shower scene had me giggling. There is emotion...a ton of it, romance...so much it made me smile softly, and angst...so much, I was definitely crying through the end. I'm a hockey romance reader and this one is one of the best I've read. I HIGHLY recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I discovered Lynda Aicher last year when I picked up her Wicked Play series mid-way through. I fell in love with her writing, so I expected to enjoy this series. Because let's face it...one of my favorite authors writing one of my favorite sub-genres...sports, especially hockey. This book was already set up to be a winner in my book.
And I will tell you right now this book turned out to be so much deeper and more meaningful than I ever expected it to be. It was just an excellent read.
The story is about Samantha and Dylan, but it's really about Samantha. Samantha is at a crossroads in her life. Hockey has been her life, but as a female she has done all she can with the sport. Regardless that she is as good as any NHL player and definitely at the top of her game, there's no where else for her to go as a hockey player. She hates that. She resents that. She doesn't know how to deal with that.
And then Dylan enters her life. He's 23 and also at the top of his game. He has everything Samantha wants. He's on the cusp of getting a massive contract and having his future set. Plus he gets to play the game he loves day in and day out. While Samantha is happy for Dylan and all that he's earned, she's also jealous that he can focus on the game and do what he loves. She realizes her feelings are wrong, but that doesn't change the reality of them.
This book follows Samantha as she learns to live and accept her new reality. As well as try to love someone who has what she wants so badly. It's not an easy road and I honestly was sitting reading the book at 92-93% thinking that Lynda Aicher was going to lose her spot as beloved author if she didn't figure out a way out of the mess she had written for these two characters, as I cried with every turn of the page. No spoilers, but L. Aicher is still beloved in my book...so all is good.
Obviously I fell in love with these characters. I love how pure Dylan is with his feelings for Samantha. Did he want to fall in love at this point in his life? No. But he's willing to accept that and wants Samantha in his life. He just has to convince her. But he also realizes that he can't really be the one to do that. Samantha has to come to that realization herself. And I loved him for it. And Samantha...wow, this girl is awesome. I love how tough and accomplished she is on the ice. I loved how she stood Dylan up when they met. I love that she has so much to offer the hockey world even if she doesn't see it.
Everything about this book is good. Um...hockey! Hell yeah. But there is also some seriously hot and heavy sex that was so incredibly sexy especially with the marks left afterward. The locker room shower scene had me giggling. There is emotion...a ton of it, romance...so much it made me smile softly, and angst...so much, I was definitely crying through the end. I'm a hockey romance reader and this one is one of the best I've read. I HIGHLY recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 16, 2015
Game Play by Lynda Aicher is the first book in her new Power Play series. This series centers around Hockey. In Game Play the main characters are both hockey players, though the heroine, Samantha’s hockey career has ended. Samantha, (Sam), loves hockey and is an amazing player, unfortunately she can’t make a living playing woman’s hockey. She has a plan though and is going for a Masters in Sports Psychology, however she still harbors anger and resentment that her hockey career is over. This sparks some tension and competition when she first meets Dylan, a profession hockey player, and challenges him on the ice.
Samantha was a vivid and lively character. Unfortunately, Dylan didn’t really stand out to me at all. He seemed rather pliable and didn’t assert himself or make any real effort for Samantha or their relationship. She was the one that challenged him, she was the one who helped him become a better hockey player, she was the one that helped and cared for him when he was injured and she was the one that made the big romantic gesture. Meanwhile, Dylan was self-absorbed, focused on obtaining his goals. Even his goal of winning Samantha over was for his own happiness. He wasn’t a bad guy, I liked him. I just felt he was a little lackluster.
My favorite parts of Game Play are when Samantha is training Dylan. That is when their dynamic really came through in a fun and entertaining way. I would have liked to have seen more of that throughout the rest of the book. All in all, it’s a good read. I liked it. The characters are likable and the plot held my attention. The pacing flows smoothly and the ending was nicely done. I would recommend Game Play to fans of hockey or sports romance.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, Carina Press, via NetGalley.
Samantha was a vivid and lively character. Unfortunately, Dylan didn’t really stand out to me at all. He seemed rather pliable and didn’t assert himself or make any real effort for Samantha or their relationship. She was the one that challenged him, she was the one who helped him become a better hockey player, she was the one that helped and cared for him when he was injured and she was the one that made the big romantic gesture. Meanwhile, Dylan was self-absorbed, focused on obtaining his goals. Even his goal of winning Samantha over was for his own happiness. He wasn’t a bad guy, I liked him. I just felt he was a little lackluster.
My favorite parts of Game Play are when Samantha is training Dylan. That is when their dynamic really came through in a fun and entertaining way. I would have liked to have seen more of that throughout the rest of the book. All in all, it’s a good read. I liked it. The characters are likable and the plot held my attention. The pacing flows smoothly and the ending was nicely done. I would recommend Game Play to fans of hockey or sports romance.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, Carina Press, via NetGalley.
November 6, 2016
Coup de coeur pour ce premier tome. Cette saga nous plonge dans l'univers du hockey mais se démarque des autres sagas de ce genre par ses personnages entiers et très complexes.
Dylan Rylie et Samantha Yates nous font vivre une belle histoire pleine de rebondissement et j'ai adoré leur caractère.
Chronique complète dès demain
Dylan Rylie et Samantha Yates nous font vivre une belle histoire pleine de rebondissement et j'ai adoré leur caractère.
Chronique complète dès demain
December 19, 2016
Sympa qu'on pense pour une fois à la place des femmes dans le sport haut niveau. Sinon l'histoire se laisse lire, ce n'est pas la romance du siècle, ni le truc le plus approfondi ou développé qui soit mais on passe plutôt un bon moment.
March 12, 2017
Nouvelle série de romance contemporaine sportive chez Harlequin, prometteuse même si ce n'est pas, avec ce tome, la romance du siècle.
Contrairement à la série Chicago Stars, par exemple, le sport fait ici partie intégrante du livre puisque l'héroïne et le héros sont des hockeyeurs. Dylan (je n'aime pas du tout son prénom, soit dit en passent) est jeune (24 ans) et c'est une étoile montante tandis que Samantha (un peu plus âgée, vers 25-26 ans de mémoire) voit sa carrière de hockeyeuse terminée puisque, contrairement aux hommes, les femmes qui poursuivent en professionnel ne sont pas payées suffisamment pour vivre de leur passion. L'auteure a beaucoup creusé ce thème et l'on voit que c'est une véritable injustice entre les hommes qui gagnent de leur côté des millions (je me doute bien que c'est parce que l'audience est plus importante mais quand même...).
L'histoire d'amour en elle-même n'a rien d'exceptionnel et le sujet choisi par l'auteure, bien traité, est clairement ce qui a fait gagner une étoile à ce livre dans ma notation. On assiste au parcours de l'héroïne qui éprouve du ressentiment d'avoir à terminer sa carrière aussi tôt (il y a d'autres raisons, c'est un peu compliqué !) et cherche désormais sa voie. Le caractère dominant de Samantha m'a bien plu, c'est agréable d'avoir une héroïne qui sait ce qu'elle veut et qui n'a pas peur de l'obtenir. Il y a un obstacle majeur entre les héros qui est la sorte d'envie/jalousie parfaitement compréhensible ressentie par Samantha. A ce sujet, j'ai trouvé dommage que l'auteure ne propose pas de vraie solution et adopte un peu le ton du "c'est comme ça, on ne peut rien y faire" même si c'est nuancé à la fin du livre, et j'aurais aimé que Dylan s'engage plus (mais c'est sans doute mon côté féministe qui se rebelle ici...!).
Contrairement à la série Chicago Stars, par exemple, le sport fait ici partie intégrante du livre puisque l'héroïne et le héros sont des hockeyeurs. Dylan (je n'aime pas du tout son prénom, soit dit en passent) est jeune (24 ans) et c'est une étoile montante tandis que Samantha (un peu plus âgée, vers 25-26 ans de mémoire) voit sa carrière de hockeyeuse terminée puisque, contrairement aux hommes, les femmes qui poursuivent en professionnel ne sont pas payées suffisamment pour vivre de leur passion. L'auteure a beaucoup creusé ce thème et l'on voit que c'est une véritable injustice entre les hommes qui gagnent de leur côté des millions (je me doute bien que c'est parce que l'audience est plus importante mais quand même...).
L'histoire d'amour en elle-même n'a rien d'exceptionnel et le sujet choisi par l'auteure, bien traité, est clairement ce qui a fait gagner une étoile à ce livre dans ma notation. On assiste au parcours de l'héroïne qui éprouve du ressentiment d'avoir à terminer sa carrière aussi tôt (il y a d'autres raisons, c'est un peu compliqué !) et cherche désormais sa voie. Le caractère dominant de Samantha m'a bien plu, c'est agréable d'avoir une héroïne qui sait ce qu'elle veut et qui n'a pas peur de l'obtenir. Il y a un obstacle majeur entre les héros qui est la sorte d'envie/jalousie parfaitement compréhensible ressentie par Samantha. A ce sujet, j'ai trouvé dommage que l'auteure ne propose pas de vraie solution et adopte un peu le ton du "c'est comme ça, on ne peut rien y faire" même si c'est nuancé à la fin du livre, et j'aurais aimé que Dylan s'engage plus (mais c'est sans doute mon côté féministe qui se rebelle ici...!).
February 9, 2015
In a rare twist on the norm, Game Play looks at what would happen if the man wanted more from the relationship than the woman. After a one-night stand with Samantha, Dylan can’t get her out of his mind. He finds a way to get her back in his life by hiring Sam to help with his game on the ice. Even though Dylan’s insistence that he needs assistance sounds a little fishy she agrees to help. It’s obvious by the way they can’t keep their hands off each other that there’s an attraction. But Sam is trying to leave her life with hockey behind her, and a pro hockey player boyfriend doesn’t fit into that plan.
There was something incredibly hot about a girl as cute as her who could also play that well.
Sam was a unique character. Instead of being a girly-girl she was more of a tomboy. She had a fantastic hockey career of her own, playing for the women’s Olympic team, but now she wants to cut all ties to the sport. I liked that Sam could hold her own. She kicked Dylan’s ass a couple times while skating and it was fun to see a female who was an exceptional player. But, I didn’t fully understand her reasons to push Dylan away as well as turn her back on the sport she loved. It felt like Sam was creating reasons to make herself unhappy.
His heart was torn open and aching with how close yet far they were. Why couldn’t they get this right?
It was easy to fall for Dylan. He was hot, hard working and sweet. When he met Sam he wasn’t looking for anything serious. But even though he didn’t want a relationship at first he could tell they had something special and was willing to try. It was hard to see Dylan try to get through to Sam. Whether he was cautious or direct Sam constantly tried to push him away. My one complaint about Dylan’s character was that I wished we had found out more about his past. I thought his reason for using the cowboy guise was a little weak and that if we knew more about his past it would have made more sense.
This was a cute story. The premise was a refreshing change and I really enjoyed Dylan’s character. It was nice to have such a strong female character as well, I just wish I would have understood her actions better. If you’re a fan of hockey romance I think you’ll really enjoy this book.
Review to be posted at Romance at Random and Love Between the Sheets
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March 2, 2015
Game Play is so much more than your typical sports romance... Simply put, it's romance at its finest! Dylan and Samantha had me hooked from their first encounter and I couldn't wait to see how their relationship would play out.
Samantha is not at a good point in her life when she meets Dylan. She's turned her back on hockey, the thing she loves most, and she's trying to figure out what to do with her life. She wants to pave her own way and follow her own dreams... If only she really knew what they were.
Dylan is at a pivotal point in his hockey career and after Samantha schools him on the ice he knows she's just the person to get him where he wants to be. While I wasn't exactly sold on Dylan at first, once he stopped with the fake cowboy charm he really grew on me.
I love the banter between Dylan and Samantha and I absolutely loved watching their relationship bloom. Samantha comes off tough and cold but once you get to know her and learn why she acts the way she does you can't help but love her. And the fact that she put aside her feelings to be there for Dylan when he really needed her made me love her that much more.
Game Play had so many of the real life difficulties that go along with relationships that anyone could relate to it. There are the difficulties of finding love when you least expect it, trying to find your place in the world, the fear of having your dreams shattered, but most importantly, letting go. Letting go of that fear and even letting go of the person you love.
For a while I wasn't really sure how it was all going to work out, but like every great love story... They found their way and I couldn't be happier. My only complaint would be the lack of an epilogue but since Game Play is part of a series I'm hoping we'll see more of Samantha and Dylan in the rest of the books.
Overall, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to Back in Play, the next book in the series.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha is not at a good point in her life when she meets Dylan. She's turned her back on hockey, the thing she loves most, and she's trying to figure out what to do with her life. She wants to pave her own way and follow her own dreams... If only she really knew what they were.
Dylan is at a pivotal point in his hockey career and after Samantha schools him on the ice he knows she's just the person to get him where he wants to be. While I wasn't exactly sold on Dylan at first, once he stopped with the fake cowboy charm he really grew on me.
I love the banter between Dylan and Samantha and I absolutely loved watching their relationship bloom. Samantha comes off tough and cold but once you get to know her and learn why she acts the way she does you can't help but love her. And the fact that she put aside her feelings to be there for Dylan when he really needed her made me love her that much more.
Game Play had so many of the real life difficulties that go along with relationships that anyone could relate to it. There are the difficulties of finding love when you least expect it, trying to find your place in the world, the fear of having your dreams shattered, but most importantly, letting go. Letting go of that fear and even letting go of the person you love.
For a while I wasn't really sure how it was all going to work out, but like every great love story... They found their way and I couldn't be happier. My only complaint would be the lack of an epilogue but since Game Play is part of a series I'm hoping we'll see more of Samantha and Dylan in the rest of the books.
Overall, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to Back in Play, the next book in the series.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Game Play tells the story of two insecure people who are doing their best to live up of the facade they show the world. Samantha Yates, is a former collegiate hockey player who is finishing her final class for her degree. Sam feels lost as her identity as a hockey player is no longer true and as such, she's avoiding her former teammates and everyone else she knows who are connected to the sport.
Dylan Rylie is a professional hockey player with the Glaciers who's trying to take his game to the next level. He does his best to portray the party image his agent wants; its not really him, but he goes through the motions to satisfy those around him.
When he meets Samantha, Dylan is instantly intrigued, not only by her looks, but her mad hockey skills. Seeing a way for him to improve his own game, he convinces his coach that he needs Sam to work with him.
The book focuses quite a bit on how Sam feels as she has to make a life outside of hockey. During the course of her helping Dylan with his game, she realizes that her love of hockey didn't die when she could no longer complete, but she has no way to incorporate her love of the game with the goals she has set for herself.
Dylan's fascination with Sam grows daily, but its hard for him to read her. One minute he thinks he may have a chance and the next she's pushing him away. When he's injured, Dylan thinks Sam has finally admitted to herself that a relationship between them can work.
Game Play tells the story of two insecure people who are doing their best to live up of the facade they show the world. Samantha Yates, is a former collegiate hockey player who is finishing her final class for her degree. Sam feels lost as her identity as a hockey player is no longer true and as such, she's avoiding her former teammates and everyone else she knows who are connected to the sport.
Dylan Rylie is a professional hockey player with the Glaciers who's trying to take his game to the next level. He does his best to portray the party image his agent wants; its not really him, but he goes through the motions to satisfy those around him.
When he meets Samantha, Dylan is instantly intrigued, not only by her looks, but her mad hockey skills. Seeing a way for him to improve his own game, he convinces his coach that he needs Sam to work with him.
The book focuses quite a bit on how Sam feels as she has to make a life outside of hockey. During the course of her helping Dylan with his game, she realizes that her love of hockey didn't die when she could no longer complete, but she has no way to incorporate her love of the game with the goals she has set for herself.
Dylan's fascination with Sam grows daily, but its hard for him to read her. One minute he thinks he may have a chance and the next she's pushing him away. When he's injured, Dylan thinks Sam has finally admitted to herself that a relationship between them can work.
February 20, 2015
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
A slightly different speed than what I have read before from Lynda Aicher. Set in the hockey world, it was an easy grab for me - avid hockey fan. A subtle reference makes the link between Lynda’s previous Wicked Play series and this new Power Play one, although I wouldn’t say it was a spin-off perse. For a spin-off one would expect the focus and intensity to be at the same level and I did not see that similarity. Erotic enough, but not with the same edge as the previous series - a more ‘vanilla’ version, although no less hot. Power Play promises to be a very entertaining series in its own right.
The story centres around Sam, who as former hockey player for the US women’s team, finds herself at the peak of her performance with no place to go. A woman’s hockey career simply doesn’t have the same trajectory a man’s does and that eats at this consummate athlete.
Dylan is gearing up to play with the ‘big guys’, having paid his dues and working hard toward a permanent contract with the hockey team he has played a pivotal role for. When he is sidelined by injury his life-long dream threatens to disappear into thin air.
When a chance meeting connects Sam and Dylan on the ice, the mutual respect for the other’s game is as strong as their mutual attraction, and what was supposed to be a one-time fling turns into something far more complex and involved.
A good, entertaining, at times even angsty, but certainly steamy and worthwhile read.
A slightly different speed than what I have read before from Lynda Aicher. Set in the hockey world, it was an easy grab for me - avid hockey fan. A subtle reference makes the link between Lynda’s previous Wicked Play series and this new Power Play one, although I wouldn’t say it was a spin-off perse. For a spin-off one would expect the focus and intensity to be at the same level and I did not see that similarity. Erotic enough, but not with the same edge as the previous series - a more ‘vanilla’ version, although no less hot. Power Play promises to be a very entertaining series in its own right.
The story centres around Sam, who as former hockey player for the US women’s team, finds herself at the peak of her performance with no place to go. A woman’s hockey career simply doesn’t have the same trajectory a man’s does and that eats at this consummate athlete.
Dylan is gearing up to play with the ‘big guys’, having paid his dues and working hard toward a permanent contract with the hockey team he has played a pivotal role for. When he is sidelined by injury his life-long dream threatens to disappear into thin air.
When a chance meeting connects Sam and Dylan on the ice, the mutual respect for the other’s game is as strong as their mutual attraction, and what was supposed to be a one-time fling turns into something far more complex and involved.
A good, entertaining, at times even angsty, but certainly steamy and worthwhile read.
March 5, 2015
To say I have been in a hockey phase would be a vast understatement. I have been devouring any and all hockey themed books that I can get my hands on for awhile now and when I saw the invite for this one I jumped at the chance to review it.
After a challenge on the ice during a charity event, former Team USA women's hockey player Samantha (Sam) schools current pro hockey party boy Dylan on the fact that girls can kick ass on ice. The two find themselves at a bar with friends and cannot deny their chemistry which leads to one incredibly hot and sexy somewhat public encounter.
But things might be getting a little awkward when Sam starts privately coaching Dylan and the two must find balance between their professional relationship and the fact that keeping their hands off each other seems impossible. Sam feels frustrated that she cannot have pro success like Dylan simply because she is a woman and there is no female pro league. She is tough and no non-sense and completely gives Dylan a run for his money.
I really enjoyed this hot and sexy sports romance. Samantha's struggle to fins her place and Dylan's desire to prove that he isn't the party boy that he portrayed to be kept me turning pages and eagerly reading. Anytime I had to put my kindle down I was desperate to get back to the book to watch the drama play out and the passion erupt!
While this is my first book by Lynda Aicher, I am excited to read more!
~miranda
After a challenge on the ice during a charity event, former Team USA women's hockey player Samantha (Sam) schools current pro hockey party boy Dylan on the fact that girls can kick ass on ice. The two find themselves at a bar with friends and cannot deny their chemistry which leads to one incredibly hot and sexy somewhat public encounter.
But things might be getting a little awkward when Sam starts privately coaching Dylan and the two must find balance between their professional relationship and the fact that keeping their hands off each other seems impossible. Sam feels frustrated that she cannot have pro success like Dylan simply because she is a woman and there is no female pro league. She is tough and no non-sense and completely gives Dylan a run for his money.
I really enjoyed this hot and sexy sports romance. Samantha's struggle to fins her place and Dylan's desire to prove that he isn't the party boy that he portrayed to be kept me turning pages and eagerly reading. Anytime I had to put my kindle down I was desperate to get back to the book to watch the drama play out and the passion erupt!
While this is my first book by Lynda Aicher, I am excited to read more!
~miranda
February 16, 2015
Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie and Woman’s Hockey Olympian Samantha Yates agree to spend one night together but will it be enough?
Samantha is a fun heroine. I love how she challenges Dylan when she meets him. I also like that she plays hockey and her realistic feeling about her career ending after college.
Dylan is a worthy hero. I like his Texas persona. It makes him unique as a hockey player. I also like that he is man enough to admit he could learn things from Sam.
I love that he sees her as a fellow hockey player and an equal.
I adored the banter between the teammates. It makes the relationship between the hockey players feel credible.
There are some great life lessons in the story, like the importance of communication.
Game Play is a well-written story with a believable plot. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha is a fun heroine. I love how she challenges Dylan when she meets him. I also like that she plays hockey and her realistic feeling about her career ending after college.
Dylan is a worthy hero. I like his Texas persona. It makes him unique as a hockey player. I also like that he is man enough to admit he could learn things from Sam.
I love that he sees her as a fellow hockey player and an equal.
I adored the banter between the teammates. It makes the relationship between the hockey players feel credible.
There are some great life lessons in the story, like the importance of communication.
Game Play is a well-written story with a believable plot. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2015
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads"
As a big sports romance fan, I was excited to read this first book in a new series. I was not disappointed. I particularly liked the way that Sam slowly realised that not all was lost, even though her playing career ended due to there being no proper professional ice hockey for women. A big issue that the author cleverly couches around a hot, passionate, chemistry laden (non) relationship. It was by turns funny, moving and heartwarming, and all the characters are deserving of the stories to come - there was lots of foreshadowing, which I also enjoyed. Looking forward to the next in the series!
As a big sports romance fan, I was excited to read this first book in a new series. I was not disappointed. I particularly liked the way that Sam slowly realised that not all was lost, even though her playing career ended due to there being no proper professional ice hockey for women. A big issue that the author cleverly couches around a hot, passionate, chemistry laden (non) relationship. It was by turns funny, moving and heartwarming, and all the characters are deserving of the stories to come - there was lots of foreshadowing, which I also enjoyed. Looking forward to the next in the series!
July 24, 2016
* ARC generously provided by publisher through NetGalley.
I was excited to read this book because I like Hockey and a female and male sports figure seemed right up my alley. I enjoyed Dylan's character very much. I liked that Sam was strong and independent but she drove me crazy with her over the top resentment and jealousy and her aversion to a relationship. That limited my enjoyment of the story quite a bit. It was just a bit too much for me.
Overall, the writing was good and I enjoyed the story. I love a hockey story, and the secondary characters in this book intrigued me enough to want to read their stories, so I will definitely continue with future books in this series! 3.5 stars for me, but I'm rating at 4 stars because the good outweighed the not so good for me with this book.
I was excited to read this book because I like Hockey and a female and male sports figure seemed right up my alley. I enjoyed Dylan's character very much. I liked that Sam was strong and independent but she drove me crazy with her over the top resentment and jealousy and her aversion to a relationship. That limited my enjoyment of the story quite a bit. It was just a bit too much for me.
Overall, the writing was good and I enjoyed the story. I love a hockey story, and the secondary characters in this book intrigued me enough to want to read their stories, so I will definitely continue with future books in this series! 3.5 stars for me, but I'm rating at 4 stars because the good outweighed the not so good for me with this book.
December 11, 2018
(12/2/15): While I've read several heroes who are grappling with the end of a sports career, Samantha is the first heroine who is facing this challenge. Even more heartbreaking, her hockey career is ending not due to injury or physical limitations, but rather the end of opportunities for her to compete at a professional level. There is no high paying, glamorous league for her to train for. And while some of the conflicts between Sam and Dylan have the normal romance contrivances, their core struggle and strength is the fact that they are two great athletes with entirely different paths and options before them.
(11/20/16): Really enjoyable the second time around, I love these characters.
(12/11/18) Samantha’s grief is tough to read, but such a unique journey for a heroine to go through
(11/20/16): Really enjoyable the second time around, I love these characters.
(12/11/18) Samantha’s grief is tough to read, but such a unique journey for a heroine to go through
December 31, 2015
The Texas cowboy and the girl next door really heat things up in Game Play. Who knew a story with a lot of ice would be so hot. I’m not adverse to a billionaire and a babe romance, but there’s something so touching when you come across a story that depicts real emotions with believable characters that are a just this side of composed. I have a real appreciation of how Aicher forms her male characters. The tête-à-tête between Walters and Dylan was a pleasant reminder that a little male vulnerability is a beautiful thing. I look forward to more Glacier players in this series.
August 19, 2015
I really wanted to love this book, hockey is one of my favorite sports and I love the idea that both the hero and heroine are elite hockey players. I enjoyed the interaction between them for probably the first half of the book but after that I was honestly confused at exactly what their relationship was. Dylan and Samantha struggled with the same issue throughout the book, exacerbated by a complete lack of communication. Sam had hugely understandable issues, I would have enjoyed this book so much more had it been about her working with Dylan throughout the book to overcome them. Meh.
November 30, 2015
Lately I've gotten really in to sports romances. Being a big hockey and baseball fan, of course that's my preference. (Though there have been some excellent rugby ones that have made it into the read pile lately.) This is a different sort of sports romance, since it's about two elite athletes, which is a great change.
So Samantha makes stupid, stupid decisions. But...in a refreshing turn of events, they actually feel realistic to the circumstances, and authentic to the character.
So Samantha makes stupid, stupid decisions. But...in a refreshing turn of events, they actually feel realistic to the circumstances, and authentic to the character.
March 4, 2015
It started off pretty well with the clash of wills, resentment and bitterness.
There was also this sense of humour and the spark (that went missing quite fast).
Afterward it got boring, started to be overly emotional and made me feel queasy. I was hoping for a raging hot play-off, instead I got a warm welcome.
Not bad, just not was I expected.
There was also this sense of humour and the spark (that went missing quite fast).
Afterward it got boring, started to be overly emotional and made me feel queasy. I was hoping for a raging hot play-off, instead I got a warm welcome.
Not bad, just not was I expected.
June 20, 2018
This is a good enough sports story. I mostly liked the heroine's thoughts and path and the story could benefit even more if those aspects had been the focus.
But, at the same time, this read just like most sports stories out there and I struggled to find the details that would make it different enough to be memorable.
But, at the same time, this read just like most sports stories out there and I struggled to find the details that would make it different enough to be memorable.
August 16, 2015
Hot and sweet! I was looking for some light reading after reading some really heavy books and this one had just the right amount of emotion and heat to do the trick!
Full review to come shortly!
Full review to come shortly!
January 29, 2017
4.5, dommage qu on puisse pas mettre des demis étoiles lol
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