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Corrigan Falls Raiders #3
Winging It
Natalie West and Toby Cooper were best friends growing up, on and off the ice. But when Toby’s hockey career took off, their friendship was left behind. Now Natalie has a crazy plan to land her crush—Toby’s biggest rival—and she needs Toby’s help to pull it off.
When Nat asks Toby to be her fake boyfriend, he can’t say no. Not when it means getting his best friend back. But Natalie is all grown up now, and spending time with her—even when it’s just playing hockey together—stirs up a lot of feelings, old and new. Suddenly pretending to be interested in her isn’t hard at all…if only she wanted him and not his enemy.
Hockey tore them apart. Can it put them back together?
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, ice-melting kisses, and a swoon-worthy hero. This fake relationship romance will have you wishing for a hockey player of your own…
When Nat asks Toby to be her fake boyfriend, he can’t say no. Not when it means getting his best friend back. But Natalie is all grown up now, and spending time with her—even when it’s just playing hockey together—stirs up a lot of feelings, old and new. Suddenly pretending to be interested in her isn’t hard at all…if only she wanted him and not his enemy.
Hockey tore them apart. Can it put them back together?
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, ice-melting kisses, and a swoon-worthy hero. This fake relationship romance will have you wishing for a hockey player of your own…
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2016
63 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 3, 2016
So happy that I got to read the third book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series!
I immensely enjoyed reading the previous two books, especially the second one – Winslow is my ultimate YA love. But this one was great as well. I absolutely loved Toby – he’s such a good character and an amazing guy! I love his #bromance with Winslow and Tyler, too. I loved it when my boys got all protective of each other. Nat is a cute girl but sadly, I couldn’t relate to her as much as I could to Karen and Claudia. Nevertheless, it was really fun to read about her “scheme” and seeing her realize what’s best for her and what her heart really wants. But what I really did love is her friendship with Dawn. Cate always writes amazing female friendships. I love Cate Cameron’s writing and I always read her books in one sitting. This one was not an exception.
Also, this moment was iconic.
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
Before reading:
I want this. I need this.
I immensely enjoyed reading the previous two books, especially the second one – Winslow is my ultimate YA love. But this one was great as well. I absolutely loved Toby – he’s such a good character and an amazing guy! I love his #bromance with Winslow and Tyler, too. I loved it when my boys got all protective of each other. Nat is a cute girl but sadly, I couldn’t relate to her as much as I could to Karen and Claudia. Nevertheless, it was really fun to read about her “scheme” and seeing her realize what’s best for her and what her heart really wants. But what I really did love is her friendship with Dawn. Cate always writes amazing female friendships. I love Cate Cameron’s writing and I always read her books in one sitting. This one was not an exception.
Also, this moment was iconic.
“She really doesn’t like me much, does she?”
“You sexually harassed her for, like, three years straight. No, she doesn’t like you.”
He frowned at the words, then said, “I don’t think I’d have called it that.”
“You don’t actually get to be the one who decides, though.”
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
Before reading:
I want this. I need this.
December 26, 2016
Nat and Toby used to be good friends. Unfortunately a lot of things have come between them and they've lost their easy friendship ever since Toby became a successful hockey player. That used to be Nat's dream, but there isn't a team for girls she can join. When Toby's cousin Scott is back in town Nat sees her chance to finally make him notice her. If Toby pretends to be her boyfriend Scott will go after her, like he does with everything Toby has. In her mind the plan is pretty solid, but in real life there are feelings involved. Toby is happy to play along as he loves spending time with Nat and he's glad he has his best friend back, even if it's just for a little while. But what will happen after that time, can they still hang out or will he lose Nat to his cousin forever?
Winging It is a story about two athletic people. I loved the fact that Nat is completely herself. She doesn't pretend to be someone she isn't. Even though her plan might not be completely honest she always says what's on her mind. She's endearing and not so tactful, which is quite funny sometimes. Toby is really sweet. He's prepared to do anything for Nat. He's such a good guy. Scott is a player, who also has a friendly and sensitive side. When there's a love triangle someone's bound to get hurt, but Cate Cameron solves that problem in a good way due to which none of the story is sad and the ending is happy for everyone.
Winging It is a wonderful quick and easy read. The story is romantic and fun. It definitely put a smile on my face. Winging it is a book that makes the reader happy, which is something I find important in a romantic story. Crush is the third book of a series, but it can be read as a standalone as well. I had no problem following the story while I haven't read the first two books in the series. I did purchase them straight away as I liked Winging It very much. I love stories about sports and hockey is such a great one to read about. Everything is exactly right in this story, which makes Winging It an amazing romantic read.
Winging It is a story about two athletic people. I loved the fact that Nat is completely herself. She doesn't pretend to be someone she isn't. Even though her plan might not be completely honest she always says what's on her mind. She's endearing and not so tactful, which is quite funny sometimes. Toby is really sweet. He's prepared to do anything for Nat. He's such a good guy. Scott is a player, who also has a friendly and sensitive side. When there's a love triangle someone's bound to get hurt, but Cate Cameron solves that problem in a good way due to which none of the story is sad and the ending is happy for everyone.
Winging It is a wonderful quick and easy read. The story is romantic and fun. It definitely put a smile on my face. Winging it is a book that makes the reader happy, which is something I find important in a romantic story. Crush is the third book of a series, but it can be read as a standalone as well. I had no problem following the story while I haven't read the first two books in the series. I did purchase them straight away as I liked Winging It very much. I love stories about sports and hockey is such a great one to read about. Everything is exactly right in this story, which makes Winging It an amazing romantic read.
March 1, 2017
This was a quick, fairly cute read. It was a little more friends-to-love trope than fake-relationship, but since I like both of those, it was ok. I didn't really care for Natalie. I enjoyed the chapters from Toby more, but he fell a little short of being a character I could really love. Overall, it was a good palate-cleanser from all the more serious books I've been reading lately.
April 28, 2016
I wanted a cute and fun book, and that is exactly what I got with this book. This book made me laugh, swoon, say "awww", and so much more. Cameron continues to show that she knows how to write adorable YA romances.
I liked that characters from the other books were mentioned in this book, but they weren't major characters. It nice to see some glimpses of them without their stories taking over the story of the main characters, Natalie and Toby. Natalie and Toby were great main characters. I loved them both in different ways. However, there were times when Natalie and Toby frustrated me. That lead to me wanting to shake some sense into them, but I was able to eventually forgive them for their frustrating moments.
I shipped Natalie and Toby so hard, and I was dying for them to get together. I was convinced they were soul mates from their first interaction! They were just so adorable together, even when they weren't trying to be cute.
I love Cameron's writing style. I blew through this book because her writing style is just so addictive. It felt like I was watching a good movie that I just couldn't bare to pause for a moment. I loved how believable and realistic the dialogue felt in this book. Cameron expertly wove in romance, humor, and heart into this book. I ate it all up!
The one real issue I had with this book was with one character, Dawn. I liked that Cameron didn't make her the stereotypical mean and hateful ex-girlfriend. That was such a relief! However, I didn't really believe her easy going attitude towards the situation going on in this book. I would have liked to learn a little more about her thoughts and past experiences with Natalie and Toby. I think I would have been able to believe her easy going attitude if I knew more about her.
Overall, this was yet another precious and fun book from Cate Cameron. I am loving this series and I cannot wait to read more books from Cameron!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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I liked that characters from the other books were mentioned in this book, but they weren't major characters. It nice to see some glimpses of them without their stories taking over the story of the main characters, Natalie and Toby. Natalie and Toby were great main characters. I loved them both in different ways. However, there were times when Natalie and Toby frustrated me. That lead to me wanting to shake some sense into them, but I was able to eventually forgive them for their frustrating moments.
I shipped Natalie and Toby so hard, and I was dying for them to get together. I was convinced they were soul mates from their first interaction! They were just so adorable together, even when they weren't trying to be cute.
I love Cameron's writing style. I blew through this book because her writing style is just so addictive. It felt like I was watching a good movie that I just couldn't bare to pause for a moment. I loved how believable and realistic the dialogue felt in this book. Cameron expertly wove in romance, humor, and heart into this book. I ate it all up!
The one real issue I had with this book was with one character, Dawn. I liked that Cameron didn't make her the stereotypical mean and hateful ex-girlfriend. That was such a relief! However, I didn't really believe her easy going attitude towards the situation going on in this book. I would have liked to learn a little more about her thoughts and past experiences with Natalie and Toby. I think I would have been able to believe her easy going attitude if I knew more about her.
Overall, this was yet another precious and fun book from Cate Cameron. I am loving this series and I cannot wait to read more books from Cameron!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
May 3, 2016
~ Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion
Winging It was freaking adorable. It made me swoon and laugh and I just flew through this book.
Winging It is appearently the third book in a series, but can be totally read as a stand-alone since that is what I did. I didn't even knew it was part of a series till I looked it up on Goodreads, but I will definitely read the other two books as well! I had so much fun with Winging It.
I saw someone compare this book to The Deal by Elle Kennedy and while I can see why you would draw that comparison, those two books are complete different, except for the ice hockey and girl and boy fall in love theme. While The Deal was more mature and - I want to say - dirty (totally Garrett's fault), Winging It was cute and innocent. You have to choose yourself what you like more, but I personally like both. I like NA and YA. And Winging It was definitely YA and the first YA book that features ice hockey I know about.
I was rooting for Natalie and Toby from the very beginning and I sometimes wanted to reach into the book and shake them so badly. I always love the friends turn lovers theme, but what I like even more as a theme is when they fake dating to get someone else to notice them and then they fall in love. Totally happened here.
On to the side characters. We have Scott, who Natalie wants to date, and he is a complete douche for the greater part of the book. In the end he was kind of nice, but I still have my doubts about him and am not sure I could ever like him. Then we have Dawn, Toby's ex and Natalie's friend. I didn't get how she could do what she did. I personally wouldn't help bringing my ex and my friend together. I would be pissed at both of them. I kind of missed a motive for her helping them. If we would have gotten a bit more of her perspective, maybe I would have understood it. But as it is, I did not. I liked her though.
The writing style of Cate Cameron was really nice and I read the book through in one sitting. I might have been tired and only intended to read to 50%, but I couldn't put it down. So at 3am I finished it and of course, was tired the next day as well. What I do for a good book *sigh*
I absolutely recommend this book if you are in the mood for a cute YA featuring ice hockey and an adorable cute and you might want to check out the previous books in the series as well.
Rating: 4 stars
Winging It was freaking adorable. It made me swoon and laugh and I just flew through this book.
Winging It is appearently the third book in a series, but can be totally read as a stand-alone since that is what I did. I didn't even knew it was part of a series till I looked it up on Goodreads, but I will definitely read the other two books as well! I had so much fun with Winging It.
I saw someone compare this book to The Deal by Elle Kennedy and while I can see why you would draw that comparison, those two books are complete different, except for the ice hockey and girl and boy fall in love theme. While The Deal was more mature and - I want to say - dirty (totally Garrett's fault), Winging It was cute and innocent. You have to choose yourself what you like more, but I personally like both. I like NA and YA. And Winging It was definitely YA and the first YA book that features ice hockey I know about.
I was rooting for Natalie and Toby from the very beginning and I sometimes wanted to reach into the book and shake them so badly. I always love the friends turn lovers theme, but what I like even more as a theme is when they fake dating to get someone else to notice them and then they fall in love. Totally happened here.
On to the side characters. We have Scott, who Natalie wants to date, and he is a complete douche for the greater part of the book. In the end he was kind of nice, but I still have my doubts about him and am not sure I could ever like him. Then we have Dawn, Toby's ex and Natalie's friend. I didn't get how she could do what she did. I personally wouldn't help bringing my ex and my friend together. I would be pissed at both of them. I kind of missed a motive for her helping them. If we would have gotten a bit more of her perspective, maybe I would have understood it. But as it is, I did not. I liked her though.
The writing style of Cate Cameron was really nice and I read the book through in one sitting. I might have been tired and only intended to read to 50%, but I couldn't put it down. So at 3am I finished it and of course, was tired the next day as well. What I do for a good book *sigh*
I absolutely recommend this book if you are in the mood for a cute YA featuring ice hockey and an adorable cute and you might want to check out the previous books in the series as well.
Rating: 4 stars
June 9, 2016
As a lover of sports romances, I always have my eye out for new ones, especially in the YA world. For some reason, there just aren't enough YA romances that revolve around sports. When I saw Winging It and read the summary, I knew that it was a book that I just had to read.
Natalie West has had the biggest crush on Scott, who just so happens to be the cousin of her old best friend Toby. When Toby started dating someone, he and Natalie started drifting apart until they just didn't see each other anymore. When Scott shows up in town after a year away, Natalie is determined to get his attention. What better way than to make him jealous by pretending to date Toby? Toby tries to say no, but finds himself wrapped up in Natalie's crazy plan and starts having feelings for her that both of them try to convince themselves are part of the act…but are they?
I absolutely love novels that have a fake romance that turn into a real romance. It's so fun watching the characters start to feel something for each other, but think it's part of the act and get confused when it's not really part of the act…oh the drama! I loved Natalie and Toby together and how sweet Toby was and how Natalie started to realize how sweet Toby was as they started to hang out together again. And the fact that they were BOTH hockey players was awesome. It was cool to see them really bond over hockey and I loved seeing them play the actual sport they were supposed to play.
Not only was the Natalie's quest to win over Scott a main plot point, there was also a lot of depth behind both Scott and Toby's characters that I really appreciated. Natalie was slowly able to learn about the boys and understand why they were the way they were. Natalie also grew a lot herself and really looked at what she wanted to do with her own life thanks to Toby.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance that actually had character depth and development that had me falling for the characters with each page. There was enough sports action to satisfy me and an adorably charming hockey player to steal my heart. If you want a fun YA hockey romance, look no further!
Natalie West has had the biggest crush on Scott, who just so happens to be the cousin of her old best friend Toby. When Toby started dating someone, he and Natalie started drifting apart until they just didn't see each other anymore. When Scott shows up in town after a year away, Natalie is determined to get his attention. What better way than to make him jealous by pretending to date Toby? Toby tries to say no, but finds himself wrapped up in Natalie's crazy plan and starts having feelings for her that both of them try to convince themselves are part of the act…but are they?
I absolutely love novels that have a fake romance that turn into a real romance. It's so fun watching the characters start to feel something for each other, but think it's part of the act and get confused when it's not really part of the act…oh the drama! I loved Natalie and Toby together and how sweet Toby was and how Natalie started to realize how sweet Toby was as they started to hang out together again. And the fact that they were BOTH hockey players was awesome. It was cool to see them really bond over hockey and I loved seeing them play the actual sport they were supposed to play.
Not only was the Natalie's quest to win over Scott a main plot point, there was also a lot of depth behind both Scott and Toby's characters that I really appreciated. Natalie was slowly able to learn about the boys and understand why they were the way they were. Natalie also grew a lot herself and really looked at what she wanted to do with her own life thanks to Toby.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance that actually had character depth and development that had me falling for the characters with each page. There was enough sports action to satisfy me and an adorably charming hockey player to steal my heart. If you want a fun YA hockey romance, look no further!
May 19, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from Chapter by Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
Scott Dakins is back in town after almost one year off in Toronto and two people are seriously worried about the fact, but for entirely different reasons…
Natalie West has got a crush on Scott for a while now, but she may as well be invisible as far as the guy is concerned. He never spared her a single glance – and why should he? Nat isn’t popular, eye-catching or even feminine. She is tall, strong and all about comfy clothes and hockey. No reason whatsoever for Scott to notice her existence. But that was about to change and Nat knew exactly who was going to help her win Scott’s attention over.
Toby Cooper is one of the Corrigan Falls Raiders hockey team star. He worked his ass off for his spot on the team and for having a future at it. Since he was a child, he has been all about hockey – well, he and his childhood best friend, Natalie West. Both would give anyone a run for their money while playing, but the time and life cooled their friendship off. That is, until Natalie intimated Toby to be her fake boyfriend in order to attract his cousin Scott’s attention.
Nat knew it was a risky plan and Toby knew it was stupid, but can they measure how much this masquerade will cost to their hearts?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as reader :)
As soon as I started reading, I was hooked. Once again, Cate managed to risk “sleeping” off my to-do list of the day and I only allowed myself to think about the real world again when I had reached the last line of the last chapter of Winging It. I admit that I wasn’t that struck by Toby and Nat as I was with Chris and Dia, but they were wonderful nevertheless and I really liked the amorous triangle that they made with Scott! =O
I know, I know. I can’t believe myself, but it has happened, haha! I loved how this book turned out; it surpassed my expectations and, once again, Cate won me with her brilliant dialogues and impeccable humor that almost made me wake up the whole house in the wee hours of the morning. Five proud stars <3
The narrative style was once again first person with switching points of view between Nat and Toby and I hadn’t problems with either of them, thank goodness. I mean, I didn’t think I’d have due my history with Cameron, but one never knows, haha! There were times in which I wasn’t Nat’s biggest fan, but nothing serious or that a slap on the face wouldn’t cure.
And can we just take a moment to collectively admire Cameron’s writing style and dialogical constructions? Seriously, she. Is. Amazing!! Winging It made me realize that what she did in Playing Defense wasn’t a one deal thing, that maybe this is her classic YA style AND OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH I THINK I’LL DEVORE ANY BOOK THAT I SEE FROM HER NOW!
The plot was simple with that touch of complexity that a connection between two human beings in love can cause in one’s life. We had a pretty clear problem to be solved, but in which guy will Nat believe? Will she join the dark side and get the cookies or stay in the light and face her fears? Sometimes, the simple things are the hardest to solve, haha!
The characters weren’t that awesome as on Playing Defense in my humble opinion, but I admit that I’m still waiting for a guy like Chris Winslow to happen again in my bookish life. He spoiled me hard for Contemporary YA heroes, seriously.
Cameron kept the reality of each person that appeared on the book, making me feel like I was reading some piece of gossip of my old high school than something fictional once again, which I always find extremely cool. Nat was a down to earth girl that felt she was wronged by Corrigan Falls society and became bitter for it; Toby was the good guy struggling to remain that way between so many changes and responsibilities in his life. And we do see Chris again with the other guys of the hockey team and that’s great, but what really surprised me here was that I liked Scott. Not enough to put him on my famous bookish boyfriends list, but enough to learn more about him and not-so-secretly wish that he gets his own book and his own boyfriend. Oh, Toby did made it to my list for one simple reason: THE GUY IS A CLOSETED AUSTEN FAN.
As just a guy, he didn’t catch my eye. But as soon as I learned that he was that kind of romantic I knew I had to have him in my harem.
I gotta confess that I felt a tiny lose end regarding a certain trophy and that I wasn’t particular fond of this cover – I mean, it struck me as sort of bleak – but overall I don’t have negative critics, haha! And of course that I selected a few pieces of Winging It geniality to show off:
“Everything in the real world was confusing, but everything in the shower was totally simple” – Toby
~*~
“She wasn’t being bitchy, just trying to hide her obvious confusion about the soap opera I was somehow involved in.” – Nat
~*~
“He (Scott) raised his eyebrows at me, like he was waiting for me to calm down and be normal. He was going to have quite a wait on that one.” – Nat
~*~
And, to slay it all, this dialogue:
Scott: You know, there was a time not that long ago when you could barely talk to me. And now you’re essentially, threatening to let your mom set me on fire. That’s an interesting change, don’t you think?
Nat: Well, it takes time to build up to threats about fire, you know? A girl can’t just jump in with that – she’s got to lead up to it.
Scott: Fair Enough.
~*~
Overall, if you love funny and cozy books, contemporary, YA, smart dialogues and loveable characters and hockey, you really should pick up Winging It – have I mentioned it can be read as a standalone? :)
Thanks for reading and thanks again to Chapter by Chapter for my review copy!
I received this copy from Chapter by Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
Scott Dakins is back in town after almost one year off in Toronto and two people are seriously worried about the fact, but for entirely different reasons…
Natalie West has got a crush on Scott for a while now, but she may as well be invisible as far as the guy is concerned. He never spared her a single glance – and why should he? Nat isn’t popular, eye-catching or even feminine. She is tall, strong and all about comfy clothes and hockey. No reason whatsoever for Scott to notice her existence. But that was about to change and Nat knew exactly who was going to help her win Scott’s attention over.
Toby Cooper is one of the Corrigan Falls Raiders hockey team star. He worked his ass off for his spot on the team and for having a future at it. Since he was a child, he has been all about hockey – well, he and his childhood best friend, Natalie West. Both would give anyone a run for their money while playing, but the time and life cooled their friendship off. That is, until Natalie intimated Toby to be her fake boyfriend in order to attract his cousin Scott’s attention.
Nat knew it was a risky plan and Toby knew it was stupid, but can they measure how much this masquerade will cost to their hearts?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as reader :)
As soon as I started reading, I was hooked. Once again, Cate managed to risk “sleeping” off my to-do list of the day and I only allowed myself to think about the real world again when I had reached the last line of the last chapter of Winging It. I admit that I wasn’t that struck by Toby and Nat as I was with Chris and Dia, but they were wonderful nevertheless and I really liked the amorous triangle that they made with Scott! =O
I know, I know. I can’t believe myself, but it has happened, haha! I loved how this book turned out; it surpassed my expectations and, once again, Cate won me with her brilliant dialogues and impeccable humor that almost made me wake up the whole house in the wee hours of the morning. Five proud stars <3
The narrative style was once again first person with switching points of view between Nat and Toby and I hadn’t problems with either of them, thank goodness. I mean, I didn’t think I’d have due my history with Cameron, but one never knows, haha! There were times in which I wasn’t Nat’s biggest fan, but nothing serious or that a slap on the face wouldn’t cure.
And can we just take a moment to collectively admire Cameron’s writing style and dialogical constructions? Seriously, she. Is. Amazing!! Winging It made me realize that what she did in Playing Defense wasn’t a one deal thing, that maybe this is her classic YA style AND OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH I THINK I’LL DEVORE ANY BOOK THAT I SEE FROM HER NOW!
The plot was simple with that touch of complexity that a connection between two human beings in love can cause in one’s life. We had a pretty clear problem to be solved, but in which guy will Nat believe? Will she join the dark side and get the cookies or stay in the light and face her fears? Sometimes, the simple things are the hardest to solve, haha!
The characters weren’t that awesome as on Playing Defense in my humble opinion, but I admit that I’m still waiting for a guy like Chris Winslow to happen again in my bookish life. He spoiled me hard for Contemporary YA heroes, seriously.
Cameron kept the reality of each person that appeared on the book, making me feel like I was reading some piece of gossip of my old high school than something fictional once again, which I always find extremely cool. Nat was a down to earth girl that felt she was wronged by Corrigan Falls society and became bitter for it; Toby was the good guy struggling to remain that way between so many changes and responsibilities in his life. And we do see Chris again with the other guys of the hockey team and that’s great, but what really surprised me here was that I liked Scott. Not enough to put him on my famous bookish boyfriends list, but enough to learn more about him and not-so-secretly wish that he gets his own book and his own boyfriend. Oh, Toby did made it to my list for one simple reason: THE GUY IS A CLOSETED AUSTEN FAN.
As just a guy, he didn’t catch my eye. But as soon as I learned that he was that kind of romantic I knew I had to have him in my harem.
I gotta confess that I felt a tiny lose end regarding a certain trophy and that I wasn’t particular fond of this cover – I mean, it struck me as sort of bleak – but overall I don’t have negative critics, haha! And of course that I selected a few pieces of Winging It geniality to show off:
“Everything in the real world was confusing, but everything in the shower was totally simple” – Toby
~*~
“She wasn’t being bitchy, just trying to hide her obvious confusion about the soap opera I was somehow involved in.” – Nat
~*~
“He (Scott) raised his eyebrows at me, like he was waiting for me to calm down and be normal. He was going to have quite a wait on that one.” – Nat
~*~
And, to slay it all, this dialogue:
Scott: You know, there was a time not that long ago when you could barely talk to me. And now you’re essentially, threatening to let your mom set me on fire. That’s an interesting change, don’t you think?
Nat: Well, it takes time to build up to threats about fire, you know? A girl can’t just jump in with that – she’s got to lead up to it.
Scott: Fair Enough.
~*~
Overall, if you love funny and cozy books, contemporary, YA, smart dialogues and loveable characters and hockey, you really should pick up Winging It – have I mentioned it can be read as a standalone? :)
Thanks for reading and thanks again to Chapter by Chapter for my review copy!
May 1, 2018
Actual Rating: 4.25
This was an enjoyable read. I really thought the story line was great. Though the book is short, it did make me laugh. This is the 3rd book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone as well. I think this book is my favourite because it was a friends to lovers story. I found it funny that while Toby and Natalie were pretending to date each other to get other people to like them, they end up falling in love. I thought Natalie and Toby were relatable characters because we all want people to notice us, and we all want to feel love. I do like that the theme is love can appear in the most unexpected ways. I can't wait to read book 4. Overall, a great read.
This was an enjoyable read. I really thought the story line was great. Though the book is short, it did make me laugh. This is the 3rd book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone as well. I think this book is my favourite because it was a friends to lovers story. I found it funny that while Toby and Natalie were pretending to date each other to get other people to like them, they end up falling in love. I thought Natalie and Toby were relatable characters because we all want people to notice us, and we all want to feel love. I do like that the theme is love can appear in the most unexpected ways. I can't wait to read book 4. Overall, a great read.
May 16, 2016
For more reviews click HERE
*I was provided a copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Having read and loved book 2 from the Corrigan Falls Raiders series I was really excited to read this one so when I saw that was available to request I requested it right away. I’m happy I did it because this book was so cute.
I really liked the plot in this book where we have childhood best-friends who start a fake relationship. I love this kind of things but sometimes it can’t get really frustrating. In this case it was frustrating sometimes but not too much. Natalie just wanted what she thought was right for her and while I would get mad at her sometimes I could understand her. We’re talking about a 17 year-old and 17 year-olds are immature, make tons of mistakes and think that something is right for them when it’s clearly not right. Nat looked like the teenager she was and that’s something that sometimes is missing in young adult books because a lot of times the main characters look to growth-up. I loved Toby. He was cute and amazing and I want a boyfriend who doesn’t freak out if I eat a whole pizza all by myself. I would be happy if I found someone like that. Also, he loved Pride and Prejudice so that’s a bonus XD . I loved Nat and Toby’s relationship and how much Toby helped Nat realize she should follow her dreams. These two were just too adorable. Another character I really liked was Dawn, Toby’s ex. In the beginning I thought she would be a problem in Nat and Toby’s relationship but I loved how she help them to realize how they felt about each other. I didn’t like Scott, Toby’s cousin and Nat’s crush, and I just wanted Nat to realize that he didn’t deserve her and that he was interested in her for all the wrong reasons but kudos for him when he was actually capable of being nice and helpful for a little bit. Good thing he’s 5% sweetheart.
Once again, I really liked Cate Cameron’s writing style and I loved that she included dual POV because for me dual POVs is something I love. Cate Cameron did it again and wrote a freaking adorable book. I should read book 1 now too. If it’s anything like the last two books I know I’ll love it.
Overall, this was an extremely cute and adorable read. If you love young adult contemporary that features best-friends and fake romances you should definitely give this one a try :) .
*I was provided a copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Having read and loved book 2 from the Corrigan Falls Raiders series I was really excited to read this one so when I saw that was available to request I requested it right away. I’m happy I did it because this book was so cute.
I really liked the plot in this book where we have childhood best-friends who start a fake relationship. I love this kind of things but sometimes it can’t get really frustrating. In this case it was frustrating sometimes but not too much. Natalie just wanted what she thought was right for her and while I would get mad at her sometimes I could understand her. We’re talking about a 17 year-old and 17 year-olds are immature, make tons of mistakes and think that something is right for them when it’s clearly not right. Nat looked like the teenager she was and that’s something that sometimes is missing in young adult books because a lot of times the main characters look to growth-up. I loved Toby. He was cute and amazing and I want a boyfriend who doesn’t freak out if I eat a whole pizza all by myself. I would be happy if I found someone like that. Also, he loved Pride and Prejudice so that’s a bonus XD . I loved Nat and Toby’s relationship and how much Toby helped Nat realize she should follow her dreams. These two were just too adorable. Another character I really liked was Dawn, Toby’s ex. In the beginning I thought she would be a problem in Nat and Toby’s relationship but I loved how she help them to realize how they felt about each other. I didn’t like Scott, Toby’s cousin and Nat’s crush, and I just wanted Nat to realize that he didn’t deserve her and that he was interested in her for all the wrong reasons but kudos for him when he was actually capable of being nice and helpful for a little bit. Good thing he’s 5% sweetheart.
Once again, I really liked Cate Cameron’s writing style and I loved that she included dual POV because for me dual POVs is something I love. Cate Cameron did it again and wrote a freaking adorable book. I should read book 1 now too. If it’s anything like the last two books I know I’ll love it.
Overall, this was an extremely cute and adorable read. If you love young adult contemporary that features best-friends and fake romances you should definitely give this one a try :) .
May 19, 2016
Winging it!!! First things first: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The book is already out, so you can go and check it out.
This is the second book I read in this series. I still have to read the first one. I have it on my tablet and will read it as soon as I have caught up with my ARCs. This is something that I love about the series. You can read the books alone without having to read the other books.
Let's talk about Winging it!!!
This time the story focuses on Toby Cooper and Natalie West. They are friends since childhood but then they grew apart cause Toby got way more opportunities for his hockey career, while nothing really happened for her, cause women's hockey isn't that big of a deal in town. Toby's Scott cousin is coming back in town and Natalie has a crush on him. Scott has habit of going after Toby's girlfriends. So Natalie talks Toby into being in a fake relationship with her, so she will show up on Scott's radar.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE storys with fake relationships that turn into real relationships. So yes, it maybe was a bit predictable but sometimes it's great to know that there isn't a twist that will throw you off. Scott was such an annoying and unlikeable character for me, that I just couldn't imagine Natalie actually getting together with him.
Natalie and Toby. As individual characters where super frustrating from time to time. But I really loved them and together they were super adorable. I'm super happy that the fake relationship first brought them back together as friends. Him helping her out with hockey, giving her the kick in the butt that she needed and then making an amazing opportunity happening for her.
I also loved seeing characters from the first two books show up. Like Tyler and Chris, who are Toby's team mates. Also Dawn. I loved her so much in this book. She is Toby's ex girlfriend but their friendship in this book and how she helped him realize that he was actually in love with Natalie. Aaaaaah. YESS. Wonderful.
So overall it was wonderfully written and such a fun and easy read. And if you want something cute to read, you have to check out these Corrigan Falls Raiders books by Cate Cameron.
The book is already out, so you can go and check it out.
This is the second book I read in this series. I still have to read the first one. I have it on my tablet and will read it as soon as I have caught up with my ARCs. This is something that I love about the series. You can read the books alone without having to read the other books.
Let's talk about Winging it!!!
This time the story focuses on Toby Cooper and Natalie West. They are friends since childhood but then they grew apart cause Toby got way more opportunities for his hockey career, while nothing really happened for her, cause women's hockey isn't that big of a deal in town. Toby's Scott cousin is coming back in town and Natalie has a crush on him. Scott has habit of going after Toby's girlfriends. So Natalie talks Toby into being in a fake relationship with her, so she will show up on Scott's radar.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE storys with fake relationships that turn into real relationships. So yes, it maybe was a bit predictable but sometimes it's great to know that there isn't a twist that will throw you off. Scott was such an annoying and unlikeable character for me, that I just couldn't imagine Natalie actually getting together with him.
Natalie and Toby. As individual characters where super frustrating from time to time. But I really loved them and together they were super adorable. I'm super happy that the fake relationship first brought them back together as friends. Him helping her out with hockey, giving her the kick in the butt that she needed and then making an amazing opportunity happening for her.
I also loved seeing characters from the first two books show up. Like Tyler and Chris, who are Toby's team mates. Also Dawn. I loved her so much in this book. She is Toby's ex girlfriend but their friendship in this book and how she helped him realize that he was actually in love with Natalie. Aaaaaah. YESS. Wonderful.
So overall it was wonderfully written and such a fun and easy read. And if you want something cute to read, you have to check out these Corrigan Falls Raiders books by Cate Cameron.
December 15, 2017
Well, this definitely wasn't my favourite from the Corrigan Falls Raiders, but I can't deny the soft spot I have for this series. I'm easily satisfied by contemporary romances, and not only does Winging It involve the friendship to romance trope, which I love, it also involves my ultimate guilty pleasure, the fake relationship trope.
Of course, with these overly sweet stories, I never expect much depth beyond the predictable plot. It's not difficult to read the synopsis and immediately know the ending. You could say there's an attempt to include a little family feud in this one, but, let's be real, I read it purely for the craving of romantic fluff and the Canadian winter atmosphere.
Hockey is the common theme within this series, but it's been specifically focused on a Raiders team member and an outsider of the game. It was nice that this one also included Natalie, a female whose passion for hockey is just as strong. Although Natalie is further behind in her hockey career, and most likely never going to reach NHL status, Toby was wonderfully supportive in her success and pushed her to the reality that she doesn't have to give up the sport completely.
As a pair, I loved Natalie and Toby together, but the reasoning behind their fake relationship was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. The family drama I mentioned previously involves Scott, Toby's arrogant, sleazy cousin, who just happens to have a reputation of stealing girlfriends. Knowing his past, Natalie convinces herself that he'll be attracted to her when she's in a relationship. Using Toby, she creates a deliberate plan of leading Scott towards her seemingly unattainable self. A you want what you can't have type of situation, and a terribly unhealthy attempt to initiate a relationship, if you ask me. Even knowing his arrogant reasoning for his actions, Scott was simply not a redeemable character, and I just did not have the patience for Natalie to finally realize her mistake.
Of course, with these overly sweet stories, I never expect much depth beyond the predictable plot. It's not difficult to read the synopsis and immediately know the ending. You could say there's an attempt to include a little family feud in this one, but, let's be real, I read it purely for the craving of romantic fluff and the Canadian winter atmosphere.
Hockey is the common theme within this series, but it's been specifically focused on a Raiders team member and an outsider of the game. It was nice that this one also included Natalie, a female whose passion for hockey is just as strong. Although Natalie is further behind in her hockey career, and most likely never going to reach NHL status, Toby was wonderfully supportive in her success and pushed her to the reality that she doesn't have to give up the sport completely.
As a pair, I loved Natalie and Toby together, but the reasoning behind their fake relationship was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. The family drama I mentioned previously involves Scott, Toby's arrogant, sleazy cousin, who just happens to have a reputation of stealing girlfriends. Knowing his past, Natalie convinces herself that he'll be attracted to her when she's in a relationship. Using Toby, she creates a deliberate plan of leading Scott towards her seemingly unattainable self. A you want what you can't have type of situation, and a terribly unhealthy attempt to initiate a relationship, if you ask me. Even knowing his arrogant reasoning for his actions, Scott was simply not a redeemable character, and I just did not have the patience for Natalie to finally realize her mistake.
Read
April 16, 2016Remember the fake kiss in Some Kind of Wonderful? Maybe not - that's a pretty old movie. But it's an excellent fake kiss, one that gives us and the characters a good idea that "fake" is a relative term. (Okay, I looked it up! I forgot how "pretty" they made Eric Stolz look - I think I prefer him a little rougher. Anyway...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvBjH...)
And, anyway #2 - that kiss was pretty much the inspiration for this whole book. Fake relationship turned real? Not exactly a new idea. But I tried to make it feel real, tried to add a few twists, tried to make the characters all interesting and three-dimensional and fun.
I hope people like it!
And, anyway #2 - that kiss was pretty much the inspiration for this whole book. Fake relationship turned real? Not exactly a new idea. But I tried to make it feel real, tried to add a few twists, tried to make the characters all interesting and three-dimensional and fun.
I hope people like it!
November 12, 2020
3.5 stars!
This was super cute! But there were some parts where Nat annoyed me and Scott infuriated me. But Nat grew on me and Toby was adorable. And I would love to be friends with Winslow and Dawn they both sound pretty cool.
This was super cute! But there were some parts where Nat annoyed me and Scott infuriated me. But Nat grew on me and Toby was adorable. And I would love to be friends with Winslow and Dawn they both sound pretty cool.
May 18, 2016
Read full review HERE
A while back I read book 2 of this series, Playing Defense, and I really liked that one. I equally liked this one, with an added bonus of two of my favorite tropes being at play here.
Much like the previous book, I really liked the writing. And more importantly, once again, the characters felt their age. They read like teenagers, doing the wrong things most of the time, but trying to find the right way.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a huge fan of the best friends turned lovers and the pretend relationship tropes, and once again, we had both here. I thought the development of both of this situations was very well done.
In general I liked both main characters, though Nat frustrated me a bit, but I can’t really fault her. She’s a teenager, and like all teenagers she has her crush goggles for most of the book, crushing on someone who truly doesn’t deserve her. I did like her growth though, and I really loved Toby’s part in it. Toby was seriously awesome. I really liked how honest he was with Nat, not taking her crap about his success, and opening her eyes to what she still could do to grab her future. I also really liked that he was willing to put her happiness and whatever she wanted, first.
They were amazing as friends, and amazing as everything more!
I really wanted to beat the hell out of Scott, the dude was an asshole! I wanted to shake Nat and make her wake up and see what was right in front of her! Still, he had his moments, and he wasn’t 100% bad… just 95%… I initially thought that Dawn would be a problem, being Toby’s ex girlfriend and all, but I was happy about how Cameron wrote their relationship.
Ultimatly this book has some nice messages, like how you should always be yourself with the person you love… you shouldn’t have to think about what to eat or wear when you love someone. Also, it’s not because things look perfect, that they are…
It’s a very cute and great YA contemporary romance, with a dash of hockey – which you by now know that I love. So, give it a go!
A while back I read book 2 of this series, Playing Defense, and I really liked that one. I equally liked this one, with an added bonus of two of my favorite tropes being at play here.
Much like the previous book, I really liked the writing. And more importantly, once again, the characters felt their age. They read like teenagers, doing the wrong things most of the time, but trying to find the right way.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a huge fan of the best friends turned lovers and the pretend relationship tropes, and once again, we had both here. I thought the development of both of this situations was very well done.
In general I liked both main characters, though Nat frustrated me a bit, but I can’t really fault her. She’s a teenager, and like all teenagers she has her crush goggles for most of the book, crushing on someone who truly doesn’t deserve her. I did like her growth though, and I really loved Toby’s part in it. Toby was seriously awesome. I really liked how honest he was with Nat, not taking her crap about his success, and opening her eyes to what she still could do to grab her future. I also really liked that he was willing to put her happiness and whatever she wanted, first.
They were amazing as friends, and amazing as everything more!
I really wanted to beat the hell out of Scott, the dude was an asshole! I wanted to shake Nat and make her wake up and see what was right in front of her! Still, he had his moments, and he wasn’t 100% bad… just 95%… I initially thought that Dawn would be a problem, being Toby’s ex girlfriend and all, but I was happy about how Cameron wrote their relationship.
Ultimatly this book has some nice messages, like how you should always be yourself with the person you love… you shouldn’t have to think about what to eat or wear when you love someone. Also, it’s not because things look perfect, that they are…
It’s a very cute and great YA contemporary romance, with a dash of hockey – which you by now know that I love. So, give it a go!
May 5, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have a blog tour stop on May 19th! See my full review then!
I really enjoyed this one: there were so many good things! I loved that there was a lot of talk of empowerment and saying "no" when you weren't comfortable. I also liked that Nat had a goal she wanted to reach and had Toby help her. I also liked that Nat didn't want to be a part of something just for the sake of being a part of it. I really liked the overall idea and premise and thought the writing and execution really worked well for me.
But I am so not a fan of stories where there is a "love triangle" and one guy is Evil and one guy is Good because it just doesn't work for me. I don't like that the choice becomes so obvious because one guy treats everyone else like shit. And sure, Scott owned up to it in this one, but I knew there was NO WAY Nat was going to choose him because Toby was a Knight in Shining Armor. Or I guess hockey gear. I think I am more of a fan of fake relationships when it is about saving face rather than being in a relationship with someone else and making them jealous because those books always end up making one character into someone that no one likes and the other into a God.
But I still really enjoyed this one. It was a good set up and I really liked that it wasn't your classic take on a fake relationship. I also really liked that there weren't shenanigans, really. It was just two people learning how to be themselves and be in a relationship and deciding how to handle that
Books and Ladders | Queen of the Bookshelves | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
I have a blog tour stop on May 19th! See my full review then!
I really enjoyed this one: there were so many good things! I loved that there was a lot of talk of empowerment and saying "no" when you weren't comfortable. I also liked that Nat had a goal she wanted to reach and had Toby help her. I also liked that Nat didn't want to be a part of something just for the sake of being a part of it. I really liked the overall idea and premise and thought the writing and execution really worked well for me.
But I am so not a fan of stories where there is a "love triangle" and one guy is Evil and one guy is Good because it just doesn't work for me. I don't like that the choice becomes so obvious because one guy treats everyone else like shit. And sure, Scott owned up to it in this one, but I knew there was NO WAY Nat was going to choose him because Toby was a Knight in Shining Armor. Or I guess hockey gear. I think I am more of a fan of fake relationships when it is about saving face rather than being in a relationship with someone else and making them jealous because those books always end up making one character into someone that no one likes and the other into a God.
But I still really enjoyed this one. It was a good set up and I really liked that it wasn't your classic take on a fake relationship. I also really liked that there weren't shenanigans, really. It was just two people learning how to be themselves and be in a relationship and deciding how to handle that
Books and Ladders | Queen of the Bookshelves | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
May 8, 2016
Cate Cameron scored a hat trick with the third book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series Winging It. Toby Cooper and Natalie West were best friends and hockey team mates most of their lives. However, once Natalie’s hockey options ended, and Toby started playing in the OHL they drifted apart. Now Natalie needs Toby’s help to be noticed by her crush/his rival, Scott Dakins, and act like her fake boyfriend. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Corrigan Falls, Ontario. It is suitable for young adults.
I love the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series. Winging lived up to my expectations. Once again, Cate Cameron does a fantastic job with her character development. The characters are very diverse and have many layers to them. Unlike his hockey team mates who are living with billet families, Toby is from Corrigan Falls, so he lives with his family. He has a loving family and good home life. He is an alternate captain of his hockey team. He is a good guy who is well liked. Natalie is jealous that Toby is still playing hockey. They used to play on the same line together: her a left wing, him a right. They had a wonderful friendship that began to fade once Toby began playing for the Raiders and dating Dawn. Having known each other forever, Toby and Nat are comfortable around one another and can be themselves. Scott is Toby’s cousin and rival. They have an interesting relationship that is a great example of “the grass is always greener on the other side.” They are very competitive with one another: hence Natalie’s plan.
I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and well executed. There were numerous twists and interesting events. I like how the story was concluded. While I highly recommend every book in the series; you would be able to follow this story as a stand-alone. Winging It is a great read for anyone that enjoys contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series. Winging lived up to my expectations. Once again, Cate Cameron does a fantastic job with her character development. The characters are very diverse and have many layers to them. Unlike his hockey team mates who are living with billet families, Toby is from Corrigan Falls, so he lives with his family. He has a loving family and good home life. He is an alternate captain of his hockey team. He is a good guy who is well liked. Natalie is jealous that Toby is still playing hockey. They used to play on the same line together: her a left wing, him a right. They had a wonderful friendship that began to fade once Toby began playing for the Raiders and dating Dawn. Having known each other forever, Toby and Nat are comfortable around one another and can be themselves. Scott is Toby’s cousin and rival. They have an interesting relationship that is a great example of “the grass is always greener on the other side.” They are very competitive with one another: hence Natalie’s plan.
I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and well executed. There were numerous twists and interesting events. I like how the story was concluded. While I highly recommend every book in the series; you would be able to follow this story as a stand-alone. Winging It is a great read for anyone that enjoys contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2017
I’m not much into hockey fan, but I love a good story line. Anything having to do with friends getting together, especially after many years. And of course some initial deceiving, hello I’m all over it! This book didn’t disappoint in the least it was absolutely delightful.
We meet Natalie and Toby, two friends who have known each other forever, and their main common factor is hockey. They both love the sport sure things happened where Nat just gave up on it but reuniting with her old friend has bought to her a whole new perspective. If you read the blurb on this book you already know there is some pretend boy friending that happens, and any time something like that happens you just KNOW it’s going to be good. This book didn’t disappoint. There is always trouble when you start pretending, things happen, feelings happen or more like feelings that were deep down finally come out into the light. Sure it was a little weird who bought this to their attention, well at least Toby’s but it’s for a reason and I loved it!
This was a quick and easy fun read from beginning to end. You couldn’t help but not like Scott, but then in the end he semi redeemed himself. You just never know what someone is going through in their lives. They may act one way and they may seem on way but in reality it’s just all a façade for something that is happening in their lives that they don’t want to talk about. I think that’s a great message in this book. You have to be forward and express who and what you really are not just hide behind an attitude or persona.
You know how much I love my Entangled Crush books, and I found this one and I just couldn’t resist the description sold me. I am completely reading these books out of order, I don’t know why it just happened to work out that way, but regardless of that I love this series! The characters are great the plot is fun and sweet. I really want to find out more about the other Raiders and what has happened with them. Again, very quick easy fun and just loveable series. I love the cover, it’s super cute and eye catching. Adorable! I would take any of these Raiders any day!
We meet Natalie and Toby, two friends who have known each other forever, and their main common factor is hockey. They both love the sport sure things happened where Nat just gave up on it but reuniting with her old friend has bought to her a whole new perspective. If you read the blurb on this book you already know there is some pretend boy friending that happens, and any time something like that happens you just KNOW it’s going to be good. This book didn’t disappoint. There is always trouble when you start pretending, things happen, feelings happen or more like feelings that were deep down finally come out into the light. Sure it was a little weird who bought this to their attention, well at least Toby’s but it’s for a reason and I loved it!
This was a quick and easy fun read from beginning to end. You couldn’t help but not like Scott, but then in the end he semi redeemed himself. You just never know what someone is going through in their lives. They may act one way and they may seem on way but in reality it’s just all a façade for something that is happening in their lives that they don’t want to talk about. I think that’s a great message in this book. You have to be forward and express who and what you really are not just hide behind an attitude or persona.
You know how much I love my Entangled Crush books, and I found this one and I just couldn’t resist the description sold me. I am completely reading these books out of order, I don’t know why it just happened to work out that way, but regardless of that I love this series! The characters are great the plot is fun and sweet. I really want to find out more about the other Raiders and what has happened with them. Again, very quick easy fun and just loveable series. I love the cover, it’s super cute and eye catching. Adorable! I would take any of these Raiders any day!
September 8, 2017
I didn't like the Story of Nat and Toby as much as I liked the other books in this series.
My Problem was that I didn't really connect with the characters and therefore wasn't as invested in their Story as I was in the others on the Corrigan Raiders Hockey Team.
But I am still continuing with the series, because overall I really like it.
My Problem was that I didn't really connect with the characters and therefore wasn't as invested in their Story as I was in the others on the Corrigan Raiders Hockey Team.
But I am still continuing with the series, because overall I really like it.
February 6, 2018
Another cute one in this series. However, I'm very disappointed that I share the same name as the lead character as I found her to be so stupid. She was so oblivious and constantly making bad decisions. It was frustrating. Scott's still a dick.
January 11, 2019
Not so great but not so good either. Which sounds just as dodgy as my feelings about this book.
May 19, 2016
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I am in bunny love with Toby. This guy was sweet and kind. I hated seeing him have to protect his heart and than when he put it out there Natalie was too scared and ran. Bad Natalie Bad.
Toby and Natalie were once besties. Suddenly Natalie stopped cold turkey. This confused Toby but being the great sweet and thoughtful guy he is respected that and let natalie figure her way to him again. Only she wasn’t coming to him as a friend but with a scheme.A scheme that put Toby and his cousin more at odds. Odds that were already strained. Toby tried to get her to not do this scheme but she wouldn’t back down. So Toby being the good guy he is and a little selfish because he wanted his friend back agreed.
As they were pretending to be together, Toby stopped pretending and really was with her. She didn’t know this. It was hard for him to stay at a distance. He wanted his friend back and more with her. He saw her for her. Not a nerd or a would be hockey player and he called her on her on misgivings and failures. It was Natalie that let obstacles get in her way and Toby let her know this. He also did everything he could to help her overcome these obstacles. Even if it meant sacrificing free time and time with his family and friends. Even if he was tired and needed to study he gave that up to help her. While she was grateful she had a one track mind and it was on his cousin. She was feeling conflicted though and didn’t want to believe anything when it came to Toby. Heck no guy just sacrifices his time and gets her ice time because they don’t like you seriously he’s a great guy but come on you meant something to him Natalie.
So as Toby is finding out his feelings and not fighting them, helping Natalie with her hairbrained scheme, helping her realize her dreams, he still has his dreams and school to worry about. Oh and an ex that is Natalie’s bestfriend who is trying to get them together for real. She sees toby’s feelings and works on him about it.
Toby’s cousin is a douche in some ways but underneath it all what he wants is to have love and acceptance. He has a home life that sucks and he wishes to be Toby. Toby has a family that loves him no matter what and is there for him-something his cousin doesn’t have. So he tries to take it from Toby I think so that Toby can feel pain like he does. natalie for him is a conquest and nothing more although I think he begins to see her differently. He sees her as a friend and that she isn’t judging him and really seeing him for him. I think at the end he does something selfless but masks it in a douchecanoe move.
Toby and Natalie are awesome. I love toby more than Natalie because he is more open and honest with himself, his feelings and others. Natalie becomes to one tracked and her anger at the beginning is directed at the wrong person. She takes everything out on Toby and he was clueless why. He didn’t do anything for that wrath and he was helping her out after she didn’t talk to him for so long. He was kind, understanding and sweet. natalie was a good character but she had alot of growth for me. Watching her realize what she was doing when it came to hockey and toby was a big hurdle. Than seeing toby’s cousin and not judging was another. She ticked me off when Toby let it all out to her and she treated it like a joke and walked away. That was totally heartbreaking. I don’t blame Toby for being crushed and feeling defeated. Nor do i blame him for walking away completely so his heart could heal. She is lucky he is a sweet and amazing guy and still has a open and loving heart at the end.
the third in the Corrigan falls series is just as sweet and fun as the others. Toby is a terrific character and natalie is one we see alot of growth in. She is a good character but I like Toby more only because of his honesty with himself and being open to things and accepting as well. the story flew by with all the moments of Toby and Natalie as they get to know each other again and fall for one another in the process as natalie tries to get Toby’s cousin and nabs Toby in the process. A wonderful sweet book that has characters who draw you in and a story that keeps you captivated.
I am in bunny love with Toby. This guy was sweet and kind. I hated seeing him have to protect his heart and than when he put it out there Natalie was too scared and ran. Bad Natalie Bad.
Toby and Natalie were once besties. Suddenly Natalie stopped cold turkey. This confused Toby but being the great sweet and thoughtful guy he is respected that and let natalie figure her way to him again. Only she wasn’t coming to him as a friend but with a scheme.A scheme that put Toby and his cousin more at odds. Odds that were already strained. Toby tried to get her to not do this scheme but she wouldn’t back down. So Toby being the good guy he is and a little selfish because he wanted his friend back agreed.
As they were pretending to be together, Toby stopped pretending and really was with her. She didn’t know this. It was hard for him to stay at a distance. He wanted his friend back and more with her. He saw her for her. Not a nerd or a would be hockey player and he called her on her on misgivings and failures. It was Natalie that let obstacles get in her way and Toby let her know this. He also did everything he could to help her overcome these obstacles. Even if it meant sacrificing free time and time with his family and friends. Even if he was tired and needed to study he gave that up to help her. While she was grateful she had a one track mind and it was on his cousin. She was feeling conflicted though and didn’t want to believe anything when it came to Toby. Heck no guy just sacrifices his time and gets her ice time because they don’t like you seriously he’s a great guy but come on you meant something to him Natalie.
So as Toby is finding out his feelings and not fighting them, helping Natalie with her hairbrained scheme, helping her realize her dreams, he still has his dreams and school to worry about. Oh and an ex that is Natalie’s bestfriend who is trying to get them together for real. She sees toby’s feelings and works on him about it.
Toby’s cousin is a douche in some ways but underneath it all what he wants is to have love and acceptance. He has a home life that sucks and he wishes to be Toby. Toby has a family that loves him no matter what and is there for him-something his cousin doesn’t have. So he tries to take it from Toby I think so that Toby can feel pain like he does. natalie for him is a conquest and nothing more although I think he begins to see her differently. He sees her as a friend and that she isn’t judging him and really seeing him for him. I think at the end he does something selfless but masks it in a douchecanoe move.
Toby and Natalie are awesome. I love toby more than Natalie because he is more open and honest with himself, his feelings and others. Natalie becomes to one tracked and her anger at the beginning is directed at the wrong person. She takes everything out on Toby and he was clueless why. He didn’t do anything for that wrath and he was helping her out after she didn’t talk to him for so long. He was kind, understanding and sweet. natalie was a good character but she had alot of growth for me. Watching her realize what she was doing when it came to hockey and toby was a big hurdle. Than seeing toby’s cousin and not judging was another. She ticked me off when Toby let it all out to her and she treated it like a joke and walked away. That was totally heartbreaking. I don’t blame Toby for being crushed and feeling defeated. Nor do i blame him for walking away completely so his heart could heal. She is lucky he is a sweet and amazing guy and still has a open and loving heart at the end.
the third in the Corrigan falls series is just as sweet and fun as the others. Toby is a terrific character and natalie is one we see alot of growth in. She is a good character but I like Toby more only because of his honesty with himself and being open to things and accepting as well. the story flew by with all the moments of Toby and Natalie as they get to know each other again and fall for one another in the process as natalie tries to get Toby’s cousin and nabs Toby in the process. A wonderful sweet book that has characters who draw you in and a story that keeps you captivated.
May 4, 2016
This book. THIS BOOK. It was delectable. I liked the last book, but I LOVED this one.
I'm just going to go on a rave now, ok??? (And because I have to say this, I got an ARC, but that's never stopped me from being honest, has it?)
So we've got Nat and Toby. Toby is one of the Raiders, i.e. sexy ice hockey player. He and Nat used to be best friends and play ice hockey together as kids, but then puberty hit, and he became a star. Over time, they sort of grew apart. But then Nat decides she wants Scott, Toby's richboy cousin, and she spontaneously decides to play the fake relationship card with Toby to get Scott to notice her. You get where this is going, but it's worth it!
I loved loved LOVED how Nat was so direct and decisive about things. She made a bunch of mistakes, but who doesn't? She OWNED those mistakes. She realised them and did something. And while she did a few stupid things, and she had insecurities and biases, she was never stupid or ditzy. I also had major ladylove for her passion for hockey. Girl jocks ftw.
Toby was amazeballs. I'm sorry, I'm so hyped up after reading, and I can't help my choice of words. ANYWAY, Toby. He was such an awesome friend. Plus, his boyfriend game was strong. The way he didn't sugarcoat anything with Nat, instead giving her some realtalk and offering to help her with her goals? THAT is what a good boyfriend does. A relationship is a freaking team, and you help each other to grow.
AND HE LOVED PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I mean, if that's not enough for you to love him, then maybe we shouldn't be friends, okay?
I'm joking. We can still be friends. But WHY DON'T YOU LOVE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE?
Scott was a Class A Douche from the beginning, but I sort of understood Nat, being a teenage girl with hormones, being blinded by his charms. It happens all the time in reality, and it's so easy to rationalise different kinds of behaviour. And while he doesn't undergo this big change during the book, Cameron managed to really add some depth to his character. The 95% quote at the end? LOVED IT.
Dawn. Dawny Dawn Dawn. I knew what she was up to right from the start, but I loved her for it.
And a note on the plot. Yes, we all knew what the endgame was and that it had a fake relationship trope. But wow, did this book keep on surprising me. Execution A+++++++.
There's so much to take away from this book. Like...
- Be yourself, and be with people who like you for YOU. Don't pretend to be someone you're not just so someone else will want you. Because someone will want YOU.
- Just because someone's life looks perfect, doesn't mean it is. And don't take for granted what you have.
- You have to work hard for your dreams. Don't expect them to just be handed to you.
- People are not perfect, but they can be perfect for you.
So basically, you should read this book.
...THANK YOU, ENTANGLED TEEN, FOR LETTING ME READ THIS EARLY...
I'm just going to go on a rave now, ok??? (And because I have to say this, I got an ARC, but that's never stopped me from being honest, has it?)
So we've got Nat and Toby. Toby is one of the Raiders, i.e. sexy ice hockey player. He and Nat used to be best friends and play ice hockey together as kids, but then puberty hit, and he became a star. Over time, they sort of grew apart. But then Nat decides she wants Scott, Toby's richboy cousin, and she spontaneously decides to play the fake relationship card with Toby to get Scott to notice her. You get where this is going, but it's worth it!
I loved loved LOVED how Nat was so direct and decisive about things. She made a bunch of mistakes, but who doesn't? She OWNED those mistakes. She realised them and did something. And while she did a few stupid things, and she had insecurities and biases, she was never stupid or ditzy. I also had major ladylove for her passion for hockey. Girl jocks ftw.
Toby was amazeballs. I'm sorry, I'm so hyped up after reading, and I can't help my choice of words. ANYWAY, Toby. He was such an awesome friend. Plus, his boyfriend game was strong. The way he didn't sugarcoat anything with Nat, instead giving her some realtalk and offering to help her with her goals? THAT is what a good boyfriend does. A relationship is a freaking team, and you help each other to grow.
AND HE LOVED PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I mean, if that's not enough for you to love him, then maybe we shouldn't be friends, okay?
I'm joking. We can still be friends. But WHY DON'T YOU LOVE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE?
Scott was a Class A Douche from the beginning, but I sort of understood Nat, being a teenage girl with hormones, being blinded by his charms. It happens all the time in reality, and it's so easy to rationalise different kinds of behaviour. And while he doesn't undergo this big change during the book, Cameron managed to really add some depth to his character. The 95% quote at the end? LOVED IT.
Dawn. Dawny Dawn Dawn. I knew what she was up to right from the start, but I loved her for it.
And a note on the plot. Yes, we all knew what the endgame was and that it had a fake relationship trope. But wow, did this book keep on surprising me. Execution A+++++++.
There's so much to take away from this book. Like...
- Be yourself, and be with people who like you for YOU. Don't pretend to be someone you're not just so someone else will want you. Because someone will want YOU.
- Just because someone's life looks perfect, doesn't mean it is. And don't take for granted what you have.
- You have to work hard for your dreams. Don't expect them to just be handed to you.
- People are not perfect, but they can be perfect for you.
So basically, you should read this book.
...THANK YOU, ENTANGLED TEEN, FOR LETTING ME READ THIS EARLY...
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is pretty much exactly what it advertises – it was a light, cute read that gave me the warm and fuzzy feels. I don’t know what it is about the fake boyfriend trope, but I love it. Sure, I know how it’s all going to play out, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the ride!
What Fed My Addiction:
Sports-minded but not just for people who like sports.
I’m not a sports fan, so sometimes I’m hesitant to read books that seem like they might focus a lot on athletics. But I thought this book had the perfect balance. There was plenty of hockey talk (and practice, etc) for people who are fans, but the hockey was used as a backdrop for the romance – a way for Toby and Nat to become closer – rather than as something that takes us out of the main story. So people like me, who don’t know the first thing about hockey, could still enjoy the scenes that featured the sport prominently because of what was happening to the characters emotionally in those scenes.
The fake romance.
Yep, I already admitted that I’m a sucker for this trope, and this book did not let me down. It helped that Toby and Nat had history – they were close in the past but grew apart when Nat started to let her jealousy of Toby’s hockey success get in the way, and they drifted apart. So, these two had a shared love of the sport and a bond that had been forged over years when they were younger. It made it easy to connect to them as a couple and believe that the sparks would start to fly once they started fake dating!
A slightly unconventional ending.
Like I said, I thought I knew exactly how this story was going to play out (after all, we;ve all read stories like this before, right?), but I thought that Cameron did a great job of throwing some curve-balls in at the end as far as the relationships between the main characters went. I appreciated the way that Cameron wrapped things up – it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting (at least not completely).
What Left Me Wanting More:
Not much.
Honestly, there’s not much I can say that I really disliked about this book. For the type of book that it is, it pretty much hit the spot and gave me everything I was hoping for. Was it life changing and the type of book I’ll be thinking about for months after reading it? No, but that’s not what this book was meant to be. (Not every book has to fit that description, right?)
This was another book that I easily read in a day and enjoyed the whole way through. I’ll most likely go back and read the first two books, and I’ll definitely be watching for future books in the series. I give it 4/5 stars!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book is pretty much exactly what it advertises – it was a light, cute read that gave me the warm and fuzzy feels. I don’t know what it is about the fake boyfriend trope, but I love it. Sure, I know how it’s all going to play out, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the ride!
What Fed My Addiction:
Sports-minded but not just for people who like sports.
I’m not a sports fan, so sometimes I’m hesitant to read books that seem like they might focus a lot on athletics. But I thought this book had the perfect balance. There was plenty of hockey talk (and practice, etc) for people who are fans, but the hockey was used as a backdrop for the romance – a way for Toby and Nat to become closer – rather than as something that takes us out of the main story. So people like me, who don’t know the first thing about hockey, could still enjoy the scenes that featured the sport prominently because of what was happening to the characters emotionally in those scenes.
The fake romance.
Yep, I already admitted that I’m a sucker for this trope, and this book did not let me down. It helped that Toby and Nat had history – they were close in the past but grew apart when Nat started to let her jealousy of Toby’s hockey success get in the way, and they drifted apart. So, these two had a shared love of the sport and a bond that had been forged over years when they were younger. It made it easy to connect to them as a couple and believe that the sparks would start to fly once they started fake dating!
A slightly unconventional ending.
Like I said, I thought I knew exactly how this story was going to play out (after all, we;ve all read stories like this before, right?), but I thought that Cameron did a great job of throwing some curve-balls in at the end as far as the relationships between the main characters went. I appreciated the way that Cameron wrapped things up – it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting (at least not completely).
What Left Me Wanting More:
Not much.
Honestly, there’s not much I can say that I really disliked about this book. For the type of book that it is, it pretty much hit the spot and gave me everything I was hoping for. Was it life changing and the type of book I’ll be thinking about for months after reading it? No, but that’s not what this book was meant to be. (Not every book has to fit that description, right?)
This was another book that I easily read in a day and enjoyed the whole way through. I’ll most likely go back and read the first two books, and I’ll definitely be watching for future books in the series. I give it 4/5 stars!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
May 8, 2016
Winging It (Corrigan Falls Raiders #3) by Cate Cameron Cate Cameron scored a hat trick with the third book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series Winging It. Toby Cooper and Natalie West were best friends and hockey team mates most of their lives. However, once Natalie’s hockey options ended, and Toby started playing in the OHL they drifted apart. Now Natalie needs Toby’s help to be noticed by her crush/his rival, Scott Dakins, and act like her fake boyfriend. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Corrigan Falls, Ontario. It is suitable for young adults.
I love the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series. Winging lived up to my expectations. Once again, Cate Cameron does a fantastic job with her character development. The characters are very diverse and have many layers to them. Unlike his hockey team mates who are living with billet families, Toby is from Corrigan Falls, so he lives with his family. He has a loving family and good home life. He is an alternate captain of his hockey team. He is a good guy who is well liked. Natalie is jealous that Toby is still playing hockey. They used to play on the same line together: her a left wing, him a right. They had a wonderful friendship that began to fade once Toby began playing for the Raiders and dating Dawn. Having known each other forever, Toby and Nat are comfortable around one another and can be themselves. Scott is Toby’s cousin and rival. They have an interesting relationship that is a great example of “the grass is always greener on the other side.” They are very competitive with one another: hence Natalie’s plan.
I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and well executed. There were numerous twists and interesting events. I like how the story was concluded. While I highly recommend every book in the series; you would be able to follow this story as a stand-alone. Winging It is a great read for anyone that enjoys contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the Corrigan Falls Raiders Series. Winging lived up to my expectations. Once again, Cate Cameron does a fantastic job with her character development. The characters are very diverse and have many layers to them. Unlike his hockey team mates who are living with billet families, Toby is from Corrigan Falls, so he lives with his family. He has a loving family and good home life. He is an alternate captain of his hockey team. He is a good guy who is well liked. Natalie is jealous that Toby is still playing hockey. They used to play on the same line together: her a left wing, him a right. They had a wonderful friendship that began to fade once Toby began playing for the Raiders and dating Dawn. Having known each other forever, Toby and Nat are comfortable around one another and can be themselves. Scott is Toby’s cousin and rival. They have an interesting relationship that is a great example of “the grass is always greener on the other side.” They are very competitive with one another: hence Natalie’s plan.
I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and well executed. There were numerous twists and interesting events. I like how the story was concluded. While I highly recommend every book in the series; you would be able to follow this story as a stand-alone. Winging It is a great read for anyone that enjoys contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
3.5 stars!
Natalie West is crazy about Scott Dakins. But she knows she doesn't have a chance at him. So she concocts a plan with her bestfriend, Toby Cooper, who happens to be Scott's cousin.
Now, Scott is so full of himslf, he isn't really into girls he doesn't know. Until he learns that Nat is his cousin's girlfriend. Now Scott must do everything to get all things that his cousin likes. Including Natalie.
Toby Cooper is an upcoming hockey player at Corrigan Falls, just like her former bestfriend Nat. But Toby hates his cousin; he thinks Scott already has everything. When Nat tells him they need to pretend as a couple, he can't say no.. because deep inside, he feels something for her. The problem is, Nat doesn't like him at all.
The plot may sound like a typical bestfriends with benefits story, with pretense feelings and a love triangle on the side. While we know that this is a predictable story, what I liked about the book is the sports, hockey. I've been reading books about hockey lately, I don't know where my fascination came from. Err... who am I kidding? I like hockey because I knew Stephen Amell or Oliver Queen/Green Arrow is a big hockey fan, used to play the sports, and would soon be a hockey stick swinging masked hero in TMNT as Casey Jones! (hey, I need to get paid for this promo LOL
Anyway, I love to get to know more about pucks, deke, butt-ending, shaft (wait a minute, why do these terms sound nefariously offensive? ugh) - in short, I am interested in the sports. Period.
Well, it also helps that most of the players/characters are good-looking and strong and feisty and driven. Yes, it's all about the sports, baby.
Storywise, I liked Winging It. Tells about friends who had a falling out, and soon found themselves again playing the sports they both love, and discovering their feelings they didn't know exist, until someone tried to break them apart. It was a cute story, I enjoyed reading it and left me smiling in the end. Perfect for friends-turned-to-lovers and lovestruck readers like me :)
Natalie West is crazy about Scott Dakins. But she knows she doesn't have a chance at him. So she concocts a plan with her bestfriend, Toby Cooper, who happens to be Scott's cousin.
Now, Scott is so full of himslf, he isn't really into girls he doesn't know. Until he learns that Nat is his cousin's girlfriend. Now Scott must do everything to get all things that his cousin likes. Including Natalie.
Toby Cooper is an upcoming hockey player at Corrigan Falls, just like her former bestfriend Nat. But Toby hates his cousin; he thinks Scott already has everything. When Nat tells him they need to pretend as a couple, he can't say no.. because deep inside, he feels something for her. The problem is, Nat doesn't like him at all.
The plot may sound like a typical bestfriends with benefits story, with pretense feelings and a love triangle on the side. While we know that this is a predictable story, what I liked about the book is the sports, hockey. I've been reading books about hockey lately, I don't know where my fascination came from. Err... who am I kidding? I like hockey because I knew Stephen Amell or Oliver Queen/Green Arrow is a big hockey fan, used to play the sports, and would soon be a hockey stick swinging masked hero in TMNT as Casey Jones! (hey, I need to get paid for this promo LOL
Anyway, I love to get to know more about pucks, deke, butt-ending, shaft (wait a minute, why do these terms sound nefariously offensive? ugh) - in short, I am interested in the sports. Period.
Well, it also helps that most of the players/characters are good-looking and strong and feisty and driven. Yes, it's all about the sports, baby.
Storywise, I liked Winging It. Tells about friends who had a falling out, and soon found themselves again playing the sports they both love, and discovering their feelings they didn't know exist, until someone tried to break them apart. It was a cute story, I enjoyed reading it and left me smiling in the end. Perfect for friends-turned-to-lovers and lovestruck readers like me :)
May 28, 2016
I'm usually a fan of the fake relationships trope, but this book? This was just appalling.
First off, this is a really quick read so there's no development at all. No character development, no room for actual romantic-- or even platonic-- feelings to develop, nothing. So the entire book is a pile of shallowing, meaningless relationships and flat characters.
Now the kicker. Nat is obsessed with Scott. Dawn, Nat's friend, tells Nat that Scott is a jerk who sexually harassed her for three years just because he wanted to make his cousin, Toby, mad. (Dawn and Toby were dating for a long time.) Now. Instead of being angry on her friend's behalf, or being angry that Scott's a jerk, Nat decides she wants him. It doesn't matter how much of a jerk Scott is, Natalie wants him and must have him.
She blames her disgustingness on pheromones. Okay.
So Nat goes to Toby, Dawn's ex. Now let me just point out that Nat knew Dawn wasn't fully over the breakup. Do you think Nat cared about that?
No.
She decided to pretend to be Toby's girlfriend (at first, without his knowledge, because that is what a stand up person does) because she knew that Scott would only want her if she was with Toby.
What. The. Hell.
1. Why would you want a guy who only wants you because someone else does?
2. Why would you want your fake boyfriend to be your best friend's ex, especially when she's not fully over the breakup?
3. Why would you be so pathetic and desperate that you'd ignore Scott's sexual harassment tendencies and want him anyway?
4. Why would you assume that even though EVERYONE thinks Scott is a jerk, they're just crazy and he's actually not? Literally all she knows about him is that he likes harrasing Toby's girlfriends and is hot. And this makes him a good person? Girl, bye.
First off, this is a really quick read so there's no development at all. No character development, no room for actual romantic-- or even platonic-- feelings to develop, nothing. So the entire book is a pile of shallowing, meaningless relationships and flat characters.
Now the kicker. Nat is obsessed with Scott. Dawn, Nat's friend, tells Nat that Scott is a jerk who sexually harassed her for three years just because he wanted to make his cousin, Toby, mad. (Dawn and Toby were dating for a long time.) Now. Instead of being angry on her friend's behalf, or being angry that Scott's a jerk, Nat decides she wants him. It doesn't matter how much of a jerk Scott is, Natalie wants him and must have him.
She blames her disgustingness on pheromones. Okay.
So Nat goes to Toby, Dawn's ex. Now let me just point out that Nat knew Dawn wasn't fully over the breakup. Do you think Nat cared about that?
No.
She decided to pretend to be Toby's girlfriend (at first, without his knowledge, because that is what a stand up person does) because she knew that Scott would only want her if she was with Toby.
What. The. Hell.
1. Why would you want a guy who only wants you because someone else does?
2. Why would you want your fake boyfriend to be your best friend's ex, especially when she's not fully over the breakup?
3. Why would you be so pathetic and desperate that you'd ignore Scott's sexual harassment tendencies and want him anyway?
4. Why would you assume that even though EVERYONE thinks Scott is a jerk, they're just crazy and he's actually not? Literally all she knows about him is that he likes harrasing Toby's girlfriends and is hot. And this makes him a good person? Girl, bye.
May 28, 2016
*Received ARC from NetGalley*
4/5
The Why:
A botched idea that tests friendships in relationships and learning from your mistakes.
Characters:
Horrible Idea
In order to get a guy's attention Nat decides during her senior year, she enlists her estranged best guy friend, Toby to help her get her crush's attention. She and Toby haven't spoken ever since she thought he shot up in the hockey world. Nat is often criticized for playing on a women's hockey team with women who are her mother's age. But she's stagnant until she involves herself in a pretend relationship with Toby. Her best friend, Dawn and Toby are admantly against this plan. I really appreciate Daen, because even though she and Toby broke up she wanted Nat to be happy. So I love how she nudges them together throughout the book.
In A Man's World
When Nat comes up with an idea of getting the attention of his jerkface cousin , Scott- he knows this is a horrible idea. He and his cousin, Scott always used to compete and still do against one another. Okay, Scott was a jerk and only liked Nat, because his cousin was with her. I literally wanted to punch him for how he treated Toby and Nat. I'm SO glad Nat finally opened her eyes to how he truly was. I love how he encourages her to stop making excuses to compete for a hockey scholarship and to play with her potential and stop being satisfied with being stagnant.
Final Thoughts:
This was refreshing and relatable for every reader of a girl whose idea of getting one guy's attention quickly and learning from her mistakes and sometimes you have to go after what you want even if you're scared.
4/5
The Why:
A botched idea that tests friendships in relationships and learning from your mistakes.
Characters:
Horrible Idea
In order to get a guy's attention Nat decides during her senior year, she enlists her estranged best guy friend, Toby to help her get her crush's attention. She and Toby haven't spoken ever since she thought he shot up in the hockey world. Nat is often criticized for playing on a women's hockey team with women who are her mother's age. But she's stagnant until she involves herself in a pretend relationship with Toby. Her best friend, Dawn and Toby are admantly against this plan. I really appreciate Daen, because even though she and Toby broke up she wanted Nat to be happy. So I love how she nudges them together throughout the book.
In A Man's World
When Nat comes up with an idea of getting the attention of his jerkface cousin , Scott- he knows this is a horrible idea. He and his cousin, Scott always used to compete and still do against one another. Okay, Scott was a jerk and only liked Nat, because his cousin was with her. I literally wanted to punch him for how he treated Toby and Nat. I'm SO glad Nat finally opened her eyes to how he truly was. I love how he encourages her to stop making excuses to compete for a hockey scholarship and to play with her potential and stop being satisfied with being stagnant.
Final Thoughts:
This was refreshing and relatable for every reader of a girl whose idea of getting one guy's attention quickly and learning from her mistakes and sometimes you have to go after what you want even if you're scared.
May 7, 2016
Winging It was both my first Corrigan Falls Raiders book as well as my first Cate Cameron book. Natalie, “Nat” and Toby used to be best friends until his hockey career took off and he left her behind. One of the things I appreciated about this book was its Canadian setting, being Canadian myself I love reading books with settings where I am familiar with the real world and/or real world inspired locations. For instance the University of Toronto, the university where I spent most of my final undergraduate years doing research for my thesis makes an appearance in the novel.
The plot of Wining It is your typical story of a fake dating and realizing the person who may be the right one for you has always been your best friend. What I found refreshing about this novel was how the character of Dawn wasn’t made out to be the stereotypical mean ex-girlfriend. Instead she’s Natalie’s friend and genuinely wants what’s best for her even going out of her way to bring Natalie and Toby, who’s her ex-boyfriend together. While I’m usually a fan of this kind of plot, I wasn’t that impressed with how it was executed in this particular novel. I felt it was lacking something that would made it more appealing. Maybe it was the pacing or the fact that we don’t have as many scenes of Nat and Toby together which would allow us to see more the spark and chemistry develop between them naturally.
All in all, Winging It was a decent read and it was definitely a book that I needed at the time I read it as I was in serious need of a light, fluffy contemporary read.
The plot of Wining It is your typical story of a fake dating and realizing the person who may be the right one for you has always been your best friend. What I found refreshing about this novel was how the character of Dawn wasn’t made out to be the stereotypical mean ex-girlfriend. Instead she’s Natalie’s friend and genuinely wants what’s best for her even going out of her way to bring Natalie and Toby, who’s her ex-boyfriend together. While I’m usually a fan of this kind of plot, I wasn’t that impressed with how it was executed in this particular novel. I felt it was lacking something that would made it more appealing. Maybe it was the pacing or the fact that we don’t have as many scenes of Nat and Toby together which would allow us to see more the spark and chemistry develop between them naturally.
All in all, Winging It was a decent read and it was definitely a book that I needed at the time I read it as I was in serious need of a light, fluffy contemporary read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
This book had potential but it went all to hell. I thought it was real life but not highschool.
Nat was so immature, she made that deal without caring of toby’s feelings. Only cared when she figured it out it would make her look bad and cheater (she is) everyone told her how was scott and she was like oh no no no, he is a saint. Made excuses for him just bc of his past like: toby you had everything and his parents split up and he was jealous. Okay, one thing is being jealous and the other is trying to steal everything from ur cousin. Girlfriends and everything and she knew bc she saw it happen but still. She was stupid, a stupid character even to be in highschool.
toby, an angel. he agreed to everything (bad for him) he was always there for her, he didn’t even care if he was gonna look like he loser in front of his asshole cousin. He and his friend >>>> a good trio. I loved his friendship with Dawn, lowkey i kept reading for these two.
they had good moments, probably one or two but still. horrible, it deserves one star but for dawn and toby i will give it 2 only.
And REMEMBER: NEVER excuse an asshole character for his past. Toby hadn’t the fault that scott’s father left his mother.
Nat was so immature, she made that deal without caring of toby’s feelings. Only cared when she figured it out it would make her look bad and cheater (she is) everyone told her how was scott and she was like oh no no no, he is a saint. Made excuses for him just bc of his past like: toby you had everything and his parents split up and he was jealous. Okay, one thing is being jealous and the other is trying to steal everything from ur cousin. Girlfriends and everything and she knew bc she saw it happen but still. She was stupid, a stupid character even to be in highschool.
toby, an angel. he agreed to everything (bad for him) he was always there for her, he didn’t even care if he was gonna look like he loser in front of his asshole cousin. He and his friend >>>> a good trio. I loved his friendship with Dawn, lowkey i kept reading for these two.
they had good moments, probably one or two but still. horrible, it deserves one star but for dawn and toby i will give it 2 only.
And REMEMBER: NEVER excuse an asshole character for his past. Toby hadn’t the fault that scott’s father left his mother.
May 13, 2016
I like that this was a YA book where the teenagers actually talked and behaved like teenagers. All of the characters were realistically mature but naive, as you would expect teenagers to be.
I really liked Toby and Nat but wasn't totally convinced of their chemistry. Though I didn't agree with her crush on Scott, I understood the way a teenager thinks when they have a crush and knew she was blinded by the image she had built up in her head of him. However, when she thought that Toby and Scott shared the same reasoning for liking her and she decided that she could deal with it from Scott and not Toby I was upset. Until I just wrote that out in this review and realize that it was easier to accept it from Scott because her feelings for him weren't as strong as they were for Tony. *Lightbulb moment*
So overall I enjoyed reading this book. I wouldn't recommend it to the more mature crowd who don't enjoy a true YA story but if you like a good high school romance, this is a good option.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I really liked Toby and Nat but wasn't totally convinced of their chemistry. Though I didn't agree with her crush on Scott, I understood the way a teenager thinks when they have a crush and knew she was blinded by the image she had built up in her head of him. However, when she thought that Toby and Scott shared the same reasoning for liking her and she decided that she could deal with it from Scott and not Toby I was upset. Until I just wrote that out in this review and realize that it was easier to accept it from Scott because her feelings for him weren't as strong as they were for Tony. *Lightbulb moment*
So overall I enjoyed reading this book. I wouldn't recommend it to the more mature crowd who don't enjoy a true YA story but if you like a good high school romance, this is a good option.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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