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Like a Power Play: A Novel
From Elle Sprinkle, author of bestselling lesbian romance "Puppy Love", comes "Like a Power Play", a sapphic college hockey rom-com about a team captain who butts heads with her new student coach, until she begins to fall for her.
The student coach. The team captain. They’re skating on thin ice— until one of them falls.
Peyton Clarke has everything to prove. As the starting center for Greenrock University’s women’s hockey team, she’s determined to earn her place—no handouts, no shortcuts. Being the daughter of a retired NHL star, Peyton is desperate to show she’s more than just a product of her father’s fame. But when her relentless drive starts to blur the line between dedication and recklessness, she risks everything, including her future.
Darcy Cole never thought she'd return to hockey. Once a rising star at Michigan State, her dreams were shattered when rheumatoid arthritis forced her to quit the sport she loved. Now, thanks to her meddling head coach mother, she’s stuck as a student assistant coach, a role she never asked for. Darcy has sworn off the ice, keeping her past as a player a secret. But when Peyton Clarke’s reckless playing style clashes with her cautious approach, something sparks— and it’s not just chemistry.
To Darcy, Peyton is a reminder of everything she had to give up. To Peyton, Darcy is just the coach’s daughter who has no business telling her how to play. But Darcy is no stranger to the ice—and when their worlds collide, they both start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they think—both on and off the ice.
The student coach. The team captain. They’re skating on thin ice— until one of them falls.
Peyton Clarke has everything to prove. As the starting center for Greenrock University’s women’s hockey team, she’s determined to earn her place—no handouts, no shortcuts. Being the daughter of a retired NHL star, Peyton is desperate to show she’s more than just a product of her father’s fame. But when her relentless drive starts to blur the line between dedication and recklessness, she risks everything, including her future.
Darcy Cole never thought she'd return to hockey. Once a rising star at Michigan State, her dreams were shattered when rheumatoid arthritis forced her to quit the sport she loved. Now, thanks to her meddling head coach mother, she’s stuck as a student assistant coach, a role she never asked for. Darcy has sworn off the ice, keeping her past as a player a secret. But when Peyton Clarke’s reckless playing style clashes with her cautious approach, something sparks— and it’s not just chemistry.
To Darcy, Peyton is a reminder of everything she had to give up. To Peyton, Darcy is just the coach’s daughter who has no business telling her how to play. But Darcy is no stranger to the ice—and when their worlds collide, they both start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they think—both on and off the ice.
492 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
878 people are currently reading
6306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
October 24, 2025
**'It's okay to be imaginative when telling your story..'
Enjoyable read!
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Enjoyable read!
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August 6, 2025
1. I normally hate sports books. Past books that I’ve read have proven to me that the authors love the sport more than the characters.
THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS!!!
Elle brings us two characters who are brought together by their sport, but the hockey helps to move the development of Peyton and Darcy’s journey forward. Peyton and Darcy are both on some really interesting character arcs and I was not disappointed by their journeys or their growth. I appreciate the growth in Elle’s writing too. I really felt like these were new adult characters and I really feel like they talked like their ages.
The surrounding cast of characters was entertaining, if not a little too many of them. I adore Cleo, I’d love to see her get a book. She reminded me so much of Regan from TWW.
I also really appreciate the respect that Elle paid to RA and how it affected Darcy. It was handled with compassion and care without getting too technical. Finally, I appreciate that there was no spice scene in the locker room. Those are just so cliche and I’m so over them used as a trope. D1 athletes have tremendous pressure put on them to succeed and I just don’t buy into them trashing their careers to have sex in a stinky locker room. The sex was used in this book to move the story along and show how Peyton and Darcy were learning to trust each other and themselves.
I loved, loved, loved this and I’m adding it to my reread comfort shelf. Thank you Elle Sprinkle for this gem!
THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS!!!
Elle brings us two characters who are brought together by their sport, but the hockey helps to move the development of Peyton and Darcy’s journey forward. Peyton and Darcy are both on some really interesting character arcs and I was not disappointed by their journeys or their growth. I appreciate the growth in Elle’s writing too. I really felt like these were new adult characters and I really feel like they talked like their ages.
The surrounding cast of characters was entertaining, if not a little too many of them. I adore Cleo, I’d love to see her get a book. She reminded me so much of Regan from TWW.
I also really appreciate the respect that Elle paid to RA and how it affected Darcy. It was handled with compassion and care without getting too technical. Finally, I appreciate that there was no spice scene in the locker room. Those are just so cliche and I’m so over them used as a trope. D1 athletes have tremendous pressure put on them to succeed and I just don’t buy into them trashing their careers to have sex in a stinky locker room. The sex was used in this book to move the story along and show how Peyton and Darcy were learning to trust each other and themselves.
I loved, loved, loved this and I’m adding it to my reread comfort shelf. Thank you Elle Sprinkle for this gem!
August 21, 2025
I have never seen a hockey game in my life, and this book almost made me want to watch sports! I don't often read books about college students because I like to read about old women my age, but both Peyton and Darcy were mature, so I forgot their age. Both of them are layered characters that choose to show a side of themselves to the world and will reveal to each other the side they are hiding from everyone else. The initial tension and the permanent banter between them is a delight to read. Sprinkle took the time with these 490 pages to make them tolerate, like, then trust each other. The relationship development is not rushed, like it was dealt with gloved hands. Sex scenes mark each step further in the depth of the trust they have for each other.I really liked the Rhinoceros (😉) arthritis representation, portraying well the daily struggle of Darcy, between the symptoms and the loss of her lifelong passion. In the same way, Peyton's anxiety and imposter syndrome were palatable. Both were dealt with realism and didn't once fall into the too much pathos trap.
Even if I was mixing all the names and sometimes didn't remember who was who between the nicknames and all, I liked the whole hockey gang that felt like a family.
Overall, I just loved this book: loved the characters and the relationship development. Wonder what character Sprinkle will focus on for the next book.
Even if I was mixing all the names and sometimes didn't remember who was who between the nicknames and all, I liked the whole hockey gang that felt like a family.
Overall, I just loved this book: loved the characters and the relationship development. Wonder what character Sprinkle will focus on for the next book.
August 10, 2025
“Maybe I am grieving, or maybe I’m just stuck in the past. I know change is inevitable, but how do you let go of the very thing that made you who you are?”
One of my favorite things is the representation for those with “Rhinoceros Arthritis” (You gotta read it to get it ;)), because it really hasn’t happened much before. It isn’t necessarily talked about in the book, but it’s also clear that Peyton suffers from anxiety and both MCs help one another when they’re struggling.
Like A Power Play shows the reality of life, when things get in the way of doing the things you love the most, and how someone can struggle to find the next step because it was something they never expected to have to do.
The push and pull between Darcy and Peyton was done beautifully, and I loved every second of it. It was well paced, well wrote, and gave me plenty of laughs throughout the book.
Darcy and Peyton are an amazing dynamic and complimented each other so well, pushing one another to be the best version of themselves.
Loved loved loved and highly recommend!
One of my favorite things is the representation for those with “Rhinoceros Arthritis” (You gotta read it to get it ;)), because it really hasn’t happened much before. It isn’t necessarily talked about in the book, but it’s also clear that Peyton suffers from anxiety and both MCs help one another when they’re struggling.
Like A Power Play shows the reality of life, when things get in the way of doing the things you love the most, and how someone can struggle to find the next step because it was something they never expected to have to do.
The push and pull between Darcy and Peyton was done beautifully, and I loved every second of it. It was well paced, well wrote, and gave me plenty of laughs throughout the book.
Darcy and Peyton are an amazing dynamic and complimented each other so well, pushing one another to be the best version of themselves.
Loved loved loved and highly recommend!
July 28, 2025
4.75
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have been really excited for Like a Power Play. The first book I read from Elle was Puppy Love and I instantly enjoyed her work.
As someone who struggles with chronic illness, I know what it’s like to no longer be able to do the things you love. Be it sports or other activities. Your body doesn’t allow you to do what you want or what you're passionate about and it's heartbreaking. I could empathize with Darcy on a fairly deep level-not so much her "bitchiness" but the struggles she faces every day ;)
I love both MCs. The way Peyton is so passionate about the people and sports in her life is so refreshing. It didn't seem fake or forced, she is just happy and supportive to her core. I love how she was so feisty and able to get Darcy to open up on her own and even trick her into things, like getting on the ice again.
I smiled a lot reading this story. There are also a lot of other fun characters on the team who interact with one another a lot.
I was so thankful this didn't have "typical" tropes and no third act break up. It was so nice to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Peyton and it just be natural and then they start to establish a relationship. I find I'm liking that a lot more than break up and realize characters made a mistake and get back together.
Overall everything in the book was almost perfect for me. There were only a few grammatical errors and such; typos like: head instead of heat or a missing period. Things like that.
Also, the in book texting conversations do not show whoever the chapter’s POV is on. I don’t know if it’s just my Kindle or if there’s some kind of editing issue there, but I could not see whenever the main character was speaking with other people in the chat.
So, ex.whenever Darcy would reply there would just be a blank section, leaving me to miss her interactions and conversations with the group.
If you like sapphic sports stories, definitely read Like a Power Play.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have been really excited for Like a Power Play. The first book I read from Elle was Puppy Love and I instantly enjoyed her work.
As someone who struggles with chronic illness, I know what it’s like to no longer be able to do the things you love. Be it sports or other activities. Your body doesn’t allow you to do what you want or what you're passionate about and it's heartbreaking. I could empathize with Darcy on a fairly deep level-not so much her "bitchiness" but the struggles she faces every day ;)
I love both MCs. The way Peyton is so passionate about the people and sports in her life is so refreshing. It didn't seem fake or forced, she is just happy and supportive to her core. I love how she was so feisty and able to get Darcy to open up on her own and even trick her into things, like getting on the ice again.
I smiled a lot reading this story. There are also a lot of other fun characters on the team who interact with one another a lot.
I was so thankful this didn't have "typical" tropes and no third act break up. It was so nice to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Peyton and it just be natural and then they start to establish a relationship. I find I'm liking that a lot more than break up and realize characters made a mistake and get back together.
Overall everything in the book was almost perfect for me. There were only a few grammatical errors and such; typos like: head instead of heat or a missing period. Things like that.
Also, the in book texting conversations do not show whoever the chapter’s POV is on. I don’t know if it’s just my Kindle or if there’s some kind of editing issue there, but I could not see whenever the main character was speaking with other people in the chat.
So, ex.whenever Darcy would reply there would just be a blank section, leaving me to miss her interactions and conversations with the group.
If you like sapphic sports stories, definitely read Like a Power Play.
December 31, 2025
Just sitting here in utter disbelief over Peyton’s horrific hygiene practices. Literally what was the point of making that an aspect of her character?? Like I thought maybe there would be a serious conversation around it, but it’s literally never addressed? If my crush had to tell me to take a shower I’d kill myself. How are you an athlete and NOT showering after every practice and game? The whole scene with her sports towel being so fucking nasty she needed to THROW IT AWAY??? Her being shocked at how clean her teammate’s water tastes because she never cleans her own water bottle. I truly cannot. Every single scene I was distracted by the thought that she probably smells musty as hell.
September 5, 2025
Wow, what a class book. Brilliant story, real and grating, well worth a read then a re-read. Loved it.l
January 9, 2026
Never watched ice hockey in my life, and don't think I ever will, but I liked this novel very much.
August 2, 2025
Like a Power Play by Elle Sprinkle is a slow-burn sapphic hockey romance with rivals-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and zero third-act breakup drama. Peyton is a star player with something to prove; Darcy is the coach’s daughter trying to stay far from the ice — and from Peyton. But when sparks fly, what starts as friction turns into something neither of them expected.
This is the first book I’ve read by Elle Sprinkle. I didn’t really connect with her debut, Puppy Love, but I wanted to give her another chance. Unfortunately, this one felt more like a Young Adult novel than a New Adult read. The characters came across as a bit shallow and more immature than their actual ages, which made it hard for me to really connect with them.
I also felt that the transition from enemies to lovers was a bit forced. The chemistry didn’t feel fully developed, so the romance didn’t quite land for me. That said, I did appreciate the character growth by the end — they really did start to complement each other in a way that helped both of them grow as individuals, and that was handled well.
What stood out the most for me was Darcy’s chronic pain storyline. It felt thoughtfully researched and, as someone who experiences similar pain, I found it incredibly relatable and realistic. Peyton’s arc was also strong in its own way. Her struggles with parental expectations reminded me of what my teenage self went through, and that pressure felt authentic and emotionally grounded.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time with — not something I’d personally reread, but still a solid read overall.
This is the first book I’ve read by Elle Sprinkle. I didn’t really connect with her debut, Puppy Love, but I wanted to give her another chance. Unfortunately, this one felt more like a Young Adult novel than a New Adult read. The characters came across as a bit shallow and more immature than their actual ages, which made it hard for me to really connect with them.
I also felt that the transition from enemies to lovers was a bit forced. The chemistry didn’t feel fully developed, so the romance didn’t quite land for me. That said, I did appreciate the character growth by the end — they really did start to complement each other in a way that helped both of them grow as individuals, and that was handled well.
What stood out the most for me was Darcy’s chronic pain storyline. It felt thoughtfully researched and, as someone who experiences similar pain, I found it incredibly relatable and realistic. Peyton’s arc was also strong in its own way. Her struggles with parental expectations reminded me of what my teenage self went through, and that pressure felt authentic and emotionally grounded.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time with — not something I’d personally reread, but still a solid read overall.
November 7, 2025
I usually love a college sports romance but this just didn't work for me. I felt like I could have skipped 200 pages and I still would have been in the same place as the beginning! It was so slow and nothing really happened for the longest time, so it was hard to keep my attention.
I also kept gagging at the thought of Peyton rarely showering after practice or games.... Like I get that being an athlete is probably a bit gross at times, but not showering when you've been sweating profusely, and also wearing a sports bra around after it's been drenched with sweat under your normal clothes is just so rank... I finally found a limit I have and it's that character's have to have good personal hygiene!!!
The Rheumatoid Arthritis representation was good though. I have an ex who had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and it was horrible with the therapy, surgery, constant pain, so that was really easy to empathise with.
I just wasn't overly interested in either character or their journies by the time things finally started to move along, unfortunately!
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HRCYED2: The Even Bigger Rainbow / Queer Alphabet
I also kept gagging at the thought of Peyton rarely showering after practice or games.... Like I get that being an athlete is probably a bit gross at times, but not showering when you've been sweating profusely, and also wearing a sports bra around after it's been drenched with sweat under your normal clothes is just so rank... I finally found a limit I have and it's that character's have to have good personal hygiene!!!
The Rheumatoid Arthritis representation was good though. I have an ex who had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and it was horrible with the therapy, surgery, constant pain, so that was really easy to empathise with.
I just wasn't overly interested in either character or their journies by the time things finally started to move along, unfortunately!
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HRCYED2: The Even Bigger Rainbow / Queer Alphabet
September 17, 2025
This book was a nice surprise.
I'm not usually a huge fan of sports romance, but the cover was very tempting.
The writing is flawless. I honestly had such a great time reading this book. The pacing was good in general, even if I wished the ending was a bit longer.
Darcy and Peyton are such sweethearts that you can't help but love them very easily. They both have fiery personalities that clash together in all the right ways. Together they are so cute, and seeing them supporting each other was heartwarming.
I loved discovering lots of things about hockey and autoimmune diseases. It never felt like too much information, which was honestly so good.
Overall, I think you should give this book a go. If you like sports romance with lots of sweet moments, this one is for you.
Thank you to Elle Sprinkle for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not usually a huge fan of sports romance, but the cover was very tempting.
The writing is flawless. I honestly had such a great time reading this book. The pacing was good in general, even if I wished the ending was a bit longer.
Darcy and Peyton are such sweethearts that you can't help but love them very easily. They both have fiery personalities that clash together in all the right ways. Together they are so cute, and seeing them supporting each other was heartwarming.
I loved discovering lots of things about hockey and autoimmune diseases. It never felt like too much information, which was honestly so good.
Overall, I think you should give this book a go. If you like sports romance with lots of sweet moments, this one is for you.
Thank you to Elle Sprinkle for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love sports romances. I love rivals to lovers. So this book was perfect for me!
Even though I don't really know anything about hockey, the book totally captivated me. The characters won me over straight away in the first few chapters and I was able to build up kind of a connection with them.
What immediately won me over was the representation of chronic illness - the pain and what it can do to a person! I have never read a book before that can make someone feel so seen!
I love sports romances. I love rivals to lovers. So this book was perfect for me!
Even though I don't really know anything about hockey, the book totally captivated me. The characters won me over straight away in the first few chapters and I was able to build up kind of a connection with them.
What immediately won me over was the representation of chronic illness - the pain and what it can do to a person! I have never read a book before that can make someone feel so seen!
January 6, 2026
Reading a book with top tier chronically ill sapphic rep whilst being a chronically ill sapphic is wildly comforting.
Peyton is such a hot mess of a dork 10/10.
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I didn’t get on the best with the author’s other book, but this for me became one of my favourite romance reads of 2025- enough that I grabbed a paperback as soon as I finished the ebook.
The pacing is perfection, and I appreciated that whilst there’s spice there’s not hundreds of scenes. It feels well balanced, and it’s incredibly comforting.
I love how Sprinkle handled Darcy’s coming to terms with her chronic illness and slowly adapting to it, but also that she showed the darker side to things and being generally pissed off at life.
This book feels raw, it feels therapeutic and comforting because it acknowledges that not everything is roses. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a romance that’s so beautifully fleshed out and given time to grow naturally.
Elle Sprinkle really handed chronically ill readers some truly magnificent rep (esp those of us who were in sports) and I’m so glad to see it. Chefs kiss.
I really hope Elle writes more ice hockey romances because I will devour them.
Rep// Pansexual Woman MC (21), Lesbian Woman MC with early onset Rheumatoid Arthritis and Raynauds (22), Autistic Pansexual Man SC.
Central romance is sapphic / WLW.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// alcohol, drug use (weed), animal abandonment (past), medication and medication struggles, needles, surgery, blood, chronic pain/illness, sex on page, social + romantic expulsion of disabled individual (past).
Peyton is such a hot mess of a dork 10/10.
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I didn’t get on the best with the author’s other book, but this for me became one of my favourite romance reads of 2025- enough that I grabbed a paperback as soon as I finished the ebook.
The pacing is perfection, and I appreciated that whilst there’s spice there’s not hundreds of scenes. It feels well balanced, and it’s incredibly comforting.
I love how Sprinkle handled Darcy’s coming to terms with her chronic illness and slowly adapting to it, but also that she showed the darker side to things and being generally pissed off at life.
This book feels raw, it feels therapeutic and comforting because it acknowledges that not everything is roses. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a romance that’s so beautifully fleshed out and given time to grow naturally.
Elle Sprinkle really handed chronically ill readers some truly magnificent rep (esp those of us who were in sports) and I’m so glad to see it. Chefs kiss.
I really hope Elle writes more ice hockey romances because I will devour them.
Rep// Pansexual Woman MC (21), Lesbian Woman MC with early onset Rheumatoid Arthritis and Raynauds (22), Autistic Pansexual Man SC.
Central romance is sapphic / WLW.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// alcohol, drug use (weed), animal abandonment (past), medication and medication struggles, needles, surgery, blood, chronic pain/illness, sex on page, social + romantic expulsion of disabled individual (past).
August 6, 2025
This was a great novel, I enjoyed it a lot. It struck me while reading this book how some novels seem so much more “full” than others, for lack of a better word. This book had a romance, but also two fully actualized protagonists with their own stories and character arcs. It also had a sizable cast of side characters with their own genuine personalities, mini-arcs, and subplots. There was of course the hockey plotline which helped remind the reader that there was a whole world in this novel and not just two people catching feelings. As I said, I enjoyed reading this novel a lot. Rounding up to 5-stars.
Highlights:
-I really enjoyed their initial meeting and their interactions for the first section of the novel. Their feelings towards each other developed in a way that felt organic and realistic.
-There was a narrative device where the story would stop and present the character with two choices (more explicitly than normal) and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I don’t think it continued throughout the novel which I think would have been something that could have been used well.
-Great representation and discussions of what it is like to deal with a disability and/or chronic health condition. This was a big part of the novel and I think it was done well.
-The sex scenes were full of a lot of emotion, character, and plot. These were definitely not scenes that were slotted in for spicy points, they were essential to the story, and I like that.
-It got me to cry. Just a little! Tiny bit! But it happened.
-Peyton is a super sweetie.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Highlights:
-I really enjoyed their initial meeting and their interactions for the first section of the novel. Their feelings towards each other developed in a way that felt organic and realistic.
-There was a narrative device where the story would stop and present the character with two choices (more explicitly than normal) and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I don’t think it continued throughout the novel which I think would have been something that could have been used well.
-Great representation and discussions of what it is like to deal with a disability and/or chronic health condition. This was a big part of the novel and I think it was done well.
-The sex scenes were full of a lot of emotion, character, and plot. These were definitely not scenes that were slotted in for spicy points, they were essential to the story, and I like that.
-It got me to cry. Just a little! Tiny bit! But it happened.
-Peyton is a super sweetie.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
this is such a stupid complaint, but it bothered me so bad that none of the girls on the team recognized darcy or her name when she was supposed to be one of the best players in women’s hockey 😭 just find it unbelievable d1 players wouldn’t know who she is, but other than that i really liked darcy and she was extremely relatable
January 14, 2026
This book is not just a sappy romance. It teaches you about inclusiveness, pain and that being scared without a clear purpose is nothing to be ashamed of.
Darcy was supposed to go pro before she got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. after struggling physically, she moves back to her home town seattle where she transfers to a new university where her mom coaches the women’s hockey team. Darcy is offered a spot as student assistant coach. There she meets Peyton, the starting center and captain of the team. They don’t get along at first but over time they grow closer.
It’s not even the tension that makes this book so incredibly special to me (i love tension, don’t get me wrong, it’s just not the best thing about this book). What makes it so incredible is the connection Darcy and Peyton develop over time. It’s the small things that matter and both of them do these tiny special things without even acknowledging it. They give each other purpose and hope and support even when they still believe they can’t stand each other.
It also never felt forced. They grew together and before I could even realize it, they had feeling for each other. I didn’t even notice the point where these two fell for each other because it was written so well. The writing is dynamic, sucking-you-in-all-the-way and just so relatable. Even though I don’t have to deal with an autoimmune disease, Darcy and Peyton made me feel. I felt it deep in my heart and soul and I just wished there was something to make it go away but it doesn’t. And that’s some real hard truth people usually aren’t ready for - I wasn’t. But isn’t it beautiful in a sad way? You learn with Peyton, you feel with Darcy and in the end you leave with a little more empathy and understanding. That’s the power of actual good writing and I can only recommend this with all of my heart!!
Darcy was supposed to go pro before she got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. after struggling physically, she moves back to her home town seattle where she transfers to a new university where her mom coaches the women’s hockey team. Darcy is offered a spot as student assistant coach. There she meets Peyton, the starting center and captain of the team. They don’t get along at first but over time they grow closer.
It’s not even the tension that makes this book so incredibly special to me (i love tension, don’t get me wrong, it’s just not the best thing about this book). What makes it so incredible is the connection Darcy and Peyton develop over time. It’s the small things that matter and both of them do these tiny special things without even acknowledging it. They give each other purpose and hope and support even when they still believe they can’t stand each other.
It also never felt forced. They grew together and before I could even realize it, they had feeling for each other. I didn’t even notice the point where these two fell for each other because it was written so well. The writing is dynamic, sucking-you-in-all-the-way and just so relatable. Even though I don’t have to deal with an autoimmune disease, Darcy and Peyton made me feel. I felt it deep in my heart and soul and I just wished there was something to make it go away but it doesn’t. And that’s some real hard truth people usually aren’t ready for - I wasn’t. But isn’t it beautiful in a sad way? You learn with Peyton, you feel with Darcy and in the end you leave with a little more empathy and understanding. That’s the power of actual good writing and I can only recommend this with all of my heart!!
September 22, 2025
As someone who loves and practices a sport, sports romance is easily one of my go-to reads. I rarely get disappointed by them. I loved it even more when it’s coupled with two characters who can’t stand each other.
Like A Power Play was everything I look for in a sports romance. Tension, rivalry, team shenanigans, and a deep dive into the world of being an athlete. Peyton’s struggles as a captain and child of a former professional player give depth to her character. Even if she can be cocky, it’s still charming rather than annoying. The back and forth between her and Darcy is just entertaining as hell and left me smiling a lot.
The story was also informative. We get to follow Darcy and understand how her health issues affected her dreams and her day-to-day life. I didn’t mind the medical jargon, even if I wasn’t fully familiar with it, as the author did a great job at including explanations.
I cannot write the review without mentioning the off-chart chemistry between Darcy and Peyton, not only on the rink but also outside of it. I was rooting for them like crazy.
Like A Power Plan was my first Elle Sprinkle book. I had planned on reading Puppy Love before reading this one, and now I really can’t wait to get my hands on it even more.
Like A Power Play was everything I look for in a sports romance. Tension, rivalry, team shenanigans, and a deep dive into the world of being an athlete. Peyton’s struggles as a captain and child of a former professional player give depth to her character. Even if she can be cocky, it’s still charming rather than annoying. The back and forth between her and Darcy is just entertaining as hell and left me smiling a lot.
The story was also informative. We get to follow Darcy and understand how her health issues affected her dreams and her day-to-day life. I didn’t mind the medical jargon, even if I wasn’t fully familiar with it, as the author did a great job at including explanations.
I cannot write the review without mentioning the off-chart chemistry between Darcy and Peyton, not only on the rink but also outside of it. I was rooting for them like crazy.
Like A Power Plan was my first Elle Sprinkle book. I had planned on reading Puppy Love before reading this one, and now I really can’t wait to get my hands on it even more.
July 27, 2025
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A sapphic hockey romance? I was LOCKED IN. Honestly, this book was different than I expected before I started it. There are a lot of hockey romances out there and I wasn’t sure how different this one would be. Turns out, quite.
Darcy and Peyton have chemistry, y’all. Nobody does banter like Elle Sprinkle. The pacing of the book was good, it kept me engaged. I also loved how Peyton was basically a goner from the beginning. My favorite proof of this?: “Maybe she was right. Maybe I am Icarus. And she’s the sun. And oh, fuck—I’m going to burn to death.”
Spot on, girl.
It was cute. It had a heavy focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I didn’t know a ton about but everything was handled in a gentle but not “pity-focused” way. I learned, I laughed.
A sapphic hockey romance? I was LOCKED IN. Honestly, this book was different than I expected before I started it. There are a lot of hockey romances out there and I wasn’t sure how different this one would be. Turns out, quite.
Darcy and Peyton have chemistry, y’all. Nobody does banter like Elle Sprinkle. The pacing of the book was good, it kept me engaged. I also loved how Peyton was basically a goner from the beginning. My favorite proof of this?: “Maybe she was right. Maybe I am Icarus. And she’s the sun. And oh, fuck—I’m going to burn to death.”
Spot on, girl.
It was cute. It had a heavy focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I didn’t know a ton about but everything was handled in a gentle but not “pity-focused” way. I learned, I laughed.
November 1, 2025
HOCKEY YURI HOCKEY YURI HOCKEY YURI
as a fan of gay hockey i was SO ENTHUSED about this. seriously, why don't we have more lesbian hockey books when women's hockey is as gay as it is? so this didn't disappoint. if you like heated rivalry etc this is a great addition to the gay hockey canon. i loved the disability rep -- darcy has rheumatoid arthiritis -- i loved how peyton and darcy started out spitting at each other and then gradually grew to understand each other. this is a really great rivals to lovers that feels organic and slow, and i really liked this.
as a fan of gay hockey i was SO ENTHUSED about this. seriously, why don't we have more lesbian hockey books when women's hockey is as gay as it is? so this didn't disappoint. if you like heated rivalry etc this is a great addition to the gay hockey canon. i loved the disability rep -- darcy has rheumatoid arthiritis -- i loved how peyton and darcy started out spitting at each other and then gradually grew to understand each other. this is a really great rivals to lovers that feels organic and slow, and i really liked this.
December 27, 2025
im really hung up on how often peyton was meowing but the ending was super cute
dnf
October 13, 2025Not for me. Too juvenile.
August 5, 2025
I've been honored to be an ARC reader for Elle for a little bit now. And again, they have somehow outdone themselves! Watching their writing style evolve has been amazing, and I enjoy both how they originally wrote and what they've now grown into as a writer. The slow burn between Peyton and Darcy was exactly what I was hoping for in this book, and Elle didn't miss. I loved this book from beginning to end. From tension that started off Darcy and Peyton's relationship, to the tension eventually ebbing away into friendship and love. I love how seriously Elle takes Darcy's RA in this book, and how serious they talked about ableism in sports, which genuinely needs to be addressed more often. Also I might not be a hockey person, but Elle was able to describe everything in a way that made complete sense to me, a person who hasn't seen hockey a day in their life. Also, I was WAITING for the spoon theory reference, and like I said, Elle doesn't disappoint! In all seriousness, this is an amazing sapphic sports romance that I recommend to all, especially if you want to get a better understanding of chronic illnesses like RA.
September 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I am so glad Elle Sprinkle wrote about RA and I appreciate her blurb in the beginning about chronic illness/disabilities.I honestly should probably know more about RA, because my brother had childhood arthritis, but Like A Power Play, has educated me on RA and had me wanting to know more about the autoimmune disease.
I really liked the layers that Peyton had. it was so cute to see how depsite not being able to pronounce Rhematoid Arthritis, she studied up on it and wanted to know more about it to help out Darcy.
Darxy’s character was really important and I’m so glad that I got the privilege to “meet” her Like A Power Play. We need more chronic illness representation and Elle Sprinkle did an amazing job!!
While I usually prefer the MCs to be a little older, it didn’t bother me. Both MCs were mature and it wasn’t an issue for me.
I really liked the layers that Peyton had. it was so cute to see how depsite not being able to pronounce Rhematoid Arthritis, she studied up on it and wanted to know more about it to help out Darcy.
Darxy’s character was really important and I’m so glad that I got the privilege to “meet” her Like A Power Play. We need more chronic illness representation and Elle Sprinkle did an amazing job!!
While I usually prefer the MCs to be a little older, it didn’t bother me. Both MCs were mature and it wasn’t an issue for me.
October 14, 2025
Okayyyy so I got hooked in pretty fast here and never saw if coming at all! Initially I was annoyed with just how descriptive everything is but as I read on, this just further built anticipation in the best moments. This means me speed reading but also hanging on every word and completely locked in from page to page.
The pace of the love- hate relationship between Darcy and Peyton is really well done. The opposing view points and internal struggles between the two are eventually complimentary and connected through their undying love for the sport and eventually each other.
The Grizzlies team are all packed with sarcasm, wit and banter as well a real love for each other. They didn’t feel like an after thought, each team scene feeling intentional and coming back round later in the book to further solidify those “AH HA moments”.
A pleasant surprise over all!
The pace of the love- hate relationship between Darcy and Peyton is really well done. The opposing view points and internal struggles between the two are eventually complimentary and connected through their undying love for the sport and eventually each other.
The Grizzlies team are all packed with sarcasm, wit and banter as well a real love for each other. They didn’t feel like an after thought, each team scene feeling intentional and coming back round later in the book to further solidify those “AH HA moments”.
A pleasant surprise over all!
October 8, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
December 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
These two were pretty annoying, I won't lie. This book was so drawn out that the enemies aspect lasted well into page 200 and that is far too deep into the story for me. The plot wasn't anything to write home about either; it's all pretty forgettable… sorry!!
These two were pretty annoying, I won't lie. This book was so drawn out that the enemies aspect lasted well into page 200 and that is far too deep into the story for me. The plot wasn't anything to write home about either; it's all pretty forgettable… sorry!!
December 16, 2025
please the hockey lesbians (me) deserve better than this
August 8, 2025
alright now I need indies book STAT
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars. Soo much potential, some stunning moments but the ending flopped
September 25, 2025
Spectacular. give me 14 of them.
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