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Colorado Dragons
Power Play
He’s the team’s enforcer—scarred, gruff, and untouchable. She’s the coach’s daughter—off-limits, infuriating, and impossible to ignore.
On the ice, I’m built for battle, my scars a warning to anyone who dares get too close. Off the ice, I am just as guarded, convinced love is nothing but drama I don’t need. Bianca is the last person I should want—spoiled, privileged, and protected by the one man I can’t cross.
But every clash between us sparks fire. Every argument feels like foreplay. And the more we fight, the harder it becomes to deny the pull between us.
Rules say she’s forbidden. My heart says it’s inevitable.
And when hate blurs into something dangerously close to desire, neither of us can pretend anymore.
On the ice, I’m built for battle, my scars a warning to anyone who dares get too close. Off the ice, I am just as guarded, convinced love is nothing but drama I don’t need. Bianca is the last person I should want—spoiled, privileged, and protected by the one man I can’t cross.
But every clash between us sparks fire. Every argument feels like foreplay. And the more we fight, the harder it becomes to deny the pull between us.
Rules say she’s forbidden. My heart says it’s inevitable.
And when hate blurs into something dangerously close to desire, neither of us can pretend anymore.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Sterling
75 books3,630 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 18, 2026
Received an ARC for honest review.
This book is a cute emotional read but Callahan drove me a bit crazy with his push and pull. Usually I love broody grumpy emotionally stunted men but this time not so much.
The father/Coach match maker to help Bianca see she was seen seemed a bit too predictable. But still an enjoyable read.
This book is a cute emotional read but Callahan drove me a bit crazy with his push and pull. Usually I love broody grumpy emotionally stunted men but this time not so much.
The father/Coach match maker to help Bianca see she was seen seemed a bit too predictable. But still an enjoyable read.
April 28, 2026
“Power Play” is the sixth book in “The Colorado Dragons Series.” Bianca Alan’s father is the coach of the Colorado Dragons NFL team. She received her bachelor’s from Boston University, her master’s in sports medicine and certificates received after working for three years in the Minor League. Now she is home….four weeks ago they offered her the position of head athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist for the team. “The moment I made the last bend, the Lair appeared. It seemed to rise against the overcast sky. The building was impressive, with its black steel panels that overlapped one another like scales.” On her first official day at work her father advises her that that she will not be able to move into her condo for about eight or nine months due to flooding from broken pipes. He has a solution….
Evan Callahan is the right defensemen and star player for the Colorado Dragons. In the last game of the season against the Vancouver Dominators, he had been body-checked by Knox Evans and his shoulder had still not recovered….not that the team knew. When he is called into Coaches office, wondering what he has done wrong, only to find out that he wants a favour….he wants Bianca to stay with him. “You have a two-bedroom condo and you live alone. The solution is obvious.” Evan was a little over six feet tall, with light-blue eyes and dark-black hair, and usually always had a splatter of the sexiest scruff on his face. A full-sleeve tattoo of twisted vines covered his right arm. He is also cranky about having his space invaded.
Neither party is happy with the situation…. Whilst ringside, with her tablet, assessing the players, she noticed an issue with his shoulder. When Bianca approaches him about her observations, he denied any issues. The tension between them grows….”I don’t need your help.” His words came out harsh, desperate. “I don’t need anyone’s help.” She was finding it hard to keep a professional distance, especially after the look he gave her today. His eyes had practically devoured her when he was in front of her, whilst pressed against the wall.
His teammates are noticing the tension between them….he admits that she is living with him, but arranged by the coach. He also admits to them that he is attracted to her, but nothing can or will ever happen between them.
“If you touch his daughter, he will bury you under the ice and force us to run drills over top of you just to prove a point.” Bianca deserves better than what he can ever offer her. These guys are his terrible best friends who really know him, good and bad!
“Our first kiss contained desperation, relief, and weeks of denial that combusted into something uncontrollable. His mouth moved against mine with an intensity that stole my breath….”
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Evan and Bianca. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“The moment he closed the door, he turned and pulled me against him. He brought his lips to mine, kissing me slowly, his tongue washing through my mouth. His kiss wasn’t as demanding as before. This time it was slow and claiming.”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Evan Callahan is the right defensemen and star player for the Colorado Dragons. In the last game of the season against the Vancouver Dominators, he had been body-checked by Knox Evans and his shoulder had still not recovered….not that the team knew. When he is called into Coaches office, wondering what he has done wrong, only to find out that he wants a favour….he wants Bianca to stay with him. “You have a two-bedroom condo and you live alone. The solution is obvious.” Evan was a little over six feet tall, with light-blue eyes and dark-black hair, and usually always had a splatter of the sexiest scruff on his face. A full-sleeve tattoo of twisted vines covered his right arm. He is also cranky about having his space invaded.
Neither party is happy with the situation…. Whilst ringside, with her tablet, assessing the players, she noticed an issue with his shoulder. When Bianca approaches him about her observations, he denied any issues. The tension between them grows….”I don’t need your help.” His words came out harsh, desperate. “I don’t need anyone’s help.” She was finding it hard to keep a professional distance, especially after the look he gave her today. His eyes had practically devoured her when he was in front of her, whilst pressed against the wall.
His teammates are noticing the tension between them….he admits that she is living with him, but arranged by the coach. He also admits to them that he is attracted to her, but nothing can or will ever happen between them.
“If you touch his daughter, he will bury you under the ice and force us to run drills over top of you just to prove a point.” Bianca deserves better than what he can ever offer her. These guys are his terrible best friends who really know him, good and bad!
“Our first kiss contained desperation, relief, and weeks of denial that combusted into something uncontrollable. His mouth moved against mine with an intensity that stole my breath….”
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Evan and Bianca. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“The moment he closed the door, he turned and pulled me against him. He brought his lips to mine, kissing me slowly, his tongue washing through my mouth. His kiss wasn’t as demanding as before. This time it was slow and claiming.”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I could not put this one down. I mean, come on, a sports romance that is a slow-burn, two people who you would never expect to connect, and all the angst in the world, the perfect rainy day read. Ms. Sterling weaves a story of two people, both fighting something from their past and each other.
Power Play is a standalone book in the addictive Colorado Dragons series, and it is the heartwarming story of Evan and Bianca. He is fighting the ghost of his father and how his career ended and she is fighting to be the best athletic trainer for the Dragons but she is also the coach's daughter. He is recovering from an end-of-season injury that just won't go away because he is ignoring it. Now he has to deal with a new roommate, Bianca, since it was the coach who told him that she was moving in with him. The love-to-hate relationship started from day one with the angst and witty banter they threw at one another. Add in that Bianca could see he was suffering and he told her he was "fine" over and over. The sexual tension was there from the start and when his teammates started to push his buttons about it, things got a little heated at the condo. That forbidden rule of "THE COACH'S DAUGHTER IS OFF LIMITS" was thrown out the door after the first kiss.
As you read this book, you might be asking yourself why her father would have her move in with one of his players and when you get to the end, all you can do is laugh and smile.
Power Play is a standalone book in the addictive Colorado Dragons series, and it is the heartwarming story of Evan and Bianca. He is fighting the ghost of his father and how his career ended and she is fighting to be the best athletic trainer for the Dragons but she is also the coach's daughter. He is recovering from an end-of-season injury that just won't go away because he is ignoring it. Now he has to deal with a new roommate, Bianca, since it was the coach who told him that she was moving in with him. The love-to-hate relationship started from day one with the angst and witty banter they threw at one another. Add in that Bianca could see he was suffering and he told her he was "fine" over and over. The sexual tension was there from the start and when his teammates started to push his buttons about it, things got a little heated at the condo. That forbidden rule of "THE COACH'S DAUGHTER IS OFF LIMITS" was thrown out the door after the first kiss.
As you read this book, you might be asking yourself why her father would have her move in with one of his players and when you get to the end, all you can do is laugh and smile.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
S.L. Sterling has a way of drawing you in and refusing to let go, and with Power Play, she does it one final time for the Colorado Dragons series. Six books, six authors, and this closing chapter feels like the perfect, powerful send-off.
From the very first page, Ms Sterling weaves that familiar, addictive magic. Bianca steps into her role as the team’s newly appointed head athletic trainer, already carrying the weight of expectation with her father as head coach. It sets the stage for tension before we even meet Evan, the team’s enforcer, a man built to take hits but quietly falling apart beneath them.
Their forced proximity adds fuel to an already simmering fire. Living together strips away the barriers quickly, and what follows is that irresistible push and pull. Bianca sees more than Evan wants anyone to see. She recognises the pain he’s masking, the way he’s grinding through it, and it creates an emotional undercurrent that gives this romance real depth.
The chemistry builds in that delicious, slow-tightening way. Every glance, every moment of tension feels loaded. Sterling doesn’t rush it. She lets it stretch, lets it ache, until it finally snaps into something undeniable.
And that ending? Pure S. L. Sterling. Emotional, satisfying, and wrapped in that swoon-worthy payoff that makes the entire journey feel earned. It is exactly what you want from a hockey romance finale.
From the very first page, Ms Sterling weaves that familiar, addictive magic. Bianca steps into her role as the team’s newly appointed head athletic trainer, already carrying the weight of expectation with her father as head coach. It sets the stage for tension before we even meet Evan, the team’s enforcer, a man built to take hits but quietly falling apart beneath them.
Their forced proximity adds fuel to an already simmering fire. Living together strips away the barriers quickly, and what follows is that irresistible push and pull. Bianca sees more than Evan wants anyone to see. She recognises the pain he’s masking, the way he’s grinding through it, and it creates an emotional undercurrent that gives this romance real depth.
The chemistry builds in that delicious, slow-tightening way. Every glance, every moment of tension feels loaded. Sterling doesn’t rush it. She lets it stretch, lets it ache, until it finally snaps into something undeniable.
And that ending? Pure S. L. Sterling. Emotional, satisfying, and wrapped in that swoon-worthy payoff that makes the entire journey feel earned. It is exactly what you want from a hockey romance finale.
April 29, 2026
Fighting through the pain
I really enjoyed this short novel that is part of a multi author collaboration set in the Colorado Dragons series.
Introducing Coach’s daughter Bianca, who has come home to take on the role as The Dragons head athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist, plus also Evan the star defenceman for The Dragons.
Evan’s shoulder was injured in the final game of last season and it had been overlooked for treatment by the medical staff.
Now starting the new season he is finding that it hasn’t fully healed and he is reluctant to let anyone know about it.
This has Bianca noticing but Evan denying anything is wrong each time she enquires.
Which leads to a lot of angst, arguments and trying to avoid each other, making it especially awkward when they are living in the same apartment.
Actions and feelings blur as Evan’s injury worsens.
Staying true to his game and scared of the outcome he continues on his path of destruction.
Will they ever work out their issues or will they forever argue?
Will Evan accept help and have his shoulder looked at?
A great slow burn steamy story with loveable characters.
Thank you S L Sterling for the opportunity to read this book.
I really enjoyed this short novel that is part of a multi author collaboration set in the Colorado Dragons series.
Introducing Coach’s daughter Bianca, who has come home to take on the role as The Dragons head athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist, plus also Evan the star defenceman for The Dragons.
Evan’s shoulder was injured in the final game of last season and it had been overlooked for treatment by the medical staff.
Now starting the new season he is finding that it hasn’t fully healed and he is reluctant to let anyone know about it.
This has Bianca noticing but Evan denying anything is wrong each time she enquires.
Which leads to a lot of angst, arguments and trying to avoid each other, making it especially awkward when they are living in the same apartment.
Actions and feelings blur as Evan’s injury worsens.
Staying true to his game and scared of the outcome he continues on his path of destruction.
Will they ever work out their issues or will they forever argue?
Will Evan accept help and have his shoulder looked at?
A great slow burn steamy story with loveable characters.
Thank you S L Sterling for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Suspend your disbelief for how Bianca ends up as Evan's roommate (it will make sense eventually) and enjoy how they navigate their attraction and the injury that Evan refuses to acknowledge because he is unwilling to accept help. Their relationship starts antagonistic becomes friendly then turns antagonistic again and eventually they take the leap.
There are a few inconsistencies in the plot (he gets mad at her for Googling him, saying she should have asked him instead when he had been a closed book to that point... he never would have answered her questions, but she doesn't call him out on this lie instead feeling like she was in the wrong; there are a few times where they seem to be getting along but suddenly aren't, etc.), but the story is a page turner because you want to know when Evan will realize that he needs Bianca in more ways than one. Bianca is frustrated at times, but it's her ongoing belief in Evan that ensures they get their HEA.
There are a few inconsistencies in the plot (he gets mad at her for Googling him, saying she should have asked him instead when he had been a closed book to that point... he never would have answered her questions, but she doesn't call him out on this lie instead feeling like she was in the wrong; there are a few times where they seem to be getting along but suddenly aren't, etc.), but the story is a page turner because you want to know when Evan will realize that he needs Bianca in more ways than one. Bianca is frustrated at times, but it's her ongoing belief in Evan that ensures they get their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a standalone book in the Colorado Dragon series. The couple in the book are Bianca the coaches daughter and the new Athletic trainer for the Dragons and Evan is a star player on the team.
When her brand new condo flood her father insists she moves into Evan place. Evan doesn't know about this and isn't happy about it.
As they live together there is a lot of tenison.. being angry with each other and the best kind..sexual tension. lol
One of my favourite scenes in the book is that after Evan finally decides to play nice after his team mates have him heck was when they were making dinner together. He made the pasta and she made the cookies.
The underlining problem is that Evan has a shoulder injury and is trying to hide it but not working with Bianca. She keeps on him about and they start fighting again.
Evan is scared of becoming his father with the injury and the depending on someone.
Ruined his parents marriage.
Let's just say they got their HEA.
When her brand new condo flood her father insists she moves into Evan place. Evan doesn't know about this and isn't happy about it.
As they live together there is a lot of tenison.. being angry with each other and the best kind..sexual tension. lol
One of my favourite scenes in the book is that after Evan finally decides to play nice after his team mates have him heck was when they were making dinner together. He made the pasta and she made the cookies.
The underlining problem is that Evan has a shoulder injury and is trying to hide it but not working with Bianca. She keeps on him about and they start fighting again.
Evan is scared of becoming his father with the injury and the depending on someone.
Ruined his parents marriage.
Let's just say they got their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bianca is starting her new job as head athletic trainer for the Dragons. She is also in charge of rehabilitation of injured players. She knows she is going to struggle proving herself as she is the coach's daughter despite having all the qualifications. Settling in is a problem as when she is supposed to move into her own condo, it gets flooded. Her father's solution is for her to share the condo of his team defenseman, Evan as he has a spare room. Evan is not best pleased as he values his own space and it makes it more difficult for him to hide that he is trying to continue playing with a shoulder injury. As Bianca tries to convince him to admit to the pain he is in it makes their relationship very tetchy at work and at home. Add to that the mutual attraction they feel for each other and this makes for a turbulent journey for these two to navigate a way to have a future together. An entertaining enemies to lovers story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, this book… I had a really hard time getting past the premise of how/ why they became roommates. I mean, in a city large enough to have a pro hockey team, there are no apartments available for rent? I almost DNF’d because I couldn’t get past the stretch in reason.
But I’m glad I did get past it. Evan and Bianca are cute together. She is very supportive, helping him get over not only an injury, but also his fears. Would I have liked to see a little more in terms of him supporting her? Yes. I think her character could benefit from added depth. Was it refreshing to have FMC do the heavy lifting in the relationship? Also yes.
This is a heartwarming tale of what happens when two people who continuously choose each other. It also contains a loving, meddling father.
3.5⭐️
I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review in exchange.
But I’m glad I did get past it. Evan and Bianca are cute together. She is very supportive, helping him get over not only an injury, but also his fears. Would I have liked to see a little more in terms of him supporting her? Yes. I think her character could benefit from added depth. Was it refreshing to have FMC do the heavy lifting in the relationship? Also yes.
This is a heartwarming tale of what happens when two people who continuously choose each other. It also contains a loving, meddling father.
3.5⭐️
I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review in exchange.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hiding
S.L.Sterling kept me enthralled with this book when sports books are usually the last things that I read! The Colorado Dragons Hockey Team is full of hotties and a coach that takes no crap from anyone including his daughter. Bianca has busted her butt to become the best trainer that she can be because she doesn’t believe in throwing anyone back out to play just so the team can win. Let’s just say that a terrible series of unfortunate events happens and Bianca has nowhere to live. In steps daddy to save the day but no one, Bianca or poor Evan included, thinks this is a good plan. Arguments, pain, interfering teammates and past lives have nothing on what Bianca and Evan are facing on a daily basis. Will they survive or kill each other? Can they learn to forget about what their parents have done and try to live their own lives? Well it’s definitely a meet cute situation!
S.L.Sterling kept me enthralled with this book when sports books are usually the last things that I read! The Colorado Dragons Hockey Team is full of hotties and a coach that takes no crap from anyone including his daughter. Bianca has busted her butt to become the best trainer that she can be because she doesn’t believe in throwing anyone back out to play just so the team can win. Let’s just say that a terrible series of unfortunate events happens and Bianca has nowhere to live. In steps daddy to save the day but no one, Bianca or poor Evan included, thinks this is a good plan. Arguments, pain, interfering teammates and past lives have nothing on what Bianca and Evan are facing on a daily basis. Will they survive or kill each other? Can they learn to forget about what their parents have done and try to live their own lives? Well it’s definitely a meet cute situation!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short, heartwarming slow-burn read with that easy vibe where I just wanted to keep reading without overthinking anything. I loved the tension between Evan (hockey player) and Bianca (athletic trainer and coach's daughter), the constant push and pull, the banter, and how their relationship slowly developed. Evan’s stubbornness and emotional walls were frustrating at times, and then he got jealous despite being the one who set all the rules and boundaries and yet Bianca still stood by him. They both carry past issues that hold them back, but together they slowly work through them. He protected and defended her and she covered for me knowing the risks... She's the heart of this story. This book was engaging (despite some inconsistencies) and exactly the kind of light, slow-burn hockey romance I was in the mood for after a long day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Power Play by S.L. Sterling is the final book in the Colorado Dragons series by multiple authors and it wasn’t disappointing at all. You do not need to read the other books but you may as well add them to your TBR list because I am sure they are all like this one. Slow burning, interference, ghosts, and more all coming together in a realistic romance between two.
Evan and Bianca were meant to be together from the start but they were fighting it with everything they had because each of them had a story. For Bianca it was becoming the head athletic trainer of the team her father coached. She had chosen this career partially because of something that happen years ago. For Evan it was his father’s ghost, he was so set on not becoming his father that he was jeopardizing his career. As time passes the small fire between them heightens and becomes a passion. But are they each willing to risk it, put their jobs on the line for love or will they just throw it all away?
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Evan and Bianca were meant to be together from the start but they were fighting it with everything they had because each of them had a story. For Bianca it was becoming the head athletic trainer of the team her father coached. She had chosen this career partially because of something that happen years ago. For Evan it was his father’s ghost, he was so set on not becoming his father that he was jeopardizing his career. As time passes the small fire between them heightens and becomes a passion. But are they each willing to risk it, put their jobs on the line for love or will they just throw it all away?
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 26, 2026
5 ⭐ and this one had me in a CHOKEHOLD 😮🔥🏒
Power Play brings the heat with that grumpy enforcer energy and an off-limits romance that does NOT hold back 👀
He’s scarred, closed off, and built to keep people at a distance… and she’s the one person he absolutely shouldn’t want. But the tension?? Immediate. Explosive. Every argument feels like a spark waiting to catch fire 🔥
The hate-to-desire shift is DONE SO WELL—one minute they’re clashing, the next it’s all tension, stolen looks, and that inevitable pull neither of them can fight anymore. And the forbidden aspect?? Yeah… it just makes everything hit harder.
✨ Read this if you love:
🏒 hockey romance
🔥 enemies-to-lovers vibes
🚫 off-limits / forbidden tension
🖤 grumpy, scarred MMC
💥 explosive chemistry & banter
Intense, addictive, and full of that can’t-stay-away energy 🖤
Power Play brings the heat with that grumpy enforcer energy and an off-limits romance that does NOT hold back 👀
He’s scarred, closed off, and built to keep people at a distance… and she’s the one person he absolutely shouldn’t want. But the tension?? Immediate. Explosive. Every argument feels like a spark waiting to catch fire 🔥
The hate-to-desire shift is DONE SO WELL—one minute they’re clashing, the next it’s all tension, stolen looks, and that inevitable pull neither of them can fight anymore. And the forbidden aspect?? Yeah… it just makes everything hit harder.
✨ Read this if you love:
🏒 hockey romance
🔥 enemies-to-lovers vibes
🚫 off-limits / forbidden tension
🖤 grumpy, scarred MMC
💥 explosive chemistry & banter
Intense, addictive, and full of that can’t-stay-away energy 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evan is the teams enforcer and Bianca is the new athletics trainer, but she's also the coach's daughter. She's strictly off limits and the team have been warned by Coach Alan and Evan is no exception. When they are forced to share an apartment, Evan does everything he can to be a mean bean to her, he doesn't want her in his space as much as she doesn't want to be there. They absolutely hate each other but they also have to work together... so much tension! This is a seriously slow burn filled with raw emotions and Evan simply can't trust his own feelings. Loved the forced proximity fuelling their hate and was shocked to read the plot twist meddler!!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bianca is trying her hardest to prove she earned her spot with The Dragons and was not handed the position because her dad was the coach. Evan is someone who doesn't want to be a burden to those around him so he never asks for help. Bianca is set on helping Evan even when he fights her at every twist and turn. They become roommates and are fighting the tension between the two of them. This was an amazing slow burn and you could see and feel all their emotions as they had them. She was doing everything she could to help Evan until he finally asked for help then she still went above and beyond. She risked everything for him and he did the same for her when it came down to it. These two deserved their HEA!
Review of advance copy received from Author
S.L. Sterling’s Power Play is everything I love in a hockey romance—off-limits tension, emotional scars, and a slow-burn that hurts so good.
Bianca has worked hard to build her career and refuses to be defined by her past. Evan is closed off, stubborn, and hiding an injury that could cost him everything. When circumstances force them under the same roof, sparks fly—but not the good kind… at first.
Their journey from hostility to something deeper is packed with tension, longing, and emotional growth. Evan’s fear of becoming his father and Bianca’s refusal to be used again create a powerful push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you hooked.
The payoff? Completely worth it.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book as an ARC. This review is my honest opinion on the book.
Bianca has worked hard to build her career and refuses to be defined by her past. Evan is closed off, stubborn, and hiding an injury that could cost him everything. When circumstances force them under the same roof, sparks fly—but not the good kind… at first.
Their journey from hostility to something deeper is packed with tension, longing, and emotional growth. Evan’s fear of becoming his father and Bianca’s refusal to be used again create a powerful push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you hooked.
The payoff? Completely worth it.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book as an ARC. This review is my honest opinion on the book.
April 24, 2026
Colorado Dragons
Bianca Alan just accepted the job of head athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist but along with that also comes the fact the head coach is her dad, so she has lots to prove.
When the condo she is supposed to move into floods her dad suggests she move into the spare room of one of his players.
Evan Callahan is the right defenseman for the Dragons and not crazy about having to share his condo especially with the coach's daughter.
Evan isn't thrilled with this arrangement, especially since he's hiding a shoulder injury that happened at the end of last season. Bianca is aware of it and tries to help him even with the friction growing between them at work and at home leading to lots of sparks and tension.
Are they willing to risk it?
4 stars
Bianca Alan just accepted the job of head athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist but along with that also comes the fact the head coach is her dad, so she has lots to prove.
When the condo she is supposed to move into floods her dad suggests she move into the spare room of one of his players.
Evan Callahan is the right defenseman for the Dragons and not crazy about having to share his condo especially with the coach's daughter.
Evan isn't thrilled with this arrangement, especially since he's hiding a shoulder injury that happened at the end of last season. Bianca is aware of it and tries to help him even with the friction growing between them at work and at home leading to lots of sparks and tension.
Are they willing to risk it?
4 stars
April 24, 2026
This is the sixth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Bianca and Evan’s story.
Bianca is the head coach’s daughter, and she is now the teams athletic and rehabilitation expert, while Evan is the gruff, and scarred, star defenceman and team’s enforcer. Evan is now happy that he has to share his condo with Bianca, and he is hiding a shoulder injury from the previous season, which she notices, and he denies, and many arguments while they try to avoid each other.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, with family, friendships, emotions, angst, tension, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and endearing page turner.
I look forward to reading more form this author in the future.
Bianca is the head coach’s daughter, and she is now the teams athletic and rehabilitation expert, while Evan is the gruff, and scarred, star defenceman and team’s enforcer. Evan is now happy that he has to share his condo with Bianca, and he is hiding a shoulder injury from the previous season, which she notices, and he denies, and many arguments while they try to avoid each other.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, with family, friendships, emotions, angst, tension, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and endearing page turner.
I look forward to reading more form this author in the future.
April 25, 2026
This book was one absolutely could not put down. It had me so invested in the story I had trouble making myself stop reading to go to sleep. The push and pull that was woven throughout had me questioning what was going to end up happening the whole time. This story is full of tension and heat and everything I want in a book. I am a massive sucker for a love-to-hate-you plot line and this book did not disappoint me at all. Their connection and chemistry was intense to say the least. But watching it grow and develop throughout the story was endearing. The way Bianca supported Evan and tried to ease his suffering, despite the “I’m fine” attitude he gave her, was so heartwarming. The ending they got was well worth the effort they put in and I couldn’t have imagined a better one.
April 25, 2026
ARC Review
Book: Power Play
Author: S.L. Sterling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book features the story of Bianca, the coach's daughter of the Colorado Dragons, who returns home to be the team's head athletic trainer and rehab specialist, and Evan, the team's star defenseman. When the condo where Bianca has to move floods, her father suggests that she move with Evan into the spare bedroom that he has.
Evan is not happy with sharing his condo with the coach's daughter, especially because he is hiding his shoulder injury from last season. When Bianca finds out, she wants to help, but Evan denies the injury. There is tension and sparks between these two, both at home and at work.
Would they risk everything to be together?
Book: Power Play
Author: S.L. Sterling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book features the story of Bianca, the coach's daughter of the Colorado Dragons, who returns home to be the team's head athletic trainer and rehab specialist, and Evan, the team's star defenseman. When the condo where Bianca has to move floods, her father suggests that she move with Evan into the spare bedroom that he has.
Evan is not happy with sharing his condo with the coach's daughter, especially because he is hiding his shoulder injury from last season. When Bianca finds out, she wants to help, but Evan denies the injury. There is tension and sparks between these two, both at home and at work.
Would they risk everything to be together?
April 27, 2026
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Evan and Bianca were both characters I really enjoyed. They both worked really hard to get where they wanted in life. They were also extremely loyal sometimes almost to the point of putting themselves or someone else in danger.
But unbeknownst to either of them they both have a guardian angel.
But things get complicated when Bianca's pretty much forced to become Evan's roommate. Problem or at least one of them she's one of the athletic trainers and she knows something's off with him and he's hiding it.
So begins the angry banter, smoldering glances, and almost intimate moments.
Of course the rest of Dragons are around to keep things fun and playful too.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Evan and Bianca were both characters I really enjoyed. They both worked really hard to get where they wanted in life. They were also extremely loyal sometimes almost to the point of putting themselves or someone else in danger.
But unbeknownst to either of them they both have a guardian angel.
But things get complicated when Bianca's pretty much forced to become Evan's roommate. Problem or at least one of them she's one of the athletic trainers and she knows something's off with him and he's hiding it.
So begins the angry banter, smoldering glances, and almost intimate moments.
Of course the rest of Dragons are around to keep things fun and playful too.
I have voluntarily left this review.
April 28, 2026
I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK! The tension was so real I felt like I had to cover my eyes because I just couldn't look. This book was one of those that I would tell myself "Just ONE more chapter!".. and then suddenly it would be 1am and I am completely invested and emotionally attached to fictional characters like we are besties.
It is the perfect mix of chemistry, tension, drama and spiciness without feeling like it is overdone or too much. The banter, slow-burn moments and what feels like MAJOR tension between Landon & Harper... worth every second of reading.
This is a story that makes you smile, swoon, cover your eyes in your mind (in my case lol) and possibly even clutch your chest while mentally melting, then this is definitely the book for you. I fell in love with it!
It is the perfect mix of chemistry, tension, drama and spiciness without feeling like it is overdone or too much. The banter, slow-burn moments and what feels like MAJOR tension between Landon & Harper... worth every second of reading.
This is a story that makes you smile, swoon, cover your eyes in your mind (in my case lol) and possibly even clutch your chest while mentally melting, then this is definitely the book for you. I fell in love with it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evan is a defenseman for the Dragons and Bianca is the new head athletic trainer and Coach’s daughter. They both have some baggage and Evan has an extensive injury that Bianca is trying to help him with, but he is stubborn and resisting her help. I had a hard time with how they were thrown into living together, but it makes sense in the end. I love how Bianca sees the real Evan and not just the surface that he shows to everyone. I loved the tension and the banter between these two. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Evan and Bianca were definitely that.
Thank you S.L. Sterling for the ARC, I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Thank you S.L. Sterling for the ARC, I am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 26, 2026
Power Play by S.L. Sterling is the story of Evan and Bianca. She is the new athletic trainer and rehabilitation specialist for the Colorado Dragons….where her father is the coach. When they discover that her apartment will not be ready for a few months, her father suggests that she stay with Evan, who has a spare bedroom. But, as the practices come and go…she starts to notice something unusual about Evan’s behavior on the ice…
Loved this story! Not sure that her father’s suggestion is one a lot of fathers would make…but, ok. Nevertheless, the back story regarding her job and his health was great! Not a huge amount of tension here, but a good read!!!
Loved this story! Not sure that her father’s suggestion is one a lot of fathers would make…but, ok. Nevertheless, the back story regarding her job and his health was great! Not a huge amount of tension here, but a good read!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You can't run away from fate (or a meddling father). When two souls are destined for each other nothing can stop it. Not even each other.
What a heartwarming tale of Evan and Bianca as they deal with their past and work their way to a HEA.
Their story will keep you entranced until the very end. The characters are well written and you want to continue to know more about them. This just proves that there is someone out there for everyone. All it takes is continually choosing each other and communication.
What a heartwarming tale of Evan and Bianca as they deal with their past and work their way to a HEA.
Their story will keep you entranced until the very end. The characters are well written and you want to continue to know more about them. This just proves that there is someone out there for everyone. All it takes is continually choosing each other and communication.
April 24, 2026
homemade pasta
Power play
By S.L. Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Marcus Grant, 23 one of Bianca’s dad’s rookie hockey players (off limits)gets hurts and basically ghosts her. Then wants to see her…not such a great day after that.
But Bianca did add kinesiology to her roster to be the Colorado Dragons athletic trainer. To make changes to the industry.
After accepting her position Bianca’s condo gets flooded and has to relocate and her Dad suggests Evan Callahans condo till hers is ready. What could possibly go wrong…
Falling in deep over making home made pasta! Love it.
Power play
By S.L. Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Marcus Grant, 23 one of Bianca’s dad’s rookie hockey players (off limits)gets hurts and basically ghosts her. Then wants to see her…not such a great day after that.
But Bianca did add kinesiology to her roster to be the Colorado Dragons athletic trainer. To make changes to the industry.
After accepting her position Bianca’s condo gets flooded and has to relocate and her Dad suggests Evan Callahans condo till hers is ready. What could possibly go wrong…
Falling in deep over making home made pasta! Love it.
April 24, 2026
Power Play brings the addictive enemies to lovers to life with the tension, the chemistry and the emotions.
Bianca has worked her butt off to prove she is good at her job and being the coach’s daughter adds a while other battle for her. Evan has been hiding an injury, so when he is forced by his coach to share his apartment with Bianca, he knows it will be hard to hide his injury from her.
The forced proximity adds so much fuel to an already simmering chemistry. And living together, the walls start coming down and these two are amazing together.
Bianca has worked her butt off to prove she is good at her job and being the coach’s daughter adds a while other battle for her. Evan has been hiding an injury, so when he is forced by his coach to share his apartment with Bianca, he knows it will be hard to hide his injury from her.
The forced proximity adds so much fuel to an already simmering chemistry. And living together, the walls start coming down and these two are amazing together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Power Play is a part of the Colorado Dragons series by SL Sterling. This one is a forced proximity, coach's daughter/player, workplace sports romance, and I loved it! Bianca and Evan's chemistry was undeniable, and the whole story was absolutely fantastic! This is probably my favorite SL Sterling book of all time! The story was so realistic and I loved every single word! Highly recommended with way more than five stars!
April 26, 2026
Truly enjoyed this slow-burn romance. Evan and Bianca start by being unwilling roommates. The development of their relationship is what this a fun and enjoyable read. The anyst and banter between them starts right from the being. Both have personal demons that each of them are secretly fighting against. Bianca can see that Evan is hurting from a injury, but he keeps hiding and state he is fine. This is one you have to read.
April 26, 2026
Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)
This is the last of the Colorado Dragons and we have a very nicely done coach's daughter trope. Bianca has been burned before by one of her father's players, that story was actually part of the reason she went into sports medicine, specializing in the rehab part. Evan is hiding an injury and can't stand that Bianca has spotted it. We get some nice banter, loads of chemistry, and I will say this was a bit of a slow burn, but a good one. I give this 4 stars.
(4 Stars)
This is the last of the Colorado Dragons and we have a very nicely done coach's daughter trope. Bianca has been burned before by one of her father's players, that story was actually part of the reason she went into sports medicine, specializing in the rehab part. Evan is hiding an injury and can't stand that Bianca has spotted it. We get some nice banter, loads of chemistry, and I will say this was a bit of a slow burn, but a good one. I give this 4 stars.
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