Power Play

by Nikki Vilendrer

Surviving life with six brothers has prepared Dani O’Brien well for her new job in the aggressive world of the Minnesota Legislature. But her survival skills fail her when she meets local hockey star Luke Coffey, who is reluctantly wrangled into lobbying on behalf of his team for an arena expansion.

Coming from a well-known sports family, Dani is determined to keep her identity a secret and her “no athletes” dating policy in motion, despite the attraction developing between her and Luke. Luke is tested himself when his professional reputation is pitted against his growing desire for Dani.

Can Dani and Luke capitalize on their situation and make good on their own power play?

344 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2015

About the author

In college, Nikki Vilendrer used daydreaming as a means of escape from many pre-med lectures and labs. Switching from biology and medicine to civics and senate, Nikki eventually found herself in the land of 10,000 lakes—back at home—where she completed her master's in public policy, worked in the Minnesota State Senate, and started writing Power Play—as a means of winding down.

An avid sports fan and policy-wonk, Nikki fuses her love of hockey and the legislature to tell the fictional romance between her characters Dani and Luke. Having grown up skating on many of the outdoor ice rinks lining St. Paul’s East Side, Nikki knew that her home state of Minnesota would be the perfect setting for her first novel.

Nowadays, Nikki still daydreams, but as a means for capturing moments for her next novels and not as a way to avoid pre-med lectures. She still gets her legislative fix by working in government relations; gets to witness true romance via the new brides that come into the bridal shop she works at on weekends; and tries to find any excuse to put on her tap shoes to spark her creativity and keep those writing deadline stressors at bay.

Photo Credit: Lauren at Ariel Photography

Reviews

[Dana Klug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC for free from a Goodreads Giveaway. It arrived with a handwritten thank you note from the author, Nikki Vilendrer. Such a sweet touch.
I loved this story. After reading so many high intensity romance/erotic novels, Power Play was a very welcome sweet romance. With no graphic sex or profanity I was able to really enjoy the story that these characters had to tell. With the characters coming from such different backgrounds, it was really fun to read how Nikki was able to create a storyline that was completely believable. At 332 pages, this was a pretty quick, light and fun read. Definitely a great book. Thanks Nikki Vilendrer and Goodreads!

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I received a free Advanced Reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. The author made it more than the standard romance novel due to the inclusion of the talk of politics and how things work in the Minnesota capitol.

The book had two parallel stories running through it and both were very sweet romances. I think I liked Piper's story just as much as Dani's.

The book was a fun read for me as well because I grew up around the Twin Cities, so I recognized the descriptions and agree that hockey is life in Minnesota!

Overall, a wonderful lighthearted read, well worth picking up the book.

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Politics and Hockey

This was a very cute story, with an additional surprise romance. I never wanted to try an RV trip before but now I am game. I loved the funny stories at the bar. There is drama, work, city and family politic and a good story.

[Sherry Florian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book

I read all of the time, but I loved how you mixed hockey and politics together. I loved Dani and Luke's story, and hope we get to read Piper and Marx's story in the future

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good book. I felt that their love happened a little fast at the end but overall their relationship was very good. I liked Piper and Marc too. I would to see more from the rest of the o'brien's

[Stacie Vilendrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! The main character feels immediately familiar -- one can identify with her vulnerability and strength. An excellent read for any age, but seems to be particularly aimed at young women. One does not need to necessarily be interested in hockey or politics to appreciate the book, however it provides an engaging introduction to these topics. The reader also learns about the inner workings of state congress - particularly the behind-the-scenes work done by innumerable staff when the congress is in session.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was too much for me. I tried so so so so sooooo hard to read this, to complete it. I desperately wanted to like this. I had to stop. It was more about typical women issues and less about sports. I forgot 'get your head out of the gutter' was even a thing, before it jumped out and slit my throat by the way. Was not expecting to see that, in context to 'balls to the face..DODGEBALLS'. i don't know. I can not say with a good conscience that I would recommend this.



Recieved A Free Copy From A Giveaway (Goodreads)

[Toni Mcintire]

A fast reading romance. What does a young woman working with the Minnesota legislator have in common with a hockey star? She is trying to fight her way through the crowd of a press conference. He is among those being interviewed. She sees him and knows who it is. He sees her and want to know who she is. Little do either know that they will later meet in a conference room to work towards the same goal of getting the legislator to help expand the team's hockey arena.

[Susannah Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, with great characters, an intriguing story, and interesting things to learn about how bills are passed in the House of Representatives. Hockey and politics might not seem a likely match, but the author knows both and used her knowledge to pen an engrossing story with characters readers will remember long after the last page is turned.

[Jayne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Dani, Go!! This is a hat trick of a lake read for a fast witty and lovable story about hockey, politics and good old fashioned LOVE! I couldn't put it down and didn't want the story to end! I wanted OVERTIME!! Well done!

[Scott Clute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read by an up-and-coming author. Highly recommend it!

[Misty Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me and I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was strong and well written and seeeeexy! Wonderful read for down time or vacation

[Donna Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Nikki Vilendrer, Beaver's Pond Press and Goodreads.
Charmingly cute, sweet and a clean read.

[Julio Ojeda-Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romance involving ballroom dance, pro hockey and state politics kind of works, but the characters needed to suffer a bit more more before earning their reward.