Penalty Play

Power Play #3

by Lynda Aicher

Minnesota Glaciers’ starting defenseman Henrik Grenick is good at two hockey and sex. He’s got it all—the career, the biceps, the babes. But the steady parade of women through his bedroom just leaves him wanting more, hunting for the next distraction. Until he meets Jacqui, who awakens a hunger he never knew he craved.

Fiercely independent Jacqui Polson has no time for the seductive hockey player demanding her attention. More band geek than bimbo, she’s in an entirely different league, and growing up with four hockey-crazed brothers left her with no interest in that world. But damn, Henrik’s hot. And when it comes to sex, Jacqui knows exactly what she wants.

As their relationship moves beyond games, Henrik needs more—not just of Jacqui’s touch, but of her. Jacqui discovers there's more to Henrik than just the gruff facade. But after a lifetime of fighting their own battles, neither has ever let anyone get so close. As they soon find out, needing someone isn’t a weakness, it’s the only thing that matters…

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

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2015

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third Power Play book, Minnesota Glaciers’ starting defenseman Henrik Grenick just broke up with his latest girlfriend and cannot stand to be alone, even if he keeps choosing the same kind of empty relationships. He heads out to get strings for his guitar when he meets Jacqui Polson, a music major whose in the eighth year since her cancer went into remission...and she’s due for her next checkup. Both protect their hearts, but what will happen when they finally realize that what they’re truly yearning for is love? Romance, that’s what.


Ms. Aicher is a talented writer : This is the third book in an excellent hockey romance series, and each entry makes me appreciate the attention to detail in this little ‘verse. I just enjoy her style, and her ability to really set up these difficult relationships that don’t follow a set pattern. I loved the glimpses of the HEAs for the earlier couples, but also loved the fact that it wasn’t imperative that you read those to enjoy this book.

Henrik needs somebody to love : Henrik is more submissive than I’m used to in my heroes, but he is truly the sweetest guy whose yearning for love is touching. Just want to wrap him up and hold him. Then do dirty things to him. I would have loved to see him stand up for himself more, but the final scenes with his family explain alot, and I even loved that when the opportunity arose to just make them your standard horrible people, there’s a glimpse of real feelings that make it all work.

I will never understand the cruel to be kind mentality : My tolerance for that flawed logic is low. Frankly it's on my list of least favorite things in a romance, so I wasn’t a big fan of Jacqui. I know I should have more sympathy for her, and I didn’t loathe her, but I didn’t really connect with her either. The shades of Domme/submissive were fun, but not a big part of the story. I would have liked exploring her need for control and Henrik’s pleasure in serving her, but the angst in her health issues was her big journey.

The hockey I love, but... : In the first two books, hockey was integral to the characters and the big conflict itself and really gave a different feel to the romance. Here, the hockey felt more incidental. Now, the hockey scenes were still authentic and done very well, and that’s all a tribute to Ms. Aicher’s writing. Unfortunately, I felt that Henrick could have had any profession and it would have played the same, because that wasn’t his true passion and that made the difference between this and the earlier books. Between that and Jacqui’s angst, it felt more like the usual romantic tropes rather than what I’d come to expect from this hockey series from Ms. Aicher.


[3 ½ stars]
I definitely enjoyed the story (even if it’s not my favorite of the series), and I think Henrick could be my favorite hero. So far. I do look forward to seeing what Ms. Aicher has in store next for the Glaciers.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 3 out of 5]

06/24/2015 --

I really like this series. I think, for me, Henrik is my favorite H of the series. Not sure why. He shouldn't have been. He's one of those people who is always in a relationship. Usually you see this from women, but sometimes men. Henrik is/was one of those men. Can't be alone. Always with someone and usually the wrong someone. You know the type. You roll your eyes when talking about them and the latest "someone" they are with ...

What stood out for me?
1 -- Henrik was just a total contradiction. What makes this guy tick? How did he get to be the way he is? I liked the puzzle of him.

2 -- Hockey baby! I love a sports themed romance.

3 -- As cheesy as the cover is, it speaks volumes. It tells me I'm going to get a romance with a sports theme -- in this case Hockey. It tells me, based on the author's name, I'll probably like it. Perfect.

Where could it have been better?
1 -- Jacqui wasn't my favorite heroine of the series. I liked her, but she didn't entangle my emotions like she should have. I loved her back-story. It should have pulled me more than it did. The whole psuedo Dominatrix play didn't work for me. I didn't buy it.

2 -- I think for me, this story and its' characters lacked the depth that I've seen in the previous two books in this series. I've read other books by this author, outside this series, where there was a similar lack of depth, so I think the author is going backwards to her comfort zone. Both Henrik and Jacqui deserved more frankly.

3 -- The title holds little meaning for me. A cheesy play. How can you have hockey and not have penalties [i. e. the "sin bin"?].

I enjoyed this book, actually enjoyed the mystery of Henrik more than other H's in this series. Saying this though, overall, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the other books in the series. Still worth reading!

Happy Reading!

++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3 / 2 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4.5 / 3 = 3.7 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 2 = 3 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 3 / 2 = 2.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Steamy
~300 pages

First sentence: "So that's it?" Henrik Grenick stared at the retreating back of his latest girlfriend.

Last sentence: Of that, he was very certain.

ARC provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penalty Play gets a soft 4 stars from me. I wanted to fall in love with this story and I didn't but I did like it. Henrik was an unexpected surprise and I liked him quite a bit. Jacqui wasn't all that I had hoped for but she worked well enough to not make me dislike the story.

Henrik is a professional hockey player. He's one of the best defensive players in hockey, actually. What many don't know is he's musically inclined and has a few hidden family secrets. He is smart, passionate, athletic, talented, and giving. It is really easy to like him and so Jacqui never really stood a chance.

Jacqui is a survivor in more ways than one. She's also learned to be a commitment phobe thanks to the hand life has dealt her. She's musically inclined, passionate, closed off, and sweet. She gives Henrik a hard time until he worms his way into her heart.

The read was pretty easy and it worked. I'm a sucker for an athletic and musically inclined guy so Henrik was an easy score. Jacqui took some getting use to but she wasn't the kind of character you dislike. I liked the book and it is just that simple.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite part about this book (surprisingly enough) was Henrik. Y'know, I love dominant, cocky guys as much as the next girl but sometimes, it's nice to have a change of pace which was what this book was for me. Henrik wasn't your typical hockey player, he had self doubts, he had insecurities, and oddly enough he was the one who was looking for commitment.

Henrik Grenick, Minnesota Glaciers’ starting defenseman always had candy on his arm. It was always women that wanted something from him, whether it was the publicity, money, or just being able to say "I BONED HENRIK GRENICK". He never realized how much he craved affection and love until he met the fiercely independent Jacqui Polson. Jacqui has battled with being alone all her life, commitment issues apparently run in the Polson genes because 3 out of 4 brothers can't seem to settle down either. Growing up with 4 older brothers who are absolutely in love with hockey kind of turns you off of the game, and when she meets Henrik she is anything but phased or amazed. Henrik doesn't believe how indifferent Jacqui feels towards him being a NHL player, nor does he believe how hard it'll be to win her heart.


Jacqui made me want to smack her, for literally 80% of the book I was screaming "TELL HIM TELL HIM"

because we all know Henrik is the sweetest damn guy on this earth and he loves Jacqui to bits. She was just so afraid to fall for him, so she ran away. The fact that Henrik finally grew some balls and demanded what he deserved, I was just clapping at the end because damn Henrik.. WHERE WERE YOUR BALLS THE WHOLE TIME? I don't mean to get up in his business like the rest of the team but seriously, it seems like he's had no balls and he just needed to find them. Besides some minor details, I absolutely adored this book. Definitely my favorite ARC so far.
"4 SWEET UNEXPECTED STARS"

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is one thing Henrik Grenick doesn’t do well…being alone. When his latest fling walks out Henrik knows he yearns for something more.

A chance encounter in a music store brings the fiery Jacqui Polson to Henrik’s attention. She seems to be everything he’s dreamed of in a woman. But Jacqui’s past has made her harden her heart toward a relationship with anyone else. Sure she wants Henrik but can she afford to let him in?

This was a wonderfully endearing and heartfelt story of love. Each person comes with back baggage and we get a front row seat as the relationship evolves.

I found the story predictable but still magnetic. I was held by the characters that were written with realness that you can’t fake.

This was the perfect summer beach read, highly entertaining, touching and a great HEA.

I received this ARC copy of Penalty Play from Carina Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 10, 2015.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Ms. Aicher just gets better and better in this series. Penalty Play is a deliciously written romance. For hockey lovers, this will make a woman sigh with pleasure and wince in sympathy. Minnesota Glaciers' Henrik Grenick finally receives his own story. Henrik came across more like a pussy whipped jerk in the previous books in this series. When Ms. Aicher exposes Henrik in all his raw glory, I'm stunned into speechlessness.
 
I really loved Henrik in this book. He is by far my favourite character in this series. He's such a gentle soul, broken by those who should have loved him most. The character development here for Henrik is amazing. The reader changes their perspective of him and admires him more and more. He's reserved in many ways due to his upbringing. The horrific psychological beatings from him brother, father and mother is more than I can take. I wanted to beat them for what they did to Henrik. Henrik's traumatic loss in his life is painful when it is revealed.

The romance in this story is phenomenal. Ms. Aicher totally nails it with the chemistry and relationship dynamics between Henrik and Jacqui. Jacqui is a tough survivor who seems to have nothing in common with Henrik. As the two spend more time together, it's clear that they do have many things in common and based on their background, they can connect better than expected. The supporting cast of hockey players as well as Jacqui's family helped enhanced this book and made it so enjoyable. The family dynamics which Ms. Aicher compares and contrasts between the two lovers is so well done. It shows how starkly different worlds Jacqui and Henrik come from, yet they can still meet in the middle.

The powerful story of connection and self-actualization overrode the sex in this book. I know there was sex in here; I just don't remember it. What I remember most is when Henrik is finally true to himself. When he stops hiding and his light is finally allowed to shine, it's brilliant. It moved me to tears. This romance story pairs up two people who earned their happily ever after. Highly recommended to romance lovers who love happily ever afters. This one will exceed expectations.

*provided by NetGalley

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for review

I'm sad I was really looking forward to Henrik's story, but this just left something to be desired. There is a nice romance, hot sex, hockey, and family. Jacqui was sweet little Domme, not that she was ever called that. We get to see the other Glacier's plus extra of Hauke and Vanessa (aka Mistress V from Bonds of Courage). V offers to help several times but nothing ever comes of it. I'm still a little confused by Jacqui's age and what happened in her past. It's just not adding up right to me.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sexy and poignant story, the third in the Power Play hockey romance series, is the story of Henrik and Jacqui. Henrik is an accomplished hockey player with the Minnesota Glaciers, but he has a secret passion, for music. It’s one he hasn’t shared with anyone though, since his younger sister died of a drug overdose that he feels he should have prevented. When he goes into Jacqui’s music store on a whim to pick up another guitar, he is enchanted by the music she is playing, and by her. When she resists his advances he is even more intrigued and with persistence wears her down to accept a date with him. Jacqui is intrigued by this quiet giant of a man but having experienced a serious illness and worried about its re-occurrence, she is reluctant to get involved with anyone, least of all this man who has sadness in his eyes that he won’t talk about either. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny, and when they decide to just have a sexual fling, no strings attached, she finds in him a sexual partner that she never expected, one who lets her take control in the bedroom. It’s a boon to her soul when she has so little control in the rest of her life. But when Henrik wants all of Jacqui, her body and her heart, will Jacqui let go of her fears and trust that Henrik will be there for her no matter what the future might hold?

I love when what you think will be a stereotypical alpha male turns out to be anything but. Henrik is a large man, a physical presence wherever he goes. But while he might be an aggressive and determined player on the ice, he’s really a softhearted man inside, and with gentle persistence he pursues Jacqui, this woman who has a tough shell to crack on the outside in order to reveal the softness underneath. In the past, he’d had multiple sexual encounters with women that were meaningless, just ways to forget the grief that haunts him. But he sees something different in Jacqui, a woman who doesn’t care about his wealth, his stardom as a hockey player. Jacqui, who grew up with four older hockey obsessed brothers, is used to being protected and cared for by her family after bouts of illness that left her under their care, both physically and financially. She’s studying for a music performance degree, living at home, and working many hours at the music store to be able to move out and prove to her family that she can make it on her own. While she is grateful for the their care and love, she sometimes feels smothered by the attention and lack of control of her own life, a control she desperately seeks. Suddenly Henrik is in her life, making it clear how attracted he is to her and that he’s willing to give her whatever she wants, including in the bedroom.

“Touch me,” she rasped, voice thready.
He fumbled until the snap gave on her jeans, his lips never leaving her skin. His shoulders stung where she gripped, the bite of pain an added sensation that sizzled over his muscles and fed his growing need.
A hard shove had him straightening, lifting her with him. Her face was flushed, eyes wild like her hair that spilled around them. She devoured his mouth in a scorching plundering of tongue and breath. He was panting for air when she jerked back, forehead resting on his.
“I want you,” she whispered, gusting breaths grazing his cheek.
He swallowed, clutched her tighter. “I’m yours.”
Already. He knew this with a clarity that sent an icy shot of fear down his spine. But fuck, he wasn’t running. “Whatever you want.” He’d repeat that until she understood. He’d give her everything if she asked.

I loved how their relationship progressed, how they started to open up to each other about their pasts, about their wants and desires. Both of them have been looking for that one person who would understand them, who would see past the walls and discover the true person underneath. Their mutual love of music draws them together even more, as Henrik realizes that in denying himself the pleasure of playing, he’s been hiding for too long. He also becomes aware that he’s hidden the best parts of himself from his teammates, men with whom he could have been sharing companionship and friendship for the better part of his years on the team. It’s his fault that he’s never opened up to them and Jacqui makes him see that a little trust and openness can go a long way to healing scarred wounds. Jacqui too grows over the course of the story as she comes to realize that pushing Henrik away will only hurt both of them and that he is serious in his desire to be there for her through all the good and the bad times. His love is unconditional as is hers, and there is a sweet and lovely ending to this story that will give the reader a few tears but an overall feeling of contentment. 5 stars for this wonderful addition to the series.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

Note 2: this review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Pretty good read, if uneven in execution. It was nice to see characters from previous stories; but except for the 'issue' of the h; the story wasn't really all that much different from the last book. Henrik was another famous hockey player looking to retire after he met his true love Jacqui, and herl lifestyle and needs didn't mesh with his.

This was one of those cases where I liked the story, but didn't care much for the leads. I found Jacqui a bit pushy, and she whined all through the book. I get she had it tough, but at some point the pity party just gets to be too much. Henrik wasn't even really a defined character. He was beta and blah; and pretty much dropped everything for Jacqui. He became more personable towards the end of the book...but still never had much empathy with either of them.

[Ptiteaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

la saga The Team est désormais terminée avec ce troisième tome et Lynda Aicher parvient une nouvelle fois à nous embarquer dans une nouvelle aventure avec des personnages forts

Henrik joue au sport mais il n est pas vraiment lui même . Personne ne le connait vraiment et il ne s attache pas facilement

Jacqui est une femme Qui fuit aussi et qui ne s engage pas .

A eux deux le chemin de l amour ne sera pas aisé

chronique à venir

[Jewel Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review

I really loved this book. Full of emotions and deep feelings.
Henrik Grenick is the famous hockey player, defeseman for the Minnesota Glacier. Hockey is his hinding spot, the place where to let go his anger after the loss of his sister to overdose. His first love is music, play the piano, but after his sisters's death playing is not an option anymore.

“It was love. The best he'd known and the thing he'd clung to until his parents had shipped him to prep school. That was when hockey finally overtook the piano. Hockey had filled the loneliness with more noise and completely different family.”

Until he met the sweet Jacqui Polson.

“She was everything he'd wanted without knowing it. Calm was a good word. Soothing. She filled the emptiness and made him laugh.”

Jacqui is a warrior, she has fought against leukemia twice. Music is what keep her alive and hoping for the cancer to not come back again.

“It takes more than whatever body part it attacks. It steals your trust and sucks your hope away too. It slams your fragility in your face and dances it before everyone you love. And once it's passed, once you think it's gone, it's still there. Its dark trails of fear are so firmly implanted that no matter how hard you try to forget and move on, it's always there, festering that niggling of doubt that if you dare to forget—even for a second—it'll be back to tear your life apart.”

When Jacqui and Henrik met their world made of faking normality is broken.
Fears and secrets resurface, but the love between them is undeniable. They will learn the real meaning of family, trust, friendship, loyalty that family is not always your blood relatives. Family can be your team, your friends, is taking care of the people you love.

Jacqui and Henrik are a team and together they fight to conquer what they really want from their lives.

“He played for his mother, who'd sacrificed, settled and lived life from a distance. And for his grandmother, who'd wisely given him music to fill the void of love he'd craved so badly. And for Emma, who'd followed him on her search for love through false acceptance. And for Jacqui, who showed him a version of love and family he'd never dreamed he could have.
But mostly he played for himself. For the boy who'd never really fit in and had tried only enough to be accepted. And for the man who finally understood it all.”

I read this book in less than two days, a record for someone like me, slow and not an english native language. A book that kept my emotions high from page one till the end.
I loved, cried, dreamt and hoped with Jacqui and Henrik.
Jacqui seems so fragile in the appearance, but the disease has made her a strong woman that doesn't want to be defeated and her life ruled by the cancer and her fears. But it's not easy. For Jacqui to run away is the only way out, but her family and Henrik's love is her cure.
Henrik live his life with the feeling to never fit, to be used by women, to be rejected and not belong in his family. It's Jacqui's family that shows him what a real family is.
A good story, well written, the characters very well outlined. Even if this the third book in the series and I have not read the first two I've not had the feeling to miss something about the story and for sure I'm going to read the first two.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: if you or a loved one have battled cancer, this book may push some serious emotional buttons. It's rare that I cry over books, especially in the erotic romance genre, but PENALTY PLAY hits way too close to home with Jacqui's struggle with the big "C."

Henrik Grenick, defenseman for the Minnesota Glacier hockey team, is ambivalent after another breakup with yet another woman he couldn't care less about. Hating the quiet of his house and the chaos in his head, Henrick hits a music store where he meets Jacqui Polson, a music student who is absolutely NOTHING like the sophisticated and bitchy women he usually has on his arm. As a classically trained pianist, he's captivated as he watches the brunette beauty caress the keys like a lover, and he's instantly smitten.

After 2 battles with leukemia, the last thing Jacqui wants is to put someone else through what she's seen her family go through with her diagnosis, treatment, recovery and relapse. But Henrick sneaks past her defenses, and despite the sinking feeling that the cancer is back, she can't seem to walk away from this beautiful, wounded man who craves a kind word and unconditional love.

PENALTY PLAY is the third book in the Power Play series that features the men of the Minnesota Glaciers hockey team and the women who love them. This series is a spinoff from the Wicked Play series, and I honestly couldn't adore Ms. Aicher any more than I already do. Her storylines are both wicked hot and terribly gut wrenching, and this one in particular was a real button pusher.

My heart went out to Jacqui, the fear she lived with every day, the misplaced guilt, the reluctance to let anyone get close. In many ways, she was still childlike in her life experiences despite the hell she'd been through. Similarly, Henrick was so desperate for family, friendship and love because of his withdrawn parents and guilt over his sister's death. He actually struck me as slightly mentally slow, because even though his character went to Harvard, plays kick ass piano and is a beast on the ice, he lacks very basic personal interaction skills. Social cues eluded him, and I couldn't figure out why Ms. Aicher created him with such wildly disparate attributes. He's most definitely not the Alpha character…maybe a Zeta, but most certainly not that take charge individual that we women swoon over. Neither of these two were terribly fabulous characters, even though the story itself (and the sex) was very well done. The erotic side of PENALTY PLAY was indeed very yummy, and the chemistry between Henrick and Jacqui jumped off of the pages. Bottom Line: Very emotionally raw book, filled with brilliant messages of family, friendship and unconditional love…but one with just so so characters. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...



- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
On the surface this is a hockey book...and it definitely has lots of hockey in it. But it's so much more than that. Both the hero and the heroine are musicians...with all the depth and emotion and artistic aura that comes with that and I LOVED that aspect of the story!

And that's why the meeting of these two works so well. Jacqui is in her senior year of college at the age of 25. She also works in the local music store which is where she meets Henrik, although she isn't aware of who he is when that meeting happened. I love that she isn't a hockey fan, although she grew up in a huge family of hockey fans, and hockey is a part of her family's life through the season. That's what happens when you have 4 older brothers and a father in MN, right?

I love how unsettled Henrick is. The author pointed out from the very beginning. He isn't happy with his life, can't stand to be home alone, hates not having a girl to fill the space. The reasons why aren't immediately apparent, although it becomes pretty obvious that it ties to the grand piano in his house that he hasn't touched in ten years.

There's a lot of emotional density in this story...both for Henriq and for Jacqui, and I loved that about it, even if it was one of the detractors for the story-telling. This seriously could have been a book that left me in tears several times, but the author didn't *quite* step up to the emotional potential the book had. And don't get me wrong...it was in no way or form a bad book. In fact, it was on the cusp of being phenomenal. I'm just sad it didn't quite reach that point.

But as it is...the book is fabulous. I loved Henrik and his character development over the course of the book. He literally comes alive because of the things that Jacqui opens up to him. I loved all of Jacqui's brothers and would love to see some future books featuring them, especially Aidan. I definitely enjoyed the music aspect and the fact that Jacqui takes charge (although I would have loved a session with them and Hawke & Vanessa.) I do love a woman who will take charge of a big, tough, alpha male in the bedroom.

I continue to enjoy this series. Lynda Aicher continues to be one of my auto-buy authors for good reason!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Tabatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the third book in the Power Play series finally hit the mark for me. Admittedly, I was really disappointed in the heroines in the first two books, but this one was much better. Jacqui still had her hangups and liked to run away when things got serious, but I could understand her rational which made it that much easier for me to like her. She was a remarkable character with such strength despite her very real fears that made her react out of preservation for others far too quickly. I loved her family, and that she gave Henrik a family he so deserved with them. Her brothers were an absolute riot, and I kind of wish we could get their stories, too. :)

Henrik, on the other hand, was quite a surprise to me on every level. I should have known better given how he acted in the previous book that he had hidden depths to him, but yet I was still surprised. He was a passionate man with an unbelievable capacity to love. He was also underestimated from everyone around him that thought they knew the real him. I think the only thing that hung me up was when he was in Boston, because I just didn't feel like that reveal was a driving force for him to do what he did at the end. I would have understood him doing it for himself and not having this push from an outside force in the story.

This story was emotional, and I really enjoyed it through some tears both happy and sad. Now I'm curious to see if Aicher plans to do anymore books for this series, because I think I'd enjoy getting books for some of the other guys on the team. Definitely check out this book guys, because I think you are going to really enjoy it.


*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Check out this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penalty Play is the third book in Lynda Aicher's Power Play series focusing on the Minnesota Glacier's hockey team. This is Henrik, the starting defensemen's, story. Henrik looks like your typical huge, hunky, babes always around, kind of hockey player. Except, he's not really. Kind of a total contradiction. He's super sweet but can't be alone-always needs a girl on his arm, and unfortunately, they seemed to be the wrong ones. What gives? This guy is smart isn't he? Can't he figure it out?? You don't regularly think of a defensemen being soft, so I loved learning about what makes this guy who he is and how hockey fit in life.

Jacqui has her own baggage. She's a commitment-phobe based on how she's been wronged before. She just doesn't want to put herself out there again and get hurt. On paper Jacqui seems like a tough cookie-maybe so, but I had a real hard time connecting to her. I understand not wanting to get hurt but her past didn't tug at me, so maybe that's why. She just wasn't captivating me. It didn't hamper my like of the story though.

I love hockey so reading Penalty Play was a no-brainer! I would've liked a bit more hockey in it though, as it seemed mostly in the background to the story. Maybe if it wasn't on the sidelines, I would've felt more depth for the characters and their roles. Henrik was the star here anyway, and he's what kept me interested.

Being that this is a series, I will continue to read about Lynda Aicher's Glacier's and see what they have all been up to in the next books!

3.5 stars/3 flames

This book was given to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions and in no way was I compensated.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Penalty Play!

I was drawn into Henrik and Jacqui story from the first page, the writing was exceptional and I found myself connecting with them both.

Their story touched my heart, they were beautiful and honest people who in the past had suffered pain and loss leaving them insecure and scared of love.

Watching Jacqui struggle with her fears and not wanting to burden Henrik broke my heart. He was such a sweetheart, never once did I doubt his feelings for Jacqui, he was able to make her see how much she meant to him and that he wasn't afraid of loving her.
Another major turn-on for me was their mutual love of music, loved seeing them play together. It takes a fellow music lover to appreciate the time and dedication it takes to be so totally committed to your craft.



I also enjoyed how Lynda Aicher incorporated the secondary characters into the storyline, it was nice seeing them again =)

Overall this was a beautiful and heartfelt romance that left me feeling they shared a love that was true and unconditional, so many happy feels.

I highly recommend Penalty Play and the Power Play series. https://www.goodreads.com/series/1378...


Thank you Carina Press via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

E-ARC provided thanks to Carina Press and Netgalley.

This is my first book by Lynda Aicher and I'd say it won't be my last.

I have read my fair share of hockey-themed books, and I'm quite surprised to find the main character, Henrik isn't quite similar to the other hockey-playing heroes I've read about previously. For starters, he is...not as cocky. He keeps to himself a lot and keeps others at a distance. He is (surprisingly) musically talented, and keeps this a secret from his team. He's sensitive and cares deeply, and he wants more. Most of the time I just want to hug him and bake him cupcakes because he's just so lovable.

What I like about this book is the writing, it's good and easy to get into. I love that it's family-themed; I love our main girl Jacqui's annoying brothers and parents, and I also love Henrik's teammates.

What puts me off about this book is the romance, kind of. While I love both Henrik and Jacqui as separate characters, them getting together seemed kind of contrived, and the romance feels rushed to me.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read. Henrik's friend Hauke really intrigues me and I think I'm going to check out his story next.

[Ishabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy sports romances. Whether they are chick lits or erotic romances, if the hero or the heroine is an athlete or plays professional sports or something of that sort, I always enjoy it. I like it when the main characters have something that they are passionate about. And if they earn money from that passion, then all the better.

To be honest, I haven't read anything from this author before. I requested an ARC because the blurb sounded interesting and seemed to be right up my alley. I wasn't wrong there. Penalty Play has proven to be something that I quite enjoyed reading. I have read many other books in this genre with similar plot. However, the way that Ms. Aicher played out the plot and the conflict made it seem like this whole story was unique, never before read or seen.

I would gladly recommend this book because it is an enjoyable read that is sexy and romantic enough for any romance fan to enjoy. I will also surely be following her other books and will most likely read back tot he previous books in this series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Tired of the same old scene, Henrik Grenick finds himself in spellbound in a music store listening to the familiar sounds of The Tempest. He was as intrigued with the person playing the sonata as he was enjoying listening to the music she played. Too bad she didn't seem interested in him.

Jacqui Polson is intrigued by the big guy who came in looking for guitar strings. When he asks her out, she reluctantly agrees.

As she gets to know him, the real Henrick, she can't help but fall in love with him; but she's not ready to share her secrets. Her fears are real and she uses those fears to push him away.

What worked: The heat and chemistry between Henrick and Jacqui is off the charts. I loved the way Henrik was wanting more and having to convince Jacqui that it could work.

Part of a Series: Yes, Power Play

Heat Level: hot!

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

I have enjoyed the previous two in the series, but this one really worked for me. Movingly, heart-breakingly good. A definite read at home with a tissue box nearby book - and at the same time one which will make you smile and chuckle. We get to see a good range of the Glacier team, and catch up with old friends, but concentrate firmly on Henrik. As the layers peel away, what we find is not what any of his team expect - but so good for the man. I loved Jacqui's enormous, protective and caring family - it just worked ...

So, I really do recommend this lovely story to you - and think it does a great job of being a Sports romance, and yet, so much more as well.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This book is the best of the series so far! I really enjoyed this book. And although it seems like the typical male player with lots of women / unnoticed girl trope based on the blurb, it really didn't feel that way to me. The two had interesting backgrounds, with difficult experiences. I really enjoyed almost everything about this book - the h, the H, the hockey, the other side characters. If you like sports romance, this is a good series that keeps getting better.

** ARC provided by Carina Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! **

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Lynda Aicher...to say that it definitely won't be my last is an understatement!!! Lynda not only writes characters that are unbelievably relate-able, but, the flow and depth are thus far unmatched! I strongly encourage anyone to take a chance with her books! Lynda, you have a lifetime fan and reader in me! This book deserves at least 10 stars!

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Review by Natasha Gentile

I liked this one, as I am a fan of hockey romances, Henrik was funny and cute and did the job as the lead in the story. Sometimes he was so humorous when he could not figure out Jacqui's motivations for what she was thinking.

Was this a little cliche? Maybe, but I would give it a recommendation for readers to read it.

[Nicole Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

lord this series continues to be perfect. full review has arrived http://randomfandomnerd.blogspot.com/...

[FiftyShadesDarker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un roman que je voulais découvrir après avoir passé un agréable moment avec les deux premiers tomes. E franchement, ce dernier tome est le meilleur !

L'histoire est celle de Jaqui, qui a été marquée par une maladie, qui l'a suivie pendant son enfance et son adolescence. Aujourd'hui, elle se sent incapable d'échafauder le moindre projet d'avenir. Du coup, elle se consacre exclusivement à la musique, son meilleur refuge. Mais lors qu'elle rencontre Henrik, une star du hockey, elle ne veut que fuir, alors que lui semble la désir plus que tout au monde...

Je dois dire que je me suis très rapidement attachée à cette histoire que j'ai trouvé très touchante. En effet, pendant ma lecture, je suis passée par de nombreux sentiments au contact de Jaqui et Henrik. Ces deux personnages n'ont pas eu une vie forcément facile, mais doivent faire avec pour avancer. Et finalement, leur rencontre va leur donner le courage d'affronter la vie. J'ai trouvé que ce qu'ils se dévoilaient l'un à l'autre se fait vraiment de manière progressive. En fait, j'ai trouvé que l'histoire était très réaliste. Bref, j'ai été vraiment subjuguée par ce roman.

La fin est magnifique pour les deux personnages. Très progressivement, on voit qu'ils vont enfin accepter ce qu'ils sont, pour accepter l'autre dans leur vie. J'ai juste adoré.

Jacqui est une jeune femme, qui a passé une grande partie de sa vie à combattre une maladie. Depuis, elle a du mal à se projeter et vit sans vraiment en profiter. Elle se consacre à la musique et évite de rentrer en contact avec d'autres personnes pour ne pas qu'ils souffrent en cas de rechute. Le problème, c'est qu'avec Henrik, elle en veut plus et lui aussi. Elle va alors se laisser aller dans une relation sans vraiment le vouloir. J'ai énormément apprécié ce personnage. En effet, je trouve qu'elle a quand même beaucoup de courage pour surmonter sa maladie, mais elle en souffre encore. Heureusement, elle va changer et mûrir au contact d'Henrik. J'ai beaucoup aimé ses changements, même si elle a peur de souffrir ou de faire souffrir la personne qu'elle aime. Je crois qu'elle a fait beaucoup dans le fait que cette romance est un coup de cœur pour moi.

Henrik est un hockeyeur professionnel, qui n'a pas de relations à long terme. Pourtant quand il rencontre Jacqui, il se rend compte qu'elle est bien différente des autres filles qu'il a rencontré. En effet, il se fiche éperdument qu'il soit une star du hockey professionnel, mais elle voit en lui l'homme qu'il est. Il va alors vouloir tout faire pour la conquérir et la garder, même si cela ne va pas toujours être facile. En effet, comme elle, il a vécu quelque chose, quelque année, plutôt dont il ne parle que très rarement. Mais avec elle, il va pouvoir exprimer ce qu'il ressent comme si elle allait révéler en lui ce qu'il est vraiment. Ce personnage aussi est très attachant et je l'ai adoré. En effet, il lui ressemble beaucoup et surtout je le trouve vraiment adorable avec elle. Il a tout pour me charmer, un vrai #BookBoyFriend !

Le style d'écriture est toujours aussi descriptif autant dans l’univers que dans les pensées des personnages. Je trouve que l'auteure arrive facilement à nous émouvoir et cela m'a vraiment plus dans ce troisième tome.

En général, un coup de cœur pour l'histoire entre Jacqui et Henrik, qui a su m'émouvoir pour de nombreuses raisons.

>>http://www.fifty-shades-darker.fr/201...

[Lula Pantoofle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of hockey star Henrik and musician Jacqui but not as much as the previous book. I liked the portrayal of Henrik as a closed off, secretive guy. I liked how he evolved. It was a bit schmaltzy for my tastes though. Henrik is scared of being alone, Jacqui has a huge family. Henrick denies his music, Jackqui embraces it. The two combined help heal each other. It’s pretty soft and emotional. It’s not my ultimate favourite kind of read but it was good.

I couldn’t quite marry the alpha hockey star with the emotional pianist. Henrick was a little too gentle and helpless. He was scared of being alone! I get that, but it made him a bit too needy for my tastes. I did however, like that Henrik liked to be bossed around in the bedroom. Not in a hardcore way but it was hot. I felt like the author could have developed this a bit more. It was slightly half-hearted which made me doubt it sometimes.

This book was slightly more angsty than the previous book. A bit more serious, hence only three stars from me. Jacqui was a bit too vulnerable for my tastes,

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Henrik Grenick's latest girlfriend leaves him because he won't buy her something, he realizes he doesn't have much else in his life except hockey. He hasn't played his music for quite awhile, and when he goes to the music store to buy new guitar strings, he meets Jacqui Polson. She's not anything like the girls he usually dates, but there's something about her that intrigues him. Jacqui is a music student and she is also a cancer survivor. But she's freaked out about her upcoming yearly check-up, and is reluctant to get involved with anyone. Henrik is nothing if not persistent and he wears her down, until her fears get the better of her. Henrik was kind-of a social misfit at first, but his support of Jacqui was endearing. And Jacqui's story kept me reading, wanting to know what happens to her. A surprise ending from Henrik was a nice addition - I'm not sure if there will be any other books in this series, but I hope so!

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from Lynda Aicher. Despite it being book #3 in the series, I felt like I was able to enjoy it without reading the first two books.

Henrik Grenick is a defenseman for the Minnesota Glaciers. A guy who had a steady flow of women in his life, but none of them being something more. Searching for someone new, Henrik heads out to purchase something for his guitar, not knowing what he'd find once he visits the music store.

Jacqui Polson is a music student who also happens to work in this music store. She meets Henrik, who she is immediately attracted to, but she tries to ignore the spark. Henrik is intrigued by Jacqui, but he doesn't quite know why. It becomes a battle of Henrik wanting more than just a physical relationship and Jacqui trying to keep him at bay in an effort not to get hurt or hurt him.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I received a free ARC from the publisher and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Tory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Henrik Grenik is at the top of his game, but hides away his loneliness and discontent from the world. Ten years after a family tragedy, he still hasn’t recovered. When he meets Jaqui Polson at the music store where she works while putting herself through college for a music performance degree, there’s an immediate connection: she’s playing the Tempest, 3rd movement when he walks in the door. Jacqui’s also attracted, but unwilling to have a relationship due to her fears of a cancer recurrence.

I liked the story – both Henrik and Jacqui are likable and interesting, but did find a few aspects of the characters/plot somewhat far-fetched. Still, fun.

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters were so much more serious than I initially thought. This story was so entertaining and there was some lighthearted fun but then there were the tear-jerking moments.

"I was thinking that you must play a lot of hockey to have bumps like that. The muscles in your thighs and a** confirm that assumption, along with the calluses on your pointer fingers and palms"

"Way to go, Jac."